JP2019191919A - Registration system and checkout method - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce the error reading rate of a RF tag when a commodity amount is adjusted by using RFID technology.SOLUTION: A register system 1 has a first antenna 11 arranged on a first prescribed area side where a pre-settlement basket 21 for putting a commodity before settlement is placed, and a second antenna 12 arranged on a first prescribed area side where an after-settlement basket 22 for putting the commodity after settlement is placed, a reader writer 2 for reading commodity information stored in an RF tag 7 from the tag stuck to the commodity 6 by the first and second antennas, and a management device 3 for managing the information read by the first and second antennas. When determined that a state where the RF tag can be read by the first antenna transitions to a state where the RF tag can be read by the second antenna, the management device determines that the commodity with the RF tag attached thereto is purchased.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a cash register system and a cash register settlement method using RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) technology.

  In recent years, in retail stores and the like, it is considered to use RFID technology instead of barcodes when the amount of merchandise purchased by a shopper is settled at a cash register. By using RFID technology, it is possible to read multiple RF tags attached to each product at once or from a distant place, so it is possible to improve the efficiency and speed up of checkout operations at the cash register. It becomes. In addition, by using RFID technology, it is possible to introduce a self-register (unmanned register) for the purpose of reducing labor costs.

  As such a cash register system using RFID technology, a wireless tag reading unit that reads information on a wireless tag that stores product identification information, an optical reading unit that reads a code symbol that describes product identification information, and the wireless tag And a registration unit for registering information read from the code symbol, a reading area for the wireless tag reading unit, and a reading area for the optical reading unit on a trajectory for moving a product to be registered. A product information registration device is known (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3839817

  In the prior art described in Patent Document 1 above, when moving a product from a basket into which a product before registration is placed to a basket into which a product after registration is placed, by a wireless tag reading unit arranged on the movement trajectory, The wireless tag (RF tag) attached to the product is read.

  However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, the radio wave radiated from the wireless tag reading unit is radiated to the outside of the reading region of the wireless tag reading unit, so that the reading located outside the reading region is not desired. There was a problem that the attached wireless tag was erroneously read. For example, a shopping basket of a shopper who is lining up at the back of a shopper who is paying out or at the next cash register due to a direct wave from a RFID tag reader or a reflected wave reflected from the ceiling, floor, wall, cash register body, etc. There is a risk that a wireless tag affixed to a product contained in a product or a product displayed on a display shelf will be read by mistake. This problem becomes prominent when the output of the wireless tag reader is increased in order to increase the reading rate of the wireless tag.

  The present invention has been devised in view of such problems of the prior art, and provides a cash register system and a cash register that can reduce an RF tag misreading rate at the time of settlement of a product price using RFID technology. The main purpose is to provide a settlement method.

  The cash register system of the present invention is a cash register system for paying out the amount of goods purchased by a shopper, the first antenna arranged on the first predetermined area side where the goods before checkout are placed, and the checkout A product having a second antenna arranged on the second predetermined area side where a later product is placed, and stored in the tag from an RF tag attached to the product by the first and second antennas A reader / writer that reads information; and a management device that manages the product information read by the first antenna and the second antenna. The management device is attached to one product using the first antenna. It is determined that the predetermined RF tag that has been read has changed from a state in which the predetermined RF tag can be read to a state in which the predetermined RF tag can not be read, and thereafter, the second antenna has changed from a state in which the predetermined RF tag cannot be read to a state that can be read. When the product which the predetermined RF tag affixed to and determines that were purchased.

  The cash register settlement method of the present invention is a cash register settlement method for settlement of the amount of goods purchased by a shopper, and is provided by a first antenna disposed on a first predetermined area side where goods before settlement are placed. The reader / writer reads the product information stored in the tag from the predetermined RF tag attached to one product, and the second antenna arranged on the second predetermined area side where the product after settlement is placed The reader / writer reads product information stored in the predetermined RF tag from the predetermined RF tag, changes from a state where the predetermined RF tag can be read by the first antenna to a state where the predetermined RF tag cannot be read. When it is determined that the predetermined RF tag cannot be read with the antenna of 2 and the state is changed to the readable state, the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased. And judging.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to reduce the misreading rate of RF tag at the time of the adjustment of the goods amount using RFID technology.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cash register system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view which shows the cash register stand by which the 1st and 2nd antenna is arrange | positioned. The figure which shows the mode at the time of payment in 1st Embodiment of this invention. Block diagram showing schematic configuration of management device Flow chart for explaining the determination process of purchase of goods in the management device FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a first modification of the processing explained in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a second modification of the processing explained in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a third modification of the processing explained in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a fourth modification of the processing explained in FIG. It is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows 4th Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure corresponding to FIG. The figure which shows the case where multiple 1st and 2nd antennas are provided in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the case where multiple 1st and 2nd antennas are provided in 4th Embodiment.

