JP2003237150A - Goods information printer, label of goods, goods sale processor, and production information providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for providing a variety of different pieces of information of individual goods, its printer, sale processor, and a label of goods. <P>SOLUTION: Production information different from goods to goods, e.g. weight, price, calorie, being determined by a weighing/packaging value attaching apparatus (step S1) is encoded according to a specified program (S2) and attached to the label of goods (S3) before the goods are sold (S4). A consumer purchased the goods (S5) decodes the production information in the home using a decoder (S6). The production information can be stored as digital data and utilized variously (S7). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a product information printing device for printing product information, a product tag for printing the product information, and a product sales processing device used for product sales processing.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, in response to consumers' growing awareness of food safety and hygiene and environmental protection such as recycling, various information regarding the contents of food and packaging containers to be sold is displayed. Has become obligatory for distributors and production processors. For example, in FIG.
Items such as those shown in are typical. The items required to be displayed are increasing year by year, and therefore, the area for displaying such information in the packaging of foods or the labels attached thereto is becoming larger and larger.
In most cases, the data of such information display is
It is made into a database by distributors and production processors.

On the other hand, although consumers pay attention to a part of the expiration date, such as paying a lot of attention to the expiration date, all kinds of various information are accumulated, properly managed, and actively. In many cases, it cannot be said that it is being utilized. This is because they require considerable effort. Further, in many cases, labels and packaging of products are discarded when the products are used, and are rarely stored for the use of information.

Therefore, some techniques have been disclosed for more positive use of such product information. For example, JP 2001-109820 A and JP 11-962 A
14 discloses a technique of accessing a database of product information through a network and acquiring product information for use by consumers. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-65465 discloses a refrigerator that includes a label containing product information as electronic data. A technique for acquiring the product information is disclosed, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-141350 discloses a technology for accessing the refrigerator storing the product information in the storage from outside to acquire the inventory information. ing.

[0005]

All of the above disclosed techniques are techniques for utilizing information at the time of production or sale of individual products. However, there is no specific disclosure about how a seller or a production processor generates and provides information for each product at the time of production or sale. Alternatively, there is no specific disclosure about a method of providing various kinds of information, which has limited product information to be used and is different for each individual product while considering the convenience of the consumer. .

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a system for providing various product information that is different and different for each product, a printing device therefor, a sales processing device, and a product attachment. The purpose is to provide a vote.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 is an apparatus for printing product information, wherein production information unique to each product is encoded to produce a production information code. It is characterized by comprising: an encoding unit for obtaining the production information code; and a code assigning unit for assigning the production information code in a predetermined format to an assignment target unit provided for each individual product.

The invention according to claim 2 is the product information printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the addition target portion is a print target surface of the product information printing device, and the code assigning means performs the printing. It is characterized in that it is a printing means for printing on the target surface.

Further, the invention of claim 3 is the product information printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the product itself, the product packaging, and the product tag attached to the product is the surface to be printed. It is characterized in that it is one.

Further, the invention of claim 4 is the product information printing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the encoding format used in the encoding by the encoding means is a) two-stage At least one of a bar code, b) a two-dimensional bar code, and c) a stealth bar code is included.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the commodity information printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the code assigning section is incorporated in at least one of a commodity, a commodity package and a commodity tag. It is an element, and the code assigning means is a non-contact writing means for writing the production information code to the storage element in a non-contact manner.

Further, the invention of claim 6 is a product tag printed with product information and affixed to a product or its packaging, which is obtained by encoding production information unique to each product individual. The production information code is added.

The invention according to claim 7 is the product tag according to claim 6, wherein the production information code is provided by printing, and an encoding format for obtaining the production information code is a). Two-stage bar code, b) Two-dimensional bar code, c)
A stealth bar code.

The invention according to claim 8 is the product voucher according to claim 6, wherein a recording element is incorporated, and the production information code is written in the recording element in a non-contact manner. Is characterized by.

Further, the invention of claim 9 is an apparatus which is capable of cash payment and receipt and issuance of receipts, and which is used for sale processing of products, wherein production information obtained by encoding production information unique to each product individual. Reading means for reading the production information code for each individual product from the individual product to which the code is attached;
Restoring means for restoring the production information code to obtain restored production information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the commodity sales processing device according to the ninth aspect, at least one of the production information code and the restored production information can be printed on the receipt. Characterize.

The invention of claim 11 is the product sales processing device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the digital data is recorded on a portable recording medium which can be inserted into and removed from the product sales processing device. At least one of the production information code and the restored production information.
One is recorded on the portable recording medium.

The invention of claim 12 is the product sales processing device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the production information is identification information for identifying an individual product. The restored production information is restored identification information obtained by restoring the identification information, and accesses the product information database through a communication line to obtain additional production information accumulated in the product information database based on the restored identification information. , Is further provided.

The invention of claim 13 is a system for providing product production information, comprising: a) a device for printing product information, which is produced by encoding production information unique to each product individual. A product information printing device comprising: an encoding means for obtaining an information code; and a code giving means for giving the production information code to a given object portion of each product individual in a predetermined format; and b) the production information code as a product A production information restoration device comprising: reading means for reading each individual; restoration means for restoring the production information code; and recording means for recording the restored production information obtained by the restoration means on a recording medium. Characterize.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the production information providing system according to the thirteenth aspect, the addition target portion is a print target surface of the product information printing device, and the code assigning means performs the printing. It is characterized in that it is a printing means for printing on the target surface.

[0021] The invention of claim 15 is the production information providing system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the production information restoring device is capable of cash payment and receipt of receipts. It is a product sales processing device used for sales processing.

