JP7214937B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, information processing system, information processing program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing system, and an information processing program. In particular, the present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing system, and an information processing program capable of processing information related to inventory.

In Patent Document 1, a water remaining amount management device measures the weight of a water server placed on it, grasps the remaining amount of water tank based on the measured value, and supplies new water according to the remaining amount. Automatic ordering of tanks is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-167159

Patent Literature 1 merely discloses individually and specifically the matter of automatically placing an order for a new water tank according to the remaining amount. The inventor of the present invention recognizes that there is a need for an information processing device, information processing method, information processing system, and information processing program that enable processing of information related to inventory management with greater convenience and versatility. This is what led to the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises measuring means (for example, weight measuring means) and a server. ) and an object placed on each measuring means (for example, a product; however, it is not limited to an individual object; the same shall apply hereinafter). ), the remaining amount of each item, the weight data measured and transmitted by the measuring means corresponding to the item, the weight data per unit of the item and the packing material (e.g., container; the same shall apply hereinafter) an information processing system, an information processing device that realizes the system, or an information processing device that has a calculation unit that calculates the consumption rate of each item based on the weight and the history of the remaining amount of each item. (ie, information processing method) based on and an information processing program for realizing it are provided.

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it, between warehouses, inside warehouses, and / Alternatively, it is provided that the inventory information of the customer can be grasped in real time or at predetermined intervals.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the measuring means comprises a housing (which may have a flat panel shape) and a weight sensor for measuring the weight of an object placed on the top plate of the housing. , a storage unit for storing a setting value of an address of a communication destination; a communication unit that can be connected to a network by wireless communication; It has a control unit that transmits to a server, and a battery housing unit that houses a battery that supplies power to each unit. An information processing system configured to turn on a power supply when a sensor detects a weight change exceeding a predetermined threshold, and the predetermined threshold is determined according to the type of an object to be placed; Provided are an information processing apparatus to be implemented, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing apparatus, and an information processing program to implement it.

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it, between warehouses, inside warehouses, and / Alternatively, it is possible to grasp the change in the inventory of the customer, etc. as the cause of the weight change, and if the width of the weight change deviates significantly from the past measurement data, it may cause an abnormality, disaster, theft, etc. An information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing system, and an information processing program are provided.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the server further has a notification unit, the calculation unit calculates the period until the stock of the item runs out based on the remaining amount and the consumption speed, and the notification unit Provided are an information processing system that generates an alert, an information processing device that implements the system, steps based on the information processing device (that is, an information processing method), and an information processing program that implements it.

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it, between warehouses, inside warehouses, and / Or an information processing device that can calculate the period until the inventory of the item runs out for the inventory information of the customer, etc., and generates an alert before the inventory runs out, thereby preventing inventory shortages. An information processing method, an information processing system, and an information processing program are provided.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the server further has a notification unit, and the storage unit (server storage unit) stores the standard consumption rate of the item, the history of the consumption rate, and the type of item in association with each other. , the notification unit notifies the consumption speed, and generates and notifies a consumption speed alert when the consumption speed calculated by the calculation unit differs from the standard consumption speed or the history by a predetermined ratio or more. A processing system, an information processing apparatus that implements the system, steps based on the information processing apparatus (that is, an information processing method), and an information processing program that implements the steps are provided.

When the consumption rate is abnormal due to an information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it Generating and notifying alerts when the consumption rate differs from the standard consumption rate or history by more than a predetermined percentage, allowing you to understand anomalies in inventory between warehouses, within warehouses, and/or at customer sites, etc. A system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program for realizing the system are provided.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined ratio is determined according to the type of item, the season, the day of the week, and the time period.

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it, the type of thing, the season, the day of the week , it is possible to generate appropriate alerts according to the time period.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an information processing system in which the alert is abnormal consumption, abnormality detection, or expiration date, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step based on the information processing device (that is, an information processing method ), and an information processing program for realizing it.

Abnormal consumption (overuse), abnormal consumption (overuse), Enables anomaly detection or expiration date alerts.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the calculation unit compares a plurality of types, seasons, days of the week, time periods, and consumption speeds based on the consumption speed history, and contributes to the consumption speed for each product. Provided are an information processing system that calculates variables, an information processing device that implements the system, each step based on the information processing device (that is, an information processing method), and an information processing program that implements it.

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it, variables that contribute to the consumption rate are calculated. It can be calculated, and it becomes possible to support economic activities based on the variable.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an information processing system in which the calculation unit performs correlation analysis with weather forecasts, the number of visitors, customer attributes, past reservation details, or past sales amounts based on variables, or the system is realized. An information processing apparatus, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing apparatus, and an information processing program for realizing it are provided.

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it, analysis of correlation in economic activities, Marketing analysis becomes possible.

In one embodiment of the present invention, information processing in which the calculation unit calculates the period until the stock of the item runs out based on the remaining amount, the consumption speed, and the variable, and the notification unit generates an alert according to the period. A system, an information processing device that implements the system, steps based on the information processing device (that is, an information processing method), and an information processing program that implements the steps are provided.

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it, during the period until the inventory runs out It is possible to place an order taking into account the lead time based on

In one embodiment of the present invention, the calculation unit calculates the measuring means present at a plurality of different positions (or An information processing system for calculating the optimum replenishment period for a product, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it provided.

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it, position information, consumption speed, and residual It is possible to provide the optimum inventory replenishment period, replenishment route, and delivery route according to the period until the inventory runs out based on the quantity.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the server further has an ordering unit, and the ordering unit is an information processing system for ordering the item to the orderer of the item stored in the storage unit according to the period; Provided are an information processing device that implements the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that implements it.

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it, during the period until the inventory runs out Enables automatic ordering according to customer needs.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a measuring means and a server are provided, and the server stores a correspondence relationship between a plurality of measuring means and an object placed on each measuring means in a storage unit. and calculating the remaining amount of each item based on the weight data measured and transmitted by the measuring means corresponding to the item and the weight data per unit of the item, and calculating the remaining amount of each item based on the history of the remaining amount of each item a calculating unit for calculating the consumption speed of the object, the storage unit storing the history of the consumption speed, and the calculating unit calculating the type of the object, the season of consumption, and the day of the week based on the history of the consumption speed. An information processing system or an information processing apparatus that realizes the system by comparing a plurality of time zones and consumption speeds, calculating variables that contribute to the consumption speed for each item, and calculating the future consumption of the item. , each step based on the information processing apparatus (that is, the information processing method), and an information processing program for realizing the steps are provided. The variable may be information about time (including day of the week, date, time zone, season, etc.).

