Replenishment Support System

Abstract

To provide a replenishment assistance system that can replenish articles further easily and accurately.SOLUTION: A replenishment assistance system 1 includes an RFID tag 41 attached to an article 40, an RFID reader 140 capable of reading the RFID tag 41, a counting unit 105 that counts the number of articles 40 in stock on the basis of the information on the article 40 that is read from the RFID tag 41 by the RFID reader 140, and an optimal inventory count prediction unit 108. The optimal inventory count prediction unit 108 includes a predictor that has already learned in advance by machine learning an input-output relation between the external conditions pertaining to the consumption of the article 40 and the optimal inventory count and predicts the optimal inventory count of articles 40 using the predictor on the basis of the current external conditions. The replenishment assistance system 1 performs inventory management of the articles 40 on the basis of the number of articles 40 in stock counted by the counting unit 105 and the optimal inventory count of articles 40 predicted by the optimal inventory count prediction unit 108.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a replenishment assistance system. [Background technology]

[0002] A method for applying machine learning to inventory management of goods has been proposed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a demand forecasting device for forecasting demand for pharmaceuticals, which includes an out-of-stock information acquisition unit that acquires pharmaceutical out-of-stock information, a learning unit that learns the trends in pharmaceutical out-of-stock acquired by the out-of-stock information acquisition unit, and a demand forecasting unit that forecasts demand for pharmaceuticals based on the learning results of the learning unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-166859 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the method described in Patent Document 1 requires steps such as individually reading indicators such as barcodes attached to the target items to obtain inventory information, and the user inputting inventory information, which can be a time-consuming process from the overall perspective of replenishing items.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a replenishment assistance system that enables easier and more accurate replenishment of items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A replenishment assistance system according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention comprises an RFID tag attached to an item, an RFID reader capable of reading the RFID tag, a counting unit that counts the inventory of the item based on information about the item read from the RFID tag by the RFID reader, and an optimal inventory quantity prediction unit that has a predictor that has previously learned through machine learning the input / output relationship between external conditions related to consumption of the item and an optimal inventory quantity corresponding to the external conditions, and that predicts the optimal inventory quantity of the item using the predictor based on the current external conditions, and performs inventory management of the item based on the inventory quantity of the item counted by the counting unit and the optimal inventory quantity of the item predicted by the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit.

[0008] According to this aspect, by using an RFID reader to read information about the item written on the RFID tag attached to the item to be replenished, the inventory quantity of the item can be easily counted. Furthermore, by using a predictor trained by machine learning, the optimal inventory quantity of the item to be replenished can be accurately predicted based on external conditions related to the consumption of the item to be replenished, so that the inventory quantity of the item can be set appropriately without waste. Therefore, according to this aspect, a replenishment assistance system can be provided that can replenish items more easily and with higher accuracy.

[0009] A replenishment assistance system according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention may include a management server, and the management server may have an order management unit that outputs an order command to order the shortage of inventory as necessary based on the inventory quantity of the item counted by the counting unit and the optimal inventory quantity of the item predicted by the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit.

[0010] According to this embodiment, by using an RFID reader to read the RFID tags attached to the items to be replenished, if there is a shortage of inventory based on the current inventory quantity and the optimal inventory quantity, the management server can automatically place an order, making it possible to manage inventory of items even more easily.

[0011] A replenishment assistance system according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention includes a management server having the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit and a replenishment assistance robot equipped with the RFID reader, and the replenishment assistance robot may read the RFID tag using the RFID reader based on instructions from the management server.

[0012] According to this aspect, the replenishment assistance robot performs the RFID tag reading operation, thereby appropriately assisting in the replenishment of items, and enabling workers to perform the replenishment of items more efficiently.

[0013] In a replenishment assistance system according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the items are stored at a predetermined first location and transported from the first location to a predetermined second location where they are displayed, the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit predicts the optimal inventory quantity of the items displayed at the second location, and the replenishment assistance robot, based on instructions from the management server, reads the RFID tag attached to the item at the second location to obtain information on the inventory quantity at the second location, and if the inventory quantity is less than the optimal inventory quantity, replenishes the missing items from the first location to the second location.

[0014] According to this aspect, it is possible to adjust and replenish the inventory of items displayed in a second location, such as a sales floor, to the optimal inventory level, thereby making it possible to maintain an appropriate inventory level according to external requirements related to the consumption of the items in question, and making the replenishment of items more reliable and accurate.

[0015] In a replenishment assistance system according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the items are stored and displayed at a predetermined first location, the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit predicts the optimal inventory quantity of the items stored at the first location, the replenishment assistance robot reads the RFID tag attached to the item at the first location based on instructions from the management server, the management server obtains information on the inventory quantity at the first location based on information about the item read by the replenishment assistance robot from the RFID tag, and if the inventory quantity is less than the optimal inventory quantity, performs an ordering process for the missing items stored at the first location.

[0016] According to this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the inventory quantity of items stored in a first location, such as a store's back yard or warehouse, to the optimal inventory quantity and process orders, thereby making it possible to maintain an appropriate inventory quantity according to external requirements related to the consumption of the items in question, and making the replenishment of items more reliable and accurate.

[0017] In a replenishment assistance system according to another aspect of the present invention, the replenishment assistance robot includes a storage unit that stores the item to which the RFID tag is attached, a terminal that receives an instruction from the management server to replenish the item stored in a predetermined first location to a predetermined second location, and a mobile body that is equipped with the storage unit and the RFID reader and moves to a location where the item is to be placed based on information about the item's location included in the replenishment instruction, and the information about the item written in the RFID tag attached to the item includes specific information for identifying the type of the item and specific information about the item other than the type. The RFID reader reads the specific information and the unique information from the RFID tag when the item is stored in the storage section, and the replenishment assist robot transmits the specific information and the unique information read by the RFID reader to the management server, and the management server may have a replenishment instruction management unit that transmits the replenishment instruction to the replenishment assist robot, an information receiving unit that receives the specific information and the unique information written in the RFID tag attached to the item read by the RFID reader, and an item management unit that manages the item to be replenished based on the unique information.

[0018] According to this aspect, a worker can complete the picking task (selecting and removing items) of the items to be replenished at the picking location by walking to the location where the replenishment assistance robot is waiting and placing the items in the storage unit while viewing the replenishment instructions displayed on the terminal. This allows the worker to efficiently pick items. Furthermore, the RFID tag attached to the item to be replenished contains unique information including information other than the item's type, in addition to specific information for identifying the type of item. This unique information is also provided to the management server during picking. This allows the upper management server to use the unique information of the item to be replenished to perform more detailed management, such as issuing instructions to more appropriately re-select the item, or to identify and discard defective items, thereby making the replenishment task more efficient. Therefore, according to this aspect, a replenishment assistance system can be provided that can assist workers in efficiently replenishing items.

[0019] In a replenishment assistance system relating to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the item management unit may limit the items to be picked based on the unique information from the group of items to be replenished identified by the specific information.

[0020] According to this aspect, it is easy to guide the worker to pick the more appropriate item, and the picking work of the items to be replenished can be made more efficient.

[0021] In a replenishment assistance system according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, an expiration date is set for the item, the unique information includes information regarding the expiration date of the item, and the item management unit may, based on the unique information, display on the terminal device an instruction to replace the item with one that is close to its expiration date if there is an item in the group of items to be replenished other than the item stored in the storage unit that has an upcoming expiration date.

[0022] According to this aspect, it is possible to prioritize picking items with an approaching expiration date from the group of items to be replenished, which not only improves the efficiency of replenishment work but also contributes to reducing waste of goods such as food waste.

[0023] In a replenishment assistance system according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the unique information includes information relating to a sales promotion campaign, and the item management unit may, based on the unique information, display on the terminal device an instruction to replace the item with one that is the target of the campaign if there is an item that is the target of the campaign in addition to the item stored in the storage unit among the group of items to be replenished.

[0024] According to this aspect, when the group of items to be replenished is in the middle of a sales promotion campaign, it is possible to pick campaign-related products first, which not only makes replenishment work more efficient but also makes it possible to carry out sales promotion campaigns more effectively.

[0025] In a replenishment assistance system according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the unique information includes information relating to the place of production or the time of production of the item, and when the item management unit acquires information about the occurrence of a defective item, if the group of items to be replenished has the same place of production or the same time of production as the defective item based on the unique information, it may determine that the defective item is present in the group of items, and display an instruction on the terminal device to pick the defective item.

[0026] According to this aspect, when information on the occurrence of defective items is acquired, it is possible to quickly determine whether or not there are any defective items among the group of items stored on shelves, etc., and if there are any defective items, they can be quickly removed, thereby enabling the disposal of defective items to be carried out efficiently.

[0027] In a replenishment assistance system according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the replenishment assistance robot may have a switching control unit that switches the antenna of the RFID reader to a readable state when a stop condition indicating that the moving body has stopped is met, and switches the antenna of the RFID reader to an unreadable state when an end condition indicating that picking to store items related to the replenishment command in the storage unit has been completed is met.

[0028] According to this aspect, by switching the antenna of the RFID reader to a non-readable state when an end condition is met, such as while the replenishment assist robot is moving, it is possible to prevent the replenishment assist robot from reading unnecessary RFID tags when passing through places where many different items that are not to be replenished are placed, such as when the replenishment assist robot is traveling within a building such as a store, logistics center, warehouse, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the RFID reader, which extends the operating time and allows workers to pick items more efficiently.

[0029] In a replenishment assistance system according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the replenishment assistance robot may have a storage determination unit that determines that an item to which an RFID tag is attached has been stored in the storage unit when the same RFID tag is read by the RFID reader a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time period, or when the RFID reader reads the RFID tag with a radio wave strength equal to or greater than a predetermined strength within a predetermined time period.

[0030] According to this aspect, if an RFID tag attached to an item that has been determined to be stored in a storage section is read again a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time period, the item to which the RFID tag is attached will not be determined to be stored in the storage section, thereby preventing double counting of the same item and enabling more accurate counting of the items stored in the storage section.

[0031] In a replenishment assistance system according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the external conditions related to consumption of the item that the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit uses as input to the predictor may include at least some of the weather, season, and location of the storage location of the item, and if the storage location is a sales floor of a store, the number of customers and traffic information around the store.

[0032] According to this aspect, information related to the consumption of the items to be replenished can be used to predict the optimal inventory quantity, making it possible to make the optimal inventory quantity predicted by the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit more accurate, and by performing item replenishment work based on such optimal inventory quantity, it is possible to make the replenishment of items even more accurate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a replenishment assistance system that can replenish items more easily and with higher accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the replenishment assist robot according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a replenishment assist robot according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a replenishment assisting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the overall processing of the refill assist system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a management server. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a screen displayed in the embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is an example of a display screen of a tablet computer. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a screen displayed in the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the work efficiency of the replenishment assist robot. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of an item reordering process performed by an item management unit. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of an item reordering process performed by the item management unit. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a defective product disposal process performed by an item management department. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an item ordering process. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a management server and a tablet computer according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a replenishment assistance system according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart showing a switching process executed by the main body of the RFID reader. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart illustrating a reading process executed by the main body of the RFID reader. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart illustrating a reading process executed by the main body of the RFID reader. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0036] <Replenishment assistance robot> 1 is a side view showing a replenishment assist robot 100 according to an embodiment. The replenishment assist robot 100 includes a transport vehicle 110, a frame 120, boxes 130A and 130B, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​reader 140, a tablet computer 150, a face authentication unit 160, a shielding unit 170, and an alarm issuing unit 180.

[0037] The replenishment assist robot 100 is a robot (device) used in buildings such as stores, logistics centers, and warehouses, and automatically travels on a self-propelled guided vehicle 110 to assist a worker in replenishing items. The task of replenishing items is, for example, replenishing inventory stored in the back yard of a store to shelves in a sales floor. The replenishment assist robot 100 is a robot that assists in the task of replenishing items stored at a first location (e.g., the back yard) to a second location (e.g., a shelf in a sales floor). In this case, the replenishment assist robot 100 may detect an item that is running low on the sales floor of the store and move it to the front of the shelf where the inventory items are located in the back yard of the store, or, if items are periodically received in the back yard, it may move it to the back yard of the store in accordance with the timing of the arrival of the items.

[0038] 1 is the front of the replenishment assist robot 100, and the right in FIG. 1 is the rear of the replenishment assist robot 100. Hereinafter, the front and rear directions will be referred to as the front-to-rear direction, referring to the direction of travel of the replenishment assist robot 100. The transport vehicle 110 can travel forward, forward right, and forward left.

[0039] Here, the term "items" refers to various products and the like arranged on shelves and the like in buildings such as stores, logistics centers, warehouses, etc., and may be, for example, various products such as clothing, daily necessities, etc. Furthermore, the items may also be medicines such as oral medications, injectable medications, or topical treatments, masks, or other medical clothing and equipment, etc.

[0040] The guided vehicle 110 is an example of a moving body, and is realized, for example, by a so-called AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle). The guided vehicle 110 has a control unit configured by a computer. The control unit of the guided vehicle 110 is capable of data communication with the tablet computer 150 via wired or wireless communication. The control unit of the guided vehicle 110 moves the guided vehicle 110 to a predetermined position represented by position information transmitted from the tablet computer 150, according to an electronic map created for the passages between shelves and other structures arranged in a building. Upon completing the movement to the predetermined position represented by the position information, the control unit of the guided vehicle 110 transmits an arrival notification to the tablet computer 150 indicating that the guided vehicle 110 has arrived at the predetermined position. Note that, here, a configuration is described in which the guided vehicle 110 moves using position information included in a replenishment instruction received by the tablet computer 150 from a management server. However, the guided vehicle 110 may have a wireless communication function that enables direct wireless communication with the management server, and may obtain position information directly from the management server via wireless communication.

