Storage system, storage facility, and information terminal program

Abstract

To provide a storage system facilitating a user to recognize that an information medium attached to a management object has been read.SOLUTION: A refrigerator system comprises: a storage including a storage chamber; a reading device which is provided in the storage or an external terminal different from the storage and can read information recorded in an information medium attached to a management object; and a notification processing unit which can perform notification processing for notifying of the number of information media read by the reading device in a discriminable mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a storage system, a storage, and a program for an information terminal.

Background Art

[0002] From the perspective of global environmental conservation, it is important to reduce the loss of food and drinks and the like. Accordingly, in recent years, configurations have been considered in which an information medium such as an IC tag is attached to food and drinks and the like, and the information medium is read to manage the food and the like. As an example thereof, a configuration is known in which, for example, a reader for an information medium such as an IC tag is provided in a refrigerator, and when a user takes food and drinks in and out of the refrigerator, the refrigerator reads the information medium provided on the food and drinks.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional configuration, it is difficult for a user to recognize that the information medium attached to the management target object has been read.

[0005] Accordingly, a storage system, a refrigerator, and a program for an information terminal are provided that allow a user to easily recognize that an information medium attached to a management target object has been read.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The refrigerator system of the embodiment comprises a storage facility having a storage compartment, a reading device provided in the storage facility or at an external terminal different from the storage facility and capable of reading information recorded on an information medium attached to an object to be managed, and a notification processing unit capable of performing notification processing to notify in a manner that can determine the number of information mediums read by the reading device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of the external terminals for a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the processing unit of a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows the characteristics of RFID that can be used in a storage system of one embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the installation of a reading device in a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the installation of a reading device in a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the installation of a reading device in a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the contents set during the setup process for a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of notification processing for a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of notification processing for a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the content of voice notification processing for a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 13]This figure shows an example of the content of voice notification processing for a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the content of the notification process using light emission for a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of the content of the notification process using light emission for a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 16] This diagram shows an example of the content of the notification process by display for a storage system according to one embodiment, specifically showing the display in the order it is read. [Figure 17] This diagram shows an example of the content of the notification process by display for a storage system according to one embodiment, specifically showing the display in order of product name. [Figure 18] This diagram shows an example of the content of the notification process by display for a storage system according to one embodiment, specifically showing the case where each item name is displayed. [Figure 19] This diagram shows an example of the content of notification processing by display for a storage system according to one embodiment, specifically illustrating a case where details are displayed for each product name. [Figure 20] This diagram shows an example of the content of the notification process by display for a storage system according to one embodiment, specifically showing the display in order of expiration date. [Figure 21] This diagram shows an example of the content of the notification process by display for a storage system according to one embodiment, specifically showing the case where the information is displayed according to the expiration date. [Figure 22] This diagram shows an example of the content of the notification process via display for a storage system according to one embodiment, specifically illustrating a case where details are displayed for each expiration date. [Figure 23] This figure shows an example of the display content shown on the display device by the entry / exit determination process for a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 24] This figure shows an example of the information that constitutes the database for a storage system according to one embodiment. [Figure 25] This diagram shows an example of the content of the notification process via display for a storage system according to one embodiment, illustrating the case where an update determination process is performed individually. [Figure 26] A diagram showing an example of display content presented on a display device when duplicate information is read and an update determination process is executed for a storage system according to an embodiment [Figure 27] A diagram showing an example of display content presented on a display device when duplicate information is read and an update determination process is executed for a storage system according to an embodiment, the example being a case where the update determination process is performed individually [Figure 28] A diagram showing an example of display content presented on a display device when duplicate information is read and an update determination process is executed for a storage system according to an embodiment, the example being a case where the update determination process is performed collectively for each item [Figure 29] A flowchart showing an example of processing content executed by each processing unit of a storage system according to an embodiment [Figure 30] A flowchart showing an example of processing content executed by each processing unit of a storage system according to an embodiment [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, a storage system, a storage, and a program for an information terminal according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the storage system 1 is configured to include a storage 10. The storage 10 includes an unillustrated refrigeration cycle, and has a function of storing food, drinks and the like at a temperature equal to or lower than normal temperature. The storage 10 may be configured to have both a refrigerating function and a freezing function, may be configured to have only the refrigerating function, or may further be configured to have only the freezing function. The storage 10 can be, for example, a household refrigerator, a freezer, or a refrigerator-freezer.

[0009] The storage system 1 can be configured as, for example, a storage unit 10 alone, or as a network system in which the storage unit 10 and other equipment are connected via a telecommunications line NT. When the storage system 1 is configured as a network system, the storage system 1 can include one or more external terminals 201, 202, and can also include one or more external processing devices 301, 302. The storage system 1 of this embodiment is configured to include the storage unit 10, external terminals 201, 202, and external processing devices 301, 302.

[0010] The storage unit 10 and external terminals 201 and 202 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via the repeater 2 and a telecommunications line NT such as the Internet, or via the repeater 2. The storage unit 10 and external processing units 301 and 302 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via the repeater 2 and a telecommunications line NT such as the Internet. The external terminals 201 and 202 and external processing units 301 and 302 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via the repeater 2 and a telecommunications line NT such as the Internet. The repeater 2 can be configured as a so-called access point that has the function of relaying communication between devices. The storage unit 10 and the repeater 2, and the external terminals 201 and 202 and the repeater 2 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate, for example, by wired or wireless LAN compliant with Wi-Fi standards. The repeater 2 may be built into the storage unit 10 or the external terminals 201 and 202, for example.

[0011] The storage facility 10 has one or more storage rooms 10a to 10e, and doors 101 to 105 provided corresponding to each storage room 10a to 10e for opening and closing each storage room 10a to 10e. In this case, each door 101 to 105 is composed of a hinged door 101 and a pull-out door 102 to 105, corresponding to the function of the storage rooms 10a to 10e.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 10 includes a control device 11, a communication device 12, an input device 13, a display device 14, a reading device 15, a sound-producing device 16, a voice-emitting device 17, a light-emitting device 18, and an auxiliary storage device 19. The control device 11 is a computer configured with an arithmetic unit 111 and a main memory device 112, and has the function of controlling the operation of the storage unit 10. The arithmetic unit 111 is configured including a CPU and performs various calculations. The main memory device 112 is, for example, a temporary rewritable storage area that temporarily stores, for example, the calculation results of the arithmetic unit 111 and various computer programs.

[0013] The communication device 12 has the function of communicating with the repeater 2, external terminals 201 and 202, and external processing devices 301 and 302. The control device 11 can acquire information from the information medium 91 read by other devices via the communication device 12. The input device 13 is a user interface for receiving input operations from the user, and can be configured as, for example, a mechanical switch or button, or a touch panel. The input device 13 may also accept voice operations from the user. The display device 14 is a user interface for visually displaying information to the user, and can be configured as, for example, a segment display device or a liquid crystal display. The input device 13 and the display device 14 can be combined to form an operation panel.

[0014] The storage system 1 manages objects 90, such as food and beverages, to which an information medium 91 is attached. The information medium 91 directly or indirectly contains information about the objects 90 to which the information medium 91 is attached. In this embodiment, the objects 90 can include not only food products stored in the storage unit 10, but also daily necessities such as detergents stored outside the storage unit 10.

[0015] The statement that the information medium 91 directly possesses information about the managed object 90 means that the information about the managed object 90 is recorded electronically or optically on the information medium 91 in a manner that allows information about the managed object 90 to be obtained without accessing an external processing device 302, etc. The statement that the information medium 91 indirectly possesses information about the managed object 90 means that the information about the managed object 90 is stored, for example, in an external processing device 302, and the information medium 91 records the access destination of that external processing device 302.

[0016] Information regarding the controlled substance 90 may include, for example, information regarding the product name of the controlled substance 90, i.e., the general name, product name, or item name, information regarding the expiration date or best-before date, net weight, calorie content, allergen information, storage method, additives used, place of origin, location of processing plant and name of processor, name of seller, date of manufacture, manufacturing lot information, information to identify individual items, and other information that is required to be displayed for the product by law and regulations.

[0017] Examples of information media 91 include electronic information media that electronically store information related to the managed object within the information media 91, and optical information media that encode information related to the managed object and depict it as an image. Examples of electronic information media include those using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), also known as wireless tags, IC tags, or RF tags. Examples of optical information media include barcodes and two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademark).

[0018] The reader 15 has the function of reading information recorded on an information medium 91 attached to an object to be managed, such as food or beverages. If the information medium 91 is, for example, an RF tag, the reader 15 is composed of a so-called RFID reader capable of reading RF tags. When the reader 15 is an RFID reader, the reader 15 reads the information on the information medium 91 that is within the reader's readable range when the reader 15 is activated, that is, when reading has started. Here, as shown in Figure 5, RFID methods are broadly classified into electromagnetic induction type and radio wave type depending on the communication band, and their characteristics also differ depending on the communication band.

[0019] In the storage system 1 of this embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 6, a reading device 15 can be installed inside the storage unit 10 to automatically read the information medium 91 provided on the managed object 90 inside the storage unit 10. In this case, the reading device 15 is preferably a radio wave type UHF band with a wide communication range. Also, in this case, as shown in Figure 6, in order to reduce the influence of shelves 106 and the contents placed on the shelves 106, it is preferable to install multiple reading devices 15 at different height positions inside the storage room of the storage unit 10, for example.

[0020] The reading device 15 may be installed, for example, near the entrance of each storage room 10a to 10e, in a location where the managed object 90 is likely to pass when it is being moved in or out of the storage room 10, as shown in Figure 7. This allows the reading device 15 to read the information medium placed on the managed object when it is being moved in or out of the storage room 10. In this case as well, as mentioned above, it is preferable to install multiple reading devices 15 at different heights within the storage rooms of the storage room 10 to reduce the influence of shelves 106 and the contents placed on shelves 106.