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it, predicting consumption for each dish, Disposal loss calculation and visitor prediction are possible.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a measuring means and a server are provided, and the server stores a correspondence relationship between a plurality of measuring means and an object placed on each measuring means in a storage unit. and calculating the remaining amount of each item based on the weight data measured and transmitted by the measuring means corresponding to the item and the weight data per unit of the item, and calculating the remaining amount of each item based on the history of the remaining amount of each item a calculation unit for calculating the consumption speed of the object, the storage unit storing a history of the consumption speed, the storage unit further storing product information used in cooking and cooking recipes in association with each other, A calculation unit compares a plurality of consumption speeds with types of goods, seasons, days of the week, and time zones of consumption based on the history of consumption speeds, calculates variables contributing to the consumption speed for each of the goods, An information processing system that calculates the future consumption of dishes using provided. The variable may be information about time (including day of the week, date, time zone, season, etc.).

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it, according to the consumption rate of materials, It enables consumption prediction, disposal loss calculation, and visitor prediction for each dish.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a server and weight measuring means are provided, and the calculation unit of the server is based on the measured weight and information on time (date, time, etc. in this paragraph). may be a fluid.) The amount of inflow (amount flowing into the container, etc.) and the amount of outflow (amount flowing out of the container, etc.) are grasped, and the remaining amount (the amount remaining in the container) is determined from the inflow and outflow amounts and the consumption speed, calculate the time (future time) at which the weight (remaining amount in the container) becomes zero from the consumption speed and the remaining amount (remaining amount in the container), and calculate the time (future time ), an information processing system that controls the amount of inflow (amount that flows into a container, etc.), an information processing device that realizes the system, each step based on the information processing device (i.e., an information processing method), and realizing it An information processing program is provided.

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it, an appropriate weight (inside the container remaining amount) can be managed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an information processing system further comprising a vehicle (for example, a self-propelled robot) in which the vehicle acquires position information and image data and transmits the data to a server, or an information processing apparatus that implements the system. , each step based on the information processing apparatus (that is, the information processing method), and an information processing program for realizing the steps are provided.

Acquisition of position information and image data by an information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that realizes it In addition to grasping the location of inventory, it is also possible to grasp its properties and contents.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle is further provided, the storage unit of the server stores the position information of the object or the measuring means, and the vehicle drives the inside of the building including the inventory area (including the warehouse etc.) where the object is placed. An information processing system that is movable, has an RFID reader attached, and has a location tag that is an RF tag that records location information of an installation location attached to an object (including merchandise) or measurement means, or the system An information processing device that implements the above, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that implements it are provided.

An information processing system having the above configuration, an information processing device that implements the system, each step (that is, an information processing method) based on the information processing device, and an information processing program that implements it, the vehicle is detected in the vicinity of the measuring means. By stopping the vehicle and comparing the position information of the object (including products) or measuring means with the position information of the vehicle, it is possible to verify the accuracy of the position information of the object (including products) or measuring means. .

In one embodiment of the present invention, an authentication device is further provided, the authentication device has a reading unit for reading user identification information, the storage unit of the server stores an allowable change amount of weight data corresponding to the identification information, The calculation unit includes an information processing system that determines whether the placement or acquisition of an object by a user is within the change allowable amount, an information processing device that realizes the system, each step based on the information processing device (that is, an information processing method ), and an information processing program for realizing it.

With the above configuration, it is possible to grasp not only whether or not a specific user may acquire the product from the inventory, but also whether or not the upper limit that the specific user can acquire is exceeded.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an authentication device is further provided, the authentication device has a reading unit for reading the identification information of the user, the storage unit of the server stores the change history of the weight data in association with the identification information, The consumption speed for each user may be measured based on the history. In this case, the user's consumption tendency may be analyzed based on the consumption rate and time information (including day of the week, date, time zone, season, etc.).

With the above configuration, it is possible to analyze consumption trends for a specific user.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly convenient inventory management system based on inventory information between warehouses, within warehouses, and/or at customer sites.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inventory management system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the weight measurement mat. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a terminal device; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship among weight measurement mats, objects, and position information. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a state in which one object is placed on two weight measurement mats. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a table in a storage unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in which the remaining amount of each item is displayed at the arrangement position of each item. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in which the remaining amount of each item is displayed separately for each area. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of the configuration of an authentication device according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of the configuration of the self-propelled robot according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a table in a storage unit according to one embodiment regarding alert generation.

[Basic configuration]
A basic configuration of hardware and software according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 1, the inventory management system 1 has weight measuring means 2a and 2b, a server 3, and a terminal device 5. In FIG. The weight measuring means 2a and 2b, the server 3, and the terminal device 5 are communicably connected to each other via a network 4 such as the Internet. The network 4 may be either a wired line or a wireless line, regardless of the type or form of the line. At least part of the weight measuring means 2a and 2b, the server 3, and the terminal device 5 is implemented by a computer. As will be described later, the system 1 may further include an imaging means 60, an authentication device 200 (FIG. 10) and/or a self-propelled robot 300 (FIG. 11) equipped with the imaging means 60. FIG.

[Terminal device 5]
Among these, the terminal device 5 is used by an inventory manager of goods (for example, products 6a and 6b). be.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 5. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 5 includes a terminal communication unit 51, a terminal control unit 52, a terminal storage unit 53, a terminal input unit 54, and a terminal display unit 55 ("display unit" in the scope of claims). corresponding to ). Each unit is communicably connected to each other via a bus.

A terminal communication unit 51 is a communication interface between the terminal device 5 and the network 4 . The terminal communication unit 51 transmits and receives information between the terminal device 5 and the server 3 via the network 4 .

The terminal control unit 52 is control means for performing various processes of the terminal device 5 . The terminal control unit 52 may be realized by the processor in the terminal device 5 executing a predetermined program, or may be implemented by hardware.

The terminal storage unit 53 is data storage such as a built-in memory or an external memory (such as an SD memory card). Various data handled by the terminal control unit 52 are stored in the terminal storage unit 53 .

The terminal input unit 54 is an interface for the user to input information to the terminal device 5, and is, for example, a touch panel or microphone in a mobile terminal, a touch pad, keyboard or mouse in a notebook computer.

The terminal display unit 55 is an interface for displaying various information from the terminal device 5 to the user, and is image display means such as a liquid crystal display. Specifically, for example, the terminal display unit 55 may display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving operations from the user.

[Weight measuring means]
Next, the configuration of the weight measuring means 2a and 2b will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the weight measuring means 2a and 2b are versatile weight measuring means and can be used for inventory management and disposal loss calculation. In this specification, the term "versatility" means that there is no limitation on the product to be measured, and the weight of any product can be measured as long as the product can be placed thereon.