[0041] The frame 120 is attached to the transport vehicle 110 and holds the boxes 130A and 130B, the RFID reader 140, the tablet computer 150, and the face authentication unit 160. The frame 120 has a frame main body 121 and stays 122A and 122B. The frame main body 121 is, for example, a rod-shaped member made of aluminum, and has stays 122A and 122B, for example, made of iron, attached to it. In addition, antennas 143A and 143B of the RFID reader 140 are attached to the front side of the frame main body 121.

[0042] The stay 122A is attached to the upper end of the frame main body 121 and extends rearward, and holds the main body 141 and antenna 142A of the RFID reader 140, the tablet computer 150, the facial authentication unit 160, and the alarm issuing unit 180. More specifically, the main body 141 of the RFID reader 140 is attached to the upper surface of the front end of the stay 122A, the antenna 142 is attached to the lower surface of the center in the front-to-rear direction of the stay 122A, and the tablet computer 150 and the facial authentication unit 160 are attached to the rear end of the stay 122A. The tablet computer 150 and the facial authentication unit 160 are attached facing rearward. The replenishment assist robot 100 does not travel backward, so this is to ensure the safety of the worker using the replenishment assist robot 100. Note that if the worker's safety can be reliably confirmed, the replenishment assist robot 100 may be allowed to travel backward automatically or manually.

[0043] Stay 122B is attached near the middle in the vertical direction of frame main body 121. Therefore, stay 122B is located lower than stay 122A. Box 130A is attached to the upper surface of stay 122B, and antenna 142B of RFID reader 140 is attached to the lower surface of stay 122B.

[0044] The boxes 130A and 130B are an example of a storage section, and store items taken from shelves or the like by workers at a first location such as a backyard. The boxes 130A and 130B are, for example, rectangular parallelepiped boxes and have entrances 131A and 131B that are open at the top. The entrances 131A and 131B are passages through which items must pass when being placed into the boxes 130A and 130B. Here, a configuration will be described in which workers also take items out of the boxes 130A and 130B through the entrances 131A and 131B. For this reason, the entrances 131A and 131B are openings used as entrances and exits. However, the boxes 130A and 130B may have dedicated access ports that are used only for taking items out.

[0045] As described above, box 130A is attached to the upper surface of stay 122B, and box 130B is attached to the upper surface of transport vehicle 110. Box 130A is located on the upper level, and box 130B is located on the lower level. Here, a configuration will be described in which box 130A is attached to frame main body 121 by stay 122A, and box 130B is attached to the upper surface of transport vehicle 110. However, as long as box 130A is located higher than box 130B, the attachment method of boxes 130A and 130B may be in any configuration. Also, here, a configuration will be described in which replenishment assist robot 100 includes two boxes 130A and 130B, but the number of boxes may be one, or three or more.

[0046] The RFID reader 140 has a main body 141, antennas 142A, 142B, and antennas 143A, 143B. The antennas 142A and 142B are examples of second antennas, and the antennas 143A and 143B are examples of first antennas. Here, the antennas 143A and 143B will be described using FIG. 2 in addition to FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view that schematically shows the replenishment assist robot 100 of the embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the positional relationship in a plan view among the transport vehicle 110, the frame main body 121 of the frame 120, and the antennas 143A and 143B.

[0047] The main body 141 can select either the antennas 142A and 142B or the antennas 143A and 143B to read the RFID tag.

[0048] The antennas 143A and 143B are attached to the front side of the frame body 121 and have forward directivity. The antennas 143A and 143B are provided so that the replenishment assist robot 100 can identify the type and number of items that are running low at a second location such as a sales floor in a store, and can also read RFID tags attached to items placed on shelves or the like at a first location such as a backroom to identify the type and number of items.

[0049] It should be noted that antennas 143A and 143B do not necessarily have to be attached to the front side of frame main body 121 and configured to have forward directivity. For example, they may be attached to the side of frame main body 121 and configured to have sideways directivity. However, if antennas 143A and 143B are attached to the front side of frame main body 121 and configured to have forward directivity, the direction of the directivity of antennas 143A and 143B and the traveling direction of replenishment assist robot 100 will be the same. Therefore, replenishment assist robot 100 can approach an item more quickly after reading an RFID tag attached to an item placed on a shelf or the like at a first location such as a back yard or a second location such as a sales floor, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0050] The antennas 142A and 142B have downward directivity. The main body 141 is connected to the antennas 142A and 142B, and emits radio waves at a frequency for reading RFID tags from the antennas 142A and 142B and receives the radio waves returned by the RFID tags. The RFID tags are, for example, passive types and do not have batteries. A unique item ID (identifier) ​​is stored in the memory of an integrated circuit (IC) of each RFID tag, and when each RFID tag receives radio waves from the RFID reader 140, it is activated by the power of the received radio waves and emits a signal including the unique item ID. The main body 141 reads the item ID included in the radio waves received by the antennas 142A and 142B and identifies each RFID tag.

[0051] The mechanism for reading RFID tags using antennas 143A and 143B by main body 141 is the same as in the case where antennas 142A and 142B are used.

[0052] Antenna 142A is located directly above entrance 131A of box 130A, at a position where it can reliably read the RFID tags attached to items that are placed in box 130A through entrance 131A. Antenna 142B is located directly above entrance 131B of box 130B, at a position where it can reliably read the RFID tags attached to items that are placed in box 130B through entrance 131B. By arranging antennas 142A and 142B in this manner, it is possible to reliably read the RFID tags attached to items that a worker removes from a shelf or the like and places in boxes 130A and 130B at a first location such as a backyard, thereby preventing missed readings. After storing items in boxes 130A and 130B, replenishment assist robot 100 moves to a second location such as a sales floor and moves in front of the shelves where the items are displayed. The worker can remove the items from boxes 130A and 130B and replenish the items on the shelves. This allows the desired number of desired items to be accurately replenished.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, if barcodes are attached to items and read with a barcode reader, the barcodes must be read one by one, and multiple barcodes cannot be read simultaneously. In contrast, if RFID tags are attached to items, multiple RFID tags can be read simultaneously, and therefore multiple RFID tags attached to multiple items can be read simultaneously by each of antennas 142A and 142B, allowing workers to perform replenishment work efficiently and quickly in a short time.

[0054] Furthermore, if the antennas 142A and 142B are provided below the boxes 130A and 130B, and an item has metal packaging such as aluminum film, the reading radio waves emitted by the antennas 142A and 142B may be blocked by the metal packaging of the item already contained in the boxes 130A and 130B, and the RFID tag of the item passing through the entrances 131A and 131B of the boxes 130A and 130B may not be read. Also, if the object contains liquid, and the antennas 142A and 142B are provided below the boxes 130A and 130B, the radiation distribution of the reading radio waves emitted by the antennas 142A and 142B may change due to the liquid in the item already contained in the boxes 130A and 130B, and the RFID tag of the item passing through the entrances 131A and 131B of the boxes 130A and 130B may not be read.

[0055] In contrast, in this embodiment, antennas 142A and 142B are disposed directly above boxes 130A and 130B, respectively, so even if boxes 130A and 130B already contain articles with metal packaging or articles containing liquid, antennas 142A and 142B can reliably read the RFID tags of articles that pass through entrances 131A and 131B and are contained in boxes 130A and 130B. Furthermore, failure to read any RFID tags can be prevented.

[0056] Here, a configuration in which RFID reader 140 has antennas 142A and 142B and antennas 143A and 143B will be described, but the antenna for reading items on shelves or the like at a first position such as a back yard or a second position such as a sales floor, and the antenna for reading items passing through entrances 131A and 131B of boxes 130A and 130B may be a common antenna. For example, if replenishment assist robot 100 is configured to include only one box 130A, the antenna for reading items on shelves or the like at the first position or the second position and the antenna for reading items passing through entrance 131A of box 130A may be a single common antenna.

[0057] The tablet computer 150 is a terminal device that has a display and a touch panel and can be operated by touching images such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on the display. The tablet computer 150 receives replenishment instructions and replenishment status from the management server and displays them on the display, and also transmits item location information included in the replenishment instructions to the control unit of the transport vehicle 110. For example, the tablet computer 150 can use application software to display the replenishment instructions and transmit the location information to the control unit of the transport vehicle 110.

[0058] Furthermore, the tablet computer 150 receives, from the RFID reader 140, identification information that the RFID reader 140 reads from the RFID tags using the antennas 142A and 142B. The tablet computer 150 transmits the identification information received from the RFID reader 140 to the management server. The tablet computer 150 also transmits to the management server, information that identifies the worker acquired by the face authentication unit 160, in association with the identification information read from the RFID tags attached to the items stored in the boxes 130A and 130B. This is to enable the management server to manage which worker stored which item, thereby ascertaining the work efficiency of each worker.

[0059] Although the replenishment assist robot 100 will be described here as including a tablet computer 150, any computer terminal such as a smartphone or a notebook personal computer can be used.

[0060] The facial authentication unit 160 performs facial authentication of the worker to acquire worker ID information for identifying the worker. As an example, a configuration will be described in which the replenishment assist robot 100 includes the facial authentication unit 160 so that the management server can grasp the work efficiency of each worker. However, instead of the facial authentication unit 160, an authentication unit that identifies the worker's biometric information by other methods may be used, or a reading device that reads an ID card assigned to each worker may be used. Furthermore, if no particular management of work efficiency, etc. is performed, the replenishment assist robot 100 does not need to include an authentication unit that identifies the worker, such as the facial authentication unit 160. Furthermore, the information identifying the worker acquired by the facial authentication unit 160 may be managed by the server, for example, simply by touching the replenishment assist robot, without associating it with the identification information read from the RFID tags attached to the items stored in the boxes 130A and 130B.

[0061] The shielding portion 170 is a conductive member that blocks radio waves. The shielding portion 170 is provided between the box 130A and the antenna 142B, and prevents the antenna 142A from reading RFID tags attached to items stored in the box 130B. If the antenna 142B also has directivity in the upward direction, the shielding portion 170 can be used to block the antenna 142B from reading RFID tags located above it.

[0062] The alarm issuing unit 180 is attached to the stay 122A of the frame 120 and is located next to the face authentication unit 160. The alarm issuing unit 180 issues an alarm when it receives a notification from the control unit of the transport vehicle 110 indicating that the transport vehicle 110 has moved to a first location, such as a back-of-house area. For example, if a worker is typically stationed at a second location, such as a sales floor in a store, issuing an alarm lets the worker know that the replenishment assist robot 100 is working in the back-of-house area. The worker can then move from the sales floor to the back-of-house area and retrieve items from shelves. For example, if a sales clerk retrieves items from the back-of-house area without deploying a worker in the back-of-house area, the time the clerk spends away from the sales floor can be minimized, improving overall store efficiency. Furthermore, since there is no need to deploy dedicated workers in the back-of-house area, the number of store staff can be reduced, enabling more efficient operations and significantly reducing labor costs. Furthermore, if the replenishment assistance robot 100 is set to go to the back yard during times when there are fewer customers or at night, replenishment work can be performed more efficiently.

[0063] <System configuration> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the replenishment assistance system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the replenishment assistance system 1 includes a management server 10 and a replenishment assistance robot 100. Fig. 3 also shows a control unit 151 of a tablet computer 150. The control unit 151 is a control unit that performs all control related to the operation of the tablet computer 150, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, etc.

[0064] For example, a worker performing a replenishment task performs the task under the following assumptions. The replenishment assist robot 100 reads the type and number of items 40 on a shelf using the antennas 143A and 143B of the RFID reader 140 at a second location, such as a sales floor in a store, and identifies items that are running low. The robot then moves to a first location, such as a backroom where items 40 are stored, reads the type and number of items 40 stored as inventory using the antennas 143A and 143B of the RFID reader 140, moves to a location in front of a shelf or the like where the items 40 to be replenished are located, and displays the type and number of items 40 to be acquired on a display and waits. The worker performing the replenishment task checks the type and number of items 40 on the display of the tablet computer 150, and then places the items 40 that are stored on the shelf or the like in front of the replenishment assist robot 100 into box 130A or 130B. Since each item 40 is affixed with an RFID tag 41, when the item 40 is placed in the box 130A, 130B, the item ID of the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 is read by the antennas 142A, 142B. After the task of placing the item 40 in the box 130A or 130B is completed, the replenishment assistance robot 100 moves to a second location such as a sales floor and waits in front of a shelf on which the items 40 are displayed. In between serving customers in the sales floor, the worker (store clerk) can simply take the item out of the box 130A, 130B and display it on the shelf.

[0065] As an example, the replenishment assist robot 100 reads the type and number of items 40 on the shelves through the antennas 143A and 143B of the RFID reader 140 at a second location such as a sales floor of a store, and identifies items that are running low. However, instead of reading the type and number of items 40 on the shelves through the antennas 143A and 143B of the RFID reader 140 and identifying items that are running low, the replenishment assist robot 100 may periodically acquire a fixed number of items from inventory.

[0066] The management server 10 transmits a replenishment instruction to the tablet computer 150. The replenishment instruction may include information on the location to which the replenishment assist robot 100 should move, the items 40 that the worker should place in the box 130A or 130B, and the type and number of each item 40 to be arranged on the shelf. The location to which the replenishment assist robot 100 should move is the location where the items 40 are placed, stored, etc. The management server 10 also transmits the replenishment status to the tablet computer 150. The replenishment status may include information on the number of each item 40 already placed in the box 130A or 130B. Specifically, the management server 10 counts the number of each item 40 placed in the box 130A or 130B based on the specific information read from the RFID tag 41 by the RFID reader 140 via the antennas 142A and 142B.

[0067] The management server 10 is configured with one or more computers. The management server 10 can also send and receive data to and from a tablet computer 150 via an arbitrary network 50. Details of the management server 10 will be described later.

