Product management device, product management method, and program

Abstract

To provide a commodity management apparatus, a commodity management method, and a program for determining identity of a commodity on the basis of a feature of the commodity.SOLUTION: In a commodity distribution system 10, a commodity management apparatus 30 includes: a storage unit 40 that stores first feature data indicating a feature of a commodity at a first date and time; an acquisition unit 32 that acquires second feature data indicating the feature of the commodity at a second date and time after the first date and time; and a determination unit 34 that determines identity of a first commodity and a second commodity based on the first feature data, the second feature data, and a time that elapsed 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 apparatus, a product management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, efforts have been made to meet consumers' awareness of safety and increase the added value of products by providing consumers with detailed information on production areas and producers when selling products such as vegetables and fruits. In addition, in order to prove the authenticity of products, methods have been proposed, such as attaching a tag for individual identification to each product, or affixing a label to a characteristic shape unique to the product (for example, the net pattern on the surface of a melon) for individual identification of the product (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Attaching a tag to each individual product takes time and effort, and there is also a risk that the tag may peel off halfway, or fraudulent acts such as reattaching the tag may occur. In addition, if the position of the label indicating the part used for individual identification is shifted, there is a risk that proper individual identification cannot be performed.

[0005] One exemplary object of an aspect 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 aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores first characteristic data indicating the characteristics of a first product at a first date and time; an acquisition unit that acquires second characteristic data indicating the characteristics of a second product at a second date and time after 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 characteristic data, the second characteristic 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 its characteristics. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the functional configuration of the product distribution system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows an example of the data acquired by the product management device. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows an example of change prediction data. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) schematically illustrate a method for determining identity by estimating changes in the characteristics of the first or second product. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of a product management device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this description, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] This embodiment will now be described in detail. This embodiment is a product management device for managing individual products. In recent years, consumer awareness of safety has increased, and it is desirable to properly understand the history of a product from production to sale and to ensure product traceability. On the other hand, for products that are produced and consumed in large quantities, instead of managing individual products, products are sometimes managed in lots, grouped by producer or production date. When managing in lots, it is not possible to strictly manage the history of individual products because the differences between multiple products included in the same lot are not considered. Therefore, this embodiment provides a product management device that can identify individual products and manage them individually.

[0011] In this embodiment, feature data indicating the characteristics of a product is collected during the distribution process, and individual products are identified based on this feature data. In this embodiment, features that can be measured using sensors and that may differ from one product to another are measured and collected as feature data. Since the products to be measured are products distributed for the purpose of sale, features that can be measured non-destructively without cutting the product or taking a part of it are used. Examples of product features are not particularly limited, but include the shape, size, color, surface pattern or scratches, and weight of the product. In the case of fresh products, it is conceivable that the characteristics of the product may change over time. For example, the color and pattern of the surface of vegetables and fruits may change as they ripen, or their sugar content and ripeness may change. Therefore, in this embodiment, the changes in product characteristics over time are estimated, and individual product identification is achieved by taking these changes in product characteristics into consideration.

[0012] In this embodiment, the identity of a product is determined based on its characteristics to identify individual products. Therefore, "product identity" means whether or not the products are identical at the individual level. As mentioned above, product characteristics can change over time. For example, if the product is a tomato, the product may be green when shipped, but red when sold. Therefore, when determining the identity of tomatoes, for example, characteristics that do not change easily, such as size, shape, and weight, are emphasized rather than characteristics that change easily, such as color. If the product is a flower such as a rose, it may be a bud when shipped and beginning to bloom when sold. Therefore, when determining the identity of a rose, for example, characteristics that do not change easily, such as the number of leaves, the shape of the leaves, the shape of the stem, and the number of branches, are emphasized rather than characteristics that change easily, such as the petals. In this embodiment, by setting priorities for the characteristics to be emphasized in determining identity for each type of product and setting appropriate determination conditions for each type of product, the accuracy of identity determination is improved.

[0013] In this embodiment, "product identity" includes a predetermined tolerance range. Even if individual products are identical, it is not guaranteed that all product features are exactly the same (i.e., identical), as some product features may change over time. For example, when comparing product features, some features such as shape and weight may be the same, while other features such as color may differ. Therefore, in this embodiment, changes in product features are estimated by considering the elapsed time from shipment to sale, as well as environmental data such as temperature and humidity. If the product has features equivalent to the estimated post-change features, it is determined that the products are identical. In addition, if a product is damaged and its appearance changes, the delivery conditions from shipment to sale are considered, and the product is determined to be identical even if it is damaged.

[0014] In this embodiment, in order to determine the identity of a product, identity may be determined not only based on the characteristics of the product itself, but also on the characteristics of items associated with the product. Here, "items associated with the product" refers to labels attached to the product, labels attached to the box containing the product, etc. For example, if multiple products are contained in one box, the box containing the multiple products may be individually identified using labels attached to the box, and the products may also be individually identified based on the position and arrangement of the products contained in the box. Alternatively, the identity of a product may be determined by combining the characteristics of the product itself and the characteristics of items associated with the product. For example, the delivery status from shipment to sale may be identified based on the labels attached to the box containing the product. If identity cannot be determined based solely on the characteristics of the product itself, products that meet a predetermined number of criteria from among multiple criteria may be determined to be similar, and among the similar products, those with matching delivery status may be determined to be identical.

[0015] The following describes this embodiment in detail, using the example of tomatoes as the product.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration of a product distribution system 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 1 shows the flow from when tomatoes, which are a product, are shipped from a shipping base 12, through an intermediate base 14 and a delivery means 18, to when they are delivered to a sales base 16 and sold. A measuring device 61 and a shipping base management device 62 are provided at the shipping base 12. A measuring device 63 and an intermediate base management device 64 are provided at the intermediate base 14. A measuring device 65 and a sales base management device 66 are provided at the sales base 16. In addition, a measuring device 67 is provided at the delivery means 18, and a delivery management device 68 is provided to manage deliveries by the delivery means 18. The shipping base management device 62, the intermediate base management device 64, the sales base management device 66, and the delivery management device 68 are connected to a network 70.