In this embodiment, the weight measuring means 2a and 2b are configured as weight measuring mats. In the present specification, the term “weight measurement mat” means weight measurement means having a plate-like base on which an object is placed, which can be laid under the object like a mat. In the following description, the weight measuring means 2a, 2b may be referred to as weight measuring mats 2a, 2b.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the weight measurement mats 2a and 2b have a flat panel shape, and the weight of any mat that can be placed on the flat panel shape can be measured. Is possible. In this specification, the term "flat panel shape" means a shape that can measure an object placed thereon while keeping it horizontal. As long as the object placed thereon can be kept horizontal for measurement, the “flat panel-shaped” top plate may be flat or may have fine unevenness to prevent slippage. In the illustrated example, the planar shape of the weight measurement mats 2a and 2b is quadrilateral, but is not limited to this, and may be circular, triangular, pentagonal or more. may be a polygon of

In the present embodiment, the weight measurement mats 2a and 2b have a size that conforms to a specific standard in terms of planar shape. Specifically, for example, the planar shape of the weight measurement mats 2a and 2b is A3 size (40 cm×30 cm), A4 size (30 cm×20 cm) or A5 size ( 15 cm x 20 cm). By having a standardized planar shape, it is easy to combine and install a plurality of weight measurement mats 2a and 2b in the planar direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of weight measurement mats 2a and 2b (two in the illustrated example) can be combined in the plane direction. By combining a plurality of weight measurement mats 2a and 2b in the plane direction, it is possible to measure the weight of even a large product.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the weight measurement mats 2a and 2b. The weight measurement mats 2a and 2b have the same configuration, and the configuration of the weight measurement mat 2a will be described below as a representative.

As shown in FIG. 2, the weight measurement mat 2a includes a housing 20, a mat communication section 21, a mat control section 22, a mat storage section 23, a weight sensor 24, a measurement button 25, a lamp 26, It has a battery housing portion 27 . The housing 20 has a flat panel shape, and each part 21 to 27 is housed inside the housing 20 .

The mat communication unit 21 is a communication interface between the weight measurement mat 2 a and the network 4 . In this embodiment, the mat communication unit 21 can be connected to the network 4 by wireless communication, and transmits and receives information between the weight measurement mat 2a and the server 3. FIG. Wireless communication standards include, for example, Wi-Fi, LTE/5G, Cat. M1, NB-IoT, etc. are used.

The mat storage unit 23 is data storage such as a built-in memory of a microcomputer or an external memory (such as an SD memory card). Various data handled by the mat control unit 22 are stored in the mat storage unit 23 . For example, the mat storage unit 23 includes a set value 231 of measurement frequency and a set value 232 of communication destination IP address. The setting value 231 of the measurement frequency and the setting value 232 of the communication destination IP address may be settable via the network 4 from the terminal device 5 of the inventory manager.

The mat control unit 22 is control means for performing various processes of the weight measurement mat 2a. The mat control unit 22 may be realized by executing a predetermined program by the processor of the microcomputer in the weight measurement mat 2a, or may be implemented by hardware.

The mat control unit 22 acquires the measurement data of the product weight from the weight sensor 24 at the measurement frequency (for example, once an hour) set by the measurement frequency setting value 231, and sets the communication destination IP address setting value. The obtained measurement data is transmitted to the server 3 specified by 232 together with the unique ID information for each mat. Further, the mat control unit 22 grasps the remaining amount of the battery accommodated in the battery accommodating unit 27 based on the voltage at a predetermined frequency (for example, once a day), and obtains the information on the remaining amount of the battery together with the ID information. It may be sent to the server 3. Further, the mat control unit 22 connects to the server 3 at a predetermined frequency (for example, once a day) and corrects the clock in the weight measurement mat 2a based on the time information of the clock in the server 3. At the same time, the latest firmware on the server 3 may be checked. In addition, the mat control unit 22 may enter a sleep state in which the current consumption is reduced to 500 μAh or less, for example, except during the above operation. As a result, even if the battery housed in the battery housing portion 27 is used as a power supply, it can be operated stably for one year or more without trouble.

Further, the mat control unit 22 enters a sleep state (power OFF) in which the current consumption is reduced to, for example, 500 μAh or less after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the sleep state is released by a change in the weight of an object on the mat (power ON). may be configured as follows. For example, as a real-time measurement (difference detection function) function, the weight is measured immediately when there is a change in weight, and the measured data is communicated. At this time, it may be possible to change the threshold for communicating the weight measurement result (or the sensing threshold). Since the weight information collection method is configured to grasp such weight fluctuations, it is possible to efficiently collect and analyze the weight fluctuations.

The battery accommodating portion 27 accommodates a battery, such as a dry cell or a storage battery, which supplies electric power to the respective portions 21 to 26 . In the present embodiment, the weight measurement mat 2a is not provided with a power switch, and the weight measurement mat 2a is activated by inserting a battery into the battery storage section 27. FIG. As a result, it is possible to prevent forgetting to turn on the power switch, and the operation interface of the weight measurement mat 2a has an extremely simple configuration with only the measurement button 25, which is very easy for the user to use.

Weight sensor 24 is, for example, a load cell. In the present embodiment, the weight sensor 24 is provided on the top plate 20a (see FIG. 1) of the housing 20 of the weight measurement mat 2a having a square shape in plan view (or a substantially square shape with rounded corners). The weight of the product placed on the top plate 20a is measured.

The measurement button 25 is provided at one corner of the housing 20 of the weight measurement mat 2a. When the measurement button 25 is pressed by the user, the mat control unit 22 acquires measurement data of the product weight from the weight sensor 24 and transmits the acquired measurement data to the server 3 .

The lamp 26 is provided adjacent to the measurement button 25 at one corner of the housing 20 of the weight measurement mat 2a. In the present embodiment, when the measurement button 25 is pressed by the user and both the acquisition of the measurement data and the transmission of the measurement data are successful, the lamp 26 lights in the first mode (for example, green), If one or both of the measurement data acquisition and the measurement data transmission fail, the lamp 26 lights in a second mode (for example, red) different from the first mode. Further, when the remaining amount of the battery housed in the battery housing section 27 is exhausted, the lamp 26 does not light up even if the measurement button 25 is pressed. Accordingly, the user can easily confirm whether or not the battery in the battery storage section 27 has a remaining amount by checking whether or not the lamp 26 lights when the measurement button 25 is pressed.