The invention of claim 16 is a system for providing product production information, comprising: a) a device for printing product information, wherein individual identification information for identifying each individual product is coded. A product information printing device comprising coding means for converting the identification information code into a product and a code adding means for applying the identification information code to each product individual object in a predetermined format; and b) the individual identification information And a product information database which stores production information for each corresponding product individual and can be accessed through a communication line, c) reading means for reading the identification information code for each product individual, and restoration identification for restoring the identification information code Accessing the product information database through a restoring means for obtaining information and a communication line,
A production information acquisition device comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires production information based on the restoration identification information; and a production information acquisition device that includes a recording unit that records the production information in a recording medium.

The invention according to claim 17 is the production information providing system according to claim 16, wherein the addition target portion is a print target surface of the product information printing device, and the code assigning means performs the printing. It is characterized in that it is a printing means for printing on the target surface.

The invention of claim 18 is the production information providing system according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the production information acquisition device is capable of cash payment and receipt of receipts, and It is a product sales processing device used for sales processing.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION <First Embodiment><Outline of System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a production information providing system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the production information providing system 100 shown in FIG. 1, sellers such as supermarkets and retail stores are provided with
It mainly comprises a computer 3, a weighing and packing device 1, and a register 4. These may be connected to the communication line 6 using a LAN (local area network) line, for example. In this case, the production information providing system 100 is a client / server system in which the server 3, the computer 3, the weighing and packing price apparatus 1, and the register 4 are positioned as clients. Further, in the production information providing system 100, the consumer side is
Computer 101, decoder 102, refrigerator 103
Mainly comprises and. These may be connected to each other on the communication line 104. Furthermore, the communication line 6 on the seller side
The communication line 104 on the consumer side and the communication line 104 on the consumer side may be connected to the Internet N, respectively.

The weighing and packaging pricing device 1 is mainly placed in a backyard of a supermarket or the like, weighs products, wraps the weighed products, prints prices and the like on a label as a product tag and puts them on the product. It is a device that performs a process of pasting (a process of pricing). That is, the weighing and packaging pricing device 1 functions as a product information printing device that prints information on the time of production, which is unique to each product, on a label. The details of the weighing and packaging device 1 will be described later.

The server 2 has a function as a database server in a supermarket or the like, and is provided with a product information database DB in which various product information including sales information recorded in a register 4 described later is accumulated. . The server 2 also functions as a file server, a mail server, or the like.

The computer 3 is a general-purpose PC that can be used for general office processing applications, and is used for office processing in supermarkets and the like. If necessary, the server 2 can be accessed to browse, acquire, update, etc. the information stored in the server 2.

The register 4 functions as a merchandise sales processing device, which mainly has a function of reading information of a merchandise item that the customer desires to purchase, calculating a payment amount, and issuing a receipt. The information read by the register is sent to the server 2 through the communication line 6 and stored as sales information.

Although not shown, the communication line 6
The weighing and packaging device 1, the computer 3, and the register 4 connected to are not limited to one each.

The computer 101 on the consumer side is a general-purpose home PC, and is assumed to be connectable to the Internet N by a public telephone line or the like.

The decoder 102 has production information (described later) that is encoded and added in a supermarket or the like.
This is for restoring (decoding) the data of. Details of the decoder 102 will be described later. In the following, encoding refers to converting text information such as numbers and characters into patterns and marks according to a certain rule by a predetermined method, and decoding refers to patterns and marks obtained by encoding. , To get the original textual information.

It is assumed that the refrigerator 103 can obtain and use the information restored by the decoder 102 or the restored information. The details will be described later.
However, the refrigerator 103 is not essential in the present embodiment.

<Outline of the structure and processing of the weighing and packaging pricing device>
Next, the configuration of the weighing and packaging price-setting apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment and the outline of weighing, packaging, and pricing processing will be exemplarily described. However, the configuration of the weighing and packaging device 1 according to the present invention is not limited to the following example.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the weighing and packaging device 1. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the internal structure of the weighing and packaging device 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the weighing and packing price apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, this weighing and packaging price-setting apparatus 1 has an input operation section 7 and a commodity supply section 8.
, Print mechanism unit PM, control unit 40, and packaging unit 50
And a sticking unit 60.

The input operation section 7 is provided with a display panel 71 for displaying operation menus, registration data, operation status, etc. of the weighing and packing price apparatus 1, and an input key 72 composed of ten keys and other keys. The display panel 71 also functions as an operation panel 73 that is a touch panel that allows input operations. In the input operation section 7, various data registrations, weighing, packaging, and execution instructions for pricing or printing, or browsing of sales information described later can be performed by appropriately switching operation screens by operating predetermined keys. You can

On the product supply section 8, products to be weighed, packaged and priced are placed. A weighing unit 10 is incorporated in the product supply unit 8. The weighing unit 10 can weigh the products supplied to the weighing and packing apparatus 1 and print the product information including the price and the like according to the weighing result on the label.

The print mechanism section PM comprises a plurality of print heads 20 and a label transport section 30. The print head 20 provides information (production information) at the time of production of each product such as the result of measurement by the measuring unit 10, unit price, sales amount based on these, processing date, expiration date, raw materials, additives, and the like, and these. The pattern or the like obtained by encoding is printed on the label LB that is the print target surface. The label transport unit 30 transports each label on the transport path in which the plurality of print heads 20 are arranged. As a result, the printing mechanism unit PM functions as a printing unit that prints the production information unique to each product on each label LB continuously attached to the mount. Details of encoding the production information will be described later.

