JP4659566B2 - RFID tag reader control device and RFID tag reader control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides an RFID tag reader control device that functions as an interface between a computer that performs business processing using data of a plurality of RFID tags read by an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag reader and the RFID tag reader, and controls the computer using the RFID tag reader. The present invention relates to an RFID tag reader control program for functioning as a device.

  For example, in the field of retail distribution, each product is given a product identification code barcode, and the barcodes of products handled at retail stores, store management headquarters, wholesale stores, etc. are read with a barcode reader and entered into a computer. By doing so, it is widely practiced to manage the information of products handled. On the other hand, in recent years, an IC chip having a unique ID set and stored as a tag identifier and an antenna are used, and contactless communication is performed wirelessly with a reader / writer, thereby enabling ID reading or arbitrary A wireless data carrier capable of writing and reading information, so-called RFID tags, has attracted attention.

  Since the barcode cannot be read unless it is scanned one by one with a barcode reader, there is a problem that processing efficiency is poor. Also, the amount of information that can be expressed with a barcode is small. In contrast, an RFID tag can store and hold a large amount of information in its memory. In addition, by using an anti-collision (collision prevention) method for communication control with a reader / writer, data can be read all at once even if there are multiple RFID tags within the communicable range of one reader / writer. Can be processed efficiently. Therefore, for example, in a retail store, an RFID tag in which product information such as a product identification code, a product name, and a price is written is attached to each product, and an antenna of a reader / writer RFID tag reader is embedded in a register counter. By doing this, the RFID tag data attached to the product is collectively read by the RFID tag reader and input to the POS terminal simply by placing the product purchased by the customer on the register counter. Therefore, the time required for product registration is shortened. In addition, the burden on the store clerk is reduced.

  By the way, the barcode reader connected to the POS terminal is always in a standby state for reading while the product registration work of the POS terminal is activated. For this reason, the barcode is immediately read by holding the barcode over the barcode reader or holding the barcode reader over the barcode.

Thus, similarly, it is conceivable that the RFID tag reader is always in a standby state for reading. In that case, however, if a product is placed on or brought close to the cashier for purposes other than payment, the RFID tag data attached to the product is read and input to the POS terminal. . For this reason, a technology for preventing unnecessary data from being input to the POS terminal by configuring the RFID tag reader to perform a reading operation for a certain period of time when a specific key provided on the POS terminal is operated. It was known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-326256 A ([0038] to [0039])

  However, in the configuration in which the RFID tag reader is read in response to a specific key operation, the RFID tag reader is in a reading standby state only after the key operation is performed, and then the tag data is moved when the RFID tag approaches the antenna communication area. Since reading, there was a problem that the start-up of the RFID tag reader was slow.

  The present invention has been made based on such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to supply unnecessary RFID tag data to a connected device of the RFID tag reader even when the RFID tag reader is always in a standby state for reading. An RFID tag reader control device and an RFID tag reader control program are provided.

  The RFID tag reader control device of the present invention is an RFID tag reader control device capable of reading data from a plurality of RFID tags by using an anti-collision method for communication control with the RFID tag, Mode identification information storage means for identifying a data discard mode for discarding data and a data capture mode for capturing the data, and the mode identification information is discarded each time the RFID tag data is collectively read by the RFID tag reader. Mode determination means for determining whether to indicate the mode or the data capture mode; and when the mode identification information indicates the data discard mode, the capture permission tag set in advance in the data read by the RFID tag reader Tag search means in the discard mode to search for the existence of data, and this discard mode When it is confirmed by the tag search means that the data of the import permission tag does not exist, the data discard means for discarding the RFID tag data read by the RFID tag reader, and the tag search means in the discard mode When it is confirmed that the data exists, the capture mode transition means for switching the mode identification information to the data capture mode information, and when the mode identification information indicates the data capture mode, the data read by the RFID tag reader is And a data fetch processing means for fetching and supplying to the controller.

  The RFID tag reader control program of the present invention uses a computer connected to an RFID tag reader that can read data from a plurality of RFID tags by using an anti-collision method for communication control with the RFID tag. The operation mode is the data discard mode every time the RFID tag data is collectively read by the RFID tag reader and the operation mode of either the data discard mode for discarding data or the data capture mode for capturing the data. Means for determining whether the data is in the data capture mode or when the operation mode is the data discard mode, and means for searching whether the data of the capture permission tag set in advance exists in the data read by the RFID tag reader When the operation mode is the data discard mode, If the data is not present, the RFID tag data read by the RFID tag reader is discarded, and if the data of the capture permission tag is present, means for shifting the operation mode to the data capture mode; When the operation mode is the data capture mode, it functions as a means for capturing data read by the RFID tag reader.

