Inventory control equipment and inventory control systems

Abstract

To provide an inventory control device and an inventory control system that can detect trouble with high accuracy.SOLUTION: An Inventory control device 10 comprises a mount table 12, a photoelectric sensor 20, a weight sensor 30, and a trouble detection part 26. The mount table 12 has a translucent part 13 which allows light to pass through. The photoelectric sensor 20 emits light to the translucent part 13 and receives light from the translucent part 13. The weight sensor 30 measures weight of an article P mounted on the mount table 12. The trouble detection part 26 detects a trouble based upon a quantity of the light that the photoelectric sensor 20 receives and the weight that the weight sensor 30 measures.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inventory management device and an inventory management system. [Background technology]

[0002] The refrigerator described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with an egg sensor and a drink sensor to function as an inventory management device. The egg sensor and the drink sensor are weight sensors that measure the weight of eggs and drinks in stock, respectively. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-113818 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, malfunctions can occur in weight sensors. Specific examples of malfunctions include a malfunction of the weight sensor itself or an item to be stocked being placed incorrectly on the weight sensor. When a malfunction occurs, the weight sensor of the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1 cannot determine whether the malfunction is due to a malfunction of the weight sensor itself or an incorrect placement of an item. In other words, the weight sensor of the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it cannot detect malfunctions with high accuracy.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an inventory management device and an inventory management system that are capable of detecting defects with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an inventory management device includes a mounting platform, a photoelectric sensor, a weight sensor, and a malfunction detection unit. The mounting platform has a light-transmitting portion. The photoelectric sensor emits light to the light-transmitting portion and receives light from the light-transmitting portion. The weight sensor measures the weight of an item placed on the mounting platform. The malfunction detection unit detects a malfunction based on the amount of light received by the photoelectric sensor and the weight measured by the weight sensor.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, an inventory management system includes an inventory management device and a server. The inventory management device includes a mounting table, a photoelectric sensor, a weight sensor, and a wireless transmitter. The mounting table has a light-transmitting portion that transmits light. The photoelectric sensor emits light to the light-transmitting portion and receives light from the light-transmitting portion. The weight sensor measures the weight of an item placed on the mounting table. The wireless transmitter transmits a signal indicating the amount of light received by the photoelectric sensor and the weight measured by the weight sensor. The server includes a malfunction detection unit. The malfunction detection unit detects a malfunction based on the amount of light received by the photoelectric sensor and the weight measured by the weight sensor in the signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the inventory management device and inventory management system of the present invention, defects can be detected with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inventory management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an inventory management system, showing inventory management devices in detail. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a matrix diagram showing detection by a defect detection unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inventory management system showing a cloud server and a communication terminal in detail. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation image of the communication terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an update of a type estimation table stored in a storage unit of a cloud server. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing processing in the inventory management device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing processing in a cloud server. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inventory management system showing in detail an inventory management device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inventory management system showing a cloud server and a communication terminal in detail. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing processing in a cloud server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description will not be repeated. In the following description, terms meaning specific positions and directions, such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," or "rear," may be used. However, these terms are used for convenience to facilitate understanding of the contents of the embodiments, and do not relate to the directions when actually implemented. [Embodiment 1]

[0011] A first embodiment of an inventory management device 10 and an inventory management system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the inventory management system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the inventory management system 1 includes an inventory management device 10, a wireless communication device 9, a cloud server 4, and a communication terminal 5.

[0013] The inventory management device 10 is installed in a location where inventory management is required. For example, the inventory management device 10 is installed in a refrigerator R or a food shelf (not shown) indoors H. The inventory management device 10 transmits a signal related to inventory to the wireless communication device 9.

[0014] The wireless communication device 9 wirelessly communicates with the cloud server 4 (an example of a server). The wireless communication device 9 may include a communication unit (not shown) installed in a location where inventory management is required (e.g., refrigerator R) and a wireless LAN router 90 indoors H. The communication unit is a gateway device or the like to which signals are transmitted from the inventory management device 10. The wireless LAN router 90 communicates with both the communication unit and the cloud server 4. In this case, the communication unit uses WiFi (registered trademark) as an example of a communication standard. Note that a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used instead of WiFi (registered trademark). WiFi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) belong to wireless LAN standards. The wireless LAN router 90 also communicates with the cloud server 4 via the Internet. The wireless LAN router 90 includes a communication module such as a LAN board.

[0015] The cloud server 4 provides cloud services and communicates with the wireless LAN router 90 and the communication terminal 5.

