JP2002367030A - Method and system for self-checkout - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately determine whether an article that a customer buys is legally registered according to the weight value of the article. SOLUTION: This system is equipped with a 1st weighing part 14 which weighs a basket 3 containing bought articles and is provided at an upstream part of a bar code scanner 10, the bar code scanner 10 which reads out information attached to the articles, a 2nd weighing part 16 which is provided at a downstream part of the bar code scanner, and a CPU 22 as a control means which compares an increment with a decrement in the weighed value of the 1st weighing part 14 once the 2nd weighing means 16 detects the increase in the weighed value and processes the information read by the bar code scanner 10 as effective information when they nearly match each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a self-checkout method and a self-checkout system for registering a product purchased at a retail store such as a supermarket at a checkout place by a customer's own operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional self-checkout system of this kind, there is a technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-46591 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-35968. In this self-checkout system, a weighing machine is installed downstream of the barcode scanner, the weight of the product scanned by the customer is read from the product file, and it is determined whether or not the weight weighed by the weighing device matches the two. By registering sales on the condition that they match, the product scanned by a barcode scanner and registered as a registered product downstream of the checkout device because the product was not registered properly or intentionally or by negligence. It is possible to prevent fraud that the product to be placed does not match.

[0003]

However, in the self-checkout system described above, it is necessary to set the weight value of each product in a product file in advance.
Since there are so many types of commodities, the amount of work was also large. Moreover, not only do new products appear frequently, but also there are lot errors in the product weight and changes in the weight value due to moisture evaporation at the time of product display, so the product weight value data only needs to be set once. It wasn't anything.

[0004] Further, in determining whether or not the weight of a product scanned by a barcode scanner and weighed by a weighing device matches the weight value of the product read from a product file, an allowable range of the set value is determined. When it is large, it is difficult to accurately determine whether or not the product registration has been properly performed, and there has been a problem that fraud cannot be effectively prevented. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and without registering data indicating the weight value of a product in advance, it is determined whether or not a customer has properly registered a purchased product by a product weight value. It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-checkout method and a self-checkout system that can make an accurate determination based on the information and effectively prevent fraud.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self-checkout method for registering a purchased product by an operation of a customer and calculating a total price thereof. A first step of calculating a weight reduction value when one product is taken out of the basket placed on the first weighing unit, and a second step of reading information attached to the taken out product with a scanner. A third step of calculating an increase in weight when a product read by the scanner is placed on the second weighing unit; And a fourth step of processing the read information as valid.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when one product is taken out of the basket placed on the first weighing unit, the weight reduction value is calculated, and the information attached to the taken out product is calculated. Is read by the scanner, and when the product read by the scanner is placed on the second weighing unit, the weight increase value is calculated, and the measured decrease value and the increase value are compared with each other, and when the measured values substantially match, the scanner increases the weight. The information read in is processed as valid, so that it is determined based on the weight value whether or not the product purchased by the customer is correctly registered without setting the weight value in advance as the product data. be able to. Further, even if the product has a large weight error, it can be determined from the weight value whether or not the product registration is correct.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scanner for weighing a basket containing purchased products in a self-checkout system for registering purchased products by a customer operation and calculating a total amount of the purchased products. A first weighing means provided in the upstream part of the scanner, a scanner for reading information attached to the product, a second weighing means provided in the downstream part of the scanner, and an increase in weighing value detected by the second weighing means. And control means for processing the information read by the scanner as valid when the increase value and the decrease value of the weighed value by the first weighing means are substantially the same.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first weighing means provided at an upstream portion of a scanner for weighing a basket containing a purchased commodity, a scanner for reading information attached to the commodity, When an increase in the weighing value is detected by the second weighing means provided in the downstream portion of the scanner and the second weighing means, the increase value is compared with the decrease value of the weighing value by the first weighing means, and the two values are substantially equal. In addition, since there is provided control means for processing the information read by the scanner as valid, without setting a weight value in advance as product data,
Whether or not the product purchased by the customer has been correctly registered can be determined based on the weight value. Further, even if the product has a large weight error, it can be determined from the weight value whether or not the product registration is correct.

The invention described in claim 3 is the same as the invention in claim 2
3. The self-checkout system according to item 1, wherein the control unit issues an alarm when the second weighing unit detects an increase in the weighing value and the product is not read by the scanner. .