  A first invention made in order to solve the above-mentioned problem is a cash register system for adjusting the amount of goods purchased by a shopper, which is arranged on the first predetermined area side where the goods before payment are placed. A first antenna, and a second antenna disposed on a second predetermined area side where the product after payment is placed, and the RF tag attached to the product by the first and second antennas. A reader / writer that reads product information stored in the tag; and a management device that manages the product information read by the first antenna and the second antenna. The state where a predetermined RF tag attached to one product can be read from a state where it cannot be read with the antenna of, and then the state where the predetermined RF tag cannot be read with the second antenna can be read. If it is determined to have changed in the said product which the predetermined RF tag affixed to and determines that were purchased.

  According to this, it is determined that the state in which the RF tag can be read by the first antenna is changed to a state in which the RF tag cannot be read, and then the state in which the same RF tag cannot be read by the second antenna is changed to a state in which the RF tag can be read. In the case where the product is attached, it can be determined that the product to which the RF tag is attached has been purchased. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the misread rate of the RF tag when the product price is settled using the RFID technology.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the management device is configured to determine the received signal strength of the signal acquired by the first antenna and the second antenna from the predetermined RF tag. From the state where the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is larger than the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna, the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is the received value of the second antenna. When the signal intensity value is smaller than the signal strength value, it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased.

  According to this, based on the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the RF tag by the first antenna and the second antenna, it can be determined that the product to which the RF tag is attached has been purchased. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the misread rate of the RF tag when the product price is settled using the RFID technology.

  Further, in a third invention according to the first invention or the second invention described above, radiation is performed from the first antenna and the second antenna between the first antenna and the second antenna. It is characterized in that a shielding plate for shielding the radio wave to be transmitted is provided.

  According to this, since radio wave leakage outside the first predetermined area by the first antenna and radio wave leakage outside the second predetermined area by the second antenna can be suppressed, the misreading rate of the RF tag can be reduced. Further reduction is possible.

  The fourth invention is a cash register system for paying out the amount of goods purchased by a shopper, the first antenna arranged on the first predetermined area side where the goods before checkout are placed, the checkout A second antenna disposed on a second predetermined region side where a later product is placed, and a third antenna disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna, A reader / writer that reads product information stored in the tag from an RF tag attached to the product by using the first, second, and third antennas, the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna A management device that manages the product information read by the antenna, the management device can read the signal obtained from a predetermined RF tag attached to one product by the first antenna, but the first antenna 3 Anne From the state that can not be read by the first antenna, but the state that can not be read by the third antenna, but can be read by the third antenna, and then the state that can be read by the third antenna but cannot be read by the second antenna, It is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased only when the state is changed to a state that cannot be read by the third antenna but can be read by the second antenna.

  According to this, in addition to the first antenna and the second antenna, the product is purchased by combining the change in the reading state with the third antenna disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna. This can be determined more reliably. As a result, the RF tag misreading rate can be further reduced.

  In a fifth aspect based on the fourth aspect, the management device acquires each antenna of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna from the predetermined RF tag. Based on the received signal strength of the received signal, it is determined whether the signal is in the readable state or the unreadable state, and the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is the received signal of the third antenna. From the state where the signal strength value is larger than the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna, the value of the received signal strength of the third antenna is changed to be smaller than the value of the received signal strength of the third antenna. From the state in which the received signal strength value of the antenna is greater than the received signal strength value of the second antenna, the received signal strength value of the third antenna is Only when changes in state of being smaller than the value of the signal strength, the product which the predetermined RF tag affixed to and determines that were purchased.

  According to this, based on the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the RF tag by each of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna, it is determined that the product to which the RF tag is attached has been purchased. be able to. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the misread rate of the RF tag when the product price is settled using the RFID technology. In addition to the first antenna and the second antenna, the product was purchased by combining the change in the reading state with the third antenna disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna. Can be determined more reliably. As a result, the RF tag misreading rate can be further reduced.

  In addition, in a sixth aspect based on the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, radiation is performed from each antenna between the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna. It is characterized in that a shielding plate for shielding the radio wave to be transmitted is provided.

  According to this, it is possible to suppress the leakage of radio waves from the respective antennas of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna to the outside of each predetermined region where the product is placed. It becomes possible to reduce.

  In addition, a seventh invention further includes a sensor according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the sensor detects whether or not the commodity before settlement is placed in the first predetermined area. The reader / writer starts reading when it is detected that the product before payment is placed in the first predetermined area, and detects that the product before payment is removed from the first predetermined area. When it is done, the reading is terminated.

  According to this, since the reader / writer does not perform reading except during settlement, it is possible to further reduce the RF tag misreading rate.

  According to an eighth invention, in any one of the first to seventh inventions described above, the first weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product before the adjustment placed in the first predetermined area; And a second weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product after settlement placed in the second predetermined area, wherein the management device is configured to measure the first predetermined sensor measured by the first weight sensor. It is determined whether or not the decrease in the weight of the region matches the increase in the weight of the second predetermined region measured by the second weight sensor, and only when the predetermined amount is determined to match, It is determined that the product with the RF tag attached is purchased.

  According to this, only when it is confirmed from the increase or decrease in the weight of each predetermined area that the commodity has moved from the first predetermined area (for example, the basket before settlement) to the second predetermined area (for example, the basket after settlement). Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the RF tag misreading rate.

