Automatic article delivery device, automatic article delivery method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology for reducing opportunity of human contact upon delivery of an article.SOLUTION: An article automatic delivery apparatus 10 according to the present invention has a transparent shield 12 provided between an article delivery space 16 and a position where a recipient of an article stands, a moving mechanism 14 for the shield 12, and a control unit 110 for controlling the moving mechanism 14 and a conveying apparatus for conveying the article. Under control of the control unit 110, a target object specified by object specifying information having been input is moved from a storing space 22 to the delivery space 16. When the target object is disposed in the delivery space 16, the shield 12 is controlled in position so that at least a part of a body of the recipient should not enter the delivery space 16. If the recipient makes additional input in a state in which the target object is disposed in the delivery space 16, the shield 12 is controlled in position so that at least a part of the body of the recipient can enter the delivery space 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic article delivery device, an automatic article delivery method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] During an infectious disease epidemic, places where people tend to gather are at a higher risk of infection. For example, people tend to gather in stores that sell food and daily necessities, so it is important to minimize contact with other people when receiving purchased items.

[0003] For example, one example of technology that reduces the chance of contact with others when receiving an item is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. Patent Document 1 discloses a product storage device that registers and stores items to be auctioned for a certain period of time. This product storage device has a number of lockers with opening and closing doors whose main parts are made of a transparent material. Items to be auctioned are each stored individually in a locker. A person wishing to purchase an item can specify the locker in which the desired item is stored and pay the fee, which will unlock the locker's door and allow the person to collect the item. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-312619 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Due to its structure, the technology of Patent Document 1 requires that a person touch the locker's door when placing an item in the locker, and it is not possible to prevent the risk of indirect contact via the door handle.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for reducing the opportunities for people to come into contact with each other when trading goods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first automatic article delivery device according to the present disclosure is A transparent shield provided between a delivery space for the item and a position where a recipient of the item stands; A control means for controlling an operating mechanism of the shield and a conveying device for conveying an item; Equipped with The control means In response to input of target item identification information that identifies a target item, the target item identified by the target item identification information is moved from a storage space in which the target item is stored to the delivery space; controlling a position of the shield so that, when the target item is placed in the delivery space, at least a part of the recipient's body is prevented from entering the delivery space; When the recipient provides a predetermined additional input while the target item is placed in the delivery space, the position of the shield is controlled so that at least a part of the recipient's body is placed within the delivery space. The second automatic article delivery device in the present disclosure is A space for the delivery of goods; A space for checking the goods provided in a place where the recipient of the goods cannot touch the goods; A control means for controlling a conveying device for conveying an article, The control means In response to input of target item identification information that identifies a target item, the target item identified by the target item identification information is moved from a storage space in which the target item is stored to the confirmation space; In response to a predetermined additional input from the recipient, the target item is moved from the confirmation space to the delivery space.

[0008] A first automatic article delivery method in the present disclosure includes: The computer Controlling an operating mechanism of a transparent shield provided between an article delivery space and an article recipient, and a conveying device for conveying the article, In response to input of target item identification information that identifies a target item, the target item identified by the target item identification information is moved from a storage space in which the target item is stored to the delivery space; controlling a position of the shield such that, when the target item is placed in the delivery space, at least a part of the recipient's body is prevented from entering the delivery space; When a predetermined additional input is made from the recipient with the target item placed in the delivery space, the position of the shield is controlled so that at least a part of the recipient's body is placed within the delivery space. This includes: A second automatic article delivery method in the present disclosure includes: The computer Controlling a conveying device for conveying items In response to input of target item identification information that identifies a target item, the target item identified by the target item identification information is moved from a storage space in which the target item is stored to an item confirmation space provided in a location where the recipient cannot touch the target item; moving the target item from the confirmation space to the delivery space in response to a predetermined additional input from the recipient; This includes:

[0009] The program in this disclosure is The above-mentioned first automatic article delivery method or the second automatic article delivery method is executed by a computer. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce opportunities for people to come into contact with each other when trading goods. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an item management system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an item management system. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an automatic article delivery device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an automatic article delivery device. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the automatic article delivery device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the automatic article delivery device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process for generating information that associates items with storage spaces in a warehouse. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of individual items of a certain target article have been moved to a delivery space in a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface used to select a target individual in a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an automatic article delivery device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image captured of a storage space in which a certain target item is stored. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an automatic article delivery device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the automatic article delivery device of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the automatic article delivery device of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, unless otherwise specified, in each block diagram, each block represents a functional configuration, not a hardware configuration. In addition, when there is an arrow in a drawing, the direction of the arrow is merely intended to clearly indicate the flow of information, and does not limit the direction of communication (one-way / two-way) unless otherwise specified.

[0013] [System configuration example] Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams that show an example of the configuration of an item management system. Figure 1 shows a plan view of the item management system 1. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the item management system 1.

[0014] 1 and 2, the article management system 1 includes an automatic article delivery device 10 and a warehouse 20. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the automatic article delivery device 10 and the warehouse 20 are set in a facility 30.

[0015] The warehouse 20 has a plurality of storage spaces 22 for storing items. The shapes and sizes of the plurality of storage spaces 22 may be the same for all of the storage spaces 22, or may be different for at least some of them. At least some of the storage spaces 22 may be provided with a device (not shown) for adjusting the internal temperature. The warehouse 20 also has a conveying device for moving the items. In the example of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the conveying device includes a conveying path 24 and an elevator 26. The automatic item transfer device 10 stores the item 40 in the target storage space 22 or removes the item 40 stored in the target storage space 22 by controlling the movement of the conveying path 24 and the elevator 26. An example of the functional configuration of the automatic item transfer device 10 will be described below.

