Patent Publication Number: US-2022234831-A1

Title: Article management system, logistics system, server device, and article management method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-130474, filed on Jul. 12, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an article management system, a logistics system, a server device, and an article management method. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Patent Literature (PTL) 1 teaches a technique in which a working robot performs an inspection process to check products delivered to a store against order information, and displays the delivered products on store shelves. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     
         
         PTL 1: JP 2018-151923 A 
       
    
     SUMMARY 
     Technical Problem 
     In a conventional store, a customer who purchases a product takes the product off a store shelf by hand, and brings it to a register. Thus, a wide aisle for a person to walk through shall be provided around the store shelves, and the height of the store shelves shall be such that the person can reach the top shelf. Therefore, the number of displayable products depending on the store footprint, namely, the article number density per footprint is limited. 
     An object of the present disclosure is to increase the article number density per footprint. 
     Solution to Problem 
     An article management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: 
     an automated storage and retrieval system configured to store a plurality of containers, each container containing one or more articles, and take out, to a picking area adjacent to a pick-up area, a container containing at least one article to be picked up at the pick-up area, among the plurality of containers; and 
     a control apparatus configured to control or support picking, at the picking area, the at least one article out of the container taken out by the automated storage and retrieval system. 
     A server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is to be connected with an article management system including: 
     an automated storage and retrieval system configured to store a plurality of containers, each container containing one or more articles, and take out, to a picking area adjacent to a pick-up area, a container containing at least one article to be picked up at the pick-up area, among the plurality of containers; and 
     a control apparatus configured to control or support picking, at the picking area, the at least one article out of the container taken out by the automated storage and retrieval system. 
     The server device includes: 
     a communication interface configured to communicate with a user&#39;s terminal device; and 
     a controller configured to accept a designation or a pre-order for the at least one article via the communication interface, select, from among a plurality of locations, a location where the container containing the at least one article is stored in the automated storage and retrieval system, with reference to inventory information for the article management system, which is installed in each location of the plurality of locations, and inform the terminal device of the selected location via the communication interface. 
     An article management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: 
     by an automated storage and retrieval system configured to store a plurality of containers, each container containing one or more articles, taking out, to a picking area adjacent to a pick-up area, a container containing at least one article to be picked up at the pick-up area, among the plurality of containers; and 
     by a control apparatus, controlling or supporting picking, at the picking area, the at least one article out of the container taken out by the automated storage and retrieval system. 
     Advantageous Effect 
     According to the present disclosure, the article number density per footprint can be increased. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an article management system according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a store where the article management system according to the first embodiment is installed; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the article management system according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a manipulator of the article management system according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a rack of the article management system according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a crane of the article management system according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating operations of the article management system according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an article management system according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating operations of the article management system according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an article management system according to a third embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a store where the article management system according to the third embodiment is installed; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the article management system according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating operations of the article management system according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an article management system according to a fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating operations of the article management system according to the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a logistics system according to a fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating operations of a server device according to the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating processes executed in an article management system according to a sixth embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating processes executed in an article management system according to a seventh embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of an article management system according to an eighth embodiment; and 
         FIG. 21  is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of an article management system according to a ninth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the descriptions of the embodiments, detailed descriptions of the same or corresponding portions are omitted or simplified as appropriate. 
     First Embodiment 
     An outline of the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 . 
     In an article management system  100  according to the present embodiment, an automated storage and retrieval system  110  stores a plurality of containers  210 , each container  210  containing one or more articles  200 . The automated storage and retrieval system  110  takes out, to a picking area  102  adjacent to a pick-up area  103 , a container  211  containing at least one article  201  to be picked up at the pick-up area  103 , among the plurality of containers  210 . A control apparatus  120  controls picking, at the picking area  102 , the at least one article  201  out of the container  211  taken out by the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . 
     In the present embodiment, instead of a user  220 , who is to pick up the article  201  at the pick-up area  103 , taking the article  201  from a corresponding storage position by hand, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  automatically retrieves the container  211  containing the article  201  from the storage position. Thus, the space around the storage position may be so narrow that a person cannot walk therethrough, and the height of the storage position may be so high that the person cannot reach. Therefore, the number of storable articles depending on the footprint of the location where the article management system  100  is installed, namely, the article number density per footprint can be increased. 
     The article management system  100  may be installed in any location where the user  220  can pick up the article  201 . In the present embodiment, the article management system  100  is installed in a retailer&#39;s store  230  such as a convenience store or a supermarket. As a variation of the present embodiment, the article management system  100  may be installed in any one facility of a petrol station, a railway station, a compound, an office building, and an apartment building. As another variation of the present embodiment, the article management system  100  may be installed on a street. As yet another variation of the present embodiment, the article management system  100  may be transported on the back of a vehicle such as a truck or an automated vehicle, and operated as a mobile store. As yet another variation of the present embodiment, the article management system  100  may be installed in a base store that acts as a micro DC. The term “DC” is an abbreviation of distribution center. The base store holds products prior to replenishing a plurality of satellite stores. Each satellite store is, for example, a self-checkout unmanned store. Each satellite store is installed, for example, in an apartment or an office building. Customers at each satellite store read a unique two-dimensional code for each satellite store with mobile devices such as smartphones, thereby allowing a payment system to recognize which store the customers are about to shop at. When a customer purchases a product, the customer pays for the product by scanning a barcode of the product with a mobile device and making an online payment. 
     Each article  200  is a product for sale at the store  230 , in the present embodiment. The types of the articles  200  include, for example, foods, commodities, and magazines. In addition to these, the types of the articles  200  may include various types. Alternatively, the types of the articles  200  may include only one or two types. The types of the articles  200  are distinguished as SKUs in the present embodiment. The term “SKU” is an abbreviation of stock keeping unit. The article  201  picked up by the user  220  is a product purchased by the user  220 , in the present embodiment. 
     Each container  210  is a tote in the present embodiment. Alternatively, each container  210  may be, for example, a carton, a bag, a box, a pallet, a case, or a bucket. 
     In the present embodiment, a manipulator  130  performs the picking. Thus, the control apparatus  120  controls the picking by the manipulator  130 . As a method for controlling the picking, any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes inputting, to the manipulator  130 , identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the article  201 , or an image of the article  201 , thereby causing the manipulator  130  to identify the article  201  and pick the article  201  out of the container  211 . The term “RFID” is an abbreviation of radio-frequency identification. 
     In the present embodiment, not only the automated storage and retrieval system  110  automatically retrieves the container  211  containing the article  201  from the storage position, but also the manipulator  130  automatically picks the article  201  out of the container  211  retrieved by the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . Thus, the user  220  does not need to pick the article  201  out of the container  211  by hand; therefore the convenience is improved. Alternatively, a clerk does not need to pick the article  201  out of the container  211  by hand; therefore the shortage of personnel in the store  230  can be overcome. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, a person such as the user  220  or the clerk, instead of the manipulator  130 , may pick by hand the article  201  out of the container  211  retrieved by the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . In that case, the control apparatus  120  supports the picking by the person. As a method for supporting the picking, any method may be used. One possible method in this variation includes inputting, to a reader, identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the article  201 , thereby causing the person to identify the article  201  using the reader and pick the article  201  out of the container  211 . Another possible method includes displaying an image of the article  201  on a display, thereby causing the person to identify the article  201  visually and pick the article  201  out of the container  211 . 
     A configuration of the article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4, 5, and 6  in addition to  FIGS. 1 to 3 . 
     In addition to the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , the control apparatus  120 , and the manipulator  130 , the article management system  100  includes a database  140 , an input apparatus  150 , an output apparatus  160 , a conveyor  170 , and a pick-up box  180 . 
     The automated storage and retrieval system  110  is installed in a storage area  101 , which is for storage of the articles  200 . The storage area  101  is adjacent to the picking area  102 , which is for picking of the article  201 . The picking area  102  is adjacent to the pick-up area  103 , which is for pick-up of the article  201 . The automated storage and retrieval system  110  is also referred to as the “AS/RS”. The automated storage and retrieval system  110  is a crane type AS/RS in the present embodiment. Alternatively, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  may be, for example, a rotary shelf type, shuttle type, or bot type AS/RS. 
     The plurality of containers  210 , each container  210  containing one or more articles  200 , is brought into the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . The automated storage and retrieval system  110  stores the plurality of containers  210  brought in. 
     Only one type of articles  200  may be contained in each container  210 . Alternatively, two or more types of articles  200  may be contained in each container  210 . In a case in which two or more types of articles  200  are contained in the same container  210 , the two or more types of articles  200  may be sorted according to the types of the respective articles  200 . As a sorting method, any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes dividing the inside of the container  210  into a plurality of spaces by one or more dividers, and putting each article  200  into a space for a corresponding type. The sorting operation may be performed before each container  210  is delivered to the store  230 . Alternatively, the sorting operation may be performed after each container  210  is delivered to the store  230  and before each container  210  is brought into the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , or may be performed inside the store  230 , using the manipulator  130 . 
     The control apparatus  120  is installed in the storage area  101 , the picking area  102 , the pick-up area  103 , or another area. The control apparatus  120  is a computer. 
     The manipulator  130  is installed in the picking area  102 . The number of manipulators  130  may be any number. The number of manipulators  130  is one in the example of  FIG. 3 . The manipulator  130  is, for example, a system including an articulated robot as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a camera to capture, from above, images of objects to be picked by the robot, and a motion controller to control operations of the robot. For example, the manipulator  130  analyzes, using the motion controller, an image of the article  201  captured by the camera, thereby identifying the article  201 . Then, the manipulator  130  controls, using the motion controller, a picking operation of the articulated robot, thereby picking the article  201  out of the container  211 . 
     The database  140  is installed in the storage area  101 , the picking area  102 , the pick-up area  103 , or another area in the same manner as the control apparatus  120 . The database  140  is, for example, an RDBMS. The term “RDBMS” is an abbreviation of relational database management system. The database  140  is implemented separately from the control apparatus  120 , in the present embodiment. Alternatively, the database  140  may be integrated with the control apparatus  120 . 
     The database  140  holds inventory information  240  for the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . The inventory information  240  includes identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to each container  210 , or information indicating the storage position of each container  210  in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , in combination with information indicating the types of the articles  200  contained in each container  210 . The inventory information  240  is updated when each container  210  is brought into the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , and when each container  210  is taken out of the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . 
     The input apparatus  150  is installed in the pick-up area  103 , or another area that the user  220  can enter. The input apparatus  150  is installed, for example, at the front of the store  230 . The input apparatus  150  is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrally provided with a display, or a microphone. The input apparatus  150  is implemented separately from the control apparatus  120 , in the present embodiment. Alternatively, the input apparatus  150  may be integrated with the control apparatus  120 . 
     The output apparatus  160  is installed in the pick-up area  103 , or another area that the user  220  can enter, in the same manner as the input apparatus  150 . The output apparatus  160  is installed, for example, at the front of the store  230 . The output apparatus  160  is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The term “LCD” is an abbreviation of liquid crystal display. The term “EL” is an abbreviation of electro luminescence. The output apparatus  160  is implemented separately from the control apparatus  120 , in the present embodiment. Alternatively, the output apparatus  160  may be integrated with the control apparatus  120 . 
     The conveyor  170  is installed in the picking area  102 . The conveyor  170  is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, a conveyor applying an omni-wheel, a bot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof. 