[0016] The communication terminal 5 is a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and is operated by a user.

[0017] Next, the inventory management device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the inventory management system 1 showing the inventory management device 10 in detail.

[0018] The inventory management device 10 includes a mounting table 12, a photoelectric sensor 20, a weight sensor 30, and a malfunction detection unit 26. An item P (e.g., a beverage container, etc.) to be stocked is placed on the mounting table 12. The mounting table 12 has a light-transmitting portion 13 that transmits light. The photoelectric sensor 20 emits light to the light-transmitting portion 13 and receives light from the light-transmitting portion 13. Specifically, the photoelectric sensor 20 has a light-emitting portion 21 that emits light to the light-transmitting portion 13 and a light-receiving portion 22 that receives light from the light-transmitting portion 13. The weight sensor 30 measures the weight of the item P placed on the mounting table 12. The malfunction detection unit 26 detects a malfunction based on the amount of light received by the light-receiving portion 22 of the photoelectric sensor 20 (hereinafter, "received light amount") and the weight measured by the weight sensor 30 (hereinafter, "measured weight"). Therefore, the inventory management device 10 can detect malfunctions with high accuracy.

[0019] Next, we will explain the structure of the inventory management device 10. The inventory management device 10 includes an upper member 11, a lower member 15, and a substrate (not shown).

[0020] The upper member 11 has a mounting base 12 and a support 14. The support 14 is connected to the underside of the mounting base 12. The support 14 is received by a weight sensor 30.

[0021] The lower member 15 has a bottom plate 16 and a battery case 17. The battery case 17 is provided above the bottom plate 16. The battery case 17 houses a battery 19. A weight sensor 30 is disposed at the upper end of the battery case 17.

[0022] The substrate is, for example, a printed circuit board, and has a photoelectric sensor 20, a microcontroller 24, and a wireless transmitter 29 mounted thereon.

[0023] The photoelectric sensor 20 is, for example, a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor, an infrared sensor, or a laser sensor. The light emitting unit 21 of the ToF sensor emits pulsed light. The light emitting unit 21 of the infrared sensor emits infrared light (light with a wavelength range of 780 nm to 100,000 nm). The light emitting unit 21 of the laser sensor emits laser light.

[0024] The microcomputer 24 has an input unit 25, a malfunction detection unit 26, a device-side counter 27, and a timer 28. The input unit 25 receives the amount of light received from the photoelectric sensor 20 and the measured weight from the weight sensor 30. The malfunction detection unit 26 receives the amount of light received and the measured weight from the input unit 25 to detect malfunctions. The device-side counter 27 performs, for example, two types of counting (a first count value i and a second count value k). The timer 28 measures time and determines whether a preset period of time (for example, 15 minutes) has elapsed. Therefore, the malfunction detection unit 26 can detect malfunctions at regular intervals using the timer 28.

[0025] Wireless transmitter 29 transmits signals indicating whether the malfunction is detected by malfunction detection unit 26 or not, the amount of received light, and the measured weight. The destination to which wireless transmitter 29 transmits the signal is wireless communication device 9 (for example, a communication unit installed in refrigerator R or a food shelf, etc.). Note that wireless transmitter 29 may transmit the signal directly to cloud server 4 without going through wireless communication device 9. Furthermore, malfunction detection unit 26 prevents wireless transmitter 29 from transmitting a signal after a predetermined time measured by timer 28 has elapsed since the malfunction was detected. Therefore, wireless transmitter 29 will not transmit a signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since the malfunction was detected.

[0026] The battery 19 supplies power to the weight sensor 30 and the circuit board (the photoelectric sensor 20, the microcomputer 24, and the wireless transmitter 29) as shown by the thick arrow in Figure 2. The transmission of signals by the wireless transmitter 29 consumes a lot of power from the battery 19.

[0027] If the signal from the wireless transmitter 29 includes a malfunction detected by the malfunction detection unit 26, it is not necessary to include the amount of received light and the measured weight (which are likely to be inaccurate).

[0028] Next, detection by the defect detection unit 26 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a matrix diagram showing detection by the defect detection unit 26.