[0016] <Example of functional configuration> 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the automatic article delivery device 10 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic article delivery device 10 has a control unit 110, a shield 12, an operating mechanism 14, and a delivery space 16.

[0017] The delivery space 16 is a space where an item taken out from the storage space 22 of the warehouse 20 is placed. A person (recipient) who receives the item can take out the desired item from the delivery space 16. A shield 12 is provided in the vicinity of the delivery space 16, specifically, between the delivery space 16 and the recipient's standing position. The shield 12 has an operating mechanism 14, and the control unit 110 controls the operating mechanism 14 to adjust the position of the shield 12. For example, when at least a part of the recipient's body (e.g., hands or arms) is to be prevented from entering the delivery space 16, the operating mechanism 14 adjusts the position of the shield 12 so that the shield 12 is positioned to block the delivery space 16 from the recipient. As an example, the position of the shield 12 is adjusted so that the shield 12 covers the opening of the delivery space 16 on the recipient's side without any gaps. Here, the shield 12 is entirely or partially made of a transparent material (e.g., plastic, glass, etc.). As a result, even if the delivery space 16 is blocked by the shield 12, the recipient can visually confirm the type and state of the item moved from the storage space 22 to the delivery space 16. In addition, when a predetermined input is executed by the recipient as described below, the position of the shield 12 is adjusted by the operating mechanism 14 so that the recipient can take out the item placed in the delivery space 16. For example, when at least a part of the recipient's body (e.g., hand or arm) is to enter the delivery space 16, the position of the shield 12 is adjusted by the operating mechanism 14 so that the delivery space 16 is opened. As an example, the delivery space 16 is opened by controlling the operating mechanism 14 to store the shield 12 in a storage space (not shown) inside the device.

[0018] The control unit 110 has a function of controlling the operating mechanism 14 as described above, as well as a function of controlling a conveying device (conveying path 24 and / or elevator 26) for conveying the items. The control unit 110 accepts input of target item identification information for identifying items (hereinafter also referred to as "target items") to be taken out from the storage space 22 of the warehouse 20. Here, the target item identification information includes information for identifying one or more types of items as the target items. For example, the target item identification information includes information for identifying item A belonging to fresh goods and item B belonging to Sunday goods as the target items. The control unit 110 controls the conveying device (conveying path 24 and / or elevator 26) in response to the input of the target item identification information to move the target item identified by the target item identification information from the storage space 22 in which the target item is stored to the delivery space 16. Here, the control unit 110 may directly control the conveying device (conveyor path 24 and / or elevator 26), or may indirectly control the conveying device (conveyor path 24 and / or elevator 26) via a control device (not shown) in the warehouse 20. Here, when the target item has been moved from the storage space 22 and placed in the delivery space 16, the control unit 110 adjusts the position of the shield 12 so that at least a part of the recipient's body (e.g., hands and arms) does not enter the delivery space 16 until a predetermined additional input, which will be described later, is received. While the position of the shield 12 is being adjusted in this manner, the recipient cannot touch the target item, but can see the target item through the shield 12, which has transparency. The recipient checks the target item moved from the storage space 22 to the delivery space 16, determines whether or not to receive the target item, and performs a predetermined additional input. Although not particularly limited, the "predetermined additional input" includes, for example, pressing a button (e.g., buttons for "remove," "cancel," and "replace item") displayed on a display (not shown), or operating a physical switch (not shown) provided on the automated item delivery device 10. The control unit 110 controls the operating mechanism 14 in response to the predetermined additional input indicating consent to receiving the item, and adjusts the position of the shield 12 so that at least a part of the recipient's body (e.g., hand or arm) is within the delivery space 16.

[0019] <Hardware configuration example> Each functional component of the automatic article transfer device 10 may be realized by hardware that realizes each functional component (e.g., a hardwired electronic circuit, etc.), or may be realized by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of an electronic circuit and a program that controls it, etc.). Below, a further explanation will be given of the case where each functional component of the automatic article transfer device 10 is realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0020] 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the automatic article transfer device 10. The automatic article transfer device 10 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0021] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0022] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0023] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0024] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), or the like. The storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function (such as the control unit 110) of the automatic article transfer device 10. The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules onto the memory 1030 and executes them to realize each function corresponding to each program module. The program modules that realize each function of the automatic article transfer device 10 may be stored in the memory 1030.

[0025] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the automatic article delivery device 10 to various input / output devices. For example, an input device 1052 such as a keyboard or a touch panel, and an output device 1054 such as a display or a speaker are connected to the input / output interface 1050. As shown in the figure, a laser or image processing type reader 1056 and a short-range wireless communication device 1058 conforming to various types of short-range wireless communication standards may be connected to the input / output interface 1050.

[0026] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the automatic article delivery device 10 to other devices on a network. This network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method for connecting the network interface 1060 to the network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0027] It should be noted that the configuration depicted in Fig. 4 is merely an example. The configuration of the automatic article delivery device 10 is not limited to the example of Fig. 4. For example, a settlement machine (not shown) operated by the recipient may be connected to the input / output interface 1050. In this case, the recipient can use the settlement machine to pay for unsettled articles at the location where the automatic article delivery device 10 is installed.