  According to the present invention in which such a measure is taken, even if the RFID tag reader is always in a reading standby state, it is possible to prevent unnecessary RFID tag data from being supplied to the connected device of the RFID tag reader.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.
In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a merchandise sales registration apparatus in a retail store.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a merchandise sales registration apparatus according to the present embodiment. An RFID tag reader 12 is connected to a POS terminal 11 mainly composed of a computer. The POS terminal 11 includes a controller 13 as a main control unit, a storage unit 14 for storing various programs and data processed by the controller 13, a communication unit 15 with an external device such as a store controller, an RFID, A driver 16 as a reader control device for controlling the tag reader 12, a work RAM 17 used by the driver 16, an operation unit 18 such as a keyboard, a display unit 19 such as an operator display and a customer display, and a printing unit such as a receipt printer It consists of 20 peripheral devices.

  The operation unit 18 is provided with a mode changeover switch 21 for manually switching the operation mode of the POS terminal 11 in particular. In the operation mode of the POS terminal 11, the sales data of each product sold as one commercial transaction is registered, and the sales data of each product registered in the registration mode operation is totalized. Summarize the sales data of each product registered in the inspection mode and registration mode operations that output the report of the summary results, output the summary results, and then clear the sales data of each registered product There are modes. Note that the configuration for manually switching the operation mode is not limited to the mode switch 21. For example, an operation mode menu screen may be displayed on the display unit 19 so that the operator can select a desired operation mode from the menu screen.

  In addition, the operation unit 18 is provided with a closing key 22 for declaring the registration closing of one commercial transaction. The closing key 22 includes a current key for declaring the closing of the registration of the commercial transaction by cash payment, a credit key for declaring the closing of the registration of the commercial transaction by the credit payment, a hanging key for declaring the closing of the registration of the commercial transaction by the credit sale, and the like.

  A tag communication antenna 30 is connected to the RFID tag reader 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the tag communication antenna 30 is embedded in a cashier counter 31 provided at a store accounting place. Thus, when the RFID tag is brought close to the register counter 31, the RFID tag reader 12 communicates with the RFID tag via the antenna 30 in a non-contact manner, and reads data in the IC chip memory of the RFID tag. ing.

  More specifically, the RFID tag reader 12 includes an interface unit with the POS terminal 11, a control unit, a modulation unit, and a demodulation unit. When the operation is turned on and the standby state is entered, read execution data is periodically supplied from the control unit to the modulation unit. As a result, the read execution data is modulated by the modulation unit and transmitted from the tag communication antenna 30 as a modulated radio wave.

  The RFID tag includes a loop coil antenna and an IC chip. A non-volatile memory is mounted on the IC chip. In the memory of the RFID tag, an ID as a tag identifier set at the time of manufacturing the RFID tag is fixedly stored. In addition, a user data area in which the user can arbitrarily write data is secured. Thus, when the RFID tag is brought close to the communicable range with the tag communication antenna 30, and the modulated radio wave of the read command command is received by the loop coil antenna, the ID in the memory and the data in the user area are modulated in the RFID tag. Is transmitted as a modulated radio wave from the loop coil antenna. When the modulated radio wave is received by the tag communication antenna 30, the received radio wave is demodulated by the demodulation unit of the RFID tag reader 12 and read as RFID tag data. The control unit outputs demodulated RFID tag data, that is, ID and user area data, to the POS terminal 11 via the interface unit.

  In the present embodiment, a product identification RFID tag 33 is provided for each product 32 sold in the store. In addition, an RFID tag 35 for permitting loading is provided for each cashier card 34 carried by each cashier. As shown in FIG. 3A, the IC chip memory of the product identification RFID tag 33 includes tag ID information indicating that the RFID tag is the product identification RFID tag 33 in addition to a fixed ID. “0” is stored. In addition, product information such as a product identification code, a product name, and a price of a product to which the product identification RFID tag 33 is attached is stored. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, the IC chip memory of the capture permission RFID tag 35 indicates that, in addition to the fixed ID, the RFID tag is the capture permission RFID tag 35. “1” is stored as tag classification information. In addition, casher information such as a casher code and a casher name of a cashier carrying the cashier card 34 to which the RFID tag 35 for permitting acquisition is attached is stored.

