PRODUCT MANAGEMENT APPARATUS AND PRODUCT MANAGEMENT METHOD

A product management apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores first characteristic data indicating a characteristic of a first product at a first date and time; an acquisition unit that acquires second characteristic data indicating a characteristic of a second product at a second date and time after the first date and time; and a determination unit that determines whether the first product and the second product are identical based on the first characteristic data, the second characteristic data, and a time elapsed since the first date and time until the second date and time.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a product management apparatus, a product management method, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, attempts have been made to cater to consumer awareness of safety and to increase the added value of products by communicating detailed information related to the place of production or producer at the time of selling products such as vegetables and fruits. Also, methods have been proposed to attach a tag for individual discrimination of the product or to attach a label with a characteristic shape unique to the product (e.g., a mesh appearance on the surface of melons) to the product for use in individual discrimination of the product for the purpose of certifying the authenticity of the product (see, for example, JP2017-10050A).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Attaching a tag to each individual product requires a lot of work. The tag may peel away, or a wrongdoing of replacing the tag might take place. Further, it might not be possible to make proper individual discrimination if a label indicating a location used for individual discrimination is out of place.

An illustrative purpose of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a technology of determining the identity of a product based on a characteristic of the product.

A product management apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a storage unit that stores first characteristic data indicating a characteristic of a first product at a first date and time; an acquisition unit that acquires second characteristic data indicating a characteristic of a second product at a second date and time after the first date and time; and a determination unit that determines whether the first product and the second product are identical based on the first characteristic data, the second characteristic data, and a time elapsed since the first date and time until the second date and time.

According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine the identity of a product based on a characteristic of the product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description will be given of an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The same numerals are used in the description to denote the same elements, and a duplicate description is omitted as appropriate.

A summary of the embodiment will be given. The embodiment relates to a product management apparatus for managing products individually. Recently, we have seen mounting consumer awareness of safety. It is considered desirable to track a history from the production of a product until the sales thereof properly and secure the traceability of the product. Meanwhile, products that are produced and consumed in a large quantity may not be managed individually but managed in units of lots that organize products according to the producer or date of production. In the case of management in units of lots, it is not possible to manage the history of a product strictly individually because individual differences between multiple products included in the same lot are not of concern. The embodiment addresses this issue by providing a product management apparatus capable of discriminating products individually and managing products individually.

In this embodiment, characteristic data indicating a characteristic of a product are collected in the distribution process of the product, and the product is discriminated individually based on the characteristic data for the products. In the embodiment, a characteristic that can be measured by using a sensor and that could vary from one product to another is measured and is collected as characteristic data. The product subject to measurement is a product distributed for the purpose of sale. Therefore, a characteristic that can be measured in a non-destructive manner without cutting the product or sampling a portion of the product is used. The embodiment is non-limiting as to the characteristic of the product, but shape, size, color, surface pattern or damage, weight, etc. of the product can be listed as examples. In the case the product is a perishable item, the characteristic of the product may change with time. For example, the surface color or pattern may change or the sugar concentration or maturity grade may change as a vegetable or a fruit becomes ripe. In this regard, the embodiment estimates a change in the characteristic of a product with time and realizes individual discrimination of the product by allowing for the change in the characteristic of the product.

In the embodiment, the individual product is discriminated by determining the identify of a product based on a characteristic of the product. Therefore, “identify of a product” means whether the product is the same on the individual level. As described above, the characteristic of a product may change with time. In the case the product is a tomato, for example, the product is green at the time of shipping, but the product turns red at the time of sale. To determine the identity of a tomato, therefore, “color”, which is a changeable characteristic, is not given weight, and the identity is determined by giving weight to size, shape, weight, etc., which are characteristics that do not change easily, for example. In the case that the product is a flower such as rose, the product is a bud when shipped and may begin to turn into a flower when on sale. Therefore, to determine the identity of a rose, etc., for example, the flower petal, which is a changeable characteristic, is not given weight, and the identity is determined by giving weight to the number of leaves, shape of a leave, shape of a stem, number of branches, etc., which are characteristics that do not change easily. In the embodiment, the precision of determination of identity is increased by setting, for each product type, priority to a characteristic that is given weight in determination of identity and by setting a proper determination condition for each product type.

The “identity of a product” in the embodiment encompasses a certain tolerable range. Even when an individual product is identical, not all characteristics of the product are strictly the same (i.e., match). Some characteristics of the product may have changed with time, etc. For example, a comparison of the characteristics of products may reveal that some characteristics such as the shape and weight are identical but other characteristics such as the color of the product are different. This is addressed in this embodiment by estimating a change in a characteristic of the product by allowing for a time elapsed since the time of shipping until the time of sales and environment data such as temperature and humidity and determining that the product is identical when the product has a characteristic equivalent to the estimated post-change characteristic. Besides, when a portion of the product is damaged to result in a change in the appearance, a situation of delivery from the time of shipping to the time of sale, etc., is allowed for, and the product is determined to be identical even if the product is damaged.

In the embodiment, the identity of a product may be determined based on a characteristic of an object that accompanies the product as well as a characteristic of the product itself. “An object that accompanies the product” is a label attached to the product, a label attached to the box that contains the product, etc. When multiple products are contained in one box, for example, the box may be discriminated individually by using a label attached to the box that contains the multiple products, and the products may be discriminated individually based on the position or the arrangement of the product contained in the box. The characteristic of the product itself and the characteristic of the object that accompanies the product may be combined to determine the identity of the product. For example, the situation of delivery from the time of shipping of the product to the time of sales thereof may be determined based on the label attached to the box that contains the product. When the identity of the product cannot be determined merely by a characteristic of the product itself, those that meet a predetermined number of determination criteria or more may be determined to be similar, and, of those products determined to be similar, the product for which the delivery situation match may be determined to be identical.

A detailed description of the embodiment will be given below by showing an example in which the product is a tomato.

FIG.1schematically shows a function and a configuration of a product distribution system10according to an embodiment.FIG.1shows a flow running from the shipment of a tomato product from a shipping site12until it is delivered, via an intermediate site14and a delivery means18, to a sales site16for sale. A measurement apparatus61and a shipping site management apparatus62are provided in the shipping site12. A measurement apparatus63and an intermediate site management apparatus64are provided in the intermediate site14. A measurement apparatus65and a sales site management apparatus66are provided in the sales site16. Further, a measurement apparatus67is provided and a delivery management apparatus68for managing delivery by the delivery means18is provided in the delivery means18. The shipping site management apparatus62, the intermediate site management apparatus64, the sales site management apparatus66, and the delivery management apparatus68are connected to a network70.

A product management apparatus30is connected to the network70such as the Internet and a wide area network (WAN). The product management apparatus30acquires, via the network70, various data related to the product in the product distribution process and stores the data. The product management apparatus30acquires data related to the product from the shipping site management apparatus62, the intermediate site management apparatus64, the sales site management apparatus66, and the delivery management apparatus68. The product management apparatus30manages the product individually based on the acquired data. The product management apparatus30meets the need for safety and traceability of the product by providing the acquired data related to the product to business partners and consumers.

