Box management device, locker device, and product provision system

Abstract

To manage a box for delivering a product so that a product to be delivered is not adversely affected by a product which is previously placed therein.SOLUTION: Provided is a box management device for selecting an empty box for delivering a product selected by an operator of an external device from a plurality of boxes held by a locker device to a customer who is the operator, comprising a selection control unit for, when a box changes its state with products to a state without products and becomes an empty box, restricting to select the empty box until a predetermined time elapses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a product provision technology in a store. [Background technology]

[0002] Among the product provision technologies, there is a technology for delivering products to customers via a locker device, such as the non-face-to-face product delivery system disclosed in Patent Document 1. Specifically, the locker device has a plurality of storage boxes that can be locked and unlocked individually, and the store staff stores the picked product (rental product) in any available storage box. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-175358 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the technology of Patent Document 1 is applied to a system that handles multiple types of products each with different properties, the inside of the storage box (hereinafter referred to as the "box") may become affected by products that were previously placed therein. As a result, there was a problem in that the product being handed over to the customer could be adversely affected by the products that had been placed there previously while stored in the box. For example, a box that previously contained a hot product may be affected by the product and become warmer than the temperature of the box at room temperature. If a product that is colder than room temperature is then stored in this state, the temperature of the product, which should be served cold, may rise.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a box management device, a locker device, and a product provision system that manages boxes for delivering products so that the products to be delivered are not adversely affected by products that were previously placed there. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The box management device according to the present disclosure is a box management device that selects an empty box from among a plurality of boxes in a locker device for delivering a product selected by an operator of an external device to a customer who is the operator, and when a state in a box changes from one in which there is a product to one in which there is no product and the box becomes an empty box, From the time , To avoid negative impacts from previously placed products A selection control section is provided for restricting the selection of the empty box until a predetermined time has elapsed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to effectively manage boxes for delivering products so that the product to be delivered is not adversely affected by products that were previously placed there. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a product provision system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a product delivery device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a box management unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a storage unit according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a commodity detection unit according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a notification control unit according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a box designation unit according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the entire product providing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a first processing example of a box management unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a second processing example of the box management unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a box management unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing a first processing example of a box management unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of processing by the box management unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a hardware configuration for realizing functions according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a hardware configuration for realizing functions according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In order to explain the present disclosure in more detail, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiment 1 In the first embodiment, an example of the basic configuration and specific configuration of a product provision system, a locker device equipped with a product delivery device, and a box management device according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a product provision system 1 according to the present disclosure. The product supply system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a display device 100, a product management device 200, a product storage device 300, and a product delivery device 400. The display device 100 displays products so that the operator can select them and accepts operations for selecting and deselecting them. The display device 100 also displays products so that the operator can proceed with the purchase of the selected product and accepts operations for the purchase. The display device 100 is, for example, a display device with a touch panel, and is a large display device having an operation area large enough for an adult of average height to operate with his or her hand. The product management device 200 is a device that manages the procedures for purchasing products. The product storage device 300 is a device for storing actual products, and is installed on a product storage shelf. The product delivery device 400 is installed in a locker device for delivering products to customers. The product provision system 1 in the present disclosure is intended to be used, for example, in a store, where product storage shelves are installed in the back-of-house area of ​​the store and a display device 100 is installed in the customer area of ​​the store, and when a customer operator selects a product displayed on the display device 100, a store clerk takes out the product stored on the product storage shelves and provides the product to the customer via a locker device equipped with a product delivery device 400. The locker device includes a plurality of boxes for storing items. Each box in the plurality of boxes has a first door and a second door on opposite sides thereof. The locker device is installed at the boundary between the back area and the customer area of ​​the store, and is installed, for example, so that the side of the box with the first door faces the back area and the side with the second door faces the customer area. In this case, when the locker device is installed in a store, at least the second door is configured to be lockable, and is configured to be unlocked when a customer is ready to receive the product.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a product delivery device 400 according to the present disclosure. The product delivery device 400 shown in FIG. 2 includes a box management unit 410, a storage unit 430, a product detection unit 440, a notification control unit 450, and a box instruction unit 460. The box management unit 410 is a box management device that manages a plurality of boxes that the locker device has. The box management unit 410 selects an empty box from among the multiple boxes in the locker device for delivering the product selected by the operator of the external device to the customer who is the operator. The storage unit 430 stores data used by the box management device for processing. The storage unit 430 stores data in the form of a database that associates multiple types of data, for example.

[0012] The product detection unit 440 detects the products in each of the boxes and outputs stored product information. The product detection unit 440 may be configured integrally with the box management unit 410 as an internal component of the box management unit 410, for example.

[0013] The notification control unit 450 acquires customer identification information and product category information, and uses the customer identification information and product category information to determine a different instruction form for each customer and product category, and instructs the instruction device provided in the selected box to notify using the determined instruction form. The notification control unit 450 may be configured integrally with the box management unit 410 as an internal component of the box management unit 410, for example.

[0014] The box indicator 460 is an indicator that indicates an empty box selected by the box management unit. The box indicator 460 is an indicator that outputs light using, for example, an LED, and is an indicator that can change the color of the light.

