Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for static warehouse area sizing and slotting of a multi-mode forward area. Method includes: receiving article dimensional attributes and demand information of more than article identified by a stock keeping unit (SKU); receiving storage dimensional attributes of more than one storage configuration of pick media; for each of a forward area and a reserve area, receiving a picking cost and a restocking cost for each storage configuration; optimizing slotting of each of the SKUs based upon the article dimensional attributes and the storage dimensional attributes; defining possible designs of the more than one storage configuration up to a maximum size of a facility; calculating a first cost for each design in picking and restocking in the forward area and a second cost for each design in picking from reserve area; and optimizing forward area based upon a difference between first and second costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an item picking method, so that an item stored in a warehouse can be picked and placed in a picking vehicle. Specifically, the warehouse may be divided into one or more picking areas. A picking management device may divide a picking task for items into different picking sub-tasks according to picking areas in which the items are located. One picking vehicle corresponds to several picking sub-tasks. The picking management device allocates an automated guided vehicle (AGV) for a picking sub-task, causing the AGV to move the picking vehicle to a picking area corresponding to the picking sub-task. The picking management device may send task information of the picking sub-task to a picking device corresponding to the picking area. The picking device executes the picking sub-task according to the task information, so as to pick an item and place the item in the picking vehicle, thereby implementing the automation of an item picking process.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for transferring blood donation files are disclosed. An example system includes a collection device located at a blood donation site and a collection server located in a remote location. The example collection device is configured to store blood donation information from blood donors within a blood donation batch file located at a designated directory of a memory, and store metadata related to the blood donation information to the blood donation batch file. The example collection device also transmits the blood donation batch file to a registered user device. The example collection server is configured to determine the registered user device is available via a network connection. Responsive to determining the user device is connected, the collection server acquires the blood donation batch file from the user device and aggregates the blood donation batch file with blood donation batch files received from other registered user devices.

Abstract: In a subscription vehicle system that enables customers to select and swap between a fleet of available vehicles, the vehicles are evaluated to identify which vehicles would be the best fit in view of a customer request and other information pertaining to the customer. The customer request and information is examined to identify particular attributes that are being sought. Based on these attributes, the available vehicles are assigned a score that reflects the level of satisfaction that the vehicle is anticipated to provide for the customer. The vehicles with the highest scores can be considered as candidates for fulfilling the customer request.

Abstract: A method for pairing a device with a vehicle of a plurality of shared vehicles. The method includes receiving an advertisement message from the device and, in response to receiving the advertisement message, initiating an attempt to pair with the device. The method further includes determining if the device has previously paired with at least one vehicle of the plurality of shared vehicles. In response to the device having previously paired with the at least one vehicle of the plurality of shared vehicles, the method includes accessing a shared vehicle database and identifying security information corresponding to (i) a device address of the device and (ii) a vehicle ID of the vehicle. The method also includes instructing the vehicle and the device to use the identified security information to pair the device with the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and other techniques for a dynamic fabrication system. In some implementations, a computing system obtains a digital model of a physical structure. A fabrication plan for the physical structure is generated. The fabrication plan is provided to a fabrication system to execute the automated fabrication procedure according to the fabrication plan. A set of operations are performed for each of at least a subset of tasks from a set of tasks executed by the fabrication system during an automated fabrication procedure to identify an adjusted fabrication plan. The fabrication system is directed to continue execution of the automated fabrication procedure according to the adjusted fabrication plan.

Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomous provision replenishment are disclosed. Parts used in a manufacturing process are stored in an intermediate stock queue. When the parts are consumed by the manufacturing process and the number of parts in the queue falls below a threshold, a provision-replenishment signal is generated. One or more self-driving material-transport vehicles, a fleet-management system, and a provision-notification device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with identifying and generating pick lists for ordered items in delivery containers with mixed non-delineated inventory are described. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying whether a container includes ordered items that are mixed with items for a general inventory of a retail store. The container is a delivery container provided from a warehouse to supply the retail store. The ordered items are items for fulfilling one or more of a plurality of customer orders. The example method may also include generating an electronic pick list for the container in response to identifying that the container includes the ordered items. The electronic pick list identifies the ordered items in the container and causes the ordered items to be diverted from the general inventory of the retail store when the container is unpacked.