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

[0018] In terms of hardware, each functional block shown in the present embodiment can be implemented by elements and mechanical devices including a CPU and memory of a computer, and in terms of software, it is implemented by a computer program or the like. Here, the functional blocks are drawn as those implemented through the cooperation of these components. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms by a combination of hardware and software.

[0019] The product management apparatus 30, the shipping site management apparatus 62, the intermediate site management apparatus 64, the sales site management apparatus 66, and the delivery management apparatus 68 can be configured using a general-purpose server apparatus. For example, the server apparatus includes 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 the network 70.

[0020] The product management apparatus 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 acquiring unit 32 acquires data related to products from the shipping base 12, intermediate base 14, sales base 16, delivery means 18, user terminal 28, and the like. The determination unit 34 determines the identity of a product based on the data acquired by the acquiring unit 32. The notification unit 36 notifies information based on the determination of the determination unit 34 to the user terminal 28 and the like. The recording unit 38 extracts data necessary for product management from the data acquired by the acquiring unit 32, removes data unnecessary for product management, converts the data into a format suitable for product management, and records the converted data in the storage unit 40. The storage unit 40 stores a product master 50, a package master 52, production data 54, delivery data 56, feature data 58, and environment data 60 as data related to products.

[0022] The product master 50 manages product IDs for individually identifying products to be managed. A product ID is assigned to each individual product to be managed. For example, if the product is a tomato, one product ID is assigned to one tomato. The product master 50 stores a product name (e.g., tomato), issuance date and time, issuance location, and the like with the product ID as a key. The product ID is issued by the shipping base management device 62, for example, when the measuring device 61 measures a product to be managed at the shipping base 12. The issuance 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. In addition, the issuance 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 of the shipping base 12, and the like.

[0023] The package master 52 manages package IDs for individual identification of packages when the managed products are packed into a deliverable form. A package ID is assigned to the smallest unit of package handled during product delivery. For example, one package ID is assigned to a single container containing multiple tomatoes. The package ID is issued by the shipping base management device 62 when the measuring device 61 measures a package being shipped from the shipping base 12. The package ID may also be issued by the delivery management device 68, for example, when the delivery means 18 receives a package being shipped from the shipping base 12. The package master 52 stores the product ID of the products contained in the package, the packing date and time, the packing location, etc., using the package ID as a key. The package master 52 may also store a container ID for individual identification of the container that contains the products. The container ID is identification information assigned to a container such as a cardboard box or a small container.

[0024] Production data 54 is data related to the production of the product being managed. Production data 54 stores information such as the date and time of production, production location, and producer of the product, using the product ID as the key. Production data 54 may also store information about the product's production process. For example, production data 54 may include information about the fertilizers and pesticides used in growing tomatoes, and images of tomatoes before maturity or just before harvest. Production data 54 can be obtained, for example, from the product's producer.

[0025] Delivery data 56 is data related to the delivery of packages containing goods. Delivery data 56 includes information such as the date and time of shipment, the place of shipment, the delivery location, and the date and time of delivery, using the package ID or product ID as a key. Delivery data 56 may also include information about the delivery status of the package, and may include flag information such as pre-shipment, in transit, and delivered. Delivery data 56 may also include historical information on when and where the goods or packages were located. Delivery data 56 can be obtained from the delivery management device 68.

[0026] Feature data 58 is data that describes the characteristics of the product or package being managed. Feature data 58 includes data describing the characteristics of the product using the product ID as the key, and data describing the characteristics of the package using the package ID as the key. Product characteristics include the shape, size, color, surface pattern or scratches, weight, sugar content, and ripeness of the product. Package characteristics include characteristics that can be measured while the package is still in its packaging, such as the shape, size, color, surface pattern or scratches, and weight, as well as characteristics that can be measured when the package is unpacked, such as the position and arrangement of multiple products inside 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 sensors for measuring the characteristics of the goods or packages, such as cameras, 3D scanners, weight sensors, spectrometers, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, and acceleration sensors. The measuring devices 61, 63, 65, and 67 may consist of any devices, may be equipment installed at each base, or may be equipment that can be carried and used by workers, such as handheld terminals or smartphones.

[0028] The shape and size of products and packages can be measured using cameras, 3D scanners, etc. The color, surface patterns, and scratches of products and packages can be measured using cameras. The weight of products and packages can be measured using weight sensors. The sugar content of products can be measured using near-infrared spectroscopy with cameras or spectrometers. The ripeness of products can be measured using cameras. In the case of tomatoes, the ripeness is calculated based on the distribution of colors on the surface of the tomato; the more green there is, the lower the ripeness, and the more red there is, the higher the ripeness. The arrangement of multiple products within a package can be measured using cameras. The characteristics of products and packages may be measured at multiple measurement dates and times, and may change depending on the measurement date and time. Therefore, the feature data 58 is stored using the product ID or package ID and the measurement date and time as keys. Accordingly, the feature data 58 may contain multiple data points with different measurement dates and times for a single product ID or package ID.

[0029] Environmental data 60 is data that indicates the surrounding environment of the goods or packages being managed. Environmental data 60 includes, for example, time-series data such as temperature, humidity, gas concentration (e.g., concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide, ethylene, etc.) of the surrounding environment in which the goods or packages were placed, and impact (acceleration) applied to the goods or packages. Environmental data 60 includes, for example, data from the time the goods are shipped from the shipping base 12 until they are sold at the sales base 16. The surrounding environment of the goods or packages may be measured by sensors installed in the container that holds the goods, by sensors installed in the cargo bed or shipping container of the truck that delivers the packages, or by sensors installed in the intermediate base 14 where the goods or packages are temporarily stored, or in the warehouse of the sales base 16. The surrounding environment of the goods may be measured by sensors installed in the sales area of ​​the sales base 16 where the goods are displayed. Environmental data 60 is stored using the product ID or package ID as a key, or using an ID to identify the measurement location as a key. IDs used to identify measurement locations include, for example, IDs to identify the truck bed or shipping container, IDs to identify the warehouses at intermediate bases 14 and sales bases 16, and IDs to identify the sales floors at sales bases 16.