  In this embodiment, a method called anti-collision (collision prevention) is used for communication control between the RFID tag and the RFID tag reader 12. As a result, when there are a plurality of RFID tags within the communicable range of one RFID tag reader 12, the data of each RFID tag is read by the RFID tag reader 12 and input to the POS terminal 11. . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the product identification RFID tag 33 attached to each product 32 in the shopping basket 36 can be obtained simply by placing the shopping basket 36 for storing the customer's purchased products on the cashier counter 31. Are collectively read by the RFID tag reader 12 and input to the POS terminal 11.

  The RFID tag reader 12 and the control unit 13 of the POS terminal 11 are connected via a driver 16. The driver 16 is installed with an RFID tag reader control program as middleware that provides an interface between the POS terminal 11 and the RFID tag reader 12. The operation of the driver 16 according to the RFID tag reader control program will be described later.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing main memory areas formed in the work RAM 17. As shown in the figure, a cashier tag area 41, a product tag area 42, and a flag area 43 are formed in the work RAM 17.
In the cashier tag area 41, the ID and the cashier information, which are memory data of the RFID tag 35 for permitting acquisition, are stored for only one tag.

  In the product tag area 42, ID and product information, which are memory data of the RFID tag 33 for product identification, are stored for a plurality of tags. Further, for each memory data of the product identification RFID tag 33, a processed flag f for identifying whether or not the data has been processed by the driver 16 is stored. In the present embodiment, the processed flag f is “0” when not processed, and is “1” when processed.

  The flag area 43 stores a mode identification flag F for identifying a data discard mode in which data of RFID tags that have been collectively read are discarded and a data capture mode in which the data is captured. Here, the flag area 43 constitutes storage means for mode identification information (mode identification flag F). In the present embodiment, the mode identification flag F is “0” in the data discard mode and “1” in the data capture mode. The mode identification information is not limited to the mode identification flag F, but may be any information that allows the computer to identify the data discard mode and the data capture mode.

  In the merchandise sales registration apparatus having such a configuration, the control unit 13 of the POS terminal 11 controls the operation of the RFID tag reader 12 particularly according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the control unit 13 is waiting for switching of the business mode of the POS terminal 11 as ST (step) 1. When the mode changeover switch 21 is operated in ST2 to switch from a job other than the registration job to the registration job, the control unit 13 outputs an ON command command for the RFID tag reader 12 to the driver 16 in ST3. In ST4, an application program for registration work is started. The operation of the control unit 13 when the registration work application program is activated will also be described later.

  Thereafter, when the mode is switched from the registered job to a job other than the registered job by operating the mode changeover switch 21 in ST5, the control unit 13 outputs an off command command of the RFID tag reader 12 to the driver 16 in ST6. In ST7, the application program for the registered business is stopped and the application program for the corresponding business is started.

  The driver 16 operates according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 when the on-command command of the RFID tag reader 12 is input. Incidentally, this operation is realized by the RFID tag reader control program.

  That is, when an ON command command is input to the RFID tag reader 12, the driver 16 first selects the data discard mode by setting the mode identification flag F of the flag area 43 to “0” in ST11. Next, an ON control command is transmitted to the RFID tag reader 12 as ST12, and the RFID tag reader 12 is set in a standby state.

  Next, the driver 16 transmits a tag batch reading command command to the RFID tag reader 12 as ST13. As a result, the RFID tag reader 12 collectively reads RFID tag data consisting of the ID of the RFID tag and the user area data existing within the communicable range of the tag communication antenna 30. Then, all the RFID tag data read in a batch are input to the driver 16.

  Therefore, the driver 16 determines whether the operation mode of the driver 16 is the data discard mode or the data capture mode according to the state of the mode identification flag F (ST14). Here, when the mode identification flag F is “0”, that is, when the operation mode is the data discarding mode, the driver 16 identifies the RFID whose tag classification information is “1” in the RFID tag data collectively read as ST15. It is checked whether or not the tag, that is, the data of the RFID tag 35 for permitting to exist exists (tag search means in the discard mode). When it is confirmed that there is no data of the RFID tag 35 for permitting to be taken in, the driver 16 discards all the RFID tag data read at once (data discarding means). Then, a tag batch reading command command is transmitted to the RFID tag reader 12 again.

  If it is confirmed in ST15 that the data of the RFID tag 35 for capture permission is present in the RFID tag data collectively read, the driver 16 determines the data of the RFID tag 35 for capture permission as ST16. It is determined whether or not is one type. Then, when a plurality of data of the RFID tag 35 for permitting to have different IDs are confirmed in the RFID tag data collectively read, the driver 16 discards all the RFID tag data collectively read. Then, a tag batch reading command command is transmitted to the RFID tag reader 12 again.