[0021] Furthermore, in this case, as shown in Figure 7, by providing multiple reading devices 15 along the direction of movement when the managed object 90 is inserted into or removed from the storage facility, the storage facility system 1 can determine whether the managed object 90 has been placed into or removed from the storage facility based on the reading order by the reading devices 15. In this case, the reading devices 15 are preferably electromagnetic induction type, which have a relatively narrow communication range.

[0022] For example, in the case of a storage room 10a where the direction of movement when putting in or taking out food and beverages is horizontal, the reading device 15 is provided along the front-to-back direction of the storage room 10. Hereinafter, when distinguishing between multiple reading devices 15 in the example of Figure 7, the reading device 15 closer to the door 101 may be referred to as reading device 151, and the reading device 15 further from the door 101 may be referred to as reading device 152. In this configuration, if the same information medium 91 is read by the reading device 151 closer to the door 101 and then read by the reading device 152 further from the door 101, it can be determined that the managed object 90 containing that information medium 91 has been placed inside the storage room 10a. Conversely, if the same information medium 91 is read by the reading device 152 further from the door 101 and then read by the reading device 151 closer to the door 101, it can be determined that the managed object 90 containing that information medium 91 has been removed from the storage room 10a.

[0023] In the case of storage rooms 10b to 10e having pull-out doors 102 to 105, storage containers 107, etc., are connected to doors 102 to 105. In this case, the direction of insertion and removal of managed items into and out of storage containers 107 is vertical. Therefore, if reading devices 151 and 152 are provided on storage containers 107, the reading devices 151 and 152 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Also, the direction of movement of storage containers 107 in relation to storage rooms 10b to 10e is in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, if reading devices 151 and 152 are provided on the surrounding walls of storage rooms 10b to 10e, the reading devices 151 and 152 are arranged in the front-to-back direction.

[0024] If we assume that the user manually has the reader 15 read the information medium 91 attached to the managed object 90, it is preferable that the reader 15 be provided on the outer surface of the storage unit 10, for example, as shown in Figure 8. In this case, it is preferable that the reader 15 be of the electromagnetic induction type, which has a relatively narrow communication range. Also, in this case, it is preferable that the reader 15 be provided on one of the drawer-type doors 102 to 105, for example, other than the hinged door 101, as shown in Figure 8. This is because if the reader 15 is provided on the outer surface of the hinged door 101, when the door 101 is opened, the reader 15 will no longer be located on the front side of the storage unit 10, i.e., the user side, and as a result, it will be difficult to perform the reading operation with the door 101 open.

[0025] If the information medium 91 is an optical type such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, the reading device 15 is composed of an optical device such as a scanner or a camera. When the reading device 15 is an optical device, it is assumed that the user will manually read the information medium 91 when taking the managed object 90 in and out of the storage room 10. For this reason, it is preferable that the reading device 15 be installed on the outside of the storage room 10, for example, on the outer surface of the door of the storage room 10. In this case as well, it is preferable that the reading device 15 be installed on a door other than the hinged door 101, that is, on one of the drawer-type doors 102 to 105, as shown in Figure 8.

[0026] The sound-generating device 16 is located in the storage unit 10 and has the function of generating a specific or arbitrary electronic sound that is set in advance, based on control from the control device 11. The voice-generating device 17 is located in the storage unit 10 and has the function of generating a pre-set or arbitrary sound that is set in advance, based on control from the control device 11. In this embodiment, sound and voice are defined differently. Voice refers to things like the playback of a pre-recorded human voice or the mechanical reading of text data by software. Voice, for example, contains textual information, i.e., meaning, within the voice itself. Sound, on the other hand, refers to things that are not similar to voice, such as electronic sounds. Sound itself does not contain textual information, i.e., meaning.

[0027] The voice generator 17 can reproduce, for example, artificial speech generated by the control device 11. The sound-producing device 16 can be configured as, for example, a buzzer without a speaker, or it can be configured with a speaker. The sound-producing device 16 and the voice generator 17 can be configured with, for example, a common speaker.

[0028] The light-emitting device 18 is configured with a light source (not shown) and emits light based on control from the control device 11. The light-emitting device 18 may be, for example, a lighting device that illuminates the inside of the storage room 10, or it may be configured separately from the lighting device. Also, if the display device 14 is configured with a liquid crystal display, the light-emitting device 18 may be configured with the backlight of the liquid crystal display, etc. The light-emitting device 18 can switch between being on, blinking, and off based on control from the control device 11. The light-emitting device 18 may also be configured with, for example, an LED, in which case the color and brightness can be adjusted arbitrarily.

[0029] The auxiliary storage device 19 stores, for example, some or all of the computer programs and various data necessary to implement the storage system 1. The auxiliary storage device 19 consists of a tangible, non-temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of auxiliary storage devices 19 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and semiconductor memory.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the external terminals 201 and 202 incorporate a control device 21, a communication device 22, an input device 23, a display device 24, a reader 25, a sound-producing device 26, a voice-emitting device 27, a light-emitting device 28, and an auxiliary storage device 29. The control device 21 is a computer configured with an arithmetic unit 211 and a main memory device 212, and has the function of controlling the operation of the external terminals 201 and 202. The arithmetic unit 211 is configured including a CPU and performs various calculations. The main memory device 212 is, for example, a temporary rewritable storage area that temporarily stores, for example, the calculation results of the arithmetic unit 211 and various computer programs.

[0031] The communication device 22 has the function of communicating with the repeater 2, the storage unit 10, and the external processing units 301 and 302. The control device 21 can acquire information from the information medium 91 read by other devices, for example, information from the information medium 91 read by the reader 15 of the storage unit 10, or information from the information medium 91 read by the reader 25 of the external terminals 201 and 202, via the communication device 22. The input device 23 is a user interface for receiving input operations from the user, and can be configured as, for example, a touch panel. The input device 23 may also accept voice operations from the user. The display device 24 is a user interface for visually displaying information to the user, and can be configured as, for example, a liquid crystal display. In this case, the input device 23 and the display device 24 can be combined to form a touch panel display.

[0032] The reader 25 has the function of reading information recorded on the information medium 91 attached to the object being managed. If the information medium 91 is, for example, an RF tag, the reader 25 is composed of a so-called RFID reader capable of reading RF tags. If the reader 25 is an RFID reader, the reader 25 reads the information on the information medium 91 that is within a predetermined readable range when the reader 25 is activated, i.e., when reading has started. If the information medium 91 is, for example, a barcode or a two-dimensional code, the reader 25 is composed of an optical device such as a scanner or a camera.

[0033] The sound-producing device 26 has the function of generating a preset specific or arbitrary electronic sound based on control from the control device 21. The voice-generating device 27 has the function of generating a preset or arbitrary voice based on control from the control device 21. The voice-generating device 27 can, for example, reproduce artificial voice generated by the control device 21. The sound-producing device 26 can be configured as, for example, a buzzer without a speaker, or it can be configured with a speaker. The sound-producing device 26 and the voice-generating device 27 can, for example, be configured with a common speaker.

[0034] The light-emitting device 28 is configured with a light source (not shown) and emits light based on control from the control device 21. The light-emitting device 18 may have the same configuration as the display device 24, which is composed of a liquid crystal display, i.e., it may be the backlight of the liquid crystal display, or it may be composed of lighting or lights provided on external terminals 201 and 202. The light-emitting device 28 can switch between on, flashing, and off based on control from the control device 21. In addition, the color and brightness of the light-emitting device 28 can be adjusted arbitrarily.

[0035] The auxiliary storage device 29 stores, for example, some or all of the computer programs and various data necessary to implement the storage system 1. The auxiliary storage device 29 consists of a tangible, non-temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of the auxiliary storage device 29 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and semiconductor memory.

[0036] External terminals 201 and 202 are, for example, devices located outside the storage unit 10, separate from the storage unit 10, and are information terminals capable of various types of information processing. External terminals 201 and 202 can be, for example, dedicated devices for the storage unit system 1, or they can be general-purpose devices that can be used outside the storage unit system 1. Examples of general-purpose devices include personal computers, smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, smart displays, smartwatches, smart glasses, smart TVs, etc., but are not limited to these as long as they are equipped with the devices 21 to 29 described above.

[0037] The external processing units 301 and 302 can be configured as, for example, data servers for storing predetermined data and processing servers for performing predetermined calculations, i.e., so-called cloud servers. The external processing units 301 and 302 are configured to include computers equipped with arithmetic units and storage devices, although details are not shown in the figures. In this embodiment, the external processing unit 301 is operated by, for example, a business related to the manufacturer and distributor of the storage unit 10, and has the function of storing and managing information acquired by the storage unit 10 and external terminals 201 and 202 as a database, for example, for each user or for each storage unit 10. The external processing unit 302 is operated by, for example, a business related to the manufacturer and distributor of the managed object 90 or the provider of the information medium 91. The external processing unit 302 has the function of storing and managing information related to the managed object 90 in association with information stored in the information medium 91 provided on the managed object 90.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the storage system 1 includes a setting processing unit 41, a notification processing unit 42, an information update processing unit 43, an update determination processing unit 44, an in / out determination processing unit 45, and an additional information acquisition processing unit 46. The storage unit 10, external terminals 201 and 202, and external processing unit 301 as a whole store a computer program for implementing the setting processing unit 41, notification processing unit 42, information update processing unit 43, update determination processing unit 44, in / out determination processing unit 45, and additional information acquisition processing unit 46.

