Shipment method and system
The described shipping method and system address the challenges of managing multiple recipients' items in a single storage facility by using image data to automate the unlocking and locking of storage doors and ensuring accurate item retrieval, even in unmanned facilities.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024084402
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-03-31
AI Technical Summary
In organizations conducting social activities, managing multiple recipients' items in a single storage facility poses challenges, including the need for constant attendance to ensure accurate item retrieval and the time-consuming process of identifying and collecting items.
A shipping method and system that utilizes image data from a photographing device to unlock storage doors, determines correct item retrieval through image processing of video data, and locks the doors once the items are confirmed received, allowing for unmanned storage area management.
Enables accurate and efficient item retrieval even in unmanned storage facilities by ensuring that only authorized recipients can access and collect items, thereby reducing operational time and attendance requirements.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a shipping method and system, and more particularly to a shipping method and system for removing items stored in a storage facility. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, a delivery support device having an interface, a biometric information acquisition unit, and a control unit is known as a device for handing over a package. The interface acquires information recorded on a personal identification card presented by a recipient receiving the package. The biometric information acquisition unit acquires information including the recipient's biometric information. The control unit performs biometric matching between the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit and the biometric information recorded on the personal identification card, and permits the package to be handed over to the recipient if the biometric matching is successful (see, for example, Patent Document 1 (page 4)).
[0003] As a device for retrieving luggage, there is known an information processing device having a control unit that transmits first information including a first date and time to a user terminal used by a user who has deposited luggage in a mobile locker mounted on a vehicle at a predetermined timing before a first date and time at which the luggage is to be retrieved (see, for example, Patent Document 2 (page 5)). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-037912 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2023-038615 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] However, when a social activity organization has one storage facility for multiple recipients, someone is needed to manage the delivered items in order to accurately remove them, and there is a problem that the facility, including the storage facility, cannot be left unattended.
[0006] Furthermore, when a social activity organization has one repository for multiple recipients and one or more items, it takes time to accurately remove the delivered items.
[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and its object is to provide a method and system for unloading goods, which allows recipients to receive goods accurately even when the storage facility is unmanned, by managing the recipient's activities from entry to exit at the storage facility where the goods are stored. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] One aspect of the present invention includes a processing device that receives image data from an imaging device, transmits an instruction to unlock the door based on the image data, stores video data from the imaging device, determines whether the receipt of the item is correct based on the name of the item placed in the storage facility extracted by image processing of the video data, and transmits an instruction to lock the door based on the determination that the receipt of the item is correct.
[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a method in which a processing device receives image data from an imaging device, a lock operating device unlocks a door based on the image data, the processing device stores video data from the imaging device, and determines whether the receipt of the item is correct based on the name of the item placed in the storage area extracted by image processing of the video data, and the lock operating device locks the door based on the processing device's determination that the receipt of the item is correct.
[0010] With this configuration, it is possible to accurately receive the item even if the storage facility is unmanned. Effect of the Invention
[0011] According to the present invention, the system includes receiving image data from a photographing device, transmitting an instruction to unlock the door based on the image data, storing video data from the photographing device, determining whether the receipt of the item is correct based on the name of the item placed in the storage facility extracted by image processing of the video data, and transmitting an instruction to lock the door based on the determination that the receipt of the item is correct, thereby making it possible to accurately receive the item at any time. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a shipping system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a functional block diagram of a reception device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a shipping method according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a shipping method according to one aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] Hereinafter, the aspects of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification, for the purpose of explanation, it is assumed that the location of the delivered goods is in a storage facility such as a warehouse. A sign corresponding to the name of the delivery destination is installed in advance at the location of the goods. An imaging device 120 is installed at the location of the goods so that the sign can be read and all the delivered goods can be read. The delivered goods are arranged so that the product number or name corresponding to the goods can be read from the outside of the goods. The delivered goods are placed in an orientation such that the product number or name corresponding to the goods can be read by the imaging device 120.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a shipping system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shipping system includes a reception device 100 that manages the process from the entry to the exit of a recipient at a storage facility, an information processing device 110 that processes the ordering of goods, an imaging device 120 that captures the inside of the storage facility, and a lock operation device 130 that locks and unlocks the door at the entrance to the storage facility. The reception device 100, the information processing device 110, the imaging device 120, and the lock operation device 130 are communicatively connected via a communication line. The communication line is a wired or wireless communication line, or a combination of these, and may be, for example, an in-house LAN (local area network), an in-house WAN (wide area network), the Internet connected to a cloud server, or a combination of these.