[0028] <Processing flow> Hereinafter, the process executed by the automatic article delivery device 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are flowcharts illustrating the process executed by the automatic article delivery device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0029] First, the control unit 110 controls the operating mechanism 14 to place the shield 12 at an initial position (S102). For example, the control unit 110 controls the operating mechanism 14 to adjust the position of the shield 12 so that the shield 12 covers the delivery space 16 without any gaps.

[0030] Thereafter, the control unit 110 waits until the target item identification information is input (S104: NO). The recipient can input the target item identification information to the automatic item delivery device 10 using the input device 1052 such as a keyboard or a touch panel. For example, the recipient can input the target item identification information encoded in the one-dimensional or two-dimensional code symbol displayed on the display of the recipient's mobile terminal to the automatic item delivery device 10 by having the reading device 1056 read the code symbol. Alternatively, the recipient may input the item identification information from his / her mobile terminal to the automatic item delivery device 10 via the short-range wireless communication device 1058. When the target item identification information is input (S104: YES), the control unit 110 identifies the target item to be moved from the storage space based on the input target item identification information (S106). At this time, the control unit 110 acquires information on the storage space (the location of the storage space) that is previously associated with the item identified as the target item. Information indicating the correspondence between the items and the storage spaces is stored in a predetermined storage area such as the memory 1030 or the storage device 1040. Then, the control unit 110 controls the conveying device to take out the identified target item from the storage space for the target item and move it to the delivery space 16 (S108).

[0031] Thereafter, the control unit 110 waits until it receives a predetermined additional input from the recipient (S110: NO). The recipient checks the target item placed in the delivery space 16 through the transparent shield 12 and determines whether or not to receive the target item. The recipient then executes the additional input based on the result of the determination. When the control unit 110 receives the additional input (S110: YES), it checks the content of the additional input (S112).

[0032] If the received additional input is an input indicating approval of receipt of the item (S112: Approved), the control unit 110 controls the operating mechanism 14 to move the shield 12 to a position where the recipient can take out the item from the delivery space 16 (S114). If the price of the item has not yet been paid, the control unit 110 can execute a process to request the recipient to pay the price, for example, using the above-mentioned settlement machine, before the process of S114 (S113). In this case, the control unit 110 executes the process of S114 after receiving information from the settlement machine indicating that the required amount has been inserted.

[0033] If the received additional input is an input indicating cancellation of receipt of the item (S112: Cancel), the control unit 110 controls the transport device to return the target item placed in the delivery space 16 to the storage space in which the target item was stored (S116). Note that, if the price of the canceled item has already been paid, the control unit 110 may be further configured to control, for example, the above-mentioned settlement machine to execute a process of refunding the price paid for the canceled item (S118).

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 110 may be configured to receive an input to replace the target item placed in the delivery space 16 with another individual item. The replacement of the target item (replacement of an individual item) can be performed when there are multiple individual items of the target item. In this case, the control unit 110 displays, for example, a button for replacing the individual items of the target item on the display. The recipient can provide the control unit 110 with an additional input to instruct the replacement of the individual items of the target item by operating such a button. When the received additional input is an input to instruct the replacement of the target item (S112: Replacement), the control unit 110 controls the conveying device to replace the individual item of the target item placed in the delivery space 16 with another individual item. Specifically, the control unit 110 returns the individual item of the target item placed in the delivery space 16 to the storage space where the individual item was stored (S120). Moreover, the control unit 110 further controls the transport device to take out a new individual, different from the individual previously placed in the delivery space 16, from the storage space and move it to the delivery space 16 (S122).

[0035] <Associating each item with a storage space> As an example, information associating an item with a storage space in the warehouse 20 is generated when the item is actually stored in one of the storage spaces 22 in the warehouse 20. This flow will be described with reference to FIG.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a flow of generating information that associates an item with a storage space in the warehouse 20. As shown in FIG. 7, a recipient (consumer) orders a product using a terminal that the recipient owns. For example, the consumer can order a product by reading a product code displayed on a shelf tag attached to a display fixture in a store via an application that the consumer has started on the terminal that the consumer owns. The consumer may also call the store and tell the store clerk which product to order. The consumer may also display a website for online ordering on the terminal that the consumer owns and order the product via the website. When the ordering procedure is completed on the website, the order information is sent to a store terminal (not shown) that is installed in the target store. In addition, on the website for online ordering, the consumer may also order products from multiple different stores that include a certain facility 30 in their delivery area at once.

[0037] The goods management system 1 may further include a function of providing a website for online orders. For example, the automatic goods delivery device 10 or another device (not shown) may be configured to provide data of a website for online orders in response to a request from a consumer's terminal. In this case, the automatic goods delivery device 10 may further include a function of presenting information to a user based on whether or not the consumer can receive the goods that the consumer wishes to purchase. For example, the consumer transmits information on the desired goods to the automatic goods delivery device 10 via a website for online orders while returning home using public transportation or while at home. The automatic goods delivery device 10 first checks whether or not the consumer can receive all of the desired goods at facility A, which is registered in advance as a facility 30 that the consumer usually uses. For example, the automatic goods delivery device 10 obtains information on the inventory of goods and information on whether or not goods can be delivered from the systems of one or more stores that include facility A in their goods delivery area. The automatic goods delivery device 10 determines whether or not the consumer can receive all of the desired goods at facility A based on the information obtained in this way, and transmits the result to the consumer's terminal. The consumer checks the information displayed on his / her terminal regarding whether the desired products can be received, and decides at which facility 30 the products will be received. As an example, it is assumed that the information displayed on the terminal indicates that all the desired products can be received at facility A. In this case, the consumer can set the products to be received at facility A and complete the ordering procedure. As another example, it is assumed that the information displayed on the terminal indicates that some of the desired products are out of stock and cannot be received at facility A. In this case, the consumer uses his / her terminal to specify facility B that is available to the consumer in addition to facility A, and further obtains information regarding whether all the desired products can be received at facility B. Here, if the consumer can obtain information indicating that all the desired products can be received at facility B, the consumer can set the products to be received at facility B instead of facility A that he / she normally uses, and complete the ordering procedure.

