Merchandise management device, merchandise management method and program

Abstract

To determine identity of commodities on the basis of features of the commodities.SOLUTION: A commodity management device comprises: a storage unit that stores first feature data indicating the features of commodities at first date and time; an acquisition unit that acquires second feature data indicating the features of communities on second date and time after the first date and time; and a determination unit that determines the identity of a first community and a second community based on the first feature data, the second feature data, and an elapsed time from the first date and time to the second date and time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product management device, a product management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts have been made to respond to consumer safety concerns and increase the added value of products by providing consumers with detailed information about the place of production and producers when selling vegetables, fruits, and other products.In addition, methods have been proposed to prove the authenticity of products, such as attaching tags to identify individual products or attaching labels to characteristic shapes unique to products (for example, the mesh pattern on the surface of a melon) to use for individual product identification (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-10050 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Attaching tags to each individual product is time-consuming and can lead to fraud, such as tags coming off or being replaced. Also, if the position of the label indicating the location used for individual identification shifts, there is a risk that proper individual identification will not be possible.

[0005] An exemplary object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a technique for determining the identity of a product based on the characteristics of the product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A product management device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a memory unit that stores first feature data indicating the features of a first product at a first date and time, an acquisition unit that acquires second feature data indicating the features of a second product at a second date and time that is later than the first date and time, and a determination unit that determines the identity of the first product and the second product based on the first feature data, the second feature data, and the elapsed time from the first date and time to the second date and time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the identity of a product can be determined based on the characteristics of the product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a functional configuration of a product distribution system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data acquired by the product management device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of change estimation data. [Figure 4] 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams schematically showing a method for determining identity by estimating changes in the characteristics of a first product or a second product. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of the product management device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted where appropriate.

[0010] An overview of this embodiment will be described. This embodiment is a product management device for managing individual products. In recent years, consumer awareness of safety has increased, and it is considered desirable to be able to properly understand the history of a product from production to sale and ensure product traceability. On the other hand, for products that are produced and consumed in large quantities, products are sometimes managed by lot, which is grouped by product manufacturer, production date, etc., rather than by individual product. When managing by lot, differences between individual products included in the same lot are not taken into consideration, and therefore the product history cannot be strictly managed for each individual product. Therefore, this embodiment provides a product management device that can identify and manage each individual product.

[0011] In this embodiment, feature data indicating product characteristics are collected during the product distribution process, and individual products are identified based on the product feature data. In this embodiment, features that can be measured using a sensor and that may vary for each individual product are measured and collected as feature data. Because the products to be measured are products distributed for sale, features that can be measured non-destructively, without cutting the product or extracting a portion of the product, are used. Examples of product features include, but are not limited to, the product's shape, size, color, surface pattern or scratches, and weight. Note that, in the case of fresh products, the product's features may change over time. For example, as vegetables and fruits ripen, the surface color and pattern may change, and the sugar content and ripeness may also change. Therefore, in this embodiment, changes in the product's features over time are estimated, and individual product identification is achieved by taking these changes in the product's features into account.

[0012] In this embodiment, the identity of a product is determined based on its characteristics to identify individual products. Therefore, "identity of a product" refers to whether or not the products are identical at the individual level. As described above, product characteristics may change over time. For example, if a product is a tomato, the product will be green when shipped and red when sold. Therefore, when determining the identity of tomatoes, for example, emphasis is placed on "color," a characteristic that is easily changed, rather than on characteristics that are less likely to change, such as size, shape, and weight. If a product is a flower such as a rose, it may be in bud at the time of shipping and have begun to bloom when sold. Therefore, when determining the identity of roses, for example, emphasis is placed on characteristics that are less likely to change, such as the number of leaves, leaf shape, stem shape, and number of branches, rather than on petals, a characteristic that is easily changed. In this embodiment, priorities are set for the characteristics that are emphasized in determining identity for each product type, and appropriate determination conditions are set for each product type, thereby improving the accuracy of identity determination.

[0013] In this embodiment, "identity of products" includes a predetermined tolerance. Even if individual products are identical, not all of the product's characteristics are strictly the same (i.e., identical); some product characteristics may have changed over time, for example. For example, when comparing product characteristics, some characteristics, such as shape and weight, may be the same, while other characteristics, such as the product's color, may differ. Therefore, in this embodiment, changes in product characteristics are estimated taking into account the time elapsed from shipping to sale and environmental data such as temperature and humidity, and products are determined to be identical if the characteristics after the estimated change are equivalent. In addition, if a product is partially scratched and its appearance changes, the product is determined to be identical even if it is scratched, taking into account the delivery conditions from shipping to sale, etc.

[0014] In this embodiment, the identity of products may be determined based not only on the characteristics of the products themselves but also on the characteristics of items attached to the products. Here, "items attached to the products" refers to labels attached to the products, labels attached to the boxes containing the products, etc. For example, if multiple products are contained in a single box, the box may be individually identified using the labels attached to the boxes containing the multiple products, and the products may be individually identified based on the positions and arrangement of the products contained in the boxes. Furthermore, the identity of products may be determined by combining the characteristics of the products themselves and the characteristics of items attached to the products. For example, the delivery status of the products from the time of shipment to the time of sale may be determined based on the labels attached to the boxes containing the products. If the identity of products cannot be determined based solely on the characteristics of the products themselves, products that satisfy a predetermined number of criteria among multiple criteria may be determined to be similar, and products determined to be similar but with matching delivery status may be determined to be identical.

[0015] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail, taking as an example a case where the product is a tomato.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration of a product distribution system 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates the flow of products, such as tomatoes, from shipping point 12 to delivery to sales point 16 via intermediate point 14 and delivery means 18, and then for sale. Shipping point 12 is provided with a measuring device 61 and a shipping point management device 62. Intermediate point 14 is provided with a measuring device 63 and an intermediate point management device 64. Sales point 16 is provided with a measuring device 65 and a sales point management device 66. Delivery means 18 is provided with a measuring device 67, and a delivery management device 68 for managing delivery by delivery means 18. Shipping point management device 62, intermediate point management device 64, sales point management device 66, and delivery management device 68 are connected to a network 70.

[0017] The product management device 30 is connected to a network 70 such as the Internet or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The product management device 30 acquires and stores various data related to products in the product distribution process via the network 70. The product management device 30 acquires product-related data from a shipping base management device 62, an intermediate base management device 64, a sales base management device 66, and a delivery management device 68. The product management device 30 manages each product individually based on the acquired data. The product management device 30 provides the acquired product-related data to traders and consumers, thereby meeting needs for product safety and traceability.

[0018] Each functional block shown in this embodiment can be realized in hardware terms by elements and mechanical devices such as a computer CPU and memory, and in software terms by a computer program, etc. However, here, it is depicted as a functional block realized by the cooperation of these. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0019] The product management device 30, shipping base management device 62, intermediate base management device 64, sales base management device 66, and delivery management device 68 can be configured using a general-purpose server device. The server device includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a flash memory, and a communication device for connecting to and communicating with a network 70.