According to the third aspect of the present invention, each time a product is placed on the second weighing means, it is determined whether or not the product is read by the scanner, and an alarm is issued if no product is read. Can be correctly managed for each product.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self-checkout system for registering a purchased product by a customer's operation and calculating a total amount of the purchased product, the scanner weighing a basket containing the purchased product. A first weighing means provided in the upstream part of the scanner, a scanner for reading the information attached to the product, a second weighing means provided in the downstream part of the scanner, and all the product registrations for the goods purchased by one customer. When the process is completed, a processing unit is provided which processes the product registration as valid when the number of times of increase in the weighing value by the second weighing unit matches the number of times of reading of the product by the scanner.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the registration of all the products for one customer is completed, the number of times the weighing value is increased by the second weighing means and the number of times the scanner reads the product are reduced. If they match, the merchandise registration is processed as valid. Therefore, the order of scanning the merchandise is compared by comparing the number of increments of the weighing value by the second calculator with the number of times the scanner reads the merchandise. And the order of placing on the second weighing means, there is no need to match, and it is possible to flexibly cope with, for example, placing a heavy product below and a light product above.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a self-checkout system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a self-checkout system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a counter 2,
A barcode scanner 10 that reads a barcode printed on a product or printed on an attached label,
A console 12 having a touch panel, a receipt printer, and the like, a first weighing unit 14, and a second weighing unit 16 are provided.

In the counter 2, a first weighing unit 14 on which a basket (first basket 3) containing the purchased product is placed upstream of the barcode scanner 10 has been scanned downstream of the barcode scanner 10. (2nd basket 4) to put the goods of the second, or the second to put the bag for take-out
A weighing unit 16 is provided. Barcode scanner 10
Next to, the name of the registered product and the full price are displayed, and an end key for inputting the end of registration of all products as a preset key or various function keys. A console 12 including a touch panel provided with a call key for calling a clerk, a receipt printer for issuing a receipt, and the like is provided. An error message can be displayed on the touch panel to issue an alarm.

The self-checkout system according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed at a plurality of checkout sites in a store and operated by the customer himself. The system may be provided with a device operated by a store clerk. When the customer registers a product purchased by the customer according to the present system, a receipt is issued from a receipt issuing port (not shown) of the console 12, and
Show the receipt to the clerk at the checkout counter and settle the price.

Next, FIG. 2 shows an electrical configuration of the self-checkout system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
The self-checkout system 1 includes a barcode scanner 10, a console 12 having a touch panel 121 and a receipt printer 122, a first weighing unit 14, a second weighing unit 16, a ROM 18, and a RAM 20.
, A CPU 22 and a communication unit 24. RAM
Reference numeral 20 denotes a product file in which product data is set, an area for adding the total amount of customers, a product data calling area,
A storage area for various measurement values and various counters are provided. The communication unit 24 is used to transfer product data and results in communication with a host computer (not shown) installed in the headquarters.

Next, FIG. 3 shows an operation procedure until the customer uses the self-checkout system 1 to settle the purchased product. In the figure, first, a customer picks up a favorite product from a display shelf of a product installed in the store, puts it in a basket (first basket) 3, and puts the basket 3 into a first weighing unit of the self-checkout system 1. 14 (Step 100). Next, the customer enters the first
One product is taken out of the basket 3 (step 101).
Further, the customer causes the barcode scanner 10 to read the barcode attached to the product (step 10).
2).

Next, the customer places the scanned product in the second basket 4 on the second weighing unit 16 (step 103). Further, the customer presses the end key on the touch panel 121 of the console 12 when no merchandise remains in the first basket 3 on the first weighing unit 14, and returns to step 101 when merchandise remains (step 104). ). Step 10
When the end key is pressed in step 4, a receipt is issued from the receipt issuing port of the console 12 of the self-checkout system, so the user moves the receipt and merchandise to the checkout counter, pays there, and ends shopping (step 105). ).

Next, an example of the operation of the self-checkout system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The first weighing unit 14 and the second weighing unit 16 are reset to zero in advance, and the weight (tare) of the basket is also set in advance. The first weighing unit 14 and the second weighing unit 16 can measure the actual weight of the product. It has become. In FIG. 4, the first
Whether the first basket 3 is placed on the weighing unit 14 for the first time,
It is determined whether the weighing value is stored in the first weighing unit 14 (step 200).

If the determination in step 200 is affirmative, the weighed value of the first weighing unit 14 is stored and
Returning to step 202, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 202. In step 202, it is determined whether the weighing value of the first weighing unit 14 has decreased and is in a stable state (step 20).
2) If this determination is affirmative, the weight reduction value is stored (step 203), and the process returns to step 200,
If the determination in step 202 is negative, the process proceeds to step 204. In step 204, scanning, that is, the presence / absence of input of a product code is determined. If the determination in step 204 is affirmative, the product data such as the product name and price is called and stored based on the product code (step 205), and the process returns to step 200. If the determination in step 204 is negative, the process proceeds to step 206.