[Photographing means 60]
Furthermore, the inventory management system 1 may include the photographing means 60 for photographing the image data 61 as described above. The photographing means 60 is a camera (a well-known CCD camera, CMOS camera, etc.) capable of photographing an object (product 6, etc.) on the weight measurement mat, for example, photographing a shelf on which articles including products are arranged. It is possible to As will be described later, the captured image data 61 is transmitted to the server control section 32 and stored in the server storage section 33 in association with the weight data. The first position information and second position information included in the image data 61 may also be transmitted to the server control section 32 and stored in the storage section in association with the weight data of the product 6 and the image data 61 . As will be described later, the image data 61 is analyzed by the server control unit 32 and compared with the product reference image stored in advance in the storage unit to enable identification of the article on the weight measurement mat. The first positional information or the second positional information may be specific positional information using "latitude/longitude" obtained using wireless communication technology such as GPS or Wifi, or may be specific positional information using a given location name. may be For example, in the case of in-house inventory, whether it is the inventory of the head office, head office, or the like, or the inventory of a branch office, etc. is important information, so it is significant to register the location names thereof. In addition, in the case of the customer's inventory, it is useful to grasp the location information using latitude and longitude and the specific address in order to be able to collectively monitor the customer's inventory from a remote location. These locations are stored in the storage unit.

The first position information of the multiple stages of position information with different scales may be specific position information using "latitude and longitude" obtained using wireless communication technology such as GPS and Wifi. It can also be a given location name. As the given location name, for example, in the case of own inventory, information such as whether it is the inventory of the head office, head office, etc., or the inventory of the branch office. Further, the second positional information includes detailed location information in the warehouse (for example, detailed information on the rack indicating which rack is located in which location in the warehouse, ie, "shelf information"). be able to. This can be analyzed from the photographed image data, or can be stored by manually recording the shelf information when the product is placed on the shelf. In addition, it is also possible to grasp the information of the items placed on the shelf (property, name, shape, etc. of the product) using a known wireless technology such as RFID. That is, by attaching an RFID to a shelf or a weight measuring means and reading it, position information can be grasped. With the shelf information, it is possible to provide the user with information as to which shelf has the stock at any given time in the first place. Furthermore, the RFID tag may be attached to the product when it is stored on the shelf, or may be attached to the shelf or the weight measuring means in advance.

Furthermore, the photographing means 60 may be installed in a vehicle (for example, a self-propelled robot 300) (Fig. 11). The self-propelled robot 300 has a control section 310 (image capturing section), a storage section 330 and a communication section 320 . By having the self-propelled robot take pictures of each shelf and go around, it is possible to collect information (property, name, shape, etc. of the product) on the items placed on the shelf. At this time, the self-propelled robot communicates with the weight measuring means to grasp which weight measuring means the photograph was taken from, and transmits the photograph to the server, and the server associates this with each weight measuring means. can be stored. The robot 300 may transmit position information and/or time information at each shooting.

Furthermore, an RFID reader may be attached to the vehicle, and the communication unit 320 of the vehicle is configured to be able to read the information of the RF tag from the reader attached to the vehicle and transmit it to the server 3. good too. The controller 310 may be able to move inside a building including an inventory area (including a warehouse, etc.) where articles are placed. As will be described later, a placed object (including merchandise) or a weight measuring means may be attached with a position tag, which is an RF tag in which position information of the installation position is recorded. By stopping near the means or shelf and comparing the position information grasped in the storage part of the server and the position information acquired from the vehicle for the goods or weight measuring means, the accuracy of the position information of the goods or measuring means is obtained. It is possible to verify the

[Authentication device 200]
Furthermore, in one example, an authentication device 200 (for example, an IC card reader) may be provided (FIG. 10). The authentication device 200 may have a reader 220 that reads identification information from an authentication card held by a user. The authentication device 200 has a communication section 210 . The read identification information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 230 and transmitted to the server 3 described later by the communication unit 210 . The server storage unit 33, which will be described later, can store an allowable change amount of weight data corresponding to the identification information. Determine if within A notifier generates an alert if the change allowance is exceeded. Further, the server storage unit 33, which will be described later, can create a table shown in FIG. 7 for each user and perform each process described later for each user.

[Server 3]
Next, the configuration of the server 3 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 3. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 3 is, for example, a cloud-type server, and includes a server communication unit 31 and a server control unit 32 (the “calculation unit” and “notification unit” in the claims are and a server storage unit 33 (corresponding to the “storage unit” in the claims). Each part is connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus or a network.

Among them, the server communication unit 31 is a communication interface between the server 3 and the network 4 . The server communication unit 31 transmits and receives information between the weight measurement mats 2 a and 2 b and the terminal device 5 and the server 3 via the network 4 .

The server storage unit 33 is fixed data storage such as a hard disk. Various data handled by the server control unit 32 are stored in the server storage unit 33 . For example, the server storage unit 33 stores the weight measurement mats 2a and 2b (ID information of the weight measurement mats 2a and 2b), the products 6a and 6b placed on the weight measurement mats 2a and 2b, and the products 6a and 6b. 6b contains the corresponding relationship with the position information. The position information of the products 6a and 6b may include position information of multiple stages with different scales.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship (33a) between weight measurement mats 2a and 2b, products 6a and 6b, and position information. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the weight measurement mat A, the product a placed on the weight measurement mat A, and the first work room (second position information) are stored in association with each other. In addition, the position information of the weight measurement mat B, the product b placed on the weight measurement mat B, and the sixth work room (second position information) on the 2nd floor (first position information), which is the storage position of the product b. are stored in association with each other. Further, the position information of the weight measurement mat C, the product c placed on the weight measurement mat C, and the second work room (second position information) on the 1st floor (first position information) where the product c is stored. are stored in association with each other. In addition, weight measurement mat D and weight measurement mat E, product d placed so as to span both weight measurement mat D and weight measurement mat E (see FIG. 6), and storage position of product d 2F (first position information) and the position information of the eighth working room (second position information) are stored in association with each other.

Furthermore, the first position information of multiple stages of position information with different scales may be specific position information using "latitude and longitude" obtained using wireless communication technology such as GPS and Wifi. , may be a given location name. As the given location name, for example, in the case of own inventory, information such as whether it is the inventory of the head office, head office, etc., or the inventory of the branch office. Further, the second positional information includes detailed location information in the warehouse (for example, detailed information on the rack indicating which rack is located in which location in the warehouse, ie, "shelf information"). be able to.

The server storage unit 33 stores the history of the remaining amount of each product 6a, 6b, the appropriate inventory amount of each product 6a, 6b, the order destination of each product 6a, 6b, the order quantity of each product 6a, 6b, and each product 6a. , 6b and the address of the terminal device 5 of the stock manager of each product 6a, 6b. The history of the remaining amount of each product 6a, 6b is stored in association with time-related information (including day of the week, date, time zone, season, etc.).