[0020] The product management device 30 includes an acquisition unit 32, a determination unit 34, a notification unit 36, a recording unit 38, and a storage unit 40.

[0021] The acquisition unit 32 acquires product-related data from the shipping base 12, intermediate base 14, sales base 16, delivery means 18, user terminal 28, etc. The determination unit 34 determines the identity of the product based on the data acquired by the acquisition unit 32. The notification unit 36 ​​notifies the user terminal 28, etc., of information based on the determination by the determination unit 34. The recording unit 38 extracts data necessary for product management from the data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 and removes data unnecessary for product management, converts the data into a format appropriate for product management, and records the converted data in the memory unit 40. The memory unit 40 stores product-related data including a product master 50, a package master 52, production data 54, delivery data 56, feature data 58, and environmental data 60.

[0022] The product master 50 manages product IDs for identifying individual products under management. Product IDs are assigned to each product under management. For example, if the product is a tomato, one product ID is assigned to each tomato. The product master 50 stores the product name (e.g., tomato), the issue date and time, the issue location, etc., using the product ID as a key. The product ID is issued by the shipping base management device 62, for example, when a measuring device 61 measures a product under management at the shipping base 12. The issue date and time stored in the product master 50 is, for example, the date and time when the shipping base management device 62 issues the product ID. Furthermore, the issue location stored in the product master 50 includes the name and address of the shipping base 12, identification information for identifying the measuring device 61 at the shipping base 12, etc.

[0023] The package master 52 manages package IDs for identifying individual packages when the managed products are packaged in a deliverable form. Package IDs are assigned to the smallest package unit handled during product delivery. For example, one package ID is assigned to one container containing multiple tomatoes. The package ID is issued by the shipping base management device 62, for example, when the measurement device 61 measures the package to be shipped at the shipping base 12. The package ID may be issued by the delivery management device 68, or, for example, when the delivery means 18 receives the package shipped from the shipping base 12. The package master 52 stores, using the package ID as a key, the product ID of the product included in the package, the packaging date and time, the packaging location, etc. The package master 52 may also store container IDs for identifying the containers that contain the products. The container ID is identification information assigned to containers such as cardboard boxes and small containers.

[0024] The production data 54 is data related to the production of the product to be managed. The production data 54 stores information such as the production date and time, production place, and producer of the product, using the product ID as a key. The production data 54 may also store information related to the production process of the product. The production data 54 may include, for example, information about the fertilizers and pesticides used to grow tomatoes, and images of tomatoes before ripening or tomatoes just before harvest. The production data 54 can be obtained, for example, from the producer of the product.

[0025] The delivery data 56 is data related to the delivery of packages containing packaged products. The delivery data 56 includes information such as the package shipping date and time, shipping location, delivery location, and delivery date and time, using the package ID or product ID as a key. The delivery data 56 may include information related to the delivery status of the package, and may also include flag information such as not yet shipped, in delivery, or delivered. The delivery data 56 may also include historical information about the date and location where the product or package was located. The delivery data 56 can be obtained from the delivery management device 68.

[0026] The feature data 58 is data indicating the features of the product or package to be managed. The feature data 58 includes data indicating the features of the product using the product ID as a key, and data indicating the features of the package using the package ID as a key. Product features include the shape, size, color, surface patterns or scratches, weight, sugar content, ripeness, etc. Package features include features that can be measured while the package is still packed, such as the shape, size, color, surface patterns or scratches, and weight, and features that can be measured when the package is unpacked, such as the position and arrangement of multiple products within the package.

[0027] The characteristics of the goods or packages are measured by measuring devices 61, 63, 65, and 67 installed at the shipping base 12, intermediate base 14, sales base 16, or delivery means 18. The measuring devices 61, 63, 65, and 67 include any sensor for measuring the characteristics of the goods or packages, such as a camera, a three-dimensional scanner, a weight sensor, a spectrometer, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a gas sensor, or an acceleration sensor. The measuring devices 61, 63, 65, and 67 may be configured by any device, and may be equipment installed at each base, or may be equipment that can be carried and used by workers, such as a handheld terminal or smartphone.

[0028] The shape and size of a product or package can be measured using a camera, a 3D scanner, etc. The color, surface pattern, and scratches of a product or package can be measured using a camera. The weight of a product or package can be measured using a weight sensor. The sugar content of a product can be measured using a camera or spectrometer using near-infrared spectroscopy. The ripeness of a product can be measured using a camera. In the case of tomatoes, the ripeness is calculated based on the color distribution of the tomato's surface; the greater the proportion of green, the lower the ripeness, and the greater the proportion of red, the higher the ripeness. The arrangement of multiple products within a package can be measured using a camera. The characteristics of a product or package may be measured at multiple measurement dates and times and may change depending on the measurement date and time. Therefore, feature data 58 is stored using the product ID or package ID and the measurement date and time as keys. Therefore, feature data 58 may include multiple data with different measurement dates and times for one product ID or package ID.

[0029] The environmental data 60 is data indicating the ambient environment of the product or package to be managed. The environmental data 60 includes, for example, time-series data such as the temperature, humidity, and gas concentration (e.g., concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide, ethylene, etc.) of the ambient environment where the product or package was placed, and the impact (acceleration) applied to the product or package. The environmental data 60 includes, for example, data from the time the product is shipped from the shipping base 12 to the time it is sold at the sales base 16. The ambient environment of the product or package may be measured by a sensor provided in a container containing the product, by a sensor provided in the loading platform of a truck delivering the package or in a transport container, or by a sensor provided in the intermediate base 14 where the product or package is temporarily stored or in a warehouse at the sales base 16. The ambient environment of the product may also be measured by a sensor provided in the sales floor of the sales base 16 where the product is displayed. The environmental data 60 is stored using a product ID or package ID as a key, or an ID for identifying the measurement location as a key. The ID for identifying the measurement location is, for example, an ID for identifying the loading platform of a truck or a transport container, an ID for identifying the warehouse of the intermediate base 14 or the sales base 16, or an ID for identifying the sales floor of the sales base 16.

[0030] At the shipping base 12, a measuring device 61 is used to measure the characteristics of the product 20 produced by the producer. The measuring device 61 captures an image of the product 20 to measure the shape, size, color, surface patterns, scratches, etc. of the product 20. If the product is a tomato, the measuring device 61 may measure the sugar content of the tomato using a spectrometer, or may identify the ripeness of the tomato based on its color. The measuring device 61 may be composed of various sensors provided in an automatic sorting machine used to inspect and sort the product 20. The measuring device 61 transmits the measured characteristic data of the product 20 and the measurement date and time to the shipping base management device 62.

[0031] When the shipping base management device 62 acquires characteristic data of a new product 20 from the measuring device 61, it issues a product ID for identifying the product 20. The shipping base management device 62 records the characteristic data acquired from the measuring device 61 and the measurement date and time using the issued product ID as a key. The shipping base management device 62 transmits the product ID, characteristic data, measurement date and time, and measurement location of the product 20 to the product management device 30. The shipping base management device 62 may hold production data 54 of the product 20, and may transmit the production data 54 of the product 20 to the product management device 30.