  In addition, a ninth invention further includes a weight sensor according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, further comprising a weight sensor that measures the weight of the product before the payment placed in the first predetermined area, The predetermined RF tag stores the weight of the product to which the tag is attached, and the management device determines that the decrease in the weight of the first predetermined area measured by the weight sensor is the predetermined RF tag. It is determined whether or not it matches the weight of the product read from the RF tag, and only when it is determined that they match, it is determined that the product with the predetermined RF tag attached is purchased. .

  According to this, since it can be determined that the product has been purchased only when the weight of the product read from the RF tag by the reader / writer matches the measured weight, the misread rate of the RF tag is further reduced. It becomes possible.

  In addition, a tenth invention further includes a weight sensor according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, further comprising a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product after settlement placed in the second predetermined area, The predetermined RF tag stores the weight of the product to which the tag is attached, and the management device determines that the increase in the weight of the second predetermined area measured by the weight sensor is the predetermined RF tag. It is determined whether or not it matches the weight of the product read from the RF tag, and only when it is determined that they match, it is determined that the product with the predetermined RF tag attached is purchased. .

  According to this, since it can be determined that the product has been purchased only when the weight of the product read from the RF tag by the reader / writer matches the measured weight, the misread rate of the RF tag is further reduced. It becomes possible.

  The eleventh invention is a cashier settlement method for settlement of the amount of goods purchased by a shopper, by a first antenna arranged on the first predetermined area side where goods before settlement are placed. The reader / writer reads the product information stored in the tag from the predetermined RF tag attached to one product, and the second antenna arranged on the second predetermined area side where the product after settlement is placed The reader / writer reads product information stored in the predetermined RF tag from the predetermined RF tag, changes from a state where the predetermined RF tag can be read by the first antenna to a state where the predetermined RF tag cannot be read. The product with the predetermined RF tag attached is purchased when it is determined that the predetermined RF tag cannot be read with the antenna of 2 from a state where it can be read. Characterized in that it constant.

  According to this, it is determined that the state in which the RF tag can be read by the first antenna is changed to a state in which the RF tag cannot be read, and then the state in which the same RF tag cannot be read by the second antenna is changed to a state in which the RF tag can be read. In the case where the product is attached, it can be determined that the product to which the RF tag is attached has been purchased. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the misread rate of the RF tag when the product price is settled using the RFID technology.

  A twelfth aspect of the invention is a cashier settlement method for settlement of the amount of goods purchased by a shopper, by a first antenna arranged on the first predetermined area side where goods before settlement are placed. The reader / writer reads the product information stored in the tag from the predetermined RF tag attached to one product, and the second antenna arranged on the second predetermined area side where the product after settlement is placed The reader / writer reads product information stored in the tag from the predetermined RF tag, and the third antenna disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna performs the predetermined information. The product information stored in the tag from the RF tag is read by the reader / writer, and can be read by the first antenna but cannot be read by the third antenna. The state changes to a state that cannot be read by the third antenna but cannot be read by the second antenna since the state that can be read by the third antenna but cannot be read by the second antenna. Only when the antenna of 2 is changed to a readable state, it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased.

  According to this, in addition to the first antenna and the second antenna, the product is purchased by combining the change in the reading state with the third antenna disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna. This can be determined more reliably. As a result, the RF tag misreading rate can be further reduced.

  In addition, in a thirteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect or the twelfth aspect, the weight of the product before settlement placed in the first predetermined area is measured, and the product is placed in the second predetermined area. Measuring the weight of the product after the settlement, and determining whether or not the measured decrease in the weight of the first predetermined region matches the measured increase in the weight of the second predetermined region. Only when it is determined that they match, it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased.

  According to this, only when it is confirmed from the increase or decrease in the weight of each predetermined area that the commodity has moved from the first predetermined area (for example, the basket before settlement) to the second predetermined area (for example, the basket after settlement). Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the RF tag misreading rate.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cash register system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the cash register system 1 includes a reader / writer 2, a management device 3, and a POS terminal 4. The components 2-4 of the cash register system 1 are connected to each other via the network 5.

  The cash register system 1 settles the price of the product 6 based on the product information read using the RFID technology from the RF tag 7 attached to the product 6 purchased by the shopper. A unique tag identification code is assigned to the RF tag 7 (hereinafter simply referred to as “tag 7”), and product information such as product name, price, expiration date, etc. is stored in association with the tag identification code. Has been. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the cash register system 1 is applied to a self cash register method in which a shopper pays himself / herself. The cash register system 1 is not limited to the self cash register method, and may be applied to a cash register method in which a store clerk accounts or a cash register method in which a store clerk assists in accounting.