[0068] The tablet computer 150 receives a replenishment instruction and the replenishment status from the management server 10 and displays them on the display, while also transmitting the location information included in the replenishment instruction to the control unit of the transport vehicle 110. The transport vehicle 110 moves to the location indicated by the location information. For example, the tablet computer 150 can use application software to display the replenishment instruction and transmit the location information included in the replenishment instruction to the control unit of the transport vehicle 110. The worker walks to the location where the replenishment assist robot 100 is located, checks the type of item 40 and the location of the shelf or the like displayed on the tablet computer 150, replenishes the item 40, and places it in the box 130A, 130B.

[0069] The RFID reader 140 reads the identification information and unique information written on the RFID tag 41. The identification information is information for identifying the type of product to which the RFID tag 41 is attached. For example, a GS1 standard product identification code such as the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) used in existing barcode-based systems can be used as the identification information. The GTIN includes information such as the GS1 company code and product item code. The GTIN is sometimes called the JAN code (Japanese Article Number) or the EAN code (European Article Number).

[0070] The unique information is information other than the type of product that is unique to the product to which the RFID tag 41 is attached. Specific examples of the unique information include, for example, the place of production of the product, the time of production, and information about a sales promotion campaign (whether a campaign is currently being held, whether the product is packaged for a promotion, etc.). Furthermore, if the product is a food product, the unique information can also include information about the expiration date of the food product.

[0071] Furthermore, an EPC (Electronic Product Code) may be used as information written to the RFID tag 41. An example of an EPC is an SGTIN (Serialized Global Trade Item Number). The SGTIN is a GTIN, which is a product identification code, to which a serial number (sequential number) is added, and it is possible to individually identify each product even if it has the same GTIN. When the registration information of the RFID tag 41 is an EPC, both the above-mentioned specific information and unique information can be included in the EPC. Note that in the SGTIN, the serial number portion (corresponding to unique information) added to the GTIN (corresponding to specific information) may be changed to any data. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the expiration date or the like of the registration information in the management server 10 is determined from the serial number and returned to the tablet computer 150.

[0072] The RFID reader 140 transmits the specific information and unique information read from the RFID tag 41 to the tablet computer 150 .

[0073] The tablet computer 150 also receives the identifying information and unique information read from the RFID reader 140 via the antennas 142A, 142B, 143A, and 143B. The tablet computer 150 transmits the identifying information and unique information received from the RFID reader 140 to the management server 10. When the tablet computer 150 receives the identifying information and unique information and determines that the item 40 is the correct item according to the replenishment instructions, it outputs a response sound indicating that the item 40 is the correct item. On the other hand, when the tablet computer 150 receives the identifying information and unique information and determines that the item 40 is not the correct item according to the replenishment instructions, it outputs a response sound indicating that the item 40 is not the correct item. The worker can confirm from the response sound whether the replenishment work he or she is performing is correct. Instead of or in addition to the response sound, the tablet computer 150 may display a response display on the display indicating that the item 40 is the correct item or not the correct item 40.

[0074] The replenishment assist robot 100 includes a tablet computer 150 and an RFID reader 140. As an example, the replenishment assist robot 100 includes two boxes 130A and 130B, the RFID reader 140 has antennas 142A and 142B and antennas 143A and 143B, and the antennas 142A and 142B are disposed in the boxes 130A and 130B, respectively. The worker may place the replenished item 40 in either of the two boxes 130A and 130B, or, for example, the worker may place the item in either of the two boxes 130A and 130B depending on the shipping destination or the like. Furthermore, when there are two shipping destinations or the like, the two boxes 130A and 130B may be used separately for the two shipping destinations.

[0075] As described above, the item 40 is various products or the like that are placed on shelves or the like in a building such as a store, a logistics center, or a warehouse. An RFID tag 41 is attached to the item 40. The RFID tag 41 has an IC chip with a built-in memory in which specific information and unique information are written. One RFID tag 41 is attached to each item 40. Attaching the RFID tag 41 to the item 40 means attaching the RFID tag 41 to the item 40, and specifically means, for example, pasting, sewing, or fastening the RFID tag 41 to the item 40 with a strap or the like.

[0076] When an item 40 arrives at a logistics center or the like, the management server 10 manages the specific information and unique information written in the RFID tag 41 by linking them with information about the item 40 to which the RFID tag 41 is attached. The management server 10 also manages information indicating in which box 130A or 130B of the replenishment assist robot 100 the RFID reader 140 is stored.

[0077] <Overall processing> FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the overall processing of the replenishment assisting system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0078] The management server 10 first predicts the optimal inventory quantity of each item 40 to be displayed on the shelf at the second location, such as the sales floor (step S1A). Here, the "optimal inventory quantity" refers to the number of items that would be most suitable for sales and consumption trends if displayed at the current time, which can be predicted based on various conditions such as weather, season, and unique conditions of the item storage location (location, number of customers, traffic information, etc. if the storage location is a store sales floor). To predict the optimal inventory quantity, a predictor such as a neural network can be used. The predictor receives various conditions such as weather, season, and unique conditions of the store (location, number of customers, traffic information, etc.) as input, and outputs the optimal inventory quantity. To acquire these input / output relationships, machine learning techniques such as supervised learning can be used.

[0079] The management server 10 creates a map for guiding the replenishment assist robot 100 (step S1B).

[0080] The management server 10 transmits replenishment instruction data to the tablet computer 150 (step S2). As described above, the replenishment instruction may include information on the location to which the replenishment assist robot 100 should move (the location where the items 40 are stored), the items 40 that the worker should place in the box 130A or 130B at that location, and the type and number of each item 40 to be displayed on the display shelf. Furthermore, the information on the number of items 40 included in the replenishment instruction is based on the optimal inventory quantity predicted in step S1A.

[0081] The tablet computer 150 transmits the location information included in the replenishment instruction to the transport vehicle 110 (step S2A).

[0082] This causes the replenishment assist robot 100 to move to a second location such as a sales floor (step S2B).

[0083] The guided vehicle 110 transmits the arrival notification to the tablet computer 150 (step S2C).

[0084] The tablet computer 150 transmits instructions to the RFID reader 140 to read the RFID tag 41 of the item 40 on a shelf in a second location, such as a sales floor (step S2D).

[0085] The RFID reader 140 reads the specific information written in the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 on the display shelf using the antennas 143A and 143B (step S2E), thereby reading the type and number of the item 40 on the display shelf.

[0086] The RFID reader 140 transmits the specific information read in step S2E and information for identifying the RFID reader 140 to the tablet computer 150 (step S2F).

[0087] The tablet computer 150 calculates the type and number of items 40 that are missing from the display shelves based on the type and number of each item 40 to be displayed on the display shelves, which is included in the replenishment instruction received in step S2, and the specific information received in step S2F (step S2G).The tablet computer 150 transmits data indicating the type and number of items 40 that are missing, calculated based on the replenishment instruction, to the management server 10.

[0088] The calculation process for the type and number of items 40 in step S2G may be performed by the management server 10. In this case, the tablet computer 150 transmits the specific information read by the RFID reader to the management server 10, and the management server 10 calculates the type and number of items 40 based on the received specific information and provides the calculated number to the tablet computer 150.

[0089] The tablet computer 150 transmits the position information included in the replenishment instruction to the transport vehicle 110 (step S2H) in order to move the replenishment assist robot 100 to a first position such as a backyard.

[0090] As a result, the replenishment assist robot 100 moves to a first position such as a backyard (step S2I). At this time, the tablet computer 150 causes the RFID reader 140 to read the RFID tags 41 of the inventory of the items 40 with the antennas 143A and 143B, and moves the replenishment assist robot 100 in front of the missing items 40 (items 40 to be replenished).

[0091] The transport vehicle 110 transmits the arrival notification to the tablet computer 150 (step S2J). In this state, the replenishment assist robot 100 waits in front of the item 40 to be replenished.

[0092] At this time, the tablet computer 150 may cause the alarm issuing unit 180 to issue an alarm in order to notify a store clerk at a second location such as a sales floor that the replenishment assist robot 100 has moved to a first location such as a backyard.

[0093] When the tablet computer 150 receives a notification from the control unit of the transport vehicle 110 in step S2J that the transport vehicle 110 has arrived at the first position, it displays on the display the type and number of items 40 that are missing from the display shelf calculated in step S2G (step S3). The worker can walk to the location where the replenishment assist robot 100 is waiting and, while looking at the type and number of items 40 displayed on the tablet computer 150 of the replenishment assist robot 100, perform the task of placing the items 40 that are placed at the first position, such as the back yard, into boxes 130A and 130B (picking).

[0094] The RFID reader 140 reads the identifying information and unique information written on the RFID tag 41 attached to each item 40 that the worker has placed in the box 130A or 130B (step S4). The RFID reader 140 uses antennas 142A and 142B to read the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 that passes through the entrances 131A and 131B of the boxes 130A and 130B. By the processing of step S4, it is possible to obtain the identifying information and unique information of the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 that the worker has placed in the box 130A or 130B.

[0095] The RFID reader 140 transmits the specific information and unique information read in step S4 and information for identifying the RFID reader 140 to the tablet computer 150 (step S5).

[0096] The tablet computer 150 transmits the specific information and unique information received in step S5 and information for identifying the RFID reader 140 to the management server 10 (step S6).

[0097] The management server 10 counts the number of each item 40 placed in the box 130A or 130B based on the specific information received in step S6 (step S7). That is, the management server 10 performs a counting process for the items 40 placed in the boxes 130A and 130B.

[0098] The management server 10 transmits replenishment status data to the tablet computer 150 based on the number of each item 40 counted in step S7 (step S8). As described above, the replenishment status may include information on the number of each item 40 already placed in the box 130A or 130B.

[0099] The tablet computer 150 displays the replenishment status received in step S8 on the display (step S9). While viewing this replenishment status, the worker can determine whether or not to place more items 40 into boxes 130A and 130B in the first location such as the backyard.

[0100] The management server 10 manages the items 40 to be replenished based on the unique information received in step S6 (step S10). As an example of item management, the items 40 to be replenished can be further limited based on the unique information from the group of items to be replenished identified by the identification information. Details of the item management in step S10 will be described later with reference to Figs. 10 to 12.

[0101] When the management server 10 determines in step S10 that there is another item 40 that should be used first for replenishment, for each item 40 counted in step S7, i.e., each item 40 that was placed in box 130A or 130B from the group of items stored on shelves or the like at a first location such as a backyard, the management server 10 sends a command to the tablet computer 150 to retake the item (step S11). The tablet computer 150 displays the command to retake the item received in step S11 on its display. In response to this command, the worker can re-place another item 40 in box 130A, 130B.

[0102] When the worker performs a completion operation, the tablet computer 150 transmits the location information included in the replenishment instruction received in step S2 to the transport vehicle 110 (step S9A). The completion operation is an operation in which the worker looks at the display and taps the completion button displayed on the display of the tablet computer 150 when he or she confirms that the desired number of each missing item 40 has been placed in the boxes 130A and 130B.

[0103] This causes the replenishment assist robot 100 to move to a second position such as a sales floor (step S2B). When the replenishment assist robot 100 returns to the second position such as a sales floor, the boxes 130A and 130B contain the desired number of each item 40 that is missing from the display shelves. In between serving customers, the store clerk can simply take the items 40 out of the boxes 130A and 130B and display them on the display shelves.

[0104] <Function block> Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of management server 10. As shown in Fig. 5, management server 10 can include a replenishment instruction management unit 101, a replenishment instruction storage unit 102, a map creation unit 103, an information receiving unit 104, a counting unit 105, a replenishment status management unit 106, an item management unit 107, an optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108, and an order management unit 109. Furthermore, management server 10 can function as replenishment instruction management unit 101, a map creation unit 103, an information receiving unit 104, a counting unit 105, a replenishment status management unit 106, an item management unit 107, an optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108, and an order management unit 109 by executing a program. Each of these units will be described below.

[0105] The tablet computer 150 may have some or all of the functions of the management server 10. For example, the tablet computer 150 may include a means for receiving a replenishment instruction (also referred to as a replenishment instruction receiving unit), an information receiving unit 104, a counting unit 105, and a replenishment status management unit 106.

[0106] The replenishment instruction management unit 101 transmits replenishment instruction data to the tablet computer 150. For example, when the worker taps a screen displayed on the tablet computer 150 for starting the replenishment work, the replenishment instruction management unit 101 starts transmitting the replenishment instruction data. As described above, the replenishment instruction may include information on the location to which the replenishment assistance robot 100 should move (the location of the shelf or the like where the items 40 are stored), the items 40 that the worker should place in the box 130A or 130B at that location, and the type and number of each item 40 to be displayed on the display shelf. Note that the information on the number of items 40 included in the replenishment instruction is based on the optimal inventory quantity predicted by the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108, which will be described later. The replenishment instruction management unit 101 also stores the replenishment instruction data in the replenishment instruction storage unit 102.

[0107] The replenishment instruction storage unit 102 stores replenishment instruction data transmitted to the tablet computer 150.

[0108] The screen showing the replenishment instructions displayed on the tablet computer 150 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0109] FIG. 6 is an example of a screen displayed in the embodiment. In the screen shown in FIG. 6, boxes 130A and 130B are indicated as A and B. As shown in FIG. 6, a location to which the replenishment assist robot 100 should move (the location of a shelf or the like where the items 40 are stored, also referred to as a "replenishment location") may be displayed. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, information representing the type and number of missing items 40 calculated based on the replenishment instruction may be displayed, such as the name of the item 40 (to be replenished) that the worker should place in box 130A or 130B at that location and an image of the item 40 (e.g., an image of the item 40 as stored in a logistics center or the like). Also, as shown in FIG. 6, information representing the type and number of missing items 40 calculated based on the replenishment instruction may be displayed, such as the number of items 40 that the worker should place in box 130A or 130B (in the example of FIG. 6, the number of items to be placed in box 130A or 130B). 6, the date on which the work is being performed (work date), the worker's identifier (worker ID), the worker's name (worker name), the number of items 40 that have been acquired out of the total number of items 40 to be acquired (number completed / total number of items), the elapsed time out of the target time until the acquisition is completed (elapsed time / target time), etc. may be displayed. By viewing a screen such as that shown in FIG. 6, the worker can know which items 40 should be acquired at which locations and how many of each. Note that if the items 40 are specified as being to be placed in either box 130A or 130B, the worker can immediately know by viewing a screen such as that shown in FIG. 6 that they have mistakenly placed the items in the wrong box 130A or 130B.