[0032] Next, the product 20 is placed in a container 24 at the shipping base 12. The product 20, to which a product ID has been assigned, is placed in a container 24 such as a cardboard box or a small container. The container 24 is assigned a container ID, and is individually identified by, for example, a barcode 25 or an electronic tag. A label on which information such as the barcode 25 is printed may be affixed to the container 24. The container 24 does not necessarily have to be affixed with a barcode or tag, and may be individually identified based on the appearance characteristics of the container 24, such as its shape, size, color, scratches, or patterns.

[0033] The work of placing the products 20 into the containers 24 is carried out while measuring with measuring devices 61 such as cameras and sensors. For example, a robot may be used to place the products 20 into the containers 24, and a camera or sensor attached to the robot may measure the characteristics of the products 20 and the containers 24. The characteristics of the products 20 and the containers 24 measured by the measuring device 61 are transmitted from the measuring device 61 to a shipping base management device 62. By packaging the products 20 while individually identifying the products 20 and the containers 24, the shipping base management device 62 can link the container ID and the product ID. In the example shown in the figure, multiple (12) products 20 are placed in one container 24, and multiple product IDs are linked to one container ID. Note that only one product 20 may be placed in one container 24.

[0034] Next, the container 24 containing the product 20 is packaged to form a package 26 ready for delivery. For example, the package 26 is completed by closing the lid of the container 24. Note that in the illustrated example, the package 26 has a portion of the top of the container 24 left open in a deliverable form, and the product 20 inside the container 24 is visible from the outside even when packaged. Note that the packaging form of the product 20 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and the package 26 may also be packaged with the top of the container 24 completely closed, i.e., the product 20 inside the container 24 is not visible from the outside.

[0035] Next, the characteristics of the package 26 are measured using a measuring device 61 such as a camera or various sensors. The measuring device 61 may measure the characteristics of the package 26 before packaging. For example, the measuring device 61 may capture an image for identifying the arrangement of the multiple products 20 in the container 24 before packaging the package 26. In the illustrated example, an image is captured from above the package 26 after packaging, thereby obtaining an image that enables the arrangement of the multiple products 20 in the container 24 to be identified. The measuring device 61 transmits the measured characteristic data of the package 26 along with the measurement date and time to the shipping base management device 62. When the shipping base management device 62 acquires the characteristic data of a new package 26 from the measuring device 61, it issues a package ID for individual identification of the package 26. The shipping base management device 62 transmits the package ID, characteristic data, measurement date and time, and measurement location of the package 26 to the product management device 30. The shipping base management device 62 transmits the container ID of the container 24 that constitutes the package 26 and the product IDs of the multiple products 20 contained in the container 24 to the product management device 30. The shipping point management device 62 transmits the delivery data 56 of the package 26 to the product management device 30.

[0036] The parcel ID may be issued by the delivery management device 68, rather than by the shipping base management device 62. For example, the measurement device 67 of the delivery means 18 may measure characteristic data of the parcel 26, and the measured characteristic data of the parcel 26 may be transmitted from the measurement device 67 to the delivery management device 68 along with the measurement date and time. The measurement device 67 may include, for example, a handheld terminal equipped with a camera, and the characteristics of the parcel 26 may be measured using the camera of the handheld terminal. When the delivery management device 68 acquires characteristic data of a new parcel 26 from the measurement device 67, it may issue a parcel ID for individual identification of the parcel 26. In this case, the parcel ID may be, for example, a delivery number written on a delivery slip issued by a delivery company. The delivery management device 68 may transmit the parcel ID, characteristic data, measurement date and time, and measurement location of the parcel 26 to the product management device 30. The delivery management device 68 may transmit delivery data 56 of the parcel 26 to the product management device 30.

[0037] The parcels 26 shipped from the shipping point 12 are delivered to the intermediate point 14 by any delivery means 18. The delivery means 18 can be a vehicle such as a truck, a train, a ship, or an airplane. In the delivery means 18, a measuring device 67 measures the ambient environment of the product 20 or the parcel 26 and records environmental data indicating the measured ambient environment. The environmental data recorded by the measuring device 67 is transmitted to a delivery management device 68. The measuring device 67 includes, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a gas sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., which are installed in the bed of the truck, and the environmental data is recorded by these various sensors. The delivery management device 68 records the environmental data acquired from the measuring device 67 using a product ID, a parcel ID, or a delivery ID that identifies the delivery means 18 as a key. The delivery management device 68 transmits the environmental data 60 together with the product ID, the parcel ID, or the delivery ID to the product management device 30.

[0038] The intermediate site 14 may be a fruit and vegetable market, a delivery center of a delivery company, or the like. The packages 26 delivered to the intermediate site 14 are subjected to an acceptance inspection at the intermediate site 14. During the acceptance inspection at the intermediate site 14, characteristic data of the packages 26 is measured by a measuring device 63 installed at the intermediate site 14. The measuring device 63 may include various sensors installed in a system that automatically sorts the packages 26, or may include a handheld terminal used by an operator. The measuring device 63 transmits the measured characteristic data of the packages 26 together with the measurement date and time to the intermediate site management device 64. The intermediate site management device 64 transmits the package ID, characteristic data, measurement date and time, and measurement location of the packages 26 to the product management device 30.

[0039] During the acceptance inspection at the intermediate site 14, the measuring device 63 may measure characteristic data of the products 21 contained in the package 26. The products 21 undergoing acceptance inspection at the intermediate site 14 are the same individual products as the products 20 shipped from the shipping site 12, but are treated as separate products 21. When the intermediate site management device 64 acquires the characteristic data of the products 21 from the measuring device 63, it issues a temporary ID for identifying each product 21. The intermediate site management device 64 issues a temporary ID for identifying each product 21 based on the arrangement of the products 21 in the container 24, etc. For example, the measuring device 63 uses a camera to capture an image that enables the arrangement of the products 21 in the container 24 to be identified, and transmits the image to the intermediate site management device 64. The intermediate site management device 64 performs image recognition on the multiple products 21 based on the acquired image, assigning temporary ID 1 to the product 21 located in the upper left corner of the container 24, and issues temporary IDs to the multiple products 21 in order by scanning from the upper left to the lower right. The temporary ID issued to the product 21 at the intermediate site 14 is different from the product ID issued to the product 20 at the shipping site 12. The intermediate site management device 64 transmits the package ID, temporary ID, characteristic data, measurement date and time, and measurement location of the product 21 to the product management device 30.