     The pick-up box  180  is installed in the pick-up area  103 . The pick-up box  180  is, for example, a box that can be opened and closed automatically or manually. 
     The automated storage and retrieval system  110  includes one or more racks  111  and one or more cranes  112 . 
     The number of racks  111  may be any number. In the example of  FIG. 3 , the number of racks  111  is two. Each rack  111  may be configured to store any number of containers  210 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , each rack  111  is configured as a high-density rack capable of storing twelve containers  210  in the vertical direction, twelve containers  210  in the horizontal direction, and one container  210  in the depth direction. In each rack  111 , some space may be replaced with a space for installing the manipulator  130 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , a space of one of the two racks  111  to store six containers  210  in the vertical direction and four containers  210  in the horizontal direction is replaced with a space for installing the manipulator  130 . 
     The number of cranes  112  depends on the number of racks  111 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , the number of cranes  112  is one. The crane  112  is installed in an aisle faced by the racks  111 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , one crane  112  is installed in an aisle between the two racks  111 . This aisle may be so narrow that a person cannot walk therethrough, as long as its width is sufficient for installing the crane  112 . The crane  112  is a mini-load crane in the present embodiment. Alternatively, the crane  112  may be, for example, a unit-load crane or a mid-load crane. 
     In the present embodiment, the racks  111 , the crane  112 , or a combination of these are treated as a module, thereby increasing the scalability of the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . That is, the configuration of the automated storage and retrieval system  110  can be determined or changed easily according to various requirements such as the footprint and the required article number of the store  230  where the article management system  100  is installed. Furthermore, components of the article management system  100  other than the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , or a combination of components of the article management system  100  may be treated as a module, thereby increasing the overall scalability of the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . That is, the overall configuration of the article management system  100  may be enabled to be determined or changed easily according to the various requirements of the store  230  where the article management system  100  is installed. For example, by configuring the automated storage and retrieval system  110  or other components of the article management system  100  with a small number of modules or a small-scale module, the article management system  100  can be easily installed in a roadside convenience store, a small convenience store inside a petrol station, inside a compound, inside an office building, or inside an apartment building, or a small kiosk of a railway station, serving as the store  230 . Alternatively, by configuring the automated storage and retrieval system  110  or other components of the article management system  100  with a large number of modules or a large-scale module, the article management system  100  can be easily installed in a large convenience store or a large supermarket, serving as the store  230 . Moreover, in a case in which the store  230  where the article management system  100  is installed has been closed, each module of the article management system  100  can be reused at a different store or another location. 
     In the present embodiment, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  stores the plurality of brought-in containers  210  separately in two or more compartments having temperature settings different from each other, according to the types of the articles  200  contained in each container  210 . For example, the two racks  111  are as a whole divided into four compartments corresponding to four respective temperature ranges, which are frozen, chilled, constant, and ambient, and the plurality of brought-in containers  210  is stored separately in the four compartments according to the types of the articles  200  contained in each container  210 . In that case, a container  210  containing products that need to be kept frozen such as frozen foods is stored in the frozen compartment. A container  210  containing products that need to be kept chilled is stored in the chilled compartment. A container  210  containing products that need to be kept at a constant temperature such as alcoholic beverages is stored in the constant compartment. A container  210  containing other products is stored in the ambient compartment. 
     The control apparatus  120  includes a controller  121 , a memory  122 , a communication interface  123 , an input interface  124 , and an output interface  125 . 
     The controller  121  includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general purpose processor such as a CPU or a dedicated processor that is dedicated to specific processing. The term “CPU” is an abbreviation of central processing unit. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The term “FPGA” is an abbreviation of field-programmable gate array. The term “ASIC” is an abbreviation of application specific integrated circuit. The controller  121  executes information processing related to operations of the control apparatus  120  while controlling components of the control apparatus  120 . 
     The memory  122  includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM or ROM. The term “RAM” is an abbreviation of random access memory. The term “ROM” is an abbreviation of read only memory. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The term “SRAM” is an abbreviation of static random access memory. The term “DRAM” is an abbreviation of dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The term “EEPROM” is an abbreviation of electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The memory  122  functions as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The memory  122  stores information to be used for the operations of the control apparatus  120 , and information obtained by the operations of the control apparatus  120 . 
     The communication interface  123  includes at least one interface for communication. The interface for communication is, for example, a LAN interface or an interface compliant with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, the 4G standard, or the 5G standard. The term “LAN” is an abbreviation of local area network. The term “LTE” is an abbreviation of Long Term Evolution. The term “4G” is an abbreviation of 4th generation. The term “5G” is an abbreviation of 5th generation. The communication interface  123  receives information to be used for the operations of the control apparatus  120  from the database  140  or another external device, and transmits information obtained by the operations of the control apparatus  120  to the database  140  or another external device. 
     The input interface  124  includes at least one interface for input. The interface for input is, for example, a USB interface. The term “USB” is an abbreviation of universal serial bus. The input interface  124  accepts an operation for inputting information to be used for the operations of the control apparatus  120  via the input apparatus  150 . 
     The output interface  125  includes at least one interface for output. The interface for output is, for example, a USB interface. The output interface  125  outputs information obtained by the operations of the control apparatus  120  via the output apparatus  160 . 
     The functions of the control apparatus  120  are realized by execution of a control program according to the present embodiment by a processor included in the controller  121 . That is, the functions of the control apparatus  120  are realized by software. The control program is a program for causing a computer to execute the processes of steps included in the operations of the control apparatus  120 , thereby enabling the computer to realize the functions corresponding to the processes of the steps. That is, the control program is a program for causing a computer to function as the control apparatus  120 . 
     The program can be recorded on a computer readable recording medium. The computer readable recording medium is, for example, a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program is distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable recording medium such as a DVD or a CD-ROM on which the program is recorded. The term “DVD” is an abbreviation of digital versatile disc. The term “CD-ROM” is an abbreviation of compact disc read only memory. The program may be distributed by storing the program in a storage of a server and transferring the program from the server to another computer. The program may be provided as a program product. 
     For example, the computer temporarily stores, in a main memory, a program recorded on a portable recording medium or a program transferred from a server. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main memory using a processor, and executes processes in accordance with the read program using the processor. The computer may read a program directly from the portable recording medium, and execute processes in accordance with the program. The computer may, each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer, sequentially execute processes in accordance with the received program. Instead of transferring a program from the server to the computer, processes may be executed by a so-called ASP type service that realizes functions only by execution instructions and result acquisitions. The term “ASP” is an abbreviation of application service provider. Programs encompass information that is to be used for processing by an electronic computer and is thus equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to a computer but has a property that regulates processing of the computer is “equivalent to a program” in this context. 
     Some or all of the functions of the control apparatus  120  may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the controller  121 . That is, some or all of the functions of the control apparatus  120  may be realized by hardware. 
     Operations of the article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 7 . These operations correspond to an article management method according to the present embodiment. The operations of  FIG. 7  start when the user  220  visits the store  230 . 
     In step S 101 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  searches the database  140  to generate a list  250  of the types of articles  200  contained in a plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . As a method for generating the list  250 , any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes extracting information such as a product name, availability, and quantity from the inventory information  240  held in the database  140 , for each SKU of the products for sale at the store  230 , and generating, as the list  250 , pages with a hierarchical structure to which the extracted information is posted. The controller  121  causes the output apparatus  160  to output the generated list  250  via the output interface  125 . That is, the output apparatus  160  is controlled to output, to the user  220 , the list  250  of the types of the articles  200  contained in the plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . For example, a display included in the output apparatus  160  displays the list  250  on screen. 
     In step S 102 , the input apparatus  150  accepts an order operation for at least one article  201  by the user  220 . 
     The input apparatus  150  accepts, as part of the order operation, an operation in which the user  220  selects the at least one article  201  from the list  250  outputted by the output apparatus  160 . For example, a touch screen integrally provided with a display, which is included in the input apparatus  150 , accepts an operation in which the user  220  adds, to a shopping cart, a product that the user  220  desires to purchase on a page displayed by the display. The order operation is completed by an operation in which the user  220  confirms purchase of the product added to the shopping cart, such as an operation to pay for the product. As a method for paying for the product, any method may be used. One possible method includes, for example, making a payment by cash, credit card, electronic money, points, or virtual currency via a payment system such as a POS system installed in the store  230 . The term “POS” is an abbreviation of point of sale. The payment system may read identification information such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code displayed on a mobile device of the user  220  such as a smartphone or a tablet, or printed on a membership card of the user  220  to identify the user  220 . Alternatively, the payment system may read identification information such as an ID recorded on the mobile device or the membership card of the user  220  to identify the user  220 . The term “ID” is an abbreviation of identifier. The payment system may be provided as a part of the article management system  100 , or as a separate system connected and coordinated with the article management system  100 . In the former case, the payment system may be a system connected and coordinated with existing systems of retailers, or a stand-alone system that operates without being connected with the existing systems of the retailers. In the latter case, namely, in a case in which the payment system is a system separate from the article management system  100 , the payment system may be a new system that is not included in the existing systems of the retailers, or a conventional system included in the existing systems of the retailers. 
     In the present embodiment, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  predicts an article  202  to be ordered by the order operation before the order operation is completed. As a method for predicting the article  202  to be ordered, any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes predicting that a product is to be purchased when the user  220  adds the product to the shopping cart. The controller  121  causes the crane  112  to move according to the storage position, in the racks  111 , of a container  212  containing the predicted article  202  among the plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . In a case in which the crane  112  reaches a position where the crane  112  can retrieve the container  212  before the order operation is completed, the controller  121  causes the crane  112  to stand by until the order operation is completed. 
     In step S 103 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  identifies the article  201  selected by the order operation accepted at the input apparatus  150  via the input interface  124 . The controller  121  searches the database  140  to identify a container  211  containing the identified article  201 . As a method for identifying the container  211 , any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes extracting identification information of the container  211  containing the article  201 , or information indicating the storage position of the container  211  from the inventory information  240  held in the database  140 . The controller  121  causes the automated storage and retrieval system  110  to take out the identified container  211  to the picking area  102 , via the communication interface  123 . That is, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to take out, to the picking area  102 , the container  211  containing the at least one article  201  to be picked up at the pick-up area  103 , among the plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , in response to the order operation accepted at the input apparatus  150 . Specifically, the crane  112  moves along the aisle faced by the racks  111  to retrieve the container  211 , and takes out the retrieved container  211  to the picking area  102 . 
     In step S 104 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  controls picking by the manipulator  130 , via the communication interface  123 . That is, the manipulator  130  is controlled to perform the picking. The picking is an operation to pick, at the picking area  102 , the at least one article  201  out of the container  211  taken out by the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . Identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the article  201 , or an image of the article  201 , which is to be inputted to the manipulator  130  for the control of the picking, is specified directly or indirectly by the order operation accepted at the input apparatus  150 . 
     In the present embodiment, the manipulator  130 , before performing the picking, learns appearance of articles  200  of a plurality of types. As a method for learning the appearance, any method such as machine learning or other AI-based learning may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes loading a product image into a memory for each SKU of the products for sale at the store  230 . The term “AI” is an abbreviation of artificial intelligence. The manipulator  130 , when performing the picking, observes the appearance of the articles  200  contained in the container  211  taken out by the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . As a method for observing the appearance, any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes capturing images of the articles  200  contained in the container  211 , using a camera. The manipulator  130  identifies the at least one article  201  according to learning and observation results. As a method for identifying the article  201 , any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes comparing the images loaded in the memory and the images captured by the camera to identify the target article  201  from among the articles  200  the images of which are captured by the camera. 