  In ST16, when only one type of data of the RFID tag 35 for import permission is confirmed in the RFID tag data collectively read, the driver 16 rewrites the mode identification flag F to “1” in ST17. . That is, the operation mode is shifted from the data discard mode to the data capture mode (capture mode transition means).

  Next, the driver 16 determines whether or not the data of the RFID tag 35 for capturing permission confirmed this time in ST18 matches the data stored in the cashier tag area 41 of the work RAM 17. Here, if the data stored in the cashier tag area 41 does not match the ID and the cashier information, or if no data is stored in the cashier tag area 41, it is determined that the data does not match. In that case, the driver 16 overwrites the cashier tag area 41 with the ID and cashier information stored in the data of the RFID tag 35 for capture permission confirmed this time as ST19. In addition, the casher information stored in the cashier tag area 41 as ST20 is output to the control unit 13.

  In ST18, if the data of the RFID tag 35 for capture permission confirmed this time matches the data stored in the cashier tag area 41 of the work RAM 17, the driver 16 does not perform the processes of ST19 and ST20. .

  Next, the driver 16 clears the product tag area 42 of the work RAM 17 as ST21. In ST22, a registration start command is output to the control unit 13. Thereafter, a tag batch reading command command is transmitted to the RFID tag reader 12 again.

  On the other hand, if the mode identification flag F is “1” in ST14, that is, if the operation mode is the data capture mode, the driver 16 includes tag classification information in the RFID tag data collectively read in ST23. It is checked whether or not there is data of the RFID tag of “1”, that is, the RFID tag 35 for acquisition permission (tag search means in acquisition mode). If it is confirmed that there is data of the RFID tag 35 for permitting to be taken, the driver 16 determines whether there is only one type of data of the RFID tag 35 for permitting to be ST24. Then, when a plurality of data of the RFID tag 35 for permitting to have different IDs are confirmed in the RFID tag data collectively read, the driver 16 discards all the RFID tag data collectively read. Then, a tag batch reading command command is transmitted to the RFID tag reader 12 again.

  In ST24, when only one type of data of the capture permission RFID tag 35 is confirmed in the RFID tag data collectively read, the driver 16 identifies the capture permission RFID tag 35 confirmed this time as ST25. It is determined whether or not these data match the data stored in the cashier tag area 41 of the work RAM 17. Here, if it is determined that there is a mismatch, the driver 6 discards all the RFID tag data that has been collectively read. Then, a tag batch reading command command is transmitted to the RFID tag reader 12 again.

  If it is determined in ST25 that the data of the RFID tag 35 for capturing permission confirmed this time matches the data stored in the cashier tag area 41 of the work RAM 17, the driver 16 is collectively read as ST26. It is checked whether or not there is an RFID tag whose tag classification information is “0” in the RFID tag data, that is, data of the RFID tag 33 for product identification. When it is confirmed that the data of the RFID tag 33 for product identification does not exist, the driver 16 discards all the RFID tag data read at once. Then, a tag batch reading command command is transmitted to the RFID tag reader 12 again.

  When it is confirmed in ST26 that the data of the RFID tag 33 for product identification exists in the RFID tag data collectively read, the driver 16 uses the data of the RFID tag 33 for product identification as ST27. The product tag area 42 is searched. Then, in ST28, it is checked whether or not an ID that matches the data of the product identification RFID tag 33 is already stored in the product tag area 42. Here, if not stored, the ID and the product information of the data of the product identification RFID tag 33 are additionally stored in the product tag area 42 together with the processed flag f = 0 indicating unprocessed as ST29. On the other hand, if stored, the data of the RFID tag 33 for product identification is discarded. That is, the data of the same product identification RFID tag 33 is not stored in the product tag area 42 in duplicate.

  The driver 16 sequentially performs the processing of ST27 to ST29 on the data of the RFID tag 33 for product identification that has been collectively read. If the above processing is completed for all the data of the product identification RFID tag 33 that has been collectively read as ST30, the driver 16 sets a processed flag f = 0 indicating unprocessed from the product tag area 42 as ST31. The obtained merchandise information is sequentially acquired and output to the control unit 23 (data acquisition processing means). In ST32, the processed flag f corresponding to the product information is rewritten to the state “1” indicating processed. Thereafter, a tag batch reading command command is transmitted to the RFID tag reader 12 again.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in ST23 that there is no data in the RFID tag 35 for capture permission, the driver 16 outputs a registration end command to the control unit 23 as ST33. In ST34, the mode identification flag F is rewritten to “0”. That is, the operation mode is shifted from the data capture mode to the data discard mode (discard mode transition means). Thereafter, a tag batch reading command command is transmitted to the RFID tag reader 12 again.