[0038] In addition, when some of the desired products are out of stock and cannot be received at facility A, the consumer may transmit a request to the automatic goods delivery device 10 to search for a facility 30 where the out-of-stock products can be received. In this case, the automatic goods delivery device 10 inquires about the stock status and delivery possibility of the out-of-stock products to the systems of one or more stores whose delivery areas include facilities 30 in the consumer's movement range (for example, facilities 30 that are within a predetermined range from the consumer's home, a predetermined range from the workplace, a predetermined range from a commute route or a transfer station). Based on the information received from the systems of each store, the automatic goods delivery device 10 creates a list of facilities 30 where products that cannot be received at facility A can be received, and transmits it to the consumer's terminal. The consumer checks the list displayed on his / her terminal and determines facility B, which is different from facility A, as the facility 30 where the out-of-stock products will be received. The consumer then sets the products other than the out-of-stock products to be received at facility A, and sets the out-of-stock products to be received at facility B, thereby completing the ordering procedure. The automatic goods delivery device 10 may also calculate the time when all products, including out-of-stock products, will be available for pickup for each facility, and include the calculated time in the list. The automatic goods delivery device 10 may obtain the predicted time when the products desired by the consumer will arrive at each facility 30, for example, using a learning model configured to predict the time when the products will arrive at each facility 30 based on information on the manufacture and delivery of each product. The automatic goods delivery device 10 may then include the predicted time for each facility in the list as the "time when all products will be available for pickup." In addition, when the consumer must stop at multiple facilities 30 to pick up all the products, the automatic goods delivery device 10 may calculate the travel time required using the distances between the facilities 30, and include the time that takes into account (for example, by adding) the travel time in the list as the "time when all products will be available for pickup." By checking such information on time, the consumer can appropriately select the facility 30 at which to pick up the out-of-stock products.

[0039] As described above, the store clerk or the delivery person of the delivery company stores the product ordered by the consumer in a container as necessary, and then stores the product in the warehouse 20 of the facility 30 specified by the order information. At this time, the store clerk or the delivery person can operate the automatic article delivery device 10 to move the product or the container containing the product to a storage space in the warehouse 20. For example, the store clerk or the delivery person places the product or the container containing the product in the delivery space 16 or a placement space for storing the product (not shown), and then operates the automatic article delivery device 10 to move the product or the container to a storage space selected as described below. Note that the shield 12 is stored in a predetermined storage unit according to an operation performed on the automatic article delivery device 10 to store the product in the warehouse. In addition, when storing the product or the container containing the product in the warehouse 20, the store clerk or the delivery person inputs order information for the product to the automatic article delivery device 10. The automatic article delivery device 10 selects a required number of storage spaces (one or more storage spaces) from among the storage spaces available at that time according to the input of the order information. Here, the automatic article delivery device 10 may be configured to select an appropriate storage space based on the attributes of the stored goods. For example, the automatic article delivery device 10 may be configured to acquire attribute information of goods (e.g., size, appropriate temperature during storage, etc.) included in the order information by referring to a product master (not shown), and to select a storage space that matches the attribute information.

[0040] Then, the automatic article delivery device 10 controls the conveying path 24 and the elevator 26 to move the product or the container containing the product to the selected storage space. When the product or the container containing the product is correctly placed in the target storage space, a response signal is transmitted to the automatic article delivery device 10. The automatic article delivery device 10 generates target article identification information in response to receiving the response signal. For example, the automatic article delivery device 10 can use input order information or any character string information generated according to a predetermined rule so as not to overlap with other valid information as the target article identification information. Then, the automatic article delivery device 10 generates association information by associating such target article identification information with the identification information of the selected one or more storage spaces, and stores the association information in a predetermined storage area (for example, memory 1030 or 1040). If the association information has already been stored in the storage area, the automatic article delivery device 10 updates the association information using the newly generated information. In addition, the automatic item delivery device 10, particularly when generating arbitrary character string information as target item identification information, preferably further includes a function of notifying the consumer's terminal of the target item identification information used when generating the association information.

[0041] Thereafter, the control unit 110 compares the target item identification information input in the processing of S104 described above with the correspondence information stored in a specified memory area, and based on the comparison result, can identify the storage space in which the target item is stored.

[0042] As another example, when it is predetermined which storage space in warehouse 20 is to store which item, definition information that defines the correspondence between each storage space and the item to be stored in that storage space is stored in advance in a predetermined storage area. For example, the definition information is stored in advance in memory 1030, storage device 1040, or the like.

[0043] In this case, in the process of S104, the control unit 110 accepts input of item identification information for identifying an item (e.g., an identification code assigned to each type of item) as target item specification information. The control unit 110 compares the input item identification information with definition information stored in a specified memory area, and can specify the storage space in which the target item is stored based on the comparison result.

[0044] <Examples of effects> As described above, in this embodiment, in the item management system 1 that automates the process of picking up items stored in a warehouse and handing them over to a recipient, the item desired by the recipient is temporarily placed in a delivery space 16 that is isolated via a transparent shield 12. This makes it possible for the recipient to check the type and condition of the desired item without having to touch it. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the recipient does not needlessly touch the item, good effects can be expected in terms of hygiene, such as preventing infection with diseases via the item.