[0030] At the shipping base 12, the characteristics of the products 20 produced by the producers are measured using a measuring device 61. The measuring device 61 measures the shape, size, color, surface pattern, and any blemishes of the products 20 by capturing images of them. If the product is a tomato, the measuring device 61 may measure the sugar content of the tomato using a spectrometer, or it may determine the ripeness of the tomato based on its color. The measuring device 61 may also consist of various sensors installed in an automatic sorting machine used for inspecting and sorting the products 20. The measuring device 61 transmits the measured characteristic data of the products 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 for a new product 20 from the measuring device 61, it issues a product ID for individual identification of the product 20. Using the issued product ID as a key, the shipping base management device 62 records the characteristic data and measurement date and time acquired from the measuring device 61. 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 retain the production data 54 of the product 20, or it may transmit the production data 54 of the product 20 to the product management device 30.

[0032] Next, the products 20 are placed into containers 24 at the shipping base 12. The products 20, each assigned a product ID, are placed into containers 24 such as cardboard boxes or small containers. Each container 24 is assigned a container ID, and individual identification of the container 24 is performed, for example, by a barcode 25 or an electronic tag. Alternatively, a label with information such as a barcode 25 printed on it may be affixed to the container 24. It is also possible that the container 24 is not required to have a barcode or tag attached, and individual identification of the container 24 may be performed based on its visual characteristics, such as its shape, size, color, scratches, or patterns.

[0033] The process of placing the products 20 into the container 24 is carried out while taking measurements with measuring devices 61 such as cameras and sensors. For example, a robot may be used to place the products 20 into the container 24, and cameras and sensors on the robot may measure the characteristics of the products 20 and the container 24. The characteristics of the products 20 and the container 24 measured by the measuring devices 61 are transmitted from the measuring devices 61 to the shipping base management device 62. By packing the products 20 while individually identifying the products 20 and the container 24, the shipping base management device 62 can link the container ID and the product ID. In the illustrated example, 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 goods 20 is packed to create a package 26 that is ready for shipping. For example, the package 26 is created by closing the lid of the container 24. In the illustrated example, a portion of the top of the container 24 remains open in the shippable form, and the goods 20 inside the container 24 are visible from the outside even when packed. However, the packaging of the goods 20 is not limited to that shown in the illustration; the package 26 may also be packed so that the top of the container 24 is completely closed, that is, so that the goods 20 inside the container 24 are not visible from the outside.

[0035] Next, the characteristics of the package 26 are measured using measuring devices 61 such as cameras and various sensors. The measuring devices 61 may measure the characteristics of the package 26 before it is packed. For example, an image may be taken before the package 26 is packed to identify the arrangement of multiple products 20 inside the container 24. In the illustrated example, by taking an image from above the package 26 after it has been packed, an image can be obtained that allows the arrangement of multiple products 20 inside the container 24 to be identified. The measuring devices 61 transmit 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 receives new characteristic data of the package 26 from the measuring devices 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 base management device 62 transmits the delivery data 56 of the package 26 to the product management device 30.

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

[0037] The goods 26 shipped from the shipping base 12 are delivered to the intermediate base 14 by any means of delivery 18. The means of delivery 18 can include vehicles such as trucks, trains, ships, and aircraft. In the means of delivery 18, a measuring device 67 measures the surrounding environment of the goods 20 or goods 26, and environmental data indicating the measured surrounding environment is recorded. The environmental data recorded by the measuring device 67 is transmitted to the delivery management device 68. The measuring device 67 includes, for example, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, and acceleration sensors installed on the cargo bed of a truck, and environmental data is recorded by these various sensors. The delivery management device 68 records the environmental data obtained from the measuring device 67 using the product ID, goods ID, or delivery ID that identifies the means of delivery 18 as the key. The delivery management device 68 transmits the environmental data 60 along with the product ID, goods ID, or delivery ID to the product management device 30.

[0038] Intermediate bases 14 include fruit and vegetable markets and distribution centers of delivery companies. Packages 26 delivered to intermediate bases 14 undergo acceptance inspection at intermediate bases 14. During the acceptance inspection at intermediate bases 14, characteristic data of the packages 26 is measured by a measuring device 63 installed at intermediate bases 14. The measuring device 63 may include various sensors installed in a system that automatically sorts packages 26, or it may include a handheld terminal used by workers. The measuring device 63 transmits the measured characteristic data of the packages 26, along with the measurement date and time, to the intermediate base management device 64. The intermediate base 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 receiving inspection at the intermediate base 14, the measuring device 63 may measure the characteristic data of the goods 21 inside the package 26. The goods 21 that undergo receiving inspection at the intermediate base 14 are the same individual goods 20 shipped from the shipping base 12, but are treated as separate goods 21 from the goods 20 shipped from the shipping base 12. When the intermediate base management device 64 obtains the characteristic data of the goods 21 from the measuring device 63, it issues a temporary ID for individual identification of the goods 21. The intermediate base management device 64 issues a temporary ID for individual identification of the goods 21 based on the arrangement of the goods 21 inside the container 24. For example, the measuring device 63 uses a camera to capture an image that allows for the identification of the arrangement of the goods 21 inside the container 24 and transmits it to the intermediate base management device 64. Based on the acquired image, the intermediate base management device 64 performs image recognition on multiple goods 21, assigns temporary ID 1 to the goods 21 located in the upper left corner of the container 24, and issues temporary IDs to multiple goods 21 in sequence by scanning from the upper left to the lower right. The temporary ID issued to product 21 at the intermediate base 14 is different from the product ID issued to product 20 at the shipping base 12. The intermediate base management device 64 transmits the package ID, temporary ID, characteristic data, measurement date and time, and measurement location of product 21 to the product management device 30.

