Storage device and network system

Abstract

The present invention provides a storage device for reducing the possibility that consumables are consecutively removed. Provided is a storage device comprising: a housing that stores consumables and has a front surface including a take-out port in the upper part thereof; a stage which moves in the vertical direction with the consumables placed thereon; and a control unit that lowers the stage once the consumables are removed.

Description

Storage device and network system

[0001]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a storage device for stocking consumables. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-146659, filed on September 11, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Network systems for managing stocks of sanitary products have been known for some time. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2023-7872 (Patent Document 1) provides a network system including a storage device for storing sanitary products and a server for identifying the start date of a user's period by determining the number of sanitary products used based on data from the storage device.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-7872

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that reduces the possibility of consumables being removed consecutively.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage device comprising a housing for storing consumables and having an access port at the top of the front, a stage that moves up and down while carrying the consumables, and a control unit that lowers the stage when the consumables are removed.

[0006] As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, a storage device for reducing the possibility of consecutively removing consumable items is provided.

[0007] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing a state in which the shutter of a storage device according to the first embodiment is closed; FIG. 3 is a front perspective view showing a state in which the access port of a storage device according to the first embodiment is open; FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view showing the internal structure of a storage device according to the first embodiment with the shutter and the housing removed; FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view showing the internal structure of a storage device according to the first embodiment with the shutter and the housing removed; FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a storage device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a sanitary product removal process of a storage device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a front perspective view showing a storage device according to the first embodiment with one sanitary product removed; FIG. 9 is a front perspective view showing a storage device according to the first embodiment with the shutter removed when one sanitary product has been removed; FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing a storage device according to the first embodiment with the stage lowered; FIG. 11 is a front perspective view showing a storage device according to the first embodiment with the shutter removed when the stage is lowered; FIG. 12 is a front perspective view showing a storage device according to the first embodiment with the shutter closed; FIG. 13 is a front perspective view showing a storage device according to the first embodiment with the stage raised. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a storage device in a state where the shutter has been removed when the stage has been raised according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing a storage device in a state where the stock of sanitary products according to the first embodiment has run out. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view showing a storage device in a state where the shutter has been removed when the stock of sanitary products according to the first embodiment has run out. FIG. 4 is a front perspective view showing a storage device in a state where the access port has been opened when the stock of sanitary products according to the first embodiment has run out. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a sanitary product refilling process of the storage device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view showing a storage device in a state where the shutter has been lowered to a removal position when the stock of sanitary products according to the first embodiment has run out. FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing a state where the shutter has been removed from the storage device by a manager according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a front perspective view showing a state where the manager has refilled the storage device with sanitary products according to the first embodiment.FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a storage device in a state where sanitary products are refilled according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an image diagram showing device data according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing information processing in a server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing a dashboard screen of an administrator's terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication terminal according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. <First embodiment> <Configuration of network system 1>

[0009] First, the overall configuration of a network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The network system 1 according to this embodiment is mainly composed of a plurality of storage devices 100 for stocking consumables, a server 200, and communication terminals 300 and 300B. In the following description, sanitary products will be used as an example of consumables.

[0010] The storage device 100 stores sanitary products, measures the remaining amount of sanitary products, and transmits the measurement results to the server 200. The communication terminals 300 and 300B, in accordance with instructions from an administrator or the like, acquire the remaining amount of sanitary products in the storage device 100 from the server 200, display it, and notify the user when the remaining amount is low. <Configuration of the storage device 100>

[0011] Referring to Fig. 2, the storage device 100 stores a plurality of sanitary products 99, 9... in a housing 101. A shutter 102 is attached to the front of the housing 101 so as to be able to slide up and down. As shown in Fig. 2, the shutter 102 is normally located at the top. When a hand is held over the removal sensor 134, the shutter 102 descends, as shown in Fig. 3, and the top of the housing 101 is released. That is, in this embodiment, an access opening 103 is provided at the top of the front of the housing 101. The user removes the sanitary products from the access opening 103.

[0012] The following is a detailed description of the internal configuration of the storage device 100. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, on the right side of the interior of the storage device 100, a front support 106F and a rear support 106B are provided.

[0013] A shutter lift roller 107F is attached to the front support column 106F. A shutter motor 108F is disposed at the lower end of the front support column 106F. The shutter lift roller 107F is raised and lowered by the shutter motor 108F via a front belt 109F. The shutter lift roller 107F supports the shutter frame 104 that holds the shutter 102. As a result, the shutter 102 slides up and down when driven by the shutter motor 108F.