[0015] For example, the reception device 100 is a device such as a tablet terminal, a PC (personal computer), or a dedicated terminal, and is installed outside the storage facility near the door at the entrance / exit of the storage facility. For example, the information processing device 110 is a device such as a tablet terminal, a PC (personal computer), or a dedicated terminal, and may be a device associated with the orderer. For example, the imaging device 120 is a device such as a surveillance camera, and is installed inside the storage facility at a location where it is possible to capture the entire interior of the storage facility. For example, the lock operation device 130 is a device such as a smart lock that can be retrofitted, and is installed on the door of the storage facility.
[0016] The reception device 100 includes a processing device 101, a storage device 102, a communication device 103, an input / output device 104, and a photographing device 105. The processing device 101, the storage device 102, the communication device 103, the input / output device 104, and the photographing device 105 are communicably connected via a bus 106. The processing device 101 executes a process related to the unloading method. The process related to the unloading method will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. The storage device 102 stores a program and data for the process related to the unloading method. The data for the process related to the unloading method will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. The communication device 103 communicates with external devices such as the information processing device 110, the imaging device 120, and the lock operation device 130 via a communication line. The input / output device 104 plays the role of a man-machine interface with, for example, a recipient. The photographing device 105 can photograph, for example, a delivery note, a construction order, an identification card, and the like.
[0017] The information processing device 110 includes a processing device 111, a storage device 112, a communication device 113, and an input / output device 114. The processing device 111, the storage device 112, the communication device 113, and the input / output device 114 are communicatively connected via a bus 115. The processing device 111 mainly executes processing related to ordering of items in the unloading method. The storage device 112 mainly stores programs and data for processing related to ordering of items in the unloading method. The communication device 113 communicates with external devices such as the reception device 100, the imaging device 120, and the lock operation device 130 via a communication line. The input / output device 114 plays a role of a man-machine interface with, for example, employees and staff.
[0018] The imaging device 120 includes a processing device 121, a storage device 122, a communication device 123, and a photographing device 124. The processing device 121, the storage device 122, the communication device 123, and the photographing device 124 are communicatively connected via a bus 125. The processing device 121 executes processing such as photographing related to the unloading method. The storage device 122 stores programs and data for processing such as photographing. The communication device 123 communicates with external devices such as the reception device 100, the information processing device 110, and the lock operation device 130 via a communication line. The photographing device 124 photographs, for example, a recipient inside the storage facility. The imaging device 120 may include devices for issuing signals to the recipient, such as a speaker and a light, although not shown.
[0019] The lock operation device 130 includes a processing device 131, a storage device 132, a communication device 133, and a locking / unlocking device 134. The processing device 131, the storage device 132, the communication device 133, and the locking / unlocking device 134 are communicatively connected via a bus 135. The processing device 131 executes lock opening / closing processing related to the unloading method. The storage device 132 stores programs and data for the lock opening / closing processing. The communication device 133 communicates with external devices such as the reception device 100, the information processing device 110, and the imaging device 120 via a communication line. The locking / unlocking device 134 operates a lock opening / closing mechanism attached to the entrance door.
[0020] Examples of the processing devices 101, 111, 121, 131 include one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processors (GPUs), a combination of one or more CPUs and GPUs, and the like. The processing devices 101, 111, 121, 131 may be any processing device capable of performing parallel processing. Examples of the storage devices 102, 112, 122, 132 include one or more primary storage devices, one or more secondary storage devices, a combination of one or more primary storage devices and secondary storage devices, and the like. The photographing devices 105, 124 may be, for example, cameras, and may be any device that creates image data or video data for an object. Here, the image data may be a part of the video data. The video data can be considered to be data that combines image data that is created continuously. The photographing devices 105, 124 may be set to a frame rate according to changes in the surrounding air temperature, which can make the image or video captured by the photographing devices 105, 124 clearer. This can reduce the load of the processing using the image or video executed in the unloading method of the present invention.