  The driver 16 repeatedly executes the processes after ST13 until an off command command of the RFID tag reader 12 is input. When an off command command for the RFID tag reader 12 is input from the control unit 13, the off control command is transmitted to the RFID tag reader 12, and this operation is terminated.

  Next, main operation procedures of the control unit 13 when the registration mode is selected will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Incidentally, this operation is realized by the application program for the registration work.

  That is, the control unit 13 waits for input of cashier information or a registration start command in the idle state (ST41, 42). Here, when casher information such as a casher code and a casher name is input, the control unit 13 rewrites the cache memory information formed in the storage unit 14 with the input casher information (ST43). Then, it waits again for cashier information or a registration start command (ST41, 42).

  When the registration start command is input, since the start of product registration for one commercial transaction is instructed, the control unit 13 clears the transaction memory formed in the storage unit 14 (ST44). Then, it waits for product information or a registration end command to be entered (ST45, 46). Here, when product information such as a product identification code, product name, and price is input, the control unit 13 additionally stores this product information in the transaction memory (ST47). Further, the product name, price, etc. are displayed on the display unit 19 (ST48). Then, it waits again for product information or a registration end command (ST45, 46).

  When the registration end command is input, since the end of product registration for one commercial transaction is instructed, the control unit 13 determines whether or not product information is stored in the transaction memory (ST49). Here, when the product information is not stored, the registration end is instructed without registering the product information, so the process returns to the idle state.

  If the product information is stored in the transaction memory, the control unit 13 performs sales registration processing on the product sales data based on the product information in the transaction memory (ST50). Next, when the closing key 22 is operated and input (ST51), the commercial transaction is settled by the price payment method corresponding to the type of the closing key (ST52). Then, it returns to an idle state.

  Note that the sales registration process and the payment process are the same as the well-known processes executed in the normal POS terminal, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  In the present embodiment configured as described above, when the registration mode is selected as the operation mode of the POS terminal 11, the ON command command of the RFID tag reader 12 is output from the control unit 13 of the POS terminal 11 to the driver 16. Also, an application program for registration work is started.

  As a result, the operation mode of the driver 16 becomes the data discard mode. Then, an ON control command is transmitted to the RFID tag reader 12, and the RFID tag reader 12 enters a standby state. In this state, a tag batch reading command command is transmitted from the driver 16 to the RFID tag reader 12. As a result, when the RFID tag approaches the communicable area of the tag communication antenna 30 embedded in the register counter 31, the memory data of the RFID tag is read by the RFID tag reader 12. However, the read memory data of the RFID tag is discarded as long as there is no data of the RFID tag 35 for capture permission in the RFID tag.

  Here, when the customer comes to the cashier counter to settle the price of the purchased product 32, the cashier who operates the POS terminal 11 places the cashier card 34 in the antenna burying portion of the cashier counter 31. As a result, the RFID tag reader 12 reads the data of the RFID tag 35 for permitting attached to the cashier card 34. As a result, the operation mode of the driver 16 becomes the data capture mode. Further, the ID and the casher information, which are the memory data of the RFID tag 35 for permitting acquisition, are written in the cashier tag area 41 of the work RAM 17. The cashier information is output from the driver 16 to the control unit 13 and stored in the storage unit 14. As a result, the cashier name is displayed on the display unit 19. It is also managed as responsible person information printed on the receipt.

  Thereafter, the driver 16 outputs a registration start command to the control unit 13. Thereby, in the control part 13, transaction memory is initialized in order to prepare for goods registration of 1 commercial transaction. In this state, when the shopping basket 36 containing the customer's purchased merchandise 32 is placed in the antenna burying portion of the checkout counter 31, the merchandise identification RFID attached to each of the merchandise 32 accommodated in the shopping basket 36 is provided. The memory data of the tag 33 is collectively read by the RFID tag reader 12. Then, the ID and product information that are the memory data of the RFID tag 33 for product identification read in a batch are sequentially written in the product tag area 42 of the work RAM 17. However, at this time, if product information having the same ID is already stored in the product tag area 42, the product information is discarded. In other words, the memory data of the RFID tag 33 for product identification attached to the same product 32 is read many times while the product 32 is placed on the register counter 31, but is written in the product tag area 42 in an overlapping manner. There is nothing.