[0014] A stage lifting roller 107B is attached to the rear support column 106B. A stage motor 108B is disposed at the lower end of the rear support column 106B. The stage lifting roller 107B is raised and lowered by the stage motor 108B via a rear belt 109B. A stage 105 for supporting the sanitary products 99, 99... is fixed to the stage lifting roller 107B. As a result, the stage 105 slides up and down when driven by the stage motor 108B.

[0015] A motor driver (bottom sensor) 131 for detecting that the stage 105 has reached its lowest point is provided below the stage 105, i.e., at the bottom inside the storage device 100. However, instead of the motor driver 131, another distance sensor, proximity sensor, physical switch, or the like may be used.

[0016] Above the stage 105, that is, on the ceiling inside the storage device 100, a ceiling sensor 132 is provided to detect when a sanitary product comes into contact with the ceiling.

[0017] A plate 102A is provided at the upper right portion of the shutter 102. A removal sensor 134 for detecting when a user places their hand over the plate 102A is provided behind the plate 102A.

[0018] A remaining amount confirmation window 102B is provided next to the plate 102A. The manager or user can check the remaining amount of sanitary products 99, 99, ... inside the storage device 100 through the remaining amount confirmation window 102B. <Functional configuration of the storage device 100>

[0019] Referring to FIG. 6, one aspect of the configuration of the storage device 100 that constitutes the network system 1 will be described.

[0020] The storage device 100 includes, as its main components, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 110, a memory 120, a motor driver (bottom sensor) 131, a ceiling sensor 132, a shutter sensor 133, a removal sensor 134, a refill switch 137, a shutter motor 108F, a stage motor 108B, a communication interface 160, an LED light 170, a speaker 180, and a battery 190.

[0021] The MCU 110 controls each part of the storage equipment 100 by executing a program stored in a storage medium such as a ROM or RAM.

[0022] The memory 120 is realized by various types of RAM, various types of ROM, etc., and stores the programs executed by the MCU 110, data generated by the execution of the programs by the MCU 110, the opening and closing history of the shutter 102, the amount of rise of the stage 105 measured by the stage motor 108B and the date and time of measurement, the thickness of one sanitary product, and other information necessary to use this service.

[0023] As described above, the motor driver 131 may be a proximity sensor that uses infrared rays, or may be another distance sensor that uses a method other than infrared rays, or a physical switch, and detects when the stage 105 has reached its lowest point and inputs the detection result to the MCU 110.

[0024] The ceiling sensor 132 may be a proximity sensor that uses infrared rays, or may be a distance sensor that uses other than infrared rays, or a physical switch, and detects when the sanitary product has reached the ceiling and inputs the detection result to the MCU 110.

[0025] The shutter sensor 133 may be a proximity sensor that uses infrared rays, or may be a distance sensor that uses other than infrared rays, or a physical switch, and detects that the shutter 102 is at the upper end, i.e., that the ejection port 103 is closed, and inputs the detection result to the MCU 110. The shutter sensor 133 is disposed at the upper end of the front surface of the housing 101.

[0026] In this embodiment, the shutter 102 is configured to close when the shutter 102 is forcibly pushed down. More specifically, when the shutter sensor 133 is turned off while the shutter motor 108F is not driven, the MCU 110 drives the shutter motor 108F to raise the shutter 102 to the upper end.

[0027] Furthermore, if it is detected that the sanitary product 99 or a hand has been caught in the outlet 103, the MCU 110 drives the shutter motor 108F to lower the shutter 102 again.

[0028] The removal sensor 134 detects that the user has placed his / her hand over it and inputs the detection result to the MCU 110. In this embodiment, the removal sensor 134 uses a proximity sensor that uses infrared rays, but a general physical switch may also be used.

[0029] The refill switch 137 receives an input of a command to switch to a mode for refilling sanitary products, and inputs the command to the MCU 110. Unlike the removal sensor 134, the refill switch 137 is preferably configured to be difficult to turn on by general users. For example, the refill switch 137 is preferably configured to be turned on by a dedicated key, a sharp object, a magnet, or a special operation on the removal sensor 134. Alternatively, an instruction to enter the refill mode may be received from a cloud or a server via the Internet, etc.

[0030] The timer 140 measures the current time and the time elapsed from a predetermined timing, and inputs the results to the MCU 110 .

[0031] The shutter motor 108F moves the shutter 102 up and down in response to a signal from the MCU 110.