[0045] In addition, the function of replacing individual target items described in the flowchart of Fig. 6 allows the recipient to select an item that they like from items with individual differences (for example, handmade items such as lunch boxes, fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, and products with multiple package designs). This is expected to have the effect of improving the satisfaction of people who use the item management system 1 described in this embodiment.

[0046] <First Modification> The automatic item transfer device 10 may be configured to, when there are multiple individuals of a certain target item, control the conveying device to move at least two of the multiple individuals together from the storage space.

[0047] In this modification, when the control unit 110 specifies a target item in the process of S106 in FIG. 5, it selects a predetermined number (two or more) of target items from among the multiple items stored in the storage space, either arbitrarily or based on a predetermined criterion. Then, the control unit 110 moves the selected predetermined number of items from the storage space to the delivery space 16. The recipient checks the predetermined number of items moved to the delivery space 16 through the shield 12. Then, the recipient provides the control unit 110 with an input to specify a desired target item among the predetermined number of items moved to the delivery space 16 as a predetermined additional input. When the control unit 110 receives such an input, it controls the operating mechanism 14 to move the shield 12 so that the target item specified by the input can be taken out of the delivery space 16. At this time, the automatic item delivery device 10 controls the transport device to return the remaining items, except for the target item, to the original storage space.

[0048] A specific example of the operation of the automatic article delivery device 10 in this modified example will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which multiple individuals of a certain target article have been moved to the delivery space 16 in the first modified example of the first embodiment. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface used to select target individuals in the first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which three objects (80A, 80B, 80C) of a certain target object are moved from the storage space to the delivery space 16. When three objects (80A, 80B, 80C) of the target object are moved to the delivery space 16 as shown in FIG. 8, the recipient checks the state of each object through the shield 12 and inputs an object that is preferred by the recipient. For example, the recipient inputs an object that is preferred by the recipient to the automatic object delivery device 10 (control unit 110) by pressing a button corresponding to each object displayed on the display 90 (buttons labeled "left," "middle," and "right" in the example of FIG. 9). Here, it is assumed that the recipient desires to receive the object in the middle (80B) and selects the "middle" button on the display 90. In this case, the automatic object delivery device 10 (control unit 110) controls the operating mechanism 14 to adjust the position of the shield 12 based on information generated in response to the button selected on the display 80 so that the recipient can take out the object in the middle (80B). For example, the automatic article transfer device 10 (control unit 110) controls the operating mechanism 14 to store the shield 12 in a predetermined internal storage space 82. Here, if the shield 12 includes multiple divided parts and the positions of the multiple divided parts can be individually controlled by the operating mechanism 14, the automatic article transfer device 10 (control unit 110) may be configured to control only the divided parts of the shield 12 that correspond to the placement position of the target individual. In this way, it is possible to prevent the recipient from accidentally touching the individuals (80A, 80C) other than the selected individual (80B). In addition, the automatic article transfer device 10 (control unit 110) controls the transport device to return the individuals (80A, 80C) other than the individual (80B) selected by the recipient to the original storage space.

[0050] For example, when receiving items with individual differences in appearance, such as bento boxes, side dishes, fresh foods, or products with multiple package designs, this modified example allows the recipient to select an item that matches the recipient's preferences from among multiple items. This is expected to have the effect of improving the satisfaction of users who use this item management system 1.

[0051] <Second Modification> In this embodiment, when a plurality of target items are stored in the storage space, the recipient may be allowed to select the item to be taken out from the storage space. For example, the automatic item delivery device 10 of this modified example has a configuration as shown in FIG.

[0052] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a second modified example of the first embodiment. In the example of Fig. 10, the automatic article transfer device 10 further includes a display processing unit 112. The display processing unit 112 acquires images from one or more imaging devices 222 provided at positions capable of capturing images of the interior of each storage space 22 in the warehouse 20, and outputs the images to a display provided in the automatic article transfer device 10.

[0053] In addition to the operations described above, the automatic article delivery device 10 of this modified example performs an operation as exemplified in Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the automatic article delivery device 10 of the second modified example of the first embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 11 is similar to the flowchart in Fig. 6 except for the following points.

[0054] The display processing unit 112 acquires an image of the storage space in which the target item is stored from the imaging device 222, and displays the image on the display (S202). For example, the display processing unit 112 displays an image as shown in FIG. 12 on the display provided for the automatic article delivery device 10. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image of a storage space in which a certain target item is stored. In the example of FIG. 12, the display processing unit 112 acquires an image indicating that three objects (120A, 120B, 120C) exist in the storage space for a certain target item from the imaging device corresponding to the storage space, and displays the image on the display. Thereafter, the control unit 110 waits until the recipient executes an input to specify at least one object from among the multiple objects shown in the displayed image (S204: NO). For example, if the display has a touch panel function, the recipient can select a desired object by touching an image area corresponding to an object that matches the recipient's preference. In this case, the automatic article delivery device 10 can recognize which object has been selected based on a signal obtained from the touch panel unit. In this case, the control unit 110 can identify which individual should be moved by using, for example, a conversion rule for converting the coordinate system of the image obtained from each imaging device into the coordinate system of the corresponding storage space. This conversion rule is stored in advance in, for example, the memory 1030 or the storage device 1040. When an input specifying at least one individual of the target goods is received (S204: YES), the control unit 110 controls the transport device to move the specified one or more individuals from the storage space to the delivery space 16 (S206).