[0110] It is also possible to display a list for each box 130A, 130B indicating one or more items 40 that the worker should place in the box 130A, 130B and the number of each item 40 that the worker should place in the box 130A, 130B. Below, with reference to Figure 7, a screen showing information indicating the type and number of missing items 40 calculated based on the replenishment instructions for each box 130A, 130B, which is displayed on the tablet computer 150, will be described.

[0111] FIG. 7 is an example of a display screen of the tablet computer 150. FIG. 7 shows, as an example, display content related to the items 40 to be placed in the box 130A. For example, when the screen of FIG. 6 is tapped, the screen may transition to the screen of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, one or more items 40 that the worker should place in the box 130A may be displayed. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the number of each item 40 that the worker should place in the box 130A may be displayed. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the destination (destination) to which the items 40 are to be shipped, the total number (number of items) of items 40 to be placed in the box 130A, the shipping date, etc. may be displayed. By looking at a screen such as that of FIG. 7, the worker can know how many of each item 40 to acquire for each of the boxes 130A and 130B.

[0112] Returning to Fig. 5, the information receiving unit 104 receives from the tablet computer 150 the specific information and unique information that the RFID reader 140 reads from the RFID tag 41 via the antennas 142A and 142B, as well as information for identifying the RFID reader 140. Upon receiving the specific information and the information for identifying the RFID reader 140, the information receiving unit 104 notifies the map creating unit 103 and the counting unit 105. Furthermore, upon receiving the unique information, the information receiving unit 104 notifies the item management unit 107.

[0113] The map creation unit 103 performs a map creation process. Specifically, the map creation unit 103 creates a map for guiding the replenishment assist robot 100. The following description will be divided into map creation at the start of replenishment and map creation during replenishment.

[0114] <When replenishment begins> The map creation unit 103 generates a route (path) that is the shortest distance in a first location, such as a back yard, passing through all locations where the item 40 that the worker is instructed to place in box 130A or 130B is stored. This route is created for an area that includes both the first location, such as a back yard, and a second location, such as a sales floor. Here, the map for the first location, such as a back yard, is described. The map creation unit 103 creates a map that clearly shows the generated route, the next replenishment location (i.e., the replenishment location to which the replenishment assist robot 100 should next go), and all replenishment locations on a layout diagram of each shelf in the back yard. The replenishment assist robot 100 moves to each replenishment location according to the location information included in the replenishment instruction that the tablet computer 150 receives from the management server 10 and the map created by the map creation unit 103.

[0115] <Replenishment in progress> The map creation unit 103 creates a map that clearly shows the route generated at the start of replenishment, the next replenishment location (i.e., the replenishment location next to the replenishment location where replenishment has been completed), and all replenishment locations on a layout diagram of each shelf in a logistics center, etc. Note that the map creation unit 103 can also create a new route instead of using the route generated at the start of replenishment.

[0116] When there are multiple replenishment assist robots 100, both at the start of replenishment and during replenishment, the map creation unit 103 may generate routes based on the replenishment status of the multiple replenishment assist robots 100 so that the multiple replenishment assist robots 100 do not collide (for example, so that the multiple replenishment assist robots 100 do not pass through the same aisle in the same or opposite directions at the same time or within a predetermined time). In addition, the current locations and routes (paths) of the multiple replenishment assist robots 100 may be clearly displayed on the map. The map creation unit 103 can generate routes (paths) that avoid shelves crowded with other replenishment assist robots 100.

[0117] Hereinafter, the screen showing the map displayed on the tablet computer 150 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0118] Fig. 8 is an example of a screen displayed in an embodiment. Here, a map at a first location such as a backyard will be described. For example, tapping the screen in Fig. 6 may transition to the screen in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 8, a map showing the route, the next replenishment location, and all replenishment locations may be displayed on a layout diagram of each shelf in a logistics center or the like.

[0119] Returning to FIG. 5 , the counting unit 105 performs a replenishment number counting process. Specifically, the counting unit 105 identifies the number of each item 40 that the worker has been instructed to place in the box 130A or 130B by referring to the type and number of missing items 40 calculated based on the replenishment instruction. Furthermore, the counting unit 105 counts the number of each item 40 placed in the box 130A or 130B based on the identification information received from the information receiving unit 104. Specifically, upon receiving the identification information from the information receiving unit 104, the counting unit 105 determines that an item 40 with an RFID tag 41 bearing the identified information has been placed in the box 130A or 130B. Furthermore, based on the instructed number and the counted number, the counting unit 105 determines whether the number of each item 40 already placed in the box 130A or 130B is insufficient or insufficient relative to the missing number calculated based on the replenishment instruction. Specifically, the counting unit 105 determines that there is a shortage of items 40 when the specified number is greater than the counted number, determines that acquisition is complete when the specified number is the same as the counted number, and determines that there is an excess of items 40 when the specified number is less than the counted number.

[0120] The counting unit 105 can determine whether the item 40 is placed in box 130B or 130B based on the specific information, information for identifying the RFID reader 140, and information indicating whether the RFID reader 140 read the specific information using antenna 142A or 142B.

[0121] The replenishment status management unit 106 transmits replenishment status data to the tablet computer 150 based on the number of each item 40 counted by the counting unit 105. As described above, the replenishment status may include information on the number of each item 40 already placed in the box 130A or 130B. Hereinafter, the display of the replenishment status on the screen showing replenishment instructions will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 6 , the number of items 40 that the worker should place in box 130A or 130B may be displayed as the type and number of missing items 40 calculated based on the replenishment instruction (see the denominator of the fraction). Along with the display of the number of items 40 that the worker should place in box 130A or 130B, the number of items 40 already placed in box 130A or 130B may be displayed (see the numerator of the fraction). Furthermore, the excess or shortage of the number of items 40 already placed in box 130A or 130B relative to the missing number of items 40 calculated based on the replenishment instruction may be displayed. For example, the display may be such that the worker can easily distinguish between a shortage of items 40, complete replenishment, and an excess of items 40. For example, if there are missing items 40, no check mark may be placed, if replenishment is complete, a check mark may be placed, and if there are excess items 40, an X mark may be placed.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 7 , the number of one or more items 40 that the worker should place in the box 130A may be displayed. Along with the display of the number of each item 40 that the worker should place in the box 130A, the number of each item 40 that has already been placed in the box 130A may also be displayed. Furthermore, the surplus or deficit of the number of items 40 already placed in the box 130A relative to the number of items 40 that is missing calculated based on the replenishment instruction may also be displayed. For example, the display may be such that the worker can easily distinguish between a shortage of items 40, a complete replenishment, and an excess of items 40. For example, if there is a shortage of items 40, no check mark may be placed; if the replenishment is complete, a check mark may be placed; and if there is an excess of items 40, an X may be placed. Note that such a display may also be displayed for the box 130B in the same way.

[0124] The item management unit 107 manages the items to be replenished based on the unique information received from the information receiving unit 104. Specifically, when the item management unit 107 receives the unique information from the information receiving unit 104, it determines what unique information is written to the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 placed in the box 130A or 130B. It can then determine whether the item to be replenished placed in the box 130A or 130B is appropriate.

[0125] The item management unit 107 sends a restocking command to the tablet computer 150 if there is another item that is more suitable than the item to be replenished that is placed in the box 130A or 130B.

[0126] For example, consider a case where the item to be replenished is a food product, and the unique information includes information about the expiration date of the food product. In this case, if there is another item with an approaching expiration date in addition to the picked item (item 40 stored in box 130A or 130B) among the group of items to be replenished stored on a shelf or the like at a first location such as a backyard, the item management unit 107, based on the unique information, causes the tablet computer 150 to display a command to replace the item 40 with the item with the one with the approaching expiration date. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a command window 152 regarding a re-order command based on the expiration date is displayed on the screen of the tablet computer 150 showing the replenishment instructions. In the example of FIG. 6, a message is displayed in the command window 152 for the item 40 stored in box 130B, saying, "There is another item with an approaching expiration date, so please replace it."

[0127] Also, consider an example in which the unique information includes information related to a sales promotion campaign. In this case, if there is a campaign target item in addition to the picked item (item 40 placed in box 130A or 130B) among the group of items to be replenished stored on a shelf at a first location such as a backyard, the item management unit 107 causes the tablet computer 150 to display, based on the unique information, a command to replace the item 40 with the campaign target item. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a command window 153 related to a re-order command based on the campaign information is displayed on the screen of the tablet computer 150 showing the replenishment instructions. In the example of FIG. 7, a message saying "There is another item in a campaign package, so please replace it" is displayed in the command window 153 for the item 40 placed in box 130A or 130B.

[0128] The optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 predicts the optimal inventory quantity of each item 40 to be displayed on a display shelf at a second location such as a sales floor. The optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 has, for example, a model with a specific input-output relationship as a predictor used to predict the optimal inventory quantity, and changes the input-output relationship of the model through machine learning. The input of the model includes various conditions related to the sales and consumption trends of the item 40 (external conditions related to consumption of the item), such as weather, season, and unique conditions of the item storage location (location, and if the storage location is a sales floor of a store, the number of customers, traffic information, etc.). The output of the model includes the optimal inventory quantity of the item 40.

[0129] The model used by the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 may be, for example, a supervised learning model such as a multilayer neural network or a genetic algorithm, or a reinforcement learning model. Also, the machine learning method used for the model may be backpropagation, deep learning, random forest regression, kernel ridge regression, or the like.

[0130] For example, when the model is a supervised learning model and the item storage location is a store, the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 uses a known database such as big data including past sales results of multiple stores including the store itself to extract information such as various conditions at past item sales as input information for the model, extracts the number of items sold and the number of items in stock at past item sales as output information for the model, and compiles this extracted input and output information to create training data. Then, using this training data, machine learning of the model is performed so that the input-output relationship of the model approaches the input-output relationship of the training data.

[0131] The optimal stock quantity prediction unit 108 has a predictor that has been trained in advance by machine learning, and can input various current conditions to the predictor and predict the optimal stock quantity based on the information output from the predictor. Note that the predictor may be configured to undergo additional learning every time new training data (pairs of various conditions and optimal stock quantities) is acquired, thereby successively updating the input / output relationship.

[0132] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the work efficiency of the replenishment assist robot 100. In FIG. 9, the left half shows a back yard (an example of a first position) and the right half shows a sales floor (an example of a second position). Stock of items 40 is arranged on shelves 6 in the back yard. Replenishment assist robots 100A and 100B are waiting in front of the shelves 6 in the back yard. As an example, the items 40 are clothing.

[0133] In the sales floor, a store clerk 8A is serving a customer 8B. Also in the sales floor, a replenishment assistance robot 100C is reading the types and numbers of items 40 displayed on display shelves 7 through antennas 143A and 143B. Once the reading is complete, the replenishment assistance robot 100C automatically moves to the back yard according to the map, and reads the types and numbers of items 40 to be replenished through antennas 143A and 143B. The replenishment assistance robot 100C stops in front of the item 40 to be replenished, sends an arrival notification to the management server 10, and then sounds an alarm.

[0134] The alarm can be heard on the sales floor, so that the sales clerk 8A can be aware that the replenishment assistance robot 100C is waiting in the back yard even while serving customers. In between serving customers, the sales clerk 8A can walk over to the replenishment assistance robot 100C in the back yard, retrieve the desired number of items displayed on the tablet computer 150 from the shelf 6 in front of the replenishment assistance robot 100C, and place them in boxes 130A and 130B.

[0135] When the sales clerk 8A performs a completion operation on the tablet computer 150, the replenishment assistance robot 100C returns to the sales floor and moves to wait in front of the shelf displaying the items 40 to be replenished. The sales clerk 8A can efficiently replenish the items 40 by taking the items 40 out of the boxes 130A and 130B in between serving customers and displaying them on the display shelf 7. This significantly improves work efficiency.

[0136] [Example of processing by the Goods Management Department] An example of processing performed by the goods management unit 107 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0137] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of an item reordering process performed by the item management unit 107. In the first example of the item reordering process shown in Fig. 10, a reordering command is issued based on the expiration date described above.

[0138] In step S101, information regarding the expiration date of an item 40 (item 40 placed in box 130A or 130B) picked as a replenishment target from a group of items stored on a shelf or the like at a first location such as a back yard is obtained from the unique information of the item.

[0139] In step S102, the expiration date information of a group of items of the same type as the picked item 40 is compared with the information acquired in step S101. Note that the expiration date information of the group of items can be obtained, for example, by having the management server 10 have a database that stores unique information about each item in the group of items stored on shelves or the like in a first location such as a back yard, and the item management unit 107 acquiring the necessary information from this database.

[0140] In step S103, based on the comparison result of step S102, it is determined whether there is another item whose expiration date is closer to that of the picked item 40. If there is another item whose expiration date is closer to that of the picked item 40 (Yes in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104, and an instruction to re-pick up the item, such as the instruction window 152 illustrated in FIG.

[0141] On the other hand, if there is no item 40 whose expiration date is closer than that of the picked item (No in step S103), it is determined that the appropriate item has been picked, and this control flow ends without issuing a re-picking command in step S104.

[0142] In addition to food, the items that are subject to the reorder command based on the expiration date shown in the flowchart of Fig. 10 include all items that are subject to deterioration over time. For example, items that can be set with an expiration date, such as medicines, batteries, and daily necessities, may also be subject to the reorder command.