The server storage unit 33 also stores a breakdown of the remaining amount of each of the products 6a and 6b for each inventory addition date, a history of the consumption speed of each of the products 6a and 6b, and parameters contributing to the consumption speed of each of the products 6a and 6b. , further includes In addition, the server storage unit 33 stores the remaining battery level information of each weight measurement mat 2a, 2b, the latest communication date and time with each weight measurement mat 2a, 2b, and the average consumption speed of each product 6a, 6b (that is, a predetermined average value of the consumption speed in the period) and . These are stored in association with each product 6a, 6b.

The server storage unit 33 can also store weight data per unit and the inventory amount or remaining amount calculated based on the weight. This is stored in association with each product 6a, 6b. "Remaining amount" does not mean just weight, but its unit. For example, liters, pieces, sheets, cans, stands, horses, cases, and the like. Weight data per unit means a value from which these units can be calculated from weight (for example, specific gravity in conversion between weight and liter).

The server storage unit 33 can also store the standard consumption rate in association with each product 6a, 6b. The standard consumption speed is the speed at which the product is normally consumed, and may be information such as the recommended intake amount obtained from the Internet, or the standard amount input by the user.

The server storage unit 33 can store the permissible change amount of the weight data corresponding to the identification information. This is stored in association with each product 6a, 6b. Identification information means information uniquely given to each user and capable of identifying the user.

The server storage unit 33 stores information on ingredients used in cooking (including details of ingredients, name, quantity or ratio, quality, production area, etc.) and cooking recipes in association with each other.

The server control unit 32 has a calculation unit, a notification unit, a display control unit, an order request receiving unit, and a product ordering unit. Each of these units may be realized by the processor in the server 3 executing a predetermined program, or may be implemented by hardware.

The correspondence relationship storage unit in the server storage unit 33 stores in the server storage unit 33 the correspondence relationship between the plurality of weight measurement mats 2a and 2b and the products 6a and 6b placed on the respective weight measurement mats 2a and 2b. . The correspondence relationship storage unit 32a stores in the storage unit 33 correspondence relationships between the plurality of weight measurement mats 2a and 2b, the products placed on the weight measurement mats 2a and 2b, and the position information of the products 6a and 6b. You can remember. Further, the correspondence storage unit 32a may associate and store a plurality of weight measurement mats and weight data. may be stored in association with the data of

The calculation unit calculates the remaining amount (for example, remaining amount ratio or number) of each of the products 6a and 6b based on the weight data transmitted from the weight measurement mats 2a and 2b corresponding to the products 6a and 6b. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the calculation unit calculates the remaining amount of product a based on the weight data transmitted from weight measurement mat A, and calculates the remaining amount of product b based on the weight transmitted from weight measurement mat B. The remaining amount of product c is calculated based on the weight data transmitted from the weight measurement mat C, and the remaining amount of product d is calculated based on the weight data transmitted from the weight measurement mat D and the weight measurement. It is calculated based on the sum of the weight data sent from Matt E.

The server control unit 32 stores (accumulates) the remaining amount of each of the products 6a and 6b calculated by the calculating unit in the server storage unit 33 together with information on the date and time of measurement, so that the remaining amount of each of the products 6a and 6b can be calculated. form a history. The history is stored in the storage unit 33 .

The calculation unit can calculate the average consumption speed of each product based on the history of the remaining amount of each product 6 a and 6 b, and may store the calculated average consumption speed of each product in the storage unit 33 .

The display control unit transmits the remaining amount of each product 6a, 6b calculated by the calculation unit to the terminal device 5 of the inventory manager and causes the terminal display unit 55 to display it.

Further, the display control unit may display the remaining amount of each of the products 6a and 6b calculated by the calculation unit on the terminal display unit 55 together with the position information of the products 6a and 6b stored in the server storage unit 33. . For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the display control unit displays on the terminal display unit 55 a layout diagram (33f) showing the arrangement positions of the respective products 6a and 6b, and displays the respective products 6a stored in the server storage unit 33. , 6b, the remaining amount of each product 6a, 6b may be displayed at the arrangement position of each product 6a, 6b on the layout drawing. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the display control unit displays each of the products 6a and 6b based on the position information (for example, first position information) of each of the products 6a and 6b stored in the server storage unit 33. In the illustrated example, the terminal display unit 55 may display the remaining amount of each product 6a and 6b separately for each area.

The order request receiving unit receives an order request for the products 6a and 6b transmitted from the terminal device 5 of the inventory manager of each product 6a and 6b.

When the order request receiving unit receives an order request for each of the products 6a and 6b, the product ordering unit places an order for the product stored in the server storage unit 33 with the ordering party of the product stored in the server storage unit 33. Order the products 6a and 6b by quantity.

As an example, when the order request receiving unit receives an order request for a product, the product ordering unit determines whether or not a remaining amount alert is generated for a product different from the product for which the order request is received. If a remaining amount alert is generated for other products of the same type as the received product, the product for which the order request has been received and the other products for which the remaining amount alert has been generated will be sent together. You may place an order to the supplier of the product that received the The product ordering unit also determines whether or not the remaining amount of the specific product is below the predetermined remaining amount, and if the remaining amount of the specific product is below the predetermined remaining amount, the specific product is stored. The products 6a and 6b may be automatically ordered from the orderer of the products 6a and 6b at the order quantity of the products stored in the server storage unit 33. FIG.

As an example, when the order request receiving unit receives an order request for a product, the product ordering unit determines whether a remaining amount alert has been generated for another product that has the same ordering party as the product for which the order request has been received. is determined, and if a remaining amount alert is generated for another product with the same ordering party as the product for which the order request has been received, a remaining amount alert is generated for the product for which the order request has been received. Other commodities may also be collectively ordered to the supplier of the commodities that received the order request.