[0055] In this modified example, when multiple items of a certain target item are stored in a storage space, the recipient can select the item to take out from the storage space. This allows the recipient to move the item that is most likely to match the recipient's preferences from the beginning.

[0056] [Second embodiment] This embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0057] <Example of functional configuration> Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the automatic article transfer device 10 in the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, unlike the first embodiment, the automatic article transfer device 10 of this embodiment does not include a control unit 110, a shield 12, and an operating mechanism 14. Instead, the automatic article transfer device 10 of this embodiment has a control unit 114 and a confirmation space 18.

[0058] The control unit 114 has a function of controlling a conveying device (conveyor path 24 and / or elevator 26) for conveying the item. The control unit 114 of this embodiment is the same as the control unit 110 in that it has a function of controlling the conveying device. The confirmation space 18 is provided in a location where the recipient of the item cannot touch it. For example, the confirmation space 18 is provided in a space blocked off by a transparent material. The confirmation space 18 may also be provided in a location that is physically out of reach of the recipient. Note that since the confirmation space 18 is a space for the recipient to check the condition of the item, it is preferably provided in a location close to where the recipient stands.

[0059] The control unit 114 of this embodiment accepts input of target item identification information for identifying items (hereinafter also referred to as "target items") to be taken out of the storage space 22 of the warehouse 20. Here, the target item identification information includes information for identifying one or more types of items as target items. For example, the target item identification information includes information for identifying item A belonging to fresh products and item B belonging to sundries as target items. The control unit 114 controls the conveying device (conveying path 24 and / or elevator 26) in response to the input of the target item identification information, and moves the target item identified by the target item identification information from the storage space 22 in which the target item is stored to the confirmation space 18. Here, the control unit 114 may directly control the conveying device (conveying path 24 and / or elevator 26), or may indirectly control the conveying device (conveying path 24 and / or elevator 26) via a control device (not shown) in the warehouse 20. While the target item is placed in the confirmation space 18, the recipient cannot touch the target item, but can visually confirm the condition of the target item. Then, the control unit 114 accepts a predetermined additional input from the recipient. The recipient checks the target item moved from the storage space 22 to the confirmation space 18, determines whether or not to receive the target item, and performs a predetermined additional input. Although not particularly limited, the "predetermined additional input" includes, for example, pressing a button (e.g., buttons such as "remove," "cancel," and "replace item") displayed on a display (not shown), or operating a physical switch (not shown) provided on the automatic item delivery device 10. The control unit 114 controls the transport device in response to the predetermined additional input indicating consent to receiving the item, to move the target item from the confirmation space 18 to the delivery space 16.

[0060] <Processing flow> Hereinafter, the process executed by the automatic article delivery device 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 are flowcharts illustrating the process executed by the automatic article delivery device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0061] First, the control unit 114 waits until the target item identification information is input (S302: NO). The recipient can input the target item identification information to the automatic item delivery device 10 using the input device 1052 such as a keyboard or a touch panel. For example, the recipient can input the target item identification information encoded in the one-dimensional or two-dimensional code symbol displayed on the display of the recipient's mobile terminal to the automatic item delivery device 10 by having the reading device 1056 read the code symbol. Alternatively, the recipient may input the item identification information from his / her mobile terminal to the automatic item delivery device 10 via the short-range wireless communication device 1058. When the target item identification information is input (S302: YES), the control unit 114 identifies the target item to be moved from the storage space based on the input target item identification information (S304). At this time, the control unit 114 acquires information on the storage space (the location of the storage space) that is previously associated with the item identified as the target item. Information indicating the correspondence between the items and the storage spaces is stored in a predetermined storage area, such as the memory 1030 or the storage device 1040. Then, the control unit 114 controls the transport device to remove the identified target item from the storage space for the target item and move it to the confirmation space 18 (S308).

[0062] Thereafter, the control unit 114 waits until it receives a predetermined additional input from the recipient (S308: NO). The recipient checks the target item placed in the confirmation space 18 and determines whether or not to receive the target item. The recipient then executes the additional input based on the result of the determination. When the control unit 114 receives the additional input (S308: YES), it checks the content of the additional input (S310).

[0063] If the received additional input is an input indicating approval of receipt of the item (S310: Approval), the control unit 114 controls the transport device to move the target item from the confirmation space 18 to the delivery space 16 (S312). If the price of the item has not yet been paid, the control unit 114 may execute a process to request the recipient to pay the price, for example, using the settlement machine described above, before the process of S312 (S311). In this case, the control unit 114 executes the process of S312 after receiving information from the settlement machine indicating that the required amount has been inserted.

[0064] If the received additional input is an input indicating cancellation of receipt of the item (S310: Cancel), the control unit 114 controls the transport device to return the target item placed in the confirmation space 18 to the storage space in which the target item was stored (S314). Note that the control unit 114 may be configured to further execute a process of refunding the price paid for the canceled item, for example by controlling the settlement machine described above, if the price of the canceled item has already been paid (S316).

[0065] As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 114 may be configured to receive an input to replace the target item placed in the confirmation space 18 with another individual item. Note that the replacement of the target item (replacement of an individual item) can be performed when there are multiple individual items of the target item. In this case, the control unit 114, for example, displays a button for replacing the individual items of the target item on the display. The recipient can provide the control unit 114 with an additional input to instruct the replacement of the individual items of the target item by operating such a button. When the received additional input is an input to instruct the replacement of the target item (S310: Replacement), the control unit 114 controls the transport device to replace the individual item of the target item placed in the confirmation space 18 with another individual item. Specifically, the control unit 114 returns the individual item of the target item placed in the confirmation space 18 to the storage space in which the individual item was stored (S318). Moreover, the control unit 114 further controls the transport device to take out a new individual, different from the individual previously placed in the confirmation space 18, from the storage space and move it to the confirmation space 18 (S320).