The control section 40 includes a CPU 41 and a ROM 42.
A RAM 43, a storage unit 44 including, for example, a hard disk, a network I / F 45, and a timer 4.
6 and 6 are mainly provided. These are connected to each other via a bus line 49. The input operation unit 7, the measuring unit 10 and the like are also electrically connected to the bus line 49. The timer 46 is for giving time information to various kinds of processing such as setting a processing date and an expiration date. The network I / F 45 is connected to the communication line 6 so that data can be exchanged between the weighing and packaging device 1 and the other devices constituting the production information providing system 100. Storage unit 44
Is a program 441 that executes various processes of the weighing and packaging price apparatus 1, a product master 443 that stores product information (product name, unit price, etc.) of each product for each product, and product packaging materials (wrap film, tray, etc.). ) And a packaging information master 444 that stores information about The product master 443 and the packaging information master 444 may be independently edited and updated in the weighing and packing price apparatus 1, or may be edited and updated from the server 2 through the communication line 6. The production information for each individual product can be obtained from the product master 443, the packaging information master 444, and the weighing result of the weighing unit 10. Further, the program 441 is provided with an encode program 442 for encoding production information by a predetermined method.

The packaging unit 50 has a packaging function of packaging products such as meat placed in a container such as a tray using various wrap films for packaging. Figure 3
As shown in, the packaging unit 50 includes a transfer mechanism 51, a pair of left and right folding plates 52, a rear folding plate 53, a pusher 54,
And a heat welding conveyor 55. The tray T supplied to the product supply unit 8 is moved to the right side in FIG. 3 and placed on the lifter LF, and then moved upward by the lifter LF. Further, prior to this lifting operation, the wrap film F is pre-tensioned and supplied above the tray T by the transfer mechanism 51.
Then, as a result of the lifting operation by the lifter LF, the wrap film F is brought into close contact with the upper surface of the product placed on the tray T or the peripheral portion of the tray T. Further, with the upper surface of the tray T covered with the wrap film F, the four sides of the wrap film F are folded to the bottom surface (lower surface) of the tray T by using the left and right folding plates 52, the rear folding plate 53, the pusher 54, and the like. After that, the packaging process can be realized by welding the respective edge portions of the wrap film F folded on the bottom side of the tray T to each other by the heat welding conveyor 55.

The sticking section 60 is for sticking the label LB on which the information for each product is printed, to each product. The sticking unit 60 peels off each printed label LB from the mount and sticks it to the product (more specifically, the wrap film F).

Depending on the type of product to be processed, for example, there is a product that does not necessarily need to be weighed and packaged. In the weighing and packaging price-setting apparatus 1, each process is selectively performed according to the product type. It is assumed that it can be implemented.

<Decoder Device Configuration> Next, an outline of the configuration of the decoder 102 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the decoder 102. Figure 5
As shown in FIG.
, Display unit 120, input operation unit 130, and control unit 14
0 and mainly.

The reading section 110 functions as a so-called reader which is used to read the mark or pattern encoded and printed on the label or the like. Reading unit 110
The specific aspect of is determined depending on how the production information is encoded. For example, there is a mode in which a laser beam is emitted and its reflection or secondary light is read, or a mode in which a mark or a pattern is captured as an image by a CCD (charge coupled device) camera.

The display section 120 is a display for displaying various data and processing status.

The input operation unit 130 is provided with input keys for the user to give various operation instructions. Various processing can be performed by performing a predetermined key operation.

The control unit 140 includes a CPU 141 and a ROM.
142, a RAM 143, a storage unit 144 including a non-volatile memory, and a network I / F 14
7 and a timer 148. These are connected to each other via a bus line 150. In addition,
The reading unit 110, the display unit 120, the input operation unit 130, and the like are also electrically connected to the bus line 150. The timer 148 is for providing time information in various processes. Network I / F 147
Is also for transmitting and receiving data to and from the computer 101 and the refrigerator 103 through the communication line 104. The decoder 102 and the storage unit 144 include a program 145 that executes various processes of the decoder 102. The program 145 includes a decoding program 146 for decoding the production information encoded as described later. It should be noted that the form of the decoding program 146 is determined according to the system in which the object to be decoded is encoded.

<Production Information Flow> Processing of production information in the production information providing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described below. FIG. 6 shows items that are likely to be referred to or used by the consumer, who is a customer after purchasing the product, among the production information that is always or often described on the label or the product packaging when the product is manufactured. It is Table TB1 showing.

In Table TB1, the items marked with a circle in the right column are items of information whose contents are different or highly likely to differ for each product. It is necessary to provide production information in a manner that is easy for consumers to use, in order to make it possible for consumers to sufficiently use a wide variety of production information, including the contents other than those shown in Table TB1. Becomes For that purpose, it is desirable to provide the consumer with the production information, which is provided as visible text information by printing, in a compact and easy-to-use and manage manner. Therefore, in the present embodiment, this is realized by encoding the production information by a predetermined method.

Further, FIG. 7 shows a production information providing system 10.
It is a figure which shows the flow of a process of the production information in 0.

In the present embodiment, the production information for each individual product is determined by the weighing and packing price apparatus 1 (step S1). This is because the information marked with a circle in Table TB1 that is different for each individual product is the weighing and packaging price applier 1.
This is because the content is fixed based on the weight value acquired by performing the weighting in or in the processing date and time. This is also because other contents are acquired from the product master 443 and the packaging information master 444 of the weighing and packaging bidder 1.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the weighing and packaging pricing device 1 performs weighing, packaging, and pricing processing, it is also possible to perform C
The encoding program 442 is executed by the functions of the PU 41, the ROM 42, and the RAM 43 to perform encoding (step S2). The code pattern obtained as a result is attached to a label together with other information (step S3), and the product to which the label is attached is put on sale (step S4). When a consumer who is a customer purchases a product and brings it back, production information is also brought back (step S5).