[0015] The configuration of the box management unit 410 will be explained by showing a specific example. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the box management unit 410 according to the first embodiment. The box management unit 410 shown in FIG. 3 includes a communication unit 411, a selection control unit 412, and a database update unit 413. The communication unit 411 is a component that allows the box management unit 410 to transmit data to and from components other than the box management unit 410 or external devices. When a box changes from having a product in it to having no product in it and becomes an empty box, the selection control unit 412 restricts the selection of the empty box until a predetermined time has elapsed. If the storage unit 430 stores a database and if the database needs to be updated, the database update unit 413 acquires the data required for the update and updates the database.

[0016] The data stored in storage unit 430 will be described using a specific example. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the storage unit 430 according to the present disclosure. The storage unit 430 shown in FIG. 4 includes a box management database 431, a product category database 432, a time limit database 433, a delivery product database 434, and a customer database 435.

[0017] The box management database 431 is a database for managing boxes, and more specifically, associates box identification information, box coordinate information, product availability information, restriction availability information, product category information, and customer identification information. The box identification information is identification information that identifies each of the multiple boxes in the locker device. The box coordinate information is position information that indicates the position of each of the multiple boxes in the locker device. The product presence / absence information is information indicating whether or not a product is present in each of the multiple boxes. The restriction information indicates whether the use of each box is restricted. The restriction information restricts the next selection from the time when a product is removed from the box and the box becomes an empty box until a predetermined time has elapsed. The product category information is information indicating the product category, and in particular, information indicating the product category selected by the customer. The customer identification information is information for identifying a customer, and in particular, information for identifying a customer who has selected a product.

[0018] The product category database 432 is a database for determining the product category for each product. The product category database 432 associates product category information with product identification information, weight, and size. The product category information is information indicating the category of the product. The product identification information is information that identifies a product.

[0019] The time limit database 433 is a database that determines the time limit for selection of an empty box when the box changes from having a product in it to having no product in it and becomes an empty box. The time limit database 433 associates product category information with time information. The product category information is information indicating the category of the product. The time information indicates the time period during which selection is restricted from the time when the box becomes empty for each category.

[0020] The delivered product database 434 is a database that manages information about products to be delivered to customers. The delivery product database 434 associates customer identification information, product identification information, and quantity.

[0021] The customer database 435 is a database for determining the location of boxes for storing products according to the physical functions of customers. The customer database 435 associates customer identification information with height, age, and physical function information.

[0022] In the present disclosure, depending on the embodiment, the storage unit 430 does not necessarily have to include all of the above-mentioned databases, and may be a storage unit 430 that stores data to be used as appropriate.

[0023] The configuration of the commodity detection unit 440 will be described by showing a specific example. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the commodity detection unit 440 according to the present disclosure. The commodity detection unit 440 shown in FIG. 5 includes a sensor 441, a determination unit 442, and an output unit 443. The sensor 441 is a sensor capable of detecting the product stored in the box, and is, for example, an imaging device. The determination unit 442 determines the products and quantities stored in the box by analyzing the signal from the sensor 441. The determination unit 442, for example, performs image analysis processing to determine the products and quantities from the image data. The output unit 443 outputs a signal based on the determination result by the determination unit 442. The output unit 443 outputs, for example, stored product information indicating the products stored in the box.

[0024] The configuration of notification control unit 450 will be described with reference to a specific example. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the notification control unit 450 according to the present disclosure. The notification control unit 450 shown in FIG. 6 includes an instruction form determination unit 451 and an instruction command unit 452. The instruction form determination unit 451 determines an instruction form to be given by the box instruction unit 460. The instruction form determination unit 451 acquires customer identification information and product category information, and determines an instruction form that differs for each customer and product category using the customer identification information and the product category information. The instruction command unit 452 commands the box instruction unit 460 to give an instruction in the instruction form determined by the instruction form determination unit 451 .

[0025] The configuration of the box designation unit 460 will be described below by showing a specific example. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the box designation unit 460 according to the present disclosure. The box indication unit 460 shown in FIG. The display unit 461 is an indicator that outputs light using, for example, an LED, and is an indicator that can change the color of the light. The audio output unit 462 is a device that outputs audio, such as a speaker. Display unit 461 or audio output unit 462 outputs according to a command from notification control unit 450 .

[0026] The overall processing of the product providing system 1 will be explained using a specific example. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall processing of the product provision system 1 according to the present disclosure. Based on a command from a control unit (not shown) in the product provision system 1, the display device 100 in the product provision system 1 performs product display processing (step ST1). As a result, the display device 100 displays the products in a selectable manner.

[0027] Next, the control unit of the product provision system 1 determines whether or not a product has been selected or deselected via the display device 100 (step ST2).

[0028] If no product is selected or deselected ("NO" in step ST2), the process of step ST1 is repeated.

[0029] When a product is selected or deselected (step ST2 "YES"), the product storage device 300 executes a storage location notification process (step ST3). In response, the product storage device 300 instructs a store worker on the storage location of the product selected by the customer.

[0030] Next, the product delivery device 400 executes a storage instruction process (step ST4). In response to this, the product delivery device 400 indicates the box in which the store worker should store the collected product.

[0031] Next, the control unit of the product supply system 1 checks whether the storage is completed (step ST5). Also, it is confirmed whether the purchase procedure has been completed (step ST6).