[0143] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a second example of the item replacement process performed by the item management unit 107. In the second example of the item replacement process shown in Fig. 11, a replacement command is issued based on the campaign information described above.

[0144] In step S201, campaign information is obtained from the unique information of item 40 (item 40 placed in box 130A or 130B) picked as a replenishment target from a group of items stored on a shelf or the like at a first location such as a back yard.

[0145] In step S202, it is determined whether the picked item 40 is a campaign-eligible item based on the campaign information acquired in step S201. Campaign-eligible items are items that, for example, have campaign-related information printed on the product packaging or have a campaign-related sticker or label attached, and are therefore visually different from regular items.

[0146] If the picked item 40 is a campaign item (Yes in step S202), it is determined that an appropriate item has been picked, and the control flow ends without performing the following process.

[0147] On the other hand, if the picked item 40 is not a campaign eligible item (No in step S202), the process proceeds to step S203, where campaign information for a group of items of the same type as the picked item 40 is acquired. As with the explanation of step S102 in Fig. 10, the campaign information for the group of items can be obtained by, for example, having the management server 10 equipped with a database that stores unique information about each item in the group of items stored on shelves or the like in a first location such as a back yard, and the item management unit 107 acquiring the necessary information from this database.

[0148] In step S204, it is determined based on the information acquired in step S203 whether or not there are any campaign-eligible products in the group of products of the same type as the picked product 40. If there are other campaign-eligible products (Yes in step S204), the process proceeds to step S205, and an item re-picking command, such as the command window 153 illustrated in Fig. 7, is displayed on the tablet computer 150. On the other hand, if there are no campaign-eligible products in the group of products of the same type as the picked product 40 (No in step S204), the re-picking command in step S205 is not issued and this control flow ends.

[0149] 10 and 11, a configuration has been described in which the worker first places item 40 in box 130A or 130B based on a replenishment instruction, and then issues a command to retake the item if a more suitable item is found, but a configuration in which the item management unit 107 issues a command before the replenishment work is also possible. For example, the replenishment instruction sent by replenishment instruction management unit 101 may include instructions regarding unique information such as expiration dates and campaign-eligible products, and when the replenishment instruction is displayed on tablet computer 150 (step S3 in FIG. 4), the instructions regarding the unique information may also be displayed.

[0150] In addition, in the examples of Figures 10 and 11, a configuration is shown in which information regarding expiration dates and campaign information is used as unique information for determining whether to carry out a reordering process for an item, but a configuration in which other unique information such as a specific production location or production period is used may also be used.

[0151] Furthermore, the item management unit 107 can also perform processing other than issuing commands to pick more appropriate items as exemplified in Figures 10 and 11, as long as the processing uses unique information. For example, if there are defective items in a group of items stored on shelves or the like at a first location such as a backyard, it can issue a command to pick and discard these defective items. This will be described below with reference to Figure 12.

[0152] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a defective product disposal process performed by the product management unit 107. In the defective product disposal process shown in Fig. 12, the unique information includes information about the place of production or the time of production of the product.

[0153] In step S301, information on the occurrence of defective products of the same type as the group of products to be replenished stored on a shelf or the like at a first location such as a backyard is acquired. The information on the occurrence of defective products is input from outside the management server 10, for example.

[0154] In step S302, information such as the place of production and the time of production is obtained from the unique information of the group of items to be replenished. Note that, for example, the management server 10 may have a database that stores unique information about each item in the group of items stored on shelves or the like in a first location such as a back yard, and the item management unit 107 may obtain the necessary information from this database.

[0155] In step S303, the defective products acquired in step S301 are compared with the information on the place of production and the time of production of the group of items acquired in step S302.

[0156] In step S304, based on the comparison result of step 303, it is determined whether or not any of the items to be replenished currently stored on shelves or the like in a first location, such as a back yard, are produced in the same place or at the same time as the defective item.

[0157] If there are any items in the group of items at the first location, such as the back yard, that are produced in the same place or at the same time as the defective item (Yes in step S304), the process proceeds to step S305, and a defective item disposal command is displayed on the tablet computer 150 to pick and discard the defective item from the group of items to be replenished that are stored on shelves or the like in the first location, such as the back yard.

[0158] On the other hand, if there are no items in the group of items at the first location, such as the back yard, that are produced in the same place or at the same time as the defective item (No in step S304), it is determined that there are no defective items in the group of items to be replenished that are currently stored on shelves or the like at the first location, such as the back yard, and this control flow ends without issuing a command to dispose of the defective items in step S305.

[0159] [Order Management Department] 5, the replenishment assistance system 1 of this embodiment can also be provided with an order management unit 109 in the management server 10. In this case, the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 is configured to predict the optimal inventory quantity of each item 40 to be arranged in the second location such as the sales floor, as well as to predict the optimal inventory quantity of the group of items to be stored in the first location such as the back yard.

[0160] The order management unit 109 compares the optimal inventory quantity of the group of items stored in a first location such as a backyard, predicted by the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108, with the actual inventory quantity currently stored, and outputs an order command to order the shortage of inventory as necessary. The actual inventory quantity of the group of items currently stored in the first location can be obtained from the quantity information output by the counting unit 105 based on the identification information read from the RFID tags 41 attached to these group of items.

[0161] The order management unit 109 may send an order command to a server higher than the management server 10 to request an order, or may send the order command directly to an external manufacturer or intermediary of the relevant item via a network line such as the Internet, or may be configured to display the order command on the screen of the tablet computer 150 of the replenishment assistance robot 100 and instruct the worker performing the replenishment work on the ordering procedure.

[0162] The item ordering control performed by the order management unit 109 of the management server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an item ordering process.

[0163] The optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 of the management server 10 predicts the optimal inventory quantity of a group of items stored in a first location such as a backyard (step S21). The method for predicting the optimal inventory quantity is the same as step S1A in Fig. 4. The optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 transmits information on the predicted optimal inventory quantity to the order management unit 109.

[0164] The map creation unit 103 of the management server 10 creates a map for guiding the replenishment assist robot 100 (step S22).

[0165] The replenishment instruction management unit 101 of the management server 10 transmits data of an instruction to check the inventory of the group of items stored on the shelf at the first position or the like to the tablet computer 150 (step S23). The instruction to check the inventory may include information such as the location to which the replenishment assist robot 100 should move (the location where the item 40 is stored) and the type of item 40 stored at that location.

[0166] The tablet computer 150 transmits the location information included in the inventory check instruction to the transport vehicle 110 (step S24A).

[0167] As a result, the replenishment assist robot 100 moves to a first position such as a backyard (step S24B).

[0168] The guided vehicle 110 transmits the arrival notification to the tablet computer 150 (step S24C).

[0169] When the tablet computer 150 receives a notification from the control unit of the transport vehicle 110 in step S24C indicating that the transport vehicle 110 has arrived at the specified location, it transmits an instruction to the RFID reader 140 to read the RFID tag 41 of the item 40 stored on a shelf or the like at a first location such as a back yard (step S25).

[0170] The RFID reader 140 uses the antennas 143A and 143B to read the item identification information written in the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 stored on the shelf or the like at the first position (step S26).

[0171] The RFID reader 140 transmits the item identification information read in step S26 and information for identifying the RFID reader 140 to the tablet computer 150 (step S227).

[0172] The tablet computer 150 transmits the item identification information received in step S27 and information for identifying the RFID reader 140 to the management server 10 (step S28). The information receiving unit of the management server 10 transmits the received item identification information to the counting unit 105.

[0173] The counting unit 105 of the management server 10 counts the current actual inventory number of the items 40 stored on shelves or the like at a first location such as a backyard, based on the item identification information received in step S28 (step S29). The counting unit 105 transmits information on the calculated inventory number to the order management unit 109.

[0174] The order management unit 109 of the management server 10 compares the current inventory quantity calculated by the counting unit 105 in step S29 with the optimal inventory quantity for the first location predicted by the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 in step S21 (step S30).

[0175] Then, the order management unit 109 transmits an order command to order the shortage amount of stock according to the result of the comparison in step S30 (step S31). For example, when the difference between the current stock quantity and the optimum stock quantity is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the order management unit 109 outputs the order command.

[0176] The inventory check instruction transmitted from management server 10 to tablet computer 150 in step S23 may include information on the optimum inventory quantity predicted in step S21. In this case, tablet computer 150 may be configured to calculate the actual number of stored items based on the specific information of RFID tag 41 acquired in steps S26 and S27, and transmit information on the difference between the calculated number and the optimum inventory quantity to order management unit 109 of management server 10.

[0177] Furthermore, the item ordering control by the order management unit 109 described with reference to FIG. 13 may be configured to be performed in conjunction with the item replenishing work described with reference to FIG.

[0178] 4, the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 predicts the optimal inventory quantity of each item 40 to be arranged in the second location such as a sales floor, and also predicts the optimal inventory quantity of a group of items to be stored in the first location such as a back yard. The optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 outputs the optimal inventory quantity for the second location to the replenishment instruction management unit 101, and outputs the optimal inventory quantity for the first location to the order management unit 109.

[0179] The order management unit 109 updates the inventory quantity of the group of items currently stored at the first location (step S29) using information on the number of items 40 picked into the box 130 from the group of items stored on the shelf at the first location, such as the backyard, calculated by the counting unit 105 in step S7 of Fig. 4. Then, the order management unit 109 compares the updated inventory quantity with the optimal inventory quantity for the first location predicted by the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 (step S30), and outputs an order command according to the comparison result (step S31).

[0180] 13, the object managed by the replenishment assistance system 1 is exemplified as a facility having both a first location such as a backyard and a second location such as a sales floor, such as a supermarket, but the object is not limited to this. For example, the object may be a facility having only a storage location corresponding to the first location, such as a factory warehouse or a logistics warehouse.

[0181] Furthermore, the replenishment assistance system 1 may have other functions for managing the inventory of the items 40, such as a function for assisting in the replenishment of the items 40 on shelves, etc., in addition to the function for assisting in the inventory of the items 40 on shelves, etc. The item ordering control in Fig. 13 may also be included in the function for managing the inventory of the items 40. In other words, the replenishment assistance system 1 can also be expressed as an inventory management system for managing the inventory of items.

[0182] <Effects> As described above, the worker can complete the task of retrieving the items 40 at the first location by walking to the location where the replenishment assistance robot 100 is waiting and placing the items 40 in the box 130A or 130B while viewing the type and number of each missing item 40 on the display shelf 7 displayed on the tablet computer 150. The items 40 retrieved at the first location are the items 40 to be replenished on the display shelf at the second location. Therefore, it is possible to provide a replenishment assistance robot 100 and a replenishment assistance system 1 that can assist the worker in efficiently replenishing the items 40.

[0183] Furthermore, the antennas 142A and 142B of the RFID reader 140 can read multiple RFID tags 41 at once, allowing workers to perform replenishment work efficiently and quickly in a short time. In particular, when there are a large number of the same type of items 40, being able to read them all at once greatly improves work efficiency. Examples of such items 40 include medicines such as oral medications, injectable medications, and topical treatments, masks, and other medical clothing and equipment.

[0184] Furthermore, when placing the item 40 in the box 130A or 130B, the response sound allows the worker to know whether it is the correct item 40. This allows the worker to accurately replenish the items 40, improving work efficiency.

[0185] Furthermore, since the face authentication unit 160 authenticates the workers, it is possible to grasp the amount of work and work efficiency of each worker.

[0186] Furthermore, the replenishment assistance robot 100 waits in front of the shelf without moving until the completion operation is performed and the worker ID information is acquired by facial recognition, so that the robot can move in accordance with the worker's intentions, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0187] In addition, the replenishment assist robot 100 moves when the completion operation is performed and the worker ID information is acquired through facial recognition, so that the movement can be performed in accordance with the worker's intention, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0188] Furthermore, the replenishment assistance robot 100 moves in front of the shelf or the like where the item 40 is located in accordance with instructions to replenish the item 40 that is located in a position different from its current position, and thus, by moving in accordance with the worker's intentions, work efficiency can be improved.

[0189] Furthermore, since antennas 142A and 142B are disposed directly above boxes 130A and 130B, even if boxes 130A and 130B already contain articles with metal packaging or articles containing liquid, antennas 142A and 142B can reliably read the RFID tags of the articles that pass through entrances 131A and 131B and are contained in boxes 130A and 130B. This also prevents missed readings.

[0190] Furthermore, by providing antennas 142A, 142B at entrances 131A, 131B of boxes 130A, 130B, articles 40 whose RFID tags 41 have been read can be reliably placed in boxes 130A, 130B, eliminating the need to confirm that the articles have been placed in boxes 130A, 130B, thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, by reading RFID tags 41 from above boxes 130A, 130B, it is possible to reliably read the RFID tags 41 of articles 40 to be placed in boxes 130A, 130B even when many other articles 40 are stored inside boxes 130A, 130B.

[0191] Furthermore, since a shielding portion 170 is provided between the box 130A and the antenna 142B, it is possible to prevent the antenna 142A from reading the RFID tags attached to the items stored in the box 130B. In other words, the items 40 placed in the boxes 130A and 130B can be accurately read by the antennas 142A and 142B, thereby reducing reading errors.

[0192] The replenishment assistance system 1 according to this embodiment also includes an RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40, an RFID reader 140 capable of reading the RFID tag 41, a counting unit 105 that counts the number of items 40 in stock based on information about the item 40 read from the RFID tag 41 by the RFID reader 140, and an optimal stock quantity prediction unit 108 that has a predictor that has previously learned by machine learning the input-output relationship between external conditions related to consumption of the item 40 and optimal stock quantities corresponding to the external conditions, and that predicts the optimal stock quantity of the item 40 using the predictor based on the current external conditions. The replenishment assistance system 1 performs inventory management of the item 40 based on the number of items 40 in stock counted by the counting unit 105 and the optimal stock quantity of the item 40 predicted by the optimal stock quantity prediction unit 108.