The consumer restores by decoding the production information encoded in the label of the purchased product (step S6). The restored production information is appropriately saved as digital data and is used for various purposes (step S7).

By adopting such a mode, the consumer, who is a customer, can easily bring back the production information and use it without any special effort.

<Encoding of Production Information> Next, the encoding of production information in the weighing and packaging price-setting apparatus 1 and its addition to a product will be described. Encoding program 44
As 2, it is possible to use various known programs that meet the purpose of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a label LB1 in which production information is printed in a two-stage bar code format by executing the encode program 442 when the encode program 442 is a known bar code generating program.
It is a figure which shows as an example.

In the label LB1 shown in FIG. 8, two bar codes BC1 and BC2 are printed. Among them, the bar code BC1 located in the upper part plays the same role as the bar code conventionally given to the label. That is, the encoding program 44 mainly stores information to be used at the time of sale such as determining the product purchased by the customer in the register 4 and calculating the sales amount or calling the server 2 from the server 2.
2 and is printed by the print mechanism unit PM together with information described in another text format. Conventionally, when a bar code is printed on a label in a weighing and packaging price-setting device, the sales amount which is determined by the weighing result in the weighing and packaging price-setting device and is different for each product is converted into a barcode (this is NON-PLU
The main form is to print a bar code), but the bar code BC1 according to the present embodiment also
Similarly, in the case of being given in the NON-PLU format, it corresponds to one in which production information different for each product item is encoded.

On the other hand, the bar code BC2 printed on the lower row
Is, for example, expiration date, calories, etc.
It is encoded by executing the encoding program 442.

The printing of the two-stage bar codes BC1 and BC2 on the label LB1 as described above is performed in the same print head when printing the text information such as the product name and the price by setting the print layout in advance. 20
It is possible to print at the same time. Therefore, in this case, the weighing and packaging price-setting apparatus 1 uses the encoding program 44.
The production information different for each product is generated by 2 to generate two barcodes, which can be added to the product to be sold by printing them on the label.

Further, FIG. 9 shows an encoding program 44.
2 is a diagram exemplifying a label LB2 in which production information is printed in the form of a two-dimensional barcode by executing the encoding program 442 when 2 is a known program for generating a two-dimensional barcode. is there. It is assumed that the label LB2 of FIG. 9 is printed with a two-dimensional barcode BC3 obtained by encoding production information in a format called a QR code. When a program that generates a two-dimensional barcode is adopted as the encoding program 442, it is possible to attach information in a smaller area with a higher density than a one-dimensional barcode such as the barcodes BC1 and BC2. , For example,
All of the information shown in Table TB1 of FIG. 6 can be included in the two-dimensional barcode BC3.

The format of encoding into a two-dimensional bar code is not limited to the QR code format, but PDF417
It may be provided in another format such as a format or a data matrix format. In that case, the encoding program 442 functions as a program corresponding to each format.

Two-dimensional bar code B on label LB2
Similarly to the barcodes BC1 and BC2, C3 can be printed at the same time by the same print head 20 when printing text information if a print layout is determined in advance. In this case as well, the weighing and packaging pricing device 1 can add the production information encoded by the encoding program 442 and different for each individual product to the product to be sold.

Further, FIG. 10 is a view exemplifying a label LB3 in which the two-dimensional bar code BC3 shown in FIG. 9 is printed as a stealth bar code BC4. Stealth barcode BC4 can be
It is a bar code that is printed in a form that is almost invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, in FIG. 10, the area corresponding to the print area is surrounded by a dotted line. The stealth barcode BC4 is printed by providing a dedicated print head 20. As shown in FIG. 10, another print head 2 is provided on the print portion of the stealth barcode BC4.
Since it is possible to print more visible information at 0, it is possible to effectively use the limited printing space of the label.

<Decoding of Production Information> The production information encoded as described above is brought back to a consumer who is a customer when a product is purchased, but it is encoded in order for the consumer to use it. It is necessary to decode these according to the scheme. The decoder 102 is the one used for this purpose.

The decoding method by the decoder 102 differs depending on the encoded method. As described above, the reading unit 110 and the decoding program 146 are
It is determined according to the method of encoding the production information.

The mark or pattern in which the production information is encoded and printed on the label is read by the reading unit 110 using, for example, a laser beam or a CCD camera, and is decoded by the decoding program 146 to obtain the original production information. Will be restored to.

The restored production information is stored in the storage unit 1, for example.
The data is stored in 44, and the consumer can display and confirm this on the display unit 120 as necessary according to an operation instruction through the input operation unit 130. Alternatively, the production information is transferred to the computer 101 and the computer 101
By storing the data in the storage device (not shown) of the computer 101, a database of products purchased by the computer 101 can be constructed and statistical processing can be performed, so that a wide range of advanced uses can be performed. For example, it can be used for unified management of product deadlines, data conversion to household account book software, calorie calculation, or menu search. Also, refrigerator 1
By transferring the production information regarding the products to be stored in 03 to the refrigerator 103, the refrigerator 103 can also manage the stored items based on the production information. In any case, by storing the decoded production information data, the production information unique to each product can be used even after the label is discarded.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the production information is encoded and printed on the label of the product, and the consumer decodes and uses the product information after purchase. Can easily bring back product production information, and even without saving the label,
Information is available as needed.