As an example, the product ordering department is not based on alerts, but based on the consumption speed and remaining amount from the group of stores that handle the products to be ordered, (2) Suggestion of a supplier that can replenish inventory at the lowest cost may be calculated, and product orders may be placed based on this. This is realized by calculating the optimum supplier (the store that can replenish inventory the fastest or the store that can replenish inventory the cheapest) from pre-stored supplier information based on the remaining amount and the consumption speed. be. Further, the amount of merchandise to be ordered may be calculated based on the consumption speed and the remaining amount, and the merchandise may be ordered based on this calculation. The order fulfills the demand mainly on the warehouse side, but in addition, as a suggestive function from the perspective of the stock replenisher, (3) predict the store that will place the order and select the optimal store route. The ability to suggest routes so that inventory can be replenished is also feasible. That is, the calculation unit of the server 3 can calculate the period until the inventory runs out based on the consumption rate and the remaining amount, as described in the analysis method described later. The storage unit of the server 3 can store the period until stock runs out for a plurality of warehouses/stores. Then, the control unit of the server 3 can grasp the order in which the inventory runs out for the plurality of warehouses/stores. Also, the location information of each of the plurality of warehouses/stores is stored in association with each product. Summarizing these, the calculation unit of the server 3, based on the period until the inventory runs out (or the remaining amount and the consumption speed) and the location information, replenishes the optimal product to a plurality of warehouses and stores for each product. Can suggest a route.

As an example, when the product ordering unit succeeds in ordering the products 6a and 6b for which the order request has been received, the product ordering unit generates an order confirmation for the products 6a and 6b, and sends it by e-mail or instant message. , to the terminal device 5 of the inventory manager of the products 6a and 6b.

As an example, the server 3 stores robot position data including the position of a vehicle (including a self-propelled robot) at each time, and information detection data including the time when an object is detected and the identification information of the object. Inventory location data indicating where the object is located is generated based on the received robot location data and the information detection data. Then, the server control unit 32 refers to the area definition data that associates a plurality of areas defined in the space with the position of each area, and from the inventory position data, the inventory area indicating the area where the object exists. It is also possible to create data.

As an example, the server storage unit 33 can store the permissible change amount of weight data corresponding to the identification information. The calculation unit of the server 3 determines whether or not acquisition of products by each user is within the change allowable amount. A notifier generates an alert if the change allowance is exceeded.

As an example, the calculation unit calculates the amount of inflow and outflow to the container placed on the weight measuring means based on the measured weight and information on time (including day of the week, date, time zone, season, etc.) You may Then, the calculation unit calculates the remaining amount and the consumption speed from the inflow amount and the outflow amount, calculates the time when the weight becomes zero from the consumption speed and the remaining amount, and the notification unit calculates based on the time when the weight becomes zero A command may be sent to the weighing means to generate an alert or control the inflow.

[Details of data analysis method]
As will be explained below, it is possible to analyze the data acquired by the weight measuring means, which is hardware, and in some cases also utilize external data to perform various analyzes, automation, and optimization.

As an example, the following method is provided by this embodiment as a method for measuring actual inventory. When the product 6 is taken out from the storage space, the calculation unit compares the weight data stored in the storage unit with the product information data, and calculates the quantity and type of the product taken out and/or the number of stored products. Determine quantity and type. The resulting data is used to update inventory information. That is, the inventory amount (remaining ratio or number) is obtained based on the weight, and is stored in the inventory amount storage unit. Note that the inventory amount may be accumulated in a predetermined cloud database different from the server 3 .

First, the calculation unit calculates the remaining amount of each product based on the weight data measured and transmitted by the measuring means corresponding to the product, the weight data per unit of the product, and the weight of the packing material, The consumption speed of the product may be calculated based on the history of the remaining amount of each product. At this time, the "remaining amount" does not simply mean the weight, but the unit. For example, liters, pieces, sheets, cans, stands, horses, cases, and the like. Weight data per unit means a value from which these units can be calculated from weight (for example, specific gravity in conversion between weight and liter). Furthermore, the consumption speed of the product may be calculated based on the history of the remaining amount of each product. This makes it possible to calculate the consumption speed of the product at the location. The weight data per unit of the product and the weight data of the packaging material may be stored in advance in the storage unit, or may be obtained by searching for the weight data from the product name on the Internet and stored. good too. For example, consider canned drink 6d. The canned beverage 6d is said to weigh 350 g per can on the Internet. Suppose that it is described on the Internet that canned beverages are packed in units of six and that the weight of the packing material is 100 g. Assume that the measured weight data at this time is 2550 g. Then, the calculation unit calculates that there is one packed 6 cans of beverage and one loose canned beverage, and that there are 7 cans of canned beverage in stock.

The calculation unit stores the inventory in association with time-related information (including day of the week, date, time zone, season, etc.) for each product. By storing this at one or more locations, the past remaining amount of each product (that is, the history of remaining amount) is stored in the storage unit.

For example, if there are 11 cans on shelf A1 of warehouse A at 13:00 on December 1st, 10 cans on December 2nd at 13:00, and 9 cans on December 3rd at 13:00, the server storage unit 33 has A: A1: December 1st, 13:00: Winter: 11 cans, A: A1: December 2nd, 13:00: Winter: 10 cans, A: A1: December 3rd, 13 Time: Winter: 9 cans of canned drinks are stored (Fig. 7).

The calculation unit calculates the consumption rate of the product at the location using the remaining amount history stored in the storage unit. In the above specific example, the calculation unit calculates that the average consumption rate of canned beverages is one can/day. At this time, the calculation unit may store the average consumption rate together with other information such as product type, season, day of the week, and time period. In that case, the average consumption rate is stored as 1 can/day: canned beverage: winter: lunch, etc. (FIG. 7).

When the average consumption rate is known, the calculation unit further calculates the period from the number of days remaining in stock until the stock runs out. For example, at 13:00 on December 3rd, if the average consumption rate is 1 can/day and the remaining stock is 8 cans, the number of days is 8 (FIG. 7).

Also, by inputting the expiry date of the product at the time of delivery, or by taking an image with the photographing unit and inputting it, the storage unit can store the expiry date or expiry date of the product. For example, if the storage unit stores that the expiration date of the canned beverage is December 20th, at 13:00 on December 3rd, the average consumption rate is 1 can/day, and the remaining inventory is 8 cans. , the remaining stock is consumed before the expiration date due to the consumption speed of the canned beverage, so the notification unit does not generate an alert. On the other hand, when the storage unit stores that the expiration date of the canned beverage is December 10th, at 13:00 on December 3rd, the average consumption rate is 1 can/day, and the remaining inventory is 8 cans. , the notifying unit generates an alert because it is expected that the remaining stock will not be consumed before the expiration date from the consumption speed of the canned beverage. The timing for generating an alert can be set for each product (see FIG. 12).

The average consumption rate may be calculated as a specific consumption amount, but may be calculated as a percentage, such as an average consumption rate (such as consuming X percent on average). The average consumption rate is calculated, for example, based on the full amount.