In step 206, it is determined whether or not the weighing value of the second weighing unit 16 has increased and is in a stable state. If this determination is denied, the process proceeds to step 212, and if affirmed, Moves to step 207. In step 207, the increase value of the weight measurement value in the second weighing unit 16 is stored. Next, in step 208, the presence or absence of scanning is determined in the same manner as in step 204, and if this determination is denied, an error message, for example, "Please scan!" It is displayed on the console 12 and an alarm is issued (step 2
15) Return to step 200. On the other hand, step 208
If the determination in step (1) is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 209.

In step 209, the decrement value stored in step 203 and the increment value stored in step 207 are compared to determine whether they are the same or the error is within a predetermined range. If this determination is denied, for example, an error such as "Please return to the state of the product for which the product was previously registered, and then pick up one product from the first weighing unit 14 and register it again!" A message is displayed on the console 12 and an alarm is issued (step 21).
6) If the determination in step 209 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 210.

In step 210, the price obtained in step 205 is added to the total purchase price, and the merchandise data and the total purchase price are displayed on the console 12. Next, at step 211, the decrement value data of the first weighing unit 14, the increase value data of the second weighing unit 16, and the product data stored at step 205 stored in the RAM 20 are cleared and stored in the RAM 20. The weighing value of the first weighing unit 14 and the weighing value of the second weighing unit 16 are updated to the weighing values at the time when the decreasing value and the increasing value are detected. For example, it is possible to store the weighing value in another area of the RAM 20 in steps 203 and 207 and update the data by writing the data in that area. Then, the process returns to step 200.

In step 212, the console 1 operated by the customer when all the purchased products are registered
It is determined whether the end key in step 2 has been operated, and if the determination in step 212 is negative, step 20
Returning to 0, if the determination in step 212 is affirmative, the content registered for the product is printed and a receipt is issued (step 213). Next, at step 214, the contents stored in the RAM 20 relating to the merchandise registration are cleared, the processing for one customer is completed, and the process returns to step 200.

Next, another operation example of the self-checkout system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, first, in step 300,
It is determined whether or not the first basket 3 is placed on the first weighing unit 14 for the first time based on whether or not the initial weight of the car is stored. If the determination is affirmed, the current first weighing unit 3 is determined. The weight value of the unit 14 is stored in the RAM 20 as the initial weight (step 301), and the process returns to step 300. If the determination in step 300 is denied, the process proceeds to step 302.

In step 302, the presence or absence of scanning is determined in the same manner as in step 204 in FIG. 4. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 303, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 305. . Step 3
At 03, product registration is performed based on the barcode of the scanned product as in step 205 in FIG. Then, 1 is added to the scan counter (step 30).
4) Return to step 300.

In step 305, it is determined whether or not an increase in the weighing value of the second weighing unit 16 has been detected, as in step 206 in FIG. 4. If the determination is affirmative, 1 is added to the weight increase counter. After the addition (Step 306), the process returns to Step 300. If the determination in step 305 is negative, the process moves to step 307. In step 307,
It is determined whether or not the end key has been pressed as in step 212 in FIG. 4. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 300;
Move to 8.

In step 308, whether or not all the purchased commodities have moved onto the second weighing unit 16 is compared with the total weight. That is, the initial weight stored in step 301 and the second weight
By comparing the current weighing value of the weighing unit 16 with the current weighing value, it is determined whether the weighing value is the same or the error is within a predetermined range. If the determination in step 308 is negative, step 31
The process proceeds to step 309. If the result is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 309.

In step 309, it is determined whether or not the count value of the scan number counter is equal to the count value of the weight increase counter, in other words, whether or not the number of scan times is equal to the number of weight increase (step 309). . Step 309
If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 311. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 310.
In step 311, “The operation was not performed correctly.
Please move all purchased items to the first weighing unit 14 and go from the beginning! Is displayed on the console 12, an alarm is issued, and the routine proceeds to step 312.

On the other hand, since it is normal in step 310, a receipt is issued as in step 213 in FIG. Next, in step 312, the RAM 20 for merchandise registration is registered in the same manner as in step 214 in FIG.
Is cleared, the processing for one customer is completed, and the process returns to step 300. Note that a camera for monitoring customer operations may be provided near the checkout system in order to further enhance fraud prevention.