[0066] <Examples of effects> As described above, in this embodiment, in the item management system 1 that automates the process of picking up items stored in a warehouse and handing them over to a recipient, the item desired by the recipient is temporarily placed in a confirmation space 18 that is provided in a place that the recipient cannot touch. This allows the recipient to check the type and condition of the desired item without touching it. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the recipient does not needlessly touch the item, good effects can be expected in terms of hygiene, such as preventing infection with diseases via the item.

[0067] <Modification> In this embodiment as well, the configuration as described in the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12 can be adopted.

[0068] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited thereto. The components disclosed in the embodiments can be appropriately combined to form various inventions. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein can be modified and improved in various ways based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. For example, the functional components disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments may be provided in one device, or may be distributed among multiple devices.

[0069] In addition, in the flowcharts used in the above description, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order described. In each embodiment, the order of the steps shown in the figures can be changed to the extent that does not cause problems in terms of content. In addition, each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined to the extent that the content is not contradictory.

[0070] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. A transparent shield provided between a delivery space for the item and a position where a recipient of the item stands; A control means for controlling an operating mechanism of the shield and a conveying device for conveying an item; Equipped with The control means In response to input of target item identification information that identifies a target item, the target item identified by the target item identification information is moved from a storage space in which the target item is stored to the delivery space; controlling a position of the shield so that, when the target item is placed in the delivery space, at least a part of the recipient's body is prevented from entering the delivery space; When a predetermined additional input is made from the recipient with the target item placed in the delivery space, the position of the shield is controlled so that at least a part of the recipient's body is placed within the delivery space. Automatic goods delivery device. 2. A space for the delivery of goods; A space for checking the goods provided in a place where the recipient of the goods cannot touch the goods; A control means for controlling a conveying device for conveying an article, The control means In response to input of target item identification information that identifies a target item, the target item identified by the target item identification information is moved from a storage space in which the target item is stored to the confirmation space; moving the target item from the confirmation space to the delivery space in response to a predetermined additional input from the recipient; Automatic goods delivery device. 3. The control means Selecting one or more of a plurality of storage spaces provided in the warehouse as a storage space for storing the item; In response to the item being placed in the one or more selected storage spaces, generate or update association information in a predetermined storage area that associates the one or more storage spaces with the target item identification information; Identifying a storage space in which the target item is stored based on a comparison result between the input target item identification information and the association information stored in the memory area. 1. An automatic article delivery device according to 1 or 2. 4. storing, in a predetermined storage area, definition information that defines a correspondence between item identification information that identifies each item and a storage space in which the item is stored; The control means Accepting input of item identification information as the target item specific information; Based on a result of matching the input item identification information with the definition information, a storage space in which the target item is stored is identified. 1. An automatic article delivery device according to 1 or 2. 5. The control means When there are multiple individual items of the target item identified by the target item identification information, moving at least two of the multiple individual items from the storage space; when an input designating a target individual from the at least two individuals is received as the predetermined additional input, the designated target individual is made available for removal from the delivery space, and the remaining individuals are returned to the storage space; 5. An automatic article delivery device according to any one of 1 to 4. 6. The control means When there are a plurality of individual items of the target item identified by the target item identification information, in response to an input instructing a product replacement as the predetermined additional input, the individual items moved from the storage space are replaced with new individual items stored in the storage space. 6. An automatic article delivery device according to any one of 1 to 5. 7. Further, a display processing means for acquiring an image of a storage space in which the target item identified by the target item identification information is stored and displaying the image on a display when the target item is identified by the target item identification information, the control means, in response to an input specifying at least one individual from among the plurality of individuals shown in the image, moves the specified at least one individual from the storage space; 7. An automatic article delivery device according to any one of 1 to 6. 8. The computer Controlling an operating mechanism of a transparent shield provided between an article delivery space and an article recipient, and a conveying device for conveying the article, In response to input of target item identification information that identifies a target item, the target item identified by the target item identification information is moved from a storage space in which the target item is stored to the delivery space; controlling a position of the shield such that, when the target item is placed in the delivery space, at least a part of the recipient's body is prevented from entering the delivery space; When a predetermined additional input is made from the recipient with the target item placed in the delivery space, the position of the shield is controlled so that at least a part of the recipient's body is placed within the delivery space. The method for automatic delivery of goods includes the steps of: 9. The computer Controlling a conveying device for conveying items In response to input of target item identification information that identifies a target item, the target item identified by the target item identification information is moved from a storage space in which the target item is stored to an item confirmation space provided in a location where the recipient cannot touch the target item; moving the target item from the confirmation space to the delivery space in response to a predetermined additional input from the recipient; The method for automatic delivery of goods includes the steps of: 10. The computer, Selecting one or more of a plurality of storage spaces provided in the warehouse as a storage space for storing the item; In response to the item being placed in the one or more selected storage spaces, generate or update association information in a predetermined storage area that associates the one or more storage spaces with the target item identification information; Identifying a storage space in which the target item is stored based on a comparison result between the input target item identification information and the association information stored in the memory area. 8. or 9. The method for automatic delivery of goods according to claim 8 or 9. 11. item identification information for identifying each item and definition information defining a correspondence between the item and a storage space in which the item is stored are stored in a predetermined storage area; The computer, Accepting input of item identification information as the target item specific information; Based on a result of matching the input item identification information with the definition information, a storage space in which the target item is stored is identified. 8. or 9. The method for automatic delivery of goods according to claim 8 or 9. 12. The computer, When there are multiple individual items of the target item identified by the target item identification information, moving at least two of the multiple individual items from the storage space; when an input designating a target individual from the at least two individuals is received as the predetermined additional input, the designated target individual is made available for removal from the delivery space, and the remaining individuals are returned to the storage space; 12. The method for automatic delivery of an article according to any one of 8. to 11. 13. The computer, When there are a plurality of individual items of the target item identified by the target item identification information, in response to an input instructing a product replacement as the predetermined additional input, the individual items moved from the storage space are replaced with new individual items stored in the storage space. 13. The method for automatically delivering an article according to any one of 8. to 12. 14. The computer, When there are multiple objects of the target object identified by the target object identification information, an image of a storage space in which the multiple objects are stored is acquired and displayed on a display; In response to an input specifying at least one individual from among the plurality of individuals shown in the image, the specified at least one individual is moved from the storage space. 14. The method for automatic article delivery according to any one of 8. to 13., 15. A program for causing a computer to execute the automatic article delivery method according to any one of 8. to 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1. Inventory management system 10 Automatic article delivery device 1010 Bus 1020 Processor 1030 Memory 1040 Storage Device 1050 Input / Output Interface 1052 Input Device 1054 Output Device 1056 Reading device 1058 Near field wireless communication equipment 1060 Network Interface 110 Control section 112 Display processing unit 114 Control section 12 Shield 14 Operating Mechanism 16 Delivery space 18 Confirmation space 20 Warehouse 22 Storage Space 222 Imaging Device 24 Transport Path 26 Elevator 30 Facilities 40 Goods 82 Interior storage space 90 Display