<Second Embodiment> In the production information providing system 100 according to the first embodiment, the production information is provided by encoding the production information into a bar code or the like in the weighing and packaging device 1 and printing it on a label. However, the mode in which the production information of each product individual is added in the weighing and packaging price-setting apparatus 1 is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, a mode of giving production information different from printing, specifically, RF-ID (Radio Frequency Identi
A mode in which production information is added by non-contact data writing using the fication) technology will be described.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the production information providing system 200 according to this embodiment. The components of the production information providing system 200 according to the present embodiment are the production information providing system 10 according to the first embodiment.
Since it is almost the same as the main constituent element of 0, the same constituent element is designated by the same reference numeral and its description is omitted.

<Structure of Weighing / Package Priceing Apparatus> FIG. 12 is a side view showing the internal structure of the weighing / packing price apparatus 201 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 shows a weighing and packaging pricing device 201.
It is a block diagram showing the whole structure of. In the present embodiment, the weighing and packaging price-setting device 1 uses the writing program 44.
5 in the program 441 and the point in which the transmitting unit 90 is provided, and therefore the weighing and packaging bidder 1 according to the first embodiment.
However, the other components are the same as those of the weighing and packaging bidder 1 according to the first embodiment.

The writing program 445 is a program for executing the process of writing the production information encoded in the writable data format by the encoding program 442 into the RF-ID label described later.

The transmitting section 90 uses the writing program 445.
The radio wave of the frequency defined by executing
-For sending to the ID label. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that transmitting unit 90 is attached to pasting unit 60. However, the transmitter 9
The arrangement of 0 is not limited to this as long as the radio wave can be properly received by the label LB that is the target of reception of the radio wave.

<RF-ID Label> Next, an RF-ID label used for giving production information in the present embodiment will be described. Here, the RF-ID label is
A label attached to a product, as described below.
It refers to a label to which data can be written by receiving a predetermined radio wave.

FIG. 14 shows the RF-ID according to this embodiment.
It is a figure which shows as an example about label LB4. 14
(A) is an overall view of the RF-ID label LB4. R
The recording element 202 is embedded in the F-ID label LB4. FIG. 14B is an enlarged view of the recording element 202. The recording element 202 is the antenna 2
03 and an IC chip 204. Recording element 2
Writing of data to 02 is realized by using electromagnetic induction of a radio wave emitted from the transmission unit 90, for example. The radio wave received by the antenna 203 is stored as data after undergoing a predetermined process in the IC chip 204. Since it is written by radio waves, unlike printing,
Data can be written without contact. Even if the RF-ID label LB4 is printed, it does not affect the writing and reading of data, so that visible text information can be printed even on the portion where the recording element 202 is embedded. Further, there is no problem that the encoded data cannot be read due to surface contamination or print bleeding.

<Decoder Device Configuration> Next, the decoder 102 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 15
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the decoder 102 according to the present embodiment.

Since the structure of the decoder 102 according to this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given. However, the decoder 102 according to the present embodiment is characteristic in that the data recorded in the recording element 202 is read and decoded.
Specifically, the resonance phenomenon of the recording element 202 is used to read data from the recording element 202. Therefore, corresponding to this, the specific mode of each component is different from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference will be mainly described.

The reading section 110 comprises a transmitting section 111 for transmitting a radio wave having a predetermined frequency to the recording element 202, and a detecting section 112 for detecting resonance of the recording element 202 with respect to the transmitted radio wave.

The control unit 140 includes a reading program 1
49 is equipped. By executing the reading program 149, the reading unit 110 reads the data. The read data is decoded by the decoding program 146. It should be noted that the form of the decoding program 146 is determined according to the system in which the object to be decoded is encoded.

<Encoding and Decoding of Production Information> The process flow of the production information according to the present embodiment is basically different from the first embodiment shown in FIG. It is similar to the case of.
The difference is mainly that the production information is encoded and given to the label, and that the production information is decoded. These will be described below.

In the present embodiment, the production information determined by the weighing and packing price apparatus 201 is encoded by the encoding program 442 into a writable format.
Then, as shown in FIG. 12, when the attaching unit 60 attaches the label LB functioning as the RF-ID label to the product, the transmitting unit 90 controlled by the writing program 445 labels the radio wave of the predetermined frequency. It shall be sent to the LB. Then, the recording element included in the label LB receives this radio wave and accumulates the data, so that the production information is attached to the label LB.

The consumer who purchases the product can use the decoder 10
By executing the reading program 149 and the decoding program 146 of No. 2, the encoded production information is read from the storage element provided on the RF-ID label attached to the product brought back, and the original production information is obtained by decoding the production information. To restore.

The restored production information is stored in the storage unit 1, for example.
It is stored in 44 and used for later use, or transferred to the computer 101 or the refrigerator 103 and then used for each use.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
In addition to the effects obtained in the first embodiment, the printing area of the label is not increased, and the problem that the data cannot be read due to contamination or bleeding on the printing surface of the label does not occur. I also have.

<Third Embodiment> The production information providing system 100 according to the first embodiment and the production information providing system 200 according to the second embodiment consume production information unique to each product. Although it is a mode in which it is provided so that it can be easily handled by the consumer, it is necessary to provide a dedicated decoder for the consumer to decode the production information. In the present embodiment, instead of this, a mode in which a consumer can obtain production information by using a general-purpose recording medium (recording medium) will be described.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the production information providing system 500 according to the third embodiment. Of the components of the production information providing system 500, the register 5
The components other than 01, the media writer 502, and the media reader 503 associated therewith are the same as the constituent elements of the first and second embodiments, and therefore, are denoted by the same reference numerals and will be described below. Is omitted.

The register 501 functions mainly as a product sales processing device, which mainly has a function of reading information of a product that a customer desires to purchase, calculating a payment amount, and issuing a receipt, and is also encoded in advance. It also has a function as a decoder that reads production information and decodes it. The register 501 will be described later.