The notifying unit of the server suggests that there is an abnormality or that there is a possibility of disaster or theft when the calculating unit calculates that the consumption speed exceeds a predetermined threshold compared to the normal average consumption speed. can generate an alert to In addition, when the notification unit of the server calculates that the consumption speed exceeds a predetermined threshold compared to the standard consumption speed, an alert indicating the existence of an abnormality or the possibility of a disaster or theft is issued. can be generated. The standard consumption rate may be stored in the storage unit in advance, or the communication unit may acquire the standard consumption rate (for example, the recommended intake) on the Internet and store it in the storage unit (Fig. 12). reference).

For example, in a water server, if the average consumption rate is 2 liters/day, the standard consumption rate is 1.5 liters, and the threshold is 2 liters/day, the average consumption rate is 2 liters/day. An alert can also be generated if the calculated consumption rate exceeds 4 liters/day, which exceeds the standard consumption rate of 1.5 liters/day by 2 liters/day. An alert can also be generated if the consumption rate is calculated to be greater than 4 liters per day per day.

Further, the calculation unit of the server can analyze the consumption trend using the history of the consumption rate. Consumption trend parameters include, but are not limited to, day-of-the-week dependence, time period dependence, season dependence, and the like. For example, the number of canned beverages in the above specific example on shelf A1 of warehouse A was 11 cans at 13:00 on Sunday, December 1st, but 10 cans at 19:00 on Sunday, December 1st, and ) If there are 10 cans at 13:00 and 9 cans at 19:00 on December 2nd (Monday) (Fig. 7), calculate "day of week dependency: none" and "time zone dependency: yes: 19:00", Day of the week dependency and time dependency can thus be calculated.

Furthermore, the calculation unit can also calculate their contributions. For example, if the amount of change differs depending on the time period even in the same season and on the same day of the week, it is determined that the time period contribution is important. If it is determined that the consumption rate of canned beverages is high on Fridays even in the same season and at the same time, it is determined that the day-of-the-week dependence parameter is important. If there is seasonal dependence, we judge that the seasonal parameter is important. If there are multiple important parameters, determine the priority of the parameters. This can be calculated by analyzing (calculating) the weight data acquired together with the n parameter information for the n parameters X1 . . . Xn. This makes it possible to use it for marketing purposes. It can also be applied to fields that cannot be grasped by conventional POS data, such as the amount of food cooked in a restaurant and the forecast of visitors.

That is, in a restaurant or the like, the above weight measuring means is applied to the ingredients of each dish. Then, the average consumption speed for each dish is calculated from the average consumption speed for each ingredient.

In this example, the server storage unit 33 stores information on ingredients used in cooking (including details of ingredients, name, quantity or ratio, quality, production area, etc.) and cooking recipes in association with each other. . For example, regarding a dish 7 that requires ingredients 7a, 7b, and 7c, the server storage unit 33 stores that the dish 7 requires 1 ingredient 7a, 2 ingredients 7b, and 3 ingredients 7c. Then, it can be calculated that the dish 7 is prepared when the material 7a is consumed at a rate of 1, the material 7b at 2, and the material 7c at a ratio of 3. Then, from the average consumption rate of the ingredients 7a to 7c, the average cooking cost of the dish 7 can be found. The history of the preparation of the dish 7 is stored in association with time-related information (including day of the week, date, time zone, season, etc.), and the average preparation speed of the dish 7 can be calculated. This average calculation speed becomes equal to the average consumption speed of the dish 7 if the amount of waste is subtracted. Then, using information on time (including day of the week, date, time zone, season, etc.) and information (temperature, weather, atmospheric pressure) that can be obtained on the Internet based on this, the average consumption rate of the dish 7 is calculated. Identify contributing parameters. Furthermore, the calculator can also calculate the contribution of these parameters. For example, if the amount of change differs depending on the time period even in the same season and on the same day of the week, it is determined that the time period contribution is important. If it is determined that the consumption rate of canned beverages is high on Fridays even in the same season and at the same time, it is determined that the day-of-the-week dependence parameter is important. If there is seasonal dependence, we judge that the seasonal parameter is important. If there are multiple important parameters, determine the priority of the parameters. This can be calculated by analyzing (calculating) n weight data acquired together with n parameter information for n parameters X1 . . . Xn.

As yet another example, the average consumption rate of the dish 7 may be directly measured. This can be used in a buffet style restaurant or the like. By arranging the weight measuring means under the plate of each dish, the calculator can directly calculate the average consumption rate of the dish 7 .

As a result, the average consumption speed of the dish 7 and the average consumption speed of the ingredients 7a to 7c thereof are calculated, so that the ordering unit can automatically place an order using the parameters whose contribution is known. That is, for dish 7, if the consumption rate was previously calculated to be 60 kg/hour from 12:00 to 13:00 on Sunday, when the temperature is 20 degrees and the weather is fine, the same day of the week, temperature, weather, and time If it is a strip, it is expected to consume 10 kg for material 7a, 20 kg for material 7b and 30 kg for material 7c. (Future weather can be obtained by the server control unit 32 appropriately obtaining weather forecasts on the Internet.) Since each necessary material is calculated in this way, the required amount is stored in the storage unit in advance. Orders are automatically placed using supplier data stored in the . Regarding dish 7, the consumption rate was previously calculated as 54 kg/hour from 12:00 to 13:00 on Sunday, when the temperature is 18 degrees and the weather is fine. If the consumption rate from 12:00 to 13:00 was calculated to be 60 kg/hour in the past, the consumption rate for dish 7 on Sunday, when the temperature is 19°C and the weather is fine, is 54 kg/hour from 12:00 to 13:00. One hour to 60 kg/hour can be expected. In that case, an automatic order is placed at the lower end of the forecast range, and an alert is generated to consider the need for additional orders. In this way, it is possible to substantially predict visitors from the consumption rate of ingredients or dishes, and it is possible to calculate the disposal loss in advance, so that the disposal loss can be reduced from the calculation result.

Regardless of the example of the above restaurant, in addition to this, the attribute data of the customer 8, the past reservation route, the number of past reservations, the past sales amount, etc. can be set as part of the above n parameters and the correlation analysis can be performed. is also possible. This can be calculated by analyzing (calculating) n weight data acquired together with n parameter information for n parameters X1 . . . Xn.