[0193] With this configuration, by using the RFID reader 140 to read information about the item 40 written in the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 to be replenished, the inventory quantity of the item can be easily counted. Furthermore, using a predictor trained by machine learning, the optimal inventory quantity of the item 40 to be replenished can be accurately predicted based on external conditions related to the consumption of the item 40 to be replenished, so the inventory quantity of the item 40 can be set appropriately without waste. As a result, the replenishment assistance system 1 of this embodiment can replenish items more easily and with higher accuracy.

[0194] Furthermore, the replenishment assistance system 1 according to this embodiment includes a management server 10, and the management server 10 preferably includes an order management unit 109 that outputs an order command to order the shortage of inventory as needed based on the inventory quantity of the item 40 counted by the counting unit 105 and the optimal inventory quantity of the item 40 predicted by the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108.

[0195] With this configuration, if the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 to be replenished is read by the RFID reader 140, and if there is a shortage of inventory based on the current inventory number of items 40 and the optimal inventory number, the management server 10 can automatically place an order, making it possible to manage inventory of items even more easily.

[0196] In addition, the replenishment assistance system 1 according to this embodiment includes a management server 10 having an optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108, and a replenishment assistance robot 100 equipped with an RFID reader 140, and it is preferable that the replenishment assistance robot 100 reads the RFID tag 41 using the RFID reader 140 based on instructions from the management server 10.

[0197] With this configuration, the replenishment assistance robot 100 reads the RFID tag 41, thereby appropriately assisting in the replenishment of items, and enabling workers to replenish items 40 more efficiently.

[0198] Furthermore, in the replenishment assistance system 1 according to this embodiment, the items 40 are stored in a predetermined first location (e.g., a back yard) and are transported from the first location to a predetermined second location (e.g., a sales floor) where they are displayed. The optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 predicts the optimal inventory quantity of the items 40 displayed in the second location, as in the example shown in FIG. 4, and the replenishment assistance robot 100, based on instructions from the management server 10, reads the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 in the second location to obtain information on the inventory quantity at the second location, and if the inventory quantity is less than the optimal inventory quantity, it is preferable to replenish the missing items 40 from the first location to the second location.

[0199] This configuration makes it possible to adjust and replenish the inventory of items 40 displayed in a second location, such as a sales floor, to the optimal inventory level, allowing the inventory level to be appropriate according to external requirements related to the consumption of the items in question, making the replenishment of items more reliable and accurate.

[0200] Furthermore, in the replenishment assistance system 1 according to this embodiment, the items 40 are stored in a predetermined first location (for example, a store's back yard or warehouse), and the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 predicts the optimal inventory quantity of the items 40 stored in the first location, as in the example shown in FIG. 13, and the replenishment assistance robot 100 reads the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 in the previous location based on instructions from the management server 10, and the management server 10 obtains information on the inventory quantity at the first location based on the information on the item 40 read by the replenishment assistance robot 100 from the RFID tag 41, and if the inventory quantity is less than the optimal inventory quantity, it is preferable to perform an ordering process to make up for the shortage of items stored in the first location.

[0201] This configuration makes it possible to adjust the inventory of item 40 stored in a first location, such as a store's backroom or warehouse, to the optimal inventory level and process orders accordingly, thereby ensuring an appropriate inventory level according to external requirements related to the consumption of the item in question, and making the replenishment of items even more reliable and accurate.

[0202] Furthermore, in the replenishment assistance system 1 according to this embodiment, the "external conditions related to the consumption of goods" that the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 uses as input to the predictor preferably include at least some of the weather, season, and location of the storage location of the goods 40, and if the storage location is a sales floor in a store, the number of customers, and traffic information around the store.

[0203] With this configuration, information related to the consumption of the item 40 to be replenished can be used to predict the optimal inventory quantity, making it possible to make the optimal inventory quantity predicted by the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit 108 more accurate, and by performing item replenishment work based on such optimal inventory quantity, it is possible to replenish items with even greater accuracy.

[0204] Furthermore, in the replenishment assistance system 1 according to this embodiment, the replenishment assistance robot 100 includes boxes 130A, 130B that store items 40 with RFID tags 41 attached thereto, a tablet computer 150 that receives instructions from the management server 10 to replenish the items stored in a predetermined first location (such as a backyard) to a predetermined second location (such as a sales floor), and a transport vehicle 110 that is equipped with the boxes 130A, 130B and an RFID reader 140 and moves to a location where the item 40 is to be placed based on information about the location of the item 40 included in the replenishment instruction. The "information about the item 40" written in the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 includes "specific information" for identifying the type of item 40 and "unique information" that includes information about the item 40 other than the type. The RFID reader 140 reads the identifying information and unique information from the RFID tag 41 when the item 40 is placed in the box 130A, 130B, and the replenishment assist robot 100 transmits the identifying information and unique information read by the RFID reader 140 to the management server. The management server 10 has a replenishment instruction management unit 101 that transmits a replenishment instruction to the replenishment assist robot 100, an information receiving unit 104 that receives the identifying information and unique information written in the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 that is read by the RFID reader 140, and an item management unit 107 that manages the item 40 to be replenished based on the unique information.

[0205] With this configuration, a worker can walk to the location where the replenishment assistance robot 100 is waiting and place the item 40 in the box 130A or 130B while viewing the replenishment instructions displayed on the tablet computer 150. This completes the picking task for the item 40 to be replenished at that picking location. Therefore, the replenishment assistance system 1 of this embodiment allows the worker to efficiently pick the item 40 to be replenished. In addition, in this embodiment, the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 to be replenished contains "specific information" for identifying the type of the item 40, as well as "unique information" including information other than the type of the item 40. This unique information is also provided to the management server 10 during picking. This allows the host management server 10 to use the unique information of the item 40 to be replenished to perform more detailed management, such as issuing instructions to more appropriately re-select the item, or to identify and discard defective items, thereby making the replenishment task more efficient. Therefore, the replenishment assistance system 1 of this embodiment can assist the worker in efficiently replenishing items.

[0206] Furthermore, in the replenishment assistance system 1 according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the item management unit 107 limits the items to be picked based on the unique information from among the group of items 40 to be replenished, which are identified by the identification information. This configuration makes it easier to guide the worker to pick more appropriate items 40, and makes the picking work of the items 40 to be replenished more efficient.

[0207] Furthermore, it is preferable that an expiration date is set for the item 40 to be replenished, and that the unique information written in the RFID tag 41 attached to the item includes information regarding the expiration date of the item. In this case, it is preferable that the item management unit 107, based on the unique information, displays on the tablet computer 150 of the replenishment assistance robot 100 a command to replace the item with one that is close to its expiration date, if there is an item other than the item stored in box 130A or 130B among the group of items to be replenished.

[0208] This configuration makes it possible to prioritize picking items with an approaching expiration date from among the group of items to be replenished, which not only improves the efficiency of replenishment work but also contributes to reducing waste of goods such as food waste.

[0209] Furthermore, the unique information written on the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 to be replenished preferably includes information regarding a sales promotion campaign. In this case, if there is an item that is the target of a campaign in addition to the item stored in box 130A or 130B among the group of items to be replenished, the item management unit 107 preferably displays, based on the unique information, on the tablet computer 150 of the replenishment assistance robot 100 a command to replace the item with the item that is the target of the campaign.

[0210] With this configuration, when the group of items to be replenished is in the middle of a sales promotion campaign, it is possible to pick campaign-related products first, which not only makes replenishment more efficient but also makes it possible to carry out sales promotion campaigns more effectively.

[0211] Furthermore, it is preferable that the unique information written on the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 to be replenished includes information regarding the place of production or the time of production of the item 40. In this case, when the item management unit 107 acquires information regarding the occurrence of a defective item in the item 40, it determines based on the unique information that there is a defective item in the group of items to be replenished if there is an item in the same place of production or the same time as the defective item, and displays a command to pick the defective item on the tablet computer 150 of the picking assist robot 100.

[0212] With this configuration, when information on the occurrence of defective items 40 is acquired, it is possible to quickly determine whether or not there are any defective items among the group of items stored on shelves, etc., and if there are any defective items, they can be quickly removed, allowing for efficient disposal of the defective items.

[0213] <Hardware configuration> 14 is a hardware configuration diagram of the management server 10 and the tablet computer 150 according to the embodiment. The management server 10 and the tablet computer 150 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003. The CPU 1001, the ROM 1002, and the RAM 1003 form a so-called computer.

[0214] The management server 10 and the tablet computer 150 also include an auxiliary storage device 1004, a display device 1005, an operation device 1006, an I / F (Interface) device 1007, and a drive device 1008. The hardware components of the management server 10 and the tablet computer 150 are connected to each other via a bus 1009.

[0215] The CPU 1001 is a computing device that executes various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 1004 .

[0216] The ROM 1002 is a non-volatile memory. The ROM 1002 functions as a main storage device that stores various programs, data, etc. required for the CPU 1001 to execute various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 1004. Specifically, the ROM 1002 functions as a main storage device that stores boot programs such as a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) and an EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface).

[0217] The RAM 1003 is a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The RAM 1003 functions as a main storage device that provides a working area in which various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 1004 are expanded when the CPU 1001 executes them.

[0218] The auxiliary storage device 1004 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and information used when the various programs are executed.

[0219] The display device 1005 is a display device that displays the internal states of the management server 10 and the tablet computer 150, etc.

[0220] The operation device 1006 is an input device through which the administrator of the management server 10 and the tablet computer 150 inputs various instructions to the management server 10 and the tablet computer 150 .

[0221] The I / F device 1007 is a communication device that connects to the network 50 and communicates with the management server 10 and the tablet computer 150.

[0222] Drive device 1008 is a device for loading storage medium 1010. The storage medium 1010 here includes media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as CD-ROMs, flexible disks, and magneto-optical disks. Storage medium 1010 may also include semiconductor memories that record information electrically, such as EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and flash memories.

[0223] The various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 1004 are installed, for example, by setting the distributed storage medium 1010 in the drive device 1008 and reading out the various programs recorded on the storage medium 1010 by the drive device 1008. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 1004 may be installed by being downloaded from a network different from the network 50 via the I / F device 1007.

[0224] [Other embodiments] A replenishment assistance system 1A according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 15 to 18. Fig. 15 is a functional block diagram of the replenishment assistance system 1A according to another embodiment. Fig. 15 shows a transport vehicle 110, an RFID reader 140, a tablet computer 150, and a management server 10 included in the replenishment assistance system 1A. The transport vehicle 110, the RFID reader 140, and the tablet computer 150 included in the replenishment assistance robot 100 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a communication cable or the like. The tablet computer 150 and the management server 10 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via wireless communication via a network 50 (see Fig. 2).

[0225] The functions of the management server 10 are the same as those of the replenishment support system 1 shown in FIG. 4, and therefore the illustration of each functional block is omitted in FIG.

[0226] <Configuration of the transport vehicle 110> 15, the transport vehicle 110 has a control device 111 and a motor 112. The control device 111 is a control unit realized by a computer including a CPU, RAM, ROM, an input / output interface, an internal bus, etc. The motor 112 is an example of a power source.

[0227] When the control device 111 acquires the position information of the item from the tablet computer 150, it generates a drive signal indicating that the motor 112 should be driven and outputs the drive signal to the motor 112. As a result, the motor 112 is driven, and the replenishment assist robot 100 moves toward the position indicated by the position information of the item. Note that the drive signal may be generated by the tablet computer 150 based on the position information of the item and output to the control device 111. The replenishment assist robot 100 may also perform position control using a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor.

[0228] When the control device 111 arrives at the position indicated by the item position information, it generates a drive signal indicating that the motor 112 should be stopped and outputs the drive signal to the motor 112. As a result, the motor 112 is stopped, and the replenishment assist robot 100 stops at the position indicated by the item position information. At the position indicated by the item position information, a worker picks up the item to be replenished.

[0229] When the tablet computer 150 detects that picking for replenishing items has been completed while the motor 112 is stopped, the tablet computer 150 notifies the control device 111 that it has detected the completion of picking, and the control device 111 outputs a drive signal to the motor 112 indicating that the motor 112 should be driven.

[0230] The tablet computer 150 detects that picking has been completed, for example, when the tablet computer 150 determines that the worker has performed a completion operation, when the tablet computer 150 determines that the worker ID has been acquired, or when the specific information is associated with the worker ID information and sent to the management server 10.

[0231] When the replenishment assist robot 100 moves to the position indicated by the item position information according to the electronic map, the control device 111 generates a drive signal indicating that the motor 112 should be stopped and outputs the drive signal to the motor 112. As a result, the motor 112 stops at the position indicated by the item position information. The electronic map may be stored in the memory of the control device 111.

[0232] Also, the control device 111 outputs a drive signal to the motor 112 and also outputs it to the RFID reader 140. The drive signal indicating driving the motor 112 is a signal in which the voltage value and current value of the drive signal input to the motor 112 are at a predetermined signal level. The motor 112 is driven by the drive signal indicating driving the motor 112. The drive signal indicating stopping the motor 112 is a signal in which the voltage value and current value of the drive signal input to the motor 112 are lower than a predetermined signal level. The motor 112 is not driven by the drive signal indicating stopping the motor 112. The drive signal indicating stopping the motor 112 may be a signal with a signal level of zero. In this case, the output of the drive signal indicating stopping the motor 112 is synonymous with the non-output of the drive signal indicating driving the motor 112.

[0233] <Configuration of RFID Reader 140> The main body 141 of the RFID reader 140 is a control device that controls the operations of the RFID antennas 142A and 142B in response to a control command from the tablet computer 150, reads specific information included in the radio waves received by the RFID antennas 1, and identifies each RFID tag 41.