[0029] The detection by the malfunction detection unit 26 is classified into six cases based on the amount of light received from the photoelectric sensor 20 and the measured weight from the weight sensor 30. Of the six cases, the first case N1 is a case where the photoelectric sensor 20 is in use and normal. The second case N2 is a case where the photoelectric sensor 20 is not in use and normal. The third case B1 and the fourth case B2 are cases where there is no malfunction but there is a possibility of a malfunction. The fifth case E1 is a case where the photoelectric sensor 20 is malfunctioning (hereinafter, a first-class malfunction). The sixth case E2 is a case where the weight sensor 30 is malfunctioning (hereinafter, a second-class malfunction). Note that in this embodiment, the amount of light received from the photoelectric sensor 20 refers to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 22 out of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 21. The closer the object P on the light-transmitting unit 13 is, the larger the value becomes. If a distance measuring sensor is used instead of the photoelectric sensor 20, the distance value may be output from the distance measuring sensor. In this case, the value can be treated as equivalent to the amount of light received by converting it to the reciprocal of the square of the distance. The amount of received light is unitless because it is output data from the photoelectric sensor 20. For example, when the photoelectric sensor 20 and the article P are closest to each other, the amount of received light is 4095. When the light receiving section 22 of the photoelectric sensor 20 does not receive light, the amount of received light is 0.

[0030] The predetermined light amount is, for example, in the range of 50 or more and 500 or less. Therefore, when the light amount is less than the predetermined light amount, the received light amount is 50 or less. When the light amount exceeds the predetermined light amount, the received light amount is more than 500. On the other hand, the predetermined weight is, for example, 0. Therefore, when the light amount is less than the predetermined weight, the measured weight is 0 (a state where there is no weight). When the light amount exceeds the predetermined weight, the measured weight is more than 0 (a state where there is weight).

[0031] The first case N1 is when the amount of received light exceeds a predetermined amount of light and the measured weight exceeds a predetermined weight. Therefore, the first case N1 is when the photoelectric sensor 20 detects the item P on the platform 12 and the weight of the item P on the platform 12 is measured by the weight sensor 30. In other words, both the photoelectric sensor 20 and the weight sensor 30 respond as if the item P is placed on the platform 12. In other words, the first case N1 is when the system is normal and in use.

[0032] The second case N2 is a case where the amount of received light is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of light and the measured weight is equal to or less than a predetermined weight. Therefore, the second case N2 is a case where the photoelectric sensor 20 does not detect the item P on the platform 12 and the weight sensor 30 does not measure the weight of the item P on the platform 12. In other words, both the photoelectric sensor 20 and the weight sensor 30 react as if the item P is not placed on the platform 12. In other words, the second case N2 is a normal and unused case.

[0033] The third case B1 is a case where the amount of received light is within a predetermined range and the measured weight exceeds a predetermined weight. Therefore, the third case B1 is a case where the item P on the platform 12 is weakly detected by the photoelectric sensor 20 and the weight of the item P on the platform 12 is measured by the weight sensor 30. That is, the photoelectric sensor 20 responds when an item P with low reflectivity is placed on the platform 12. On the other hand, the weight sensor 30 responds when an item P is placed on the platform 12. In other words, the third case B1 is a case where a heavy item P with low reflectivity (e.g., a transparent container filled with water) is placed on the platform 12.

[0034] The fourth case B2 is a case where the amount of received light is within a predetermined range and the measured weight is equal to or less than a predetermined weight. Therefore, the fourth case B2 is a case where the photoelectric sensor 20 weakly detects the item P on the platform 12 and the weight of the item P on the platform 12 is not measured by the weight sensor 30. That is, the photoelectric sensor 20 responds when an item P with low reflectivity is placed on the platform 12. On the other hand, the weight sensor 30 responds when no item P is placed on the platform 12. In other words, the fourth case B2 is a case where an item P with low reflectivity and almost no weight (e.g., an ultra-lightweight transparent case made of plastic or the like) is placed on the platform 12. Additionally, the fourth case B2 is a case where the item P is not placed on the platform 12 and the photoelectric sensor 20 detects an object above the platform 12 (such as a shelf in the refrigerator R).

[0035] The fifth case E1 is a case where the amount of received light is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of light and the measured weight exceeds a predetermined weight. Therefore, the fifth case E1 is a case where the photoelectric sensor 20 does not detect the item P on the platform 12 and the weight of the item P on the platform 12 is measured by the weight sensor 30. That is, the photoelectric sensor 20 responds as if the item P is not placed on the platform 12. On the other hand, the weight sensor 30 responds as if the item P is placed on the platform 12. In other words, the fifth case E1 is a case where the photoelectric sensor 20 has a malfunction (failure). Additionally, the fifth case E1 is a case where some object (for example, another item protruding from another inventory management device) is placed on the upper surface of the platform 12 other than the light-transmitting portion 13.