  The product information written in the product tag area 42 is output from the driver 16 to the control unit 13 and is sequentially stored in the transaction memory. Further, information such as product name and price in the product information is displayed and output on the display unit 19. Therefore, the cashier collates the content of the product information displayed on the display unit 19 with the content of the product 32 stored in the shopping basket 36, and confirms that all the products 32 stored in the shopping basket 36 have been registered. If confirmed, the cashier card 34 is picked up from the cashier counter 31. As a result, the RFID tag reader 12 cannot read the data of the RFID tag 35 for capturing, and the driver 16 outputs a registration end command to the control unit 13. In addition, the operation mode of the driver 16 returns to the data discard mode. Thereby, in the POS terminal 11, the merchandise sales registration process is executed based on the merchandise information stored in the transaction memory in accordance with the application program for the registration work, and the billed amount is calculated. Therefore, the cashier receives payment from the customer commensurate with the amount charged. Then, the closing key 22 corresponding to the payment method is operated. Then, according to the application program, settlement processing is executed, the printing unit 20 operates, and a receipt is printed and issued.

  By the way, even after the cashier picks up the cashier card 34 from the cashier counter 31, while the shopping basket 36 is placed on the cashier counter 31, the product identification RFID attached to each product 32 in the shopping basket 36. The memory data of the tag 33 is collectively read by the RFID tag reader 12. However, as described above, since the operation mode of the driver 16 has returned to the data discarding mode, all the RFID tag data is discarded by the driver 16 and is not input to the control unit 13.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the RFID tag reader 12 is set in the standby state and the tag counter antenna 30 is embedded in the vicinity of the registration counter 31 while the registration application program is running on the POS terminal 11. When the RFID tag is brought close to the memory, the memory data of the RFID tag is read collectively. However, as long as the cashier card 34 is not placed in the antenna-embedded portion of the cashier counter 31, that is, unless the memory data of the RFID tag 35 for permitting attached to the cashier card 34 is read, the data is read all at once. The memory data of the RFID tag is discarded by the driver 16. Therefore, for example, even if a product is placed on or brought close to the cashier 31 for purposes other than payment, the memory data of the product identification RFID tag 33 attached to the product is input to the control unit 13 of the POS terminal 11. In other words, there is no problem of being processed by the application program.

  In this case, the cashier only has to do the simple work of placing the cashier card 34 on the cashier counter 31 at the start of the customer's purchase merchandise registration and picking up the cashier card 34 from the cashier counter 31 at the end of registration. There is nothing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the capture permission RFID tag 35 is provided on the cashier card 34. However, the article provided with the capture permission RFID tag 35 is not limited to the cashier card 34. Any article may be used as long as it can be placed or taken up in the place where the tag communication antenna 30 is buried. In this case, if the memory of the capture permission RFID tag 35 stores tag classification information (“1” in the present embodiment) indicating the capture permission RFID tag 35 in addition to the fixed ID. Often, other user area data is arbitrary.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the RFID tag 35 for taking in permission may be directly attached to the shopping basket 36 provided in the store. By doing this, when a customer who settles the price of the purchased product 32 places the shopping basket 36 in the antenna burying portion of the cashier counter 31, the data of the RFID tag 35 for capture permission attached to the shopping basket 36 is RFID. Read by the tag reader 12. As a result, the operation mode of the driver 16 becomes the data capture mode. Further, a registration start command is output from the driver 16 to the control unit 13. Next, the memory data of the RFID tag 33 for product identification attached to each product 32 accommodated in the shopping basket 36 is collectively read by the RFID tag reader 12. Then, the merchandise information that is the memory data of the merchandise identification RFID tag 33 read in a batch is output from the driver 16 to the control unit 13 and sequentially stored in the transaction memory. In addition, information such as product name and price in the product information is displayed and output on the display unit 19. Therefore, the cashier collates the content of the product information displayed on the display unit 19 with the content of the product 32 stored in the shopping basket 36, and confirms that all the products 32 stored in the shopping basket 36 have been registered. If confirmed, the shopping basket 36 is moved to a place other than the antenna burying portion of the register counter 31. As a result, the RFID tag reader 12 cannot read the data of the RFID tag 35 for capturing, and the driver 16 outputs a registration end command to the control unit 13. In addition, the operation mode of the driver 16 returns to the data discard mode. Thereby, in the POS terminal 11, the merchandise sales registration process is executed based on each merchandise information stored in the transaction memory in accordance with the application program for the registration work, and the billed amount is calculated. Therefore, the cashier receives payment from the customer commensurate with the amount charged. Then, the closing key 22 corresponding to the payment method is operated. Then, settlement processing is executed according to the application program, and the printing unit 20 operates to print and issue a receipt.