[0032] If the purchase procedure is completed (step ST6 "YES"), a notification process is executed for the customer (step ST7).

[0033] If the customer's identity is confirmed, the box is unlocked (step ST8). Next, it is confirmed whether the customer has finished receiving the product (step ST9). Then, the process ends (END). When the series of processes is completed, the process starts again from step ST1.

[0034] The processing of the box management unit 410 will be explained using a specific example. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a first processing example of the box management unit 410 according to the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 9 is a selection restriction process for an empty box. In the box management section 410, the selection control section 412 determines whether or not an empty box has occurred for each of the plurality of boxes (step ST100). Specifically, the selection control unit 412 obtains information indicating the occurrence of an empty box directly from the outside, or obtains the information from the box management database 431 in the storage unit 430.

[0035] When an empty box occurs (step ST100 "YES"), the selection control unit 412 executes a selection restriction process for the empty box until a certain time has elapsed (step ST101). Specifically, when an empty box occurs, the selection control unit 412 outputs a signal to execute the selection restriction of the empty box, and also acquires a pre-stored certain time period to measure the certain time period, and when the certain time period has elapsed, outputs a signal to release the selection restriction of the empty box.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second processing example of the box management unit 410 according to the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 10 is an empty box selection process. In the box management unit 410, the selection control unit 412 acquires the customer identification information and the product category information via the communication unit 411 (step ST150). Next, the selection control unit 412 acquires box information indicating an empty box via the communication unit 411 (step ST151). Next, the selection control unit 412 extracts empty boxes that have been empty for a certain period of time since they were determined to be empty boxes (step ST152). Next, the selection control unit 412 selects an empty box (step ST153). Next, the selection control unit 412 outputs box information indicating the selected empty box (step ST154). After outputting the box information, the selection control unit 412 ends the process or repeats the process.

[0037] This restricts use for a certain period of time after the box is determined to be empty, so that an empty box for delivering a product can be selected so that the product to be delivered is not adversely affected by products that have been placed there in the past.

[0038] As described above, the box management device of the present disclosure is a box management device that selects an empty box from among multiple boxes held by a locker device in order to deliver a product selected by an operator of an external device to the operator, that is, a customer, and is configured to include a selection control unit that, when a box changes from having a product in it to not having a product in it and becomes an empty box, restricts the selection of that empty box until a predetermined time has elapsed. This provides the effect of providing a box management device that manages boxes for delivering products so that the product to be delivered is not adversely affected by products that have been placed there in the past.

[0039] As described above, the box management device according to the present disclosure further includes a product detection unit that detects the products in each of the plurality of boxes and outputs stored product information, and the empty box determination unit is configured to obtain the stored product information from the product detection unit. This has the effect of providing a box management device that includes a component that detects products in a box.

[0040] As described above, the box management device according to the present disclosure is configured to further include a notification control unit that acquires the customer identification information and the product category information, determines a different instruction form for each customer and product category using the customer identification information and the product category information, and instructs the instruction device provided in the box selected by the selection control unit to notify in the determined instruction form. This has the effect of enabling a worker storing the product to be instructed in an easy-to-understand manner in which box to store the product.

[0041] As described above, the locker device of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of boxes, a box management device that selects an empty box from the plurality of boxes in which an item selected by an operator of an external device is to be handed over to the operator, that is, a customer, and an indication device that indicates the empty box selected by the box management device, and the box management device is configured to comprise a selection control unit that, when a box changes from having an item in it to not having an item in it and becomes an empty box, restricts the selection of the empty box until a predetermined time has elapsed. This has the effect of providing a locker device equipped with a box management device that manages boxes for delivering products so that the product to be delivered is not adversely affected by products that have been placed there in the past.

[0042] As described above, the product provision system of the present disclosure is a product provision system comprising a display device that displays products so that they can be selected, a product storage device for storing actual products, and a locker device for delivering products to customers, wherein the locker device comprises a plurality of boxes, a box management device that selects an empty box from the plurality of boxes in which to deliver the product selected by an operator of the display device to the customer who is the operator, and an indication device that indicates the empty box selected by the box management device, and the box management device is configured to comprise a selection control unit that, when a box changes from a state in which there is a product to a state in which there is no product and becomes an empty box, restricts the selection of the empty box until a predetermined time has elapsed. This provides an effect of providing a product supply system equipped with a box management device that manages boxes for delivering products so that the products to be delivered are not adversely affected by products that have been placed there in the past.

[0043] Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, a detailed example of the configuration of the box management unit will be shown. Hereinafter, in the second embodiment, when the content is the same as that explained in the first embodiment, the explanation thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a box management unit 410A according to the second embodiment. The box management unit 410A shown in FIG. 11 includes a communication unit 411, a selection control unit 412A, and a database update unit 413A. The communication unit 411 is a component that allows the box management unit 410A to transmit data to and from components other than the box management unit 410A or external devices. The communication unit 411 acquires data from, for example, a database stored in the storage unit 430. The communication unit 411 also acquires, for example, selected product information related to a product selected by a customer who is an operator, and customer identification information that identifies the customer, from the display device 100.