[0036] The sixth case E2 is a case where the amount of received light exceeds a predetermined amount of light and the measured weight is equal to or less than a predetermined weight. Therefore, the sixth case E2 is a case where the photoelectric sensor 20 detects the item P on the platform 12, but the weight of the item P on the platform 12 is not measured by the weight sensor 30. That is, the photoelectric sensor 20 responds when the item P is placed on the platform 12. On the other hand, the weight sensor 30 responds when the item P is not placed on the platform 12. In other words, the sixth case E2 is a case where the weight sensor 30 has a malfunction (failure). Additionally, the sixth case E2 is a case where the light-transmitting portion 13 of the platform 12 is dirty or where an object with almost no weight (such as an ultralight object such as paper) is placed on the light-transmitting portion 13.

[0037] Therefore, the malfunction detection unit 26 detects a malfunction in the fifth case E1 and the sixth case. As a result, the inventory management device 10 can detect a malfunction with high accuracy.

[0038] Next, the cloud server 4 and the communication terminal 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inventory management system 1 showing the cloud server 4 and the communication terminal 5 in detail.

[0039] First, a description will be given of the cloud server 4. The cloud server 4 includes a server-side communication unit 49, a control unit 44, and a storage unit 43.

[0040] The server-side communication unit 49 communicates with the wireless communication device 9 and the communication terminal 5. A signal is sent from the inventory management device 10 to the server-side communication unit 49 via the wireless communication device 9. The signal from the inventory management device 10 includes information on whether the device is malfunctioning or normal, the amount of light received, and the measured weight.

[0041] The control unit 44 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 44 has a server-side counter 47, a notification instruction unit 41, and a type estimation unit 42. The server-side counter 47 counts, for example, one type (count value j). The notification instruction unit 41 instructs the communication terminal 5 to notify the user. The type estimation unit 42 estimates the type of the item P placed on the platform 12 based on information stored in the memory unit 43. The notification instruction unit 41 can notify the user of a malfunction when the server-side counter 47 transmits a signal containing a malfunction from the wireless transmitter 29 a predetermined number of times. The predetermined number of times is preset in the server-side counter 47. The predetermined number of times is, for example, four times (count value j>3). Therefore, even if a malfunction is detected, the user is not immediately notified. As a result, the user is not notified of a detected malfunction that will be quickly resolved, allowing for highly accurate malfunction detection. The predetermined number of times may be one, in which case the notification instruction unit 41 may notify the user of the defect when the wireless transmitter 29 transmits a signal containing the defect once.

[0042] The memory unit 43 includes a main memory device (e.g., a semiconductor memory) such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and may further include an auxiliary memory device (e.g., a hard disk drive). The memory unit 43 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 44. The memory unit 43 stores a type estimation table referenced by the type estimation unit 42. The type estimation table includes the types of multiple items P and the amount of light that the photoelectric sensor 20 is expected to receive for each type of item P. Therefore, the type estimation unit 42 of the control unit 44 can estimate the type of item P placed on the placement table 12 by referring to the type estimation table in the memory unit 43. The type estimation table is updated by operating the communication terminal 5.

[0043] Next, a description will be given of the communication terminal 5. The communication terminal 5 includes a terminal-side communication unit 59, a notification unit 51, a display unit 52, and an operation unit 53.

[0044] The terminal-side communication unit 59 communicates with the server-side communication unit 49. When the notification unit 51 receives an instruction from the notification instruction unit 41, it notifies the user by a notification means. The notification means is, for example, at least one of sound, image, and vibration. The display unit 52 is a part (display) that displays images. The operation unit 53 is a part that is operated by the user. When the display unit 52 notifies the user by an image, it also constitutes the notification unit 51. When the display unit 52 displays an operation image, it also constitutes the operation unit 53.

[0045] Next, updating of the type estimation table will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an operation image of the communication terminal 5. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing updating of the type estimation table stored in the storage unit 43 of the cloud server 4.

[0046] The operation image shown in Fig. 5 is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 52. The operation image has a type input box 56, a location input box 57, and an OK button 58. The type input box 56 is a box for inputting the type of item P placed on the mounting table 12. The location input box 57 is a box for inputting the location where the inventory management device 10 is installed. The OK button 58 is a button for confirming the information entered in the type input box 56 and the location input box 57.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 5, "mixed juice" is entered in the type input box 56 as the type of item P placed on the placement table 12. "Refrigerator" is entered in the location input box 57 as the location where the inventory management device 10 is installed. By tapping the enter button 58, the information entered in the type input box 56 and the location input box 57 is entered. By entering the enter button 58, the information entered in the type input box 56 and the location input box 57 is reflected in the type estimation table. In other words, the type estimation table is updated.