The functional blocks shown in the embodiment are implemented in hardware such as devices and mechanical apparatus exemplified by a CPU and a memory of a computer, and in software such as a computer program.FIG.1depicts functional blocks implemented by the cooperation of these elements. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks are implemented in a variety of manners by a combination of hardware and software.

The product management apparatus30, the shipping site management apparatus62, the intermediate site management apparatus64, the sales site management apparatus66, and the delivery management apparatus68can be configured by using a general-purpose server apparatus. The server apparatus is, for example, provided with a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU), with a storage apparatus such as a read only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a hard disk driver (HDD), or a flash memory, and with a communication apparatus connected to the network70for communication.

The product management apparatus30includes an acquisition unit32, a determination unit34, a notification unit36, a recording unit38, and a storage unit40.

The acquisition unit32acquires data related to the product from the shipping site12, the intermediate site14, the sales site16, the delivery means18, a user terminal28, etc. The determination unit34determines the identity of the product based on the data acquired by the acquisition unit32. The notification unit36communicates information based on the determination by the determination unit34to the user terminal28, etc. The recording unit38extracts data necessary for product management from the data acquired by the acquisition unit32, converts the data into a format suitable for product management by removing data unnecessary for product management, and records the formatted data in the storage unit40. The storage unit40stores a product master50, a baggage master52, production data54, delivery data56, characteristic data58, and environmental data60.

The product master50manages product IDs for individually discriminating products subject to management. The product ID is assigned for each individual product subject to management. In the case the product is a tomato, for example, one product ID is assigned to one tomato. The product master50stores the product name (e.g., tomato), date and time of issue, place of issue, etc., using the product ID as a key. The product ID is issued by the shipping site management apparatus62when the product subject to management is measured by the measurement apparatus61in the shipping site12. The date and time of issue stored in the product master50is, for example, the date and time when the shipping site management apparatus62issued the product ID. Further, the place of issue stored in the product master50includes the name and address of the shipping site12, identification information for identifying the measurement apparatus61in the shipping site12, etc.

The baggage master52manages a baggage ID for individually discriminating the baggage produced by packaging the product subject to management in a deliverable form. The baggage ID is assigned in minimum units of baggage handled when the product is delivered. For example, one baggage ID is assigned to one container that contains multiple tomatoes. The baggage ID is, for example, issued by the shipping site management apparatus62when the measurement apparatus61measures the baggage shipped at the shipping site12. The baggage ID may be issued by the delivery management apparatus68. For example, the baggage ID may be issued by the delivery management apparatus68when the delivery means18receives the baggage shipped from the shipping site12. The baggage master52stores the product ID of the product included in the baggage, date and time of packaging, place of packaging, etc., using the product ID as a key. The baggage master52may store a container ID for individually discriminating the container for containing the product. The container ID is identification information assigned to a container such as a cardboard box and a small-sized container.

The production data54is data related to the production of the product subject to management. The production data54stores information such as the date and time of production, place of production, producer, etc., of the product using the product ID as a key. The production data54may store information related to the process of production of the product. The production data54may, for example, include information related to the fertilizer and agricultural chemical used to grow the tomato, an image capturing the tomato before maturity or the tomato just about to be harvested, etc. The production data54can be, for example, acquired from the producer of the product.

The delivery data56is data related to the delivery of the baggage produced by packaging the product. The delivery data56includes information such as the date and time of shipping the baggage, place of shipping, place of delivery, date and time of delivery, etc., using the product ID as a key. The delivery data56may include information related to the situation of delivery of the baggage and may include flag information such as before shipping, being shipped, and shipped. The delivery data56may include history information indicating in what place the product or the baggage was and at what date and time. The delivery data56can be acquired from the delivery management apparatus68.

The characteristic data58is data indicating a characteristic of the product or the baggage subject to management. The characteristic data58is inclusive of data indicating a characteristic of the product, using the product ID as a key and includes data indicating a characteristic of the baggage, using the baggage ID as a key. The characteristic of the product is exemplified by the shape, size, color, surface pattern or damage, weight, sugar concentration, maturity grade, etc. of the product. The characteristic of the baggage is inclusive of a characteristic such as the shape, size, color, surface pattern or damage, and weight that can be measured while the baggage remains packaged and a characteristic such as the position and arrangement of multiple products in the baggage that can be measured when the baggage is unpackaged.

The characteristic of the product or the baggage is measured by the measurement apparatuses61,63,65, and67provided in the shipping site12, the intermediate site14, the sales site16, or the delivery means18. The measurement apparatuses61,63,65, and67include arbitrary sensors for measuring the characteristic of the product or the baggage. For example, the apparatuses include a camera, 3D scanner, weight sensor, spectrometer, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, gas sensor, acceleration sensor, etc. The measurement apparatuses61,63,65, and67may be configured by an arbitrary apparatus, may be a device provided in each site, or a device such as a handy terminal and a smartphone that can be carried by an operator for use.

The shape and size of the product or the baggage can be measured by using a camera, a 3D scanner, etc. The color, surface pattern or damage of the product or the baggage can be measured by using a camera. The weight of the product or the baggage can be measured by using a weight sensor. The sugar concentration of the product can be measured by using a camera or a spectrometer, using near-infrared spectroscopy. The maturity grade of the product can be measured by using a camera. In the case of a tomato, the maturity grade is calculated based on the distribution of color on the surface of the tomato. The higher the proportion of green, the lower the maturity grade, and, the higher the proportion of red, the higher the maturity grade. The arrangement of multiple products in the baggage can be measured by using a camera. The characteristic of the product or the baggage may be measured on multiple dates or at multiple points of time and may change depending on the date and time of measurement. For this reason, the characteristic data58is stored, using the product ID or the baggage ID and the date and time of measurement as keys. Therefore, the characteristic data58may include, for one product ID or baggage ID, multiple items of data that differ in the date and time of measurement.

The environmental data60is data indicating an environment surrounding the product or the baggage subject to management. The environmental data60includes, for example, time series data for the temperature, humidity, gas concentration (e.g., concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide, ethylene, etc.) of the surrounding environment in which the product or the baggage is placed, the impact (acceleration) exerted to the product or the baggage, etc. The environmental data60includes, for example, data in a period elapsed since the product was shipped in the shipping site12until it is sold in the sales site16. The environment surrounding the product or the baggage may be measured by a sensor provided in the container containing the product or the package, or measured by a sensor provided in the loading platform of the truck delivering the product or in the shipping container, or measured by a sensor provided in the warehouse of the intermediate site14or the sales site16that stocks the product or the baggage temporarily. The environment surrounding the product may be measured by a sensor provided in the place of sale in the sales site16in which the product is on display. The environmental data60is stored, using the product ID or the baggage ID as a key, or using an ID for discriminating the place of measurement as a key. The ID for discriminating the place of measurement may be an ID for discriminating the loading platform of a truck or the shipping container, an ID for discriminating the warehouse of the intermediate site14or the sales site16, an ID for discriminating the place of sale in the sales site16, etc.