[0040] The received and inspected packages 26 are stored at the intermediate base 14 as needed, and then sorted and shipped according to their next delivery destination (e.g., sales base 16). Between receiving and shipping, the measuring device 63 may measure the surrounding environment of the goods 21 and packages 26. The measuring device 63 may transmit environmental data indicating the measured surrounding environment to the intermediate base management device 64. The intermediate base management device 64 may transmit the environmental data measured by the measuring device 63 to the product management device 30. Furthermore, when shipping packages 26 from the intermediate base 14, the characteristic data of packages 26 and goods 21 may be measured again using the measuring device 63 for shipping inspection. The measuring device 63 may transmit the characteristic data of packages 26 and goods 21 measured during shipping inspection to the intermediate base management device 64. The intermediate base management device 64 may transmit the characteristic data of packages 26 and goods 21 measured during shipping inspection to the product management device 30, associated with the package ID, temporary ID, measurement date and time, and measurement location of goods 21.

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

[0042] The goods 22 delivered to the sales base 16 are inspected at the sales base 16 using a measuring device 65. The measuring device 65 includes, for example, a handheld scanner used by the seller, and the handheld scanner measures the characteristic data of the goods 22 and the package 26. The goods 22 inspected at the sales base 16 are the same individual goods 20 shipped from the shipping base 12 and the goods 21 inspected at the intermediate base 14, but are treated as separate goods 22 from the goods 20 at the shipping base 12 and the goods 21 at the intermediate base 14.

[0043] During the receiving inspection at the sales base 16, first, the 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 receiving 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 a temporary ID for individual identification of the multiple products 22 measured by the measuring device 65. The temporary ID issued to the product 22 at the sales base 16 may be the same as the temporary ID assigned to the product 21 at the intermediate base 14.

[0044] Next, the characteristics of the product 22 taken out of the container 24 are measured at the sales base 16. For example, by taking out multiple products 22 from the container 24 while measuring with the camera and sensors of the handheld scanner, the arrangement of multiple products 22 within the container 24 and the measurement of the characteristics of the products 22 may be performed simultaneously. The characteristic data of the product 22 measured by the measuring device 65 is transmitted to the sales base management device 66. The sales base management device 66 transmits the characteristic data of the product 22, linked to the package ID, temporary ID, measurement date and time, and measurement location, to the product management device 30. The product 22 that has undergone acceptance inspection at the sales base 16 is placed on the sales floor of the sales base 16 and sold. The surrounding environment of the product 22 at the sales base 16 may be measured by the measuring device 65. For example, the measuring device 65 includes sensors installed in the warehouse or sales floor of the sales base 16, and measures the surrounding environment of the product 22 using the sensors installed in the warehouse or sales floor. The measuring device 65 transmits environmental data indicating the measured surrounding environment to the sales base management device 66. The sales base management device 66 transmits environmental data acquired from the measuring device 65 to the product management device 30.

[0045] Consumers visiting the sales outlet 16 take photos of the products 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. The user terminal 28 has an application that can be used at the sales outlet 16 installed, and the user takes photos of the products 22 through the application. The user terminal 28 transmits the image of the product 22, the date and time the image was taken, and the location where it was taken (for example, the location of the sales outlet 16) to the product management device 30 via the network 70. Based on the information from the user terminal 28, the product management device 30 identifies the individual product 22 and identifies the product ID of the product 20 that is the same individual as product 22. Based on the identified product ID of product 20, the product management device 30 transmits data related to the production and delivery of product 20 to the user terminal 28. The user terminal 28 displays the data related to product 20 obtained from the product management device 30. By looking at the user terminal 28, consumers can learn about the production data, delivery data, and environmental data associated with the product 22 in front of them.

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

[0047] First, the product management device 30 acquires data from the shipping base 12. The product management device 30 acquires the product ID, product image, product weight, product maturity, and measurement date and time from the shipping base management device 62 as data for product 20. The product ID is issued by the shipping base management device 62. The product image is feature data for identifying the shape, size, color, and other characteristics of product 20, and is captured by a camera provided by the measuring device 61. The product weight is feature data for product 20 and is measured by a weight sensor provided by the measuring device 61. The product maturity is feature data for product 20 and is determined by the measuring device 61 based on, for example, the color distribution of product 20 in image A1 of product 20. The measurement date and time is the date and time when the product image, product weight, or product maturity was measured by the measuring device 61. Figure 2 shows only one measurement date and time as a representative example, but the measurement date and time may be set individually for each of the product image, product weight, and product maturity.

[0048] The product management device 30 obtains the package ID, package image, package weight, product quantity, container ID, product ID, and measurement date and time from the shipping base management device 62 as data for the package 26. 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 the information shown in the barcode 25 assigned 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 (e.g., 12) products 20, multiple (e.g., 12) product IDs are associated with one package ID. The measurement date and time is the date and time when the package image, package weight, or product quantity was measured by the measurement device 61. Although only one measurement date and time is shown as a representative example in Figure 2, the measurement date and time may be set individually for each of the package image, package weight, or product quantity.

[0049] Next, the product management device 30 acquires data from the delivery method 18. The product management device 30 acquires the package ID, package image, package weight, product quantity, container ID, and measurement date and time from the delivery management device 68 as data for the package 26. 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 package 26 cannot be seen, 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. 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 temperature, humidity, and acceleration were measured, and includes, for example, the start date and time and the end date and time of measurement. Note that the delivery method 18 does not usually open package 26 and measure individual products, so data for individual products is not acquired.