  The reader / writer 2 has a first antenna 11 and a second antenna 12. The first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are arranged on the cash register 10 (see FIG. 2) on which the basket containing the product 6 is placed when the price of the product 6 is settled. Sometimes, the product information stored in the tag 7 is read by wireless communication with the tag 7 attached to the product 6. Information read from the tag 7 by the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 is transmitted to the management apparatus 3 via the network 5.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cash register 10 on which the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are arranged. As shown in FIG. 2, the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are arranged on the upper surface 10 a of the cash register 10 at a predetermined distance so that radio waves do not interfere with each other. In the present embodiment, the tag 7 is a passive RF tag that uses a frequency of 920 MHz band (UHF band), and the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 use a frequency of 920 MHz band, Read information from tag 7.

  The reader / writer 2 only needs to have a function of reading information from the tag 7, and a function of writing information to the tag 7 is not essential. In the present embodiment, one reader / writer 2 has the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12, but the first reader / writer 2 having the first antenna 11 and the second antenna Two reader / writers 2 including the second reader / writer 2 having the antenna 12 may be used. Further, the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are preferably circularly polarized patch antennas in terms of directivity and polarization characteristics, but are not limited thereto.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state at the time of payment at the cash register 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, when the amount of the product 6 is settled, a predetermined area above the first antenna 11 (hereinafter referred to as “first predetermined area”) on the upper surface 10 a of the cash register 10 is set before settlement. Is placed in a predetermined area above the second antenna 12 on the upper surface 10a of the cash register 10 (hereinafter referred to as "second predetermined area"). A basket 22 is placed after payment.

  When the product 6 is settled, the shopper (or clerk) moves the product 6 from the basket 21 before settlement to the basket 22 after settlement. Therefore, when the merchandise 6 is settled, the tag 7 affixed to the merchandise 6 is read by the first antenna 11 when it is in the basket 21 before settlement, and the second tag when it is in the basket 22 after settlement. It is read by the antenna 12.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the basket 21 before settlement and the basket 22 after settlement are used, but instead of the basket 21 before settlement or the basket 22 after settlement, a shopping bag, a my bag, an eco bag, or the like is used. It may be used. In the example of FIG. 3, the opened my bag is put on the basket 22 after payment. Further, the tag 7 affixed to the product 6 may be read by the first antenna 11 when it is taken out from the basket 21 before settlement, and may be read by the second antenna 12 when entering the basket 22 after settlement. . Further, the product 6 may be placed directly in the first predetermined area or the second predetermined area of the cash register 10 without using the basket 21 before settlement or the basket 22 after settlement. In the illustrated example, there is one product, but a plurality of products may be accommodated in the basket 21 before settlement.

  The management device 3 is composed of a server (computer) having a known configuration, and manages product information acquired from the reader / writer 2. As will be described in detail later, when the product 6 is settled, it is determined whether or not the product has been purchased by determining whether the first antenna 11 or the second antenna 12 has read the tag 7. .

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the management apparatus 3. The management device 3 has a known hardware configuration, and includes a processor 31 that performs overall processing in the cash register system 1 based on a predetermined control program (for example, a product information management program), a work area of the processor 31, and the like. A RAM 32 that functions as a volatile memory, a ROM 33 that stores a control program and data executed by the processor 31, a storage unit 34 having a storage that stores programs and data necessary for the operation of the management device 3, Communication having a display unit 35 having a monitor for displaying information necessary for the user, an input unit 36 having an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse enabling user input operation, and a communication module for performing communication via the network 5 Part 37 and the like.

  Each function of the management device 3 can be realized by the processor 31 executing a predetermined control program in the hardware configuration shown in FIG. Note that at least part of the functions of the management apparatus 3 may be replaced by processing using other known hardware.

  The POS terminal 4 is a POS (Point Of Sales System) terminal device having a known settlement function, and for a product 6 determined to be purchased by the management device 3, a product price settlement process based on the product information of the product 6. I do.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the determination process for purchasing a product performed by the management apparatus 3. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 3, processing for determining the purchase of a product will be described. This process is started when the pre-payment basket 21 is placed in the first predetermined area of the upper surface 10a of the cash register 10. At the time of payment, it is assumed that the post-payment basket 22 is arranged in the second predetermined area.

  When the merchandise 6 is settled, the shopper places the pre-payment basket 21 in the first predetermined area on the top surface 10a of the cash register 10 (step ST101). The fact that the pre-accounting basket 21 is placed in the first predetermined area may be detected by an object sensor, a weight sensor, or the like disposed near or below the first predetermined area.

  When it is detected that the pre-accounting basket 21 is placed in the first predetermined area, the reader / writer 2 is activated to read the tag 7 of the product 6 with the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12. Start (step ST102). As described above, the tag 7 attached to the product 6 is read by the first antenna 11 when it is in the basket 21 before settlement, and by the second antenna 12 when it is in the basket 22 after settlement. Read. Instead of step ST101, the shopper or the store clerk may activate the reader / writer 2 by pressing the settlement start button.

  Next, the product information stored in the tag 7 can be read by the first antenna 11 (ANT1) (reading OK) and cannot be read by the second antenna 12 (ANT2) (reading NG). ) Is determined (step ST103). That is, here, it is determined that the product is in the basket 21 before settlement and not in the basket 22 after settlement. If it is determined that this state is present (step ST103: Yes), the process proceeds to step ST104. If it is determined that this state is not present (step ST103: No), the process proceeds to step ST106.