In the shipping site12, the characteristic of the product20produced by the producer is measured by using the measurement apparatus61. The measurement apparatus61measures the shape, size, color, surface pattern or damage, etc. of the product20by imaging the product20and acquiring an image. In the case the product is a tomato, the measurement apparatus61may measure the sugar concentration of the tomato by using a spectrometer or identify the maturity grade of the tomato based on the color of the tomato. The measurement apparatus61may be comprised of various sensors provided in an automatic sorting machine used for inspection and sorting of the product20. The measurement apparatus61transmits the measured characteristic data and the date and time of measurement of the product20to the shipping site management apparatus62.

When the shipping site management apparatus62acquires characteristic data for the new product20from the measurement apparatus61, the shipping site management apparatus62issues a product ID for individually discriminating the product20. The shipping site management apparatus62records the characteristic data and the date and time of measurement acquired from the measurement apparatus61, using the issued product ID as a key. The shipping site management apparatus62transmits the product ID, characteristic data, date and time of measurement, and place of measurement of the product20to the product management apparatus30. The shipping site management apparatus62may maintain the production data54for the product20or transmit the production data for the product20to the product management apparatus30.

The product20is then contained in a container24in the shipping site12. The product20having the product ID assigned thereto is contained in the container24such as a cardboard box and a small-sized container. A container ID is assigned to the container24. For example, the container24is discriminated individually by a barcode25or an electronic tag. A label printed with information such as the barcode25may be pasted to the container24. A barcode or a tag may not be attached to the container24. The container24may be discriminated individually based on a visual characteristic of the container24such as the shape, size, color, and pattern or damage of the container24.

The job of containing the product20in the container24is performed while the product20is being measured by the measurement apparatus61such as a camera and a sensor. For example, a robot may be used to contain the product20in the container24, and a camera or a sensor provided in the robot may measure the characteristic of the product20and the container24. The characteristic of the product20and the container24measured by the measurement apparatus61is transmitted from the measurement apparatus61to the shipping site management apparatus62. By discriminating the product20and the container24individually and, at the same time, packaging the product20, it is possible to link the container ID with the product ID in the shipping site management apparatus62. In the illustrated example, multiple (12) products20are contained in one container24, and multiple product IDs are linked to one container ID. Only one product20may be contained in one container24.

The container24containing the product20is then packaged and is turned into a baggage26having a deliverable form. For example, the baggage26is completed by closing a lid of the container24. A portion of the top of the container24of the baggage26of the illustrated example remains open in a deliverable form, and the product20in the container24is visible from outside even in a packaged state. The form of packaging the product20is not limited to the one illustrated. The baggage26may be packaged such that the top of the container24is completely closed, i.e., the product20in the container24is not visible from outside.

The characteristic of the baggage26is then measured by using the measurement apparatus61such as a camera and various sensors. The measurement apparatus61may measure the characteristic of the baggage26before packaging the baggage26. For example, the measurement apparatus61may capture an image for identifying the arrangement of multiple products20in the container24before the baggage26is packaged. In the illustrated example, an image that allows identifying the arrangement of the multiple products20in the container24can be acquired by capturing an image of from above the baggage26after the baggage26is completed. The measurement apparatus61transmits the characteristic data for the baggage26to the shipping site management apparatus62along with the date and time of measurement. When the shipping site management apparatus62acquires the characteristic data for the new baggage26from the measurement apparatus61, the shipping site management apparatus62issues a baggage ID for individually discriminating the baggage26. The shipping site management apparatus62transmits the baggage ID, characteristic data, date and time of measurement, and place of measurement of the baggage26to the product management apparatus30. The shipping site management apparatus62transmits the container ID of the container24forming the baggage26and the product ID of the multiple products20contained in the container24to the product management apparatus30. The shipping site management apparatus62transmits the delivery data56for the baggage26to the product management apparatus30.

The baggage ID may be issued by the delivery management apparatus68instead of the shipping site management apparatus62. For example, the measurement apparatus67of the delivery means18may measure the characteristic data for the baggage26, and the measured characteristic data for the baggage26may be transmitted from the measurement apparatus67to the delivery management apparatus68along with the date and time of measurement. The measurement apparatus67may, for example, be inclusive of a handy terminal provided with a camera, and the characteristic of the baggage26may be measured by using the camera of the handy terminal. When the delivery management apparatus68acquires the characteristic data for the new baggage26from the measurement apparatus67, the delivery management apparatus68may issue a baggage ID for individually discriminating the baggage26. In this case, the baggage ID may be a delivery number entered in a delivery slip, etc., issued by a delivery company. The delivery management apparatus68may transmit the baggage ID, characteristic data, date and time of measurement, and place of measurement of the baggage26to the product management apparatus30. The delivery management apparatus68may transmit the delivery data56for the baggage26to the product management apparatus30.

The baggage26shipped from the shipping site12is delivered by an arbitrary delivery means18to the intermediate site14. An automobile such as a truck, railway, ship, aircraft, etc. can be used as the delivery means18. In the delivery means18, the measurement apparatus67measures the environment surrounding the product20or the baggage26and records the environmental data indicating the measured surrounding environment. The environmental data recorded by the measurement apparatus67is transmitted to the delivery management apparatus68. The measurement apparatus67is inclusive of a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, gas sensor, acceleration sensor, etc. provided in, for example, the loading platform of a truck, and the environmental data is recorded by these various sensors. The delivery management apparatus68records the environmental data acquired from the measurement apparatus67, using the product ID, the baggage ID, or the delivery ID discriminating the delivery means18as a key. The delivery management apparatus68transmits the environmental data60to the product management apparatus30along with the product ID, the baggage ID, or the delivery ID.

The intermediate site14is a vegetable and fruit market or a delivery center of a delivery company. The baggage26delivered to the intermediate site14is inspected in incoming inspection in the intermediate site14. In incoming inspection in the intermediate site14, the measurement apparatus63provided in the intermediate site14measures characteristic data for the baggage26. The measurement apparatus63may include various sensors provided in a system for automatically sorting the baggage26or include a handy terminal used by an operator. The measurement apparatus63transmits the measured characteristic data for the baggage26to the intermediate site management apparatus64along with the date and time of measurement. The intermediate site management apparatus64transmits the baggage ID, characteristic data, date and time of measurement, and place of measurement of the baggage26to the product management apparatus30.