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

[0051] Finally, the product management device 30 acquires data from the sales base 16. The product management device 30 acquires the package ID, package image, package weight, product quantity, container ID, and measurement date and time from the sales base management device 66 as data for the package 26. The package ID is issued by the sales base management device 66. The package image, package weight, and product quantity are measured by the measuring device 65. At the sales base 16, product IDs (temporary IDs) are issued for the multiple products 22 contained in the package 26 by checking the contents of the package 26. The temporary IDs are issued by the sales base management device 66. Subsequently, the product management device 30 acquires the product image, product weight, product ripeness, and measurement date and time from the sales base management device 66 as data for the product 22. The product management device 30 acquires temperature and humidity as environmental data from the sales base management device 66. Temperature and humidity are measured, for example, in the warehouse where the products 22 are stored at the sales base 16, or in the 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 the data concerning the product (also called the first product) stored in the memory unit 40 with the data concerning the product (also called the 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 concerning the second product that is the subject of identity determination, and is raw data obtained by actually measuring the second product that is present in the distribution process. On the other hand, the data stored in the memory unit 40 is data concerning the first product that was individually identified at least at the time of production or shipment, and is data that serves as the criterion for determining identity. The data stored in the memory unit 40 may also include data acquired at the intermediate base 14 and the sales base 16, and may also be used as the criterion for determining identity acquired at the intermediate base 14 and the sales base 16.

[0053] The determination unit 34 determines whether individual products are identical, for example, whether product 22 sold at sales base 16 is identical to any of the products 20 registered in product master 50, and verifies the identity of the products. The determination unit 34 may also determine the identity of the 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 storage unit 40. Based on the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit 32, the candidate extraction unit 42 identifies whether the object to be determined is a single product or a package containing a product. If 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 (for example, tomato) based on an image of the second product acquired by the acquisition unit 32. If the object to be determined is a package and the feature data of the package 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, time, and location where the characteristics of the product or package were measured. In principle, the products or packages to be matched are those that actually exist at the measurement date, time, and location included in the acquired data. The candidate extraction unit 42 refers to the delivery data 56 in the storage unit 40, extracts package IDs that match the measurement date, time, and location conditions of the acquired data, and extracts product IDs that correspond to the package IDs. If the data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 includes package IDs, the candidate extraction unit 42 may use the package IDs acquired by the acquisition unit 32 as the match target, and the product IDs that correspond to the package IDs acquired by the acquisition unit 32 as the match target.

[0057] The individual identification unit 44 identifies individual products or packages. The individual identification unit 44 targets product IDs or package IDs extracted by the candidate extraction unit 42 for individual identification. The individual identification unit 44 calculates a score indicating the consistency 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 consistency of features based on the correlation of the feature data. As a result, the individual identification unit 44 identifies the product ID of a product or package ID of a package measured on-site that corresponds to the data acquired by the acquisition unit 32.

[0058] The individual identification unit 44 may consider changes in features over time, rather than simply comparing the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 with the feature data 58 stored in the storage unit 40. In other words, it may consider the elapsed time from the measurement date and time of the feature data 58 recorded in the storage unit 40 (also called the first date and time) to the measurement date and time of the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 (also called the second date and time). The individual identification unit 44 may estimate the changes in features over time from the first date and time to the second date and time. For example, if tomatoes ripen over time, it may estimate changes in tomato features such as color, sugar content, and ripeness. For example, it may estimate changes such as the tomato becoming redder, the sugar content increasing, or the ripeness increasing. The individual identification unit 44 estimates changes in the product's features by referring to change estimation data that correlates elapsed time with the amount of change in features such as the product's color, sugar content, and ripeness.

[0059] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example of change prediction data. Figure 3 shows change prediction data that correlates changes in product ripeness with the time required for that change. In the example in Figure 3, the ripeness of tomatoes is set in eight stages. The ripeness of tomatoes can be determined, for example, according to the distribution of tomato color; the more green there is, the lower the ripeness, and the more red there is, the higher the ripeness. For example, a tomato that is entirely green is ripeness level 1, and a fully ripened tomato that is entirely red is ripeness level 8. In Figure 3, the time required to change to the next stage 2 to 8 is set for each ripeness stage from 1 to 7. 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. Note that the number of ripeness stages and the time values ​​required for change in ripeness are set individually according to the type of product.

[0060] The individual identification unit 44 estimates the characteristics of the product at the second date and time using the characteristics of the product 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 in Figure 2, the ripeness of product 20 measured at the shipping base 12 is "4", and the first date and time is "6:12 on June 19th". If the second date and time is the measurement date and time at the sales base 16, "9:00 on June 22nd", 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 in Figure 4, the time required for the change from ripeness 4 to ripeness 8 is 24 + 20 + 16 + 12 = 72 hours, so it is estimated that the ripeness of product 22 at the second date and time is "8".

[0061] The individual identification unit 44 may estimate changes in characteristics over time using environmental data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 or environmental data 60 in the storage unit 40. For example, if the temperature, humidity, gas concentration, etc., of the surrounding environment of the product differ, the rate and trend of changes in the product's characteristics will change. The individual identification unit 44 may also estimate changes in the product's characteristics based on the environment in which the product was placed during the period from the first date and time to the second date and time. For example, in the change estimation data of Figure 3, the elapsed time may be defined by a function with variables such as temperature, humidity, and gas concentration. The individual identification unit 44 may also estimate changes in characteristics using, for example, a machine learning model that takes characteristic data and environmental data as input and outputs the changed characteristic data. This allows for individual identification while appropriately considering changes in color, sugar content, ripeness, etc., over time.