[0040] The packages 26 that have undergone the acceptance inspection are stored at the intermediate site 14 as necessary, and then sorted and shipped according to their next delivery destination (e.g., sales base 16). Between acceptance and shipment, the measuring device 63 may measure the ambient environment of the products 21 and the packages 26. The measuring device 63 may transmit environmental data indicating the measured ambient environment to the intermediate site management device 64. The intermediate site management device 64 may transmit the environmental data measured by the measuring device 63 to the product management device 30. Furthermore, when the packages 26 are shipped from the intermediate site 14, characteristic data of the packages 26 and the products 21 may be measured again using the measuring device 63 for a shipping inspection. The measuring device 63 may transmit the characteristic data of the packages 26 and the products 21 measured during the shipping inspection to the intermediate site management device 64. The intermediate site management device 64 may transmit the characteristic data of the packages 26 and the products 21 measured during the shipping inspection to the product management device 30 in association with the package ID, temporary ID, measurement date and time, and measurement location of the products 21.

[0041] The packages 26 shipped from the intermediate base 14 are delivered to the sales base 16 using any delivery means 18. The ambient environment of the products 21 or packages 26 may also be measured by a measuring device 67 on the delivery means 18 to the sales base 16, and environmental data indicating the measured ambient environment may be transmitted to the product management device 30 via a delivery management device 68.

[0042] The product 22 delivered to the sales base 16 is subjected to an acceptance inspection using a measuring device 65 at the sales base 16. The measuring device 65 includes, for example, a handheld scanner used by the seller, which measures characteristic data of the product 22 and the package 26. The product 22 subjected to the acceptance inspection at the sales base 16 is the same individual product as the product 20 shipped from the shipping base 12 and the product 21 inspected at the intermediate base 14, but is handled as a different product 22 from the product 20 at the shipping base 12 and the product 21 at the intermediate base 14.

[0043] During the acceptance inspection at the sales base 16, first, characteristic data of the package 26 is measured by the measuring device 65. The measuring device 65 transmits the characteristic data of the package 26 measured during the acceptance inspection to the sales base management device 66. The sales base management device 66 transmits the package ID, characteristic data, measurement date and time, and measurement location of the package 26 to the product management device 30. Next, the package 26 is unpacked, and the multiple products 22 contained in the container 24 are measured by the measuring device 65. The sales base management device 66 issues temporary IDs for individually identifying the multiple products 22 measured by the measuring device 65. The temporary IDs issued to the products 22 at the sales base 16 may be the same as the temporary IDs assigned to the products 21 at the intermediate base 14.

[0044] Next, at the sales base 16, the characteristics of the products 22 removed from the container 24 are measured. For example, by removing multiple products 22 from the container 24 while measuring them with a camera or sensor equipped in a handheld scanner, the arrangement of the multiple products 22 in the container 24 and the measurement of the characteristics of the products 22 may be performed simultaneously. The characteristic data of the products 22 measured by the measurement device 65 is transmitted to the sales base management device 66. The sales base management device 66 links the characteristic data of the products 22 with the package ID, temporary ID, measurement date and time, and measurement location, and transmits it to the product management device 30. The products 22 that have undergone acceptance inspection at the sales base 16 are lined up on the sales floor of the sales base 16 for sale. The surrounding environment of the products 22 at the sales base 16 may be measured by the measurement device 65. For example, the measurement device 65 includes sensors installed in the warehouse or sales floor of the sales base 16, and measures the surrounding environment of the products 22 using the sensors installed in the warehouse or sales floor. The measurement device 65 transmits environmental data indicating the measured surrounding environment to the sales base management device 66. The sales point management device 66 transmits the environmental data acquired from the measurement device 65 to the product management device 30 .

[0045] A consumer visiting a sales outlet 16 photographs a product 22 displayed on the sales floor of the sales outlet 16 using their own user terminal 28, such as a smartphone equipped with a camera. An app that can be used at the sales outlet 16 is installed on the user terminal 28, and the consumer photographs the product 22 through the app. The user terminal 28 transmits the image of the product 22, the date and time the image was taken, and the location where the image was taken (for example, the location of the sales outlet 16) to the product management device 30 via the network 70. The product management device 30 identifies the product 22 based on the information from the user terminal 28 and specifies the product ID of the product 20 that is the same individual product as the product 22. The product management device 30 transmits data related to the production and delivery of the product 20 to the user terminal 28 based on the product ID of the identified product 20. The user terminal 28 displays the data related to the product 20 obtained from the product management device 30. By looking at the user terminal 28, the consumer can learn the production data, delivery data, and environmental data associated with the product 22 in front of them.

[0046] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of data acquired by the product management device 30. Fig. 2 shows, arranged in chronological order from left to right, the data acquired by the product management device 30 from the shipping base 12, intermediate base 14, sales base 16, and delivery means 18 shown in Fig. 1. For ease of understanding, Fig. 2 shows representative data as an example, and does not cover all data acquired by the product management device 30.

[0047] First, the product management device 30 acquires data at the shipping base 12. The product management device 30 acquires data about the product 20, such as a product ID, a product image, a product weight, a product ripeness level, and a measurement date and time, from the shipping base management device 62. The product ID is issued by the shipping base management device 62. The product image is feature data for identifying features of the product 20, such as the shape, size, and color, and is captured by a camera provided in the measuring device 61. The product weight is feature data about the product 20 and is measured by a weight sensor provided in the measuring device 61. The product ripeness level is feature data about the product 20 and is identified by the measuring device 61 based on, for example, the color distribution of the product 20 in an image A1 obtained by capturing the product 20. The measurement date and time is the date and time when the product image, product weight, or product ripeness level was measured by the measuring device 61. While FIG. 2 shows only one measurement date and time as a representative example, measurement dates and times may be set separately for the product image, product weight, and product ripeness.

[0048] The product management device 30 acquires the following data about the package 26 from the shipping base management device 62: package ID, package image, package weight, product quantity, container ID, product ID, and measurement date and time. The package ID is issued by the shipping base management device 62. The package image, package weight, and package quantity are characteristic data of the package 26. The container ID is information indicated in the barcode 25 attached to the container 24 of the package 26. The product ID is the product ID of each of the multiple products 20 contained in the package 26. If the package 26 contains multiple products 20 (e.g., 12 products), multiple product IDs (e.g., 12 products) are linked to one package ID. The measurement date and time is the date and time when the package image, package weight, or product quantity is measured by the measurement device 61. While FIG. 2 shows only one measurement date and time as a representative example, a measurement date and time may be set separately for each of the package image, package weight, and product quantity.

[0049] Next, the product management device 30 acquires data from the delivery means 18. The product management device 30 acquires data about the package 26 from the delivery management device 68, including the package ID, package image, package weight, product quantity, container ID, and measurement date and time. The package ID is issued by the delivery management device 68. The package image, package weight, and product quantity are measured by the measuring device 67. Note that if the contents of the package 26 are not visible, the product quantity does not need to be measured. The product management device 30 acquires temperature, humidity, and acceleration from the delivery management device 68 as environmental data. The temperature, humidity, and acceleration are measured by the measuring device 67. The measurement date and time in the environmental data is the period during which the temperature, humidity, and acceleration were measured, and includes, for example, the start date and time and the end date and time of the measurement. Note that the delivery means 18 does not usually open the package 26 to measure the individual products, so data about the individual products is not acquired.

