Inventory Management System

Abstract

To provide an article management system that can automatically recognize each divided space when the storage space is divided by a partition member.SOLUTION: An article management system 1 of the invention includes: a detection device 100 which includes a pressure-sensitive sensor 110 which is arranged in a mounting part on which articles are placed and detects a two-dimensional pressure distribution, and outputs pressure information (pressure data) indicating the detected pressure distribution; and a management device 200 that identifies an article stored in a storage space based on the pressure information output from the detection device 100. The management device 200 specifies the partition member on the basis of pressure information output from the detection device 100 when the partition member is placed on the mounting part, and sets a first space and a second space divided by the partition member in the storage space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article management system for managing articles stored in a storage space. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a configuration in an item management system that manages the placement of items in a storage space in which items are stored, in which items placed in the storage space are identified by detecting two-dimensional pressure (two-dimensional pressure distribution) using pressure sensors arranged in a matrix pattern within the storage space.

[0003] By utilizing such an item management system, it is possible to manage the number of items stored in the storage space, for example food, daily necessities, and other products stored on each shelf of a display shelf, by type, as well as the amount of items entering and leaving each shelf. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 174080 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There may be cases where a storage space, such as each shelf of a display shelf, is divided into multiple spaces by partition members, and the stored items are managed for each space. However, in the item management system of Patent Document 1, even if partition members are placed in the storage space, the system cannot recognize each space divided by the partition members, making it difficult to manage items for each divided space.

[0006] Furthermore, when identifying an item based on pressure detected by a pressure sensor, as in the item management system of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to accurately distinguish between items with similar shapes and weights. However, if items with similar shapes and weights are stored in separate spaces divided by partition members, it becomes possible to accurately distinguish between such similar items.

[0007] In view of the above problem, the present invention aims to provide an item management system that can automatically recognize each divided space when a storage space is divided by partition members. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A main aspect of the present invention relates to an item management system for managing items stored in a storage space. The item management system according to this aspect includes a detection device that is arranged on a placement section on which items are placed, includes a pressure sensor that detects a two-dimensional pressure distribution and outputs pressure information indicating the detected pressure distribution, and a management device that identifies items stored in the storage space based on the pressure information output from the detection device. Here, the management device identifies a partition member capable of dividing the storage space based on the pressure information output from the detection device when the partition member is placed on the placement section, and sets a first space and a second space in the storage space divided by the partition member. The management device further includes a first storage unit configured to store partition member identification information for identifying the partition member based on the pressure information. The partition member identification information includes a shape of a bottom surface of the partition member, and the bottom surface has a predetermined pattern of concave and convex shapes.

[0009] According to the item management system of the present embodiment, the partition member placed within the storage space is recognized and a first space and a second space are set within the storage space, making it possible for the management device to automatically recognize these divided spaces without any human effort. Effect of the Invention

[0010] As described above, according to the present invention, when a storage space is divided by partition members, an article management system can be provided that can automatically recognize each divided space.

[0011] The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the embodiment. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an article management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view showing a mounting shelf on which a pressure-sensitive sensor is arranged and a partition member that can be arranged on the mounting shelf according to the embodiment, and Fig. 2(b) is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the pressure-sensitive sensor according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3(a) and (b) are a plan view and a side view, respectively, that diagrammatically show the configuration of a pressure-sensitive sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4(a) to 4(d) are diagrams showing the configurations of a partition member database, a storage space database, an item database, and a storage item database, respectively, according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by a control unit of a management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 6(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining a change in pressure distribution detected by the pressure sensor when an article is put into or taken out of the storage space according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figures 7(a) to (c) are respectively an oblique view of a loading shelf on which a pressure sensor is arranged, a plan view of the pressure sensor, and a storage space database in an embodiment in which the storage space is not divided by partition members and the entire space is set within the storage space. [Figure 8]Figures 8(a) to (c) are respectively an oblique view of a loading shelf on which a pressure sensor is arranged, a plan view of the pressure sensor, and a storage space database in a state in which the storage space is divided by a single partition member and divided spaces A and B are defined in the storage space according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] Figures 9(a) to (c) are respectively an oblique view of a loading shelf on which a pressure sensor is arranged, a plan view of the pressure sensor, and a storage space database in a state in which the storage space is divided by two partition members and divided spaces A, C, and D are defined in the storage space according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 10(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining updates of the storage item database and the item database when division spaces A and B are set in the storage space according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11(a) is an oblique view showing the configuration of a partition member according to modified example 1, and FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing the pressure distribution when the partition member according to modified example 1 is placed on a pressure sensor. [Figure 12] 12(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the shape of the bottom surface of the partition member according to another configuration example of Modification Example 1. In FIG. [Figure 13] Figure 13(a) is an oblique view showing the configuration of a partition member in another configuration example of modified example 1, and Figure 13(b) is a diagram showing the pressure distribution when the partition member in another configuration example of modified example 1 is placed on a pressure sensor. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control process for setting and canceling the partition mode executed by the control unit of the management device according to the second modification. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by a control unit of a management device according to the second modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by a control unit of a management device according to another modified example. [Figure 17]17(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining a tray-type partition member according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience, each drawing is indicated with X, Y, and Z axes which are orthogonal to each other. The Z axis direction is the height direction (thickness direction) of the mounting shelf 3 and the pressure sensor 110.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an article management system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0015] The item management system 1 includes a detection device 100, a management device 200, a communication device 300, and a terminal device 400. The detection device 100 and the communication device 300 are disposed in a storage 2 in which items are stored. The items are stored in a storage space formed in the storage 2. For example, the items are products such as food and daily necessities, and the storage 2 is a display shelf or display case in which the products are displayed. The management device 200 and the terminal device 400 are disposed in a building in which the storage 2 is installed or at a location away from the building.