[0039] The storage system 1 can virtually implement the setting processing unit 41, notification processing unit 42, information update processing unit 43, update determination processing unit 44, ingress / outgress determination processing unit 45, and additional information acquisition processing unit 46 on a computer by reading and executing a computer program in the control device 11 of the storage unit 10, the control device 21 of the external terminals 201 and 202, or a control device (not shown) of the external processing unit 301. If this computer program is intended to be saved and installed on the external terminals 201 and 202, this computer program may also be called an information terminal program.

[0040] Furthermore, each processing unit 41 to 46 is not limited to the hardware and program combination described above; it may also be implemented as a standalone piece of hardware, such as an integrated circuit implementing the program, or some functions may be implemented with dedicated hardware, while others are implemented by a combination of a program and a control device (not shown) of the storage unit 10, the control devices 21 of the external terminals 201 and 202, or the external processing unit 301.

[0041] The configuration processing unit 41 is capable of executing configuration processing. The configuration processing is the process of setting various operational conditions for the storage system 1, as shown in Figure 9, based on specifications pre-set by the manufacturer or based on user operations, etc. The configuration processing includes, for example, the process of setting "start conditions (storage)", "start conditions (external terminal)", "end conditions (storage)", "end conditions (external terminal)", "notification processing mode", "data storage location", and "acquisition of additional information".

[0042] The "Starting Condition (Storage)" is the condition for activating the reading device 15 of the storage unit 10, that is, the condition for the reading device 15 to make the information medium 91 readable. The "Starting Condition (Storage)" can be configured to selectively set one of the following: "Continuous Reading", "Door Open", and "User Operation". "Continuous Reading" is a setting that keeps the reading device 15 activated at all times while the storage unit 10 is in operation, maintaining the information medium 91 in a readable state at all times. "Door Open" is a setting that activates the reading device 15 and makes the information medium 91 readable when the doors 101 to 105 corresponding to the storage rooms 10a to 10e, that is, the doors corresponding to the reading device 15, are opened. "User Operation" is a setting that activates the reading device 15 and makes the information medium 91 readable when the user performs a predetermined operation on the input device 13 of the storage unit 10 or the input device 23 of the external terminals 201, 202, etc.

[0043] The "Starting Condition (External Terminal)" is the condition for activating the reader 25 of the external terminals 201 and 202, that is, the condition for making the reader 25 capable of reading the information medium 91. The "Starting Condition (External Terminal)" can be configured to selectively set to one of the following: "Always Read," "Application Launch," or "User Operation." "Always Read" is a setting that keeps the reader 25 activated at all times while the external terminals 201 and 202 are powered on, and maintains the information medium 91 in a readable state at all times.

[0044] "Application startup" is a setting that activates the reader 25 and makes the information medium 91 readable, on the condition that the application software, i.e., the computer program for realizing the storage system 1, has been started, i.e., executed, on the external terminals 201 and 202. "User operation" is a setting that activates the reader 25 and makes the information medium 91 readable, on the condition that the user has performed a predetermined operation on the input device 13 of the storage unit 10 or the input device 23 of the external terminals 201 and 202, etc.

[0045] The "termination condition (storage room)" is a condition for determining when the reader 15 installed in the storage room 10 will stop reading any further information media 91, that is, when the reader 15 will stop operating. The "termination condition (storage room)" can be configured to selectively set one of the following: "elapsed predetermined period", "door closed", or "user operation". "elapsed predetermined period" is a setting that stops the reader 15 and terminates the reading of information media 91 when a predetermined period, for example a few seconds, has elapsed since the reader 15 read an information media 91 without any further reading of an information media 91. "Door closed" is a setting that stops the reader 15 and terminates the reading of information media 91 when the doors 101 to 105 corresponding to the storage rooms 10a to 10e, that is, corresponding to the reader 15, have been closed. "User operation" is a setting that stops the reader 15 and terminates reading the information medium 91 when the user performs a predetermined operation on the input device 13 of the storage unit 10 or the input devices 23 of the external terminals 201, 202, etc.

[0046] The "termination condition (external terminal)" is a condition for determining when the reader 25, provided on external terminals 201 and 202, will stop reading the information medium 91, that is, when the reader 25 will terminate its operation. The "termination condition (external terminal)" can be configured to selectively set one of the following: "elapsed predetermined period," "application termination," or "user operation." "elapsed predetermined period" is a setting that terminates the reading of the information medium 91 by stopping the reader 25 when a predetermined period, for example a few seconds, has elapsed since the reader 25 read the information medium 91 without any further reading of the information medium 91. "application termination" is a setting that terminates the reading of the information medium 91 by the reader 25 when the execution of the application software for realizing the storage system 1 has been terminated on external terminals 201 and 202. "User operation" is a setting that stops the reader 25 and ends the readability of the information medium 91 when the user performs a predetermined operation on the input device 13 of the storage unit 10 or the input device 23 of the external terminals 201, 202, etc.

[0047] The setting process includes a process for setting the "notification process mode" with respect to the notification process executed by the notification processing unit 42. The notification process is a process that notifies in a manner that allows for the determination of the number of information media 91 read by the readers 15 and 25. The "notification process mode" can be configured to set one or more from, for example, "sound (electronic sound)", "voice (each time)", "voice (all at once)", "light emission (each time)", "light emission (all at once)", and "display". If "sound (electronic sound)" is selected as the "notification process mode", the notification processing unit 42 performs the notification process in a manner that generates a sound in a manner corresponding to the number of information media 91 read by the reader 15 of the storage unit 10 or the reader 25 of the external terminals 201 and 202 from the sound emission device 16 of the storage unit 10 or the sound emission device 26 of the external terminals 201 and 202.

[0048] If "Sound (electronic sound)" is selected in "Notification processing mode," the notification processing unit 42, as shown in Figure 10, generates an electronic sound from the sound-generating device 16 of the storage unit 10 or the sound-generating devices 26 of the external terminals 201 and 202 in a manner corresponding to the number of information media 91 read, each time an information medium 91 is read simultaneously or in succession for a very short period of time. In this case, a very short period of time means a period during which, if sounds were generated at the same interval, the human ear would not be able to perceive the boundary between sounds, that is, a period during which it would be perceived as a continuous sound, and can be set to, for example, 0.025 seconds or less. The specific time for this very short period of time may be arbitrarily set by, for example, the provider or user of the storage system 1.

[0049] In this case, the notification process includes the process of generating sounds from the sound-generating devices 16 and 26 at intervals longer than the predetermined period, corresponding to the number of information media 91, when the reading devices 15 and 25 read multiple information media 91 simultaneously or within a predetermined period, i.e., within the extremely short period described above. The predetermined period can be set to, for example, 0.025 seconds, in which case the sound generation interval can be set to 0.025 seconds or longer. Preferably, the predetermined period can be set to, for example, 0.05 seconds, and the sound generation interval can be set to 0.05 seconds or longer. Even more preferably, the predetermined period can be set to, for example, 0.075 seconds, and the sound generation interval can be set to 0.075 seconds or longer. Alternatively, the predetermined period can be set to, for example, 0.2 seconds, and the sound generation interval can be set to 0.2 seconds or longer.

[0050] In this case, the notification process can express the number of information media 91 read by, for example, the number of consecutive electronic sounds generated. For example, as shown in "1" of the reading order in Figure 10, when the reading devices 15 and 25 read "sausage," that is, when one information media 91 is read, the notification processing unit 42 generates one electronic sound, such as "beep," in response to this reading.

[0051] As shown in reading order "2", when "milk" and "yogurt" are read simultaneously or in a very short period of time, that is, when two information media 91 are read, the notification processing unit 42 generates two electronic sounds, such as "beep beep", at the aforementioned intervals. Then, as shown in reading order "3", when "milk," "cheese," and "ham" are read simultaneously or in a very short period of time, that is, when three information media 91 are read, the notification processing unit 42 generates three electronic sounds, such as "beep beep beep", at the aforementioned intervals.

[0052] Here, if the number of read information media 91 is represented by an electronic sound, as the number of read information media 91 increases, the number of consecutive electronic sounds also increases, making it difficult for the user to intuitively grasp the number. Therefore, the notification process may include a process that notifies in the same, uniform manner, if the number of read information media 91 exceeds a predetermined amount, either simultaneously or in a very short period of time. For example, if the number of read information media 91 is 5 or more, the notification processing unit 42 may generate a continuous sound, such as "beep," for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 1 second, as shown in Figure 10. This allows the user to grasp an approximate number of read information media 91, such as 5 or more, even if they cannot grasp the exact number.

[0053] In Figure 9, if "Voice (each time)" is selected for "Notification Processing Mode," the notification processing unit 42, as shown in Figure 10, will generate a voice message indicating the number of information media 91 read from the voice generator 17 of the storage unit 10 or the voice generators 27 of the external terminals 201 and 202 each time it reads an information medium 91 simultaneously or in a very short period of time.

[0054] For example, as shown in "1" of the reading sequence in Figure 10, when the reading devices 15 and 25 read "sausage," that is, when one information medium 91 is read, the notification processing unit 42 plays an audio message indicating that one information medium 91 was read, such as "one." As shown in "2" of the reading sequence, when "milk" and "yogurt" are read simultaneously or in a very short period of time, that is, when two information mediums 91 are read, the notification processing unit 42 plays an audio message indicating that two information mediums 91 were read, such as "two."

[0055] Then, as shown in "3" of the reading order, if, for example, "milk," "cheese," and "ham" are read simultaneously or in a very short period of time, that is, if three information media 91 are read, the notification processing unit 42 will play an audio message indicating that the number of information media 91 read is three, such as "three." In these cases, the notification processing unit 42 may also be configured to emit an audio message indicating the number of information media 91 read, as well as an audio message indicating the managed object 90 to which the information media 91 are attached.