[0045] When a box changes from having a product in it to having no product in it and becomes an empty box, the selection control unit 412A restricts the selection of the empty box until a predetermined time has elapsed. The selection control unit 412A includes an empty box determination unit 414 , a timer unit 415 , a selection restriction unit 416 , a category determination unit 417 , and an empty box selection unit 418 . The empty box determination unit 414 acquires stored product information about the products in each box, and uses the stored product information to determine an empty box, which is a box that has changed from a state where a product is present to a state where no product is present. Specifically, the empty box determination unit 414 acquires stored product information from, for example, the product detection unit 440. The empty box determination unit 414 uses the stored product information to determine an empty box, which is a box that has changed from a state where a product is present to a state where no product is present. The empty box determination unit 414 outputs box identification information that indicates the determined empty box.

[0046] The timing unit 415 acquires, for each empty box determined by the empty box determination unit 414, the time corresponding to the category of the product stored in the empty box, and measures time from the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 until the time has elapsed.

[0047] The selection restriction unit 416 restricts the selection of empty boxes that are the targets of timekeeping by the timekeeping unit 415 for each empty box determined by the empty box determination unit 414 until the timekeeping by the timekeeping unit 415 ends.

[0048] The category determination unit 417 acquires customer identification information that identifies the customer who selected the product via an external device and selected product information that indicates the selected product, and determines the product category for each product selected by the customer by referring to the box management database 431. The category determination unit 417 outputs product category information indicating the determined product category together with the customer identification information and the selected product information.

[0049] An empty box selection unit 418 extracts empty boxes in which no products are stored from among a plurality of boxes, and selects from the extracted empty boxes an empty box for storing products for each product category determined by a category determination unit 417. The empty box selection unit 418 acquires customer identification information, selected product information, and product category information, references the box management database 431, extracts empty boxes, and selects an empty box from the extracted empty boxes.

[0050] Alternatively, the empty box selection unit 418 extracts empty boxes that do not store any products from among a plurality of boxes, and selects from the extracted empty boxes an empty box that stores products of the same product category as the product category determined by the category determination unit 417. In this case, for example, if the product category determined by the category determination unit 417 is a category indicating "hot" (e.g., "preheated lunch box," "hot drink," "hot coffee," etc.), the empty box selection unit 418 selects an empty box in which the product category of the product stored immediately before was a category indicating "hot." Furthermore, for example, if the product category determined by the category determination unit 417 is a category indicating "cold" (e.g., "frozen dessert," "ice cream," "cold drink," "iced coffee," etc.), the empty box selection unit 418 selects an empty box in which the product category of the product previously stored was a category indicating "cold." Furthermore, for example, when the product category determined by the category determination unit 417 is a category indicating "has a curry-like aroma" (for example, "curry rice bento," "curry bento," "curry-flavored side dish," etc.), the empty box selection unit 418 selects an empty box in which the product category of the product stored immediately before was a category indicating "has a curry-like aroma." Furthermore, for example, if the product category determined by the category determination unit 417 is "Oden," the empty box selection unit 418 selects an empty box in which the product category of the product previously stored was "Oden." Furthermore, the empty box selection unit 418 selects an empty box in which the immediately preceding stored product categories are the same or similar combination based on a combination of multiple product categories.

[0051] Alternatively, if the empty box selection unit 418 acquires selected product information indicating a product selected by the operator of the external display device 100 between the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 and the end of timing by the timing unit 415, it selects an empty box other than the empty box restricted by the selection restriction unit 416.

[0052] Alternatively, when the empty box selection unit 418 acquires selected product information indicating a product selected by a customer from the external display device 100 during the period from the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 until the end of timing by the timing unit 415, it selects an empty box in which a product of the same category has been stored, using the product category indicated by the selected product information and the product category stored in the empty box. In this case, if the product category of the product indicated by the selected product information obtained between the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 and the end of timing by the timing unit 415 is, for example, a category indicating "hot" (for example, "preheated lunch box," "hot drink," "hot coffee," etc.), the empty box selection unit 418 selects an empty box in which the product category of the product stored immediately before was a category indicating "hot." Furthermore, if the product category of the product indicated by the selected product information obtained between the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 and the end of timing by the timing unit 415 is, for example, a category indicating "cold" (for example, "frozen dessert," "ice cream," "cold drink," "iced coffee," etc.), the empty box selection unit 418 selects an empty box in which the product category of the product stored immediately before was a category indicating "cold." Furthermore, if the product category of the product indicated by the selected product information obtained between the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 and the end of timing by the timing unit 415 is, for example, a category indicating "has a curry-like aroma" (for example, "curry rice bento," "curry bento," "curry-flavored side dish," etc.), the empty box selection unit 418 selects an empty box in which the product category of the product stored immediately before was a category indicating "has a curry-like aroma." Furthermore, if the product category of the product indicated by the selected product information acquired between the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 and the end of timing by the timing unit 415 is, for example, "Oden," the empty box selection unit 418 selects an empty box in which the product category of the product stored immediately before was "Oden."

[0053] Specifically, the empty box selection unit 418 further acquires physical function information of the customer who selected the product and box coordinate information indicating the position of each empty box, and selects an empty box using the physical function information and box coordinate information.

[0054] The empty box selection unit 418 outputs box identification information indicating the selected empty box together with the information used when selecting the empty box.