Abstract: A method and system for piece-picking or piece put-away within a logistics facility. The system includes a central server and at least one mobile manipulation robot. The central server is configured to communicate with the robots to send and receive piece-picking data which includes a unique identification for each piece to be picked, a location within the logistics facility of the pieces to be picked, and a route for the robot to take within the logistics facility. The robots can then autonomously navigate and position themselves within the logistics facility by recognition of landmarks by at least one of a plurality of sensors. The sensors also provide signals related to detection, identification, and location of a piece to be picked or put-away, and processors on the robots analyze the sensor information to generate movements of a unique articulated arm and end effector on the robot to pick or put-away the piece.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for fulfilling items at a materials handling facility. In some instances, a predicted items list that identifies items that are likely to be picked by a user are determined and, when the user arrives at the materials handling facility, those predicted items are presented to the user for selection. For example, predicted items may be determined and an inventory holder that holds one or more of those predicted items may be retrieved by a mobile drive unit (such as a Kiva mobile drive unit) and presented to the user at a retrieval area. The user may pick the items they desire from the presented inventory holder.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein pertain to maintaining a virtual representation of a workspace in a material handling system and updating the virtual representation without downtime. Methods described include maintaining an initial virtual representation of a material handling grid, receiving an updated virtual representation, and generating and implementing an intermediate virtual representation that does not conflict with the initial virtual representation. Methods further include, upon determining that the intermediate virtual representation is performing without conflicts, deploying the updated virtual representation to replace the intermediate virtual representation without halting operations in the workspace. Multiple intermediate virtual representations can be generated to allow for complex changes, and the deployments performed in series.

Abstract: A method of processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an input conveyance system by which input bins of objects may be provided to a processing station that includes the programmable motion device that includes an end effector, perceiving at the processing station identifying indicia representative of an identity of a plurality of objects at an input area of the input conveyance system, grasping the an acquired object using the end effector, moving the acquired object toward an identified processing container using the programmable motion device, the identified processing container being associated with the identifying indicia and said identified processing container being provided as one of a plurality of processing containers at the processing station, and providing an output conveyance system in communication with the processing station, by which processing containers that contain processed objects may be provided.

Abstract: A system for managing medications facilitates documentation of medication returned from remote dispensing units to a central storage location such as a pharmacy vault. The system may be especially useful in facilitating the tracking of controlled substances. The system receives an indication that a medication previously removed from the remote dispensing units has been designated for return to the medication management system. The system computes an estimated return amount of the medication, and causes a queued return list to be displayed at the central storage location. The system can accommodate multiple remote dispensing devices and multiple medications.

Abstract: A system (1) for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, comprising one or more working stations (21), which are provided for performing at least one working process in the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, at least one freely positionable mobile storage unit (2) comprising a rack-like storage device (4) comprising at least one storage room (5) provided for storing at least one powder module (6), especially for the purpose of conveying the powder module (6) between different working stations (21) of the system (1), and at least one driverless, freely movable mobile conveying unit (3) comprising a receiving device (12) provided for receiving at least one mobile storage unit (2) for the purpose of conveying the storage unit (2) between different working stations (21) of the system (1).

Abstract: A warehouse automation system adapted to improve warehouse operating productivity includes a plurality of carts for transporting products within a warehouse and a controller. The controller is adapted to associate a first one of the plurality of carts with a first person and to control the first cart to lead the first person around the warehouse. According to one advantage, the time the first person spends restocking, picking, counting, sorting, moving, and packing product into customer orders and shipments, for example, is reduced.