[0021] 1, the reception device 100, the information processing device 110, the imaging device 120, and the lock operation device 130 are illustrated one by one for illustrative purposes. The shipping system of the present invention may be configured with any combination of one or more reception devices 100, one or more information processing devices 110, one or more imaging devices 120, and one or more lock operation devices 130.
[0022] 2 is a functional block diagram of a reception device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The processing device 101 of the reception device 100 includes an identification data receiving unit 201 that receives data for identifying a recipient acquired by the information processing device 110 and the photographing device 105, an entry control unit 202 that instructs the lock operation device 130 to unlock based on the data received by the identification data receiving unit 201, a monitoring control unit 203 that determines whether an item is properly taken out of the storage based on the data from the photographing device 120, and an exit control unit 204 that instructs the lock operation device 130 to lock based on the data from the photographing device 120. The functions of the identification data receiving unit 201, the entry control unit 202, the monitoring control unit 203, and the exit control unit 204 are included in the description of FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0023] With this arrangement, items can be safely and accurately received even when the storage facility is unmanned.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a shipping method according to one embodiment of the present invention. When an item is ordered, for example, an employee or other person uses the input / output device 114, the processing device 111 creates order data for ordering the item, stores the data in the storage device 112, and transmits the data to the supplier via the communication device 113. When the supplier receives the order data, for example, by an information processing device (not shown), the items for delivery are collected. When the items are collected, typically, an employee or other person uses an information processing device (not shown) to create delivery data and a delivery note. The created delivery data is transmitted to the information processing device 110 by, for example, an information processing device (not shown) of the supplier. The collected items are transported from the supplier to the supplier, for example, to the supplier's storage, as delivery items, by, for example, a delivery person. Even if all items corresponding to the order data are not collected, delivery data and a delivery note may be created, and some items corresponding to the order data may be transported to the supplier. When the goods are delivered, for example, an employee or other person uses the input / output device 114, and the processing device 111 creates receipt confirmation data for receiving the goods, stores it in the storage device 112, and transmits it to the recipient of the goods via the communication device 113. At the recipient, for example, an information processing device of the recipient (not shown) outputs a receipt confirmation corresponding to the received receipt confirmation data, and the receipt confirmation is used by the recipient of the goods to confirm the goods to be received.
[0025] Here, the order data includes order part number data for part numbers or names corresponding to the items to be ordered, order quantity data for the number of each of the items to be ordered, and order number data for an order number associated with the name of the orderer and all the items ordered at one time. Examples of the name of the orderer include a department name, a sales office name, an individual name, etc. As an example, the order number may be a combination of a number corresponding to the name of the orderer and a number corresponding to all the items ordered at one time. Furthermore, the order data includes data on the actual start date of use of the ordered items, such as the date of installation work, as remark data. For example, if the actual start date of use of the ordered items is undecided, such as as inventory, data corresponding to a predetermined date, such as January 1, 1900, may be included in the order data as remark data.
[0026] The delivery data also includes delivery item number data for item numbers and names corresponding to the items to be delivered, delivery quantity data for the number of each item to be delivered, and delivery number data for a delivery number associated with the name of the delivery destination and all of the items delivered at one time. Examples of delivery destination names include department names, sales office names, personal names, etc. As an example, the delivery number may be a combination of a number corresponding to the name of the delivery destination and a number corresponding to all of the items delivered at one time. Furthermore, the delivery data includes data associated with the above-mentioned order number data.
[0027] The receipt confirmation data also includes receipt item number data for item numbers and names corresponding to the items to be received, receipt quantity data for the number of each of the items to be received, and receipt number data for a receipt number associated with the name of the recipient and all of the items to be received at one time. Examples of recipient names include department names, office names, personal names, etc. As an example, the receipt number may be a combination of a number corresponding to the name of the recipient and a number corresponding to all of the items to be received at one time. The receipt confirmation data further includes data associated with the order number data described above.