[0048] The type estimation table before the update is shown on the left side of Fig. 6. Meanwhile, the type estimation table after the update is shown on the right side of Fig. 6. The type estimation table before and after the update both includes the type of item P in the left column and the amount of received light corresponding to the type of item P in the right column.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the type estimation table after update (right side of FIG. 6) has row 45 added to the type estimation table before update (left side of FIG. 6). Specifically, the types of item P in the type estimation table before update (left side of FIG. 6) are "can", "tea", "water", and "none". The amount of received light corresponding to "can" is 4095. The amount of received light corresponding to "tea" is 1000. The amount of received light corresponding to "water" is 500. The amount of received light corresponding to "none" is 50. The amount of received light is mainly the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting unit 21 that is reflected by the item P and received by the light-receiving unit 22. Therefore, an item P that easily reflects light, such as a "can", has a high amount of received light. An item P that is difficult to reflect by transmitting light, such as "water", has a low amount of received light. If there is no item P, such as "none", the amount of received light is even lower.

[0050] 5 is performed, the type estimation table before the update (left side of FIG. 6) becomes the type estimation table after the update (right side of FIG. 6) as a result of the addition of row 45. The type of item P in the added row 45 is "mixed juice," which was entered in the type input box 56. When the input in the type input box 56 is confirmed, the amount of light received from the photoelectric sensor 20 (800 in the example shown in FIG. 6) is reflected in the right column (amount of light received) of row 45.

[0051] 7 and 8, the processing in the inventory management device 10 and the cloud server 4 will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing in the inventory management device 10. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing in the cloud server 4.

[0052] First, the processing of the inventory management device 10 will be described.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, in step S1, the device-side counter 27 sets the first count value i and the second count value k to 0, and then the process proceeds to step S2.

[0054] In step S2, the malfunction detection unit 26 determines whether the amount of received light exceeds a predetermined amount. If it is determined that the amount of received light exceeds the predetermined amount (Yes in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3. If it is determined that the amount of received light is equal to or less than the predetermined amount (No in step S2), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0055] In step S3, the malfunction detection unit 26 determines whether the measured weight is equal to or less than a predetermined weight. If it is determined that the measured weight is equal to or less than the predetermined weight (Yes in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4. If it is determined that the measured weight is greater than the predetermined weight (No in step S3), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0056] In step S4, the device counter 27 adds 1 to the first count value i, and then the process proceeds to step S5.

[0057] In step S5, the fault detection unit 26 determines whether the first count value i exceeds 3. If it is determined that the first count value i exceeds 3 (Yes in step S5), the process proceeds to step S8. If it is determined that the first count value i is 3 or less (No in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0058] In step S6, the wireless transmitter 29 transmits a beacon signal (an example of a signal). The beacon signal includes information about the malfunction, the amount of received light, and the measured weight. Step S6 is a case where the amount of received light exceeds a predetermined amount and the measured weight is equal to or less than a predetermined weight, which is a case of a second type malfunction (sixth case E2 in FIG. 3). Then, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0059] In step S7, after a certain period of time measured by the timer 28, the process returns to step S2.

[0060] Then, after steps S2 to S7 are executed again, the first count value i is incremented by 1 in step S4. When the first count value i exceeds 3 (Yes in step S5), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0061] In step S8, the device counter 27 adds 1 to the second count value k, and then the process proceeds to step S9.

[0062] In step S9, the fault detection unit 26 determines whether the second count value k is equal to or greater than 2. If it is determined that the second count value k is equal to or greater than 2 (Yes in step S9), the process proceeds to step S10. If it is determined that the second count value k is less than 2 (No in step S9), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0063] In step S10, the wireless transmitter 29 stops transmitting the beacon signal. In this case, step S7 has already been performed four times since step S6 was performed for the first time. In other words, four times the fixed time has elapsed since the wireless transmitter 29 transmitted the beacon signal containing the second type of defect, and the beacon signal is no longer transmitted. In the example shown in FIG. 7, four times the fixed time is the aforementioned predetermined time.

[0064] Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S2 that the amount of received light is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of light (No in step S2), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0065] In step S11, the device counter 27 sets the first count value i and the second count value k to 0, and then the process proceeds to step S12.