[0050] Next, the product management device 30 acquires data at the intermediate location 14. The product management device 30 acquires data on the package 26 from the intermediate location management device 64, including the package ID, package image, package weight, product quantity, container ID, and measurement date and time. The package ID is issued by the intermediate location management device 64. The package image, package weight, and product quantity are measured by the measurement device 63. At the intermediate location 14, the temperature and humidity are measured as environmental data by the measurement device 63, and transmitted from the intermediate location management device 64 to the product management device 30. The temperature and humidity are measured, for example, in a warehouse at the intermediate location 14 where the package 26 is stored.

[0051] Finally, the product management device 30 acquires data at the sales base 16. The product management device 30 acquires data about the packages 26, such as package IDs, package images, package weights, product quantities, container IDs, and measurement dates and times, from the sales base management device 66. The package IDs are issued by the sales base management device 66. The package images, package weights, and product quantities are measured by the measurement device 65. The sales base 16 checks the contents of the packages 26 and issues product IDs (temporary IDs) to the multiple products 22 contained in the packages 26. The temporary IDs are issued by the sales base management device 66. Next, the product management device 30 acquires data about the products 22, such as product images, product weights, product ripeness, and measurement dates and times, from the sales base management device 66. The product management device 30 acquires environmental data, such as temperature and humidity, from the sales base management device 66. The temperature and humidity are measured, for example, in a warehouse where the products 22 are stored at the sales base 16 or in a sales area where the products 22 are displayed.

[0052] Next, the determination of product identity by the determination unit 34 will be described in detail. The determination unit 34 compares data about a product (also referred to as a first product) stored in the memory unit 40 with data about a product (also referred to as a second product) acquired by the acquisition unit 32, and determines the identity of the first product and the second product. The data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 is data about the second product whose identity is to be determined, and is raw data obtained by actually measuring the second product present at a site in the distribution process. On the other hand, the data stored in the memory unit 40 is data about the first product that was individually identified at least at the time of production or shipping, and serves as the basis for determining identity. The data stored in the memory unit 40 may include data acquired at the intermediate location 14 or the sales location 16, and the data acquired at the intermediate location 14 or the sales location 16 may be used as the basis for determining identity.

[0053] The determination unit 34 determines whether individual products are identical, for example, whether a product 22 sold at a sales point 16 is identical to any of the products 20 registered in the product master 50, and verifies the identity of the products. The determination unit 34 may also determine the identity of a package 26 in the distribution process and verify the identity of the products packed in the package 26.

[0054] The determination unit 34 includes a candidate extraction unit 42, an individual identification unit 44, and a change verification unit 46.

[0055] The candidate extraction unit 42 extracts data to be matched from the data stored in the memory unit 40. The candidate extraction unit 42 identifies whether the object to be determined is a single product or a package containing products, based on the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit 32. When the object to be determined is a single product, the candidate extraction unit 42 identifies the product name of the second product to be determined (e.g., tomatoes) based on an image of the second product acquired by the acquisition unit 32. When the object to be determined is a package and the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 includes feature data related to the contents of the package, the candidate extraction unit 42 may identify the product name of the contents of the package based on the feature data related to the contents of the package.

[0056] The candidate extraction unit 42 extracts product IDs or package IDs to be matched based on the date, time, and location. The data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 includes the measurement date and time and measurement location when the characteristics of the product or package are measured. In principle, the product or package to be matched is the product or package that actually exists at the measurement date and time and measurement location included in the acquired data. The candidate extraction unit 42 references the delivery data 56 in the storage unit 40, extracts package IDs that match the measurement date, time, and measurement location conditions of the acquired data, and extracts product IDs associated with the package IDs. Note that if the data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 includes a package ID, the candidate extraction unit 42 may also match the package ID acquired by the acquisition unit 32 and the product ID associated with the package ID acquired by the acquisition unit 32.

[0057] The individual identification unit 44 individually identifies products or packages. The individual identification unit 44 targets the product IDs or package IDs extracted by the candidate extraction unit 42 for individual identification. The individual identification unit 44, for example, calculates a score indicating the degree of match between the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 and the feature data recorded in the storage unit 40, and identifies the product ID or package ID with the highest score. The individual identification unit 44 calculates the score using, for example, a machine learning model that outputs a score indicating the degree of match between features based on the correlation of the feature data. As a result, the individual identification unit 44 identifies the product ID of the product measured at the site or the package ID of the package that corresponds to the data acquired by the acquisition unit 32.

[0058] The individual identification unit 44 may consider changes in the characteristics over time, rather than simply comparing the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 with the feature data 58 in the storage unit 40. That is, the elapsed time from the measurement date and time (also referred to as the first date and time) of the feature data 58 recorded in the storage unit 40 to the measurement date and time (also referred to as the second date and time) of the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 may be considered. The individual identification unit 44 may estimate changes in the characteristics over time from the first date and time to the second date and time. For example, when a tomato ripens over time, changes in the tomato's characteristics, such as color, sugar content, and ripeness, may be estimated. For example, changes such as the tomato's color becoming reddish, the tomato's sugar content increasing, or the tomato's ripeness increasing may be estimated. The individual identification unit 44 estimates changes in the product's characteristics, for example, by referring to change estimation data that associates elapsed time with the amount of change in the product's characteristics, such as color, sugar content, and ripeness.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of change estimation data. FIG. 3 shows change estimation data that associates changes in the ripeness of a product with the time required for the change. In the example of FIG. 3, the ripeness of tomatoes is set to eight levels. The ripeness of tomatoes can be determined, for example, according to the distribution of the tomato's color; the greater the proportion of green, the lower the ripeness, and the greater the proportion of red, the higher the ripeness. For example, a tomato that is entirely green is ripeness level 1, and a fully ripe tomato that is entirely bright red is ripeness level 8. In FIG. 3, the time required for each ripeness level 1 to change to the next ripeness level 2 to 8 is set. For example, 44 hours is set as the time required to change from ripeness level 1 to ripeness level 2, and 20 hours is set as the time required to change from ripeness level 7 to ripeness level 8. The number of ripeness levels and the time required for the change are set individually depending on the type of product.

[0060] The individual identification unit 44 estimates the characteristics of the product at the second date and time using the product characteristics at the first date and time, the elapsed time from the first date and time to the second date and time, and the change estimation data. In the example of FIG. 2, the ripeness level of the product 20 measured at the shipping location 12 is "4," and the first date and time is "6:12 on June 19." If the second date and time is the measurement date and time at the sales location 16, "9:00 on June 22," then the elapsed time from the first date and time to the second date and time is approximately 75 hours. According to the change estimation data of FIG. 4, the time required for the ripeness level to change from 4 to 8 is 24 + 20 + 16 + 12 = 72 hours, so the ripeness level of the product 22 at the second date and time is estimated to be "8."