[0028] In practice, the delivery destination and the receiving destination are often the same. Therefore, in this specification, the shipping method of the present invention will be described by regarding the delivery data and the receipt confirmation data as the same. In this specification, the delivery item number data, the delivery quantity data, and the delivery number data are respectively regarded as the same as the receiving item number data, the receiving quantity data, and the receipt number data. Furthermore, in this specification, the delivery note is regarded as the same as the receipt confirmation note.
[0029] As an example, the information contained in an acknowledgment is often included in a construction order or work order. Thus, as used herein, an acknowledgment may be a construction order or work order.
[0030] When the ordered goods are placed in the storage area and delivered, the receiver's entry process in the unloading method of the present invention is started. For example, the receiver of the delivered goods may be a person who transports the goods to the customer's destination such as a home, a person who installs the goods at the customer's destination, an employee of the ordering company, etc. The delivery data transmitted to the information processing device 110 is received by the processing device 111 via the communication device 113, stored in the storage device 112, and transmitted to the reception device 100 via the communication device 113.
[0031] In step S301, the delivery data transmitted to the reception device 100 is received by the processing device 101 (identification data receiving unit 201) via the communication device 103. The processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202) extracts delivery number data and data associated with the order number data from the received delivery data. The extracted delivery number data and data associated with the order number data are stored in the storage device 102 by the processing device 101 (identification data receiving unit 201). The extracted delivery number data is used by the processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202) as identification data for identifying the recipient. In the following description, the delivery number data and identification data based on the delivery data will be considered to be the same thing.
[0032] The recipient of the delivered item photographs the delivery note using the photographing device 105 of the reception device 100 installed near the entrance door of the storage facility. Image data related to the delivery note is created by the photographing device 105. As described above, in this specification, the delivery note is regarded as the same as the receipt confirmation, so it should be noted that the recipient of the item may photograph the receipt confirmation instead of the delivery note.
[0033] In step S302, image data relating to the created delivery note is received by the processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202). The received image data relating to the delivery note is stored in the storage device 102 by the processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202). The received image data relating to the delivery note is processed by the processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202) using, for example, OCR (optical character recognition) to extract delivery number data relating to the delivery number from the image data relating to the delivery note. The extracted delivery number data is stored in the storage device 102 by the processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202) as entry request data for the recipient to request entry to the storage facility. Hereinafter, the delivery number data based on the delivery note and the entry request data will be described as being the same thing.
[0034] In step S303, the processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202) determines whether the identification data stored in S301 matches the entrance request data extracted in step S302. If it is determined that the identification data and the entrance request data match, the process proceeds to step S304. If it is determined that the identification data and the entrance request data do not match, the entrance process of the recipient in the unloading method is terminated.
[0035] In step S304, the processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202) instructs the recipient to input information corresponding to the remark data, for example, the actual start date of use of the item to be received, via the input / output device 104. The data corresponding to the start date of use input by the recipient is received by the processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202) via the input / output device 104 and stored in the storage device 102. The processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202) instructs the processing device 111 to transmit order data corresponding to the data associated with the order number data stored in step S301. The order data transmitted by the instructed processing device 111 is received by the processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202) via the communication devices 103 and 113 and stored in the storage device 102. Remark data is extracted from the stored order data by the processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202). The extracted remark data is stored in the storage device 102 by the processing device 101 (identification data receiving unit 201). The processing device 101 (admission control unit 202) determines whether the data corresponding to the start date of use matches the remarks data. If it is determined that the data corresponding to the start date of use matches the remarks data, the recipient is admitted to the storage facility and the process proceeds to step S305. If it is determined that the data corresponding to the start date of use does not match the remarks data, the recipient is not admitted to the storage facility and the process returns to the start step of step S304.
[0036] In step S305, the processing device 101 (entrance control unit 202) transmits unlock instruction data to the lock operation device 130 via the communication device 103, instructing the lock operation device 130 to unlock the door of the storage facility. The transmitted unlock instruction data is received by the processing device 131 via the communication device 133. The processing device 131, which has received the data, instructs the locking / unlocking device 134 to unlock the door of the storage facility. The instructed locking / unlocking device 134 unlocks the door of the storage facility.