[0062] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) schematically illustrate a method for determining identity by estimating changes in the characteristics of the first product 71 or the second product 72. The first product 71, for example, possesses the characteristics of the product at the time of shipment from the shipping base 12, with the area near the calyx of the tomato being close to green. The second product 72 possesses the characteristics of the product at the time of sale at the sales base 16, with the area near the calyx of the tomato being close to red. Therefore, the proportion of red in the second product 72 is greater than that of the first product 71, indicating a higher degree of ripeness.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 4(a), a hypothetical third product 73 possessing the characteristics of the first product 71 at the second date and time is estimated based on the feature data measured at the first date and time of the first product 71 recorded in the memory unit 40 (S10). For example, the features of the third product 73 at the second date and time (e.g., color) are estimated based on the features of the first product 71 at the first date and time (e.g., color), the elapsed time from the first date and time to the second date and time, and the change estimation data. The individual identification unit 44 determines the characteristics possessed by the hypothetical third product 73 by estimating the changes in characteristics in the future direction from the first date and time to the second date and time. The individual identification unit 44 performs individual identification by calculating 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 (S12). In other words, individual identification is performed using the feature data of the third product 73, which incorporates the estimated changes into 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 are exactly the same, a low consistency score will be calculated, while a high consistency score will be calculated for feature data that appropriately takes into account changes over time.

[0064] In the example in Figure 4(b), unlike in Figure 4(a), the change in characteristics in the direction of the past, from the second date and time to the first date and time, is estimated. That is, the individual identification unit 44 estimates a hypothetical fourth product 74 that possesses the characteristics of the product at the first date and time, based on the characteristic data of the second product 72 acquired by the acquisition unit 32 at the second date and time (S14). For example, the characteristics of the fourth product 74 at the first date and time (e.g., color) are estimated based on the characteristics of the second product 72 at the second date and time (e.g., color), the time calculated backward 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 characteristic data of the fourth product 74 and the characteristic data of the first product 71 stored in the storage unit 40, and performs individual identification (S16). In other words, individual identification is performed using the characteristic data of the fourth product 74, which incorporates the estimated changes into the characteristic data of the second product 72. In this case as well, if the feature data of the first product 71 and the feature data of the second product 72 are exactly the same, a low consistency score will be calculated, while a high consistency score will be calculated for feature data that appropriately takes into account changes over time.

[0065] In the example shown in Figure 4(c), the characteristics of the item at the time between the first and second dates (also known as the third date) are estimated. The individual identification unit 44 estimates a hypothetical fifth item 75 that possesses the characteristics of the item at the third date based on the characteristic data measured at the first date of the first item 71 recorded in the storage unit 40 (S18). For example, the characteristics of the fifth item 75 at the third date (e.g., color) are estimated based on the characteristics of the first item 71 at the first date (e.g., color), the elapsed time from the first date to the third date, and the change estimation data. The individual identification unit 44 estimates a hypothetical sixth item 76 that possesses the characteristics of the item at the third date based on the characteristic data measured at the second date of the second item 72 acquired by the acquisition unit 32 (S20). For example, the characteristics of the sixth item 76 at the third date (e.g., color) are estimated based on the characteristics of the second item 72 at the second date (e.g., color), the time calculated backward from the second date to the third date, and the change estimation data. The individual identification unit 44 performs individual identification by calculating a score indicating the consistency between the characteristic data of the fifth product 75 at the estimated third date and time and the characteristic data of the sixth product 76 at the estimated third date and time (S22). In this case as well, if the characteristic data of the first product 71 and the characteristic data of the second product 72 are exactly the same, a low consistency score is calculated, and a high consistency score is calculated for characteristic data in which changes over time are appropriately taken into account.

[0066] The above method for estimating feature changes is limited to features whose changes over time are predictable. For example, among tomato features, changes in color, ripeness, and sugar content can be estimated. Furthermore, for features that are not expected to change over time, the feature data before and after estimation will be kept the same. For example, among tomato features, shape, size, and weight will be considered to have no change.

[0067] Furthermore, unpredictable changes may occur to products. For example, it is difficult to predict changes such as products being damaged during delivery or parts of products being missing. On the other hand, products may be damaged or parts of products missing from the time of shipment. In this case, the damage or defects present on the product can also be useful feature points for individual product identification. Therefore, if the individual identification unit 44 receives feature data for the second product 72 acquired by the acquisition unit 32 that includes feature points indicating damage or defects to the product, it may first use the feature points of damage or defects to perform individual identification. If no product matches the feature points of damage or defects, it may exclude the feature points of damage or defects and then perform individual identification. By first performing individual identification using the feature points of damage or defects, products that were damaged or defective from the time of shipment can be identified. Next, by excluding the feature points of damage or defects and performing individual identification, products that were not damaged or defective at the time of shipment can be identified based on feature points different from those of damage or defects.

[0068] Instead of adopting or excluding the aforementioned flaws and defects, you can also switch the degree to which these features influence the consistency score, that is, switch the numerical values ​​of the parameters in the machine learning model. For example, you could initially adjust the parameters to increase the influence of specific features such as flaws and defects, calculate the consistency score, and perform individual identification. Then, you could adjust the parameters to decrease the influence of specific features such as flaws and defects, calculate the consistency score, and perform individual identification again.

[0069] Furthermore, the influence of predictable features, not just unpredictable ones, may also be adjusted. Features that are considered to change little over time, such as shape, size, and weight among tomato features, may have a greater influence on the consistency score. In other words, features that change little over time may be given a greater weight when determining product identity, and their priority may be increased. On the other hand, features that are considered to change a lot over time, such as color, ripeness, and sugar content among tomato features, may have a smaller influence on the consistency score. In other words, features that change a lot over time may be given a smaller weight when determining product identity, and the priority of features that change little over time may be decreased. For high-priority features, the criteria for determining identity become stricter, and products will be judged as non-identical unless the features exactly match. For low-priority features, the criteria for determining identity become more lenient, and products will be judged as identical even if the features do not exactly match. In other words, the size of the acceptable range for being considered identical will differ depending on the priority of the product features. The priority of each of the multiple features of a product is set individually according to the type of product.