[0055] The category determination section 417 or the empty box selection section 418 does not have to be a component within the selection control section 412A, and may be a component arranged outside the selection control section 412A.

[0056] When it is necessary to update the database stored in the storage unit 430, the database update unit 413A acquires the data required for the update via the communication unit 411 and updates the database. Specifically, the database update section 413A acquires the empty box information and the restriction / non-restriction information, and updates the database that associates the empty box information with the restriction / non-restriction information using the empty box information and the restriction / non-restriction information. The empty box information is information indicating an empty box determined by the empty box determination unit 414, and can be acquired from the empty box determination unit 414. The restriction information is information indicating the state of restriction imposed by the selection restriction unit 416 and can be acquired from the selection restriction unit 416 .

[0057] In addition, the database update unit 413A further acquires customer identification information, selected product information, product category information, and box information indicating the box selected by the empty box selection unit 418, and updates the box management database 431, which associates box information, product presence / absence information, restriction / absence information, product category information, stored product information, and customer identification information, using the empty box information, the restriction / absence information, the customer identification information, the selected product information, the product category information, and the box information. When a product is selected from the display device 100, the customer identification information and selected product information can be acquired via the communication unit 411. For example, the information can be acquired directly from the display device 100, or via the product management device 200 or the product storage device 300. The product category information is information indicating the product category determined by the category determination unit 417, and can be acquired from the category determination unit 417. The box information is information indicating the box selected by the empty box selection unit 418 and can be acquired from the empty box selection unit 418. Furthermore, the database update unit 413A can also be configured to acquire stored product information from the product detection unit 440 and update the box management database 431 using the stored product information.

[0058] The processing of the box management unit 410 according to the second embodiment will be described below by showing a specific example. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a first processing example of the box management unit 410 according to the second embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 12 is a selection restriction process for an empty box. The empty box determination unit 414 in the selection control unit 412A acquires product presence / absence information or stored product information (step ST300). Next, the empty box determination process is executed using the product presence / absence information or the stored product information (step ST310). Specifically, the empty box determination unit 414 determines that the box is empty if the product presence / absence information or the stored product information indicates that a product is absent (step ST310 "YES"), and determines that the box is not empty if the product presence / absence information or the stored product information indicates that a product is present (step ST310 "NO").

[0059] Next, the timing unit 415 acquires the product category information of the product stored in the determined empty box (step ST320). The timing unit 415 acquires time information according to the product category (step ST330). Specifically, the time limit database 433 stored in the storage unit 430 is referenced to acquire the time information. The timing unit 415 starts timing processing using the acquired time information (step ST340).

[0060] Next, the selection restriction section 416 sets a selection restriction on the empty boxes that are the targets of timekeeping by the timekeeping section 415 (step ST350). Specifically, the selection restriction unit 416 updates the restriction presence / absence information of the box management database 431 stored in the storage unit 430 to indicate restriction. Selection restriction section 416 checks whether timing section 415 has completed timing processing (step ST360). When the timing process by the timing unit 415 is completed (step ST360 "YES"), the selection restriction unit 416 cancels the selection restriction (step ST370) and ends the process shown in FIG. Specifically, the selection restriction unit 416 updates the restriction presence / absence information of the box management database 431 stored in the storage unit 430 to indicate no restriction.

[0061] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a second processing example of the box management unit 410 according to the second embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 13 is an empty box selection process. When the empty box selection process is started, the category determination unit 417 in the selection control unit 412A acquires customer identification information and selected product information (step ST200). The category determination unit 417 executes a category determination process and adds product category information (step ST210).

[0062] Next, the empty box selection unit 418 acquires box information indicating an empty box (step ST220). The empty box selection unit 418 determines whether the number of empty boxes with no selection restrictions is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step ST230). If the number of empty boxes without selection restrictions is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step ST230 "YES"), the empty box selection unit 418 selects an empty box from the empty boxes without selection restrictions (step ST240).

[0063] A specific example of the process of step ST240 will be described. An empty box selection unit 418 extracts empty boxes in which no products are stored from among a plurality of boxes, and selects from the extracted empty boxes an empty box for storing products for each product category determined by a category determination unit 417. Specifically, the empty box selection unit 418 refers to the box management database 431, for example, and acquires the box identification information of the box whose product presence / absence information indicates that there is no product.

[0064] Alternatively, the empty box selection unit 418 extracts empty boxes that do not store any products from among a plurality of boxes, and selects from the extracted empty boxes an empty box that stores a product of the same product category as the product category determined by the category determination unit 417. The empty box selection unit 418 selects, for example, an empty box that stores a product of the same product category that has a similar temperature or scent. In this case, if the product category determined by the category determination unit 417 is a category indicating "hot" (for example, "preheated lunch box," "hot drink," "hot coffee," etc.), the empty box selection unit 418 refers to the box management database 431 and selects from the empty boxes an empty box in which the product category of the product previously stored was a category indicating "hot." Furthermore, for example, if the product category determined by the category determination unit 417 is a category indicating "cold" (for example, "frozen dessert," "ice cream," "cold drink," "iced coffee," etc.), the empty box selection unit 418 refers to the box management database 431 and selects an empty box in which the product category of the product previously stored was a category indicating "cold." Furthermore, for example, if the product category determined by the category determination unit 417 is a category indicating "has a curry-like aroma" (for example, "curry rice bento," "curry bento," "curry-flavored side dish," etc.), the empty box selection unit 418 refers to the box management database 431 and selects an empty box in which the product category of the product previously stored was a category indicating "has a curry-like aroma." Furthermore, for example, if the product category determined by the category determination unit 417 is "Oden," the empty box selection unit 418 refers to the box management database 431 and selects an empty box in which the product category of the product previously stored was "Oden." Furthermore, the empty box selection unit 418 refers to the box management database 431 based on a combination of multiple product categories, and selects an empty box in which the product categories of the products stored immediately before are the same or similar combination. At this time, the empty box selection unit 418 can select an empty box immediately after the empty box determination unit 414 determines that the box is empty. This makes it possible to provide products while maintaining efficient locker allocation and maintaining product quality. Also, even if electrical temperature control is used, such as keeping products hot or cold, the above-mentioned management can be expected to have an energy-saving effect.