     In step S 105 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  causes, via the communication interface  123 , the conveyor  170  to feed the at least one article  201  picked by the picking, into the pick-up box  180 , which is to be used by the user  220  to pick up the article  201  at the pick-up area  103 . That is, the conveyor  170  is controlled to transport, to the pick-up area  103 , the at least one article  201  picked by the picking. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, even in a case in which the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  supports picking by a person in step S 104 , the conveyor  170  transports, to the pick-up area  103 , the at least one article  201  picked by the picking in step S 105 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the user  220 , who purchases a product, does not need to take the product off a store shelf by hand and bring it to a register. The user  220  can pick up the product at the pick-up area  103  and take it home straight away. 
     As described above, in the present embodiment, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  stores a plurality of containers  210 , each container  210  containing one or more articles  200 . The automated storage and retrieval system  110  takes out, to a picking area  102  adjacent to a pick-up area  103 , a container  211  containing at least one article  201  to be picked up at the pick-up area  103 , among the plurality of containers  210 . The control apparatus  120  controls picking, at the picking area  102 , the at least one article  201  out of the container  211  taken out by the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . 
     Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the article number density per footprint can be increased. 
     In the present embodiment, a mini-load crane meets the task of loading and unloading of totes stored in high-density racks. The mini-load crane includes a horizontally moving rail for conveying totes while moving the crane alongside the space between the high-density racks, and vertically moving platforms each equipped with a telescoping mechanism enabling the crane to retrieve totes from the high-density racks. Each high-density rack may be able to store two or more totes in the depth direction. 
     An articulated robot includes an automatically exchangeable end of arm tooling. The end-of-arm tooling is specifically a suction-type gripper, but may be automatically changed to other types of grippers or hands, depending on the product. The articulated robot performs the task of picking products directly from totes to process an order placed using a front user panel which is a display with a touch screen. 
     Therefore, according to the present embodiment, shopping process can be fully automated. That is, the store  230  can be fully unmanned. However, the store  230  may be operated in a hybrid form of a manned store and an unmanned store. For example, the article management system  100  according to the present embodiment may be installed in a 24-hour convenience store together with conventional store shelves and registers, and the convenience store may be operated as a manned store from morning through evening, and as an unmanned store at night. 
     According to the present embodiment, orders can be fulfilled by robots and automation modules instead of people working in small footprint shops or kiosks in commercial locations. 
     According to the present embodiment, products can be brought, in the store  230 , from a storage area  101  to the pick-up area  103  without human intervention. Furthermore, the article number density of the storage area  101  can be increased. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, an API for connecting and coordinating various existing systems of retailers, such as an IMS, an ERP system, and a payment system including a POS system, with the article management system  100  may be specified. The term “IMS” is an abbreviation of inventory management system. The term “ERP” is an abbreviation of enterprise resource planning. The term “API” is an abbreviation of application programming interface. According to this variation, the article management system  100  can be provided as a turnkey system via the API. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  may change the storage position of each container  210  according to the order frequencies of the articles  200  contained in each container  210 . Specifically, the controller  121  may store totes containing frequently ordered products in a rack  111  close to the manipulator  130 . According to this variation, the cycle time can be shortened. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, when totes are delivered from a distribution center, a clerk or a truck driver may put the totes to an injection point, and scan identification labels such as barcodes attached to the totes, using a scanner provided at the injection point. In that case, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  determines respective storage positions of the totes in the automated storage and retrieval system  110  according to the contents of the totes identified by the scanner. The crane  112  stores the totes in the respective storage positions determined by the controller  121 . 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, when a first tote is delivered from the distribution center, a clerk may perform a sorting operation while transferring the contents of the first tote to a second tote, which is a different tote. Then, the clerk may put the second tote to the injection point, and scan an identification label such as a barcode attached to the second tote, using a scanner provided at the injection point. In that case, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  determines a storage position of the second tote in the automated storage and retrieval system  110  according to the contents of the second tote identified by the scanner. The crane  112  stores the second tote in the storage position determined by the controller  121 . The controller  121  updates inventory information  240  to add, into the database  140 , identification information of the second tote or information indicating the storage position of the second tote in combination with information indicating one or more SKUs in the second tote. The information indicating the SKUs in the second tote is acquired by, for example, scanning identification labels such as barcodes attached to products in the second tote during the sorting operation. 
     Second Embodiment 
     An outline of the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
     In the first embodiment, a user  220  picks up, at a pick-up area  103 , at least one article  201  picked by picking. In the present embodiment, a mobile robot  280  or a drone  290  picks up such an article  201  at a pick-up area  103  to deliver the article  201  to a user  220 . 
     A configuration of an article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 8 . Descriptions of portions common to the configuration of the article management system  100  according to the first embodiment are omitted. 
     The article management system  100  includes either or both of the mobile robot  280  and the drone  290 . 
     The mobile robot  280  is, for example, a 4-wheel robot or a 6-wheel robot. 
     The drone  290  is, for example, a multicopter. 
     Operations of the article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 9 . These operations correspond to an article management method according to the present embodiment. Descriptions of portions common to the operations of the article management system  100  according to the first embodiment are omitted. The operations of  FIG. 9  start when the user  220  orders at least one article  201  at an e-commerce site. 
     In step S 201 , a controller  121  of a control apparatus  120  receives order information  260  for the at least one article  201  transmitted through a network  330  such as the Internet, via a communication interface  123 . The order information  260  includes identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the article  201  that the user  220  has ordered at the e-commerce site, or an image of the article  201 . 
     In step S 202 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  identifies the article  201 , which is associated with the received order information  260 . The controller  121  searches the database  140  to identify a container  211  containing the identified article  201 . The controller  121  causes an automated storage and retrieval system  110  to take out the identified container  211  to the picking area  102 , via the communication interface  123 . That is, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to take out, to the picking area  102 , the container  211  containing the at least one article  201  to be picked up at the pick-up area  103 , among a plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , in response to the order information  260  received at the control apparatus  120 . 
     The process of step S 203  is equivalent to that of step S 104  of  FIG. 7 , and thus descriptions thereof are omitted. Identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the article  201 , or an image of the article  201 , which is to be inputted to a manipulator  130  for control of picking, is specified directly or indirectly by the order information  260  received at the control apparatus  120 . 
     In step S 204 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  causes, via the communication interface  123 , a conveyor  170  to load the at least one article  201  picked by the picking, onto the mobile robot  280  or the drone  290 , which stands by at the pick-up area  103 . That is, the conveyor  170  is controlled to transport, to the pick-up area  103 , the at least one article  201  picked by the picking. The mobile robot  280  or the drone  290  picks up the article  201  at the pick-up area  103 . 
     In step S 205 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  causes the mobile robot  280  or the drone  290  to deliver the loaded article  201  to the user  220 , via the communication interface  123 . That is, the mobile robot  280  or the drone  290  is controlled to deliver, to the user  220 , the article  201  picked up at the pick-up area  103 . Address information such as a home address of the user  220  or any delivery address specified by the user  220 , which is to be inputted to the mobile robot  280  or the drone  290 , is specified directly or indirectly by the order information  260  received at the control apparatus  120 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the user  220 , who has purchased a product, does not need to visit a store  230  in order to pick up the product; therefore the convenience is improved. 
     Third Embodiment 
     An outline of the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 . 
     In the first embodiment, picking is performed when a user  220  visits a store  230 . In the present embodiment, picking is performed before a user  220  visits a store  230 . 
     A configuration of an article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 10 to 12 . Descriptions of portions common to the configuration of the article management system  100  according to the first embodiment are omitted. 
     The article management system  100  includes a storage  190 . 
     The storage  190  is installed in a pre-order area  104 , which is for temporary storage of an article  201  to be picked up by the user  220 . The storage  190  is a crane type AS/RS in the present embodiment. Alternatively, the storage  190  may be, for example, a rotary shelf type, shuttle type, or bot type AS/RS, or a warehouse other than an AS/RS. 
     Operations of the article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 13 . These operations correspond to an article management method according to the present embodiment. Descriptions of portions common to the operations of the article management system  100  according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment are omitted. The operations of  FIG. 13  start when the user  220  orders at least one article  201  at an e-commerce site, stop when the article  201  is stored temporarily, and resume when the user  220  visits the store  230 . 
     The processes of steps S 301  to S 303  are equivalent to those of steps S 201  to S 203  of  FIG. 9 , and thus descriptions thereof are omitted. 
     In step S 304 , a controller  121  of a control apparatus  120  causes the storage  190  to temporarily store the at least one article  201  picked by picking, via a communication interface  123 . That is, the storage  190  is controlled to temporarily store the at least one article  201  picked by the picking. Specifically, a crane of the storage  190  moves along an aisle faced by a rack of the storage  190  to store a container  213  containing the article  201 , which is transferred thereto at the time of the picking. A database  140  holds identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the container  213 , or information indicating the storage position of the container  213  in the storage  190 , in association with authentication information  271  such as a claim reference number. The authentication information  271  may be provided from the e-commerce site as part of order information  260  received at the control apparatus  120 . Alternatively, the authentication information  271  may be newly generated by the controller  121  when the container  213  is brought into the storage  190 , and the user  220  may be informed of the authentication information  271  through a network  330  such as the Internet. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, even in a case in which the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  supports picking by a person in step S 303 , the storage  190  temporarily stores the at least one article  201  picked by the picking in step S 304 . 
     In step S 305 , an input apparatus  150  accepts an input operation, by the user  220 , of authentication information  270  for picking up the at least one article  201 . For example, a touch screen integrally provided with a display, which is included in the input apparatus  150 , accepts an operation in which the user  220  inputs a claim reference number, of which the user  220  has been informed through the network  330  from the e-commerce site or the control apparatus  120 . The controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  acquires the authentication information  270  inputted by the input operation accepted at the input apparatus  150 , via an input interface  124 . 
     The controller  121  checks the acquired authentication information  270  against the database  140 , and then terminates the operations in a case in which the authentication fails. That is, the controller  121  terminates the operations in a case in which valid authentication information  271  identical to the acquired authentication information  270  is not held in the database  140 . On the other hand, in a case in which the authentication succeeds, namely, in a case in which valid authentication information  271  identical to the acquired authentication information  270  is held in the database  140 , the controller  121  searches the database  140  to identify the container  213 , which is associated with the authentication information  271 , in step S 306 . As a method for identifying the container  213 , any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes extracting the identification information of the container  213 , or the information indicating the storage position of the container  213 , which is held in the database  140  in association with the authentication information  271 . The controller  121  causes the storage  190  to take out the identified container  213  to a pick-up area  103 , via the communication interface  123 . That is, the storage  190  is controlled to take out the at least one article  201  to the pick-up area  103  in response to the input operation accepted at the input apparatus  150 . Specifically, the crane of the storage  190  moves along the aisle faced by the rack of the storage  190  to retrieve the container  213  containing the article  201 , and takes out the retrieved container  213  to the pick-up area  103 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the user  220 , who has ordered a product, does not need to wait at the store  230  for completion of the taking out by an automated storage and retrieval system  110 , and the picking by a manipulator  130 . The user  220  can pick up the product in a short time after arriving at the store  230 . 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     An outline of the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 14 . 