[0061] The individual identification unit 44 may estimate changes in characteristics over time using the environmental data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 or the environmental data 60 in the storage unit 40. For example, the rate and trend of changes in the characteristics of the product may change depending on the temperature, humidity, gas concentration, etc., of the product's surrounding environment. The individual identification unit 44 may estimate changes in the characteristics of the product based on the environment in which the product was placed between the first date and time and the second date and time. For example, in the change estimation data of FIG. 3, the elapsed time may be defined by a function with temperature, humidity, gas concentration, etc. as variables. The individual identification unit 44 may estimate changes in characteristics using, for example, a machine learning model that inputs feature data and environmental data and outputs changed feature data. This allows individual identification to appropriately consider changes in color, sugar content, ripeness, etc. over time.

[0062] 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams schematically illustrating a method for determining identity by estimating changes in the characteristics of a first product 71 or a second product 72. The first product 71 has the characteristics of the product at the time of shipping from the shipping base 12, for example, with the tomato calyx and its vicinity being a shade close to green. The second product 72 has the characteristics of the product at the time of sale at the sales base 16, with the tomato calyx and its vicinity being a shade close to red. Therefore, the second product 72 has a higher proportion of red compared to the first product 71, indicating that it is in a state of increased ripeness.

[0063] In the example of FIG. 4(a), a virtual third product 73 having product characteristics at a second date and time is estimated based on feature data measured at a first date and time of a first product 71 stored in the storage unit 40 (S10). For example, the feature (e.g., color) of the third product 73 at the second date and time is estimated based on the feature (e.g., color) of the first product 71 at the first date and time, the elapsed time from the first date and time to the second date and time, and change estimation data. The individual identification unit 44 determines the feature of the virtual third product 73 by estimating the change in the feature in the future from the first date and time to the second date and time. The individual identification unit 44 calculates a score indicating the consistency between the feature data measured at the second date and time of the second product 72 acquired by the acquisition unit 32 and the estimated feature data of the third product 73, thereby performing individual identification (S12). In other words, individual identification is performed using the feature data of the third product 73, which takes into account the estimated change in the feature data of the first product 71. In this case, if the feature data of the first product 71 and the feature data of the second product 72 closely match, a low score indicating the match is calculated, and a high score is calculated indicating the match for feature data that appropriately takes into account changes over time.

[0064] In the example of FIG. 4(b), the change in features is estimated in the direction toward the past, from the second date and time to the first date and time, which is the opposite of FIG. 4(a). That is, the individual identification unit 44 estimates a hypothetical fourth product 74 that has the features of the product at the first date and time, based on the feature data measured at the second date and time of the second product 72 acquired by the acquisition unit 32 (S14). For example, the feature (e.g., color) of the fourth product 74 at the first date and time is estimated based on the feature (e.g., color) of the second product 72 at the second date and time, the backward calculation time from the second date and time to the first date and time, and the change estimation data. The individual identification unit 44 calculates a score indicating the consistency between the estimated feature data of the fourth product 74 and the feature data measured at the first date and time of the first product 71 stored in the storage unit 40, and performs individual identification (S16). That is, individual identification is performed using the feature data of the fourth product 74, which takes into account the estimated change in the feature data of the second product 72. In this case too, if the feature data of the first product 71 and the feature data of the second product 72 closely match, a low score indicating the match is calculated, and if the feature data appropriately takes into account changes over time, a high score indicating the match is calculated.

[0065] In the example of FIG. 4(c), features at a date and time between the first date and time and the second date and time (also referred to as the third date and time) are estimated. The individual identification unit 44 estimates a hypothetical fifth product 75 having the features of the product at the third date and time based on feature data measured at the first date and time of the first product 71 recorded in the storage unit 40 (S18). For example, the feature (e.g., color) of the fifth product 75 at the third date and time is estimated based on the feature (e.g., color) of the first product 71 at the first date and time, the elapsed time from the first date and time to the third date and time, and the change estimation data. The individual identification unit 44 estimates a hypothetical sixth product 76 having the features of the product at the third date and time based on feature data measured at the second date and time of the second product 72 acquired by the acquisition unit 32 (S20). For example, the feature (e.g., color) of the sixth product 76 at the third date and time is estimated based on the feature (e.g., color) of the second product 72 at the second date and time, the backward calculation time from the second date and time to the third date and time, and the change estimation data. The individual identification unit 44 calculates a score indicating the degree of match between the feature data of the fifth product 75 at the estimated third date and time and the feature data of the sixth product 76 at the estimated third date and time, and performs individual identification (S22). In this case as well, if the feature data of the first product 71 and the feature data of the second product 72 exactly match, a low score indicating the degree of match is calculated, and a high score indicating the degree of match is calculated for feature data that appropriately takes into account changes over time.

[0066] The estimation of feature changes using the above method is limited to features whose changes over time are predictable. For example, among the features of tomatoes, changes in color, ripeness, sugar content, etc. are estimated. Furthermore, for features that are not expected to change over time, the feature data before and after estimation is assumed to be the same. For example, among the features of tomatoes, the shape, size, weight, etc. are assumed to not change.

[0067] It is possible that unpredictable changes may occur in products. For example, changes such as scratches or missing parts of products during delivery are difficult to predict. On the other hand, it is also possible that products may be scratched or missing parts at the time of shipment. In this case, scratches or missing parts on the product may be useful features for individual product identification. Therefore, if the feature data of the second product 72 acquired by the acquisition unit 32 includes features indicating scratches or missing parts on the product, the individual product identification unit 44 may first perform individual product identification using the features of the scratches or missing parts. If there is no product with matching features of scratches or missing parts, the individual product identification unit 44 may perform individual product identification excluding the features of scratches or missing parts. By first performing individual product identification using the features of scratches or missing parts, it is possible to identify products that have scratches or missing parts at the time of shipment. By then performing individual product identification excluding the features of scratches or missing parts, it is possible to identify products that were not scratched or missing parts at the time of shipment based on features other than scratches or missing parts.

[0068] Instead of adopting or excluding the above-mentioned feature points of scratches and defects, it is possible to change the influence of feature points such as scratches and defects on the score indicating a match, that is, to change the parameter values ​​in the machine learning model. For example, parameters may first be adjusted to increase the influence of specific feature points such as scratches and defects, and a score indicating a match may be calculated to perform individual identification. Subsequently, parameters may be adjusted to decrease the influence of specific feature points such as scratches and defects, and a score indicating a match may be calculated to perform individual identification.

[0069] Note that the influence of predictable features may be adjusted in addition to unpredictable features. Features that are considered to change little over time, such as the shape, size, and weight of tomatoes, may have a greater influence on the match score. That is, features that change little over time may be weighted more heavily when determining product identity, thereby increasing the priority of features that change little over time. On the other hand, features that are considered to change much over time, such as the color, ripeness, and sugar content of tomatoes, may have a smaller influence on the match score. That is, features that change much over time may be weighted less heavily when determining product identity, while features that change little over time may be lowered in priority. For features with higher priority, the criteria for determining identity are stricter, and if the features do not exactly match, the products are determined to be non-identical. For features with lower priority, the criteria for determining identity are looser, and even if the features do not exactly match, the products are determined to be identical. That is, the tolerance for determining identity varies depending on the priority of the product feature. The priority for each of multiple product features is set individually depending on the type of product.