[0016] The detection device 100 includes a pressure sensor 110 arranged on a storage shelf (described later) on which items are placed in the storage 2 to detect two-dimensional pressure distribution, and a signal processing unit 120 that generates pressure data (pressure information) indicating the detected pressure distribution, and outputs the pressure data. If the storage 2 includes multiple storage shelves, the detection device 100 includes multiple pressure sensors 110 arranged on each storage shelf. In this case, detection signals from the multiple pressure sensors 110 are output to the signal processing unit 120. The detection device 100 may be configured such that a signal processing unit 120 is provided for each pressure sensor 110.

[0017] The communication device 300 is a wireless communication interface such as a router, and transmits pressure data output from the detection device 100 to the management device 200 via a communication line N such as the Internet or a LAN.

[0018] The management device 200 identifies the items stored in the storage space (placed on the storage shelf) based on the pressure data output from the detection device 100, thereby managing the items stored in the storage space.

[0019] The terminal device 400 is, for example, a personal computer or a tablet terminal, and includes a display unit 410 such as a liquid crystal display, and an input unit 420 such as a keyboard. The display unit 410 and the input unit 420 may be configured with a touch panel. The display unit 410 of the terminal device 400 displays information related to the items, such as the number of items by type stored in the storage 2.

[0020] Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view showing a mounting shelf 3 on which a pressure sensor 110 is arranged, and a partition member 500 that can be arranged on the mounting shelf 3. Fig. 2(b) is a plan view that typically shows the configuration of the pressure sensor 110.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2(a), the pressure sensor 110 is disposed on the upper surface of the storage shelf 3, which is a storage portion provided in the storage cabinet 2, i.e., on the storage surface 3a on which an item is placed. The storage shelf 3 has, for example, a rectangular shape that is long in the Y-axis direction. Above the storage shelf 3, between the storage shelf 3 and the upper storage shelf or the upper wall, a storage space S in which items are stored is formed. The storage shelf 3 is included in the storage space S.

[0022] In the storage shelf 3, i.e., the storage space S, a plurality of items are arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In addition, in the storage space S, a plurality of items may be stacked upward (Z-axis direction). Items are taken in and out of the storage shelf 3, i.e., the storage space S, from the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the storage shelf 3. When the top of the storage shelf 3 is open, the storage space S extends up to a height above the storage shelf 3 at which items can be stacked.

[0023] The pressure sensor 110 has a sheet shape corresponding to the shape of the mounting shelf 3, for example, a rectangular sheet shape long in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the pressure sensor 110 includes a plurality of sensor units 111 (A11 to Amn) arranged in a matrix of m columns and n rows. These sensor units 111 (A11 to Amn) form a detection region R of the pressure sensor 110. Furthermore, these sensor units 111 (A11 to Amn) set XY coordinates with one corner of the pressure sensor 110 as a reference point (0 coordinate). The pressure sensor 110 may be a single pressure sensor, or may be composed of a plurality of pressure sensors arranged on the mounting shelf 3.

[0024] 3(a) and (b) are a plan view and a side view, respectively, that diagrammatically show the configuration of the pressure sensor 110. FIG.

[0025] The pressure sensor 110 includes a pair of substrates 11, 21 made of a non-conductive resin material or a non-conductive rubber material. On each substrate 11, 21, conductive elastic bodies 12, 22 having a strip shape long in the X-axis direction are formed side by side at a predetermined interval in the Y-axis direction. The pair of substrates 11, 21 are stacked so that the conductive elastic bodies 12, 22 face each other. A plurality of conductor wires 13 are arranged between the two substrates 11, 21 so as to be sandwiched between the two opposing conductive elastic bodies 12, 22. The plurality of conductor wires 13 are arranged so as to cross the conductive elastic bodies 12, 22, and are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the conductive elastic bodies 12, 22. The conductor wires 13 are composed of a conductive member and a dielectric material that covers the surface of the conductive member. The cables 12a, 22a extending from the conductive elastic bodies 12, 22 and the conductor wires 13 are connected to the signal processing unit 120 of FIG. 1.