[0037] In step S306, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) transmits to the imaging device 120 via the communication device 103, image capture start instruction data that instructs the imaging device 120 to start capturing images inside the storage facility. The image capture start instruction data also includes data instructing the imaging device 120 to transmit captured video data to the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203). The transmitted image capture start instruction data is received by the processing device 121 via the communication device 123. The processing device 121 that receives the data instructs the imaging device 124 to start capturing images inside the storage facility. The instructed imaging device 124 starts capturing images inside the storage facility. The captured video data is transmitted by the processing device 121 to the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) via the communication device 123 while the data is being captured. The transmitted video data is received by the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) via the communication device 103 while the data is being transmitted. The received video data is stored in the storage device 102 by the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) while the data is being received.
[0038] The door to the storage facility is unlocked, photography of the inside of the storage facility begins, and the recipient's entry process in the unloading method is completed.
[0039] According to this embodiment, it is possible to allow the true recipient to enter the depository, and further, it is possible to grasp the work content of the recipient after entering.
[0040] According to this embodiment, since data corresponding to limited information known by the true recipient is used as remark data, the true recipient can be admitted to the storage facility without having the true recipient bring anything other than the delivery note, such as an individual number card, etc. Furthermore, the true recipient can be admitted to the storage facility without using general information that can be known by persons other than the true recipient, such as the name of the true recipient's affiliation, the affiliation's telephone number, etc.
[0041] 4 is a flowchart showing a shipping method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In S306, the inside of the storage facility is photographed, and when the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) starts storing the received video data in the storage device 102, the recipient's exit process in the shipping method is started.
[0042] In step S401, image processing is performed on the stored video data by the processing device 101 (monitoring control device 203) while the video data continues to be stored. Specifically, the location where the recipient picked up the item and the item picked up by the recipient are identified by, for example, image recognition or the like by the processing device 101 (monitoring control device 203). The identified video data is stored in the storage device 102 by the processing device 101 (monitoring control device 203) while it continues to be identified.
[0043] In step S402, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) determines whether the location where the recipient picked up the item is correct. Specifically, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) extracts data on the name of the delivery destination from the identification data stored in step S301. The processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) extracts data on signs, for example, by image recognition, while continuing the image processing of step S401. While continuing to extract the data on signs, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) identifies the location of the item where the extracted data on the name of the delivery destination and the extracted data on signs correspond. The processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) determines whether the identified location of the item matches the location where the recipient picked up the item identified in step S401. If the location of the item matches the location where the recipient picked up the item, the process proceeds to step S403. If the location where the item was placed does not match the location where the recipient picked up the item, the process returns to the start step S402.
[0044] In step S403, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) determines whether the item picked by the recipient is correct. Specifically, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) extracts delivery item number data and delivery quantity data from the image data stored in step S302, for example, by image recognition. While continuing the image processing of step S401, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) extracts data on the item number or name corresponding to the item name and data on the quantity from the items picked by the recipient identified in step S401, for example, by image recognition. While continuing to extract data on the item number or name, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) determines, for each of all delivery item number data extracted from the image data, whether the extracted delivery item number data matches the extracted data on the item number or name, and whether the extracted delivery quantity data matches the extracted data on the quantity. If the delivery part number data and the part number or name data match for all delivery part number data extracted from the image data, and the delivery quantity data and the quantity data match, the process proceeds to step S404. If there is any delivery part number data for which the delivery part number data and the part number or name data do not match, or for which the delivery quantity data and the quantity data do not match, the process returns to the start step of step S403.
[0045] In step S404, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) determines whether the recipient has exited. Specifically, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) continuously executes a process of identifying the location of the recipient from video data, for example by image recognition, and determines that the recipient has exited when the location of the recipient cannot be identified. If it is determined that the recipient has exited, the process proceeds to step S405. If it is not determined that the recipient has exited, the process returns to the start step of step S404.
[0046] In step S405, the processing device 101 (exit control unit 204) transmits locking instruction data instructing to lock the door of the storage facility to the lock operation device 130 via the communication device 103. The transmitted locking instruction data is received by the processing device 131 via the communication device 133. The processing device 131, having received the data, instructs the locking / unlocking device 134 to lock the door of the storage facility. The instructed locking / unlocking device 134 locks the door of the storage facility.