[0056] In Figure 9, if "Voice (bulk)" is selected for "Notification processing mode," the notification processing unit 42 generates voice output from the voice generators 17 and 27 indicating the number of information media 91 read in the storage unit 10 or external terminals 201 and 202 during the period from when the start condition is met until when the end condition is met. For example, if the readers 15 and 25 read 10 information media 91 in the storage unit 10 or external terminals 201 and 202 during the period from when the start condition is met until when the end condition is met, the notification processing unit 42 will play a voice output indicating that 10 information media 91 were read, such as "100."

[0057] It is also possible to select "Voice (each time)" and "Voice (all at once)" simultaneously. Furthermore, the notification process may include a process in which the voice generators 17 and 27 emit a sound indicating information about the object each time the reading devices 15 and 25 read the information medium 91. The notification process may also include a process in which, when the termination condition is met, it is determined that the series of readings is complete and the voice generators 17 and 27 emit a sound indicating the number of information mediums 91 read in the series of readings. In this embodiment, "series of readings" means the readings of the information medium 91 performed from the time the start condition (storage) or start condition (external terminal) is met until the termination condition corresponding to the start condition, in the example of Figure 9, the termination condition (storage) or termination condition (external terminal), is met. In other words, "series of readings" means the readings performed from the time the start condition (storage) or start condition (external terminal) is met until a situation is reached where it is estimated that no further readings will occur in the near future, for example, when the storage door is closed and the termination condition is met.

[0058] If the start condition is met but the end condition has not yet been met, and reading is being performed by the readers 15 and 25, that is, if the readers 15 and 25 are in the process of reading, the notification processing unit 42 will, each time it reads an information medium 91, announce audibly information about the managed object 90 to which the read information medium 91 is attached, such as the product name. Then, when the end condition is met, the notification processing unit 42 will announce audibly information indicating the total number of information mediums 91 that have been read up to the time the end condition is met.

[0059] For example, as shown in Figure 12, if the readers 15 and 25 read four information media 91 in the order of "sausage," "milk," "yogurt," and "milk," the notification processing unit 42 will generate the sounds "sausage," "milk," "yogurt," and "milk" from the voice generators 17 and 27 each time the readers 15 and 25 read each information media 91. Then, when the termination condition is met and the series of readings is completed, the notification processing unit 42 will generate the sound "four" from the voice generators 17 and 27 to indicate that the total number of information media 91 read up to the point where the termination condition was met is four.

[0060] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 42 may also include a process in which, when the reading devices 15 and 25 have read multiple information media 91 and the termination condition is met, the unit determines that a series of readings has been completed and has the voice generators 17 and 27 emit audio indicating information and the quantity of each item of the managed object 90 read in the series of readings. In this case, the information regarding the item may be, for example, the product name or item name, or the information regarding the item may be information indicating a category such as "fresh food," "processed food," or "alcoholic beverages."

[0061] For example, in the case shown in Figure 12, the series of readings reads "milk" twice and each of the other items once. Therefore, after the termination condition is met, the notification processing unit 42 notifies in a manner such as "milk two", "sausage one", and "yogurt one", as shown in Figure 13.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 9, if "Emitting light (each time)" is selected for "Notification processing mode," the notification processing unit 42, as shown in Figure 14, will flash the light-emitting device 18 of the storage unit 10 or the light-emitting devices 28 of the external terminals 201 and 202 in a manner corresponding to the number of information media 91 read, each time an information medium 91 is read simultaneously or in succession for a very short period of time. In this case, a very short period of time means a period during which, if flashed at the same interval, the human eye cannot perceive the breaks in flashing, that is, a period during which it is perceived as continuous illumination, and can be set to, for example, 0.025 seconds or less. The specific time for this very short period of time may be arbitrarily set by, for example, the provider or user of the storage system 1.

[0063] In this case, the notification process includes the process of illuminating, or flashing, the light-emitting devices 18 and 28 in accordance with the number of information media 91, at intervals longer than the predetermined period, when the reading devices 15 and 25 read multiple information media 91 simultaneously or within a predetermined period, i.e., within the very short period described above. For example, if one information media 91 is read simultaneously or within a very short period, the notification processing unit 42 flashes the light-emitting devices 18 and 28 once. For example, if two information media 91 are read simultaneously or within a very short period, the notification processing unit 42 flashes the light-emitting devices 18 and 28 twice. And, for example, if three information media 91 are read simultaneously or within a very short period, the notification processing unit 42 flashes the light-emitting devices 18 and 28 three times.

[0064] The predetermined period can be set to, for example, 0.025 seconds, in which case the blinking interval can be set to 0.025 seconds or longer. Preferably, the predetermined period can be set to, for example, 0.05 seconds, and the blinking interval can be set to 0.05 seconds or longer. Even more preferably, the predetermined period can be set to, for example, 0.075 seconds, and the blinking interval can be set to 0.075 seconds or longer. Alternatively, the predetermined period can be set to, for example, 0.2 seconds, and the blinking interval can be set to 0.2 seconds or longer.

[0065] Here, if the number of information media 91 read is represented by the flashing of the light-emitting devices 18 and 28, as the number of information media 91 read increases, the number of flashes also increases, making it difficult for the user to intuitively grasp the number. Therefore, the notification process may include a process that notifies in the same manner if the number of information media 91 read simultaneously or in a very short period of time exceeds a predetermined amount. For example, if the number of information media 91 read simultaneously or in a very short period of time is 5 or more, the notification processing unit 42 may light up the light-emitting devices 18 and 28 for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 1 second. This allows the user to grasp an approximate number of read information media 91, such as 5 or more, even if they cannot grasp the exact number.

[0066] If "Light emission (all at once)" is selected for "Notification processing mode," the notification processing unit 42 will, for example as shown in Figure 15, emit light from the light-emitting devices 18 and 28 in a color corresponding to the number of information media 91 read in the storage unit 10 or external terminals 201 and 202 from the time the start condition is met until the end condition is met, for a predetermined period of time, for example, a few seconds. In this case, the notification processing unit 42 can be configured to emit light from the light-emitting devices 18 and 28 in different colors depending on the number of information media 91 read, for example, 1 to 5, 6 to 10, and 11 or more. In this case, the notification processing unit 42 may also be configured to change the brightness instead of the color depending on the number of information media 91 read. For example, the notification processing unit 42 may increase the brightness of the light-emitting devices 18 and 28 as the number of information media 91 read increases.

[0067] The notification process includes the process of displaying information on the display devices 14 and 24 indicating the number of information media 91 read by the reading devices 15 and 25. If "Display" is selected for "Notification Processing Mode" in the settings of Figure 9, the notification processing unit 42 displays all or part of the information read by the reading devices 15 and 25 on the display devices 14 and 24 each time the information media 91 is read, for example, as shown in Figure 16.

[0068] As shown in Figure 16, the notification process includes, when the reading devices 15 and 25 read multiple information media 91, the process of displaying information about each managed object 90 in a list on the display devices 14 and 24 based on the information recorded on the read information media 91. The following description assumes that the display devices 14 and 24 are touch panel displays that also function as input devices 13 and 23. In this embodiment, displaying in a list includes displaying information about a specific information media 91 on a single screen in accordance with a predetermined display format. Displaying in a list also includes, when displaying information about multiple information media 91, displaying information about a specific information media 91 and information about another information media 91 together on a single screen in a predetermined display format. Here, "a single screen" includes not only the screen that is actually displayed, but also cases where it is considered to be substantially a single screen through screen transitions such as scrolling or page movement while maintaining a predetermined display format.

[0069] The notification processing unit 42 displays, for example, a reading result display field 51, a total field 52 that displays the total number of readings, switch buttons 531 to 535 for switching the display content of the display field 51, a registration button 541, and a registration cancel button 542 on the screens of the reading devices 15 and 25, as shown in Figure 16. In Figures 16 to 22, the diagonal lines shown on the switch buttons 531 to 535 indicate that the switch buttons 531 to 535 shown with the diagonal lines have been selected by the user.

[0070] The display field 51 of the reading results is based on the information from the information medium 91 that has been read from the time the reading start conditions were met until the present. The display field 51 displays, for example, the reading order, item, best-before date / expiration date, and the number of items read, but it can also display information other than those mentioned above, as long as it can be obtained directly or indirectly by reading the information medium 91.

[0071] The total column 52 is an area that displays the total number of information media 91 read in a series of readings. The toggle buttons 531-535, the register button 541, and the registration cancel button 542 are operation units that accept touch operations from the user. The toggle button 531, labeled "Reading Order," is a button that accepts an operation to change the display order of the display column 51 to the reading order of the information media 91. When the user selects the "Reading Order" toggle button 531, the notification processing unit 42 displays the information media 91 in descending or ascending order according to the reading order, as shown in Figure 16. When the reading devices 15 and 25 read a new information media 91 in this state, the notification processing unit 42 adds a row for the newly read information media 91 to the end of the reading order in the display column 51.

[0072] The toggle button 532, labeled "By Name," accepts an operation to change the display order of the display field 51 to an order based on the items, in this case, by name. When the user operates the "By Name" toggle button 532, the notification processing unit 42 rearranges and displays the contents of the display field 51 in order of name, as shown in Figure 17. When the readers 15 and 25 read a new information medium 91 in this state, the notification processing unit 42 updates the display of the display field 51 with the contents of the newly read information medium 91 added.

[0073] The toggle button 533, labeled "By Item Name," accepts an operation to change the display order of the display field 51 to a mode in which items are grouped by item, in this case, by item name. When the user operates the "By Item Name" toggle button 533, the notification processing unit 42 displays information about each item and information about the quantity of each item in the display field 51, as shown in Figure 18. In this case, displaying by item means, for example, grouping items of the same item on the same line and displaying the quantity of each item in the "Quantity" column. The example in Figure 18 shows the case where items are grouped by item name. Note that the items to be grouped are not limited to item names; for example, items may be grouped by major or minor categories.