  In step ST104, the product information stored in the tag 7 cannot be read by the first antenna 11 (ANT1) (reading NG) and can be read by the second antenna 12 (ANT2) (reading). It is determined whether the state is OK. That is, here, it is determined that the product has been taken out of the basket 21 before settlement and moved to the basket 22 after settlement. If it is determined that this state is present (step ST104: Yes), the process proceeds to step ST105. If it is determined that this state is not present (step ST104: No), the process returns to the previous step ST103, and step ST103. The subsequent processing is repeated.

  In step ST105, it is determined that the product 6 to which the tag 7 is attached has been purchased. At this time, for example, if the number of products purchased by the shopper is displayed on the display screen of the POS terminal 4 and the number of products displayed is updated every time it is determined that the product 6 has been purchased, , It is possible to notify that the product 6 has been purchased.

  In step ST106, it is determined whether or not the pre-accounting basket 21 has been removed from the first predetermined area. The removal of the pre-accounting basket 21 from the first predetermined area may be detected by an object sensor, a weight sensor, or the like arranged near or below the first predetermined area, as in step ST101 described above. When it is determined that the pre-accounting basket 21 has been removed from the first predetermined area (step ST106: Yes), the process proceeds to step ST107, and when it is determined that it has not been removed (step ST106: No), Returning to the previous step ST103, the processes after step ST103 are repeated.

  In step ST107, the reader / writer 2 is turned off (the operation is terminated), and the reading of the tag 7 of the product 6 by the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 is terminated.

  In subsequent step ST108, it is determined that the product 6 to which the tag 7 is attached has been purchased. Thereby, the product 6 purchased by the shopper is fixed.

  In step ST109, the POS terminal 4 settles the price of the product 6 for which purchase is confirmed.

  Thus, according to 1st Embodiment of this invention, based on the change of the reading state of the tag 7 with the 1st antenna 11 and the 2nd antenna 12, the goods 6 to which the tag 7 was affixed are purchased. It can be determined that it has been moved (has been moved to the basket after payment). Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the misread rate of the RF tag when the product price is settled using the RFID technology.

  Further, since the reader / writer 2 is activated when the pre-accounting basket 21 is placed at the first predetermined position and does not perform reading except during the settlement, the misreading rate of the tag 7 can be further reduced. Become.

(First modification)
In step ST103 and step ST104, when determining whether the first antenna 11 or the second antenna 12 can read the tag 7, the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are used. May be determined based on received signal strength (RSSI) indicating the strength of the signal acquired from the tag 7. In this case, step ST201 and step ST202 are provided instead of step ST103 and step ST104 as shown in FIG.

  In step ST201, the RSSI value of the first antenna 11 (ANT1) is the second antenna 12 with respect to the received signal strength (RSSI) of the signal acquired from the tag 7 by the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12. It is determined whether or not it is larger than the value of RRSI of (ANT2). When it is determined that it is large (step ST201: Yes), the process proceeds to the next step ST202, and when it is determined that it is not large (step ST201: No), the process proceeds to step ST106. If it is determined in step ST201 that the RSSI value of the first antenna 11 (ANT1) is larger, it means that the product is in the basket 21 before settlement.

  In step ST202, it is determined whether the RSSI value of the first antenna 11 (ANT1) is smaller than the RRSI value of the second antenna 12 (ANT2). If it is determined that it is small (step ST202: Yes), the process proceeds to the next step ST105, and if it is determined that it is not small (step ST202: No), the process returns to the previous step ST103. If it is determined in step ST202 that the RSSI value of the first antenna 11 (ANT1) is smaller, the product has been moved from the pre-payment basket 21 to the post-payment basket 22.

  In this way, based on the received signal strength (RSSI) of the signal acquired from the tag 7, it can be easily determined whether the first antenna 11 or the second antenna 12 can read the tag 7 more strongly. Can be determined.

(Second modification)
Also, after the product information stored in the tag 7 is read by the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12, it is confirmed that the product 6 has moved from the basket 21 before settlement to the basket 22 after settlement. Also good. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, step ST301 is provided between step ST104 and step ST105.

  In step ST301, it is determined whether or not the change in weight of the basket 21 before adjustment (decrease in weight) matches the change in weight of the basket 22 after adjustment (increase in weight). The weight change of the basket 21 before settlement is measured by a weight sensor disposed below the first predetermined position where the basket 21 before settlement is placed, and the weight change of the basket 22 after settlement is placed in the basket 22 after settlement. Measurement is performed by a weight sensor arranged below the second predetermined position.

  If it is determined in step ST301 that the weight changes of the pre-accounting basket 21 and the post-accounting basket 22 match (step ST301: Yes), the process proceeds to step ST105, and if it is determined that they do not match (step ST301) In ST201: No), the process returns to the previous step ST103.

