Logistics box management device

Abstract

To perform accurate information management of returnable boxes by excluding storage of unique identification information based on erroneous reading when information is read from the returnable boxes repeatedly. [Solution] A logistics return box management device is installed corresponding to a lane process section through which return boxes bearing unique identification information are distributed, and includes a reading unit that reads the unique identification information of the return box, a memory unit that is capable of storing the read unique identification information in association with the lane process section, and a control unit that causes the read unique identification information to be stored in the memory unit in association with the lane process section. The control unit has an identification information determination unit that determines whether unique identification information matching the latest read unique identification information has already been stored in the memory unit in association with the lane process section, and a memory exclusion unit that excludes the latest unique identification information read by the reading unit from being stored in the memory unit associated with the lane process section when the unique identification information has already been stored in the memory unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transportable box management device for logistics that manages information on transportable boxes used in logistics. [Background technology]

[0002] When products, parts, and other goods are manufactured at a production base such as a production factory, the goods are transported from the production factory to a logistics base such as a logistics warehouse, and then transported to the shipping base or other location. When transporting these goods between bases, a transportable box is used to place the goods in. This transportable box is made of plastic or wood, such as a container, wooden box, or cardboard. The transportable box is moved between bases and is used repeatedly and continuously. The transportable box is transported on the outbound route loaded with goods, and on the return route empty after the goods have been unloaded.

[0003] Since the returnable box is a necessary component for transporting luggage, it is important to manage information about the returnable box. Therefore, a technology is known in which an IC card that stores unique identification information such as code information for data processing is attached to the outer surface of the returnable box, and the card information is read and processed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a reader device that reads card information in a non-contact manner is installed at each base, and information management such as the carrying in and out of returnable boxes and products and confirmation of their passage is performed based on the unique identification information read at each base. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-341845 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0006] Furthermore, in each base station, a plurality of lanes may be arranged side by side for a lane process section through which returnable boxes are distributed. For example, in each base station, a plurality of lanes may be arranged side by side in the same type of lane process section through which returnable boxes are distributed in a loaded or empty state, in which the returnable boxes are distributed in the same direction, or a lane process section through which returnable boxes are distributed in a loaded state and a lane process section through which returnable boxes are distributed in an empty state may be adjacent to each other, so that different types of lanes are arranged side by side in which returnable boxes are distributed in opposite directions.

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

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

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

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

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

[0012] [Figure 1]1 is a configuration diagram of a logistics system to which a logistics return box management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a layout plan view of a logistics base in the logistics system of the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a configuration diagram of a physical distribution returnable box management device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 2 is a layout diagram of a reading unit provided in the physical distribution return box management device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a situation in which erroneous reading occurs in a same lane process section. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a situation in which misreading occurs when multiple lanes of the same type of lane process section are arranged side by side. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram for explaining a situation in which misreading occurs when lanes of different lane process sections are arranged side by side. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a specific example of read data in the situations shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart of an example of a control routine executed in the physical distribution return box management device of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of a transportable box management device for physical distribution according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

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

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

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

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

[0019] Next, we will explain the logistics layout of each of the bases 2, 3, and 4. Note that, with regard to the returnable boxes R, except for the presence or absence of products, the distribution form from loading to unloading at the bases 2, 3, and 4 is substantially the same at each of the bases 2, 3, and 4. Therefore, below, we will explain the logistics layout of the logistics base 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0026] The first lane process section 35-1 has a plurality of packed lanes 36. The plurality of packed lanes 36 are arranged generally parallel to one another. A packed shipping box R1 flows through each of the plurality of packed lanes 36. The second lane process section 35-2 has a plurality of emptying lanes 37. The plurality of emptying lanes 37 are arranged generally parallel to one another. An empty shipping box R0 flows through each of the plurality of emptying lanes 37.

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

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

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

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

[0031] The antenna 41 is provided at one or more locations in the first lane process section 35-1 and at one or more locations in the second lane process section 35-2. In order to prevent the unique identification information ID from being read unsuccessfully, it is preferable that one antenna 41 is provided corresponding to each loaded lane 36 in the first lane process section 35-1, and one antenna 41 is provided corresponding to each unloaded lane 37 in the second lane process section 35-2. In the following, it is assumed that an antenna 41 is provided corresponding to each loaded lane 36 and each unloaded lane 37. Each antenna 41 is capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from the RFID tag of the return box R circulating in at least the corresponding lane 36, 37.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0049] The determination in step S120 is made for the purpose of excluding the unique identification information ID related to the misreading from the objects to be stored in the memory unit 51 when a misreading occurs in which the unique identification information ID of the returnable box R is read twice when the returnable box R circulates once through the logistics base 3 on the outward or return journey. For this reason, the information to be compared with the latest unique identification information ID read this time is limited to the unique identification information ID read in association with the other lanes 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35 within a second predetermined period before the reading of the current unique identification information ID, so as not to include the unique identification information ID read normally when the same returnable box R circulated through the other lanes 36, 37 of the same type of lane process unit 35 of the logistics base 3 the previous time, one cycle ago.