  By the way, in the above description, it is necessary to move the shopping basket 36 to a place other than the antenna-embedded portion of the registration counter 31 at the end of product registration. There may be a case where it is not possible to move to a place other than 31 antenna burying portions. Therefore, another embodiment in which the shopping basket 36 does not have to be moved to a place other than the antenna burying portion of the register counter 31 at the end of product registration will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the driver 16 to which the ON command command of the RFID tag reader 12 is inputted, and corresponds to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a main operation procedure of the control unit 13 when the registration mode is selected, and corresponds to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment.

  In other words, in the second embodiment, when the mode identification flag F is “0”, that is, when the operation mode is the data discard mode, the driver 16 stores the cashier information in the RFID tag for capture permission 35. Therefore, the processing of ST18 to ST20 in FIG. 6 is omitted.

  On the other hand, when the mode identification flag F is “1”, that is, when the operation mode is the data capture mode, it is monitored in ST61 whether or not an operation command for the lock key 22 is given from the control unit 13 (command monitoring). means). And when the operation command of the closing key 22 is not given from the control part 13, the process same as ST27-ST32 of FIG. 6 is performed.

  On the other hand, when the operation command for the closing key 22 is given from the control unit 13, the driver 16 rewrites the mode identification flag F to “0” in ST34. That is, the operation mode is shifted from the data capture mode to the data discard mode (discard mode transition means). Thereafter, a tag batch reading command is transmitted to the RFID tag reader 12 again.

  Control unit 13 waits for a registration start command to be input in the idle state (ST71). If the registration start command is input, the control unit 13 clears the transaction memory (ST72). Then, it waits for product information to be entered or for the closing key 22 to be operated (ST73, 74). Here, when product information such as a product identification code, a product name, and a price is input, the control unit 13 additionally stores the product information in the transaction memory (ST75). Further, the product name, price, etc. are displayed on the display unit 19 (ST76). Then, it waits again for product information to be input or for the lock key 22 to be input (ST73, 74).

  If the tightening key 22 is operated, a tightening key operation command is output to the driver 16 (ST77). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not product information is stored in the transaction memory (ST78). Here, when the product information is not stored, the registration end is instructed without registering the product information, so the process returns to the idle state.

  If the product information is stored in the transaction memory, the control unit 13 performs sales registration processing on the product sales data based on the product information in the transaction memory (ST79). Next, the transaction is settled by a payment method corresponding to the type of the input key 22 (ST80). Then, it returns to an idle state.

  By adopting such a configuration, the shopping basket 36 with the RFID tag 35 for permitting loading is placed on the antenna embedding portion of the register counter 31, so that the operation mode of the driver 16 is changed from the data discarding mode to the data capturing mode. When the operation mode of the driver 16 is switched to the data capture mode and then the product registration of one commercial transaction is completed and the closing key 22 is operated, the operation mode of the driver 16 returns from the data capture mode to the data discard mode. Accordingly, for example, even if a product is placed on the register counter 31 or brought close to the register counter 31 for purposes other than payment, as long as the product is not stored in the shopping basket 36, the memory of the RFID tag 33 for product identification attached to the product There can be no problem that data is input to the control unit 13 of the POS terminal 11 and processed by the application program.

  The configuration in which the operation mode of the driver 16 is shifted from the data capture mode to the data discard mode in response to an operation input of the lock key 22 is limited to the case where the capture permission RFID tag 35 is attached to the shopping basket 36. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the capture permission RFID tag 35 is provided on the cashier card 34. In this case, it is not necessary for the cashier to place the cashier card 34 on the cashier counter 31 at the start of the commercial transaction. The cashier only has to hold it over the communicable area of the tag communication antenna 30, and the work load can be further simplified. .