  That is, in the pre-cash basket 21, the weight before the one product is taken out is compared with the weight after the product is taken out, so that the decrease in the weight of the pre-cash basket 21 (the weight of the taken-out product) is obtained. Recognize. Further, in the post-payment basket 22, by comparing the weight before the product is put with the weight after the product is put, the increase in the weight of the post-payment basket 22 (the weight of the put product) can be found. When the weight of the product taken out from the basket 21 before settlement and the weight of the product placed in the basket 22 after settlement match, it can be determined that the product has been purchased (moved to the basket after settlement). .

  If it does in this way, since it can be determined that the product 6 has been purchased only when it is confirmed that the product 6 has moved from the pre-checkout basket 21 to the post-checkout basket 22, the misreading rate of the tag 7 is further reduced. It becomes possible to do.

(Third Modification)
In addition, when it is confirmed that the product 6 has moved from the basket 21 before settlement to the basket 22 after settlement, the weight of the product 6 stored in advance in the tag 7 may be used. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, step ST302 is provided between step ST104 and step ST105. In this case, the product information stored in the tag 7 includes the weight of the product 6. Therefore, the first antenna 11 or the second antenna 12 can read the weight of the product 6 when the product information is read from the tag 7.

  In step ST302, it is determined whether or not the weight change (the weight decrease) of the basket 21 before payment matches the weight of the product 6 read from the tag 7 by the first antenna 11 or the second antenna 12. To do. The change in the weight of the basket 21 before settlement is measured by a weight sensor disposed below the first predetermined position where the basket 21 before settlement is placed.

  If it is determined in step ST302 that the weight change of the basket 21 before settlement matches the weight of the product 6 (step ST302: Yes), the process proceeds to step ST105, and if it is determined that they do not match ( In step ST302: No), the process returns to the previous step ST103.

  In this way, based on the weight change of the basket 21 before settlement and the weight of the product 6 stored in the tag 7, it is confirmed that the product 6 has moved from the basket 21 before settlement to the basket 22 after settlement. Can do. In this case, since only one weight sensor is used at the first predetermined position where the pre-accounting basket 21 is placed, the configuration is compared with the second modification example in which two weight sensors are used. Simplified.

(Fourth modification)
Further, in step 302 of the third modified example, the weight change (increased weight) of the basket 22 after settlement may be used instead of the weight change (weight decrease) of the basket 21 before settlement. . The amount of change in the weight of the post-accounting car 22 is measured by a weight sensor arranged below the second predetermined position where the post-accounting car 22 is placed.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, step ST303 is provided instead of step ST302, and in step ST303, the change in weight of the cage 22 after adjustment (the increase in weight), the first antenna 11 or the second antenna It is determined whether or not the weight of the product 6 read from the tag 7 by the antenna 12 matches.

  If it is determined in step ST303 that the change in the weight of the basket 22 after settlement matches the weight of the product 6 (step ST303: Yes), the process proceeds to step ST105, and if it is determined that they do not match (step ST303). In ST302: No), the process returns to the previous step ST103.

  In this case, since only one weight sensor is required to be disposed at the second predetermined position where the basket 22 is placed after settlement, two weight sensors are used as in the third modified example. The configuration is simplified compared to the second modified example.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention and corresponds to FIG. In the second embodiment, items not specifically mentioned below are the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are between a first predetermined position where the basket 21 before settlement is placed and a second predetermined position where the basket 22 is placed after settlement. Placed in position. In the example of FIG. 10, the first antenna 11 is disposed at a position adjacent to the first predetermined position, and the second antenna 12 is disposed at a position adjacent to the second predetermined position.

  In the second embodiment, the tag 7 of the product 6 is read when the product 6 is moved from the basket 21 before settlement to the basket 22 after settlement. Specifically, the tag 7 of the product 6 is read by the first antenna 11 immediately after the product 6 is taken out from the basket 21 before settlement, and then the second antenna just before the product 6 is put into the basket 22 after settlement. 12 is read. A shielding plate may be provided between the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12.

  In this way, even when the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are arranged between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position, as in the first embodiment, the product 6 The tag 7 can be read by the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12. Therefore, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the third embodiment and corresponds to FIG. 3. In the second embodiment, items that are not particularly mentioned below are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, a third antenna 13 is further arranged between the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12. The third antenna 13 is an antenna of the reader / writer 2 similar to the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12, and can read product information stored in the tag 7. The first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 may be disposed between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position as in the second embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, the tag 7 of the product 6 is added to the pre-settlement basket 21 from the pre-settlement basket 21 in addition to when the product 7 is in the pre-settlement basket 21 and in the post-settlement basket 22. In the middle of moving, it is further read by the third antenna 13.

  In the third embodiment, the management device 3 can read the signal transmitted from the tag 7 with the first antenna 11 but cannot be read with the third antenna 13 (the product is in the basket before settlement). To the state that cannot be read by the first antenna 11 but can be read by the third antenna 13 (the state in which the product is taken out from the pre-payment basket and approaches the third antenna 13), and then the third antenna 13 From the state that the antenna 13 can read but the second antenna 12 cannot read (the product is close to the third antenna 13 and has not moved to the basket after payment), the second antenna 13 cannot read the second antenna 13. Only when the antenna 12 changes to a state that can be read (a state in which the antenna 12 has moved to the basket after payment), the product 6 with the tag 7 attached is determined to have been purchased. That.