[0026] Each sensor portion 111 (A11 to Amn) of the pressure sensor 110 corresponds to a position where the conductive elastic bodies 12, 22 intersect with the conductor wire 13, and at this position, a sensor portion 111 whose capacitance changes according to the applied pressure (load) is formed. The boundary of each sensor portion 111 is in contact with the boundary of the sensor portion 111 adjacent to the sensor portion 111 in question.

[0027] When pressure (load) is applied to each sensor unit 111, the conductor wire 13 is brought closer to the conductive elastic bodies 12, 22 so as to be wrapped in the conductive elastic bodies 12, 22, and the contact area between the conductor wire 13 and the conductive elastic bodies 12, 22 increases. This changes the capacitance between the conductive member of the conductor wire 13 and the conductive elastic body 12, and the capacitance between the conductive member and the conductive elastic body 22. Each sensor unit 111 detects the capacitance value that changes according to the applied pressure, and thus the pressure distribution in the two-dimensional detection region R is detected in the pressure-sensitive sensor 110.

[0028] A detection signal indicating the capacitance value detected by each sensor unit 111 is output to the signal processing unit 120. The signal processing unit 120 generates pressure data (pressure information) including the positions (coordinates) of each of the multiple sensor units 111 and the capacitance values ​​detected by each of them. This pressure data is data indicating the pressure distribution in the detection region R of the pressure sensor 110.

[0029] Returning to FIG. 2(a), a partition member 500 can be placed on the mounting shelf 3. The mounting shelf 3 is divided in its longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) by the partition member 500, whereby the storage space S is divided into a plurality of spaces in the longitudinal direction of the mounting shelf 3. Hereinafter, the divided spaces are referred to as "divided spaces." By placing a plurality of partition members 500 on the mounting shelf 3, three or more divided spaces can also be formed in the storage space S.

[0030] The partition member 500 is composed of a base portion 510 having a rectangular plate shape elongated in the X-axis direction, and a partition portion 520 having a rectangular plate shape elongated in the X-axis direction and rising from the base portion 510. The length of the base portion 510 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) is approximately equal to the length of the mounting shelf 3 in the lateral direction (X-axis direction). A bottom surface 511 of the base portion 510, which is the bottom surface of the partition member 500, is a flat surface. Note that the length of the base portion 510 in the longitudinal direction of the partition member 500 may be shorter than the length of the mounting shelf 3 in the lateral direction.

[0031] When no partition member 500 is placed in the storage space S, one space, i.e., the entire space, is set in the storage space S by a control process described below performed by the management device 200. When one or more partition members 500 are placed in the storage space S, the above control process detects that the partition members 500 have been placed and their positions, and multiple divided spaces are set in the storage space S.

[0032] Returning to FIG. 1, the management device 200 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, an input unit 230, and a communication unit 240.

[0033] The control unit 210 is configured with a microcomputer or the like, and performs predetermined control.

[0034] The storage unit 220 is configured with memories such as a hard disk drive (HHD), a solid disk drive (SSD), RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 220 includes a partition member database (hereinafter referred to as "partition member DB") 221 which is a first storage unit, a storage space database (hereinafter referred to as "storage space DB") 222, an item database (hereinafter referred to as "item DB") 223 which is a second storage unit, a stored item database (hereinafter referred to as "storage item DB") 224 which is a third storage unit, and a pressure data storage unit 225.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the partition member DB221 stores partition member identification information for identifying the partition member 500 based on the pressure data output from the detection device 100. The partition member identification information includes the shape and weight of the partition member 500. The shape is the bottom surface shape, and for example, the shape (including the size) formed by the multiple sensor units 111 pressed by the bottom surface 511 of the partition member 500 is stored in the partition member DB221 as the bottom surface shape. As long as the accuracy of identifying the partition member 500 is appropriately obtained, only one of the shape and the weight may be used as the partition member identification information.

[0036] Note that a plurality of types of partition members may be used as the partition member 500. In this case, the partition member specification information of each partition member is stored in the partition member DB 221 in association with the identification information for identifying each partition member.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 4(b), the storage space DB222 stores the spaces (entire space, divided spaces A, B, etc.) set in the storage space S and the areas in the detection area R assigned to the set spaces, i.e., information indicating the sensor unit 111. Fig. 4(b) shows an example in which divided spaces A and B are set in the storage space S. Note that, when the entire space is set in the storage space S, the storage space DB222 stores information indicating the entire space and the entire area of ​​the detection area R.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4(c), the item DB223 stores item identification information for identifying an item based on pressure data. The item identification information is stored in the item DB223 in association with identification information such as an identification number and an item name. The item identification information includes the shape and weight of the item. The shape is the bottom shape, and for example, the shape (including the size) formed by a plurality of sensor units 111 pressurized at the bottom surface of the item is stored in the item DB223 as the bottom shape. Note that only one of the shape and the weight may be used as the item identification information as long as the accuracy of identifying the item is appropriately obtained. Furthermore, the item identification information may include weight distribution.