In incoming inspection in the intermediate site14, the measurement apparatus63may measure characteristic data for a product21inside the baggage26. The product21inspected in incoming inspection in the intermediate site14is the same individual item as the product20shipped from the shipping site12but is handled as the product21separate from the product20shipped from the shipping site12. When the intermediate site management apparatus64acquires the characteristic data for the product21from the measurement apparatus63, the intermediate site management apparatus64issues a temporary ID for individually discriminating the product21. The intermediate site management apparatus64issues a temporary ID for individually discriminating the product21based on the arrangement of the product21in the container24, etc. The measurement apparatus63captures, for example, an image that allows identifying the arrangement of the product21in the container24by using a camera and transmits the image to the intermediate site management apparatus64. The intermediate site management apparatus64recognizes multiple products21in the acquired image and issues temporary IDs sequentially to the multiple products21, assigning a temporary ID of No. 1 to the product21located in the top left corner of the container24, etc., scanning from top left to bottom right. The temporary ID issued in the intermediate site14to the product21differs from the product ID issued in the shipping site12to the product20. The intermediate site management apparatus64transmits the baggage ID, temporary ID, characteristic data, date and time of measurement, and place of measurement of the product21to the product management apparatus30.

The baggage26inspected in incoming inspection is stocked in the intermediate site14as necessary and is sorted and shipped according to the next destination of delivery (e.g., the sales site16). In a period from incoming to shipment of the baggage, the measurement apparatus63may measure the environment surrounding the product21or the baggage26. The measurement apparatus63may transmit the environmental data indicating the measured surrounding environment to the intermediate site management apparatus64. The intermediate site management apparatus64may transmit the environmental data measured by the measurement apparatus63to the product management apparatus30. Further, when the baggage26is shipped from the intermediate site14, the characteristic data for the baggage26or the product21may be measured again by using the measurement apparatus63for outgoing inspection. The measurement apparatus63may transmit the characteristic data for the baggage26or the product21measured in outgoing inspection to the intermediate site management apparatus64. The intermediate site management apparatus64may transmit the characteristic data for the baggage26or the product21measured in outgoing inspection to the product management apparatus30, mapping the characteristic data to the baggage ID, temporary ID, date and time of measurement, and place of measurement of the product21.

The baggage26shipped from the intermediate site14is delivered to the sales site16by using an arbitrary delivery means18. In the delivery means18headed to the sales site16, too, the environment surrounding the product21or the baggage26may be measured by the measurement apparatus67, and the environmental data indicating the measured surrounding environment may be transmitted to the product management apparatus30via the delivery management apparatus68.

A product22delivered to the sales site16is inspected in incoming inspection by using the measurement apparatus65in the sales site16. The measurement apparatus65is, for example, inclusive of a handy scanner used by a seller, and the characteristic data for the product22or the baggage26is measured by the handy scanner. The product22inspected in incoming inspection in the sales site16is the same individual item as the product20shipped from the shipping site12and the product21inspected in the intermediate site14but is handled as the product22separate from the product20in the shipping site12or the product21in the intermediate site14.

In incoming inspection in the sales site16, the characteristic data for the baggage26is first measured by the measurement apparatus65. The measurement apparatus65transmits the characteristic data for the baggage26measured in incoming inspection to the sales site management apparatus66. The sales site management apparatus66transmits the baggage ID, characteristic data, date and time of measurement, and place of measurement of the baggage26to the product management apparatus30. The baggage26is then unpacked, and the multiple products22contained in the container24are measured by the measurement apparatus65. The sales site management apparatus66issues temporary IDs for individually discriminating the multiple products22measured by the measurement apparatus65. The temporary ID issued in the sales site16to the product22may be identical to the temporary ID assigned in the intermediate site14to the product21.

The characteristic of the product22retrieved from the container24in the sales site16is then measured. For example, the arrangement of the multiple products22in the container24and the characteristic of the product22may be measured concurrently by retrieving the multiple products22from the container24while making measurements with the camera or the sensor provided in the handy scanner. The characteristic data for the product22measured by the measurement apparatus65is transmitted to the sales site management apparatus66. The sales site management apparatus66transmits the characteristic data for the product22to the product management apparatus30, linking the characteristic data with the baggage ID, temporary ID, date and time of measurement, and place of measurement. The products22inspected in incoming inspection in the sales site16are arranged and sold in the place of sale in the sales site16. The environment surrounding the product22may be measured by the measurement apparatus65in the sales site16. For example, the measurement apparatus65includes a sensor provided in the warehouse or the place of sale in the sales site16. The environment surrounding the product22is measured by the sensor provided in the warehouse or the place of sale. The measurement apparatus65transmits the measured environmental data indicating the surrounding environment to the sales site management apparatus66. The sales site management apparatus66transmits the environmental data acquired from the measurement apparatus65to the product management apparatus30.

A consumer visiting the sales site16captures an image of the product22arranged in the place of sale in the sales site16with the user terminal28of the consumer such as a smartphone provided with a camera. An application that can be used in the sales site16is installed in the user terminal28, and the product22is imaged via the application. The user terminal28transmits the captured image of the product22, date and time of imaging, and place of imaging (e.g., the location of the sales site16) to the product management apparatus30via the network70. The product management apparatus30individually discriminates the product22based on the information from the user terminal28and identifies the product ID of the product20that is identical to the product22. The product management apparatus30transmits data related to the production and shipment of the product20to the user terminal28based on the product ID of the identified product20. The user terminal28displays the data related to the product20acquired from the product management apparatus30. The consumer can know the production data, delivery data, and environmental data mapped to the product22at hand, by seeing the user terminal28.

FIG.2shows an example of data acquired by the product management apparatus30.FIG.2shows the data that the product management apparatus30acquires from the shipping site12, the intermediate site14, the sales site16, and the delivery means18shown inFIG.1arranged from left to right in the chronological order.FIG.2shows representative data for ease of understanding and does not cover all data acquired by the product management apparatus30exhaustively.

First, the product management apparatus30acquires the data in the shipping site12. The product management apparatus30acquires, as the data for the product20, the product ID, product image, product weight, maturity grade of the product, and date and time of measurement from the shipping site management apparatus62. The product ID is issued by the shipping site management apparatus62. The product image represents characteristic data for identifying the shape, size, color, etc. of the product20and is captured by the camera provided in the measurement apparatus61. The product weight represents characteristic data for the product20and is measured by the weight sensor provided in the measurement apparatus61. The maturity grade of the product represents characteristic data for the product20and is identified by the measurement apparatus61based on the color distribution of the product20in an image A1capturing the product20. The date and time of measurement represents the date and time when the product image, product weight, or maturity grade of the product was measured by the measurement apparatus61.FIG.2shows only one representative date and time of measurement, but the date and time of measurement may be individually set for each of the product image, product weight, and maturity grade of the product.