     In the first embodiment, an article management system  100  is installed in a retailer&#39;s store  230 . In the present embodiment, an article management system  100  is installed in a courier&#39;s delivery location. 
     Each article  200  is a package held at the delivery location, in the present embodiment. At least one article  201  to be picked up by a user  220  is a package addressed to the user  220 , in the present embodiment. 
     In the present embodiment, inventory information  240  held in a database  140  includes identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to each container  210 , or information indicating the storage position of each container  210  in an automated storage and retrieval system  110 , in combination with identification information such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, or RFIDs attached to articles  200  contained in each container  210 . The database  140  holds, in addition to the inventory information  240 , valid authentication information  271  for each article  200  contained in a plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . Specifically, the database  140  holds the identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to each article  200 , in association with the authentication information  271 , such as a claim reference number. The user  220  to whom each article  200  is addressed shall have been in any way notified of information equivalent to the authentication information  271 . 
     Operations of the article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 15 . These operations correspond to an article management method according to the present embodiment. Descriptions of portions common to the operations of the article management system  100  according to the first embodiment or or the third embodiment are omitted. The operations of  FIG. 15  start when the user  220  visits the delivery location. 
     In step S 401 , an input apparatus  150  accepts an input operation, by the user  220 , of authentication information  270  for picking up at least one article  201 . For example, a touch screen integrally provided with a display, which is included in the input apparatus  150 , accepts an operation in which the user  220  inputs a claim reference number. A controller  121  of a control apparatus  120  acquires the authentication information  270  inputted by the input operation accepted at the input apparatus  150 , via an input interface  124 . 
     The controller  121  checks the acquired authentication information  270  against the database  140 , and then terminates the operations in a case in which the authentication fails. That is, the controller  121  terminates the operations in a case in which valid authentication information  271  identical to the acquired authentication information  270  is not held in the database  140 . On the other hand, in a case in which the authentication succeeds, namely, in a case in which valid authentication information  271  identical to the acquired authentication information  270  is held in the database  140 , the controller  121  searches the database  140  to identify the article  201 , which is associated with the authentication information  271 , and further identify a container  211  containing the identified article  201 , in step S 402 . As a method for identifying the article  201 , any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes extracting the identification information of the article  201 , which is held in the database  140  in association with the authentication information  271 . As a method for identifying the container  211 , any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes extracting identification information of the container  211  containing the article  201 , or information indicating the storage position of the container  211  from the inventory information  240  held in the database  140 . The controller  121  causes the automated storage and retrieval system  110  to take out the identified container  211  to the picking area  102 , via the communication interface  123 . That is, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to take out, to the picking area  102 , the container  211  containing the at least one article  201  to be picked up at the pick-up area  103 , among the plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , in response to the input operation accepted at the input apparatus  150 . 
     The processes of steps S 403  and S 404  are equivalent to those of steps S 104  and S 105  of  FIG. 7 , and thus descriptions thereof are omitted. Identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the article  201 , or an image of the article  201 , which is to be inputted to a manipulator  130  for control of picking, is held in the database  140  in association with the authentication information  271 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the user  220 , to whom a package is addressed, can pick up the package at the pick-up area  103 . 
     In the present embodiment, the user  220  picks up, at the pick-up area  103 , the at least one article  201  picked by the picking, in the same manner as the first embodiment. As a variation of the present embodiment, a mobile robot  280  or a drone  290  may pick up the article  201  at the pick-up area  103  to deliver the article  201  to the user  220 , in the same manner as the second embodiment. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, the picking may be performed before the user  220  visits the delivery location, and a storage  190  may temporarily store the at least one article  201  picked by the picking, in the same manner as the third embodiment. In that case, the storage  190  takes out the at least one article  201  to the pick-up area  103  in response to the input operation accepted at the input apparatus  150  when the user  220  visits the delivery location. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     A configuration of a logistics system  300  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 16 . 
     A logistics system  300  includes a plurality of article management systems  100  according to the first or third embodiment, a server device  310 , terminal devices  320 , a mobile robot  340 , a drone  350 , and a management device  360 . 
     The server device  310  may be installed in any location. The server device  310  is installed in a data center, in the present embodiment. The server device  310  is a computer. The server device  310  is connected with each article management system  100  via a network  330  such as the Internet. 
     The terminal devices  320  are used by users  220 . The terminal devices  320  are, for example, mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, or PCs. The term “PC” is an abbreviation of personal computer. 
     The mobile robot  340  is, for example, a 4-wheel robot or a 6-wheel robot. The mobile robot  340  delivers, to each article management system  100 , articles  200  to be brought into an automated storage and retrieval system  110  of each article management system  100 . 
     The drone  350  is, for example, a multicopter. The drone  350  delivers, to each article management system  100 , articles  200  to be brought into the automated storage and retrieval system  110  of each article management system  100 . 
     The management device  360  may be installed in any location. The management device  360  is installed in a manned store such as a manned convenience store, in the present embodiment. The management device  360  is used by a manager of the manned store. The management device  360  is, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a PC. The management device  360  centrally monitors and controls the plurality of article management systems  100 . 
     The manned store where the management device  360  is installed is deployed as a parent store, and stores  230  where the plurality of article management systems  100  is installed are deployed as satellites. According to the present embodiment, while ensuring the needs for the functions of the manned store, a new franchise model that can increase profits and reduce burdens of franchise owners can be realized. 
     The server device  310  includes a controller  311 , a memory  312 , a communication interface  313 , an input interface  314 , and an output interface  315 . 
     The controller  311  includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general purpose processor such as a CPU or a dedicated processor that is dedicated to specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The controller  311  executes information processing related to operations of the server device  310  while controlling components of the server device  310 . 
     The memory  312  includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The memory  312  functions as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The memory  312  stores information to be used for the operations of the server device  310 , and information obtained by the operations of the server device  310 . 
     The communication interface  313  includes at least one interface for communication. The interface for communication is, for example, a LAN interface or an interface compliant with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, the 4G standard, or the 5G standard. The communication interface  313  communicates with external devices such as a control apparatus  120  of each article management system  100 , and the terminal devices  320  of the users  220 . The communication interface  313  receives information to be used for the operations of the server device  310  from the external devices, and transmits information obtained by the operations of the server device  310  to the external devices. 
     The input interface  314  includes at least one interface for input. The interface for input is, for example, a USB interface. The input interface  314  accepts an operation for inputting information to be used for the operations of the server device  310  via an input apparatus. 
     The output interface  315  includes at least one interface for output. The interface for output is, for example, a USB interface. The output interface  315  outputs information obtained by the operations of the server device  310  via an output apparatus. 
     The functions of the server device  310  are realized by execution of a server program according to the present embodiment by a processor included in the controller  311 . That is, the functions of the server device  310  are realized by software. The server program is a program for causing a computer to execute the processes of steps included in the operations of the server device  310 , thereby enabling the computer to realize the functions corresponding to the processes of the steps. That is, the server program is a program for causing a computer to function as the server device  310 . 
     Some or all of the functions of the server device  310  may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the controller  311 . That is, some or all of the functions of the server device  310  may be realized by hardware. 
     Operations of the server device  310  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 17 . These operations correspond to a service provision method according to the present embodiment. 
     In step S 501 , the controller  311  accepts a designation or a pre-order for at least one article  201  via the communication interface  313 . Specifically, the controller  311  accepts a designation or a pre-order for the article  201  at an e-commerce site by a user  220 . 
     In step S 502 , the controller  311  identifies, from among a plurality of locations, a location where a container  211  containing the designated or pre-ordered article  201  is stored in the corresponding automated storage and retrieval system  110 , with reference to inventory information  240  for an article management system  100  installed in each location of the plurality of locations. Specifically, the controller  311  communicates with the control apparatus  120  of each article management system  100  via the communication interface  313 , and searches a database  140  of each article management system  100  to identify the container  211  containing the designated or pre-ordered article  201 . As a method for identifying the container  211 , any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes extracting identification information of the container  211  containing the article  201 , or information indicating the storage position of the container  211  from the inventory information  240  held in the database  140 . The controller  311  identifies a store  230  where the article management system  100  including the automated storage and retrieval system  110  storing the identified container  211  is installed. 
     In a case in which there are two or more locations where a container  211  containing the designated or pre-ordered article  201  is stored in the corresponding automated storage and retrieval system  110 , the controller  311  detects the position of the user  220  via the communication interface  313 , in step S 503 . Then, in step S 504 , the controller  311  selects a location, of which a terminal device  320  is to be informed, from among the two or more locations according to distances between the detected position and the two or more locations. Specifically, the controller  311  acquires positional information for the terminal device  320  of the user  220 , who has designated or pre-ordered the article  201 , in a case in which the number of identified stores  230  is two or more. Then, the controller  311  selects, from among the identified stores  230 , a store  230  that is located within a reference range from or is closest to the position indicated by the acquired positional information. 
     In a case in which there is only one location where a container  211  containing the designated or pre-ordered article  201  is stored in the corresponding automated storage and retrieval system  110 , the controller  311  selects the location in step S 505 . Specifically, the controller  311  selects the identified store  230  in a case in which the number of identified stores  230  is one. 
     In step S 506 , the controller  311  informs the terminal device  320  of the selected location via the communication interface  313 . Specifically, the controller  311  transmits information regarding the selected store  230  to the terminal device  320  of the user  220 , who has designated the article  201 , to prompt the user  220  to purchase the article  201  at the store  230 . Alternatively, the controller  311  transmits information regarding the selected store  230  to the terminal device  320  of the user  220 , who has ordered the article  201 , to prompt the user  220  to pick up the article  201  at the store  230 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the user  220 , who purchases a product or has already ordered the product, can know of a store  230  that has the product and is close to the user  220 ; therefore the convenience is improved. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     A configuration of an article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 18 . Descriptions of portions common to the configuration of the article management system  100  according to the first embodiment are omitted. 
     The article management system  100  includes a commerce platform  400 . 
     The commerce platform  400  includes a server device  310 , terminal devices  320 , and kiosk terminals  370 . 
     The server device  310  may be installed in any location. The server device  310  is installed in a data center, in the present embodiment. The server device  310  is a computer. The server device  310  sequentially inputs orders from the kiosk terminals  370  and pre-orders from the terminal devices  320  into order queues  410  by order type. The server device  310  sequentially reads orders from the order queues  410 . The server device  310  executes, for respective read orders, transmission processes  420  by order type, to call an API  430  of a control apparatus  120  through a network  330  such as the Internet. 
     The terminal devices  320  are used by users  220 . The terminal devices  320  are, for example, mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, or PCs. 
     The kiosk terminals  370  may be installed in any location. The kiosk terminals  370  are installed in a store  230  or in the vicinity of the store  230 , in the present embodiment. The kiosk terminals  370  each include an input apparatus  150  such as a touch screen integrally provided with a display, and an output apparatus  160  such as a display. 
     Processes executed in the article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 18 . 
     The flow of processes regarding an order from a kiosk terminal  370  will be described. This flow includes steps corresponding to steps S 101  to S 105  of  FIG. 7 . Descriptions of portions common to the processes of steps of  FIG. 7  are omitted or simplified as appropriate. 