[0234] As shown in FIG. 15, the main body 141 of the RFID reader 140 has a switching control unit 141A and a housing determination unit 141B. The main body 141 is a control unit realized by a computer including a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output interface, and internal bus, etc. The main body 141 may have the same configuration as the computers of the management server 10 and the tablet computer 150 shown in FIG. 14. The switching control unit 141A and the housing determination unit 141B show the functions (functions) of the program executed by the main body 141 as functional blocks.

[0235] <Switching Control Unit 141A> The switching control unit 141A switches the antennas 142A and 142B of the RFID reader 140 to a readable state when a stop condition indicating that the transport vehicle 110 has stopped is met, and switches the antennas 142A and 142B of the RFID reader 140 to an unreadable state when a termination condition indicating that picking of the items to be replenished has been completed is met.

[0236] The switching control unit 141A determines whether the stop condition and the termination condition are met based on the drive signal input from the control device 111 of the transporting vehicle 110. More specifically, the switching control unit 141A determines that the stop condition is met when a drive signal instructing to stop the motor 112 is input, and determines that the termination condition is met when a drive signal instructing to drive the motor 112 is input while the stop condition is met. The drive signal input from the control device 111 of the transporting vehicle 110 to the switching control unit 141A is the same as the drive signal input from the control device 111 to the motor 112 inside the transporting vehicle 110.

[0237] That is, the stop condition is met when the replenishment assist robot 100 arrives at the position indicated by the position information and a drive signal indicating that the motor 112 is to be stopped is input to the switching control unit 141A. This is because when a worker performs picking, the replenishment assist robot 100 stops when it arrives at the position indicated by the position information. Also, the readable state of the antennas 142A and 142B is a state in which the antennas 142A and 142B are outputting radio waves for reading the RFID tag 41.

[0238] The end condition indicating that picking has ended is met when picking at the position indicated by the position information ends and a drive signal indicating that the motor 112 should be driven is input to the switching control unit 141A. This is because, when picking at the position indicated by the position information ends, the replenishment assist robot 100 moves toward the next picking position.

[0239] The switching control unit 141A determines whether the stop condition and the termination condition are met in order to determine whether the replenishment assist robot 100 is moving, and to switch the antennas 142A and 142B of the RFID reader 140 to an unreadable state so as not to read unnecessary RFID tags 41 while moving.

[0240] The unreadable state refers to, for example, a state in which the antennas 142A and 142B are not outputting radio waves for reading, or a state in which the antennas 142A and 142B are outputting radio waves for reading but the radio wave output is sufficiently low to read the RFID tag 41. The unreadable state may also refer to a state in which the radio waves for reading output from the antennas 142A and 142B are blocked by an object that blocks the radio waves. The replenishment assistance robot 100 travels within a building, such as a store, a logistics center, or a warehouse, and therefore passes through locations where many different items 40 that are not to be replenished are placed during its movement. In such a case, in order to avoid reading unnecessary RFID tags 41, the switching control unit 141A switches the antennas 142A and 142B of the RFID reader 140 to the unreadable state upon determining that the termination condition is met.

[0241] Furthermore, by switching the antennas 142A and 142B of the RFID reader 140 to a read-disabled state while the replenishment assist robot 100 is moving, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the RFID reader 140. Furthermore, the reduction in power consumption extends the operational time, allowing workers to pick items more efficiently.

[0242] The switching control unit 141A determines that the stop condition is met when a predetermined time has elapsed since a drive signal indicating that the motor 112 should be stopped is input to the motor 112. The predetermined time is, for example, one second. For example, if the stop condition is determined to be met in a case where the replenishment assist robot 100 stops for a moment while moving to pass a worker or another replenishment assist robot 100, the antennas 142A and 142B will be switched to a readable state during movement, and unnecessary RFID tags 41 will be read. The predetermined time is not limited to one second and may be set to an appropriate time depending on the usage situation, etc.

[0243] In this way, in order to prevent the stop condition from being determined to be satisfied when the motor 112 stops momentarily during movement, the switching control unit 141A determines that the stop condition is satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed since a drive signal instructing the motor 112 to stop is input to the motor 112. Note that, if there is no operational problem even if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the switching control unit 141A may determine that the stop condition is satisfied when a drive signal instructing the motor 112 to stop is input to the motor 112.

[0244] In addition, the switching control unit 141A sets the antennas 142A and 142B of the RFID reader 140 to an unreadable state when the transport vehicle 110 is in a standby state waiting to receive an instruction to move to the location of an item included in the replenishment instruction, and when a drive signal indicating that the motor 112 should be driven is input to the motor 112 in the standby state, the switching control unit 141A maintains the antennas 142A and 142B of the RFID reader 140 in an unreadable state.

[0245] The standby state is a state in which the transport vehicle 110 stops before all replenishment work begins and waits to receive a movement instruction to the location of an item included in the replenishment instruction. In this standby state, the antennas 142A and 142B of the RFID reader 140 are set to an unreadable state. Furthermore, when the transport vehicle 110 is driven from the standby state and the replenishment assist robot 100 starts moving, the antennas 142A and 142B of the RFID reader 140 are kept in an unreadable state to prevent unnecessary reading during movement.

[0246] The switching control unit 141A may be provided outside the main body unit 141, for example, in the tablet computer 150. For example, the tablet computer 150 may switch the antennas 142A and 142B between a readable state and an unreadable state based on a drive signal, or may switch between a readable state and an unreadable state based on position information or the like included in a picking instruction.

[0247] <Accommodation determination unit 141B> When the same RFID tag 41 is read by the RFID reader 140 a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time period, the accommodation determination unit 141B determines that the item 40 to which the RFID tag 41 is attached is accommodated in the box 130A or 130B, and adds the item 40 to which the RFID tag 41 is attached to the accommodation list. Note that the accommodation determination unit 141B may determine that the item 40 to which the RFID tag 41 is attached is accommodated in the box 130A or 130B not only when the same RFID tag 41 is read a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time period, but also, for example, when the RFID reader 140 reads the RFID tag 41 with a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined strength within a predetermined time period.

[0248] Furthermore, when the RFID reader 140 is reading, if the same RFID tag 41 is read before a predetermined time has elapsed, the accommodation determination unit 141B ignores the second and subsequent reads of the RFID tag 41.

[0249] The specific information read from the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 determined by the storage determination unit 141B to be stored in the box 130A or 130B is transmitted by the main body 141 to the tablet computer 150 together with the identification information of the RFID reader 140. The identification information of the RFID reader 140 is supplemented with information indicating which of the antennas 142A and 142B read the RFID tag 41. This information is antenna identification information that identifies the antennas 142A and 142B.

[0250] Furthermore, when the counting unit 154 is in the cancel mode, the containment determination unit 141B ignores the RFID tag 41 read by the RFID reader 140. The cancel mode is a mode that can be used by an operator when removing an item 40 stored in the box 130A or 130B. In the cancel mode, the operator can operate the tablet computer 150 to decrease the count of the item 40. When the operator removes an item 40 from the box 130A or 130B, there is a risk that the antenna 142A or 142B will pass through the opening 131A or 131B and the RFID tag 41 will be read. Therefore, the containment determination unit 141B ignores the read RFID tag 41 even if the antenna 142A or 142B is in a readable state and the RFID tag 41 is read. As a result, it is possible to prevent the count of the item 40 from increasing when the item 40 is removed from the box 130A or 130B.

[0251] Furthermore, if the specific information of the RFID tag 41 read by the RFID reader 140 is already in the storage list, the storage determination unit 141B ignores the re-read. This is to determine whether to ignore the reading when an item 40 with specific information already registered in the storage list is read again. This is to prevent double counting when a worker takes an item 40 out of the box 130A or 130B and returns it to the shelf.

[0252] As described above, the storage determination unit 141B determines that the item 40 to which the RFID tag 41 is attached is stored in the boxes 130A and 130B when the same RFID tag 41 is read a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time by the RFID reader 140. Therefore, when the RFID tag 41 attached to the item 40 that has been determined to be stored in the boxes 130A and 130B is read again a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time, the storage determination unit 141B does not determine that the item 40 to which the RFID tag 41 is attached is stored in the boxes 130A and 130B.

[0253] The storage determination unit 141B may be provided outside the main body 141 of the RFID reader 140, for example, in the tablet computer 150. For example, the tablet computer 150 may determine whether the item 40 is stored in the boxes 130A and 130B based on the reading result of the antenna 142A or 142B.

[0254] <Control Unit 151 of Tablet Computer 150> 15, the tablet computer 150 includes a control unit 151. The control unit 151 is a part of the tablet computer 150 that includes the CPU 1001, ROM 1002, RAM 1003, auxiliary storage device 1004, and drive device 1008 shown in FIG.

[0255] The control unit 151 has a counting unit 154. The counting unit 154 counts the number of each item 40 that the worker is instructed to put in the box 130A or 130B, by referring to the replenishment instruction received from the management server 10. The counting unit 154 also counts the number of each item 40 stored in the box 130A or 130B, based on the identification information received from the RFID reader 140. The function of the counting unit 154 is similar to that of the counting unit 105 shown in FIG. 4.

[0256] Incidentally, the counting unit 154 may be provided outside the tablet computer 150, or may be provided, for example, in the main body 141 of the RFID reader 140. The main body 141 may count the articles 40 based on information indicating which of the antennas 142A and 142B has read the specific information.

[0257] In addition, the control unit 151 performs, for example, a process of outputting the position information of the articles included in the replenishment instruction received from the management server 10 to the transport vehicle 110, and a process of notifying the RFID reader 140 of the mode information indicating the mode of the tablet computer 150. The mode of the tablet computer 150 represented by the mode information includes a picking count mode and a cancel mode.

[0258] The picking count mode is a mode for performing the picking number counting process, and the control unit 151 selects the picking count mode according to the replenishment instruction received from the management server 10. The cancel mode is a mode available to the operator when taking out the articles 40 stored in the box 130A or 130B, as described above. In the cancel mode, the operator can operate the tablet computer 150 to reduce the counted number of the articles 40. The cancel mode is selected, for example, when the operator operates a cancel button displayed on the operation screen of the tablet computer 150.

[0259] <Switching Process Executed by the Main Body 141 of the RFID Reader 140> FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart representing the switching process executed by the main body 141 of the RFID reader 140.

[0260] When the process starts, the switching control unit 141A sets the antennas 142A and 142B to a read-disabled state in a standby state (step S401). The standby state is a state in which the transport vehicle 110 waits to receive a movement instruction to the location of the item 40, which is included in the picking instruction. The state before the process starts and the transport vehicle 110 moves is the standby state, and it is not necessary to read the RFID tag 41. Therefore, in order to reduce power consumption, the switching control unit 141A sets the antennas 142A and 142B to a read-disabled state.

[0261] The switching control unit 141A determines whether or not a drive signal instructing to drive the motor 112 has been received (step S402). This is to determine whether or not the guided vehicle 110 is moving. If the switching control unit 141A determines that a drive signal instructing to drive the motor 112 has not been received (S402: NO), the switching control unit 141A repeatedly executes the processing of step S402 until a drive signal instructing to drive the motor 112 is received.

[0262] When determining that the switching control unit 141A has received a drive signal instructing to drive the motor 112 (S402: YES), the switching control unit 141A determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the drive signal instructing to stop the motor 112 was received (step S403). This is because, if the motor 112 is stopped, the antennas 142A and 142B are switched to a readable state. Note that the predetermined time is, for example, one second.

[0263] If the switching control unit 141A determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since receiving the drive signal indicating that the motor 112 should be stopped (S403: NO), the switching control unit 141A repeatedly executes the process of step S403 until the predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the drive signal indicating that the motor 112 should be stopped. Note that while the transport vehicle 110 is moving, the antennas 142A and 142B are kept in a read-disabled state so as not to read unnecessary RFID tags 41.

[0264] When the switching control unit 141A determines that a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving a drive signal indicating that the motor 112 is to be stopped (S403: YES), it switches the antennas 142A and 142B to the readable state (step S404). This is for performing picking and inventory taking.

[0265] The switching control unit 141A determines whether it has received a drive signal indicating that the motor 112 is to be driven (step S405). When the switching control unit 141A determines that it has not received a drive signal indicating that the motor 112 is to be driven (S405: NO), it repeatedly executes the process of step S405 until it receives a drive signal indicating that the motor 112 is to be driven.

[0266] When the switching control unit 141A determines that it has received a drive signal indicating that it is to be driven (S405: YES), it switches the antennas 142A and 142B to the unreadable state (step S406). This is to prevent unnecessary RFID tags 4I from being read while the carrier 110 is moving.

[0267] The switching control unit 141A determines whether to end (step S407). Ending occurs, for example, when all replenishment operations are completed and the power of the replenishment assistance robot 100 is turned off.

[0268] When the switching control unit 141A determines that it does not end (S407: NO), it returns the flow to step S403. Also, when the switching control unit 141A determines that it ends (S407: YES), it ends a series of switching processes (end).

[0269] <The reading process executed by the main body 141 of the RFID reader 140> FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are diagrams showing an example of a flowchart representing the reading process executed by the main body 141 of the RFID reader 140. The accommodation determination unit 141B of the main body 141 executes the processes shown in FIG. 17 and the processes shown in FIG. 18 in parallel.

[0270] <The process shown in FIG. 17> The accommodation determination unit 141B sets a reading time T and a threshold for the number of times N to read (step S501). As an example, the main body unit 141 emits reading radio waves from the antennas 142A and 142B every 1 / 200 seconds to read the RFID tag 41. As an example, the reading time T is 5 seconds, and the threshold for the number of times N to read is 40. In other words, when the same RFID tag 41 is read 40 or more times within 5 seconds, the accommodation determination unit 141B determines that the item 40 to which the RFID tag 41 is attached is accommodated in the box 130A or 130B.