Claims

1. A transparent shield provided between a delivery space for the item and a position where a recipient of the item stands; A control means for controlling an operating mechanism of the shield and a conveying device for conveying an item; Equipped with The control means In response to input of target item identification information that identifies a target item, the target item identified by the target item identification information is moved from a storage space in which the target item is stored to the delivery space; controlling a position of the shield so that, when the target item is placed in the delivery space, at least a part of the recipient's body is prevented from entering the delivery space; When a predetermined additional input is made from the recipient with the target item placed in the delivery space, the position of the shield is controlled so that at least a part of the recipient's body is placed within the delivery space. Automatic goods delivery device.

2. A space for the delivery of goods; A space for checking the goods provided in a place where the recipient of the goods cannot touch the goods; A control means for controlling a conveying device for conveying an article, The control means In response to input of target item identification information that identifies a target item, the target item identified by the target item identification information is moved from a storage space in which the target item is stored to the confirmation space; moving the target item from the confirmation space to the delivery space in response to a predetermined additional input from the recipient; Automatic goods delivery device.

3. The control means Selecting one or more of a plurality of storage spaces provided in the warehouse as a storage space for storing the item; In response to the item being placed in the one or more selected storage spaces, generate or update, in a predetermined storage area, association information that associates the one or more storage spaces with the target item identification information; Identifying a storage space in which the target item is stored based on a comparison result between the input target item identification information and the association information stored in the memory area.

3. The automatic article delivery device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. storing, in a predetermined storage area, definition information that defines a correspondence between item identification information that identifies each item and a storage space in which the item is stored; The control means Accepting input of item identification information as the target item specific information; Based on a result of matching the input item identification information with the definition information, a storage space in which the target item is stored is identified.

3. The automatic article delivery device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The control means When there are multiple individual pieces of the target item identified by the target item identification information, moving at least two of the multiple individual pieces from the storage space; when an input designating a target individual from the at least two individuals is received as the predetermined additional input, the designated target individual is made available for removal from the delivery space, and the remaining individuals are returned to the storage space; 5. The automatic article delivery device according to claim 1.

6. The control means When there are a plurality of individual items of the target item identified by the target item identification information, in response to an input instructing a product replacement as the predetermined additional input, the individual items moved from the storage space are replaced with new individual items stored in the storage space.

6. The automatic article delivery device according to claim 1.

7. Further, a display processing means for acquiring an image of a storage space in which the target item identified by the target item identification information is stored and displaying the image on a display when the target item is identified by the target item identification information, the control means, in response to an input specifying at least one individual from among the plurality of individuals shown in the image, moves the specified at least one individual from the storage space; 7. The automatic article delivery device according to claim 1.

8. The computer Controlling an operating mechanism of a transparent shield provided between an article delivery space and an article recipient, and a conveying device for conveying the article, In response to input of target item identification information that identifies a target item, the target item identified by the target item identification information is moved from a storage space in which the target item is stored to the delivery space; controlling a position of the shield such that, when the target item is placed in the delivery space, at least a part of the recipient's body is prevented from entering the delivery space; When a predetermined additional input is made from the recipient with the target item placed in the delivery space, the position of the shield is controlled so that at least a part of the recipient's body is placed within the delivery space. The method for automatic delivery of goods includes the steps of:

9. The computer Controlling a conveying device for conveying items In response to input of target item identification information that identifies a target item, the target item identified by the target item identification information is moved from a storage space in which the target item is stored to an item confirmation space provided in a location where the recipient cannot touch the target item; In response to a predetermined additional input from the recipient, move the target item from the confirmation space to a delivery space. The method for automatic delivery of goods includes the steps of:

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for automatically transferring an article according to claim 8 or 9.

Images