The product management apparatus30acquires, as the data for the baggage26, the baggage ID, baggage image, baggage weight, product quantity, container ID, product ID, and date and time of measurement from the shipping site management apparatus62. The baggage ID is issued by the shipping site management apparatus62. The baggage image, baggage weight, and product quantity represent characteristic data for the baggage26. The container ID is information shown in the barcode25assigned to the container24of the baggage26. The product ID is the product ID of each of the multiple products20included in the baggage26. When multiple (e.g., 12) products20are contained in the baggage26, multiple (e.g., 12) product IDs are linked with one baggage ID. The date and time of measurement represents the date and time when the baggage image, baggage weight, or product quantity was measured by the measurement apparatus61.FIG.2shows only one representative date and time of measurement, but the date and time of measurement may be individually set for each of the baggage image, baggage weight, or product quantity.

The product management apparatus30then acquires data in the delivery means18. The product management apparatus30acquires. as the data for the baggage26, the baggage ID, baggage image, baggage weight, product quantity, container ID, and date and time of measurement from the delivery management apparatus68. The baggage ID is issued by the delivery management apparatus68. The baggage image, baggage weight, and product quantity are measured by the measurement apparatus67. When the content of the baggage26cannot be seen, the product quantity may not be measured. The product management apparatus30acquires, as the environmental data, the temperature, humidity, and acceleration from the delivery management apparatus68. The temperature, humidity, and acceleration are measured by the measurement apparatus67. The date and time in the environmental data is a period in which the temperature, humidity, and acceleration were measured and, for example, includes the date and time of start and the date and time of end of the measurement. The baggage26is not normally opened to measure the individual product in the delivery means18so that the data for the individual product is not acquired.

The product management apparatus30then acquires the data in the intermediate site14. The product management apparatus30acquires. as the data for the baggage26, the baggage ID, baggage image, baggage weight, product quantity, container ID, and date and time of measurement from the intermediate site management apparatus64. The baggage ID is issued by the intermediate site management apparatus64. The baggage image, baggage weight, and product quantity are measured by the measurement apparatus63. In the intermediate site14, the temperature and humidity as environmental data are measured by the measurement apparatus63and transmitted from the intermediate site management apparatus64to the product management apparatus30. The temperature and humidity are, for example, measured in the warehouse for stocking the baggage26in the intermediate site14.

Finally, the product management apparatus30acquires the data in the sales site16. The product management apparatus30acquires. as the data for the baggage26, the baggage ID, baggage image, baggage weight, product quantity, container ID, and date and time of measurement from the sales site management apparatus66. The baggage ID is issued by the sales site management apparatus66. The baggage image, baggage weight, and product quantity are measured by the measurement apparatus65. In the sales site16, the content of the baggage26is examined, and the product IDs (temporary IDs) are issued to the multiple products22contained in the baggage26. The temporary ID is issued by the sales site management apparatus66. The product management apparatus30then acquires, as the data for the product22, the product image, product weight, maturity grade of the product, and date and time of measurement from the sales site management apparatus66. The product management apparatus30acquires, as the environmental data, the temperature and humidity from the sales site management apparatus66. The temperature and humidity are measured in the warehouse for stoking the product22in the sales site16or the place of sale in which the product22is displayed in the sales site16.

A description will now be given of a determination of identity of a product made by the determination unit34. The determination unit34checks the data related to the product stored in the storage unit40(also referred to as the first product) against the data related to the product acquired by the acquisition unit32(also referred to as the second product) and determines whether the first product and the second product are identical. The data acquired by the acquisition unit32is data related to the second product subject to determination as to identity and is raw data derived from actually measuring the second product found at a site of the distribution process. Meanwhile, the data stored in the storage unit40is data related to the first product discriminated individually at least at the time of production or at the time of shipping and is data that serves as a reference for identity determination. The data stored in the storage unit40may include the data acquired in the intermediate site14or the sales site16, and the data acquired in the intermediate site14or the sales site16may be used as a reference for identity determination.

The determination unit34makes a determination as to the identity of an individual product. For example, the determination unit34may verify the identity of a product by determining whether the product22sold in the sales site16is identical to one of the products20registered in the product master50. The determination unit34may verify the identity of a product packaged in the baggage26by making a determination as to the identity of the baggage26in the distribution process.

The determination unit34includes a candidate extraction unit42, an individual discrimination unit44, and a change verification unit46.

The candidate extraction unit42extracts data to be checked from the data stored in the storage unit40. The candidate extraction unit42determines whether the object subject to determination is an individual product or a baggage containing a product, based on the characteristic data acquired by the acquisition unit32. When the object subject to determination is an individual product, the candidate extraction unit42identifies a product name (e.g., tomato) of the second product subject to determination, based on an image of the second product acquired by the acquisition unit32, etc. When the object subject to determination is a baggage and when the characteristic data acquired for the baggage by the acquisition unit32comprises characteristic data related to the content of the baggage, the candidate extraction unit42may identity a product name of the content of the baggage based on the characteristic data related to the content of the baggage.

The candidate extraction unit42extracts the product ID or the baggage ID to be checked, based on the date and time or place. The data acquired by the acquisition unit32includes the date and time of measurement and place of measurement in which the characteristic of the product or the baggage was measured. The product or the baggage to be checked will be the product or the baggage that actually existed at the date and time of measurement and place of measurement included in the acquired data. The candidate extraction unit42extracts the delivery data56in the storage unit40, extracts the baggage ID that matches a condition for the date and time of measurement and place of measurement of the acquired data, and extracts the product ID mapped to the baggage ID. When the data acquired by the acquisition unit32includes the baggage ID, the candidate extraction unit42may define that the baggage ID acquired by the acquisition unit32should be checked and that the product ID mapped to the baggage ID acquired by the acquisition unit32should be checked.

The individual discrimination unit44discriminates the baggage or the product individually. The individual discrimination unit44defines the product ID or the baggage ID extracted by the candidate extraction unit42as the subject of individual discrimination. The individual discrimination unit44calculates a score indicating a level of matching between the characteristic data acquired by the acquisition unit32and the characteristic data recorded in the storage unit40and identifies the product ID or the baggage ID with the highest score. The individual discrimination unit44uses a machine learning mode for outputting a score indicating a level of matching of characteristics, based on correlation between the characteristic data. In this way, the individual discrimination unit44identifies the product ID or the baggage ID of the product measured at the site corresponding to the data acquired by the acquisition unit32.

The individual discrimination unit44may allow for a change in the characteristic with time instead of simply comparing the characteristic data acquired by the acquisition unit32with the characteristic data58in the storage unit40. In other words, the individual discrimination unit44may allow for a time elapsed since the date and time of measurement of the characteristic data58recorded in the storage unit40(also referred to as the first date and time) until the date and time of measurement of the characteristic data acquired by the acquisition unit32(also referred to as the second date and time). The individual discrimination unit44may estimate a change in the characteristic with time from the first date and time to the second date and time. When a tomato becomes ripe with time, for example, a change in the characteristic of a tomato such as the color, sugar concentration, maturity grade, etc. may be estimated. For example, tinging of the tomato with red, an increase in the sugar concentration of the tomato, or an increase in the maturity grade may be estimated. The individual discrimination unit44estimates a change in the characteristic of the product by, for example, referring to change estimation data that maps the elapsed time with the amount of change in the characteristic such as color, sugar concentration, and maturity grade of the product.