Further, the conventional function of setting the product weight in each product data and comparing the weight read by scanning with a bar code reader and the measured value may be combined with the present invention. For example, the above-mentioned conventional function cannot cope with a product (wine or the like) having almost the same weight and a different price or a product having a large variation in weight. However, in the case of such a product, if the present invention is used, it becomes more illegal. The prevention effect can be improved. Further, in the operation example shown in FIG. 5, it is determined in step 308 whether or not all the purchased commodities have moved onto the second weighing unit 16. However, this function may be omitted, or this function may be used. If there is no such information, it may be combined with the invention of claim 1 or 2 to further enhance the fraud prevention effect.

In the operation example shown in FIG. 4, when scanning is performed, product registration is performed at that time. If the decrease value and the increase value do not substantially match in step 209, an alarm is issued and the product registration is canceled. You may do so. Even in such an operation, the information read by the barcode scanner is reflected in the total purchase amount of the customer as being effective by the fourth step of claim 1 or the control means of claim 2. , 2, and 3 respectively.

[0033]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when one product is taken out of the basket placed on the first weighing unit, the weight reduction value is calculated and the product is attached to the taken out product. When the information read by the scanner is read, and the product read by the scanner is placed on the second weighing unit, the weight increase value is calculated, and the measured decrease value and the increase value are compared with each other so that they substantially match. Since the information read by the scanner is processed as valid, the weight value is not set in advance as the product data, and it is determined based on the weight value whether or not the product purchased by the customer is correctly registered. You can judge. In addition, even if the product has a large variation or change in weight, it can be determined from the weight value whether or not the product registration is correct.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first weighing means provided at an upstream portion of a scanner for weighing a basket containing a purchased commodity, a scanner for reading information attached to the commodity, When an increase in the weighing value is detected by the second weighing means provided in the downstream portion of the scanner and the second weighing means, the increase value is compared with the decrease value of the weighing value by the first weighing means, and the two values are substantially equal. In addition, since there is provided control means for processing the information read by the scanner as valid, without setting a weight value in advance as product data,
Whether or not the product purchased by the customer has been correctly registered can be determined based on the weight value. In addition, even if the product has a large variation or change in weight, it can be determined from the weight value whether or not the product registration is correct.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, each time a product is placed on the second weighing means, it is determined whether or not the product has been read by the scanner, and if the product is not read, an alarm is issued. Can be correctly managed for each product.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when registration of all products for one customer has been completed, the number of times the weighing value is increased by the second weighing unit and the number of times the product is read by the scanner are reduced. If they match, the merchandise registration is processed as valid. Therefore, the order of scanning the merchandise is compared by comparing the number of increments of the weighing value by the second calculator with the number of times the scanner reads the merchandise. And the order of placing on the second weighing means, there is no need to match, and it is possible to flexibly cope with, for example, placing a heavy product below and a light product above.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a self-checkout system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the self-checkout system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure until a customer uses the self-checkout system 1 to pay for a purchased product.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the self-checkout system shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the self-checkout system shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Self-checkout system 2 Counter 3 and 4 basket 10 Barcode scanner 12 Console 14 1st weighing unit 16 2nd weighing unit 18 ROM 20 RAM 22 CPU 24 Communication unit

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. In a self-checkout method for registering a purchased product by a customer operation and calculating a total amount of the product, a weight is reduced when one product is taken out of a basket placed on a first weighing unit. A first step of calculating a value, a second step of reading information attached to the extracted product with a scanner, and an increase in weight when the product read by the scanner is placed on a second weighing unit. A third step of calculating a value, and a fourth step of processing the information read by the scanner as valid if the measured decrease value and the increase value are compared and substantially coincide with each other. And self-checkout method. 2. A self-checkout system for registering a purchased product by an operation of a customer and calculating a total price of the purchased product. Weighing means, a scanner for reading information attached to the product, a second weighing means provided downstream of the scanner, and when the increase in weighing value is detected by the second weighing means, the increased value and the first weighing means Control means for processing the information read by the scanner as valid when the measured values are substantially the same as the decrease value of the weighing value. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit issues an alarm when the second weighing unit detects an increase in the weighing value and the commodity is not read by the scanner. Self-checkout system as described. 4. A self-checkout system for registering purchased merchandise by a customer operation and calculating a total amount of the merchandise, wherein a first basket provided at an upstream portion of the scanner for weighing a basket containing the purchased merchandise. A weighing unit, a scanner for reading information attached to the product, a second weighing unit provided downstream of the scanner, and a second weighing unit when registration of all products for one customer is completed. A self-checkout system comprising a processing unit for processing the product registration as valid when the number of times the weighing value is increased by the means and the number of times the product is read by the scanner match;