  In this way, in addition to the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12, the third antenna 13 arranged between the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 could read the RF tag. By determining whether or not, it is possible to more reliably determine whether or not the product 6 has been purchased (moved to the basket after payment). As a result, the misread rate of the tag 7 can be further reduced.

  In addition, as in the first modification of the first embodiment described above, whether or not each antenna of the first antenna 11, the second antenna 12, and the third antenna 13 can read the tag 7 is determined. When determining, you may make it determine based on the received signal strength (RSSI) which shows the strength of the signal which each antenna acquired from the tag 7. FIG.

  In this case, the RSSI value of the first antenna 11 is the received signal strength (RSSI) of the signal acquired from the tag 7 by each of the first antenna 11, the second antenna 12, and the third antenna 13. Changes from the RSSI value of the third antenna 13 to a state where the RSSI value of the first antenna 11 is smaller than the RSSI value of the third antenna 13, and then the third antenna Only when the RSSI value of the third antenna 13 is smaller than the RSSI value of the second antenna 12 from the state where the RSSI value of 13 is larger than the RSSI value of the second antenna 12. Then, it is determined that the product 6 to which the tag 7 is attached has been purchased.

  In this way, each antenna can read the tag 7 based on the received signal strength of the signal obtained from the tag 7 by each of the first antenna 11, the second antenna 12, and the third antenna 13. It can be easily determined whether or not. Then, in addition to the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12, whether or not the third antenna 13 arranged between the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 can read the tag 7 is determined. By determining, it can be determined more reliably whether or not the product has been purchased. As a result, the misread rate of the tag 7 can be further reduced.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the fourth embodiment and corresponds to FIG. 3. In the fourth embodiment, matters not specifically mentioned below are the same as those in the first to third embodiments described above, and a detailed description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the first to third embodiments.

  In the fourth embodiment, a shielding plate 14 that shields radio waves radiated from the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 is provided between the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12. . The shielding plate 14 is composed of either or both of a metal plate and a radio wave absorber. When the radio wave absorber is arranged on both sides of the metal plate, the radio wave absorber can suppress the reflection of the radio wave and the radio wave can be prevented from being transmitted by the metal plate, that is, from a predetermined area where tag information is read from the RF tag. This is preferable because the leakage of radio waves can be suppressed.

  Thus, the shielding plate 14 makes it difficult to read the product in the second predetermined area by the first antenna 11 and to read the product in the first predetermined area by the second antenna 12. it can. As a result, the misread rate of the tag 7 can be further reduced.

  In each of the above embodiments, a plurality of antennas of the first antenna 11, the second antenna 12, and the third antenna 13 may be provided. When a plurality of antennas are provided, the tag 7 can be read more reliably, so that the reading rate can be improved while reducing the misreading rate of the tag 7. Further, each antenna may be provided with a shielding plate.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a case where a plurality of antennas of the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are provided in the first embodiment, and shows a perspective view of the cash register 10. In the example of FIG. 13, the cash register 10 has an upper surface 10a and a side surface 10b.

  In the first embodiment, when a plurality of antennas of the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are provided, the antennas may be provided on the upper surface 10a and the side surface 10b of the register base 10, as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 13, two first antennas 11 are provided, and 11-1 is arranged on the upper surface 10a of the cash register 10 and 11-2 is arranged on the side surface 10b. Similarly, two second antennas 12 are also provided, and 12-1 is arranged on the upper surface 10a of the register table 10, and 12-2 is arranged on the side surface 10b.

  FIG. 14 is a view showing a case where a plurality of antennas of the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are further provided in the fourth embodiment, and shows a top view of the register stand 10. In the example of FIG. 14, the cash register 10 has an upper surface 10 a and four frame-shaped side surfaces 10 b that surround the periphery of the upper surface 10 a. The side surface 10b is preferably composed of either or both of a metal plate and a radio wave absorber, like the shielding plate 14. If a radio wave absorber is arranged on the surface of the metal plate, the radio wave absorber can suppress radio wave reflection and the metal plate can prevent radio wave transmission, that is, radio wave leakage from a predetermined area where tag information is read. Is more preferable.

  In the fourth embodiment, when a plurality of antennas of the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are provided, as shown in FIG. 14, each antenna has an upper surface 10 a, a side surface 10 b, and a shielding plate of the register base 10. 14 may be provided. In the example of FIG. 14, five first antennas 11 are provided, 11-1 on the upper surface 10 a of the register table 10, 11-2, 11-3, and 11-4 on each side surface 10 b, and the shielding plate 14. 11-5 are respectively arranged. Similarly, five second antennas 12 are also provided, 12-1 on the upper surface 10a of the register table 10, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4 on each side surface 10b, and 12- on the shielding plate 14. 5 are arranged respectively.

  Although not shown, the same applies to the second and third embodiments. When a plurality of antennas are provided, the antennas may be provided on the upper surface 10a, the side surface 10b or the shielding plate 14 of the register base 10. .