[0074] In the example in Figure 18, for example, if a user touches and selects a row in the display field 51, the notification processing unit 42 may display the details of the selected row, as shown in Figure 19. That is, in the example in Figure 18, two "milk" items are read and displayed together on one row. In this case, if the user selects "milk," the notification processing unit 42 displays information about the two "milk" items on the display devices 14 and 24, as shown in Figure 19. In this case, the notification processing unit 42 may also display, for example, a "next" button 551 and a "back" button 552, and switch the product name based on the operation of these buttons 551 and 552.

[0075] The toggle button 534, labeled "By Expiry Date," accepts an operation to change the display order of the display field 51 to order of best-before date and expiration date. When the user selects the "By Expiry Date" toggle button 534, the notification processing unit 42 rearranges and displays the contents of the display field 51 in order of expiration date, as shown in Figure 20. When the readers 15 and 25 read a new information medium 91 in this state, the notification processing unit 42 updates the display of the display field 51 with the newly read row from the information medium 91 added.

[0076] The toggle button 535, labeled "By Expiry Date," is a button that accepts an operation to change the display order of the display field 51 to a mode in which items are grouped by their best-before date and expiration date. When the user selects the toggle button 535 labeled "By Expiry Date," the notification processing unit 42 displays information about the items and information about the quantity of each item in the display field 51, grouped by their best-before date and expiration date, as shown in Figure 21. In this case, displaying items grouped by their best-before date and expiration date means, for example, that items with the same best-before date or expiration date are grouped on the same line, and the number of managed items with that best-before date or expiration date is displayed in "Quantity." If there are multiple managed items with the same best-before date or expiration date, the "Item Name" in the display field 51 may be configured to display only the item name of the item with the earliest reading order, and the other managed items may be grouped together as "Other."

[0077] In the example in Figure 21, for example, if a user touches and selects a row in the display field 51, the notification processing unit 42 may display the details of the selected row, as shown in Figure 22. That is, in the example in Figure 21, there are two managed items with an expiration date or best-before date set to "2022 / 9 / 5". In this case, if the user selects a row with an expiration date of "2022 / 9 / 5", the notification processing unit 42 will display information about the two managed items with an expiration date of "2022 / 9 / 5" on the display devices 14 and 24, as shown in Figure 22. In this case, the notification processing unit 42 may, for example, display a "Next" button 551 and a "Back" button 552, and switch the product name based on the operation of these buttons 551 and 552.

[0078] In addition, in the example shown in Figure 16, the user may select items by touching the names of the items displayed at the top of the display area 51, namely "Reading Order," "Item," "Product Name," "Major Category," "Minor Category," and "Best Before / Expiration Date," instead of using the toggle buttons 531-535. In this case, for example, when the user touches "Reading Order," "Item," "Product Name," "Major Category," "Minor Category," and "Best Before / Expiration Date," the items may be displayed together as "Reading Order," "Item," "Product Name," "Major Category," "Minor Category," and "Best Before / Expiration Date," respectively, or the display order may be swapped between ascending and descending.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, the setup process includes setting the storage location for the database DB data, which is created and updated based on the read information medium 91, to a location of the user's choice or a predetermined location. The storage location for the database DB data can be selected from one or more locations, such as the auxiliary storage device 19 of the storage unit 10, the auxiliary storage devices 29 of the external terminals 201 and 202, and the storage device (not shown) of the external processing unit 301. The information update processing unit 43 stores the database DB information in the storage location set in the setup process.

[0080] The configuration process, as shown in Figure 9, includes a process to set whether or not to "acquire additional information". Additional information is information about the managed object 90 that is not directly recorded on the information medium 91, that is, information that cannot be directly read from the information medium 91, and that can be obtained from an external processing unit 302, etc., based on the information read from the information medium 91. If "acquire additional information" is set to "none", the additional information acquisition processing unit 46 does not acquire additional information.

[0081] If "Acquire additional information" is set to "Yes," the additional information acquisition processing unit 46 acquires additional information from an external processing unit 302 or the like via a telecommunications line NT such as the Internet, based on the information read from the information medium 91. In this case, the notification processing unit 42 can perform notification processing with respect to the read information medium 91 either before acquiring the additional information or after acquiring the additional information.

[0082] The information update processing unit 43 is capable of performing information update processing. The information update processing includes updating the information in the database DB of the managed object 90, as shown in Figure 24, based on the information stored in the information medium 91 read by the readers 15 and 25. The database DB can include information read from the information medium 91, information obtained from the external processing unit 302, etc., based on the information medium 91, as well as the date and time the information medium 91 was read and information about the reader that read the information medium 91. In the example in Figure 24, information where the "Reader" column is "External Terminal" indicates that it was read by the reader 25 of the external terminals 201 and 202, and information where the "Reader" column, or column, is "Storage" indicates that it was read by the reader 15 of the storage unit 10.

[0083] The database DB may, for example, delete information about a managed object 90 registered in the database DB when that managed object 90 is taken out of the storage 10, or it may include an item indicating that it has been taken out, as shown in the "Taken Out" column in Figure 24. In this case, for example, in the "Taken Out" column in Figure 24, "0" indicates that it has not been taken out of the storage 10, meaning it is still contained within the storage 10, and "1" indicates that it has been taken out of the storage 10.

[0084] The update determination processing unit 44 is capable of performing update determination processing. When the readers 15 and 25 read information about the managed object 90, the update determination processing unit 44 determines, based on user operation, whether or not to perform an update to the database DB regarding the information of the managed object 90 that has been read. When the readers 15 and 25 read multiple different information media 91, the update determination processing unit 44 can perform update determination processing individually for each managed object 90 to which the information media 91 is attached. Furthermore, when the readers 15 and 25 read multiple different information media 91, the update determination processing unit 44 can perform update determination processing collectively for each managed object 90 to which the information media 91 is attached.

[0085] The ability to perform individual update determination processes means, for example, that an update determination process can be performed for each piece of information read from the information medium 91, that is, for each piece of information related to the managed object 90. An example of performing individual update determination processes is, as shown in Figure 25, a user can individually select information that they do not want to register in the database DB from a list displayed in the display field 51, for example, by touch operation. Information that the user has selected as information they do not want to register is shown with shaded lines in Figure 25. In this case, the update determination processing unit 44 determines that the database DB should not be updated with respect to the selected information, and does not update the database DB with respect to the information selected by the user as information they do not want to register.

[0086] Furthermore, the ability to perform batch update judgment processing means, for example, to perform update judgment processing on multiple pieces of information from the read information medium 91 all at once. An example of performing batch update judgment processing is, for example, updating all the information in the list displayed in the display field 51, as shown in Figure 25. The information that the user wants to register can be, for example, any information displayed in the display field 51 in Figure 25 other than the information that the user has selected as not to register, that is, anything other than the information that is shaded in the example of Figure 25. In this case, when the user selects the register button 541, the update judgment processing unit 44 determines that the database DB should not be updated for the information that the user has set as the information they want to register, that is, the information that is not shaded, and updates the database DB with respect to that information.

[0087] If the information medium 91 contains information that identifies individual managed objects 90, the storage system 1 can determine whether or not there is a duplicate reading for the same managed object 90 by comparing it with that identification information. However, in the case of relatively inexpensive products such as food products, the information contained in the information medium 91 is often limited to information about the manufacturing lot and is not expected to include information that can identify individual objects.

[0088] Therefore, the update determination process includes a process that determines, based on user operation, whether or not to update the database DB based on information from the information medium 91 read by the readers 15 and 25, when the information is duplicated, i.e., identical. Duplicate information from the information medium 91 can occur between different readers 15 and 25, for example, when readings are performed by the readers 15 and 25 at the same time, or when the same information medium 91 is read multiple times by the same readers 15 and 25. In this case, the update determination processing unit 44 may, for example, display confirmation information 57 on the display device 14 of the storage unit 10 or on the display devices 24 of the external terminals 201 and 202, or play audio with the same content as the confirmation information 57 on the voice generators 17 and 27, as shown in Figure 26. The confirmation information 57 includes content that asks the user to confirm which of the duplicated read information should be reflected in the database DB.

[0089] In the example in Figure 26, when a user individually selects information to be registered in the database DB, they select the product name they wish to register in the database DB from the display field 51, as shown in Figure 27. In the example in Figure 27, the information selected by the user is "sausage" on the first line, "milk" on the fifth line, and "yogurt" on the sixth line. In this case, duplicate information that was not selected by the user is displayed in a grayed-out manner, for example, by shading, to prevent the user from selecting it twice.

[0090] Furthermore, when a user selects information to be registered in the database DB in bulk, they select a "reader" corresponding to the information they wish to register in the database DB from the display field 51, for example, as shown in Figure 28. In this embodiment, the user can select either an "external terminal" or a "storage." The example in Figure 28 shows the case where the user has selected a "storage." Unselected "external terminals" are displayed in a grayed-out manner, for example, by shading, to prevent the user from selecting them twice. The information update processing unit 43 then updates the database DB based on the selected information.

[0091] The entry / exit determination processing unit 45 is capable of performing entry / exit determination processing. This processing determines whether the managed object 90, to which the information medium 91 read by the readers 15 and 25 is attached, has been placed into the storage unit 10 or removed from the storage unit 10. The specific method of the entry / exit determination processing varies depending on the reading method and arrangement of the readers 15, and the specific configuration of the storage unit system 1.