[0066] In step S12, the malfunction detection unit 26 determines whether the measured weight is equal to or less than a predetermined weight. If it is determined that the measured weight is equal to or less than the predetermined weight (Yes in step S12), the process proceeds to step S13. If it is determined that the measured weight is greater than the predetermined weight (No in step S12), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0067] In step S13, wireless transmitter 29 does not transmit a beacon signal. Step S13 is a case where the amount of received light is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of light and the measured weight is equal to or less than a predetermined weight, which is a normal and unused case (second case N2 in FIG. 3). Then, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0068] In step S14, the wireless transmitter 29 transmits a beacon signal. The beacon signal includes information about the malfunction, the amount of received light, and the measured weight. Step S14 is a case where the amount of received light is equal to or less than a predetermined amount and the measured weight is greater than a predetermined weight, which is a case of a first type malfunction (the fifth case E1 in FIG. 3). Then, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0069] Meanwhile, in step S3, if it is determined that the measured weight exceeds the predetermined weight (No in step S3), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0070] In step S15, the device counter 27 sets the first count value i and the second count value k to 0, and then the process proceeds to step S16.

[0071] In step S16, wireless transmitter 29 transmits a beacon signal. The beacon signal includes information about normality, the amount of received light, and the measured weight. Step S16 is a case where the amount of received light exceeds a predetermined amount and the measured weight exceeds a predetermined weight, which is a case where the device is in normal use (first case N1 in FIG. 3). Then, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0072] Next, the processing of the cloud server 4 will be described. The processing in the cloud server 4 includes cloud services provided by the cloud server 4. The cloud services are management of items P, which are inventory in the refrigerator R, performed in cooperation with the inventory management device 10 and the communication terminal 5. For example, the cloud server 4 estimates the type of item corresponding to the amount of received light included in the beacon signal received from the inventory management device 10 by referring to a type estimation table or the like. In addition, the cloud server 4 notifies the communication terminal 5 of what type of item P has been placed in the refrigerator R, when it was placed therein, how much is left based on the measured weight, etc.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8, in step S20, the server-side counter 47 sets the count value j to 0, and then the process proceeds to step S21.

[0074] In step S21, it is determined whether or not the beacon signal from the inventory management device 10 contains a first-class malfunction. If it is determined that the beacon signal contains a first-class malfunction (Yes in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22. If it is determined that the beacon signal does not contain a first-class malfunction (No in step S21), the process proceeds to step S23.

[0075] In step S22, the notification instruction unit 41 issues a notification instruction of the malfunction (first type malfunction) to the communication terminal 5. Specifically, the notification instruction is an instruction to notify the user that there is a malfunction (fault) in the photoelectric sensor 20, or that some object (for example, another item protruding from another inventory management device) has been placed thereon, etc.

[0076] In step S23, it is determined whether or not the beacon signal from the inventory management device 10 contains a second-type malfunction. If it is determined that the beacon signal contains a second-type malfunction (Yes in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24. If it is determined that the beacon signal does not contain a second-type malfunction (No in step S23), the process proceeds to step S27.

[0077] In step S24, the server-side counter 47 adds 1 to the count value j, and then the process proceeds to step S25.

[0078] In step S25, it is determined whether or not the count value j exceeds 3. If it is determined that the count value j exceeds 3 (Yes in step S25), the process proceeds to step S26. If it is determined that the count value j is 3 or less (No in step S25), the process returns to step S21.

[0079] In step S26, the notification instruction unit 41 issues a notification instruction of the malfunction (type 2 malfunction) to the communication terminal 5. Specifically, the notification instruction is an instruction to notify the user that there is a malfunction (breakdown) in the weight sensor 30, that the light-transmitting portion 13 of the mounting base 12 is dirty, or that an object with almost no weight (such as an ultralight object such as paper) has been placed on the light-transmitting portion 13.

[0080] In step S27, it is determined whether or not the beacon signal includes a normal state. If it is determined that the beacon signal includes a normal state (Yes in step S27), the process proceeds to step S28. If it is determined that the beacon signal does not include a normal state (No in step S27), the process returns to step S20.

[0081] In step S28, the type estimation unit 42 refers to the type estimation table stored in the memory unit 43. Then, in step S29, the type estimation unit 42 estimates the type of the item P placed on the placement table 12 based on the type estimation table.