[0039] Furthermore, the item DB 223 stores the spaces (whole space, divided spaces A, B, etc.) that are targets for storing items, linked to the identification information. For example, as shown in Fig. 4(c), if divided spaces A and B are set in the storage space S, the target for storing an item will be one of the divided spaces. If the whole space is set in the storage space S, the whole space will be the target for storing all items.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4(d), the stored item DB224 stores item information related to items identified based on the pressure data, i.e., items present in the storage space S. The item information includes identification information, the position of the item, the date and time of entry into the storage space S, i.e., the storage shed 2, the expiration date for storage, etc. The position of the item includes not only the XY coordinate position but also the position in the Z axis direction, i.e., the tier position (which tier) when stacked. The XY coordinate position is regarded as the center position of the bottom surface of the item. In the item DB223, the item information is linked to the space (whole space, divided spaces A, B, etc.) in which the item is stored. Note that FIG. 4(d) shows an example in which divided spaces A and B are set in the storage space S.

[0041] The pressure data storage unit 225 stores the pressure data received from the detection device 100 .

[0042] The input unit 230 is configured with a keyboard, a touch panel, etc., and accepts operational input.

[0043] The communication unit 240 communicates with the communication device 300 and the terminal device 400 via the communication line N. The communication unit 240 receives pressure data transmitted from the communication device 300 and outputs it to the control unit 210. In addition, the communication unit 240 transmits to the terminal device 400 information to be displayed on the display unit 410 of the terminal device 400, which is output by the control unit 210.

[0044] The management device 200 acquires the pressure data output from the detection device 100 in chronological order. When an item is taken in or out of the storage space S, the arrangement of the items in the storage space S changes, which changes the pressure distribution in the detection region R of the pressure sensor 110 and changes the pressure data. The management device 200 identifies the item that has been taken in or out of the storage space S based on the change in the pressure data over time, and updates the storage item DB 224.

[0045] Furthermore, when the partition member 500 is placed on the mounting shelf 3 to divide the storage space S, the management device 200 identifies the partition member 500 based on the pressure data (detects that the partition member 500 has been placed) and sets each divided space in the storage space S. This makes it possible for the management device 200 to recognize each divided space.

[0046] Furthermore, the management device 200 assigns the detection area R of the pressure sensor 110 to each of the set divided spaces. This allows the management device 200 to recognize which divided space an item stored in the storage space S belongs to.

[0047] Furthermore, the management device 200 links the items located in each divided space to that divided space in the storage item DB 224. This makes it possible to manage the number of items, the insertion and removal of items, etc., for each divided space.

[0048] Furthermore, the management device 200 links the items located in each divided space to the divided space as items to be stored in the divided space in the item DB 223. When items with similar item identification information are allocated to different divided spaces, the difference in the space in which the items are located can be used to identify the items, making it possible to accurately distinguish similar items.

[0049] Such functions of the management device 200 are realized by the control unit 210 of the management device 200 executing the following control processes.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control process executed by the control unit 210 of the management device 200.

[0051] The control process in FIG. 5 is repeatedly executed at intervals of a predetermined time, for example, at intervals of several milliseconds or several tens of milliseconds, while the management device 200 is in operation.

[0052] 5, the management device 200, i.e., the control unit 210, acquires pressure data output from the detection device 100 (S101). The currently acquired pressure data is temporarily stored in a RAM provided in the control unit 210, and is stored in the pressure data storage unit 225 of the memory unit 220 when the current control process ends.

[0053] The control unit 210 reads out the previously acquired pressure data from the pressure data storage unit 225, and calculates the difference between the currently acquired pressure data and the previously acquired pressure data (S102).

[0054] If no difference has occurred (S103: NO), the control unit 210 ends the control process.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6(a), when item A is stored in storage space S in which item B is stored, the area of ​​pressure sensor 110 that is in contact with the bottom surface of item A (area indicated by hatching) is newly pressurized as shown in FIG. 6(b), and a difference in pressure data is generated based on this. This difference takes a positive value. Conversely, when item B is removed from storage space S, the pressure sensor 110 is no longer pressurized by item B, and a difference takes a negative value, the same as when item B is stored. Note that the same positive or negative difference as above occurs when item B is placed on top of an already existing item or removed from on top of an item.

[0056] If a difference has occurred (S103: YES), the control unit 210 calculates the specific information of the object (article or partition member 500) placed in the storage space S, i.e., the bottom shape and weight, from the calculated difference, and calculates the coincidence rate between the calculated specific information and the partition member specific information stored in the partition member DB 221 (S104). Then, the control unit 210 determines whether the coincidence rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (S105).

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6(a), when an item A is taken out or put in from a storage space S, the matching rate is less than the threshold value.