Explain how to display the output of analysis results. As described above, the terminal device 5 includes a terminal communication unit 51, a terminal control unit 52, a terminal storage unit 53, a terminal input unit 54, and a terminal display unit 55, and a server control unit (control The alert/notification generated by the notification section in the section) is transmitted to the terminal input section via the communication section of the server and the Internet, and the terminal displays it on the terminal display section. The types of notifications include a recommendation function (a function that detects abnormal consumption, a function that detects anomalies such as theft and disasters, and a function that notifies that the expiration date is approaching), a consumption data notification function (the amount and speed of consumption, etc.). function to send information as data), ordering store suggestion function (predicting stores that will place orders and suggesting routes so that inventory can be replenished through the optimal store route, handling products to be ordered) The function of suggesting a store, explained in the item related to the automatic ordering function) / The function of suggesting the order quantity (the function to suggest the quantity to be ordered for the product, explained in the item related to the automatic ordering function) mentioned. All of these pieces of information are data calculated by the control unit (calculation unit in the control unit).

The optimization (order quantity, order timing) function, ordering shop suggestion function, and order quantity suggestion function make it possible to minimize the remaining amount of inventory, so it is a function that makes it possible to reduce working capital. . In addition, it contributes to making optimal orders according to the amount suggested by the past data for the optimal order quantity/production quantity, regular irregular quantity, or irregular fixed quantity.

The server storage unit 33 can perform management not only for each weight measuring unit, but also for each user who accesses the weight measuring unit. That is, changes in weight data corresponding to identification information uniquely assigned to each user can be stored. It is also possible to store a permissible amount of change corresponding to identification information uniquely assigned to each user. The calculation unit in the server control unit 32 determines whether or not the product weight change action (for example, acquisition) by each user is within the allowable change amount. A notifier generates an alert if the change allowance is exceeded. It is also possible to create the table shown in FIG. 7 for each user and perform each process described in this embodiment for each user.

In the present invention, commodities are not necessarily limited to individuals. As long as there is a container, even liquids can naturally be managed. Specifically, in a system comprising a server 3 and a weight measuring means, an object (in this paragraph , It may be a fluid.), the amount of inflow (amount flowing into a container, etc.) and the amount of outflow (amount flowing out of a container, etc.) are grasped, and the remaining amount (remaining amount in the container) and Calculate the consumption speed, calculate the time (future time) when the weight (remaining amount in the container) becomes zero from the consumption speed and the remaining amount (remaining amount in the container), and calculate the time (future time) when the weight (remaining amount in the container) becomes zero The amount of inflow (the amount that flows into a container or the like) can be controlled based on.

It should be noted that the above description of the embodiment and the disclosure of the drawings are only examples for explaining the invention described in the scope of claims, and the above description of the embodiment and the disclosure of the drawings are used to describe the scope of the claims. The claimed invention is not limited. The constituent elements of the above-described embodiments can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, it is possible to arbitrarily combine a stage related to information acquisition with a form related to each process.

As used herein, the term "means" means a tangible "thing". The weight measuring means according to the present embodiment may be placed on the floor or shelf to measure weight (means), or may be embedded in the floor or shelf to measure weight (means). may In addition, although the inventory management system according to the present embodiment can be configured by a computer system, the program for realizing the inventory management system in the computer system and the recording medium recording the program are also subject to protection in this case.

In various business fields where inventory may occur, it is possible to integrally provide inventory management and various derived operations beyond simply grasping the number of inventories. For example, since product inventory can be grasped for each location information, periodic automatic stocktaking can be performed for each location information, and application to accounting audits is also possible.

1 Inventory management system 2a, 2b Weight measurement means (weight measurement mat)
21 mat communication unit 22 mat control unit 23 mat storage unit 24 weight sensor 25 measurement button 26 lamp 27 battery storage unit 3 server 31 server communication unit 32 server control unit 33 server storage unit 4 network 5 administrator terminal device 51 terminal communication unit 52 Terminal control unit 53 Terminal storage unit 54 Terminal input unit 55 Terminal display unit 6a, 6b Product

Claims (11)

comprising measuring means and a server,
The server is
a storage unit that stores a plurality of measuring means, their position information, and the corresponding relationship with an object placed on each measuring means;
calculating the remaining amount of each item based on the weight data measured and transmitted by the measuring means corresponding to the item, the weight data per unit of the item and the weight of the packing material, and calculating the remaining amount of each item; a calculation unit that calculates the consumption speed of the object based on the history of
The measuring means includes a housing having a flat panel shape, a weight sensor for measuring the weight of an object placed on the top plate of the housing, a storage unit for storing a setting value of an address of a communication destination, a communication unit that can be connected to a network by wireless communication; a control unit that acquires measurement data from the weight sensor and transmits the data to a server at an address stored in the storage unit via the communication unit; a battery housing unit housing a battery that supplies the
The battery is configured to turn on the power when the weight sensor detects a weight change exceeding a predetermined threshold, and to turn off the power when a predetermined time has passed since the weight change is detected. Or it has a configuration of both , wherein the predetermined threshold is determined according to the type of object to be placed,
Information processing system. The server further has a notification unit,
The calculation unit calculates a period until the stock of the item runs out based on the remaining amount and the consumption speed,
The notification unit generates an alert according to the period,
The information processing system according to claim 1. The server further has a notification unit,
the storage unit associates and stores a standard consumption rate of the item, a history of the consumption rate, and a type of the item;
The notification unit notifies the consumption speed, and generates a consumption speed alert when the consumption speed calculated by the calculation unit differs from the standard consumption speed or the history by a predetermined ratio or more. characterized by notifying
The information processing system according to claim 1. The predetermined ratio is determined according to the type of thing, the season, the day of the week, and the time period,
The information processing system according to claim 3. The alert is abnormal consumption, abnormal detection, or expiration date,
The information processing system according to claim 3. The calculation unit
A variable contributing to the consumption rate is calculated for each item by comparing a plurality of types, seasons, days of the week, time zones, and the consumption rate based on the history of the consumption rate. do,
The information processing system according to claim 1. The calculation unit performs a correlation analysis with weather forecasts, the number of visitors, customer attributes, past reservation details, or past sales amounts based on the variables,
The information processing system according to claim 6. The calculation unit calculates the period until the inventory of the item is exhausted based on the remaining amount, the consumption rate, and the variable,
The information processing system according to claim 6. The server further has an ordering unit,
The ordering unit places an order for the product to the supplier of the product stored in the storage unit according to the period,
The information processing system according to claim 8. The calculation unit calculates an optimal replenishment route for the item based on the position information, the consumption rate, and the remaining amount.
The information processing system according to claim 1. A server and a measuring means are provided, the measuring means measures the weight and transmits it to the server, and the calculating part of the server grasps the inflow and outflow of the material based on the measured weight and time information. Then, the remaining amount and the consumption speed are calculated based on the inflow amount and the outflow amount, the time when the weight becomes zero is calculated based on the consumption speed and the remaining amount, and the control unit of the server determines the time controlling the inflow based on
The information processing system according to claim 1 .

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