[0070] The individual product identification method described above may also be used for individual package identification. If the products inside the container are visible while the package is still packaged, the individual identification unit 44 may estimate changes in the characteristics of the products inside the container to determine the identity of the products inside the container. If there are multiple products inside the container, the individual identification unit 44 may estimate changes in the characteristics of each of the multiple products to identify each product individually, or it may estimate changes in the characteristics of multiple products together to identify the entire package as an individual.

[0071] The change verification unit 46 extracts changes in characteristics between the first and second products, which have been identified as identical by the individual identification unit 44, and verifies whether the changes in characteristics are valid. The change verification unit 46 determines that the change is valid if only changes that can occur over time are present, for example, if the green color of the tomato changes to red, or if new scratches are added to the surface of the tomato. On the other hand, if there are changes that cannot occur over time, for example, if the red color of the tomato changes to green, or if existing scratches disappear, the change is determined to be 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 individuals of the first product and the second product identified by the individual identification unit 44 are the same. As a result, it associates the product ID of the first product identified by the individual identification unit 44 with the second product that is the subject of identity verification. 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 first product that is the same individual as the second product that was the subject of identity verification.

[0073] The change verification unit 46 may not only verify the validity of the change for the first product with the highest score calculated by the individual identification unit 44, but may also verify the validity of the change for multiple first products whose scores calculated by the individual identification unit 44 are above a predetermined threshold. In this case, the unit may determine 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 source of the data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 of information based on the identity determination made by the determination unit 34. For example, if the acquisition unit 32 acquires data about product 22 from a consumer's user terminal 28 that has visited the sales base 16, the notification unit 36 ​​notifies the user terminal 28 of information related to the product ID of product 22 identified by the determination unit 34. In other words, it notifies the user terminal 28 of information based on production data 54, delivery data 56, characteristic data 58, and environmental data 60 associated with the identified product ID. Specifically, it may notify information related to production such as the producer, production location, and production date and time of product 22; information related to delivery such as the delivery route and time required for delivery of product 22; information related to the quality of product 22 such as ripeness, sugar content, and timing of when it is best to eat product 22; and information related to the environment in which product 22 was placed, such as temperature and humidity. Depending on the consumer's operation of the user terminal 28, the information requested by the consumer may be notified.

[0075] The notification unit 36 ​​may notify the intermediate base 14 or the sales base 16 of information based on the identity determination made by the determination unit 34. For example, if the acquisition unit 32 acquires characteristic data of the package 26 measured during receiving inspection or shipping inspection at the intermediate base 14 from the intermediate base management device 64, the determination unit 34 may notify the intermediate base management device 64 of the result of its identity determination of the package 26. 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, if the acquisition unit 32 acquires characteristic data of the package 26 or product 22 measured during receiving inspection at the sales base 16 from the sales base management device 66, the determination unit 34 may notify the sales base management device 66 of the result of its identity determination of the package 26 or product 22. This allows for a more rigorous inspection of the safety of the product 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 the 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 the data acquired from the shipping base management device 62. The recording unit 38 generates and records production data 54 based on the data acquired from the shipping base management device 62 and producers. The recording unit 38 generates and records delivery data 56 based on the data acquired from the shipping base management device 62, intermediate base management device 64, sales base management device 66, or delivery management device 68. The recording unit 38 generates and records environmental data 60 based on the data acquired from the shipping base management device 62, intermediate base management device 64, sales base management device 66, or delivery management device 68.

[0077] The recording unit 38 generates and records feature data 58 associated with a new product ID or package ID based on feature data acquired from the shipping base management device 62. When the recording unit 38 acquires feature data from the intermediate base management device 64, the sales base management device 66, or the user terminal 28, it generates and records feature data 58 if the determination unit 34 determines that the data is identical. In other words, when the determination unit 34 determines identity and the product ID or package ID of the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit 32 is identified, the feature data acquired and associated with 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 initially newly registered, 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 feature data acquired at different measurement dates and locations for the first product, or it may use only the most recent feature data. For example, when determining the identity of the products based on 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 base 12, feature data measured by the measuring device 63 at the intermediate base 14, or feature data measured by the measuring device 65 at the sales base 16. The determination unit 34 may also estimate changes in features based on multiple feature data acquired at different measurement dates and locations.

[0079] The change verification unit 46 may verify the validity of a change based on multiple feature data acquired at different measurement dates and locations. The change verification unit 46 may also identify the timing at which a particular change occurred based on multiple feature data acquired at different measurement dates and locations. For example, if a change that causes damage or defects to a product is being verified, the change verification unit 46 may identify the date, time, and location where the damage or defects may have occurred. Also, if a change in the product's characteristics, such as a monotonically increasing ripeness or sugar content, is being verified, the change verification unit 46 may identify the date and time when the product will be ready to eat based on the increasing trend. On the other hand, if the increase in the product's ripeness or sugar content has stopped, or if it has been verified that the ripeness or sugar content is decreasing, the change verification unit 46 may notify that the product is past its prime based on the increasing trend. Information regarding such changes in characteristics verified by the change verification unit 46 may be notified to the data source by the notification unit 36.

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

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

[0082] Next, the user terminal 28 measures the characteristics of the product (S44), and the characteristic data is transmitted from the user terminal 28 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 the characteristic data 58 generated based on the acquired characteristic data in the storage unit 40 (S56) and notifies the user terminal 28 of the information based on the identity determination (S58). If the products are not identical (N in S54), the process in S56 is skipped, and the information based on the identity determination is notified (S58). The user terminal 28 displays the information acquired from the product management device 30 (S60).

[0083] According to this embodiment, individual product identification becomes possible based on product characteristic data, allowing for individual product management. Furthermore, even if product characteristics change over time, the identity of each product can be determined by estimating the changes in product characteristics, taking into account changes over time. Moreover, even if unpredictable changes in characteristics occur that are not caused by the passage of time, the identity of each product can be appropriately determined by combining individual identification using unpredictable characteristics with individual identification excluding unpredictable characteristics. Additionally, by setting priorities for multiple characteristics used in determining identity for each product type, the identity of each product can be appropriately determined even if product characteristics change over time.