[0092] For example, in a configuration where the storage system 1 manages information read by readers 15 and 25 in a database, the entry / exit determination processing unit 45 determines that the managed object 90 with the information medium 91 attached has been placed in the storage 10 when it reads something that is not registered in the database for the first time, or when it reads something that is registered in the database in a manner indicating that it has already been removed. Furthermore, the entry / exit determination processing unit 45 determines that the managed object 90 with the information medium 91 attached has been removed from the storage 10 when it reads something that is registered in the database in a manner indicating that it is currently stored in the storage 10.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, for example, in the case of a configuration where the direction of movement of the managed object 90 can be determined by the order in which the reading devices 151 and 152 read the data, such as the reading devices 151 and 152 installed in the storage room 10, the entry / exit determination processing unit 45 can determine whether the managed object 90 has been placed inside or taken out of the storage room 10 based on the order in which the reading devices 151 and 152 read the data, without referring to a database, for example.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, if a reading device 15 is provided on the outside of the storage unit 10 as shown in Figure 8 and "User Operation" is selected for "Starting Condition (Storage Unit)" in Figure 9, or if a reading device 25 is provided on an external terminal 201 or 202 and "User Operation" is selected for "Starting Condition (External Terminal)" in Figure 9, the entry / exit determination processing unit 45 can also determine whether the managed object 90 has been placed inside or taken out of the storage unit 10 based on the user's operation to the input devices 13 and 23.

[0095] In this case, before the reading devices 15 and 25 begin reading, the entry / exit determination processing unit 45 displays a button 561 indicating "insert" and a button 562 indicating "extract" on the display devices 14 and 24, for example, as shown in Figure 23. If the user presses the button 561 indicating "insert," the entry / exit determination processing unit 45 determines that the start condition has been met and activates the reading devices 15 and 25. In this case, the entry / exit determination processing unit 45 determines that the information read by the reading devices 15 and 25 is of the managed object 90 to be placed in the storage area 10, until the end condition is met.

[0096] Furthermore, if the user presses the button 562 indicating "retrieval," the entry / exit determination processing unit 45 determines that the start condition has been met and activates the reading devices 15 and 25. In this case, the entry / exit determination processing unit 45 determines that the information read by the reading devices 15 and 25 is of the managed object 90 to be retrieved from the storage area 10, until the end condition is met.

[0097] Here, it is assumed that the managed object 90 may be temporarily removed from the storage 10 and then put back into the storage 10, such as when a user changes the location of the managed object 90 in the storage 10. Updating the database DB in such cases would increase the processing load associated with updating the database DB. Therefore, if the in / out determination processing unit 45 determines that the same managed object 90 has been put back into the storage 10 within a predetermined period after it has determined that the managed object 90 has been removed, the update determination processing unit 44 does not perform the information update process, that is, it does not update the database DB based on the information medium 91 in which the in / out was detected. In this case, the predetermined period can be set as, for example, a time, or it can be the period from when the start condition is met until the end condition is met.

[0098] The notification processing unit 42 can perform notification processing in different ways depending on whether the input / output determination process determines that the managed object 90 has been placed into the storage unit 10 or whether the managed object 90 has been removed from the storage unit 10. When performing notification processing with an electronic sound, the notification processing unit 42 uses different basic electronic sounds depending on whether the managed object 90 has been placed in or removed. For example, if the input / output determination process determines that the managed object 90 has been placed into the storage unit 10, the notification processing unit 42 will make a notification with an electronic sound based on a "beep" sound, as shown in Figure 10. In contrast, if the input / output determination process determines that the managed object 90 has been removed from the storage unit 10, the notification processing unit 42 will make a notification with an electronic sound based on a "beep" sound, as shown in Figure 11.

[0099] Furthermore, when performing voice notification processing, the notification processing unit 42 uses different basic voices depending on whether it is determined that the managed object 90 has been placed into the storage unit 10 or that the managed object 90 has been removed from the storage unit 10. For example, if the entry / exit determination process determines that the managed object 90 has been placed into the storage unit 10, the notification processing unit 42 will make a notification using, for example, a male voice, as shown in Figure 10. In contrast, if the entry / exit determination process determines that the managed object 90 has been removed from the storage unit 10, the notification processing unit 42 will make a notification using, for example, a female voice, as shown in Figure 11.

[0100] Furthermore, the information in the database DB configured as described above can be retrieved based on user operations on the storage unit 10 or external terminals 201 and 202. In this case, the storage unit system 1 can present the retrieved database DB information to the user via display using the display devices 14 and 24 or by voice using the voice generators 17 and 27. The user can access the database DB by operating an external terminal 201, for example, while away from the facility, thereby allowing them to check the status of the storage unit 10, for example.

[0101] Next, an example of the control flow in the storage system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 29 and 30. Note that the control flow in the storage system 1 is not limited to those shown in Figures 29 and 30. Also, each process in Figures 29 and 30 may be replaced or modified within the scope that allows for the realization of the storage system 1. In the following description, the processes executed by the control device 11 of the storage 10, the processes executed by the control devices 21 of the external terminals 201 and 202, and the processes executed by the control device (not shown) of the external processing device 301 will all be described as being executed by the storage system 1 without distinction.

[0102] Before starting the control flow shown in Figures 29 and 30, the storage system 1 calls up the contents of the setting process shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 29, when the storage system 1 starts the control flow, in step S11 it determines whether the start condition has been met in the storage unit 10 or the external terminals 201 and 202. The storage system 1 repeats step S11 until the start condition is met (NO in step S11). When the start condition is met (YES in step S11), the storage system 1 moves the process to step S12 and controls the readers 15 and 25 of the storage unit 10 or the external terminals 201 and 202 where the start condition has been met to start reading the information medium 91, that is, to make the information medium 91 readable.

[0103] Next, in step S13, the storage system 1 determines whether the termination condition has been met at the storage 10 or external terminals 201, 202 where the start condition was met. If the termination condition has not been met (NO in step S13), the storage system 1 proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the storage system 1 determines whether the information medium 91 has been read at the readers 15, 25 where reading has been started. If the information medium 91 has not been read at the readers 15, 25 where reading has been started (NO in step S14), the storage system 1 returns to step S13 and repeats the process from step S13 onward.

[0104] If the reading devices 15 and 25 that have started reading have read the information medium 91 (YES in step S14), the storage system 1 moves the process to step S15 and executes the in / out determination process. If the in / out determination process does not determine that the managed object 90 has been placed in the storage 10, that is, if it is determined that the managed object 90 has been removed from the storage 10 (NO in step S16), the storage system 1 moves the process to step S19. On the other hand, if the in / out determination process determines that the managed object 90 has been placed in the storage 10 (YES in step S16), the storage system 1 moves the process to step S17.

[0105] If the storage system 1 is set to "none" for acquiring additional information (NO in step S17), it proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if the storage system 1 is set to "acquire additional information" (YES in step S17), in step S18 it acquires additional information based on the information medium 91 that it has read, and then proceeds to step S19.

[0106] In step S19, the storage system 1 determines the setting of the notification processing mode. If "each time" is selected for the setting of the notification processing mode (YES in step S19), the system proceeds to step S20. Then, in step S20, the storage system 1 executes the notification processing and returns to step S11. On the other hand, if "each time" is not selected for the setting of the notification processing mode (NO in step S19), the storage system 1 returns to step S11 without executing the notification processing in step S19. Then, the storage system 1 repeats the process from step S11 onward.

[0107] If the termination condition is met in step S13 (YES in step S13), the storage system 1 proceeds to step S21 in Figure 30. Then, in step S21, the storage system 1 controls the readers 15 and 25 of the storage 10 or external terminals 201 and 202 that met the termination condition, and terminates the reading of the information medium 91, that is, terminates the series of readings.

[0108] Subsequently, in step S22, the storage system 1 determines the setting of the notification processing mode. If "bulk" is selected for the notification processing mode (YES in step S22), the system proceeds to step S23. Then, in step S23, the storage system 1 performs a bulk notification process for the information on the information medium 91 read during the period from step S12 to step S21. After that, the storage system 1 proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if "bulk" is not selected for the notification processing mode (NO in step S22), the storage system 1 proceeds to step S24 without performing a notification process in step S23.

[0109] Next, in step S24, the storage system 1 executes an update determination process to decide whether or not to update the database DB based on the information it has read. Then, in step S25, the storage system 1 executes an information update process and reflects the information it has read in the database DB based on the result of the update determination process. After that, the storage system 1 returns to step S11 in Figure 29 and repeats the process from step S11 onwards.

[0110] According to the embodiment described above, the storage system 1 comprises a storage facility 10 having storage rooms 10a to 10e, reading devices 15 and 25, and an notification processing unit 42. The reading devices 15 and 25 are provided in the storage facility 10 or in external terminals 201 and 202 that are different from the storage facility 10. The reading devices 15 and 25 are capable of reading information recorded on an information medium 91 attached to a managed object 90. The notification processing unit 42 is capable of performing notification processing that notifies the number of information mediums 91 read by the reading devices 15 and 25 in a manner that allows for determination.

[0111] According to this, the user can recognize the number of information media 91 read by the reading devices 15 and 25 by knowing the content of the notification process. In other words, according to this, the user can easily understand whether or not the information media has been read by the reading devices 15 and 25 through the notification process, and as a result, user convenience can be improved.

[0112] The storage system 1 is further equipped with sound-emitting devices 16 and 26 capable of emitting sound. The notification process includes generating sounds from the sound-emitting devices 16 and 26 in a manner corresponding to the number of information media 91 read by the reading devices 15 and 25. This allows the user to understand the number of information media 91 read by the reading devices 15 and 25 through sound. Therefore, the user does not need to stop working to, for example, look at the display devices 14 and 24. In other words, the user can understand the number of information media 91 read while working, and as a result, user convenience can be further improved.