[0047] In step S406, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) transmits image capture end instruction data, which instructs the image capture inside the safekeeping facility to end, to the image capture device 120 via the communication device 103. The processing device 121 receives the data and instructs the image capture device 124 to end image capture inside the safekeeping facility. The image capture device 124 that has been instructed ends image capture inside the safekeeping facility.
[0048] The door of the storage facility is locked, photography of the interior of the storage facility is terminated, and the recipient's exit process in the unloading method is completed.
[0049] The recipient will remain inside the vault until he or she is able to retrieve the delivered items from the appropriate location, match the retrieved items with the items listed on the delivery note, and match the number of items retrieved with the number listed on the delivery note.
[0050] According to this aspect, the recipient can be allowed to leave after correctly picking up the item.
[0051] In steps S301 to S304, the delivery number data is used as the identification data and the entry request data, but in another embodiment, instead of the delivery number data, for example, the name of the trader associated with the recipient, the name of the recipient, the telephone number of the trader, the telephone number of the recipient, etc., can be used. For example, the data to be used instead of the delivery number data may be included in the delivery data.
[0052] In step S402, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) identified the location of the item to which the extracted data on the name of the delivery destination and the extracted data on the sign correspond. In an additional embodiment, the recipient can be informed of the location of the item. For example, a light may be attached to the imaging device 120, and the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) may instruct the imaging device 120 to turn on the light toward the location of the identified item. For example, a speaker may be attached to the imaging device 120, and the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) may instruct the imaging device 120 to output data on a message informing the recipient of the location of the identified item from the speaker. According to the embodiment just described, the recipient can know the location of the item when entering the storage facility.
[0053] In step S402, if the location where the object is placed does not match the location where the recipient picks up the item, in an additional embodiment, the recipient can be notified that the location where the item is taken is incorrect. For example, a light may be attached to the imaging device 120, and if the location where the object is placed does not match the location where the recipient picks up the item, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) may instruct the imaging device 120 to turn on the light. For example, a speaker may be attached to the imaging device 120, and if the location where the object is placed does not match the location where the recipient picks up the item, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) may instruct the imaging device 120 to emit a sound from the speaker. According to the embodiment just described, the recipient can immediately know that the location where the item is taken is incorrect.
[0054] In step S403, if all the items placed in the bin do not match all the items listed on the invoice, in an additional embodiment, the recipient can be informed that the items taken are incorrect. For example, a light may be attached to the imaging device 120, and if all the items placed in the bin do not match all the items listed on the invoice, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) may instruct the imaging device 120 to turn on the light. For example, a speaker may be attached to the imaging device 120, and if all the items placed in the bin do not match all the items listed on the invoice, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) may instruct the imaging device 120 to emit a sound from the speaker. According to the embodiment just described, the recipient can immediately know that the items taken do not match the invoice.
[0055] As an additional aspect, in step S404, while the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) is continuously executing the process of identifying the location of the recipient from the video data by image recognition, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) can constantly compare the current video data of the inside of the safe with the video data at the time when the inside of the safe was filmed, and detect a mismatch with respect to items other than the item taken by the recipient by image recognition. When the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) detects a mismatch with respect to items other than the item taken by the recipient, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) returns to the start step of step S404. When the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) detects a mismatch, the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) can inform the recipient that there is a mismatch with respect to items other than the item taken by the recipient, for example, by the method described above. According to the aspect just described, it is possible to prevent the recipient from losing or losing items at the safe.
[0056] As an additional aspect, in step S306, the captured video data is further transmitted by the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) to the processing device 111 via the communication device 103, and the processing device 111 can output the received video data to the input / output device 114. The processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) can transmit an email to the information processing device 110 notifying that the imaging device 120 has started capturing images. According to the aspect just described, the user of the information processing device 110 can know that the recipient has entered the storage facility to receive the item.
[0057] As an additional aspect, in step S406, the shooting end instruction data is further transmitted by the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) to the processing device 111 via the communication device 103, and the processing device 111 can cause the input / output device 114 to output data regarding the shooting end. The processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) can transmit an email to the information processing device 110 notifying that the imaging device 120 has finished shooting. According to the aspect just described, the user of the information processing device 110 can know that receipt has been completed and that the recipient has left the storage facility.