[0082] By providing inventory management device 10 with wireless transmitter 29, it is possible to notify a user at a remote location of a malfunction detected by malfunction detection unit 26. Furthermore, wireless transmitter 29 does not transmit a signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since the malfunction was detected, thereby reducing power consumption. [Embodiment 2]

[0083] Next, a second embodiment of the inventory management device 10 and the inventory management system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the cloud server 4, rather than the inventory management device 10, detects a malfunction. Figure 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inventory management system 1 showing the inventory management device 10 according to the second embodiment in detail. Figure 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inventory management system 1 showing the cloud server 4 and the communication terminal 5 in detail.

[0084] 9, the inventory management device 10 does not have a configuration for detecting malfunctions. The inventory management device 10 transmits signals indicating the amount of light received from the photoelectric sensor 20 and the measured weight from the weight sensor 30 via a wireless transmitter 29.

[0085] 10, the cloud server 4 has a configuration for detecting a malfunction. Specifically, the control unit 44 of the cloud server 4 further has a malfunction detection unit 46 and a timer 48. The malfunction detection unit 46 detects a malfunction based on the amount of received light and the measured weight in the signal from the inventory management device 10. The timer 48 measures time and determines whether a preset period of time (e.g., 15 minutes) has elapsed.

[0086] Therefore, in the inventory management system 1, the cloud server 4 detects malfunctions, not the inventory management device 10, and therefore the inventory management device 10 can have a simple configuration.

[0087] Here, the processing in the cloud server 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing in the cloud server 4.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 11, in step 30, the server-side counter 47 sets the count value j to 0, and then the process proceeds to step 31.

[0089] In step S31, the malfunction detection unit 46 determines whether the amount of received light included in the beacon signal from the inventory management device 10 exceeds a predetermined amount of light. If it is determined that the amount of received light exceeds the predetermined amount of light (Yes in step S31), the process proceeds to step S32. If it is determined that the amount of received light is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of light (No in step S31), the process proceeds to step S37.

[0090] In step S32, the malfunction detection unit 46 determines whether the measured weight included in the beacon signal from the inventory management device 10 is equal to or less than a predetermined weight. If it is determined that the measured weight is equal to or less than the predetermined weight (Yes in step S32), the process proceeds to step S33. If it is determined that the measured weight is greater than the predetermined weight (No in step S32), the process proceeds to step S39.

[0091] In step S33, the server-side counter 47 adds 1 to the count value j, and then the process proceeds to step S34.

[0092] In step S34, the failure detection unit 46 determines whether the count value j exceeds 3. If it is determined that the count value j exceeds 3 (Yes in step S34), the process proceeds to step S36. If it is determined that the count value j is 3 or less (No in step S34), the process proceeds to step S35.

[0093] In step S35, after a certain period of time measured by the timer 48 has elapsed, the process returns to step S31.

[0094] Then, after steps S31 to S35 are executed again, count value j is incremented by 1 in step S33. When count value j exceeds 3 (Yes in step S34), the process proceeds to step S36.

[0095] In step S36, the notification instruction unit 41 instructs the communication terminal 5 to notify the malfunction (second type malfunction).

[0096] Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S31 that the amount of received light is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of light (No in step S31), the process proceeds to step S37.

[0097] In step S37, the malfunction detection unit 46 determines whether the measured weight included in the beacon signal from the inventory management device 10 is equal to or less than a predetermined weight. If it is determined that the measured weight is equal to or less than the predetermined weight (Yes in step S37), the process returns to step S30. If it is determined that the measured weight is greater than the predetermined weight (No in step S37), the process proceeds to step S38.

[0098] In step S38, the notification instruction unit 41 instructs the communication terminal 5 to notify the malfunction (first type malfunction).

[0099] Meanwhile, in step S32, if it is determined that the measured weight exceeds the predetermined weight (No in step S32), the process proceeds to step S39.

[0100] In step S39, the type estimation unit 42 refers to the type estimation table stored in the memory unit 43. Then, in step S40, the type estimation unit 42 estimates the type of the item P placed on the placement table 12 based on the type estimation table.

[0101] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention.

[0102] (1) In the first embodiment, it has been described that the inventory management device 10 detects a malfunction. In the second embodiment, it has been described that the cloud server 4 detects a malfunction. However, the communication terminal 5 may detect a malfunction. In this case, a signal from the wireless transmitter 29 is transmitted to the terminal-side communication unit 59. The communication terminal 5 further includes a malfunction detection unit, a counter, and a timer. The malfunction detection unit, counter, and timer in the communication terminal 5 have the same functions as the malfunction detection unit 46, server-side counter 47, and timer 48 in the cloud server 4 of the second embodiment.