[0058] If the coincidence rate is not equal to or greater than the threshold (S105: NO), the control unit 210 compares the identification information obtained from the difference with the item identification information stored in the item DB 223 to identify which item in the item DB 223 the item that was taken in or out belongs to (S106). That is, an item having item identification information whose coincidence rate with the identification information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is identified as the item that was taken in or out. At this time, the control unit 210 refers to the storage space DB 222 and identifies a space that includes the position where the difference occurred among the spaces set in the storage space S. For example, when a divided space A and a divided space B are set in the storage space S, it identifies which divided space the position where the difference occurred belongs to. Then, the control unit 210 compares the identification information of the item that is to be stored in the identified space in the item DB 223 with the identification information obtained from the difference. As a result, the item that is to be stored in the space to which the position where the difference occurs belongs is identified.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 210 determines the position (XY coordinates) of the identified item based on the position where the difference occurred (S107).

[0060] In this way, when the article taken in or out of the storage space S is identified and its position is determined, the control unit 210 updates the storage item DB 224 (S108).

[0061] As described above, if the difference calculated in S102 is a positive value, the identified item can be considered to have been stored in the storage space S, and the control unit 210 associates the item information of the identified item (identification information, item position, date and time of entry, expiration date) with the space in which the item is stored and stores it in the stored item DB 224. At this time, if an item having the same position on a plane (XY coordinates) already exists in the stored item DB 224, the information on the position of the identified item is added to the position on a plane (XY coordinates) as well as the level on which the item is located, i.e., the position in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction).

[0062] On the other hand, if the difference calculated in S102 is a negative value, it can be assumed that the identified item has been removed from the storage space S, and therefore the control unit 210 erases the identification information and item information of the item having the same position (XY coordinates) and identification information as the identified item from the stored item DB 224. If there are multiple items in the stored item DB 224 that have the same position (XY coordinates) and identification information as the identified item, that is, if multiple items are stacked one on top of the other, the data of the top item is erased.

[0063] 7(a) to 7(c) are respectively a perspective view of the mounting shelf 3 on which the pressure sensor 110 is arranged, a plan view of the pressure sensor 110, and a diagram showing the storage space DB222 in a state in which the storage space S is not divided by a partition member 500 and the entire space is set to the storage space S. Figs. 8(a) to 8(c) are respectively a perspective view of the mounting shelf 3 on which the pressure sensor 110 is arranged, a plan view of the pressure sensor 110, and a diagram showing the storage space DB222 in a state in which the storage space S is divided by a single partition member 500 and divided spaces A and B are set to the storage space S. Figures 9(a) to (c) are respectively an oblique view of a mounting shelf 3 on which a pressure sensor 110 is arranged, a plan view of the pressure sensor 110, and a storage space DB222 in a state in which the storage space S is divided by two partition members 500 and divided spaces A, C, and D are defined in the storage space S.

[0064] 7(a), when the storage space S is not divided by the partition member 500, the entire space is set in the storage space S. Then, as shown in FIGS. 7(b) and 7(c), the entire detection region R of the pressure sensor 110, i.e., all of the sensor units 111 (A11 to Amn) are assigned to the entire space that has been set.

[0065] 7(b), when the partition member 500 is placed at an arbitrary position on the storage shelf 3 and the storage space S is partitioned by the partition member 500, the area of ​​the pressure sensor 110 that is in contact with the bottom surface 511 of the partition member 500 (the area indicated by hatching) is pressurized, and a difference in pressure data is generated based on this. This difference takes a positive value.

[0066] In this way, when the partition member 500 is arranged in the storage space S, the matching rate between the identification information obtained from the difference and the partition member identification information stored in the partition member DB 221 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0067] In S105 of the control process in Figure 5, if the matching rate is greater than or equal to a threshold value (S105: YES), the control unit 210 identifies the placed object as a partition member 500, and determines the position (XY coordinates) of the partition member 500 within the storage space S, i.e., on the mounting shelf 3, based on the position where the difference occurs (S109).

[0068] Next, the control unit 210 sets two divided spaces (divided space A and divided space B) in the storage space S by the partition member 500 (S110). Then, the control unit 210 assigns detection areas R, i.e., sensor units 111, to each divided space according to the position of the partition member 500 (S111). As shown in FIG. 8(b), area A (sensor units A11-Apn) of the pressure sensor 110 is assigned to divided space A, and area B (sensor units Aq1-Amn) of the pressure sensor 110 is assigned to divided space B.

[0069] Next, the control unit 210 updates the storage space DB 222 (S112). The storage space DB 222 is updated from the state shown in Fig. 7(c) to the state shown in Fig. 8(c). That is, the set divided space A and divided space B are registered in the storage space DB 222 instead of the entire space, and the divided space A and divided space B are linked to the area A and the area B, respectively.

[0070] Next, in response to the change in the space setting in the storage space S, the control unit 210 updates the storage item DB 224 and the item DB 223 (S113). For example, as shown in Fig. 10(a), in the storage space S, when an item A (identification information 1111) and an item B (identification information 2222) are partitioned by a partition member 500, and the item A belongs to the divided space A and the item B belongs to the divided space B, in the storage item DB 224, the space in which the item A is stored is changed from the whole space to the divided space A, and the space in which the item B is stored is changed from the whole space to the divided space B, as shown in Fig. 10(b). Also, in the item DB 223, the space to store the item A is changed from the whole space to the divided space A, and the space to store the item B is changed from the whole space to the divided space B.