[0070] The above-described individual product identification method may also be used for individual package identification. When the products in a package are visible, the individual product identification unit 44 may determine the identity of the products in the package by estimating changes in the characteristics of the products in the package. When a package contains multiple products, the individual product identification unit 44 may identify each product individually by estimating changes in the characteristics of each of the multiple products, or may identify the entire package by collectively estimating changes in the characteristics of the multiple products.

[0071] The change verification unit 46 extracts changes in characteristics between the first product and the second product identified as identical by the individual identification unit 44, and verifies whether the changes in characteristics are valid. If there is only a change that can occur over time, for example, if the green of the tomato changes to red, or if a new scratch is added to the surface of the tomato, the change verification unit 46 determines that the change is valid. On the other hand, if there is a change that cannot occur over time, for example, if the red of the tomato changes to green, or if a previous scratch has disappeared, the change verification unit 46 determines that the change is invalid.

[0072] If the change verification unit 46 determines that the change between the first product and the second product is valid, it determines that the individual pieces of the first product and the second product identified by the individual identification unit 44 are the same. As a result, the product ID of the first product identified by the individual identification unit 44 is linked to the second product that is the subject of identity determination. If the change verification unit 46 determines that the change between the first product and the second product is not valid, it determines that there is no individual piece of the first product that is the same as the second product that is the subject of identity determination.

[0073] The change verification unit 46 may verify the validity of the change not only for the first product with the highest score calculated by the individual product identification unit 44, but also for multiple first products with scores equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value calculated by the individual product identification unit 44. In this case, it may be determined that the change is valid and that the first product with a relatively high score is the same individual as the second product.

[0074] The notification unit 36 ​​notifies the sender of the data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 of information based on the determination of identity by the determination unit 34. For example, when the acquisition unit 32 acquires data about the product 22 from the user terminal 28 of a consumer who visited the sales location 16, the notification unit 36 ​​notifies the user terminal 28 of information related to the product ID of the product 22 identified by the determination unit 34. That is, the notification unit 36 ​​notifies the user terminal 28 of information based on the production data 54, delivery data 56, feature data 58, and environmental data 60 associated with the identified product ID. Specifically, the notification unit 36 ​​may notify the user terminal 28 of production-related information such as the producer, production place, and production date / time of the product 22; delivery-related information such as the delivery route and delivery time of the product 22; product quality-related information such as the ripeness, sugar content, and best-to-eat timing of the product 22; and environmental information such as the temperature and humidity at which the product 22 was stored. Such information may be notified in response to the consumer's operation of the user terminal 28.

[0075] The notification unit 36 ​​may notify the intermediate base 14 or the sales base 16 of information based on the determination of identity made by the determination unit 34. For example, when the acquisition unit 32 acquires from the intermediate base management device 64 characteristic data of the package 26 measured during an acceptance inspection or a shipping inspection at the intermediate base 14, the determination result of the identity of the package 26 made by the determination unit 34 may be notified to the intermediate base management device 64. This allows for a more rigorous inspection to be performed by simply measuring the characteristic data of the package 26 for inspection at the intermediate base 14 and comparing it with the characteristic data of the package 26 at the time of shipment. Similarly, when the acquisition unit 32 acquires from the sales base management device 66 characteristic data of the package 26 or the product 22 measured during an acceptance inspection at the sales base 16, the determination result of the identity of the package 26 or the product 22 made by the determination unit 34 may be notified to the sales base management device 66. This allows for a more rigorous inspection of the safety of the product 22 before it is displayed at the sales base 16.

[0076] The recording unit 38 generates data to be recorded in the storage unit 40 based on the data acquired by the acquisition unit 32, and records the generated data in the storage unit 40. The recording unit 38 registers a new product ID in the product master 50 based on data acquired from the shipping base management device 62. The recording unit 38 registers a new package ID in the package master 52 based on data acquired from the shipping base management device 62. The recording unit 38 generates and records production data 54 based on data acquired from the shipping base management device 62 or a producer. The recording unit 38 generates and records delivery data 56 based on data acquired from the shipping base management device 62, the intermediate base management device 64, the sales base management device 66, or the delivery management device 68. The recording unit 38 generates and records environmental data 60 based on data acquired from the shipping base management device 62, the intermediate base management device 64, the sales base management device 66, or the delivery management device 68.

[0077] The recording unit 38 generates and records feature data 58 linked to a new product ID or package ID based on the feature data acquired from the shipping point management device 62. When feature data is acquired from the intermediate point management device 64, the sales point management device 66, or the user terminal 28, the recording unit 38 generates and records feature data 58 if the determination unit 34 determines that the feature data are identical. In other words, when the determination unit 34 determines that the feature data are identical and the product ID or package ID of the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 is identified, the acquired feature data linked to the identified product ID or package ID is recorded in the storage unit 40. As a result, in addition to the feature data that is newly registered initially, additional feature data acquired during the distribution process is accumulated as feature data 58 in the storage unit 40.

[0078] When determining the identity of the first product and the second product, the determination unit 34 may use multiple pieces of feature data for the first product acquired at different measurement dates and times and measurement locations, or may use only the most recent feature data. For example, when determining the identity of the products based on the feature data of the second product acquired from the user terminal 28, the determination unit 34 may use feature data measured by the measuring device 61 at the shipping location 12, feature data measured by the measuring device 63 at the intermediate location 14, or feature data measured by the measuring device 65 at the sales location 16. The determination unit 34 may estimate a change in the feature based on multiple pieces of feature data acquired at different measurement dates and times and measurement locations.

[0079] The change verification unit 46 may verify the validity of a change based on multiple pieces of characteristic data acquired at different measurement dates and locations. The change verification unit 46 may also identify the timing of a specific change based on multiple pieces of characteristic data acquired at different measurement dates and locations. For example, if a change resulting in scratches or defects on a product is verified, the change verification unit 46 may identify the date, time, and location where the scratches or defects may have occurred. Furthermore, if a monotonically increasing ripeness or sugar content of the product is verified as a change in the product's characteristics, the change verification unit 46 may identify the date and time when the product will be ripe to eat based on the increasing trend. On the other hand, if a stoppage in the increase in the ripeness or sugar content of the product or a decrease in the ripeness or sugar content is verified, the change verification unit 46 may notify the sender of the data that the product is no longer ripe to eat based on the increasing trend. Information regarding such changes in characteristics verified by the change verification unit 46 may be notified to the data sender by the notification unit 36.

[0080] 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the product management device 30. First, a product ID is issued by the shipping site management device 62 at the shipping site 12 (S30), the product characteristics are measured by the measuring device 61 (S32), and the product ID and characteristic data are transmitted from the shipping site management device 62 to the product management device 30 (S34). The product management device 30 registers the acquired product ID in the product master 50, and records characteristic data 58 generated based on the acquired characteristic data in the storage unit 40 (S36).