[0065] Alternatively, if the empty box selection unit 418 acquires selected product information indicating a product selected by the operator of the external display device 100 between the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 and the end of timing by the timing unit 415, it selects an empty box other than the empty box restricted by the selection restriction unit 416. In this case, the empty box selection unit 418 refers to the box management database 431 and selects an empty box that is a box whose product presence / absence information indicates that there is no product and whose restriction presence / absence information indicates that there is no restriction.

[0066] Alternatively, when the empty box selection unit 418 acquires selected product information indicating a product selected by a customer from the external display device 100 during the period from the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 until the end of timing by the timing unit 415, it selects an empty box in which a product of the same category has been stored, using the product category indicated by the selected product information and the product category stored in the empty box. In this case, if the product category of the product indicated by the selected product information obtained between the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 and the end of timing by the timing unit 415 is, for example, a category indicating "hot" (for example, "preheated lunch box," "hot drink," "hot coffee," etc.), the empty box selection unit 418 refers to the box management database 431 and selects an empty box in which the product category of the product stored immediately before was a category indicating "hot." Furthermore, if the product category of the product indicated by the selected product information obtained between the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 and the end of timing by the timing unit 415 is, for example, a category indicating "cold" (for example, "frozen dessert," "ice cream," "cold drink," "iced coffee," etc.), the empty box selection unit 418 refers to the box management database 431 and selects an empty box in which the product category of the product stored immediately before was a category indicating "cold." Furthermore, if the product category of the product indicated by the selected product information obtained between the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 and the end of timing by the timing unit 415 is, for example, a category indicating "has a curry-like aroma" (for example, "curry rice bento," "curry bento," "curry-flavored side dish," etc.), the empty box selection unit 418 refers to the box management database 431 and selects an empty box in which the product category of the product stored immediately before was a category indicating "has a curry-like aroma." Furthermore, if the product category of the product indicated by the selected product information obtained between the time determined by the empty box determination unit 414 and the end of timing by the timing unit 415 is, for example, "oden," the empty box selection unit 418 refers to the box management database 431 and selects an empty box in which the product category of the product stored immediately before was "oden." At this time, the empty box selection unit 418 can select an empty box immediately after the empty box determination unit 414 determines that the box is empty. This makes it possible to provide products while maintaining efficient locker allocation and maintaining product quality. Also, even if electrical temperature control is used, such as keeping products hot or cold, the above-mentioned management can be expected to have an energy-saving effect.

[0067] Furthermore, the empty box selection unit 418 further acquires physical function information of the customer who selected the product and box coordinate information indicating the position of each empty box, and selects an empty box using the physical function information and box coordinate information. In this case, the empty box selection unit 418 refers to the box management database 431, the customer database 435, etc., and selects an empty box according to the relationship between the customer's height and the height of the empty box, for example. More specifically, if the customer is 120 cm tall when using a wheelchair, an empty box up to about 100 cm in height will be selected. This allows a box to be selected in a position that suits the customer's height, improving convenience for the customer.

[0068] When step ST240 is completed, the process proceeds to step ST260. If the number of empty boxes without selection restrictions is less than the threshold value (step ST230 "NO"), the empty box selection unit 418 selects empty boxes that contain products of the same category from among the empty boxes with selection restrictions set (step ST250). When step ST250 is completed, the process proceeds to step ST260. The empty box selection unit 418 outputs box information indicating the selected empty box (step ST260), and ends the processing shown in FIG.

[0069] This allows the time limit for selecting an empty box to be changed depending on the category of the stored product, so that an empty box for transferring the product can be selected so that the product to be transferred is not adversely affected by products that have been placed there in the past.

[0070] As described above, in the box management device of the present disclosure, the selection control unit is further configured to include an empty box determination unit that acquires stored product information regarding the products in each box and, using the stored product information, determines which boxes have changed from a state in which there are products to a state in which there are no products; a timing unit that, for each empty box determined by the empty box determination unit, acquires a time corresponding to the category of the product stored in the empty box and measures time from the time determined by the empty box determination unit until the time has elapsed; and a selection restriction unit that, for each empty box determined by the empty box determination unit, restricts the selection of empty boxes that are the target of timing by the timing unit until the timing by the timing unit ends. This has the effect of providing a box management device that includes a component that selects an empty box, a component that measures a predetermined time, and a component that restricts the selection of an empty box.