[0113] Here, if the number of information media 91 read by the readers 15 and 25 is announced by sound, for example, if the interval between sounds is short, the user may perceive it as a continuous sound, and as a result, the user's recognition accuracy regarding the number of information media 91 decreases. Therefore, the announcement process includes a process in which, when the readers 15 and 25 read multiple information media 91 simultaneously or within a predetermined period, the sound generators 16 and 26 generate sounds corresponding to the number of information media 91 at intervals longer than the predetermined period. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the user's recognition accuracy regarding the number of information media 91 even when multiple information media 91 are read simultaneously or in a short period of time.

[0114] The storage system 1 further includes light-emitting devices 18 and 28 capable of emitting light. The notification process includes a process that causes the light-emitting devices 18 and 28 to emit light in a manner corresponding to the number of information media 91 read by the reading devices 15 and 25. As a result, the user can ascertain the number of information media 91 read by the reading devices 15 and 25 by the light emitted by the light-emitting devices 18 and 28. This allows the user to ascertain the number of read information media 91 in a manner other than sound, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0115] Here, when the number of information media 91 read by the readers 15 and 25 is indicated by the illumination of the light-emitting devices 18 and 28, if the interval between illuminations is short, for example, the user may perceive it as continuous illumination, i.e., simply a display, and as a result, the user's recognition accuracy regarding the number of information media 91 decreases. Therefore, the notification process includes a process in which, when the readers 15 and 25 read multiple information media 91 simultaneously or within a predetermined time, the light-emitting devices 18 and 28 are illuminated a number of times corresponding to the number of information media 91, with an interval longer than the time interval between readings of the multiple information media 91. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the user's recognition accuracy regarding the number of information media 91, even when multiple information media 91 are read simultaneously or in a short period of time.

[0116] The notification process includes a process in which, when the reading devices 15 and 25 read multiple information media 91 simultaneously or within a predetermined time, the light-emitting devices 18 and 28 emit light in a color or brightness corresponding to the number of information media 91 read. This allows the user to understand the number of information media 91 read in a manner other than sound or flashing of the light-emitting devices 18 and 28, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0117] The storage system 1 further includes voice-emitting devices 17 and 27 capable of emitting sound. The notification process includes generating sound from the voice-emitting devices 17 and 27 indicating the number of information media 91 read by the reading devices 15 and 25. This allows the user to more reliably grasp the number of information media 91 read by the reading devices 15 and 25. As a result, it is possible to further improve the user's recognition accuracy regarding the number of information media 91 and to further improve user convenience.

[0118] The notification process includes determining that a series of readings is complete when a termination condition is met, which indicates that no further readings of the information media 91 will be performed by the reading devices 15 and 25. This process then causes the voice generators 17 and 27 to emit a voice indicating the number of information media 91 read in the series, i.e., the total number. This allows the user to understand the total number of information media 91 read in the series through voice, thereby further improving the user's recognition accuracy and convenience.

[0119] As shown in Figure 12, the notification process includes a process in which, when the readers 15 and 25 read multiple information media 91 simultaneously or in succession for a very short period of time, the reader emits a voice from the voice generator indicating information and the number of managed objects 90, grouped by item, for example, by the same item name. This allows for further improvement in user recognition accuracy, as multiple identical items are notified together as a sound.

[0120] The storage system 1 further includes display devices 14 and 24 capable of displaying information. The notification process includes a process of displaying information on the display devices 14 and 24 indicating the number of information media 91 read by the reading devices 15 and 25. This allows the user to visually grasp the number of information media 91 read by the reading devices 15 and 25. As a result, it is possible to further improve the user's recognition accuracy regarding the number of information media 91 and to further improve user convenience.

[0121] The notification process includes, when the reading devices 15 and 25 read an information medium 91, a process that displays a list of information about the managed object 90 on the display devices 14 and 24 based on the information recorded on the read information medium 91. This allows the user to understand not only the number of read information mediums 91 but also information about the managed object 90. As a result, user convenience can be further improved.

[0122] The notification process includes, for example, as shown in Figure 16, when the readers 15 and 25 read multiple information media 91, a process that displays information about each managed object 90 on the display devices 14 and 24 in the order in which the information media 91 were read. This makes it easier for the user to understand what information has been read by the readers 15 and 25, and as a result, further improvements in user convenience can be achieved.

[0123] The notification process includes, for example, as shown in Figure 18, when the readers 15 and 25 read multiple information media 91, the process of displaying information and the number of each managed object 90 on the display devices 14 and 24, grouped by item of managed object 90. This makes it easier for the user to grasp the number of managed objects 90 of the same item, and as a result, further improvements in user convenience can be achieved.

[0124] The storage system 1 further comprises an information update processing unit 43 and an update determination processing unit 44. The information update processing unit 43 is capable of performing an information update process to update the information in the database DB of the managed object 90 based on the information stored in the information medium 91 read by the readers 15 and 25. The update determination processing unit 44 is capable of performing an update determination process to determine, based on user operation, whether or not to perform an update to the database DB based on the information stored in the information medium 91 read by the readers 15 and 25. This allows the user to decide whether or not to update the database DB through their own operation. This prevents the database DB from being updated against the user's intention, and as a result, further improvements in user convenience can be achieved.

[0125] The update determination processing unit 44 can perform update determination processing individually for the information read from the information media 91 when the reading devices 15 and 25 read multiple information media 91, as shown in Figure 25, for example. This allows the user to decide for each managed object 90 whether or not to register information about the managed object 90 in the database DB. This prevents the database DB from being updated against the user's intention, and as a result, further improves user convenience.

[0126] The update determination processing unit 44 can perform update determination processing on the information read from the information media 91 collectively, as shown in Figure 25, when the reading devices 15 and 25 read multiple information media 91. This allows the user to decide whether or not to register information about the managed objects 90 in the database DB, etc., for multiple managed objects 90 collectively, i.e., all at once. This eliminates the need to make individual decisions for multiple managed objects 90, thereby reducing the user's workload and, as a result, further improving user convenience.

[0127] The update determination process includes a process that determines, based on user operation, whether or not to update the database DB based on which information is read by the readers 15 and 25 if the information read by the readers 15 and 25 is duplicated, for example, as shown in the examples in Figures 26 to 28. This prevents the information in the database DB from being duplicated if the same information medium 91 is read multiple times. As a result, the reliability of the database DB can be improved.

[0128] The storage system 1 further includes an in / out determination processing unit 45. The in / out determination processing unit 45 is capable of performing in / out determination processing to determine whether the managed object 90, to which the information medium 91 read by the readers 15 and 25 has been placed in the storage 10 and whether it has been taken out of the storage 10. The notification processing unit 42 performs notification processing in different ways depending on whether the in / out determination processing determines that the managed object 90 has been placed in the storage 10 or that the managed object 90 has been taken out of the storage 10. This allows the user to understand how the information on the information medium 91 read by the readers 15 and 25 has been judged in the storage system 1, thereby improving user convenience.

[0129] Furthermore, the information update process includes, when the in / out determination process detects the removal of the managed object 90, a process to delete information about the managed object 90 from the database DB, or a process to update the item in the information about the managed object 90 that indicates that the managed object 90 has been removed. As a result, the database DB also reflects the removal status of the managed object 90 from the storage facility 10, so that the storage status of the managed object 90 in the storage facility 10 and the contents of the database DB can be matched.

[0130] If the in / out determination processing unit 45 determines that the managed object 90 has been taken out of the storage unit 10, and then determines that the same managed object 90 has been put back into the storage unit 10 within a predetermined period, the information update processing unit 43 does not perform information update processing for that managed object 90. As a result, when the managed object 90 is temporarily taken out of the storage unit 10 and then put back into the storage unit 10, the database DB is not updated, thereby reducing the processing and communication associated with updating the database DB.

[0131] The notification processing unit 42 may be configured to be part of the storage unit 10. That is, in this case, the storage unit 10 of the embodiment comprises a reading device 15 and a notification processing unit 42. The reading device 15 is capable of reading information recorded on an information medium 91 attached to the managed object 90. The notification processing unit 42 is capable of performing notification processing that notifies in a manner that allows for the determination of the number of information mediums 91 read by the reading device 15. With this, the storage unit 10 alone can realize the storage unit system 1.

[0132] The information terminal program of the above embodiment is a computer program executed on external terminals 201 and 202, which include a computer having an arithmetic unit 211 and a storage device 212, i.e., a control device 21, and a reading device 25 capable of reading information stored in an information medium 91 attached to a managed object 90, or a communication device 22 capable of acquiring information read by an externally provided reading device 25 via a telecommunication line NT. This computer program causes the control device 21 to execute a notification process that notifies the number of information mediums 91 read based on the information read by the reading device 25 or the information acquired via the communication device 22 in a manner that allows for determination. As a result, by installing and executing this computer program on external terminals 201 and 202, external terminals 201 and 202, for example, that are composed of general-purpose components, can be used as components of the storage system 1.

[0133] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1...Storage system, 10...Storage room, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e...Storage room, 201, 202...External terminal, 11, 21...Control device, computer, 111, 211...Calculation unit, 112, 212...Storage device, 12, 22...Communication device, 14, 24...Display device, 15, 151, 152, 25...Reading device, 16, 26...Sound device, 17, 27...Voice generator, 18, 28...Light-emitting device, 42...Notification processing unit, 43...Information update processing unit, 44...Entry / exit determination processing unit, 45...Update determination processing unit, 90...Managed object, 91...Information medium

Claims

1. A storage facility having a storage room, A reading device provided in the storage facility or at an external terminal different from the storage facility, capable of reading information recorded on an information medium attached to the object being managed, A notification processing unit capable of performing notification processing to notify the number of information media read by the reading device in a manner that allows for determination of the number of such media, It is equipped with a sound-producing device capable of emitting sound, The notification process includes generating a sound from the sound-generating device in a manner corresponding to the number of information media read by the reading device. Storage system.