[0271] The reading time T and the threshold value of the number of readings N may be set to appropriate values ​​depending on the time it takes for a worker to manually place the item 40 into the box 130A or 130B and the number of times the RFID tag 41 is read. The above-mentioned time and number of times are examples, and may be set to appropriate values ​​depending on the shape and size of the replenishment assist robot 100, the height of the shelf, or the size or weight of the item 40. The conditions defined by the reading time T and the threshold value of the number of readings N are reading conditions. Whether the item is placed in box 130A or 130B is determined by whether the antenna 142A or 142B is used to read it.

[0272] The accommodation determination unit 141B determines whether the antennas 142A and 142B are in a readable state (step S502). This is because in a readable state, the RFID tag 41 can be read. If the accommodation determination unit 141B determines that the antennas 142A and 142B are not in a readable state (S502: NO), it repeatedly executes the process of step S502 until it determines that the antennas are in a readable state (S502: YES).

[0273] If the accommodation determination unit 141B determines that the card is in a readable state (S502: YES), it starts reading (step S503).

[0274] The accommodation determination unit 141B determines whether the counting unit 154 is in the cancel mode (step S504), because if it is in the cancel mode, the RFID tag 41 is ignored even if it is read.

[0275] If the storage determination unit 141B determines that the storage mode is not the cancel mode (S504: NO), it determines whether the specific information of the read RFID tag 41 is in the storage list (step S505). The storage list is a list (table-format data) that registers specific information about the item 40 that the storage determination unit 141B determines to be stored in the box 130A or 130B.

[0276] When the accommodation determination unit 141B determines that the identification information of the read RFID tag 41 is not in the accommodation list (S505: NO), it stores the item 40 to which the read RFID tag 41 is attached, the timestamp of the reading time, and the number of times the timestamp has been updated in a temporary memory (step S506). The temporary memory is a part of the memory 141D, such as the RAM 1003 shown in FIG. 11. Note that when the accommodation determination unit 141B reads an RFID tag 41 whose identification information is not in the accommodation list for the first time, it starts counting the read time T for that RFID tag 41. The accommodation determination unit 141B uses the timestamp of the time when the RFID tag 41 whose identification information is not in the accommodation list is read only when it starts counting the read time T for the first time when it reads an RFID tag 41 whose identification information is not in the accommodation list, and does not particularly use the timestamp obtained from the second or subsequent reads.

[0277] If the accommodation determination unit 141B determines that the specific information of the read RFID tag 41 is in the accommodation list (S505: YES), it ignores the specific information of the read RFID tag 41 (step S507).

[0278] Furthermore, if the storage determination unit 141B determines in step S504 that the mode is the cancel mode (S504: YES), even if it acquires the specific information specified in the cancel mode, it ignores reading the RFID tag 41 including the specific information (step S508) because the item 40 with the specific information specified in the cancel mode is the item that the worker has decided to return to the shelf.

[0279] 17 is now completed (END). The accommodation determination unit 141B stores the identification information etc. in the temporary memory in step S506 when the identification information of the read RFID tag 41 is not in the accommodation list and when the RFID tag 41 is read for the first time.

[0280] When reading the RFID tag 41 for the second time or later, in step S507 the accommodation determination unit 141B ignores the identification information of the RFID tag 41. Ignoring the identification information means that although the RFID tag 41 is read and the identification information is acquired, the information is not stored in a temporary memory, is not added to the accommodation list, and the number of times the RFID tag 41 is read is simply counted.

[0281] <Process shown in Figure 18> The accommodation determination unit 141B determines whether the read time T has elapsed and whether there is an RFID tag 41 whose read count N is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S601). The accommodation determination unit 141B can calculate the read time T and the read count N using, for example, the "timestamp" and the "timestamp update count" stored in the temporary memory in step S506 of FIG. 17. Specifically, whether the read time T has elapsed can be determined by whether the elapsed time since counting began in step S506 described above has reached the read time T. Furthermore, the timestamp is not updated in the first read, and counting the timestamp update count begins from the second read onwards. Therefore, the read count N is one more than the timestamp update count. Therefore, whether the read count N is equal to or greater than a threshold value can be determined by determining whether there is an RFID tag 41 whose read count N, calculated by adding 1 to the timestamp update count stored in the temporary memory in step S506 described above, is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0282] When the reading time T has elapsed and it is determined that there is no RFID tag 41 whose number of reads N is equal to or greater than the threshold value (S601: NO), the accommodation determination unit 141B deletes the specific information of that RFID tag 41 from the temporary memory (step S602).This is because the RFID tag 41 does not satisfy the reading conditions and is therefore deleted from the temporary memory in preparation for the next determination.

[0283] When the reading time T has elapsed and it is determined that there is an RFID tag 41 whose number of reads N is equal to or greater than the threshold value (S601: YES), the accommodation determination unit 141B determines whether the specific information is in the accommodation list (step S603). This determination process is provided to prevent double counting when a worker takes an item 40 out of the box 130A or 130B and returns it to the shelf.

[0284] If the accommodation determination unit 141B determines that the condition that the specific information is in the accommodation list is not met (S603: NO), it deletes from the temporary memory the specific information of the RFID tag 41 for which it was determined in step S601 that the reading time T has elapsed and the number of reads N is equal to or greater than the threshold, and adds it to the accommodation list (step S604). Because the reading condition is met, it is decided to add it to the accommodation list and register it.

[0285] Furthermore, if the accommodation determination unit 141B determines in step S603 that the condition that the specific information is in the accommodation list is met (S603: YES), it ignores the specific information of the RFID tag 41 for which it was determined in step S601 that the reading time T has elapsed and the number of readings N is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S605). This is to prevent double counting when a worker takes an item 40 out of the box 130A or 130B and returns it to the shelf.

[0286] When the accommodation determination unit 141B completes the process of step S602, S604, or S605, it ends the series of processes (END).

[0287] In a building such as a store, logistics center, or warehouse where many items 40 are lined up on multiple shelves, etc., erroneous readings may occur due to the effects of multipath or the like. For this reason, if the RFID tag 41 is stably read and the reading conditions including the reading time T and the threshold value of the number of readings N are satisfied, it is determined that the item 40 is stored in the box 130A or 130B. By setting such reading conditions, erroneous readings due to multipath or the like can be suppressed, and it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the item 40 is stored in the box 130A or 130B.

[0288] The present embodiment has been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Design modifications to these specific examples made by a person skilled in the art as appropriate are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they comprise the features of the present disclosure. The elements of the above-described specific examples, as well as their arrangement, conditions, shape, etc., are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. The elements of the above-described specific examples can be combined in various ways as appropriate, as long as no technical contradictions arise.

[0289] In the above embodiment, the replenishment assistance system 1 includes the replenishment assistance robot 100, and the replenishment assistance robot 100 acquires the specific information and unique information from the RFID tags 41 attached to the items 40. However, the replenishment assistance system 1 may not include the replenishment assistance robot 100. In this case, for example, a worker uses a Hunty-type RFID reader to read the RFID tags 41 from a group of items stored in a first location such as a back yard or from a group of items displayed in a second location such as a sales floor, and provides the RFID tags 41 to the management server 10, which enables the management server 10 to perform the replenishment work shown in FIG. 4 or the item ordering work shown in FIG. 13.

[0290] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been exemplified in which the replenishment assistance robot 100 executes a function to assist in the replenishment work of items 40, but the robot control may be capable of selectively executing a picking assistance function to assist in the picking work of removing items 40 from shelves, etc., a replenishment assistance function to assist in the replenishment of items 40 on shelves, etc., and an inventory assistance function to assist in the inventory of items 40 placed on shelves, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0291] 1. 1A supplementary auxiliary system 10 Management Server 40 Goods 41 RFID tags 100, 100A, 100B, 100C Replenishment Assist Robot 101 Replenishment Instruction Management Department 104 Information Receiving Unit 107 Materials Management Department 108 Optimal inventory quantity prediction section 109 Order Management Department 110 Transport vehicle (mobile) 130A, 130B Box (container) 140 RFID Reader 141A Switching control unit 141B Detention Determination Department 142A, 142B, 143A, 143B antennas 150 Tablet Computers (Terminals)

Claims

1. An RFID tag attached to an item; an RFID reader capable of reading the RFID tag; a counting unit that counts the number of items in stock based on information about the items read from the RFID tags by the RFID reader; an optimal inventory quantity prediction unit that has a predictor that has previously learned, by machine learning, an input / output relationship between external conditions related to consumption of the item and an optimal inventory quantity corresponding to the external conditions, and that predicts the optimal inventory quantity of the item using the predictor based on the current external conditions; a management server having the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit; a storage section for storing the item to which the RFID tag is attached; a terminal that receives from the management server an instruction to replenish the item stored in a predetermined first location to a predetermined second location; Equipped with the information about the item written in the RFID tag attached to the item includes specific information for identifying the type of the item and unique information including information about the item other than the type, the RFID reader reads the specific information and the unique information from the RFID tag when the item is stored in the storage unit, and the terminal device transmits the specific information and the unique information read by the RFID reader to the management server; The management server a replenishment instruction management unit that transmits the replenishment instruction to the terminal; an information receiving unit that receives the specific information and the unique information written in the RFID tag attached to the article read by the RFID reader; an item management unit that manages the items to be replenished based on the unique information; and The item management unit limits items to be picked based on the unique information from the group of items to be replenished identified by the identification information, the unique information includes information regarding a sales promotion campaign; the item management unit, when there is an item that is the target of the campaign in addition to the item stored in the storage unit among the group of items to be replenished based on the unique information, displays on the terminal a command to replace the item with the item that is the target of the campaign; performing inventory management of the items based on the inventory number of the items counted by the counting unit and the optimal inventory number of the items predicted by the optimal inventory number prediction unit; Replenishment assistance system.

2. An RFID tag attached to an item; an RFID reader capable of reading the RFID tag; a counting unit that counts the number of items in stock based on information about the items read from the RFID tags by the RFID reader; an optimal inventory quantity prediction unit that has a predictor that has previously learned, by machine learning, an input / output relationship between external conditions related to consumption of the item and an optimal inventory quantity corresponding to the external conditions, and that predicts the optimal inventory quantity of the item using the predictor based on the current external conditions; a management server having the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit; a storage section for storing the item to which the RFID tag is attached; a terminal that receives from the management server an instruction to replenish the item stored in a predetermined first location to a predetermined second location; Equipped with the information about the item written in the RFID tag attached to the item includes specific information for identifying the type of the item and unique information including information about the item other than the type, the RFID reader reads the specific information and the unique information from the RFID tag when the item is stored in the storage unit, and the terminal device transmits the specific information and the unique information read by the RFID reader to the management server; The management server a replenishment instruction management unit that transmits the replenishment instruction to the terminal; an information receiving unit that receives the specific information and the unique information written in the RFID tag attached to the article read by the RFID reader; an item management unit that manages the items to be replenished based on the unique information; and The unique information includes information regarding the place or time of production of the product, When the item management unit acquires information on the occurrence of defective items, if there is an item in the group of items to be replenished that has the same production place or production period as the defective item based on the unique information, it determines that the defective item is in the group of items, and displays a command on the terminal device to pick the defective item, performing inventory management of the items based on the inventory number of the items counted by the counting unit and the optimal inventory number of the items predicted by the optimal inventory number prediction unit; Replenishment assistance system.

3. the management server has an order management unit that outputs an order command to order an amount of stock that is insufficient as necessary based on the inventory number of the item counted by the counting unit and the optimal inventory number of the item predicted by the optimal inventory number prediction unit; 3. The refilling assistance system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a replenishment assist robot equipped with the RFID reader, the replenishment assist robot reads the RFID tag using the RFID reader based on an instruction from the management server; The refilling assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The article is stored in a predetermined first location and is transported from the first location to a predetermined second location for display; the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit predicts an optimal inventory quantity of the item displayed at the second location; the replenishment assist robot reads the RFID tag attached to the item at the second location based on an instruction from the management server to obtain information on the inventory quantity at the second location, and if the inventory quantity is less than the optimum inventory quantity, replenishes the shortage of the item from the first location to the second location. The refill assistance system of claim 4.

6. The item is stored and displayed in a predetermined first location; the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit predicts an optimal inventory quantity of the item stored at the first location; the replenishment assist robot reads the RFID tag attached to the item at the first position based on an instruction from the management server; the management server acquires information on the number of items in stock at the first location based on the information on the items read by the replenishment assist robot from the RFID tag, and when the number of items in stock is less than the optimum number of items in stock, performs an order process for the items stored at the first location that are in short supply.

6. The refilling assistance system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the replenishment assist robot has a mobile body equipped with the storage unit and the RFID reader, and moves to a position where the item is to be placed based on information about the location of the item included in the replenishment instruction. The refilling assistance system according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. The product has a set expiration date, the unique information includes information regarding the expiration date of the product, the product management unit, when there is an item in the group of products to be replenished that is close to its expiration date in addition to the item stored in the storage unit, displays on the terminal device a command to replace the item with an item that is close to its expiration date, based on the unique information; The refill assistance system of claim 1 .

9. The replenishment assist robot is a switching control unit that switches the antenna of the RFID reader to a readable state when a stop condition indicating that the moving body has stopped is satisfied, and switches the antenna of the RFID reader to a non-readable state when an end condition indicating that picking of the items related to the replenishment command to be stored in the storage unit is completed is satisfied; The refill assistance system of claim 7.

10. The replenishment assist robot is a storage determination unit that determines that an item to which an RFID tag is attached has been stored in the storage unit when the same RFID tag is read by the RFID reader a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time period, or when the RFID reader reads the RFID tag with a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined strength within a predetermined time period, 10. The refilling assistance system according to claim 7 or 9.

11. the external conditions related to consumption of the item that the optimal inventory quantity prediction unit uses as an input to the predictor include at least a part of the weather, season, and location of the storage location of the item, and if the storage location is a sales floor of a store, the number of customers, and traffic information around the store; The refilling assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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