[0103] (2) In the second embodiment, the cloud server 4 is described as estimating the type of the item P. However, the communication terminal 5 may estimate the type of the item P. In this case, the signal from the wireless transmitter 29 is transmitted to the terminal-side communication unit 59. The communication terminal 5 further includes a type estimation unit and a memory unit. The type estimation unit and the memory unit in the communication terminal 5 have the same functions as the type estimation unit 42 and the memory unit 43 in the cloud server 4 of the second embodiment.

[0104] (3) In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the wireless transmitter 29 is configured to stop transmitting a beacon signal (step S10) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the wireless transmitter 29 transmitted a beacon signal including a type 2 malfunction (step S6). Similarly, the wireless transmitter 29 may be configured to stop transmitting a beacon signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since the wireless transmitter 29 transmitted a beacon signal including a type 1 malfunction (step S14). [Industrial Applicability]

[0105] The present invention provides an inventory management device and an inventory management system, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] H Indoor P Goods R Refrigerator 1. Inventory management system 4. Cloud Server 5. Communication terminals 9. Wireless communication devices 10 Inventory control equipment 11 Upper member 12 Mounting table 13 Translucent part 14 Posts 15 Lower part 16 Bottom plate 17 Battery case 19 Batteries 20 Photoelectric Sensor 21 Light-emitting part 22 Light receiving section 24 Microcomputer 25 Input section 26 Fault detection section 27 Equipment side counter 28 Timer 29 Radio transmitter 30 Weight Sensor 41 Notification instruction section 42 Species Estimation Section 43 Storage section 44 Control Unit 46 Fault detection section 47 Server-side counter 48 Timer 49 Server-side communication unit 51 Notification Department 52 Display section 53 Operation section 56 types of input boxes 57 Location input box 58 Decision button 59 Terminal communication unit 90 Wireless LAN Router

Claims

1. a mounting table having a light-transmitting portion that transmits light; a photoelectric sensor that emits light to the light-transmitting portion and receives light from the light-transmitting portion; a weight sensor that measures the weight of an item placed on the platform; a malfunction detection unit that detects a malfunction based on the amount of light received by the photoelectric sensor and the weight measured by the weight sensor, The defect detection unit detects the defect when the amount of light received by the photoelectric sensor is less than a predetermined amount of light and the weight measured by the weight sensor exceeds a predetermined weight.

2. A mounting table having a light-transmitting portion that transmits light; a photoelectric sensor that emits light to the light-transmitting portion and receives light from the light-transmitting portion; a weight sensor that measures the weight of an item placed on the platform; a malfunction detection unit that detects a malfunction based on the amount of light received by the photoelectric sensor and the weight measured by the weight sensor, The defect detection unit detects the defect when the amount of light received by the photoelectric sensor exceeds a predetermined amount of light and the weight measured by the weight sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined weight.

3. A mounting base having a light-transmitting portion that transmits light; a photoelectric sensor that emits light to the light-transmitting portion and receives light from the light-transmitting portion; a weight sensor that measures the weight of an item placed on the platform; a malfunction detection unit that detects a malfunction based on the amount of light received by the photoelectric sensor and the weight measured by the weight sensor, The inventory management device further comprises a wireless transmitter that transmits a signal of a malfunction detected by the malfunction detection unit.

4. The inventory control device according to claim 3 , wherein the wireless transmitter does not transmit the signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since transmitting the signal.

5. An inventory management system comprising the inventory management device according to claim 3 or 4 and a server, the malfunction detection unit detects malfunctions at regular intervals, The server notifies a user of a malfunction when the signal is transmitted from the wireless transmitter a predetermined number of times.

6. An inventory management system including an inventory management device and a server, The inventory management device includes: a mounting table having a light-transmitting portion that transmits light; a photoelectric sensor that emits light to the light-transmitting portion and receives light from the light-transmitting portion; a weight sensor that measures the weight of an item placed on the platform; a wireless transmitter that transmits signals indicating the amount of light received by the photoelectric sensor and the weight measured by the weight sensor; Equipped with The server is an inventory management system having a malfunction detection unit that detects malfunctions based on the amount of light received by the photoelectric sensor in the signal and the weight measured by the weight sensor.

7. The server a storage unit that stores information about the amount of light that is expected to be received by the photoelectric sensor for each type of article placed on the placement table; a type estimation unit that estimates the type of the article placed on the table based on the amount of light received by the photoelectric sensor and the information stored in the memory unit; The inventory management system according to claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising:

Images