The media reader 503 is a general-purpose reader that reads data recorded on a recording medium such as SmartMedia (registered trademark) and CompactFlash (registered trademark). Media reader 503
The data read by can be used by the computer 101 or the like.

<Structure of Register> FIG. 17 is an external view of the register 501 according to the present embodiment and the media writer 502 accompanying it, and FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing these structures.

The information read by the register is sent to the server 2 through the communication line 6 and stored as sales information. The register 501 includes a first input operation unit 511,
A second input operation unit 512, a printing unit 520, a first display unit 531, a second display unit 532, a third display unit 533,
The cash storage unit 540, the control unit 550, and the reading unit 560 are mainly provided.

The first input operation section 511 and the second input operation section 512 are composed of a numeric keypad and a plurality of input keys to which operation contents are assigned in advance. In the register 501, various processes such as input of unit price and number of products, calculation of total amount of money, etc. are performed by input instructions through these keys.

The printing unit 520 issues a receipt on which the details of the cost and the product information are printed.

The first display portion 531, the second display portion 532, and the third display portion 533 display the unit price, the total payment amount, the change amount, etc. of the input or read merchandise.

The cash storage unit 540 is capable of storing various banknotes and coins inside, and can be opened and closed by a predetermined operation to deposit and withdraw money.

The control section 550 is a CPU which is the main body section thereof.
551 and a ROM 552 which is a read-only memory,
RAM 553, which is a readable / writable memory, and S-RA
A storage unit 554 including M and the like, and a timer 555 having a date and time measuring function are provided. Storage unit 554
Has a program 556, and a program 55
6 includes a decoding program 557. The decoding program 557 is a program for decoding the production information encoded by the predetermined method in the weighing and packing price apparatus 1 by a corresponding method. Each element of the control unit 550 of the CPU 551 that restores production information is electrically connected via a bus line 559. The bus line 559 of the control unit 550 is also electrically connected to the other components of the register 501 and the media writer 502. Based on the program 556, the control unit 550 performs predetermined processing in response to the input from the input operation unit 510 and the reading result of the reading unit 560, and controls the operation of each unit.

The reading unit 560 has the same function as the reading unit 110 provided in the decoder 102 in the first and second embodiments, in addition to the function of reading a bar code printed on a product label or the like, which a conventional register has. In addition, it has a function of reading the production information encoded in the weighing and packaging pricing device 1.

The media writer 502 is for recording the production information decoded by the decoding program 557 on a predetermined recording medium 504. As the recording medium 504, for example, a small and highly portable one such as SmartMedia (registered trademark) or CompactFlash (registered trademark) is used, and the media writer 502 depends on the type of the recording medium 504. It shall have a recordable structure.

<Production Information Flow> Now, the production information processing in the production information providing system 500 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flow of processing of production information in the production information providing system 500.

Also in the present embodiment, the flow from the confirmation of the production information to the sale of the product which is encoded by a predetermined method and attached to the label (step S11).
~ S14) are the same as in the first and second embodiments.

The consumer, who is a customer, uses the recording medium 504.
Bring with you to purchase products. When the customer brings in a desired product for purchase to the register 501, the sales process is performed in the register 501. At the same time, it is assumed that the media writer 502 is loaded with the recording medium 504 brought by the customer. The checker (the cashier in charge) of the register 501 reads the predetermined information from the reading unit 560 for each product brought in by the customer to perform sales processing such as calculation of the payment amount. The production information given to the label is simultaneously decoded by the decoding program 557 (step S15). The decoded production information is immediately transferred to the media writer 502 and recorded on the recording medium 504 (step S
16).

The customer brings back the production information with the recording medium 504 (step S17), reads it with the media reader, and uses it with the computer 101 or the like (step S18).

By adopting the above-mentioned mode, the consumer, who is a customer, can easily obtain different production information for each product without using a dedicated device.

<Fourth Embodiment> In the first, second and third embodiments, the specific mode for giving and providing production information is different, but in any case,
Although it is common in that all of the production information determined by the weighing and packaging price apparatus 1 is encoded and given to the product, the mode of giving the product production information to the customer is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, a mode will be described in which identification information is added to each product individual, and each production information is specified and acquired.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the structure of the production information providing system 600 according to this embodiment. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the register 601 according to this embodiment. Since the production information providing system 600 according to the present embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the production information providing system 500 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. Is attached and the description is omitted. The production information providing system 600 according to the present embodiment is different from the production information providing system 5 according to the third embodiment in that the register 601 is not provided with a media writer and does not have the media reader 503.
It is different from 00.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the flow of processing in this embodiment. Further, FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the flow of production information and identification information to be described later in association with each step of FIG.

Also in the present embodiment, the production information for each individual product is determined by the weighing and packaging pricing device 1 (step S21). However, unlike the above-described embodiments, the product information, that is, the unique identification information for each production information is added to the production information when the production information is determined (step S22). There is. The identification information is given as, for example, a serial number of several digits or ten and several digits, or a combination character string of the serial number and an alphabetic symbol. From this, when the identification information is designated, the production information corresponding to it is specified.

In the present embodiment, only this identification information is encoded by the encoding program 442 (step S23). As the encoding method and the subsequent decoding method, any method shown in the first and second embodiments may be adopted as long as an appropriate device or means is used.

On the other hand, the production information to which the identification information is added is
The information is sent from the weighing and packaging pricing device 1 to the product information database DB of the server 2 through the communication line 6 and stored (step S24). At this time, when the identification information is given, the corresponding production information is stored in a data format that can be obtained and referred to.