Abstract: A method of generating dimensioning assist information for an item includes: obtaining data associated with a physical size of a graphical dimensioning aid associated with the item; generating dimensioning assist information by encoding the data into a machine-readable data object carried by the item. A method of dimensioning an item includes, at a dimensioning system: capturing an image of the item and the graphical dimensioning aid carried by the item; detecting an edge of the item within the captured image; determining a measurement of the edge; detecting the graphical dimensioning aid within the captured image; determining a measurement of the graphical dimensioning aid; decoding a physical size of the graphical dimensioning aid from a machine-readable data object carried by the item; and dimensioning the edge based on the measurement of the edge, the measurement of the graphical dimensioning aid, and the physical size.

Abstract: A smart locker system includes an enclosure unit and a cassette unit. The smart locker is extendable by adding additional enclosure units and the cassette units. The cassette unit includes storage bins and a control bin. The cassette unit contains different size of storage bins and a control bin. The smart locker system further includes a touch screen and authentication devices. The smart locker system can arrange the storage bins and the control bins to maintain the height of the smart locker system.

Abstract: A computer-based technology is provided to optimize a warehouse space, such as warehouse racks. The technology determines a storage duration of a pallet in a warehouse, and further determines an optimal storage location for the pallet in the warehouse. For example, the technology can determine how long an inbound pallet will stay in a warehouse, and locate an optimal area of the warehouse to store the pallet. Such an optimal pallet storage area is selected to reduce labor costs in transporting the pallet in, within, and out of the warehouse and further optimize the management of multiple pallets in the warehouse as a whole. In addition, the technology can consider the size of the pallet in determining the optimal storage location in the warehouse.

Abstract: Described in detail herein are systems and methods for an augmented touch-sensitive display system. A portable electronic device can render on the touch-sensitive display a physical scene within the field of view of the image capturing device. The portable electronic device, can parse the physical scene rendered on the touch-sensitive display into discrete elements based on dimensions of items in the physical scene. The portable electronic device can superimpose a selectable link on the at least one of the discrete elements on the touch-sensitive display.

Abstract: In embodiments, a conveying apparatus includes a base, a wheel, a lifter, a lower side distance detection unit, and a control unit. The wheel is connected to the base via a suspension mechanism and is rotatable. The lifter is able to be lifted and lowered with respect to the base in a direction of a conveyance target. The lower side distance detection unit detects a lower side distance between a reference surface of the base and a ground contact surface of the wheel. The control unit controls a lifting/lowering operation of the lifter and rotative driving of the wheel. The control unit causes the lifter to be lifted and lowered based on the lower side distance and to support a part of a weight of the conveyance target, and causes the wheel to be rotatively driven and to convey the conveyance target.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided for maintaining an ultra low oxygen concentration in a shipping container for the purpose of preventing spoilage of perishable food products. The system and apparatus may contain a composition of a mixture of gases including one or more of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and another inert gas, wherein the mixture of gases positively pressurizes the shipping container with an ultra low oxygen concentration. The system and apparatus may use one or more sensors to monitor the composition of the mixture of gases, and may use one or more controllers to release the compressed gases into the interior of the container. The controller may release the compressed gases at a variable rate of release sufficient to maintain the ultra low oxygen concentration and to ensure consistent concentrations of the mixture of gases with the container.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein pertain to maintaining a virtual representation of a workspace in a material handling system and updating the virtual representation. Methods described include maintaining the virtual representation of a material handling grid, maintaining one or more clients operable to direct movement of the plurality of drive units in the workspace; receiving an instruction to update the virtual representation of the drive-unit navigable grid including an updated virtual representation of the workspace; and querying a subset of the one or more clients to determine whether the update to the virtual representation would cause one conflicts within the workspace. Potential conflicts include, but are not limited to, “stranded” resources which are no longer positioned on the material handling grid, and/or workstations that have not yet been suspended prior to the update.

Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.

Abstract: An autonomous transport robot for transporting a payload, the autonomous transport robot includes a payload bed having at least one reference datum surface and at least one payload justification device, the at least one payload justification device being configured to position a payload on the payload bed in substantial contact with the at least one reference datum surface to place the payload in a predetermined position on the payload bed.