[0084] According to this embodiment, by accumulating characteristic data acquired during the distribution process, changes to products that occur during the distribution process can be appropriately tracked. If a product is damaged during the distribution process, the date, time, and location where the damage may have occurred can be identified. Furthermore, even if a product is swapped with another product during distribution, if the swap is between products registered in the product management device 30, the product characteristic data can be used to appropriately track the swapped product. In addition, if the product is swapped with a product not registered in the product management device 30, the characteristics of the swapped product will not match those of the product registered in the product management device 30, thus enabling the detection of fraud during the distribution process.

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

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, information about the product is provided to the consumer using the consumer's user terminal 28. In another embodiment, information about the product may be provided using terminals installed in the sales area or cash register of the sales base 16. For example, by measuring the product with a terminal installed in the sales base 16, information about the product may be displayed on the terminal's display. Also, if the terminal installed in the sales base 16 is equipped with a printer, information about the product may be printed on the printer and provided to the consumer. In addition, when displaying products in the sales area of ​​the sales base 16, a label containing information about the product may be printed using a terminal in the sales base 16, and the information may be provided to the consumer by attaching the printed label to the product itself or the product packaging.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, tomatoes were used as an example of a product, but this embodiment may be applied to any product. For example, it may apply to any vegetables or fruits that are sold unpackaged at sales outlets such as stores. It may also apply to vegetables or fruits that are handled in plastic bags or containers during the process from shipment to sale. Furthermore, the products to which this embodiment applies are not limited to vegetables and fruits, but may also apply to any other products such as industrial products.

[0088] Certain aspects of this disclosure are as follows: (Aspect 1) A storage unit that stores first characteristic data indicating the characteristics of the first product at the first date and time, An acquisition unit that acquires second feature data indicating the characteristics of the second product at a second date and time after the first date and time, A product management device comprising: first feature data; second feature data; and a determination unit that determines the identity of the first product and the second product based on the elapsed time from the first date and time to the second date and time. (Aspect 2) The acquisition unit further acquires environmental data measuring the surrounding environment of the first or second product from the first date and time to the second date and time, The product management device according to embodiment 1, wherein the determination unit determines the identity of the first product and the second product based on the environmental data. (Aspect 3) The product management device according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the determination unit estimates the changes in the characteristics of the first product or the second product due to the passage of 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. (Aspect 4) The storage unit further stores data relating to the delivery of the first product, The acquisition unit further acquires data relating to the location of the second product, The product management device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the determination unit determines the identity of the first product and the second product based on data relating to the delivery of the first product and data relating to the location of the second product. (Appendix 5) A product management device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, further comprising a recording unit that, when the determination unit determines that the first product and the second product are the same, records the data relating to the second product acquired by the acquisition unit as data relating to the first product in the storage unit. (Aspect 6) Product management device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the source of the second feature data of information based on the determination by the determination unit. (Aspect 7) The product management device according to embodiment 6, wherein the notification unit notifies the source of the second feature data of data relating to the first product when the determination unit determines that the first product and the second product are the same. (Pattern 8) The determination unit verifies the changes in the characteristics of the first or second product due to the passage of time from the first date and time to the second date and time, The product management device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the notification unit notifies the source of the second feature data of information regarding the change in features verified by the determination unit. (Aspect 9) A step of storing first characteristic data, which indicates the characteristics of the first product at the first date and time, in the storage unit, A step of obtaining second feature data that shows the characteristics of the second product at a second date and time after the first date and time, A product management method comprising: determining 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. (Aspect 10) A function to store in the memory unit first characteristic data that shows the characteristics of the first product at the first date and time, A function to acquire second feature data that shows the characteristics of the second product at a second date and time after the first date and time, A program that enables a computer to perform a function of determining 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. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 10...Product distribution system, 12...Shipping base, 14...Intermediate base, 16...Sales base, 18...Delivery method, 20, 21, 22...Product, 24...Container, 26...Package, 28...User terminal, 30...Product management device, 32...Acquisition unit, 34...Determination unit, 36...Notification unit, 38...Recording unit, 40...Storage unit, 50...Product master, 52...Package master, 54...Production data, 56...Delivery data, 58...Feature data, 60...Environmental data.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires feature data indicating the state of the surface of the object that may change over time, obtained from an image of the object, The system includes a specification unit that identifies the individual identification information of an object based on the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit and the feature data stored in advance in association with individual identification information for individual identification of the object. Product management device.

2. The system further includes a generation unit that generates individual identification information for the object using feature data obtained from an image of the object. The product management device according to claim 1.

3. The surface condition of the object includes the color of the surface of the object. The product management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The identifying unit identifies individual identification information of the object based on the predicted results of changes in the surface state of the object, which are predicted based on the passage of time, temperature, and humidity. The product management device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The identification unit identifies the individual identification information associated with the pre-stored feature data as the individual identification information of the object if the prediction result predicted based on the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit is equivalent to the pre-stored feature data. The product management device according to claim 4.

6. The identification unit identifies the individual identification information associated with the pre-stored feature data as the individual identification information of the object if the prediction result predicted based on the pre-stored feature data is equivalent to the feature data acquired by the acquisition unit. The product management device according to claim 4.

7. A step of obtaining feature data that indicates the state of the surface of the object obtained from an image of the object, which may change over time. The product management device performs the steps of identifying the individual identification information of the object based on the acquired feature data and the feature data stored in advance in association with individual identification information for individual identification of the object. Product management method.

8. A function to acquire feature data indicating the state of the surface of the object obtained from an image of the object, which may change over time, The computer is given the function of identifying the individual identification information of an object based on the acquired feature data and the feature data stored in advance in association with individual identification information for identifying the object. program.

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