[0058] In steps S306 and S406, the imaging device 120 photographs the inside of the storage facility based on the shooting start instruction data and shooting end instruction data. In another aspect, the imaging device 120 always photographs the inside of the storage facility, and the photographed video data is always transmitted by the processing device 121 to the processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) via the communication device 123. The processing device 101 (monitoring control unit 203) can start storing the received video data in the storage device 102 instead of transmitting the shooting start instruction data to the imaging device 120, and can end storing the received video data in the storage device 102 instead of transmitting the shooting end instruction data to the imaging device 120.
[0059] In the present specification, the aspects of the present invention have been described using delivery number data as identification data. However, the identification data may be any data that can identify a delivery, such as data related to an estimate number, data related to a common number with a delivery destination, data related to an order number, or data related to an ID (identification or identifier) number.
[0060] Aspects of the present invention have been described herein using remarks data included in the order data as data relating to the actual start date of use of the ordered item. However, the remarks data may be data that is not directly related to delivery to the repository, such as data corresponding to the name, address, and telephone number of a customer, e.g., a home. Additionally, the remarks data may correspond to information previously agreed upon between the orderer of the item and the recipient of the item.
[0061] In this specification, the embodiment of the present invention has been described assuming that the processing device 101 is included in the reception device 100. However, a person skilled in the art would be able to implement the processing device of any device included in the shipping system so that it can execute the processing related to the processing device 101. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would be able to implement the processing related to the processing device 101 by appropriately distributing it to the processing devices of other devices included in the shipping system as necessary.
[0062] In this specification, the embodiment of the present invention has been described using a system that does not include a server, but a shipping system that includes a server can be configured. Below, a shipping system that further includes a server will be described. For example, a server is communicatively connected to the communication line shown in FIG. 1. For example, an information processing device (not shown) is used by a person such as an employee, and delivery data is created by the information processing device and a delivery note is created. The created delivery data is transmitted to the information processing device 110 by, for example, an information processing device of the supplier (not shown). The delivery data transmitted to the information processing device 110 is received by the processing device 111 via the communication device 113, stored in the storage device 112, and transmitted to the server via the communication device 113.
[0063] In a step corresponding to step S301, the server's CPU (Central Processing Unit) extracts the delivery number data and the data associated with the order number data from the delivery data transmitted to the server. The extracted delivery number data and the data associated with the order number data are used by the server's CPU as identification data for identifying the recipient.
[0064] In a step corresponding to step S301, the identification data is stored in the server's storage device by the server's CPU.
[0065] The recipient photographs the delivery note using the photographing device 105 of the reception device 100 installed near the entrance door of the depository. Image data relating to the delivery note is created by the photographing device 105. The created image data relating to the delivery note is transmitted to the server by the processing device 101.
[0066] In a step corresponding to step S302, image data relating to the delivery note is received by the server's CPU. The received image data relating to the delivery note is stored in the server's storage device by the server's CPU. From the received image data relating to the delivery note, delivery number data relating to the delivery number is extracted by the server's CPU. The extracted delivery number data is stored in the server's storage device by the server's CPU as entry request data for the recipient to request entry to the storage facility.
[0067] In a step corresponding to step S303, the server's CPU determines whether the identification data stored in S301 matches the entry request data extracted in step S302.
[0068] In a step corresponding to step S304, the server's CPU instructs the recipient to input the actual start date of use of the item to be received via the I / O device 104. The data corresponding to the start date of use input by the recipient is received by the server's CPU via the I / O device 104 and stored in the server's storage device. The server's CPU instructs the processing device 111 to transmit order data corresponding to the data associated with the order number data stored in step S301. The order data transmitted by the processing device 111 as instructed is received by the server's CPU and stored in the server's storage device. Remark data is extracted from the stored order data by the server's CPU. The extracted remark data is stored in the server's storage device by the server's CPU. The server's CPU determines whether the data corresponding to the start date of use matches the remark data.
[0069] In a step corresponding to step S305, the CPU of the server transmits unlocking instruction data instructing to unlock the door of the storage facility to the lock operation device 130. The processing device 131, which has received the transmitted unlocking instruction data, instructs the locking / unlocking device 134 to unlock the door of the storage facility, and the instructed locking / unlocking device 134 unlocks the door of the storage facility.