[0071] As described above, in the box management device according to the present disclosure, the selection control unit is further configured to include a category determination unit that acquires customer identification information that identifies the customer who selected a product using the external device and selected product information that indicates the selected product, and determines a product category for each product selected by the customer, and an empty box selection unit that selects an empty box from a plurality of boxes to store products for each product category determined by the category determination unit. This further brings about the effect of providing a box management device that includes a component that determines a product category and a component that selects an empty box for each product category.

[0072] As described above, in the box management device according to the present disclosure, the empty box selection unit is further configured to select an empty box other than the empty boxes restricted by the selection restriction unit when selected product information indicating a product selected by the operator of the external device is acquired between the time determined by the empty box determination unit and the end of timing by the timing unit. This has the effect of providing a box management device that is equipped with a component that selects empty boxes other than restricted empty boxes when selecting empty boxes for each product category.

[0073] As described above, in the box management device according to the present disclosure, the empty box selection unit is further configured so that, when selected product information indicating a product selected by a customer is acquired by the external device between the time determined by the empty box determination unit and the end of timing by the timing unit, the empty box selection unit selects an empty box in which a product of the same category is stored, using the product category indicated by the selected product information and the product category stored in the empty box. This also brings about the effect of providing a box management device that can efficiently select an empty box when the overall usage rate of a plurality of boxes is high.

[0074] As described above, the box management device according to the present disclosure is further configured to include a database update unit that acquires empty box information indicating empty boxes determined by the empty box determination unit and restriction status information indicating the status of restrictions imposed by the selection restriction unit, and uses the empty box information and the restriction status information to update a database that associates empty box information with restriction status information. This brings about the effect of providing a box management device that manages empty boxes using a database.

[0075] As described above, the box management device according to the present disclosure is further configured to include a database update unit that acquires customer identification information that identifies the customer who selected the product, selected product information that indicates the product selected by the customer, product category information that indicates the product category determined by the category determination unit, box information that indicates the box selected by the empty box selection unit, empty box information that indicates the empty box determined by the empty box determination unit, and restriction status information that indicates the status of the restriction imposed by the selection restriction unit, and uses the customer identification information, the selected product information, the product category information, the box information, the empty box information, and the restriction status information to update a database that associates box information, product status information, restriction status information, product category information, stored product information, and customer identification information. This brings about the effect that it is possible to provide a box management device that manages a plurality of boxes using a database.

[0076] As described above, in the box management device of the present disclosure, the empty box selection unit is further configured to acquire physical function information of the customer who selected the product and box coordinate information indicating the position of each empty box, and select an empty box using the physical function information and the box coordinate information. This makes it possible to provide a box management device that selects an empty box according to the physical function of a customer, and as a result, it is possible to achieve the effect of selecting an empty box to store an item so that the customer can easily take out the item.

[0077] Here, the hardware configuration of the box management device (box management unit 410) according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a hardware configuration for realizing the functions according to the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a hardware configuration for realizing the functions according to the present disclosure. A part of the product delivery device 400 or the box management device (box management unit 410) of the present disclosure is realized by hardware such as that shown in FIG. 14 or FIG.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 14, a part of the product delivery device 400 or the box management device (box management unit 410) is configured by a processor 1001 and a memory 1002. The processor 1001 and the memory 1002 are, for example, installed in a computer. The memory 1002 stores programs that cause the computer to function as the box management unit 410, the notification control unit 450, and a control unit (not shown). The processor 1001 reads and executes the programs stored in the memory 1002, thereby realizing the functions of the box management unit 410, the notification control unit 450, and the control unit (not shown). Furthermore, the storage unit 430 is realized by the memory 1002 or another memory not shown. The processor 1001 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a digital signal processor (DSP). The memory 1002 may be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or flash memory, or a magnetic disk such as a hard disk or a flexible disk, or an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a magneto-optical disk. The processor 1001 and the memory 1002 are connected in a state where they can transmit data to each other. The processor 1001 and the memory 1002 are also connected to other hardware via an input / output interface 1003 in a state where they can transmit data to each other.

[0079] Alternatively, the functions of the box management unit 410, the notification control unit 450, and a control unit (not shown) may be realized by a dedicated processing circuit 1004, as shown in FIG. The processing circuit 1004 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an SoC (System-on-a-Chip), or a system LSI (Large-Scale Integration). Furthermore, the memory unit 430 is realized by the memory 1005 or another memory not shown. The memory 1005 may be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or flash memory, or a magnetic disk such as a hard disk or a flexible disk, or an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a magneto-optical disk. The processing circuit 1004 and the memory 1005 are connected in a state where they can transmit data to each other. The processing circuit 1004 and the memory 1005 are also connected to other hardware via an input / output interface 1006 in a state where they can transmit data to each other. The functions of the box management unit 410, the notification control unit 450, and a control unit (not shown) may be realized by separate processing circuits, or may be realized collectively by a processing circuit.

[0080] Alternatively, some of the functions of the box management unit 410, the notification control unit 450, and a control unit not shown may be realized by the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, and the remaining functions may be realized by the processing circuit 1004.