[0032] The stage motor 108B moves the stage 105 up and down in response to a signal from the MCU 110 .

[0033] The communication interface 160 exchanges data with the server 200 via a router or the Internet. The communication interface 160 may also exchange data with the administrator's communication terminal 300 using Wi-Fi communication or Bluetooth communication. For example, when a sanitary product is removed, the MCU 110 transmits the total thickness of the remaining sanitary products to the server 200 via the communication interface 160, and when sanitary products are replenished, the MCU 110 receives the thickness of one sanitary product from the server 200 via the communication interface 160 and stores it in the memory 120.

[0034] The LED light 170 emits light based on instructions from the MCU 210. For example, it emits a warning light to indicate that sanitary products are being removed, that removal of sanitary products is restricted, or that the remaining amount of sanitary products is low.

[0035] The speaker 180 emits sounds based on instructions from the MCU 110. For example, it emits sounds to warn that the remaining amount is low or that removal of sanitary products is restricted.

[0036] The battery 190 supplies power to each part of the storage device 100. However, the storage device 100 may also have a power cable or the like. <Control of Sanitary Product Removal by the Storage Device 100>

[0037] Next, a description will be given of the control process when a request to remove sanitary products is made in the storage device 100 according to this embodiment. The MCU 110 of the storage device 100 executes the process shown in FIG.

[0038] First, in the state shown in Fig. 2, when a request to remove a sanitary product is received via the removal sensor 134 (YES in step S102), the MCU 110 drives the shutter motor 108F to lower the shutter 102 as shown in Fig. 3 (step S104). In this embodiment, the MCU 110 reads the thickness of one sanitary product from the memory 120 and lowers the shutter 102 by a distance equal to that thickness plus α. For example, it is preferable to lower the shutter 102 by 3 cm if one sanitary product is 1 cm thick, or by 4 cm if one sanitary product is 2 cm thick.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the user removes the sanitary product from the removal port 103, the MCU 110 receives a signal from the ceiling sensor 132 indicating that the sanitary product has been removed (step S106).

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the MCU 110 drives the stage motor 108B to lower the stage 105 (step S108).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 12, the MCU 110 also drives the shutter motor 108F to raise the shutter 102 (step S110).

[0042] Then, when the MCU 110 receives a signal from the motor driver (bottom sensor) 131 indicating that the stage 105 has reached its lowest point (step S112) and a signal from the shutter sensor 133 indicating that the shutter 102 has reached its upper end (step S114), it drives the stage motor 108B to raise the stage 105 (step S116). At this time, the MCU 110 measures the amount of lift of the stage 105 by counting the amount of drive of the stage motor 108B.

[0043] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, when the MCU 110 receives a signal from the ceiling sensor 132 indicating that the sanitary product has reached the ceiling (step S122), it calculates the lift distance of the stage 105 from the amount of rotation of the stage motor 108B (step S124).

[0044] The MCU 110 transmits the distance the stage 105 has risen to the server 200 via the communication interface 160 (step S126).

[0045] The MCU 110 turns on the timer 140, lights the LED light 170, and waits for two minutes (step S128). In other words, during these two minutes, the MCU 110 does not lower the shutter 102, i.e., does not open the removal port 103, even if the user places her hand over the removal sensor 134. This makes it possible to prevent sanitary products from being removed repeatedly.

[0046] If the current distance the stage 105 has risen remains the same as the previous distance, or if removal is not detected, it is possible that no sanitary product has been removed, and therefore the MCU 110 does not execute step S128. That is, if the user places their hand over the removal sensor 134 without waiting for two minutes (step S102), the MCU 110 lowers the shutter 102 (step S104). <Sanitary Product Replenishment Control by the Storage Device 100>

[0047] Next, as shown in Figures 15, 16 and 17, a control process will be described for replenishing the storage device 100 with sanitary products 99, 99... when the sanitary products 99, 99... have run out or become low in the storage device 100. The MCU 110 of the storage device 100 executes the process shown in Figure 18 in accordance with the program in the memory 120.

[0048] When the refill switch 137 is turned on by an administrator or the like (step S152), the MCU 110 causes the LED light 170 to blink (step S154).

[0049] 19, the MCU 110 drives the shutter motor 108F to lower the shutter 102 (step S156), and then turns off the power to the shutter sensor 133 (step S158).

[0050] Furthermore, the MCU 110 drives the stage motor 108B to lower the stage 105 (step S160).