     In a step corresponding to step S 101  of  FIG. 7 , a controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  searches a database  140  to generate a list  250  of the types of articles  200  contained in a plurality of containers  210  stored in an automated storage and retrieval system  110 . The controller  121  causes the output apparatus  160  of the kiosk terminal  370  to output the generated list  250  via a communication interface  123  or an output interface  125 . That is, the kiosk terminal  370  is controlled to output, to a user  220 , the list  250  of the types of the articles  200  contained in the plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . For example, a display of the kiosk terminal  370  displays the list  250  on screen. 
     In a step corresponding to step S 102  of  FIG. 7 , the input apparatus  150  of the kiosk terminal  370  accepts an order operation for at least one article  201  by the user  220 . The order operation includes a first operation in which the user  220  selects the at least one article  201  and a second operation in which the user  220  confirms purchase of the at least one article  201 . The kiosk terminal  370  accepts, as the first operation, an operation in which the user  220  selects the at least one article  201  from the list  250  outputted by the kiosk terminal  370 . In the present embodiment, the first operation is an operation in which the user  220  adds the at least one article  201  to a virtual shopping cart. For example, a touch screen of the kiosk terminal  370  accepts an operation in which the user  220  adds, to the shopping cart, a product that the user  220  desires to purchase on a page displayed by the display. The kiosk terminal  370  accepts, as the second operation, an operation in which the user  220  confirms purchase of the product added to the shopping cart, such as an operation to pay for the product. In the present embodiment, the second operation is an operation in which the user  220  makes a payment for the at least one article  201 . For example, the touch screen of the kiosk terminal  370  accepts an operation to make a payment by cash, credit card, electronic money, points, or virtual currency via a payment system such as a POS system installed in the store  230 . 
     In a step corresponding to step S 103  of  FIG. 7 , each time the first operation is accepted at the kiosk terminal  370 , the server device  310  receives, through the network  330 , information on the article  201  selected by the first operation. The server device  310  inputs the received information into order queue A as a kiosk order. Each time the server device  310  reads a kiosk order from order queue A, the server device  310  executes transmission process A to call retrieve_tote_by_order_line of the API  430  through the network  330 . When retrieve_tote by_order_line is called, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  searches the database  140  to identify a container  211  containing the article  201  selected by the first operation. The controller  121  causes the automated storage and retrieval system  110  to retrieve the identified container  211  from a corresponding storage position via the communication interface  123 . That is, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to retrieve, from a corresponding storage position in a rack  111  using a crane  112 , the container  211  containing the at least one article  201 , which is to be picked up at a pick-up area  103 , among the plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , in response to the first operation accepted at the kiosk terminal  370 . 
     When the second operation is accepted at the kiosk terminal  370 , the server device  310  receives information on the article  201  purchased by the second operation through the network  330 . The server device  310  inputs the received information into order queue B as a kiosk order for which a payment is completed. In a case in which a kiosk order inputted into order queue A at the time of selection, by the first operation, of the article  201  purchased by the second operation has not been read from order queue A and is still in order queue A, the server device  310  deletes the kiosk order from order queue A. That is, in a case in which a payment for a kiosk order corresponding to the first operation is completed by the second operation before the kiosk order is read from order queue A, the server device  310  practically moves the kiosk order from order queue A to order queue B as a kiosk order for which a payment is completed. On the other hand, in a case in which a payment for a kiosk order corresponding to the first operation is completed by the second operation after the kiosk order is read from order queue A, the server device  310  simply inputs a kiosk order for which a payment is completed into order queue B. In a case in which there is a kiosk order for which a payment is completed by the second operation without going through the first operation, such as in a case in which a product is purchased with a single click, the server device  310  also inputs the kiosk order for which a payment is completed into order queue B. Each time the server device  310  reads a kiosk order for which a payment is completed from order queue B, the server device  310  executes transmission process B to call retrieve_tote_and_picking of the API  430  through the network  330 . When retrieve_tote_and_picking is called, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  searches the database  140  to identify the container  211  containing the article  201  purchased by the second operation. In a case in which the identified container  211  has not yet been retrieved from the storage position, the controller  121  causes the automated storage and retrieval system  110  to retrieve the identified container  211  from the storage position via the communication interface  123 . That is, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to retrieve, from the storage position in the rack  111  using the crane  112 , the container  211  containing the at least one article  201 , which is to be picked up at the pick-up area  103 , among the plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , in response to the second operation accepted at the kiosk terminal  370 . 
     In a step corresponding to step S 104  of  FIG. 7 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  controls picking by a manipulator  130 , via the communication interface  123 . That is, the manipulator  130  is controlled to perform the picking. 
     In a step corresponding to step S 105  of  FIG. 7 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  causes, via the communication interface  123 , a conveyor  170  to feed the at least one article  201  picked by the picking, into a pick-up box  180 , which is to be used by the user  220  to pick up the article  201  at the pick-up area  103 . That is, the conveyor  170  is controlled to transport, to the pick-up area  103 , the at least one article  201  picked by the picking. 
     The flow of processes regarding a pre-order from a terminal device  320  will be described. This flow includes steps corresponding to step S 201  of  FIG. 9 , step S 202  of  FIG. 9 , step S 401  of  FIG. 15 , step S 402  of  FIG. 15 , step S 104  of  FIG. 7 , and step S 105  of  FIG. 7 . Descriptions of portions common to the processes of steps of  FIGS. 7, 9, and 15  are omitted or simplified as appropriate. 
     The terminal device  320  transmits order information  260  for at least one article  201  to the server device  310  through the network  330  when a user  220  orders the article  201  at an e-commerce site. The order information  260  includes identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the article  201  that the user  220  has ordered at the e-commerce site, or an image of the article  201 . 
     In a step corresponding to step S 201  of  FIG. 9 , the server device  310  receives the order information  260  through the network  330  when the order information  260  is transmitted from the terminal device  320 . In a step corresponding to step S 202  of  FIG. 9 , the server device  310  inputs the received order information  260  into order queue C as a pre-order. The server device  310  holds the order information  260  in association with authentication information  271  such as a claim reference number. The authentication information  271  may be provided from the e-commerce site as part of the order information  260 . Alternatively, the authentication information  271  may be newly generated by the server device  310  and the user  220  may be informed of the authentication information  271  through the network  330 . The authentication information  271  may be in any format. In the present embodiment, the authentication information  271  is a two-dimensional code. Each time the server device  310  reads a pre-order from order queue C, the server device  310  executes transmission process C to call retrieve_tote of the API  430  through the network  330 . When retrieve_tote is called, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  searches the database  140  to identify a container  211  containing the article  201  corresponding to the order information  260 . The controller  121  causes the automated storage and retrieval system  110  to retrieve the identified container  211  from a corresponding storage position via the communication interface  123 . That is, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to retrieve, from a corresponding storage position in the rack  111  using the crane  112 , the container  211  containing the at least one article  201 , which is to be picked up at the pick-up area  103 , among the plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , in response to the order information  260  transmitted from the terminal device  320 . 
     In a step corresponding to step S 401  of  FIG. 15 , the input apparatus  150  of a kiosk terminal  370  receives an input operation, by the user  220 , of authentication information  270  for picking up the at least one article  201  when the user  220  visits the store  230 . For example, a touch screen of the kiosk terminal  370  accepts an operation in which the user  220  inputs a two-dimensional code, of which the user  220  has been informed through the network  330  from the e-commerce site or the server device  310 . 
     When the input operation is accepted at the kiosk terminal  370 , the server device  310  receives the authentication information  270  through the network  330 . The server device  310  checks the received authentication information  270  against valid authentication information  271 . In a case in which the authentication succeeds, namely, in a case in which the authentication information  270  is identical to the valid authentication information  271 , the server device  310  inputs the order information  260  associated with the authentication information  271  into order queue B as a pre-order for which authentication is completed. In a step corresponding to step S 402  of  FIG. 15 , each time the server device  310  reads a pre-order for which authentication is completed from order queue B, the server device  310  executes transmission process B to call retrieve_tote_and_picking of the API  430  through the network  330 . When retrieve_tote_and_picking is called, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  searches the database  140  to identify the container  211  containing the article  201 , which is associated with the authentication information  270 . In a case in which the identified container  211  has not yet been retrieved from the storage position, the controller  121  causes the automated storage and retrieval system  110  to retrieve the identified container  211  from the storage position via the communication interface  123 . That is, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to retrieve, from the storage position in the rack  111  using the crane  112 , the container  211  containing the at least one article  201 , which is to be picked up at the pick-up area  103 , among the plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , in response to the order information  260  transmitted from the terminal device  320 . 
     In a step corresponding to step S 104  of  FIG. 7 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  controls picking by the manipulator  130 , via the communication interface  123 . That is, the manipulator  130  is controlled to perform the picking. 
     In a step corresponding to step S 105  of  FIG. 7 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  causes, via the communication interface  123 , the conveyor  170  to feed the at least one article  201  picked by the picking, into the pick-up box  180 , which is to be used by the user  220  to pick up the article  201  at the pick-up area  103 . That is, the conveyor  170  is controlled to transport, to the pick-up area  103 , the at least one article  201  picked by the picking. 
     As described above, in the present embodiment, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  executes a process for causing the automated storage and retrieval system  110  to take out a container  211  containing at least one article  201  to a picking area  102  in response to each of an order operation for the at least one article  201  by a user  220  and order information  260  for the at least one article  201  transmitted through the network  330 . In a case in which while the order operation is carried out by one user  220 , the order information  260  from another user  220  is transmitted, the controller  121  executes the process giving priority to the user  220  carrying out the order operation. For example, the server device  310  may execute transmission process C only when transmission process A and transmission process B are not in execution. Transmission process A is regarded as in execution after retrieve_tote_by_order_line of the API  430  is called and until accept is received as a response. Transmission process B is regarded as in execution after retrieve_tote_and_picking of the API  430  is called and until not only accept is received as a response but also every applicable container  211  is taken out to the picking area  102 . Transmission process C is regarded as in execution after retrieve_tote of the API  430  is called and until not only accept is received as a response but also every applicable container  211  is retrieved from a corresponding storage position. 
     According to the present embodiment, unoccupied time not used for processing kiosk orders can be used for processing pre-orders to improve the efficiency of processing orders. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, how many orders in each of order queue A, order queue B, and order queue C can be transmitted in an overlapping manner may be controlled. For example, the server device  310  may limit the number of transmission processes A that can be executed in an overlapping manner to three. The server device  310  may limit the number of transmission processes B that can be executed in an overlapping manner to two. The server device  310  may execute transmission process C one at a time. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, how many orders in order queue A, order queue B, and order queue C can be transmitted in total in an overlapping manner may be controlled. For example, the server device  310  may limit the total number of transmission processes  420  that can be executed simultaneously to four. By enabling the definition of the maximum overall overlapping degree, capacity overload and queue stagnation can be prevented. 
     As a further variation, the overlapping degree may be changed dynamically according to the situation. Queues similar to the order queues  410  and parallelizable transmission processes similar to the transmission processes  420  may also be provided for various instructions such as instructions for bringing in products and instructions for taking out delivery products of an e-commerce site. By dynamically changing the overlapping degree of the transmission processes for various processing requests, the processes can be executed with the optimal priority according to the situation. For example, in a case in which the number of kiosk orders and pre-orders is low, a large number of instructions for bringing in products can be processed. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, the order of orders may be interchangeable in each of order queue A, order queue B, and order queue C. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, instead of orders being processed by calling the API  430  through the network  330 , orders may be processed by another communication method such as MQ. The term “MQ” is an abbreviation of message queuing. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, the server device  310  may be integrated into the control apparatus  120 . 