As described above, the encoded identification information is encoded by a predetermined method and then added to the label of the product (step S25), and the product to which the label is attached is put on sale ( Step S26). When a consumer who is a customer brings in a desired product to the register 601, a sales process is performed in the register 601. That is, the checker (the cashier in charge) of the register 601 performs sales processing such as calculation of the payment amount by reading predetermined information from the reading unit 560 for each product brought in by the customer. The identification information encoded and added to the label is simultaneously decoded by the decoding program 557 (step S27). The decoded identification information is printed on the receipt by the printing unit 520 together with the product name and the payment amount (step S28). FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example in which the identification information ID is printed on the receipt R. The customer returns the receipt R to the identification information I
I will bring back D (step S29).

The consumer who is the customer is the computer 101
To access the server 2 on the seller side through the Internet N. By inputting other necessary items such as the identification information ID or customer information for specifying the customer, the product information database DB of the server 2
The production information corresponding to the identification information ID stored in (1) is obtained (step S30), and the obtained production information is stored and used (step S31).

By adopting the above-described mode, in the present embodiment, it is possible to save the labor of acquiring the production information from the product purchased by the consumer. Also for the seller side, it becomes possible to store the customer information and the information of the products purchased by the customer in association with each other, providing detailed additional services according to the history and contents of individual customer product purchases, Efficient advertising activities can be implemented. For example, this includes providing recipes for dishes that use ingredients purchased by customers, and notifying customers of discounts that are frequently purchased.

<Modifications> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these. For example, the combination of the above-described embodiments may also be applied to the present invention. Implementation is realized. The main aspects are shown below.

Also in the first to third embodiments,
A mode in which the consumer can access the server 2 from the computer 101 through the Internet N and obtain necessary information may be adopted.

In the first embodiment, the production information for each product attached to the label of the product brought into the register by the customer who wishes to purchase the product is read by the register and summarized in one place. The mark or pattern may be reprinted on the receipt.

In the fourth embodiment, after the identification information is decoded by the register, it is printed on the receipt, but instead of this, it may be recorded on the recording medium. In this case, it is assumed that the register has a media writer and the consumer has a media reader as in the third embodiment.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the identification information is decoded by the register.
As in the above embodiment, each consumer may have a decoder to directly decode from the label.

In the third or fourth embodiment,
It is also possible to adopt a mode in which all the encoded production information or identification information for each individual product is decoded by the register and then re-encoded collectively to obtain one mark or pattern.

A terminal equipped with a decoding program for the purpose of decoding encoded production information is
It may be installed separately from the register so that the customer can freely use it. In this case, the recording medium may be recorded on the recording medium brought by the customer. Further, it may be a mode in which additional information based on the production information is provided.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the object to which the weighing and packaging pricing device gives the production information is the label mainly attached to the product has been described.
Depending on the form of packaging in the weighing and packaging pricing device and the type of product, the target of addition or sticking may be product packaging or the product itself.

[0121]

As described above, according to the inventions of claims 1 to 18, the customer who purchases the product can obtain the production information unique to the purchased product.

Further, claim 1 to claim 5, claim 1
According to the third aspect and the seventeenth aspect of the invention, it is possible to give the production information, which is unique to each product requiring a large print area when printed as character information, to a high-density and fine area.

In particular, according to the inventions of claims 2 to 4, when the product information is printed by the product information printing device, the production information can be printed together and the product information can be sold.

Further, according to the inventions of claims 6 to 8, the product information peculiar to each product requiring a large print area when printed as character information is stored in a high density and fine area. Can provide votes.

Further, according to the inventions of claims 9 to 12, claim 15, and claim 18, since the production information or the production information code can be obtained at the point of sale of the product, the customer newly adds. You can refer to the production information as needed without accessing the database.

In particular, according to the invention of claim 10, it is not necessary to provide any special means for providing the production information.
It becomes easy to provide the production information to the customer.

In particular, according to the invention of claim 11, the convenience of the customer for managing and using the production information is improved.

Further, according to the twelfth aspect and the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects of the invention, since the information to be used for encoding is the minimum necessary, the encoding process becomes easy.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a production information providing system 100 according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the weighing and packaging pricing device 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing an internal configuration of the weighing and packing price apparatus 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the weighing and packing price apparatus 1.

5 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a decoder 102. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing items of the production information that are likely to be referred to or used by a consumer who is a customer after purchasing a product.

7 is a diagram showing a flow of processing of production information in the production information providing system 100. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram exemplifying a label LB1 on which production information is printed in a two-stage barcode format.

FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying a label LB2 in which production information is printed in a two-dimensional barcode format.

FIG. 10 is a diagram exemplifying a label LB3 in which a two-dimensional barcode BC3 is printed as a stealth barcode BC4.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a production information providing system 200 according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a weighing and packaging pricing device 1 according to a second embodiment.
It is a side view showing the internal structure of.

FIG. 13 is a weighing and packaging pricing device 1 according to the second embodiment.
It is a block diagram showing the whole structure of.

FIG. 14 is a diagram exemplifying an RF-ID label LB4.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a decoder 102 according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a production information providing system 500 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a register 501 according to a third embodiment.
3A and 3B are external views of the media writer 502 attached thereto.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a register 501 and a media writer 502 associated with the register 501.