Abstract: This invention is a dynamically reconfigurable pick-put system comprising: a digitally transformable mobile unit having a mobile unit computer and a mobile unit light bar controller, with a set of transformable mobile unit computer readable instructions included with the digitally transformable mobile unit that can digitally transform the mobile unit from a mobile unit configuration to a stationary unit configuration and can (a) direct a user to a particular stationary unit, actuate the mobile unit light bar to identify a location on the digitally transformable mobile unit where the item picked from the stationary unit is to be placed on the digitally transformable mobile unit, when in the mobile unit configuration, and (b) actuate the mobile unit light bar to identify the location of an item on the digitally transformable mobile unit to be picked when in the stationary unit configuration.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for managing inventory as it transitions into a materials handling facility, as it transitions between locations within a materials handling facility and/or as it transitions out of a materials handling facility. In some instances, a total weight associated with a user pattern may be monitored by sensors of a base surface and weight of inventory items may be monitored by sensors at the inventory locations. When a user associated with the user pattern retrieves an item from an inventory location, the decrease in the weight at the inventory location will correspond with the increase in total weight associated with the user pattern. Accordingly, the item may be tracked from the inventory location and associated with the user pattern based on the corresponding changes in weight.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for processing an image includes circuitry unit and a communication interface. The circuitry acquires identification information to identify a set of one or more objects to be imaged by an imaging device according to a predetermined imaging sequence. The communication interface transmits at least one image of the set of one or more objects that is captured by the imaging device in association with the identification information, to a management device.

Abstract: A warehousing system for storing and retrieving goods disposed in containers is provided. The system includes a multilevel storage array including an array of storage shelves for holding containers thereon, at least one substantially continuous lift for transporting containers to and from at least one level of the storage array, at least one transport vehicle located on the at least one level and configured to traverse a transport area transporting containers between the at least one continuous lift and container storage locations so that the at least one continuous lift communicates non-deterministically, via the transport vehicle, with storage locations of each of the storage shelves on the at least one level, an infeed transport system linked to the at least one continuous lift, and an order fulfillment station for generating order containers corresponding to customer orders where the order containers are entered onto the storage shelves of the storage array.

Abstract: A work assisting system includes a sensor unit that detects a position and an orientation of at least one body part of a worker; a supply unit that supplies a part or a tool to the worker; and a cell controller that controls the supply unit, the cell controller including a machine learning unit that constructs a model by learning a work status of the worker on the basis of the detected position and orientation, and a work status determining unit that determines the work status of the worker by using the constructed model. The supply unit selects the part or tool on the basis of the determined work status and changes the position and orientation of the part or tool on the basis of the position and orientation of the at least one body part.

Abstract: Technologies described herein provide a mixed environment display of attached control elements. The techniques disclosed herein enable users of a first computing device to interact with a remote computing device configured to control an object, such as a light, appliance, or any other suitable object. Configurations disclosed herein enable the first computing device to cause one or more actions, such as a selection of the object or the display of a user interface, by capturing and analyzing input data defining the performance of one or more gestures, such as a user looking at the object controlled by the second computing device. Rendered graphical elements configured to enable the control of the object can be displayed with a real-world view of the object.

Abstract: A method of controlling a robot includes: generating a plurality of behavior objects corresponding to a plurality of behaviors to be performed by the robot; calculating an expected time expected to be taken by the robot to perform each of the behaviors; mapping each of the behavior object to the expected time; adding the behavior objects to a behavior flow list; and displaying the behavior flow list.

Abstract: Systems, graphical user interfaces and methods for upgrading from one or more digital media assets to a set of digital media assets over a network are described. A potential purchaser can be notified of available upgrade opportunities that are available for purchase. The potential purchaser can elect to pursue an upgrade opportunity so as to purchase a set of digital media assets. Upon upgrading to the set of digital media assets, the digital media assets within the set of digital media assets are made available to the purchaser. According to one aspect, a graphical user interface facilitates presenting and requesting upgrade opportunities. According to another aspect, equivalency rules and/or eligibility rules can be used to control which sets of digital media assets are available for upgrade by respective potential purchasers.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a system for transporting products that includes at least one picking robot including at least one robot processor, and at least one order-processing device including at least one order-processing processor in data communication with the at least one robot processor. At least one of the order-processing processor and the robot processor is configured to receive at least one order including at least one product to be picked, generate at least one picking itinerary based upon the at least one order and warehouse information, generate at least one travel path for the at least one robot based upon the picking itinerary, and direct the robot along the travel path.