     Seventh Embodiment 
     Processes executed in the article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 19 . Descriptions of portions common to the processes executed in the article management system  100  according to the sixth embodiment are omitted. 
     The flow of processes regarding an order from a kiosk terminal  370  will be described. 
     In a step corresponding to step S 103  of  FIG. 7 , each time a first operation is accepted at the kiosk terminal  370 , a server device  310  receives, through a network  330 , information on an article  201  selected by the first operation. The server device  310  inputs the received information into a transmission queue  411  as a kiosk order. Each time the server device  310  reads a kiosk order from the transmission queue  411 , the server device  310  executes a transmission process  420  to call retrieve_tote_by_order_line of an API  430  of a control apparatus  120  through the network  330 . The process executed by the control apparatus  120  when retrieve_tote_by_order_line is called is equivalent to that of the sixth embodiment, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted. 
     When a second operation is accepted at the kiosk terminal  370 , the server device  310  receives information on the article  201 , which is purchased by the second operation, through the network  330 . The server device  310  inputs the received information into the transmission queue  411  as a kiosk order for which a payment is completed. Each time the server device  310  reads a kiosk order for which a payment is completed from the transmission queue  411 , the server device  310  executes the transmission process  420  to call retrieve_tote_and_picking of the API  430  through the network  330 . The process executed by the control apparatus  120  when retrieve_tote_and_picking is called is equivalent to that of the sixth embodiment, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted. 
     In the present embodiment, the server device  310  executes priority changes  440  to give higher priority to kiosk orders for which payments are completed than kiosk orders for which payments are not completed. For example, in a case in which there is kiosk order A not yet transmitted, for which a payment is not completed and that has been inputted into the transmission queue  411  prior to kiosk order B for which a payment is completed, the server device  310  moves kiosk order B closer to the head of the transmission queue  411  than kiosk order A. 
     The flow of processes regarding a pre-order from a terminal device  320  will be described. 
     In a step corresponding to step S 201  of  FIG. 9 , the server device  310  receives order information  260  through the network  330  when the order information  260  is transmitted from the terminal device  320 . The order information  260  includes information on a pick-up time, which is the time at which the user  220  is to pick up, at a store  230 , an article  201  ordered at an e-commerce site. In a step corresponding to step S 202  of  FIG. 9 , the server device  310  inputs the received order information  260  into a pre-order queue  412  as a pre-order. The server device  310  holds the order information  260  in association with authentication information  271  such as a claim reference number. The server device  310  reads pre-orders from the pre-order queue  412  in the order of the earliest pick-up time, and inputs the read pre-orders into the transmission queue  411 . Each time the server device  310  reads a pre-order from the transmission queue  411 , the server device  310  executes the transmission process  420  to call retrieve_tote of the API  430  through the network  330 . The process executed by the control apparatus  120  when retrieve_tote is called is equivalent to that of the sixth embodiment, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted. 
     When an input operation is accepted at a kiosk terminal  370 , the server device  310  receives authentication information  270  through the network  330 . The server device  310  checks the received authentication information  270  against valid authentication information  271 . In a case in which the authentication succeeds, namely, in a case in which the authentication information  270  is identical to the valid authentication information  271 , the server device  310  reads, if a pre-order associated with the authentication information  271  has not yet been inputted into the transmission queue  411 , the pre-order from the pre-order queue  412  regardless of the pick-up time, and input the read pre-order into the transmission queue  411  as an pre-order for which authentication is completed. In a step corresponding to step S 402  of  FIG. 15 , each time the server device  310  reads a pre-order for which authentication is completed from the transmission queue  411 , the server device  310  executes the transmission process  420  to call retrieve_tote_and_picking of the API  430  through the network  330 . 
     In the present embodiment, the server device  310  executes priority changes  440  to give higher priority to kiosk orders than pre-orders for which authentication is not completed. For example, in a case in which there is pre-order Y not yet transmitted, for which authentication is not completed and that has been inputted into the transmission queue  411  prior to kiosk order C, the server device  310  moves kiosk order C closer to the head of the transmission queue  411  than pre-order Y. 
     In the present embodiment, the server device  310  executes priority changes  440  to give the highest priority to pre-orders for which authentication is completed. For example, in a case in which there are one or more orders not yet transmitted, that have been inputted into the transmission queue  411  prior to pre-order Z for which authentication is completed, the server device  310  moves pre-order Z to the head of the transmission queue  411 . 
     According to the present embodiment, priority can be given to processing orders for which pick-up finishes early to reduce the waiting time when users  220  visit the store  230 . 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, in a case in which the number of times that a kiosk order has been overtaken in the transmission queue  411  by pre-orders for which authentication is completed exceeds a certain number of times, the kiosk order may be processed with a higher priority. 
     Eighth Embodiment 
     A configuration of an article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 20 . Descriptions of portions common to the configuration of the article management system  100  according to the first embodiment are omitted. 
     The article management system  100  includes a conveyor  173 , which is separate from a conveyor  170 , and pick-up terminals  380 . 
     The conveyor  170  may have only a single lane. In the present embodiment, the conveyor  170  has a first lane  171  and a second lane  172 . The conveyor  170  is driven independently lane by lane. 
     The conveyor  173  is installed below the conveyor  170  in the present embodiment. Alternatively, the conveyor  173  may be installed above the conveyor  170 . The conveyor  173  is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, a conveyor applying an omni-wheel, a bot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof. The conveyor  173  may have only a single lane. In the present embodiment, the conveyor  173  has a third lane  174  and a fourth lane  175 . The conveyor  173  is driven independently lane by lane. 
     The pick-up terminals  380  are installed in a pick-up area  103 . The pick-up terminals  380  each include an input apparatus  150  such as a touch screen integrally provided with a display, an output apparatus  160  such as a display, and a pick-up box  180  that can be opened and closed automatically or manually. 
     An automated storage and retrieval system  110  is a rotary shelf type AS/RS in the present embodiment. The automated storage and retrieval system  110  includes a plurality of racks  116 , each rack  116  being a vertically rotating rack that rotates independently. 
     The number of racks  116  may be any number of two or more. In the example of  FIG. 20 , the number of racks  116  is five on the right and five on the left, for a total of ten. Each rack  116  may be configured to store any number of containers  210 . In the example of  FIG. 20 , each rack  116  is configured to store eleven containers  210  in the vertical direction, one container  210  in the horizontal direction, and two containers  210  in the depth direction. Each rack  116  is provided with two openings, a take-out opening for ejecting containers  210  and a return opening for inserting containers  210 . 
     In addition to the racks  116 , the automated storage and retrieval system  110  includes a first conveyor  113 , a second conveyor  114 , and a third conveyor  115 . 
     The first conveyor  113  is installed adjacent to the racks  116 . The first conveyor  113  is installed in line with, in the vertical directions of the racks  116 , the positions of the take-out openings of the racks  116 . The first conveyor  113  is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, a conveyor applying an omni-wheel, a bot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof. 
     The second conveyor  114  is installed adjacent to the first conveyor  113 . The second conveyor  114  is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, a conveyor applying an omni-wheel, a bot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof. The second conveyor  114  may have only a single lane. In the present embodiment, the second conveyor  114  has a plurality of lanes. In the example of  FIG. 20 , the second conveyor  114  has two lanes. The second conveyor  114  is driven independently lane by lane. 
     The third conveyor  115  is installed below the first conveyor  113  and the second conveyor  114  and adjacent to the racks  116 , in the present embodiment. Alternatively, the third conveyor  115  may be installed above the first conveyor  113  and the second conveyor  114  and adjacent to the racks  116 . The third conveyor  115  is installed in line with, in the vertical directions of the racks  116 , the positions of the return openings of the racks  116 . The third conveyor  115  is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, a conveyor applying an omni-wheel, a bot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof. 
     Operations of the article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 20 . These operations correspond to an article management method according to the present embodiment. Descriptions of portions common to the operations of the article management system  100  according to the first embodiment are omitted or simplified as appropriate. 
     In a step corresponding to step S 101  of  FIG. 7 , a controller  121  of a control apparatus  120  searches a database  140  to generate a list  250  of the types of articles  200  contained in a plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . The controller  121  causes the output apparatus  160  of a pick-up terminal  380  to output the generated list  250  via an output interface  125 . That is, the pick-up terminal  380  is controlled to output, to a user  220 , the list  250  of the types of the articles  200  contained in the plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . For example, a display of the pick-up terminal  380  displays the list  250  on screen. 
     In a step corresponding to step S 102  of  FIG. 7 , the input apparatus  150  of the pick-up terminal  380  accepts an order operation for at least one article  201  by the user  220 . The order operation includes a first operation in which the user  220  selects the at least one article  201  and a second operation in which the user  220  confirms purchase of the at least one article  201 . The pick-up terminal  380  accepts, as the first operation, an operation in which the user  220  selects the at least one article  201  from the list  250  outputted by the pick-up terminal  380 . In the present embodiment, the first operation is an operation in which the user  220  adds the at least one article  201  to a virtual shopping cart. For example, a touch screen of the pick-up terminal  380  accepts an operation in which the user  220  adds, to the shopping cart, a product that the user  220  desires to purchase on a page displayed by the display. The pick-up terminal  380  accepts, as the second operation, an operation in which the user  220  confirms purchase of the product added to the shopping cart, such as an operation to pay for the product. In the present embodiment, the second operation is an operation in which the user  220  makes a payment for the at least one article  201 . For example, the touch screen of the pick-up terminal  380  accepts an operation to make a payment by cash, credit card, electronic money, points, or virtual currency via a payment system such as a POS system installed in a store  230 . 
     In a step corresponding to step S 103  of  FIG. 7 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  moves, in response to the first operation, a container  211  containing the at least one article  201  among the plurality of containers  210 , each container  210  containing one or more articles  200 , from a corresponding rack  116  to the first conveyor  113  as a container  212  containing the article  201  selected by the first operation. 
     Specifically, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  identifies the article  201  selected by the first operation accepted at the pick-up terminal  380  via an input interface  124 . The controller  121  searches the database  140  to identify the container  212  containing the identified article  201 . The controller  121  causes the automated storage and retrieval system  110  to retrieve the identified container  212  from a corresponding rack  116  via a communication interface  123 . That is, in response to the first operation accepted at the pick-up terminal  380 , the automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to rotate a rack  116  storing the container  212  containing the article  201  selected by the first operation and then eject the container  212  from the take-out opening of the rack  116  to the first conveyor  113 . The controller  121  stores, in a memory  122 , information indicating the position of the container  212  on the first conveyor  113 . 
     The controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  moves, in response to the second operation, the container  211  containing the article  201 , purchase of which is confirmed by the second operation, from the first conveyor  113  to the second conveyor  114 . 