2. The notification process includes, when the reading device reads multiple information media simultaneously or within a predetermined period, generating the sound from the sound-generating device at intervals longer than the predetermined period. The storage system according to claim 1.

3. A storage facility having a storage room, A reading device provided in the storage facility or at an external terminal different from the storage facility, capable of reading information recorded on an information medium attached to the object being managed, A notification processing unit capable of performing notification processing to notify the number of information media read by the reading device in a manner that allows for determination of the number of such media, It comprises a light-emitting device capable of emitting light, The notification process includes a process that causes the light-emitting device to emit light in a manner corresponding to the number of information media read by the reading device. Storage system.

4. The notification process includes, when the reading device reads multiple information media simultaneously or within a predetermined period, the process of illuminating the light-emitting device a number of times corresponding to the number of information media, with intervals longer than the predetermined period for illuminating the light-emitting device. The storage system according to claim 3.

5. The notification process includes a process in which, when the reading device reads multiple information media simultaneously or within a predetermined time period, the light-emitting device emits light in a color or brightness corresponding to the number of information media read. The storage system according to claim 3.

6. A storage facility having a storage room, A reading device provided in the storage facility or at an external terminal different from the storage facility, capable of reading information recorded on an information medium attached to the object being managed, A notification processing unit capable of performing notification processing to notify the number of information media read by the reading device in a manner that allows for determination of the number of such media, An information update processing unit capable of performing an information update process to update the information in the database of the managed object based on the information stored in the information medium read by the reading device, The system includes an update determination processing unit capable of executing an update determination process that determines, based on user operation, whether or not to perform an update of the database based on the information stored in the information medium read by the reading device, The update determination processing unit is capable of performing the update determination process individually for the information read from each of the information media when the reading device reads multiple information media. Storage system.

7. The update determination processing unit can perform the update determination process collectively for the information read from each of the information media when the reading device reads multiple information media. The storage system according to claim 6.

8. The update determination process includes a process that determines, based on user operation, whether or not to update the database based on which information is read by the reading device if the information read by the reading device is duplicated. The storage system according to claim 6.

9. A storage facility having a storage room, A reading device provided in the storage facility or at an external terminal different from the storage facility, capable of reading information recorded on an information medium attached to the object being managed, A notification processing unit capable of performing notification processing to notify the number of information media read by the reading device in a manner that allows for determination of the number of such media, An information update processing unit capable of performing an information update process to update the database of the managed object based on the information stored in the information medium read by the reading device, The system includes an in / out determination processing unit capable of performing an in / out determination process to determine whether the managed object to which the information medium read by the reading device has been taken out of the storage facility, The information update process includes, when the in / out determination process detects the removal of the managed object, a process to delete information about the managed object from the database, or a process to update an item in the information about the managed object that indicates that the managed object has been removed. If the entry / exit determination processing unit determines that the managed object has been removed from the storage unit and then determines that the same managed object has been placed back into the storage unit within a predetermined period, the information update processing unit will not perform the information update process. Storage system.

10. The entry / exit determination processing unit further determines that the managed object to which the information medium read by the reading device is attached has been placed in the storage facility, The notification processing unit can execute the notification process in different ways depending on whether the entry / exit determination process determines that the managed object has been placed in the storage facility or that the managed object has been removed from the storage facility. The storage system according to claim 9.

11. It is further equipped with a voice-generating device capable of producing sound, The notification process includes a process of generating an audio signal from the speaking device indicating the number of information media read by the reading device. A storage system according to any one of claims 1, 3, 6, or 9.

12. It is further equipped with a voice-generating device capable of producing sound, The notification process includes determining that a series of readings is complete when a termination condition is met that indicates the reading of the information medium by the reading device has finished, and then emitting a sound from the speaking device indicating the number of information mediums read in the series of readings. A storage system according to any one of claims 1, 3, 6, or 9.

13. It is further equipped with a voice-generating device capable of producing sound, The notification process includes, when the reading device reads multiple information media, the process of emitting a voice from the voice-generating device indicating information and the number of each item of the managed object, categorized by item. A storage system according to any one of claims 1, 3, 6, or 9.

14. It is further equipped with a display device capable of displaying information, The notification process includes a process of displaying information on the display device indicating the number of information media read by the reading device. A storage system according to any one of claims 1, 3, 6, or 9.

15. The notification process includes, when the reading device reads the information medium, a process that causes the display device to display a list of information about the managed object based on the information recorded on the information medium that was read. The storage system according to claim 14.

16. The notification process includes, when the reading device reads the information medium, a process that arranges the information about each object in the order it was read from the information medium and displays it in a list on the display device. The storage system according to claim 14.

17. The notification process includes, when the reading device reads multiple information media, a process that causes the display device to display information regarding the managed objects and the number of such objects, grouped by the type of managed object. The storage system according to claim 15.

18. A reader capable of reading information recorded on an information medium attached to an object being managed, A notification processing unit capable of performing notification processing to notify the number of information media read by the reading device in a manner that allows for determination of the number of such media, It is equipped with a sound-producing device capable of emitting sound, The notification process includes generating a sound from the sound-generating device in a manner corresponding to the number of information media read by the reading device. Storage room.

19. A reader capable of reading information recorded on an information medium attached to an object being managed, A notification processing unit capable of performing notification processing to notify the number of information media read by the reading device in a manner that allows for determination of the number of such media, It comprises a light-emitting device capable of emitting light, The notification process includes a process that causes the light-emitting device to emit light in a manner corresponding to the number of information media read by the reading device. Storage room.

20. A reader capable of reading information recorded on an information medium attached to an object being managed, A notification processing unit capable of performing notification processing to notify the number of information media read by the reading device in a manner that allows for determination of the number of such media, An information update processing unit capable of performing an information update process to update the information in the database of the managed object based on the information stored in the information medium read by the reading device, The system includes an update determination processing unit capable of executing an update determination process that determines, based on user operation, whether or not to perform an update of the database based on the information stored in the information medium read by the reading device, The update determination processing unit is capable of performing the update determination process individually for the information read from each of the information media when the reading device reads multiple information media. Storage room.

21. A reader capable of reading information recorded on an information medium attached to an object being managed, A notification processing unit capable of performing notification processing to notify the number of information media read by the reading device in a manner that allows for determination of the number of such media, An information update processing unit capable of performing an information update process to update the database of the managed object based on the information stored in the information medium read by the reading device, The system includes an in / out determination processing unit capable of performing an in / out determination process to determine whether the managed object to which the information medium read by the reading device has been taken out of the storage facility, The information update process includes, when the in / out determination process detects the removal of the managed object, a process to delete information about the managed object from the database, or a process to update an item in the information about the managed object that indicates that the managed object has been removed. If the entry / exit determination processing unit determines that the managed object has been removed from the storage unit and then determines that the same managed object has been placed back into the storage unit within a predetermined period, the information update processing unit will not perform the information update process. Storage room.

22. A computer having a processing unit and a memory device, A reading device capable of reading information stored on an information medium attached to the object being managed, or a communication device capable of acquiring information read by an externally installed reading device via a telecommunications line, A sound-producing device capable of emitting sound, A computer program that runs on an information terminal equipped with, To the aforementioned computer, The system executes a notification process that notifies the number of information media read based on the information read by the reading device or the information acquired via the communication device, in a manner that allows for determination of the number of information media read. The notification process includes generating a sound from the sound-generating device in a manner corresponding to the number of information media read by the reading device. A program for information terminals.

23. A computer having a processing unit and a memory device, A reading device capable of reading information stored on an information medium attached to the object being managed, or a communication device capable of acquiring information read by an externally installed reading device via a telecommunications line, A light-emitting device capable of emitting light, A computer program that runs on an information terminal equipped with, To the aforementioned computer, The system executes a notification process that notifies the number of information media read based on the information read by the reading device or the information acquired via the communication device, in a manner that allows for determination of the number of information media read. The notification process includes a process that causes the light-emitting device to emit light in a manner corresponding to the number of information media read by the reading device. A program for information terminals.

24. A computer having a processing unit and a memory device, A reading device capable of reading information stored on an information medium attached to the object being managed, or a communication device capable of acquiring information read by an externally installed reading device via a telecommunications line, A computer program that runs on an information terminal equipped with, To the aforementioned computer, A notification process that notifies the number of information media read based on the information read by the reading device or the information acquired via the communication device in a manner that allows for determination of the number of information media read, Information update process to update the database information of the managed object based on the information stored in the information medium read by the reading device, The system performs an update determination process that determines, based on user operation, whether or not to perform an update to the database based on the information stored in the information medium read by the reading device. When the reading device reads multiple information media, it causes the update determination process to be executed individually for the information read from each information medium. A program for information terminals.

25. A computer having a processing unit and a memory device, A reading device capable of reading information stored on an information medium attached to the object being managed, or a communication device capable of acquiring information read by an externally installed reading device via a telecommunications line, A computer program that runs on an information terminal equipped with, To the aforementioned computer, A notification process that notifies the number of information media read based on the information read by the reading device or the information acquired via the communication device in a manner that allows for determination of the number of information media read, Information update process to update the database of managed objects based on the information stored in the information medium read by the reading device, The system executes an in / out determination process that determines whether the managed object to which the information medium read by the reading device has been taken out of storage. The information update process includes, when the in / out determination process detects the removal of the managed object, a process to delete information about the managed object from the database, or a process to update an item in the information about the managed object that indicates that the managed object has been removed. If, after the entry / exit determination process determines that the managed object has been removed from the storage facility, it is determined that the same managed object has been placed back into the storage facility within a predetermined period, the information update process is not executed. A program for information terminals.

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