[0081] It should be noted that within the scope of the present disclosure, the embodiments may be freely combined, any component of each embodiment may be modified, or any component of each embodiment may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Product provision system, 100 Display device, 200 Product management device, 300 Product storage device, 400 Product delivery device, 410, 410A Box management unit, 411 Communication unit, 412, 412A Selection control unit, 413, 413A Database update unit, 414 Empty box determination unit, 415 Time counting unit, 416 Selection restriction unit, 417 Category determination unit, 418 Empty box selection unit, 430 Memory unit, 431 Box management database, 432 Product category database, 433 Time limit database, 434 Delivery product database, 435 Customer database, 440 Product detection unit, 441 Sensor, 442 Judgment unit, 443 Output unit, 450 Notification control unit, 451 Instruction form determination unit, 452 Instruction command unit, 460 Box instruction unit, 461 Display unit, 462 Audio output unit, 1001 Processor, 1002 memory, 1003 input / output interface, 1004 processing circuit, 1005 memory, 1006 input / output interface.

Claims

1. a box management device that selects an empty box from among a plurality of boxes in a locker device, for delivering an item selected by an operator of an external device to a customer who is the operator; a selection control unit that restricts selection of the empty box until a predetermined time has elapsed since the box changed from a state in which there is a product to a state in which there is no product and became an empty box, so as not to be adversely affected by the product that was previously placed there; A box management device comprising:

2. The selection control unit an empty box determination unit that acquires stored product information about products in each box and determines an empty box, which is a box that has changed from a state in which there is a product to a state in which there is no product, using the stored product information; a timing unit that acquires, for each empty box determined by the empty box determination unit, a time corresponding to a category of the product stored in the empty box, and measures time from the time determined by the empty box determination unit until the time has elapsed; a selection restriction unit that restricts selection of an empty box that is a timekeeping target by the timing unit for each empty box determined by the empty box determination unit until the timekeeping by the timing unit ends; The box management device according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. The selection control unit further a category determination unit that acquires customer identification information that identifies a customer who has selected a product and selected product information that indicates the selected product via the external device, and determines a product category for each product selected by the customer; an empty box selection unit that selects an empty box for storing products for each product category determined by the category determination unit from among a plurality of boxes; The box management device according to claim 2, comprising:

4. The empty box selection unit When selected product information indicating a product selected by an operator of the external device is acquired during the period from the time determined by the empty box determination unit until the time measurement by the timing unit ends, an empty box other than the empty box restricted by the selection restriction unit is selected. The box management device according to claim 3 .

5. The empty box selection unit When selected product information indicating a product selected by a customer is acquired by the external device during the period from the time determined by the empty box determination unit until the time counting by the timing unit ends, an empty box in which a product of the same category is stored is selected using the product category indicated by the selected product information and the product category stored in the empty box. The box management device according to claim 3 .

6. a product detection unit that detects products in each of the boxes and outputs stored product information; the empty box determination unit acquires stored product information from the product detection unit; The box management device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. empty box information indicating an empty box determined by the empty box determination unit; Restriction presence / absence information indicating the state of restriction by the selection restriction unit; Get a database update section that uses the available box information and the restriction information to update a database that associates the available box information with the restriction information; The box management device according to claim 2 , further comprising:

8. Customer identification information for identifying the customer who selected the product; Selected product information indicating the product selected by the customer; Product category information indicating the product category determined by the category determination unit; box information indicating the box selected by the empty box selection unit; empty box information indicating an empty box determined by the empty box determination unit; Restriction presence / absence information indicating the state of restriction by the selection restriction unit; Get Using the customer identification information, the selected product information, the product category information, the box information, the empty box information, and the restriction information, A database updating section that updates a database that associates box information, product availability information, restriction availability information, product category information, stored product information, and customer identification information. The box management device according to claim 3 , further comprising:

9. The empty box selection unit further acquiring physical function information of the customer who selected the product and box coordinate information indicating the location of each empty box, and selecting an empty box using the physical function information and the box coordinate information; The box management device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

10. a notification control unit that acquires the customer identification information and product category information indicating the product category, determines a different instruction form for each customer and product category using the customer identification information and the product category information, and commands an instruction device provided in the box selected by the empty box selection unit to notify in the determined instruction form. The box management device according to claim 3, claim 4, claim 5 or claim 8, further comprising:

11. Several boxes and a box management device that selects an empty box from the plurality of boxes for delivery of a commodity selected by an operator of an external device to the customer who is the operator; an indicating device for indicating an empty box selected by the box management device; Equipped with The box management device a selection control unit that restricts selection of the empty box until a predetermined time has elapsed since the box changed from a state in which there is a product to a state in which there is no product and became an empty box, so as not to be adversely affected by the product that was previously placed there; A rocker device comprising:

12. a display device that displays products so that they can be selected; A product storage shelf for storing actual products, a locker device for delivering merchandise to customers; A product provision system comprising: The rocker device is Several boxes and a box management device that selects an empty box from the plurality of boxes for delivery of the commodity selected by the operator of the display device to the customer who is the operator; an indicating device for indicating an empty box selected by the box management device; Equipped with The box management device a selection control unit that restricts selection of the empty box until a predetermined time has elapsed since the box changed from a state in which there is a product to a state in which there is no product and became an empty box, so as not to be adversely affected by the product that was previously placed there; A product provision system comprising:

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