[0071] If there is an item that is not stored in the storage space S when it is partitioned by the partition member 500 among the items registered in the item DB223, the item DB223 for that item (change of storage target) is updated by operational input using the input unit 230, etc. Also, if the partition member 500 is placed when there is no item in the storage space S, the stored item DB224 and item DB223 in S113 are not updated. In this case, all updates to the item DB223 (change of storage target) are performed by operational input.

[0072] 9(a), when a partition member 500 is added and the storage space S is divided by two partition members 500, a YES determination is made in S105 of the control process in FIG. 5, and the processes of S109 to S113 are performed. As a result, divided spaces A, C, and D are set in the storage space S, and detection regions R (sensor units 111) are assigned to each divided space as shown in FIG. 9(b) and (c), and the storage space DB222 is updated. Furthermore, the stored item DB224 and the item DB223 are updated.

[0073] When the partition member 500 is removed from the storage space S, the control unit 210 can recognize this from the occurrence of a negative difference corresponding to the partition member identification information. In this case, the space setting is returned to a state in which the partition member 500 is not present, and the storage space DB222, the item DB223, and the storage item DB224 are also returned to a state in which the partition member 500 is not present.

[0074] <Effects of the embodiment> According to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0075] The item management system 1 includes a detection device 100 that includes a pressure sensor 110 arranged on a placement section (placement shelf 3) on which items are placed and detects a two-dimensional pressure distribution and outputs pressure information (pressure data) indicating the detected pressure distribution, and a management device 200 that identifies items stored in a storage space S based on the pressure information output from the detection device 100. The management device 200 identifies a partition member 500 based on the pressure information output from the detection device 100 when the partition member 500 is placed on the placement section, and sets a first space and a second space (divided space A and divided space B, divided space C and divided space D) in the storage space S that are divided by the partition member 500.

[0076] According to this configuration, the partition member 500 placed within the storage space S is recognized, and a first space and a second space are set within the storage space S, so that the management device 200 can automatically recognize these divided spaces without requiring human effort such as setting operations.

[0077] Furthermore, the article management system 1 is configured such that the management device 200 allocates the detection area R of the pressure sensor 110 to each of the first space and the second space in accordance with the position of the partition member 500.

[0078] According to this configuration, it becomes possible for the management device 200 to recognize whether the identified article is placed in the first space or the second space. Moreover, it is possible to automatically assign the detection area R to the first space and the second space without any manual effort.

[0079] Furthermore, the article management system 1 is configured such that the management device 200 includes a first storage section (partition member DB 221) that stores partition member identification information for identifying the partition member 500 based on the pressure information.

[0080] According to this configuration, the partition member 500 can be identified using the partition member identification information stored in the first storage section.

[0081] Furthermore, the article management system 1 can be configured such that the partition member specific information includes the shape of the bottom surface 511 of the partition member 500, and the bottom surface 511 is a flat surface.

[0082] According to this configuration, the partition member specifying information can be simplified and easily generated. Furthermore, the partition member 500 can be placed on the pressure sensor 110 stably.

[0083] Furthermore, the item management system 1 is configured such that the management device 200 includes a second storage section (item DB 223) that stores item identification information for identifying items based on pressure information, and when the first space and the second space are set, the item identification information for identifying an item located in the first space is linked to the first space and stored in the second storage section, and the item identification information for identifying an item located in the second space is linked to the second space and stored in the second storage section.

[0084] According to this configuration, by dividing items with similar item identification information into the first space and the second space, the difference in the space in which the items are located can be utilized to identify the items, thereby making it possible to distinguish between similar items with high accuracy.

[0085] Furthermore, the item management system 1 is configured to include a third storage section (storage item DB 224) in which the management device 200 stores item information relating to the item, including the position of the item identified based on the pressure information, and when the first space and the second space are set, the item information of the item located in the first space is linked to the first space and stored in the third storage section, and the item information of the item located in the second space is linked to the second space and stored in the third storage section.

[0086] With this configuration, it is possible to manage the number of items, loading and unloading, etc. for each divided space.

[0087] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and application examples of the present invention can be modified in various ways in addition to the above embodiment.

[0088] <Change Example 1> In the above embodiment, the partition member 500 has a flat bottom surface 511. However, the partition member 500 may have a configuration in which the bottom surface 511 has an uneven shape.

[0089] FIG. 11(a) is an oblique view showing the configuration of a partition member 500 according to modified example 1, and FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing the pressure distribution when the partition member 500 according to modified example 1 is placed on a pressure sensor 110.

[0090] 11(a), in the partition member 500, a plurality of grooves 512, which have variable widths in the X-axis direction and penetrate the base portion 510 in the Y-axis direction along the X-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the base portion 510, are formed on the bottom surface 511 of the base portion 510. The intervals between adjacent grooves 512 are also variable. As a result, the bottom surface 511 of the partition member 500 has an irregular tooth-shaped concave-convex shape.