     Specifically, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  identifies the article  201 , purchase of which is confirmed by the second operation accepted at the pick-up terminal  380 , via the input interface  124 . The controller  121  identifies the position, on the first conveyor  113 , of the container  211  containing the identified article  201  with reference to the information stored in the memory  122 . The controller  121  causes, via the communication interface  123 , the automated storage and retrieval system  110  to move the container  211  at the identified position from the first conveyor  113  to the second conveyor  114 . That is, in response to the second operation accepted at the pick-up terminal  380 , the automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to move the container  211  containing the article  201 , purchase of which is confirmed by the second operation, from the first conveyor  113  to the second conveyor  114 . 
     The controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  drives the second conveyor  114  to bring the container  211  containing the article  201 , purchase of which is confirmed, to a position where picking is to be performed. 
     Specifically, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  drives the second conveyor  114  independently lane by lane to bring the container  211  containing the article  201 , purchase of which is confirmed, to the position where the picking is to be performed. That is, the second conveyor  114  is driven independently lane by lane and controlled to bring the container  211  containing the article  201 , purchase of which is confirmed, to the position where the picking is to be performed. 
     In the present embodiment, in a case in which multiple users  220  carry out order operations in parallel, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  moves, in response to the first operation by each of the multiple users  220 , a container  212  containing an article  201  selected by each user  220  among the plurality of containers  210  from a corresponding rack  116  to a position corresponding to each user  220  on the first conveyor  113 . In a case in which a first user among the multiple users  220  has carried out the second operation prior to a second user, the controller  121  moves the container  212  containing the article  201  selected by the first user to the second conveyor  114  prior to the container  212  containing the article  201  selected by the second user. 
     In the present embodiment, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  drives the second conveyor  114  in a direction orthogonal to the driving direction of the first conveyor  113 . In the example of  FIG. 20 , the controller  121  drives the first conveyor  113  in the forward direction when moving a container  211  from the first conveyor  113  to the second conveyor  114 . The controller  121  also drives the second conveyor  114  in the forward direction in a case in which the container  211  is moved to the front lane of the second conveyor  114 . Whether the container  211  is moved to the front or rear lane of the second conveyor  114  may be determined by any method such as round robin. In the example of  FIG. 20 , the controller  121  drives the second conveyor  114  in the right direction when bringing the container  211  to a position where picking is to be performed. 
     In the present embodiment, in a case in which a user  220  has carried out a third operation to deselect at least one article  201 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  returns, in response to the third operation, the container  212  containing the article  201  from the first conveyor  113  to a rack  116 . Specifically, the controller  121  drives the first conveyor  113  to return the container  212  to the rack  116  in response to the third operation. That is, in response to the third operation accepted at the pick-up terminal  380 , the automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to insert the container  212  containing the article  201  deselected by the third operation from the first conveyor  113  to the return opening of the rack  116 . In the present embodiment, the third operation is an operation in which the user  220  removes the at least one article  201  from the virtual shopping cart. In the example of  FIG. 20 , the controller  121  drives the first conveyor  113  in the rearward direction when returning the container  212  from the first conveyor  113  to the rack  116 . 
     In a step corresponding to step S 104  of  FIG. 7 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  controls picking by a manipulator  130 , via the communication interface  123 . That is, the manipulator  130  is controlled to perform the picking. In the present embodiment, during the picking, at least one article  201  is picked out of a container  211  taken out by the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , at a picking area  102 , and the picked article  201  is transferred to another container  215 . 
     The controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  causes the third conveyor  115  to return, after the picking is performed, the container  211  that has been containing the at least one article  201  to a storage position. That is, the third conveyor  115  is controlled to return, after the picking is performed, the container  211  that has been containing the at least one article  201  to the storage position. 
     Specifically, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  moves the container  211 , out of which the at least one article  201  has been picked by the picking, from the second conveyor  114  to the third conveyor  115  as a container  214  for which picking is completed. The controller  121  drives the third conveyor  115  to return the container  214  to a rack  116 . That is, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to insert the container  214  for which picking is completed from the third conveyor  115  into the return opening of the rack  116 . In the example of  FIG. 20 , the controller  121  drives the third conveyor  115  in the rearward direction or in the leftward and rearward directions when returning the container  214  from the third conveyor  115  to the rack  116 . 
     In a step corresponding to step S 105  of  FIG. 7 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  causes, via the communication interface  123 , the conveyor  170  to feed the at least one article  201  picked by the picking, into the pick-up box  180  of the pick-up terminal  380 . That is, the conveyor  170  is controlled to transport, to the pick-up area  103 , the at least one article  201  picked by the picking. 
     Specifically, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  drives each lane of the conveyor  170  as appropriate to feed the container  215  in which the at least one article  201  is placed by the picking, into the pick-up box  180  of the pick-up terminal  380 . As a method for feeding the container  215 , any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes moving the container  215  from the conveyor  170  into the pick-up box  180  through an opening provided at the rear of the pick-up box  180 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 20 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  drives the first lane  171  of the conveyor  170  in the right direction to bring the container  215  in which the at least one article  201  is placed by the picking, to a position corresponding to the pick-up terminal  380 . The controller  121  drives the first lane  171  in the forward direction to move the container  215  to the second lane  172  of the conveyor  170 . The controller  121  drives the second lane  172  in the forward direction to feed the container  215  into the pick-up box  180  of the pick-up terminal  380 . 
     The controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  causes the conveyor  173  to return, after the article  201  is picked up at the pick-up area  103 , the container  215  in which the at least one article  201  has been placed by the picking, to the picking area  102 . That is, the conveyor  173  is controlled to return, after the article  201  is picked up at the pick-up area  103 , the container  215  in which the at least one article  201  has been placed by the picking, to the picking area  102 . 
     Specifically, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  moves the container  215 , out of which the at least one article  201  has been picked by the user  220 , from the pick-up box  180  to the conveyor  173  as a container  216  for which pick-up is completed. As a method for moving the container  216  to the conveyor  173 , any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes tilting to the rear a plate that is provided in the pick-up box  180  and is adjustable in angle, and sliding the container  216  from the pick-up box  180  to the conveyor  173  through an opening provided at the rear of the pick-up box  180 . The controller  121  drives the conveyor  173  to return the container  216  to its original position. The original position is a position where the container  216 , which is empty, is held until it is used again as a container  215  for picking. 
     In the example of  FIG. 20 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  drives the fourth lane  175  of the conveyor  173  in the rearward direction to move the container  216 , which is empty, to the third lane  174  of the conveyor  173 . The controller  121  drives the third lane  174  in the left direction to return the container  216  to its original position. 
     As described above, in the present embodiment, the plurality of racks  116 , which stores a plurality of containers  210 , is vertically rotating racks, and each rack  116  rotates independently. Therefore, parallel processes can be executed for the number of racks  116 . In the example of  FIG. 20 , up to 10 processes can be executed in parallel. 
     In the first embodiment, the cycle time can be reduced by increasing the moving speed of a crane  112 . In the present embodiment, the cycle time can also be reduced by increasing the rotating speed of each rack  116 . The cycle time does not deteriorate even if the speed is lowered than the crane  112 . Thus, the possibility of damaging products can be reduced. 
     In the present embodiment, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  stores a plurality of brought-in containers  210  separately in two or more compartments having temperature settings different from each other, according to the types of articles  200  contained in each container  210 , in the same manner as the first embodiment. For example, ten racks  116  are as a whole divided into four compartments corresponding to four respective temperature ranges, which are frozen, chilled, constant, and ambient, and the plurality of brought-in containers  210  is stored separately in the four compartments according to the types of the articles  200  contained in each container  210 . Separating temperature ranges for each rack  116  makes it easier to manage the temperature ranges. Limiting the openings of each rack  116  to only two, the take-out and return openings, makes it even easier to manage the temperature ranges. Either or both of the take-out and return openings may be configured to be openable and closable. 
     In the present embodiment, the first conveyor  113  adjacent to the racks  116 , which stores a plurality of containers  210 , each container  210  containing one or more articles  200 , receives a container  211  containing at least one article  201  among the plurality of containers  210  from a rack  116 , in response to a first operation in which a user  220  selects the at least one article  201 . The second conveyor  114  adjacent to the first conveyor  113  receives the container  211  containing the at least one article  201  from the first conveyor  113 , in response to a second operation in which the user  220  confirms purchase of the at least one article  201 . Then, the second conveyor  114  transports the container  211  containing the at least one article  201  to a position where picking the at least one article  201  is to be performed. 
     Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the retrieval of the container  211  from the rack  116  can be executed before the purchase of the article  201  is confirmed. In addition, even if an order overtaking occurs in which the purchase of the article  201  is confirmed first in an order operation started later, the picking of the article  201  can be performed first. Thus, the time between ordering and picking can be reduced. 
     In the present embodiment, the second conveyor  114  is driven independently lane by lane to bring the container  211  containing the article  201 , purchase of which is confirmed, to the position where the picking is to be performed. The third conveyor  115  returns the container  211  to a storage position after the picking is performed. 
     Therefore, according to the present embodiment, while picking is being performed on one lane of the second conveyor  114 , on another lane a container  214  for which picking has already been performed can be removed and a container  211  for which picking is to be performed next can be brought to a picking position. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, instead of the pick-up terminals  380 , kiosk terminals may each output a list  250  of the types of the articles  200  contained in the plurality of containers  210  stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . In that case, the kiosk terminals accept order operations. For example, in a case in which there is a plurality of kiosk terminals and a product is put into a shopping cart at one of the kiosk terminals, a tote containing the product is retrieved from a corresponding rack  116  and placed on the first conveyor  113 . It is always managed at which position on the first conveyor  113  is a tote corresponding to which kiosk terminal or to an order from which user  220 . Assuming that a payment is completed at one of the kiosk terminals, a tote in a position corresponding to the kiosk terminal is transferred from the first conveyor  113  onto the second conveyor  114 . Then, the tote is carried by the second conveyor  114  to the vicinity of the manipulator  130  and picking is performed. According to this variation, even if a payment is completed at any of the kiosk terminals first, picking can be started immediately after the payment. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, in a case in which a user  220  has carried out a third operation to deselect at least one article  201 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  may return a container  212  containing the article  201  from the first conveyor  113  via the third conveyor  115 , instead of directly, to a rack  116 . In that case, the controller  121  moves, in response to the third operation, the container  212  containing the article  201  deselected by the third operation from the first conveyor  113  to the third conveyor  115 . The controller  121  drives the third conveyor  115  to return the container  212  to the rack  116 . For example, the controller  121  drives the third conveyor  115  in the rearward direction when returning the container  212  from the third conveyor  115  to the rack  116 . 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, the first conveyor  113 , the second conveyor  114 , and the third conveyor  115  may be extended to a space vacated by adopting a method in which an articulated robot of the manipulator  130  can be arranged in the air, such as ceiling suspended type. Alternatively, a sorting area may be placed in the vacated space to replace the first conveyor  113 , the second conveyor  114 , and the third conveyor  115 . 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, the manipulator  130  may be movable. According to this variation, the flexibility around a picking area  102  is increased. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, a small tote may be contained in a tote delivered from a distribution center, and the small tote may be stored in the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, five racks of the same structure may be installed across from the left five racks  116  illustrated in  FIG. 20 , for example, to share the first conveyor  113 , the second conveyor  114 , and the third conveyor  115 . 
     Ninth Embodiment 
     A configuration of an article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 21 . Descriptions of portions common to the configuration of the article management system  100  according to the third embodiment are omitted. 