[0081] The products shipped from the shipping base 12 are delivered to the intermediate base 14 or the sales base 16 by the delivery means 18. At the intermediate base 14, the sales base 16 or the delivery means 18, the environment of the products is measured by the measuring device 63, 65 or 67 (S38), and the environmental data is transmitted from the intermediate base management device 64, the sales base management device 66 or the delivery management device 68 to the product management device 30 (S40). The product management device 30 records the acquired environmental data 60 in the memory unit 40 (S42).

[0082] Next, the user terminal 28 measures the product characteristics (S44), and the user terminal 28 transmits the characteristic data to the product management device 30 (S46). The product management device 30 extracts candidate product IDs based on the acquired data (S48), estimates changes in the product characteristics (S50), and determines the identity of the products (S52). If the products are identical (Y in S54), the product management device 30 records feature data 58 generated based on the acquired characteristic data in the storage unit 40 (S56) and notifies the user terminal 28 of information based on the determination of identity (S58). If the products are not identical (N in S54), the process skips S56 and notifies the user terminal 28 of information based on the determination of identity (S58). The user terminal 28 displays the information acquired from the product management device 30 (S60).

[0083] According to this embodiment, individual products can be identified based on product feature data, allowing products to be managed individually. Even if product features change over time, the identity of each product can be determined by estimating the change in the product features and taking the change in the features over time into account. Even if unpredictable changes in features not due to the passage of time occur, the identity of each product can be appropriately determined by combining individual identification using unpredictable features with individual identification excluding unpredictable features. Furthermore, by setting priorities for multiple features used in determining identity for each type of product, the identity of each product can be appropriately determined even if product features change over time.

[0084] According to this embodiment, by accumulating characteristic data acquired during the distribution process, it is possible to appropriately track changes in products that occur during the distribution process. If a product is damaged during the distribution process, it is possible to identify the date, time, and location where the damage may have occurred. Even if a product is replaced with another product during distribution, as long as the replacement is between products registered in the product management device 30, the product characteristic data can be used to appropriately track the replaced product. Furthermore, if the product is replaced with a product not registered in the product management device 30, the characteristics of the product will not match those of the product registered in the product management device 30, making it possible to detect fraud during the distribution process.

[0085] The present invention has been described above based on examples. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and that various design changes and modifications are possible, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, product information is provided to consumers using the consumer's user terminal 28. In another embodiment, product information may be provided using a terminal installed in the sales floor or cash register of the sales point 16. For example, a product may be measured using a terminal installed in the sales point 16, and product information may be displayed on the display of the terminal. Furthermore, if the terminal installed in the sales point 16 is equipped with a printer, product information may be printed by the printer and provided to consumers. Alternatively, when the products are displayed in the sales floor at the sales point 16, labels containing product information may be printed by the terminal of the sales point 16, and the printed labels may be attached to the products themselves or their packaging to provide information to consumers.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, tomatoes are used as an example of a product, but this embodiment may be applied to any product. For example, this embodiment may be applied to any vegetables or fruits that are sold without packaging at a sales point such as a store. This embodiment may also be applied to vegetables or fruits that are handled in plastic bags or containers from shipping to sale. This embodiment is not limited to vegetables and fruits, and may be applied to any other product such as an industrial product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10...product distribution system, 12...shipping base, 14...intermediate base, 16...sales base, 18...delivery means, 20, 21, 22...product, 24...container, 26...luggage, 28...user terminal, 30...product management device, 32...acquisition unit, 34...determination unit, 36...notification unit, 38...recording unit, 40...memory unit, 50...product master, 52...luggage master, 54...production data, 56...delivery data, 58...characteristic data, 60...environmental data.

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores first characteristic data indicating a plurality of characteristics of a first product at a first date and time; an acquisition unit that acquires second feature data indicating a plurality of features of a second product at a second date and time that is later than the first date and time; a determination unit that determines whether the first product and the second product are identical based on the first feature data, the second feature data, and the elapsed time from the first date and time to the second date and time, The determination unit sets priorities for each type of product for multiple features used to determine identity, and determines the identity of the first product and the second product based on the priorities set so as to prioritize features that are less likely to change over time and not prioritize features that are more likely to change over time.

2. the acquisition unit further acquires environmental data obtained by measuring an environment surrounding the first product or the second product from the first date and time to the second date and time; The product management device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines whether the first product and the second product are identical based on the environmental data.

3. The product management device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit estimates changes in the characteristics of the first product or the second product over time from the first date and time to the second date and time, and determines the identity of the first product and the second product.

4. The storage unit further stores data related to delivery of the first product, The acquisition unit further acquires data regarding a location of the second product, The product management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination unit determines the identity of the first product and the second product further based on data regarding the delivery of the first product and data regarding the location of the second product.

5. A product management device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a recording unit that, when the determination unit determines that the first product and the second product are identical, records data regarding the second product acquired by the acquisition unit in the memory unit as data regarding the first product.

6. The product management device according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies a sender of the second characteristic data of information based on the determination by the determination unit.

7. The product management device according to claim 6 , wherein the notification unit notifies the sender of the second characteristic data of data relating to the first product when the determination unit determines that the first product and the second product are identical.

8. the determination unit verifies a change in a characteristic of the first product or the second product over time from the first date and time to the second date and time; The product management device according to claim 6 , wherein the notification unit notifies a source of the second characteristic data of information about the change in the characteristic verified by the determination unit.

9. The product management device according to claim 1 , wherein the determining unit sets the priority based on how easily characteristics of a product change over time depending on the type of product.

10. A product management device described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the judgment unit changes the priority based on a score indicating the consistency of at least one of the multiple features, and judges the identity of the first product and the second product based on the changed priority.

11. A product management device described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the determination unit determines the identity of the first product and the second product based on a score indicating the consistency of at least one of the multiple features, excluding the at least one feature.

12. A product management device described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the determination unit extracts multiple first products to be compared from the data stored in the memory unit based on data regarding the second products, and determines the identity of the extracted multiple first products with the second products.

13. storing first characteristic data indicating a plurality of characteristics of the first product at the first date and time in a storage unit; acquiring second characteristic data indicating a plurality of characteristics of a second product at a second date and time that is later than the first date and time; determining whether the first product and the second product are identical based on the first feature data, the second feature data, and the elapsed time from the first date and time to the second date and time, The determining step is a product management method including a step of setting priorities for each type of product for multiple features used to determine identity, and determining the identity of the first product and the second product based on priorities set so as to prioritize features that are less likely to change over time and not prioritize features that are more likely to change over time.

14. a function of storing first characteristic data indicating a plurality of characteristics of the first product at the first date and time in a storage unit; a function of acquiring second characteristic data indicating a plurality of characteristics of a second product at a second date and time that is later than the first date and time; a program that causes a computer to realize a function of determining whether the first product and the second product are identical based on the first feature data, the second feature data, and the elapsed time from the first date and time to the second date and time, The determination function is a program that has a function of determining the identity of the first product and the second product based on the priorities that are set to prioritize features that are less likely to change over time and not prioritize features that are more likely to change over time, for each type of product for which priorities are set for the features used to determine identity.

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