19 is a diagram showing a flow of processing of production information in the production information providing system 500. FIG.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration of a production information providing system 600 according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a register 601 according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a flow of processing in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a flow of production information and identification information in the fourth embodiment in association with each step of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example in which identification information ID is printed on a receipt R.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 201 Weighing and packaging pricing device 2 Server 4, 501, 601 Register 3, 101 Computer 100, 200, 500, 600 Production information providing system 102 Decoder 103 Refrigerator 146, 557 Decoding program 149 Reading program 202 Recording element 203 Antenna 204 IC Chip 441 Program 442 Encoding program 443 Product master 444 Packaging information master 502 Media writer 503 Media reader 504 Recording media BC1, BC2 Bar code BC3 Two-dimensional bar code BC4 Stealth bar code DB Product information database ID Identification information LB, LB1 to LB4 Label N Internet R receipts S1 to S31 Step TB1 table

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06K 7/00 G07G 1/12 341Z 19/06 1/14 19/08 G06K 19/00 A G07G 1/12 341 F 1/14 B41J 3/534 (72) Inventor Takashi Okada 44, Sangoin Sannomachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Ishida Co., Ltd. (72) Naohiro Shimamura 44, Sannoincho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Stocks Shares In Ishida Co., Ltd. (72) Yumichi Segawa 44, Shogoin Sannocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture In Ishida Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shingo Kitamura 44, Sango-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Ishida Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tetsuji Watanabe 1 959 Shimohagi, Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture 1 Ishida Shiga Plant (72) Inventor Kenji Nakado 1 959 Shimohagi, Ritto City, Shiga Shy fern Shiga plant F-term (reference) 2C055 JJ00 JJ12 2C187 AD05 AD10 AG08 BF25 BG39 CD08 DB21 3E042 AA01 CA02 CA10 CE04 CE10 EA01 EA07 EA10 5B035 BB01 BB08 BB12 BC00 5B072 BB00 CC24

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for printing merchandise information, comprising: a coding means for coding production information unique to each merchandise item to obtain a production information code; and an object to which the production information code is provided for each merchandise item. A product information printing apparatus, comprising: a unit for providing a code in a predetermined format. 2. The product information printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attachment target section is a print target surface of the product information printing apparatus, and the code assigning unit prints on the print target surface. The product information printing device characterized in that 3. The product information printing device according to claim 2, wherein the surface to be printed is at least one of a product itself, a product packaging, or a product tag attached to the product. And product information printing device. 4. The product information printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the coding format used for coding by the coding means is a) two-stage bar code, b) two-dimensional. A bar code, c) stealth bar code, and at least one of the following. 5. The product information printing device according to claim 1, wherein the code assigning unit is a recording element incorporated in at least one of a product, a product packaging, and a product tag. A product information printing apparatus, wherein the means is a non-contact writing means for writing the production information code in the storage element in a non-contact manner. 6. A product tag printed with product information and affixed to a product or its packaging, wherein a production information code obtained by encoding production information unique to each product is provided. The product tag that is characterized by 7. The product tag according to claim 6, wherein the production information code is provided by printing, and an encoding format for obtaining the production information code is a) two-stage bar code, b) A product tag including at least one of a two-dimensional bar code, c) a stealth bar code, and the like. 8. The product tag according to claim 6, wherein a recording element is incorporated, and the production information code is written in the recording element in a non-contact manner. . 9. A device which is capable of cash payment and receipt and issuance of a receipt and which is used for sale processing of a product, from which a product information code encoding production information unique to each product item is attached. A product sales processing device comprising: a reading unit that reads the production information code for each individual product; and a restoring unit that restores the production information code to obtain restored production information. 10. The commodity sales processing device according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the production information code and the restored production information can be printed on the receipt. . 11. The commodity sales processing device according to claim 9, further comprising a recording unit that records digital data on a portable recording medium that is removable from the commodity sales processing device, At least one of the production information code and the restored production information is recorded on the portable recording medium. 12. The product sales processing device according to claim 9, wherein the production information is identification information for identifying an individual product, and the restored production information is identification information. It is the restored identification information that has been restored.
Information acquisition means for acquiring additional production information accumulated in the product information database based on the restoration identification information,
A product sales processing device, further comprising: 13. A system for providing product production information, comprising: a) a device for printing product information, and encoding means for producing production information code by encoding production information unique to each product individual. And a product information printing device, which includes a code assigning unit that assigns the production information code to each product target unit in a predetermined format, and b) a reading unit that reads the production information code for each product individual. A production information providing system comprising: a production information restoration apparatus including: a restoration unit that restores the production information code; and a recording unit that records the restored production information obtained by the restoration unit on a recording medium. . 14. The production information providing system according to claim 13, wherein the assignment target section is a print target surface of the product information printing device, and the code assigning unit prints on the print target surface. A production information providing system characterized in that 15. The production information providing system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the production information restoring device is capable of cash payment and receipt, and is used for product sales processing. A production information providing system, which is a processing device. 16. A system for providing product production information, comprising: a) a device for printing product information, wherein individual identification information for identifying each individual product is encoded to obtain an identification information code. A product information printing device comprising an encoding means and a code giving means for giving the identification information code to a given object portion of each product individual in a predetermined format; and b) the individual identification information and each corresponding product individual Product information database that stores the production information of, and is accessible through a communication line, c) a reading unit that reads the identification information code for each product, and a restoring unit that restores the identification information code and obtains the restored identification information. Information acquisition means for accessing the product information database through a communication line and acquiring production information based on the restoration identification information, and the production information in a recording medium. Production information providing system characterized in that it comprises a production information obtaining apparatus and a recording means for recording. 17. The production information providing system according to claim 16, wherein the assignment target unit is a print target surface of the product information printing device, and the code assigning unit prints on the print target surface. A production information providing system characterized in that 18. The production information providing system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the production information acquisition device is capable of cash payment and receipt, and is used for product sales processing. A production information providing system, which is a processing device.