[0051] Then, when the MCU 110 receives a signal from the motor driver (bottom sensor) 131 indicating that the stage 105 has reached the lowest point (step S162), it drives the stage motor 108B to raise the stage 105 a predetermined distance, for example, a few centimeters (step S164).

[0052] In this state, the MCU 110 waits until sanitary products are replenished (step S170). In this embodiment, when sanitary products are normally removed, the shutter 102 is configured to move down to the position shown in Figure 3 or 17, but when sanitary products are replenished, the MCU 110 is configured to control the shutter motor 108F so that the shutter 102 moves down to the position shown in Figure 19.

[0053] 19, the shutter 102 can be removed from the housing 101 and the shutter frame 104 as shown in Fig. 20. More specifically, notches 104X, 104X are formed at the left and right ends of the shutter frame 104 disposed in the front opening of the housing 101, and locking portions 102X, 102X are formed at the left and right ends of the back surface of the shutter 102. Also, a single wire 104Y is provided at the top of the shutter frame 104, stretching from the left end to the right end, and a locking portion 102Y that hooks onto the wire 104Y is formed on the back surface of the shutter 102.

[0054] 20, the manager can remove the shutter 102 from the housing 101 by pulling the locking portions 102X, 102X out of the cutouts 104X, 104X and removing the locking portion 102Y from the wire 104Y. Then, as shown in Fig. 21, the manager refills the sanitary products 99, 99... on the stage 105 and then reattaches the shutter 102. That is, the manager hooks the locking portion 102Y onto the wire 104Y and inserts the locking portions 102X, 102X into the cutouts 104X, 104X.

[0055] Returning to FIG. 19, when the refill switch 137 is turned OFF (step S172), the MCU 110 drives the shutter motor 108F to raise the shutter 102, as shown in FIG. 22 (step S174).

[0056] In this embodiment, the MCU 110 then drives the stage motor 108B to lower the stage 105 (step S176). When the MCU 110 receives a detection signal from the motor driver (bottom sensor) 131 indicating that the stage 105 has reached its lowest point (step S178), the MCU 110 drives the stage motor 108B to raise the stage 105 (step S180). The MCU 110 begins measuring the amount of rotation of the stage motor 108B.

[0057] When the MCU 110 receives a detection signal from the ceiling sensor 132 indicating that the sanitary product has reached the ceiling (step S182), it calculates the distance the stage 105 has risen from the amount of rotation of the stage motor 108B (step S184).

[0058] The MCU 110 transmits the distance the stage 105 has risen to the server 200 via the communication interface 160 (step S186).

[0059] The MCU 110 turns off the LED light 170 (step S188).

[0060] Next, a description will be given of one aspect of the configuration of server 200 constituting network system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 23, server 200 includes, as main components, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 210, a memory 220, an operation unit 240, and a communication interface 260.

[0061] The CPU 210 controls each unit of the server 200 by executing a program stored in the memory 220. For example, the CPU 210 executes a program stored in the memory 220 and performs various processes, which will be described later, by referring to various data.

[0062] The memory 220 is realized by various types of RAM (Random Access Memory), various types of ROM (Read-Only Memory), etc., and may be included in the server 200, may be detachable from various interfaces of the server 200, or may be a recording medium of another device accessible from the server 200. The memory 220 stores programs executed by the CPU 210, data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 210, input data, other databases used for the service according to this embodiment, etc.

[0063] For example, the memory 220 stores device data 221 as shown in Fig. 24. The device data 221 includes, for each storage device 100, correspondences such as a device ID, an installation location, a replenishment date and time, a thickness of one sanitary product, a total thickness of the sanitary products, and the number of sanitary products in stock.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 23, the operation unit 240 receives commands from the service administrator or the like and inputs the commands to the CPU 210 .

[0065] The communication interface 260 transmits data from the CPU 210 to the storage equipment 100, the communication terminal 300, and other devices via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc. Conversely, the communication interface 260 receives data from the storage equipment 100, the communication terminal 300, and other devices via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc., and passes the data to the CPU 210. <Information processing of the server 200>

[0066] Next, a description will be given of information processing in the server 200 according to this embodiment. The CPU 210 of the server 200 executes the following processing in accordance with the program stored in the memory 220.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 25, the CPU 210 receives data from the storage equipment 100 via the communication interface 260 (step S202).

[0068] The CPU 210 reads the device ID from the received data (step S204).

[0069] The CPU 210 reads the stage lift distance from the received data and stores it in the device data 221 (step S206).

[0070] The CPU 210 calculates the remaining amount by dividing the lift distance by the thickness of the sanitary product, and stores the calculated amount in the device data 221 (step S208).