FIG.3schematically shows an example of change estimation data.FIG.3shows change estimation data that maps a change in maturity grade of the product to the time necessary for the change in maturity grade. In the example ofFIG.3, the maturity grade of a tomato is defined in 8 stages. The maturity grade of a tomato can be defined in accordance with the distribution of the color of the tomato. The larger the proportion of green, the lower the maturity grade, and, the larger the proportion of red, the higher the maturity grade. For example, an entirely green tomato has a maturity grade 1, and an entirely red ripe tomato has a maturity grade 8.FIG.3defines the time necessary for each of the stages 1-7 of maturity grade to change to the next stage 2-8. For example, 44 hours is defined as the time for a change from the maturity grade 1 to the maturity grade 8, and 20 hours is defined as the time for a change from the maturity grade 7 to the maturity grade 8. The number of stages of maturity grade and the value of time necessary for the maturity grade to change are defined individually in accordance with the product type.

The individual discrimination unit44uses the characteristic of the product at the first date and time, the time elapsed since the first date and time until the second date and time, and the change estimation data to estimate the characteristic of the product at the second date and time. In the example shown inFIG.2, the maturity grade of the product20measured in the shipping site12is “4”, and the first date and time is “6:12 on June 19”. Given that the second date and time is the date and time of measurement “9:00 on June 22” in the sales site16, the time elapsed since the first date and time until the second date and time is about 75 hours. According to the change estimation data ofFIG.4, the time required for a change from the maturity grade 4 to the maturity grade 8 is 24+20+16+12=72 hours. It is therefore estimated that the maturity grade of the product22at the second date and time is “8”.

The individual discrimination unit44may estimate a change in the characteristic with time by using the environmental data acquired by the acquisition unit32or the environmental data60in the storage unit40. For example, the speed or tendency of change in the characteristic of the product varies if the temperature, humidity, gas concentration, etc., in the environment surrounding the product varies. The individual discrimination unit44may estimate a change in the characteristic of the product based on the environment in which the product is placed in a period from the first date and time to the second date and time. Referring to the change estimation data ofFIG.3, for example, the elapsed time may be defined by a function that takes temperature, humidity, gas concentration, etc. as variables. The individual discrimination unit44may estimate a change in the characteristic by using a machine learning model that receives the characteristic data and the environmental data as inputs and outputs the post-change characteristic data. This makes individual discrimination possible in such a manner that changes in color, sugar concentration, maturity grade, etc. with time are properly considered.

FIG.4A-4Cschematically shows a method of determining identity by estimating a change in the characteristic of a first product71or a second product72. The first product71is provided with, for example, the characteristic of the product at a point of time when it is shipped from the shipping site12. The neighborhood of the calyx of the tomato is tinged with a greenish color. The second product72is provided with the characteristic of the product at a point of time when it is sold in the sales site16. The neighborhood of the calyx of the tomato is tinged with a reddish color. Therefore, the proportion of red is increased and the maturity grade is increased in the second product72as compared with the first product71.

In the example ofFIG.4A, a virtual third product73provided with the characteristic at the second date and time is estimated based on the characteristic data for the first product71recorded in the storage unit40and measured at the date and time (S10). For example, the characteristic (e.g., color) of the third product73at the second date and time is estimated based on the characteristic (e.g., color) of the first product71at the first date and time, the time elapsed since the first date and time until the second date and time, and the change estimation data. The individual discrimination unit44determines the characteristic provided in the virtual third product73by estimating a change in the characteristic in a temporally forward direction from the first date and time to the second date and time. The individual discrimination unit44makes individual discrimination by calculating a score indicating a level of matching between the characteristic data for the second product72acquired by the acquisition unit32and measured at the second date and time and the estimated characteristic data for the third product73(S12). In other words, individual discrimination is made by using the characteristic data for the third product73in which the estimated change from the characteristic data for the first product71is allowed for. In this case, a low score indicating a level of matching is calculated when the characteristic data for the first product71and the characteristic data for the second product72match strictly. A high score indicating a level of matching is calculated for the characteristic data in which the change with time is properly allowed for.

In the example ofFIG.4B, a change in the characteristic is estimated in a temporally backward direction from the second date and time to the first date and time, contrary to the case ofFIG.4A. In other words, the individual discrimination unit44estimates a virtual fourth product74provided with the characteristic of the product at the first date and time, based on the characteristic data for the second product72acquired by the acquisition unit32and measured at the second date and time (S14). For example, the characteristic (e.g., color) of the fourth product74at the first date and time is estimated based on the characteristic (e.g., color) of the second product72at the second date and time, the time counted backward from the second date and time to the first date and time, and the change estimation data. The individual discrimination unit44makes individual discrimination by calculating a score indicating a level of matching between the estimated characteristic data for the fourth product74and the characteristic data for the first product71stored in the storage unit40and measured at the first date and time (S16). In other words, individual discrimination is made by using the characteristic data for the fourth product74in which the estimated change from the characteristic data for the second product72is allowed for. In this case, too, a low score indicating a level of matching is calculated when the characteristic data for the first product71and the characteristic data for the second product72match strictly. A high score indicating a level of matching is calculated for the characteristic data in which the change with time is properly allowed for.

In the example ofFIG.4C, the characteristic at a date and time between the first date and time and the second date and time (also referred to as a third date and time) is estimated. The individual discrimination unit44estimates a virtual fifth product75provided with the characteristic of the product at the third date and time, based on the characteristic data for the first product71recorded in the storage unit40and measured at the first date and time (S18). For example, the characteristic (e.g., color) of the fifth product75at the third date and time is estimated based on the characteristic (e.g., color) of the first product71at the first date and time, the time elapsed since the first date and time until the third date and time, and the change estimation data. The individual discrimination unit44estimates a sixth product76provided with the characteristic of the product at the third date and time, based on the characteristic data for the second product72acquired by the acquisition unit32and measured at the second date and time (S20). For example, the characteristic (e.g., color) of the sixth product76at the third date and time is estimated based on the characteristic (e.g., color) of the second product at the second date and time, the time counted backward from the second date and time to the third date and time, and the change estimation data. The individual discrimination unit44makes individual discrimination by calculating a score indicating a level of matching between the estimated characteristic data for the fifth product75at the third date and time and the estimated characteristic data for the sixth product76at the third date and time (S22). In this case, too, a low score indicating a level of matching is calculated when the characteristic data for the first product and the characteristic data for the second product72match strictly. A high score indicating a level of matching is calculated for the characteristic data in which the change with the time is properly allowed for.