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

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

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

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

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

[0055] Therefore, the above-mentioned third specified period is a period shorter than the shortest period required for the transportable box R to travel between the outward and return journeys of the logistics base 3, and may be, for example, several days such as one day, half a day, six hours, etc. Furthermore, if the third specified period spans a non-operating period of the logistics base 3, the third specified period may further include the non-operating period. Furthermore, the third specified period may be different between the outward-return period corresponding to the outward to return journey of the transportable box R and the return-outward period corresponding to the return journey to the outward journey of the transportable box R.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0071] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and modified forms, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, this specification discloses not only the technical ideas shown by the citation relationships described in each claim at the time of filing, but also the technical ideas obtained by appropriately combining the matters described in each claim. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. A reading unit that is installed corresponding to a lane process section through which a returnable box having unique identification information attached thereto is distributed and that reads the unique identification information of the returnable box; a storage unit capable of storing the unique identification information read by the reading unit in association with the lane process unit; a control unit that causes the unique identification information read by the reading unit to be associated with the lane process unit and stored in the storage unit; Equipped with The control unit is an identification information determination unit that determines whether the unique identification information that matches the latest unique identification information read by the reading unit has already been stored in the storage unit in association with the lane process unit; a memory exclusion unit that excludes the latest unique identification information read by the reading unit from being stored in the memory unit associated with the lane process unit when the identification information determination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the memory unit; having The lane processing section has a plurality of lanes, The reading units are provided corresponding to the lanes, The identification information determination unit determines whether or not the unique identification information that matches the latest unique identification information read by one of the reading units has already been read by another of the reading units and stored in the storage unit in association with the lane process unit, The memory exclusion unit excludes the latest unique identification information read by one of the reading units from being stored in the memory unit associated with the lane process unit when the identification information discrimination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the memory unit, a logistics container management device.

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

3. A reading unit that is installed corresponding to a lane process section through which a returnable box having unique identification information attached thereto is distributed and that reads the unique identification information of the returnable box; a storage unit capable of storing the unique identification information read by the reading unit in association with the lane process unit; a control unit that causes the unique identification information read by the reading unit to be associated with the lane process unit and stored in the storage unit; Equipped with The control unit is an identification information determination unit that determines whether the unique identification information that matches the latest unique identification information read by the reading unit has already been stored in the storage unit in association with the lane process unit; a memory exclusion unit that excludes the latest unique identification information read by the reading unit from being stored in the memory unit associated with the lane process unit when the identification information determination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the memory unit; having The lane processing section has a first lane processing section and a second lane processing section of different types, The reading unit has a first reading unit corresponding to the first lane process unit and a second reading unit corresponding to the second lane process unit, The identification information determination unit a first determination unit that determines whether the unique identification information that matches the latest unique identification information read by the first reading unit has already been stored in the memory unit in association with the second lane process unit corresponding to the second reading unit; a second determination unit that determines whether the unique identification information that matches the latest unique identification information read by the second reading unit has already been stored in the memory unit in association with the first lane process unit corresponding to the first reading unit; having The memory exclusion unit, a first memory exclusion unit that excludes the latest unique identification information read by the first reading unit from the storage unit associated with the first lane process unit corresponding to the first reading unit when the first determination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the storage unit; a second memory exclusion unit that excludes the latest unique identification information read by the second reading unit from the storage unit associated with the second lane process unit corresponding to the second reading unit when the second determination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the storage unit; A logistics container management device having the above structure.

4. the first memory exclusion unit, when the first determination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the memory unit, excludes the latest unique identification information read by the first reading unit from the information to be stored in the memory unit associated with the first lane process unit corresponding to the first reading unit when a period from when the second reading unit reads the unique identification information to when the first reading unit reads the unique identification information is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined period; The logistics transport box management device of claim 3, wherein when the second discrimination unit determines that the unique identification information has already been stored in the memory unit, the second memory exclusion unit excludes the latest unique identification information read by the second reading unit from being stored in the memory unit associated with the second lane process unit corresponding to the second reading unit when the period from when the first reading unit reads the unique identification information to when the second reading unit reads the unique identification information is equal to or shorter than a second predetermined period.

5. The first reading unit is disposed on an entrance side of the first lane process unit through which the return box is carried in, 5. The physical distribution returnable box management device according to claim 3, wherein the second reading unit is disposed on an entrance side of the second lane process unit through which the returnable boxes are carried in.

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