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the driver 16 of the POS terminal 11, but can be applied to any computer device that connects the RFID tag reader 12 as long as it controls the controller between the controller and the RFID tag reader 12. Is.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be combined.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the merchandise sales registration apparatus which is one embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the embed | buried part of the tag communication antenna in the embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the memory data structure of the RFID tag for goods identification in the same embodiment, and the RFID tag for acquisition permission. The schematic diagram which shows the main memory areas formed in work RAM in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the principal part of the RFID tag reader operation control procedure which a control part performs in the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a driver when an on command command is input to the RFID tag reader in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main operation | movement procedures of the control part at the time of registration mode selection in the embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows an example which attached | subjected the RFID tag for acquisition permission to the shopping basket. The flowchart which shows other embodiment of the driver operation | movement procedure at the time of the ON command command input of a RFID tag reader. The flowchart which shows the main operation | movement procedures of the control part at the time of registration mode selection corresponding to the other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... POD terminal, 12 ... RFID tag reader, 13 ... Control part, 14 ... Memory | storage part, 15 ... Communication part, 16 ... Driver, 17 ... Work RAM, 21 ... Mode change switch, 22 ... Closing key, 30 ... Tag exchange Antenna, 33 ... RFID tag for product identification, 34 ... Cashier card, 35 ... RFID tag for import permission, 36 ... Shopping basket.

Claims (7)

In an RFID tag reader control device that can collectively read data from a plurality of RFID tags by using an anti-collision method for communication control with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag,
Mode identification information storage means for identifying a data discard mode for discarding the data of the RFID tags that are collectively read and a data capture mode for capturing the data;
Mode determination means for determining whether the mode identification information indicates the data discard mode or the data capture mode each time the RFID tag data is collectively read by the RFID tag reader;
When the mode identification information indicates the data discard mode, a discard mode tag search means for searching whether there is data of a preset capture permission tag in the data read by the RFID tag reader;
When it is confirmed that the data of the capture permission tag does not exist by the tag search unit in the discard mode, a data discard unit that discards the RFID tag data read by the RFID tag reader;
When it is confirmed that the data of the capture permission tag exists by the discard mode tag search means, capture mode transition means for switching the mode identification information to the data capture mode information,
When the mode identification information indicates the data capture mode, data capture processing means that captures data read by the RFID tag reader and supplies the data to the controller;
An RFID tag reader control device comprising: When the mode identification information indicates the data capture mode, a tag retrieval unit for capture mode when retrieving whether the data of the capture permission tag is present in the data read by the RFID tag reader;
When it is confirmed by the capture mode time tag search means that there is no data of the capture permission tag, the discard mode transition means for switching the mode identification information to information indicating the data discard mode,
The RFID tag reader control device according to claim 1, further comprising: Command monitoring means for monitoring whether or not a predetermined key operation command is input from the controller when the mode identification information indicates the data capture mode;
When it is confirmed by the command monitoring means that the key operation command has been input, discard mode transition means for switching the mode identification information to the data discard mode information;
The RFID tag reader control device according to claim 1, further comprising: The controller is a control unit of a device for processing merchandise sales data sold in a commercial transaction,
4. The RFID tag reader control device according to claim 3, wherein the key operation command is a lock key operation command for declaring registration lock of a commercial transaction. By using an anti-collision method for communication control with an RFID tag, a computer connected with an RFID tag reader capable of reading data from a plurality of RFID tags at a time,
Means for operating in an operation mode of any one of a data discard mode for discarding data of RFID tags read in a batch and a data capture mode for capturing the data;
Means for determining whether the operation mode is the data discard mode or the data capture mode each time the RFID tag data is collectively read by the RFID tag reader;
When the operation mode is the data discard mode, a means for searching whether there is data of a capture permission tag set in advance in the data read by the RFID tag reader;
When the operation mode is the data discard mode and the data of the capture permission tag does not exist, the data of the RFID tag read by the RFID tag reader is discarded and the data of the capture permission tag exists. Means for transitioning the operating mode to the data capture mode;
Means for capturing data read by the RFID tag reader when the operation mode is the data capture mode;
RFID tag reader control program characterized in that it is made to function. Said computer further
Means for searching whether the data of the capture permission tag exists in the data read by the RFID tag reader when the operation mode is the data capture mode;
When the operation mode is the data capture mode, if there is no data of the capture permission tag, means for shifting the operation mode to the data discard mode;
6. The RFID tag reader control program according to claim 5, wherein the program is operated. Said computer further
Means for monitoring whether or not a predetermined key of an operation unit connected to the computer is operated when the operation mode is the data capture mode;
Means for switching the operation mode to the data discarding mode in response to an operation of the predetermined key;
6. The RFID tag reader control program according to claim 5, wherein the program is operated.

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