Estimation of a change in the characteristic according to the scheme described above is limited to characteristics for which a change with time is predictable. Of the characteristics of a tomato, for example, changes in color, maturity grade, sugar concentration, etc. are estimated. With regard to those characteristics not considered to change with time, the pre-estimation characteristic data and the post-estimation characteristic data are assumed to be identical. Of the characteristics of a tomato, for example, the shape, size, weight, etc. are not considered to change.

An unpredictable change may occur in the product. For example, changes such as a damage during the delivery of the product and a partial deficiency of the product are difficult to predict. Meanwhile, the product may be damaged or a part of the product may be deficient at the time of shipping. In this case, a damage or a deficiency found in the product may be a characteristic useful for individual discrimination of the product. Thus, when the characteristic data for the second product72acquired by the acquisition unit32includes a characteristic feature indicating a damage or a deficiency of the product, the individual discrimination unit44may first make individual discrimination by using the characteristic damage or deficiency. When there are no products for which the characteristic damage or deficiency match, the individual discrimination unit44may make individual discrimination by excluding the characteristic damage or deficiency. By making individual discrimination by using the characteristic damage or deficiency initially, it is possible to identify a product with a damage or a deficiency at the time of shipping. By then making individual discrimination by excluding the characteristic damage or deficiency, it is possible to identify a product without a damage or a deficiency at the time of shipping, based on a characteristic different from a damage or a deficiency.

Instead of employing or excluding the characteristic damage or deficiency described above, the magnitude of impact from the characteristic damage or deficiency on the score indicating a level of matching may be switched, namely, the numerical value of the parameter in the machine learning model may be switched. For example, individual discrimination may be made by initially adjusting the parameter so that the magnitude of impact from a particular characteristic feature such as a damage and a deficiency and calculating a score indicating a level of matching accordingly. Individual discrimination may then be made by adjusting the parameter to lower the magnitude of impact from a particular characteristic feature such as a damage or a deficiency and calculating a score indicating a level of matching accordingly.

The magnitude of impact may also be adjusted not only for unpredictable characteristics but also for predictable characteristics. The magnitude of impact from characteristics for which a change with time is considered to be small (e.g., the shape, size, weight, etc. of a tomato) on the score indicating a level of matching may be configured to be large. More particularly, a greater weight is assigned to the characteristic for which a change with time is small in a determination as to the identity of a product to give higher priority to the characteristic for which a change with time is small. The magnitude of impact from characteristics for which a change with time is considered to be large (e.g., the color, maturity grade, sugar concentration, etc. of a tomato) on the score indicating a level of matching may be configured to be small. More particularly, a smaller weight is assigned to the characteristic for which a change with time is large in a determination as to the identity of a product to give lower priority to the characteristic for which a change with time is small. The criterion for determination as to identity is stricter for the characteristic having a higher priority. Unless a strict match is found in the characteristic, it is determined that the products are not identical. The criterion for determination as to identity is less strict for the characteristic having a higher priority. Even if a strict match is not found in the characteristic, it is determined that the products are not identical. In other words, the magnitude of the tolerance range in which identity is found varies depending on the magnitude of priority of the characteristic of the product. The magnitude of priority of each of the multiple characteristics of the product is defined individually in accordance with the product type.

The method of individually discriminating a product described above may be used equally for individual discrimination of the baggage. When the product in the container is visible while the baggage remains packaged, the individual discrimination unit44may determine the identity of the product in the container by estimating a change in the characteristic of the product in the container. When multiple products are in the container, the individual discrimination unit44may discriminate the product individually by estimating a change in the characteristic of each of the multiple products. Alternatively, the individual discrimination unit44may individually discriminate the baggage as a whole by estimating a change in the characteristics of the multiple products collectively.

The change verification unit46extracts a change in the characteristic between the first product and the second product identified by the individual discrimination unit44as being identical to find out whether the change in the characteristic is valid. When there is only a change that could occur with time (for example, when a green color of a tomato changes to a red color or when a new damage is added to the surface of a tomato), the change verification unit46determines that the change is valid. When there is a change that could not occur with time (e.g., when a red color of a tomato changes to a green color, or a damage found in the past has disappeared), it is determined that the change is not valid.

When the change verification unit46determines that the change between the first product and the second product is valid, the change verification unit46determines that the first product and the second product identified by the individual discrimination unit44are identical. Thus, the second product subject to determination as to identity is linked to the product ID of the first product identified by the individual discrimination unit44. When the change verification unit46determines that the change between the first product and the second product is not valid, the change verification unit46determines that the first product identical on an individual basis to the first product subject to determination as to identity.

The change verification unit46may not only verify the validity of a change for the first product for which the score calculated by the individual discrimination unit44is highest but also verify the validity of a change for multiple first products for which the score calculated by the individual discrimination unit44is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. In this case, the first product for which the change is valid and the score is relatively high may be determined to be identical on an individual basis to the second product.

The notification unit36communicates information based on a determination by the determination unit34as to identity to the source of transmission of the data acquired by the acquisition unit32. When, for example, data related to the product22is acquired by the acquisition unit32from the user terminal28of a consumer visiting the sales site16, information related to the product ID of the product22identified by the determination unit34is communicated to the user terminal28. In other words, information based on the production data54, the delivery data56, the characteristic data58, and the environmental data60linked to the identified product ID is communicated to the user terminal28. More particularly, the notification unit36may communicate information related to production such as the producer, place of production, and date and time of production of the product22, information related to delivery such as the delivery route and time required for delivery of the product22, information related to the quality of the product such as the maturity grade and sugar concentration, and peak ripeness timing of the product22, and information related to environment such as the temperature and humidity in which the product22was placed. These items of information that are requested by a consumer may be communicated in response to the consumer's user operation in the user terminal28.

The notification unit36may communicate information based on the determination by the determination unit34as to identity to the intermediate site14or the sales site16. When the acquisition unit32acquires the characteristic data for the baggage26measured in incoming inspection or outgoing inspection in the intermediate site14from the intermediate site management apparatus64, for example, the notification unit36may communicate the result of determination as to the identity of the baggage26made by the determination unit34to the intermediate site management apparatus64. This makes it possible to conduct stricter inspection simply by measuring the characteristic data for the baggage26for inspection in the intermediate site14for checking against the characteristic data for the baggage26at the time of shipping. Similarly, when the acquisition unit32acquires the characteristic data for the baggage26or the product22measured in the sales site16in incoming inspection from the sales site management apparatus66, the notification unit36may communicate the result of determination as to the identity of the baggage26or the product22made by the determination unit34to the sales site management apparatus66. This makes it possible to inspect the safety of the product more strictly before displaying the product22in the sales site16.