[0091] When the partition member 500 is placed on the mounting shelf 3, i.e., on the pressure sensor 110, a pressure region corresponding to the uneven shape of the bottom surface 511 of the partition member 500 is formed on the pressure sensor 110, as shown hatched in FIG. 11(b).

[0092] In the partition member DB 221, the shape of the bottom surface 511 having such irregularities is stored as partition member specific information.

[0093] The uneven pattern formed on the bottom surface 511 of the partition member 500 is not limited to the shape shown in Fig. 11(a). For example, as shown in Fig. 12(a), a plurality of grooves 513 penetrating the base portion 510 in the X-axis direction may be formed on the bottom surface 511 of the partition member 500 along the Y-axis direction, which is the short side direction of the bottom surface 511. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 12(b), a groove 514 extending in the Y-axis direction and a groove 515 extending in the X-axis direction may be formed on the bottom surface 511 of the partition member 500 so as to intersect with each other.

[0094] In this manner, in this modified example, the bottom surface 511 of the partition member 500 has an uneven shape with a predetermined pattern. This makes the partition member identification information complex, making it easier to distinguish between the partition member 500 and an article, and improving the accuracy of identifying the partition member 500.

[0095] 13(a), the partition member 500 may be configured such that a plurality of grooves 516, 517 of different depths are formed in the bottom surface 511, and when the partition member 500 is placed on the pressure sensor 110, the bottom of the shallow groove 517 comes into contact with the pressure sensor 110. In this case, as shown in FIG 13(b), a pressurized region is formed in the pressure sensor 110 that corresponds to the uneven shape of the bottom surface 511 of the partition member 500 and in which a change in pressurizing force occurs due to the shallow groove 517.

[0096] With this configuration, the partition member specification information becomes more complex, making it easier to distinguish between the partition member 500 and the article.

[0097] <Change Example 2> In the above embodiment, the partition member identification information is stored in the partition member DB 221 of the storage unit 220. Then, in the control process of Fig. 5, a coincidence rate between the identification information obtained from the difference in pressure data and the partition member identification information is calculated (S104), and it is determined whether or not the partition member 500 is arranged in the storage space S based on the coincidence rate (S105).

[0098] In contrast to this, in this modified example, the partition member DB221 is not provided in the memory unit 220. Instead, in this modified example, the partition mode is set when the storage space S is partitioned by the partition member 500. Then, when a difference in pressure data occurs, it is determined whether or not the partition member 500 is placed in the storage space S based on whether or not the partition mode is set.

[0099] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control process for setting and canceling the partition mode executed by the control unit 210 of the management device 200 according to the second modification.

[0100] 14, the control unit 210 judges whether or not the partition mode is set (S201). If the partition mode is not set (S201: NO), the control unit 210 monitors whether or not a setting operation has been performed (S202). The setting operation is performed before the partitioning operation of the storage space S with the partition member 500 is performed.

[0101] When the setting operation is performed (S202: YES), the control unit 210 sets the partition mode (S203).

[0102] On the other hand, if the partition mode is set (S201: YES), the control unit 210 monitors whether or not a release operation has been performed (S204). After the partitioning operation of the storage space S with the partition member 500 is completed, the release operation is performed.

[0103] When the cancel operation is performed (S204: YES), the control unit 210 cancels the partition mode (S205).

[0104] The setting operation and the cancellation operation can be performed using the input unit 230 of the management device 200 or the input unit 420 of the terminal device 400. The setting operation and the cancellation operation may also be performed by another device, such as a mobile terminal, capable of communicating with the management device 200.

[0105] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by the control unit 210 of the management device 200 according to the modified example 2. In Fig. 15, the same processes as those in the control process in Fig. 5 are denoted by the same step numbers.

[0106] With reference to FIG. 15, only the processes that differ from the control process in FIG. 5 will be described.

[0107] When the control unit 210 determines that a difference in pressure data has occurred (S103: YES), it determines whether or not the partition mode is set (S121). When the partition mode is not set (S121: NO), the control unit 210 assumes that the partition member 500 has not been placed, and identifies the article by referring to the article DB 223 (S106).

[0108] On the other hand, if the partition mode is set (S121: YES), the control unit 210 assumes that the partition member 500 has been placed, and determines the position of the partition member 500 (S109).

[0109] As described above, in this modified example, when the management device 200 sets the partition mode and inputs pressure information, the partition member 500 is identified based on the fact that the partition mode has been set.

[0110] According to this configuration, by determining whether or not the partition mode is set, the partition member 500 can be specified. Furthermore, since there is no need to register the shape of the bottom surface, etc., it may become unnecessary to use a predetermined partition member.

[0111] <Other changes> In the above embodiment, the outer shape of the bottom surface 511 of the partition member 500 is rectangular. However, the outer shape of the bottom surface 511 of the partition member 500 may be any shape, such as an oval shape, an elongated hexagonal shape, or a complex shape rather than a simple shape.