Abstract: Described herein are an apparatus and a method of fulfilling an order. The method includes: determining, by circuitry of an information processing apparatus, the order to be processed; selecting an operator station where the order will be fulfilled, a rack that includes an item required to fulfill the order, and a vehicle to transport the rack to the operator station; transmitting at least a portion of a transportation path to the selected vehicle; and monitoring locations of the selected vehicle along the transportation path based on marker information received for each marker of a plurality of markers that is detected by the selected vehicle, wherein the plurality of markers is located at predetermined positions.

Abstract: The object recognition device includes an imaging unit that captures images of a predetermined monitoring area to acquire a three-dimensional image and a two-dimensional image, an object extraction unit that extracts an area having pixels whose pixel values are within a predetermined range from the three-dimensional image acquired by the imaging unit, an image searching unit that searches the two-dimensional image, acquired by the imaging unit, for a reference image registered in advance according to the type of an object, and a determination unit that determines the type of the object depending on whether or not the reference image searched for by the image searching unit exists in the area extracted by the object extraction unit.

Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.

Abstract: An infusion device providing an in-progress infusion of at least one of a drug or a fluid consistent with one or more parameters of a first care area in a hospital can be transitioned to a second care area of the hospital. Details of the in-progress infusion can be compared against one or more second parameters defined for the second care area, and a compatibility determination can be made between the in-progress infusion and the one or more second parameters defined for the seconds care area. A handling mode of the in-progress infusion in the second care area can be selected based on the compatibility determination, and the in-progress infusion can be resolved consistent with the selected handling mode. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: Examples described may enable consolidating pallets of items in a warehouse. An example method includes receiving real-time item information including pallet locations in a warehouse and inventory of items arranged on the pallets; based on the real-time item information, identifying a set of pallets of which at least one pallet includes less than a threshold quantity of a type of item; receiving real-time robotics information and determining, based on the real-time item and robotics information, an amount of time to condense the items on the set of pallets into a single pallet and a quantity of pallets that will become empty as a result of condensing the items; and, based on the amount of time being less than a threshold time and the quantity of pallets exceeding a threshold quantity of pallets, causing robotic devices to condense the items into the single pallet.

Abstract: A method of generating dimensioning assist information for an item includes: obtaining data associated with a physical size of a graphical dimensioning aid associated with the item; generating dimensioning assist information by encoding the data into a machine-readable data object carried by the item. A method of dimensioning an item includes, at a dimensioning system: capturing an image of the item and the graphical dimensioning aid carried by the item; detecting an edge of the item within the captured image; determining a measurement of the edge; detecting the graphical dimensioning aid within the captured image; determining a measurement of the graphical dimensioning aid; decoding a physical size of the graphical dimensioning aid from a machine-readable data object carried by the item; and dimensioning the edge based on the measurement of the edge, the measurement of the graphical dimensioning aid, and the physical size.

Abstract: A system for order fulfillment using one or more robots includes: a server configured to receive an order comprising an order item; inventory storage operably connected to the server, the inventory storage comprising order items; an actor robot operably connected to and selected by the server, the actor robot configured to perform one or more of picking the order item from inventory storage, moving the order item, and positioning the order item; and an order robot operably connected to the server, the order robot configured to collect the order item, wherein the order item is positioned by the actor robot so as to be accessible to the order robot, so as to perform order fulfillment using one or more robots.

Abstract: An autonomous transport robot for transporting a payload, the autonomous transport robot includes a payload bed having at least one reference datum surface and at least one payload justification device, the at least one payload justification device being configured to position a payload on the payload bed in substantial contact with the at least one reference datum surface to place the payload in a predetermined position on the payload bed.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems and methods for receiving an order that has been gathered and is ready for packaging. After the order is received, a tracking code can be scanned. The tracking code may be associated with packaging information relating to the order's packaging attributes. A request can then be send to a packaging system to generate a packaging template. The packaging system can then generate the requested packaging template.