The recording unit38generates data for recording in the storage unit40based on the data acquired by the acquisition unit32and records the generated data in the storage unit40. The recording unit38registers a new product ID in the product master50based on the data acquired from the shipping site management apparatus62. The recording unit38registers a new baggage ID in the baggage master52based on the data acquired from the shipping site management apparatus62. The recording unit38generates and records the production data54based on the data acquired from the shipping site management apparatus62or the producer. The recording unit38generates and records the delivery data56based on the data acquired from the shipping site management apparatus62, the intermediate site management apparatus64, the sales site management apparatus66, or the delivery management apparatus68. The recording unit38generates and records the environmental data60based on the data acquired from the shipping site management apparatus62, the intermediate site management apparatus64, the sales site management apparatus66, or the delivery management apparatus68.

The recording unit38generates and records the characteristic data58linked to the new product ID or baggage ID based on the characteristic data acquired from the shipping site management apparatus62. When the recording unit38acquires the characteristic data from the intermediate site management apparatus64, the sales site management apparatus66, or the user terminal28, the recording unit38generates and records the characteristic data58when the determination unit34determines that the product or the baggage is identical. In other words, when the determination unit34finds an identity and the product ID or the baggage ID acquired by the acquisition unit32is identified, the recording unit38records the acquired characteristic data in the storage unit40, linking the characteristic data with the identified product ID or baggage ID. As a result, additional characteristic data acquired in the middle of the distribution process is collected, as the characteristic data58, in the storage unit40, in addition to the initially registered characteristic data.

To determine whether the first product and the second product are identical, the determination unit34may use multiple items of characteristic data acquired for the first product at different dates and points of time of measurement and at different places of measurement or may use only the latest characteristic data. When the identity of a product is determined based on the characteristic data for the second product acquired from the user terminal28, for example, the characteristic data measured by the measurement apparatus61in the shipping site12may be used, the characteristic data measured by the measurement apparatus63in the intermediate site14may be used, or the characteristic data measured by the measurement apparatus65in the sales site16may be used. The determination unit34may estimate a change in the characteristic based on multiple items of characteristic data acquired at different dates and points of time of measurement and at different places of measurement.

The change verification unit46may verify the validity of a change based on multiple items of characteristic data acquired at different dates and points of time of measurement and at different places of measurement. The change verification unit46may determine a point of time when a particular change occurs based on multiple items of characteristic data acquired at different dates and points of time of measurement and at different places of measurement. When a change accompanying a damage or a deficiency is verified, for example, the change verification unit46may identify the date and time and place in which the damage or the deficiency likely occurred. When a change in the characteristic of the product, and, more particularly, a monotonous increase in the maturity grade or sugar concentration of the product is verified, the change verification unit46may identify the date and time when the ripeness of the product is at the peak based on the tendency of increase. When it is verified that an increase in the maturity grade or sugar concentration of the product has stopped or the maturity grade or sugar concentration has lowered, the change verification unit46may communicate that the peak ripeness is over based on the tendency in increase. Information related to a change in the characteristic like this verified by the change verification unit46may be communicated by the notification unit36to the source of transmission of the data.

FIG.5is a sequence chart showing an exemplary operation of the product management apparatus30. First, the shipping site management apparatus62issues the product ID in the shipping site12(S30), the characteristic of the product is measured by the measurement apparatus61(S32), and the product ID and the characteristic data are transmitted from the shipping site management apparatus62to the product management apparatus30(S34). The product management apparatus30registers the acquired product ID in the product master50and records the characteristic data58generated based on the acquired characteristic data in the storage unit40(S36).

The product shipped from the shipping site12is delivered by the delivery means18to the intermediate site14or the sales site16. The measurement apparatus63,65, or67measures the environment of the product in the intermediate site14, the sales site16, or the delivery means18(S38). The intermediate site management apparatus64, the sales site management apparatus66, or the delivery management apparatus68transmits the environmental data to the product management apparatus30(S40). The product management apparatus30records the acquired environmental data60in the storage unit40(S42).

The user terminal28then measures the characteristic of the product (S44), and the user terminal28transmits the characteristic data to the product management apparatus30(S46). The product management apparatus30extracts the candidate product ID that could indicate the identical product (S48), estimates a change in the characteristic of the product (S50), and determines whether the product is identical, based on the acquired data (S52). When the product is identical (Y in S54), the product management apparatus30records the characteristic data58generated based on the acquired characteristic data in the storage unit40(S56) and communicates information based on the determination as to identity to the user terminal28(S58). When the product is not identical (N in S54), the process in S56is skipped, and information based on the determination as to identity is communicated (S58). The user terminal28displays the information acquired from the product management apparatus30(S60).

According to the embodiment, it is possible to discriminate the product individually based on the characteristic data for the product so that the product can be managed individually. Further, even in a case in which the characteristic of the product changes with time, the identity of the individual product can be determined in a manner that a change in the characteristic with time is allowed for, by estimating a change in the characteristic of the product. Further, even in a case in which an unpredictable change in the characteristic not caused by an elapse of time occurs, the identity of the individual product can be determined by combining individual discrimination using the unpredictable characteristic and individual discrimination excluding the unpredictable characteristic. Further, the identity of the individual product can be properly determined even when the characteristic of the product changes with time, by setting, for each product type, a priority to multiple characteristics used in determination of identity.

According to the embodiment, a change in the product occurring in the middle of the distribution process can be properly tracked by collecting characteristic data acquired in the middle of the distribution process. When a damage is incurred in the middle of the distribution process, the date and time or the place in which the damage likely occurred can be identified. Further, even when a product is replaced by another product in the middle of the distribution process, the post-replacement product can be properly tracked by using the characteristic data for the product, if the replacement is between products registered in the product management apparatus30. When a product is replaced by a product not registered in the product management apparatus30, an identity cannot be found with the characteristic of the product registered in the product management apparatus30so that a wrongdoing in the distribution process can be detected.

Described above is an explanation based on an exemplary embodiment. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various design changes are possible and various modifications are possible and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

In the embodiment described above, the information related to the product is provided to the consumer by using the user terminal28of the consumer. In an alternative embodiment, the information related to the product may be provided by using a terminal installed at a place of sale or a cash register in the sales site16. For example, a terminal installed in the sales site16may measure the product, and the information related to the product may be displayed on the display unit of the terminal. Alternatively, when the terminal installed in the sales site16is provided with a printer, the information related to the product may be printed by the printed and provided to the consumer. Still alternatively, a label with the information related to the product may be printed by a terminal in the sales site16when the product is displayed at a place of sale in the sales site16, and the information may be provided to the consumer by attaching the label printed with the information to the product itself or the package of the product.

In the embodiment described above, a tomato is given as an example of the product, but the embodiment can be applied to arbitrary products. For example, the embodiment may be applied to arbitrary vegetables or fruits sold in a sales site such as a shop without being packaged. Further, the embodiment may be applied to vegetables and fruits contained in a plastic bag or a container in the process from shipping to sales. Further, the product to which the embodiment is applied may not be limited to vegetables and fruits but also to other arbitrary products such as industrial products.

According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible determine the identity of a product based on a characteristic of the product.