[0070] In a step corresponding to step S306, the CPU of the server transmits to the imaging device 120 imaging start instruction data instructing the imaging device 120 to start imaging inside the storage facility. The processing device 121 receives the imaging start instruction data and instructs the imaging device 124 to start imaging inside the storage facility, and the imaging device 124, upon receiving the instruction, starts imaging inside the storage facility. The captured video data is transmitted to the server by the processing device 121 via the communication device 123.
[0071] In a step corresponding to step S401, the CPU of the server performs image processing on the video data received by the server.
[0072] In a step corresponding to step S402, it is determined by the server's CPU whether the location where the recipient picked up the item is correct.
[0073] In a step corresponding to step S403, it is determined by the server's CPU whether the item picked up by the recipient is correct.
[0074] In a step corresponding to step S404, it is determined by the server's CPU whether the recipient has exited.
[0075] In a step corresponding to step S405, the CPU of the server transmits locking instruction data instructing to lock the door of the storage facility to the lock operation device 130. The processing device 131, which has received the transmitted locking instruction data, instructs the locking / unlocking device 134 to lock the door of the storage facility, and the instructed locking / unlocking device 134 locks the door of the storage facility.
[0076] In a step corresponding to step S406, the CPU of the server transmits image capture end instruction data instructing the end of image capture inside the storage facility to the imaging device 120. The processing device 121 that has received the image capture end instruction data instructs the imaging device 124 to end image capture inside the storage facility, and the imaging device 124 that has been instructed ends image capture inside the storage facility.
[0077] With this configuration, the processing load of the unloading method can be distributed. [Industrial Applicability]
[0078] The present invention may find widespread use wherever goods need to be picked up. [Explanation of symbols]
[0079] 100 Reception device 101 Processing equipment 102 Storage device 103 Communication equipment 104 I / O Devices 105 Imaging Device 106 Bus 110 Information processing device 111 Processing equipment 112 Storage device 113 Communication equipment 114 I / O Devices 115 Bus 120 Imaging device 121 Processing equipment 122 Storage device 123 Communication Equipment 124 Imaging Device 125 Bus 130 Lock operating device 131 Processing equipment 132 Storage device 133 Communication Equipment 134 Locking and unlocking device 135 Bus
Claims
1. A method for unloading from a storage facility equipped with a door having a lock opening / closing mechanism, a photographing device, and an image capturing device, the method comprising the steps of: receiving image data from the imaging device; transmitting an instruction to unlock the door based on the image data; storing video data from the imaging device; determining whether the receipt of the item is correct based on the name of the item placed in the storage facility extracted by image processing of the video data; transmitting instructions to lock the door based on determining that the receipt of the item is correct; A method for unloading comprising:
2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether the item receipt is correct includes the step of indicating that the item receipt is incorrect.
3. The step of determining whether receipt of the item is correct comprises: The location where the item was placed, which is extracted by image processing of the video data; The number of items extracted by image processing of the video data, or Both the location and the number 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of determining whether the first item is correct.
4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a server includes the processing device.
5. A loading system for a storage facility having a door, the loading system including a lock operation device, a photographing device, and an image capturing device, the lock operation device being installed on the door, the door having a lock opening / closing mechanism. a processing device receiving image data from the imaging device; The lock operation device unlocks the door based on the image data, The processing device stores video data from the imaging device, and determines whether the receipt of the item is correct based on the name of the item placed in the storage location extracted by image processing of the video data; The lock operating device locks the door based on the processor determining that the receipt of the item is correct. A shipping system characterized by:
6. 6. The shipping system according to claim 5, wherein when the receipt of the item is incorrect, the processing device notifies the user that the receipt of the item is incorrect.
7. Determining whether receipt of the item is correct includes: The location where the item was placed, which is extracted by image processing of the video data; The number of items extracted by image processing of the video data, or Both the location and the number 6. The shipping system of claim 5, further comprising determining whether the specified number is correct.
8. The shipping system according to claim 5, characterized in that a server includes the processing device.
Citation Information
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