     The article management system  100  includes an automated storage and retrieval system  110 , a conveyor  170 , a conveyor  173 , and pick-up terminals  380  that are equivalent to those of the article management system  100  according to the eighth embodiment. 
     A storage  190  includes one or more racks  191  and one or more cranes  192 . 
     The number of racks  191  may be any number. In the example of  FIG. 21 , the number of racks  191  is one. The number of cranes  192  depends on the number of racks  191 . In the example of  FIG. 21 , the number of cranes  192  is one. The crane  192  is installed in an aisle faced by the rack  191 . In the example of  FIG. 21 , one crane  192  is installed in an aisle in front of one rack  191 . This aisle may be so narrow that a person cannot walk therethrough, as long as its width is sufficient for installing the crane  192 . The crane  192  is a mini-load crane in the present embodiment. Alternatively, the crane  192  may be, for example, a unit-load crane or a mid-load crane. 
     The storage  190  is installed closer to a pick-up area  103  than a plurality of racks  116  of the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . At least a portion of the storage  190  is installed above a second conveyor  114  in the present embodiment. Alternatively, at least a portion of the storage  190  may be installed below the second conveyor  114 . In the example of  FIG. 21 , the rack  191  of the storage  190  is installed above a first conveyor  113 , which is adjacent to left five racks  116 , and the second conveyor  114 , which is adjacent to the first conveyor  113 . 
     Operations of the article management system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 21 . These operations correspond to an article management method according to the present embodiment. Operations regarding an order from a pick-up terminal  380  or a kiosk terminal are equivalent to those of the article management system  100  according to the eighth embodiment, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted. Hereinafter, operations regarding a pre-order from a terminal device of a user  220  such as a smartphone will be described. Descriptions of portions common to the operations of the article management system  100  according to the third embodiment are omitted or simplified as appropriate. 
     In a step corresponding to step S 301  of  FIG. 13 , a controller  121  of a control apparatus  120  receives order information  260  for at least one article  201  transmitted through a network  330  such as the Internet, via a communication interface  123 . 
     In a step corresponding to step S 302  of  FIG. 13 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  identifies the article  201 , which is associated with the received order information  260 . The controller  121  searches a database  140  to identify a container  211  containing the identified article  201 . The controller  121  causes the automated storage and retrieval system  110  to retrieve the identified container  211  from a corresponding rack  116  via the communication interface  123 . The controller  121  causes, via the communication interface  123 , the automated storage and retrieval system  110  to move the container  211  from the first conveyor  113  to the second conveyor  114 . The controller  121  drives the second conveyor  114  independently lane by lane to bring the container  211  to a position where picking is to be performed. That is, the automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to rotate a rack  116  storing the container  211  containing the at least one article  201 , which is to be picked up at the pick-up area  103  and then eject the container  211  from a take-out opening of the rack  116  to the first conveyor  113 , in response to the order information  260  received at the control apparatus  120 . The automated storage and retrieval system  110  is controlled to move the container  211  from the first conveyor  113  to the second conveyor  114 . The second conveyor  114  is driven independently lane by lane and controlled to bring the container  211  to the position where the picking is to be performed. 
     In a step corresponding to step S 303  of  FIG. 13 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  controls picking by a manipulator  130 , via the communication interface  123 . That is, the manipulator  130  is controlled to perform the picking. In the present embodiment, during the picking, the at least one article  201  is picked out of the container  211 , which is taken out by the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , at a picking area  102 , and the picked article  201  is transferred to another container  213 . 
     In a step corresponding to step S 304  of  FIG. 13 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  causes the storage  190  to temporarily store the at least one article  201  picked by the picking, via the communication interface  123 . That is, the storage  190  is controlled to temporarily store the at least one article  201  picked by the picking. Specifically, the crane  192  of the storage  190  moves along the aisle faced by the rack  191  of the storage  190  to store the container  213  containing the article  201 , which is transferred thereto at the time of the picking. The database  140  holds identification information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an RFID attached to the container  213 , or information indicating the storage position of the container  213  in the storage  190 , in association with authentication information  271  such as a claim reference number. 
     In a step corresponding to step S 305  of  FIG. 13 , an input apparatus  150  of a pick-up terminal  380  accepts an input operation, by the user  220 , of authentication information  270  for picking up the at least one article  201 . For example, a touch screen of the pick-up terminal  380  accepts an operation in which the user  220  inputs a claim reference number, of which the user  220  has been informed through the network  330  from an e-commerce site or the control apparatus  120 . The controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  acquires the authentication information  270  inputted by the input operation accepted at the input apparatus  150 , via an input interface  124 . 
     The controller  121  checks the acquired authentication information  270  against the database  140 , and then terminates the operations in a case in which the authentication fails. That is, the controller  121  terminates the operations in a case in which valid authentication information  271  identical to the acquired authentication information  270  is not held in the database  140 . On the other hand, in a case in which the authentication succeeds, namely, in a case in which valid authentication information  271  identical to the acquired authentication information  270  is held in the database  140 , the controller  121  searches the database  140  to identify the container  213 , which is associated with the authentication information  271 , in a step corresponding to step S 306  of  FIG. 13 . The controller  121  causes the storage  190  to take out the identified container  213  to the pick-up area  103 , via the communication interface  123 . That is, the storage  190  is controlled to take out the at least one article  201  to the pick-up area  103  in response to the input operation accepted at the input apparatus  150 . Specifically, the crane  192  of the storage  190  moves along the aisle faced by the rack  191  of the storage  190  to retrieve the container  213  containing the article  201 , and takes out the retrieved container  213  to the pick-up area  103 . 
     The controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  causes, via the communication interface  123 , the conveyor  170  to feed the container  213  taken out from the storage  190  into a pick-up box  180  of the pick-up terminal  380 . That is, the conveyor  170  is controlled to feed the container  213  taken out from the storage  190  into the pick-up box  180 . 
     Specifically, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  moves the container  213  retrieved by the crane  192  of the storage  190  from the crane  192  to the second lane  172  of the conveyor  170 . The controller  121  drives the second lane  172  to feed the container  213  into the pick-up box  180  of the pick-up terminal  380 . As a method for feeding the container  213 , any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes moving the container  213  from the conveyor  170  into the pick-up box  180  through an opening provided at the rear of the pick-up box  180 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 21 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  drives the second lane  172  of the conveyor  170  in the right direction to bring the container  213  retrieved by the crane  192  of the storage  190 , to a position corresponding to the pick-up terminal  380 . The controller  121  drives the second lane  172  in the forward direction to feed the container  213  into the pick-up box  180  of the pick-up terminal  380 . 
     The controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  causes the conveyor  173  to return, to the picking area  102 , the container  213  taken out from the storage  190  after the article  201  contained in the container  213  is picked up at the pick-up area  103 . That is, the conveyor  173  is controlled to return, to the picking area  102 , the container  213  taken out from the storage  190  after the article  201  contained in the container  213  is picked up at the pick-up area  103 . 
     Specifically, the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  moves the container  213 , out of which the at least one article  201  has been picked by the user  220 , from the pick-up box  180  to the conveyor  173  as a container  216  for which pick-up is completed. As a method for moving the container  216  to the conveyor  173 , any method may be used. One possible method in the present embodiment includes tilting to the rear a plate that is provided in the pick-up box  180  and is adjustable in angle, and sliding the container  216  from the pick-up box  180  to the conveyor  173  through an opening provided at the rear of the pick-up box  180 . The controller  121  drives the conveyor  173  to return the container  216  to its original position. The original position is a position where the container  216 , which is empty, is held until it is used again as a container  213  for picking. 
     In the example of  FIG. 21 , the controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  drives the fourth lane  175  of the conveyor  173  in the rearward direction to move the container  216 , which is empty, to the third lane  174  of the conveyor  173 . The controller  121  drives the third lane  174  in the left direction to return the container  216  to its original position. 
     As described above, in the present embodiment, the first lane  171  of the conveyor  170  transports, to a pick-up area  103 , at least one article  201  picked by picking in a case in which the article  201  is not temporarily stored in the storage  190 . The second lane  172  of the conveyor  170  transports, to the pick-up area  103 , the at least one article  201  picked by the picking in a case in which the article  201  is temporarily stored in the storage  190 . 
     Therefore, according to the present embodiment, articles  201  to be picked up immediately after picking and articles  201  to be picked up after being temporarily stored in the storage  190  can be carried to pick-up ports in parallel. 
     In the present embodiment, the storage  190  is installed closer to the pick-up area  103  than the plurality of racks  116  of the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . Thus, the time required to receive products can be reduced. 
     In the present embodiment, at least a portion of the storage  190  is installed above the second conveyor  114 . Thus, available space can be utilized effectively. 
     In the present embodiment, the storage  190  stores containers  213  separately in two or more compartments having temperature settings different from each other, according to the type of an article  201  contained in each container  213 , in the same manner as the automated storage and retrieval system  110 . For example, one or more racks  191  are as a whole divided into four compartments corresponding to four respective temperature ranges, which are frozen, chilled, constant, and ambient, and the containers  213  are stored separately in the four compartments according to the type of an article  200  contained in each container  213 . Since the storage  190  is independent of the automated storage and retrieval system  110 , frequent opening and closing thereof is not necessary, making it easier to manage the temperature ranges. 
     In the present embodiment, the storage  190  can also store an article deposited by a user  220 , such as a package. The controller  121  of the control apparatus  120  drives the second lane  172  in the opposite direction from when transporting at least one article  201  to the pick-up area  103 , to transport the article deposited by the user  220  to the storage  190 . That is, the second lane  172  is driven in the opposite direction from when transporting the at least one article  201  to the pick-up area  103  and controlled to transport the article deposited by the user  220  to the storage  190 . In the example of  FIG. 21 , the controller  121  moves a container  217  containing the article deposited by the user  220  from a pick-up box  180  to the conveyor  173 . The controller  121  drives the conveyor  173  in the left direction to transport the container  217  to the storage  190 . The storage  190  stores the container  217 . The article deposited by the user  220  may be picked up by the user  220  using the same procedure as that for articles  201  that are ordered by users  220  and temporarily stored in the storage  190 . 
     The difference between the example of  FIG. 20  and the example of  FIG. 21  is that the storage  190  for pre-orders is present in the example of  FIG. 21 . In the example of  FIG. 21 , a container  213  containing at least one article  201  picked in advance by picking is stored in the storage  190 . In a case in which a user  220  comes to pick up the article  201 , the article  201  is transported directly from the storage  190  to a pick-up terminal  380  without going through a picking area  102 . 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, a temperature range management function may be added to each container  213 . For example, among four temperature ranges, which are frozen, chilled, constant, and ambient, the corresponding temperature range may differ for each container  213 . According to this variation, the temperature ranges can be managed more reliably. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, a dedicated pick-up box may be installed into which a container  213  taken out from the storage  190  is directly fed without going through the conveyor  170 . 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, after a pre-order from a terminal device of a user  220  such as a smartphone, the position of the terminal device may be confirmed, the time of arrival of the user  220  may be predicted, and an article  201  to be picked up by the user  220  may be prepared at an earlier preparation time calculated backwards from the time of the arrival. 
     The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, a plurality of blocks described in the block diagrams may be integrated, or a block may be divided. Instead of executing a plurality of steps described in the flowcharts in chronological order in accordance with the description, the plurality of steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order according to the processing capability of the apparatus that executes each step, or as required. Other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.