[0071] If the remaining amount is greater than the previous amount (YES in step S210), CPU 210 determines that replenishment has been performed and stores the replenishment date and time in device data 221 (step S212).

[0072] The CPU 210 determines whether the remaining amount is less than a predetermined value (step S214). If the remaining amount is less than the predetermined value (YES in step S214), the CPU 210 transmits the device ID, installation location, and remaining amount of the storage equipment 100 to the administrator's communication terminal 300 via the communication interface 260 (step S216). As a result, the communication terminal 300 outputs information identifying the storage equipment with the low remaining amount and information regarding the remaining amount from the display and speaker.

[0073] It is preferable that a dashboard that allows the remaining amount and removal status to be grasped in real time is displayed on the screen 330B of the communication terminal 300B, such as a personal computer, not only at the timing of step S216 but also as shown in Figures 1 and 26. It is also preferable that the manager manages multiple storage equipment 100 while viewing this screen. <Configuration of communication terminal 300>

[0074] 27, a description will be given of one embodiment of the configuration of the communication terminal 300 of the person in charge of managing the storage equipment 100. For example, the communication terminal 300 includes, as main components, a CPU 310, a memory 320, a display 330, an operation unit 340, a communication interface 360, a speaker 370, and a microphone 380.

[0075] The CPU 310 controls each unit of the communication terminal 300 by executing a program stored in the memory 320 .

[0076] Memory 320 is realized by various types of RAM, various types of ROM, etc. Memory 320 stores application programs for various services, data generated by execution of programs by CPU 310, data received from server 200, data input via operation unit 340, information for identifying the user of communication terminal 300, etc.

[0077] Display 330 displays images and text based on data from CPU 310. Operation unit 340 is composed of a pointing device, switches, etc., and inputs various commands from the user to CPU 310. Note that communication terminal 300 may also have a touch panel 350 that includes display 330 and operation unit 340.

[0078] The communication interface 360 ​​transmits and receives data to and from other devices such as the server 200 and the storage equipment 100 via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc. For example, the CPU 310 exchanges various information with other devices such as the server 200 and the storage equipment 100 via the communication interface 360 ​​in accordance with a web browser application program or a dedicated service application program.

[0079] The speaker 370 outputs various sounds based on signals from the CPU 310. The CPU 310 may output answers received from the server 200 not only to the display 330 but also as sounds.

[0080] The microphone 380 receives voice and inputs the voice data to the CPU 310. The CPU 310 may receive a voice message from the user, not limited to the operation unit 340, and transmit the voice message to the server 200.

[0081] For example, the CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 receives information about the remaining amount of sanitary products from the server 200 or the storage device 100 via the communication interface 360 ​​in accordance with the application program in the memory 320, and displays the information on the display 330.

[0082] Furthermore, when the manager refills the storage device 100 with sanitary products, the CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 may accept a designation of the thickness of the refilled sanitary products. In this case, the CPU 310 registers information about the thickness in the server 200 via the communication interface 360. The CPU 210 of the server 200 stores the thickness in the device data 221 in association with the ID of the storage device 100.

[0083] Alternatively, when the manager refills the storage device 100 with sanitary products, the CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 may receive the number of refilled sanitary products. In this case, the CPU 310 registers information on the number in the server 200 via the communication interface 360. The CPU 210 of the server 200 calculates the thickness of the sanitary products by dividing the lift distance of the stage 105 at the time of the most recent refill by the number of products, and stores the calculated thickness in the device data 221. <Second embodiment>

[0084] In the above embodiment, the storage device 100 transmits the amount of lift of the stage 105 to the server 200, and the server 200 calculates the remaining amount of sanitary products. However, the MCU 110 of the storage device 100 may calculate the lift distance of the stage 105 from the amount of rotation of the stage motor 108B in step S124 of Fig. 7, and calculate the remaining amount by dividing the lift distance by the thickness of the sanitary products. Then, the MCU 110 may transmit the remaining amount of the storage device 100 to the server 200 via the communication interface 160 (step S126). <Third embodiment>

[0085] In the above embodiment, the thickness of the sanitary products is specified from the manager's communication terminal 300. However, an input interface may be provided in the storage device 100 to accept the specification of the thickness of one sanitary product, for example, when the sanitary products are restocked. In this case, the MCU 110 transmits the thickness to the server 200 via the communication interface 160. Alternatively, the number of restocked organizer items may be accepted, and the MCU 110 may calculate the thickness of one sanitary product by dividing the initial lift distance by the number of restocked organizer items. <Fourth embodiment>

[0086] In the above embodiment, the server 200 manages the remaining amount of sanitary products for each storage device 100. However, instead of the server 200, the manager's communication terminal 300 may manage the remaining amount of sanitary products for each storage device 100. More specifically, the communication terminal 300 stores the device data 221. The storage device 100 then transmits the amount of lift of the stage 105, the remaining amount of sanitary products, and the like to the communication terminal 300 via Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, or the like.