[0112] Further, in the control process of FIG. 5 of the above embodiment, whether or not the partition member 500 is arranged in the storage space S is determined based on whether or not the matching rate between the specific information obtained from the difference in pressure data and the partition member specific information is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Also, in the control process of FIG. 15 of the above modified example 2, whether or not the partition member 500 is arranged in the storage space S is determined based on whether or not the partition mode is set. However, whether or not the partition member 500 is arranged in the storage space S may be determined based on both conditions of whether or not the matching rate between the specific information and the partition member specific information is equal to or greater than a threshold value and whether or not the partition mode is set. In this case, for example, as shown in the control process of FIG. 16, when the partition mode is set (S121: YES), the control unit 210 calculates the matching rate between the specific information and the partition member specific information (S122). Then, if the matching rate is equal to or greater than a threshold value (S123: YES), the control unit 210 considers that the partition member 500 is arranged and determines the position of the partition member 500 (S109). For convenience, some of the control processes are omitted in FIG.

[0113] With this configuration, whether or not the partition member 500 is placed in the storage space S can be detected with greater accuracy.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since items are inserted and removed from the X-axis direction of the storage shelf 3, the storage shelf 3, i.e., the storage space S, is partitioned in the X-axis direction. However, for example, if the top of the storage shelf 3 is open and items can be stored and removed from above, the partition member 500 may be arranged to partition the storage shelf 3 not only in the X-axis direction but also in the Y-axis direction. On the other hand, if the partition direction is fixed, such as the X-axis direction, when the partition member 500 is arranged in a different direction, an error due to incorrect arrangement may be notified by the display unit 410 of the terminal device 400 or the like.

[0115] Further, in the above embodiment, the storage space S is divided by the partition member 500 having the plate-shaped partition portion 520. However, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the storage space S may be divided by a tray-shaped (box-shaped) partition member 600. In this case, the partition member 600 has a storage recess 610 capable of storing an article. In the storage space S, a divided space E and a divided space F formed on both sides of the partition member 600, and a divided space G formed at the position of the storage recess 610 of the partition member 600 are set. Then, the area E, the area F, and the area G of the pressure sensor 110 are assigned to the divided space E, the divided space F, and the divided space G, respectively. When an article is put in or taken out of the storage recess 610, a difference in pressure data occurs within the range of the area G.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the position of an item in the storage space S is stored as item information in the storage item DB 224. However, the storage item DB 224 may store the position of an item in a set space (all sections, divided spaces A, B, etc.).

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration has been exemplified in which the item management system 1 is provided with one detection device 100. However, the item management system 1 may be provided with multiple detection devices 100 so as to be compatible with multiple storage units 2.

[0118] Furthermore, the configuration of the pressure sensor 110 is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be any configuration as long as it can detect a two-dimensional pressure distribution.

[0119] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1. Inventory management system 3. Storage shelf (storage section) 100 Detection device 110 Pressure Sensor 200 Management device 221 Partition material database (first storage unit) 223 Item database (second storage unit) 224 Storage item database (third storage section) 500 Partition material 511 Bottom R Detection area S Storage space

Claims

1. In an article management system for managing articles stored in a storage space, a detection device including a pressure sensor disposed on a placement section on which an article is placed to detect a two-dimensional pressure distribution and outputting pressure information indicating the detected pressure distribution; a management device that identifies an item stored in the storage space based on the pressure information output from the detection device, The management device includes: Identifying a partition member capable of dividing the storage space based on the pressure information output from the detection device when the partition member is placed on the placement section; A first space and a second space are defined in the storage space by the partition member, the management device includes a first storage unit configured to store partition member identification information for identifying the partition member based on the pressure information, The partition member specification information includes a shape of a bottom surface of the partition member, The bottom surface has a predetermined pattern of unevenness. An article management system comprising:

2. 2. The article management system according to claim 1, the management device assigns detection regions of the pressure sensor to each of the first space and the second space in accordance with a position of the partition member. An article management system comprising:

3. 3. The article management system according to claim 1, The management device includes: Setting a partition mode in which partitioning is performed by the partition member, When the pressure information is input, the partition member is identified based on the partition mode being set. An article management system comprising:

4. 4. The article management system according to claim 1, The management device includes: a second storage unit for storing item identification information for identifying an item based on the pressure information; When the first space and the second space are set, the item identification information for identifying an item located in the first space is linked to the first space and stored in the second storage section, and the item identification information for identifying an item located in the second space is linked to the second space and stored in the second storage section. An article management system comprising:

5. 5. The article management system according to claim 1, The management device includes: a third storage unit that stores item information relating to the item, including a position of the item identified based on the pressure information; When the first space and the second space are set, the item information of the item located in the first space is linked to the first space and stored in the third storage unit, and the item information of the item located in the second space is linked to the second space and stored in the third storage unit. An article management system comprising:

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