Abstract: A warehouse management system (102), an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) (106), and a handheld device (HHD) (108) consolidate orders at a warehouse received from users. A first percentage of orders may be consolidated from at least one regular zone of the warehouse within a predetermined time period. A second percentage of the orders may be consolidated from a manual zone of the warehouse when the first percentage of the orders cannot be consolidated within the predetermined time period. Further, a remaining or a third percentage of the orders may be consolidated from the at least one regular zone or the manual zone in a next iteration of the AMR (106) when at least one item of the plurality of orders is not available in the warehouse.

Abstract: In some examples, a computing device may receive sensor data associated with a plurality of patient devices that are associated with a plurality of patients. The computing device may further receive caregiver records corresponding at least partially to the sensor data. At least two groups of indicators may be determined from the caregiver records, such a based on a selected subject. Further, the computing device may determine a plurality of clusters from the sensor data. Based on the plurality of clusters and the at least two groups, the computing device may determine an indication of a discrepancy in care for a patient of the plurality of patients. Based on the indication of the discrepancy, the computing device may send at least one of a notification to a caregiver computing device, a notification to a monitoring computing device, or a control signal to one of the patient devices.

Abstract: A central computer system directs a motorized transport unit through a retail shopping facility to a particular mobile item container having at least one item disposed therein, that item being designated for return to a particular department within the retail shopping facility such that this item can then again be presented for sale. After causing that motorized transport unit to physically attach to this mobile item container, the central computer system then directs that motorized transport unit through the retail shopping facility with the attached particular mobile item container to the one or more departments to which the item or items are to be so returned.

Abstract: A method for supplying consumable items to an automated sample analyzer is presented. The automated analyzer comprises a consumable repository including two or more storage areas. Each area is configured to store a plurality of consumable items. The method comprises receiving one or more orders for analytical tests to be carried out by the analyzer, reserving consumable items corresponding to one or more sets of consumable items required for the analytical tests in a first area, switching to a second area for reserving consumable items in response to determining that a predetermined consumable item in the first area has been reserved, supplying the reserved consumable items for use in the one or more analytical tests and indicating that the first area can be replenished in response to determining that a particular consumable item of the first storage area has been used.

Abstract: An inventory system includes an inventory holder and an actively balanced mobile drive unit. A control module of the mobile drive unit can receive sensing information about the inventory holder and/or the mobile drive unit and use the sensing information to control a drive module of the mobile drive unit so as to maintain the inventory holder and/or the mobile drive unit within a predetermined deviation amount from an equilibrium state.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for fulfilling items at a materials handling facility. In some instances, a predicted items list that identifies items that are likely to be picked by a user are determined and, when the user arrives at the materials handling facility, those predicted items are presented to the user for selection. For example, predicted items may be determined and an inventory holder that holds one or more of those predicted items may be retrieved by a mobile drive unit (such as a Kiva mobile drive unit) and presented to the user at a retrieval area. The user may pick the items they desire from the presented inventory holder.

Abstract: The application describes a system and process for anticipating when a user will leave a selection area within a materials handling facility and determining if a notification requesting that the user provide a tote of picked items to a drop off location should be presented to the user. For example, a user may be asked to provide items picked from a selection area for processing, such as packing, while the user is picking items from other selection areas of a materials handling facility.

Abstract: An inventory data management system manages information related to items, such as implants, used during a medical procedure. The inventory data management system includes multiple sensing devices for reading set identification information from a container in which the set of items is disposed. The sensing devices are connected to a communication network and are placed in multiple locations, where each location is associated with a particular status of the set of items. The system also includes an inventory management computer that executes an inventory management application for receiving the set identification information from the communication network, and associating the set identification information with set status information based on the location of the sensing device that read the set identification information. An item inventory database stores the set identification information in association with the set status information.