[0087] The storage equipment 100 may manage the remaining capacity locally. That is, the storage equipment 100 may store only its own remaining capacity in the memory 120, and the MCU 110 may simply output the remaining capacity from its own display or speaker.

[0088] Alternatively, the storage equipment 100 may store only its own remaining amount and transmit a warning that the remaining amount is low to the communication terminal 300 via Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, or the like.

[0089] In addition, in the above embodiment, sanitary products have been used as examples of consumables, but the consumables may be other types of products. For example, the present invention may be applied to other sanitary products such as diapers, or may be used for other consumables such as food and stationery. <Summary>

[0090] In the above embodiment, a storage device is provided that includes a housing for storing consumables and having an access port at the top of the front, a stage that moves up and down while carrying the consumables, and a control unit that lowers the stage when the consumables are removed.

[0091] Preferably, the stage control unit lowers the stage to the bottom end and then raises it, and acquires the amount of movement until the stage consumable reaches the top end.

[0092] Preferably, the stage control unit calculates the number of consumables placed on the stage based on the amount of stage movement.

[0093] Preferably, the storage device further includes a wireless communication antenna, and the stage control unit transmits the amount of stage movement to a predetermined server using the wireless communication antenna.

[0094] Preferably, the stage housing includes a front cover that is movable up and down. When the stage control unit receives a request to remove the stage consumable, it lowers the stage front cover to open the stage removal opening.

[0095] Preferably, the stage control section does not lower the stage front cover for a predetermined time after the stage removal opening is opened, even if a stage removal request is received.

[0096] Preferably, when it is determined that the stage consumables have not decreased while the stage removal port is open, the stage control section lowers the stage front cover in response to a stage removal request even before the predetermined stage time has elapsed.

[0097] Preferably, the stage control unit receives registration of the size of the stage consumables and sets the amount of lowering of the stage front cover in accordance with the stage size.

[0098] Preferably, the stage control unit receives registration of the size of the stage consumables when the stage consumables are replenished.

[0099] Preferably, when the stage control unit receives a command to replenish the stage consumables, the stage control unit lowers the stage to the bottom end and then raises the stage by a predetermined distance, and stops the stage in this state.

[0100] Preferably, the stage housing includes a front cover that is configured to be removable when replenishing stage consumables.

[0101] Preferably, there is provided a network system including a storage device and a server, wherein the server calculates the number of consumables stored in the stage storage device based on the amount of stage movement.

[0102] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A storage device comprising: a housing for storing consumables and having an opening at the top of the front; a stage that moves vertically with the consumables placed on it; and a control unit that lowers the stage when the consumables are removed.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit lowers the stage to the bottom end and then raises it, and obtains the amount of movement of the consumable until it reaches the top end.

3. The storage device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates the number of consumables placed on the stage based on the amount of movement.

4. The storage device according to claim 2, further comprising a wireless communication antenna, wherein the control unit transmits the amount of movement to a specified server using the wireless communication antenna.

5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a front cover that is movable in the vertical direction, and the control unit opens the removal port by lowering the front cover when a request to remove the consumable item is received.

6. A storage device as described in claim 5, wherein the control unit does not lower the front cover even if the removal request is received for a predetermined time after the removal opening is opened.

7. A storage device as described in claim 6, wherein the control unit lowers the front cover in response to the removal request even before the specified time has elapsed when it determines that the consumable has not decreased while the removal port is open.

8. The storage device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit receives registration of the size of the consumable item and sets the amount of lowering of the front cover in accordance with the size.

9. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit accepts registration of the size of the consumable item when the consumable item is replenished.

10. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein, upon receiving a command to replenish the consumables, the control unit lowers the stage to its bottom end and then raises it a predetermined distance before stopping it.

11. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a front cover, the front cover configured to be removable when replenishing the consumables.

12. A network system comprising: the storage device according to claim 3; and a server, wherein the server calculates the number of consumables stored in the storage device based on the amount of movement.

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