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on specific embodiment, these embodiment is an illustration to the last, Comprising: This invention is not limited by these embodiment. In addition, all the components of the cash register system and cash register settlement method according to the present invention shown in the above embodiment are not necessarily essential, and can be appropriately selected as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention. .

  The cash register system according to the present invention is useful as a cash register system, a cash register settlement method, and the like that can reduce the misread rate of the RF tag when the merchandise amount is settled using the RFID technology.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cash register system 2 Reader / writer 3 Management apparatus 4 POS terminal 5 Network 6 Goods 7 RF tag 10 Cash register 11 1st antenna 12 2nd antenna 13 3rd antenna 14 Shielding board 21 Basket before settlement 22 Basket after settlement

Claims (13)

A cash register system for paying out the amount of goods purchased by a shopper,
A first antenna disposed on a first predetermined area side on which a product before settlement is placed, and a second antenna disposed on a second predetermined area side on which a product after settlement is placed; A reader / writer that reads the product information stored in the tag from the RF tag attached to the product by the first and second antennas;
A management device that manages the product information read by the first antenna and the second antenna;
With
The management device changes from a state in which a predetermined RF tag affixed to one product can be read with the first antenna to a state in which it cannot be read, and then cannot read the predetermined RF tag with the second antenna A cash register system, wherein when it is determined that the state has changed to a readable state, it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased. The management device
About the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the predetermined RF tag by the first antenna and the second antenna,
From the state where the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is larger than the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna, the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is equal to that of the second antenna. When it changes to a state smaller than the value of the received signal strength,
The cash register system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased.   2. A shielding plate for shielding radio waves radiated from the first antenna and the second antenna is provided between the first antenna and the second antenna. Item 3. The cash register system according to Item 2. A cash register system for paying out the amount of goods purchased by a shopper,
The first antenna disposed on the first predetermined area side where the product before settlement is placed, the second antenna disposed on the second predetermined area side where the commodity after settlement is placed, and the first antenna And a third antenna disposed between the second antenna and a product stored in the tag from an RF tag attached to the product by the first, second and third antennas A reader / writer that reads information;
A management device that manages the product information read by the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna;
With
The management device
For signals acquired from a given RF tag attached to one product,
The state that can be read by the first antenna but cannot be read by the third antenna is changed to the state that cannot be read by the first antenna but can be read by the third antenna.
Only when the state that can be read by the third antenna but cannot be read by the second antenna is changed to the state that cannot be read by the third antenna but can be read by the second antenna,
A cash register system that determines that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased. The management device
The antennas of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna are in the readable state or the unreadable state based on the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the predetermined RF tag. To determine if it exists,
From the state where the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is larger than the value of the received signal strength of the third antenna, the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is the value of the third antenna. Change to a state smaller than the value of the received signal strength,
From the state where the value of the received signal strength of the third antenna is larger than the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna, the value of the received signal strength of the third antenna is the value of the second antenna. Only when it changes to a state smaller than the value of the received signal strength,
5. The cash register system according to claim 4, wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased.   The shield plate which shields the electromagnetic wave radiated | emitted from each said antenna was provided between each antenna of the said 1st antenna, the said 2nd antenna, and the said 3rd antenna. Item 6. The cash register system according to Item 5. A sensor for detecting whether or not the product before payment is placed in the first predetermined area;
The reader / writer starts reading when it is detected that the product before payment is placed in the first predetermined area, and detects that the product before payment is removed from the first predetermined area. 7. The cash register system according to claim 1, wherein reading is terminated when the registration is performed. A first weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product before the payment placed in the first predetermined area; and a second weight for measuring the weight of the product after the payment placed in the second predetermined area. A weight sensor,
In the management device, the decrease in the weight of the first predetermined region measured by the first weight sensor matches the increase in the weight of the second predetermined region measured by the second weight sensor. Whether or not the product with the predetermined RF tag attached is determined to have been purchased only when it is determined whether or not they match. 8. Cash register system. A weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product before the checkout placed in the first predetermined area;
The predetermined RF tag stores the weight of the product to which the tag is attached,
The management device determines whether or not a decrease in the weight of the first predetermined region measured by the weight sensor matches the weight of the product read from the predetermined RF tag, and determines that they match. 8. The cash register system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased only when the product is purchased. A weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product after the checkout placed in the second predetermined area;
The predetermined RF tag stores the weight of the product to which the tag is attached,
The management device determines whether the increase in the weight of the second predetermined region measured by the weight sensor matches the weight of the product read from the predetermined RF tag, and determines that they match. 8. The cash register system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased only when the product is purchased. A cashier settlement method to settle the amount of goods purchased by a shopper,
The reader / writer reads the product information stored in the tag from the predetermined RF tag attached to one product by the first antenna arranged on the first predetermined area side where the product before settlement is placed,
The reader / writer reads the product information stored in the tag from the predetermined RF tag by the second antenna arranged on the second predetermined area side where the product after payment is placed,
It is determined that the predetermined RF tag has changed from a state in which the first RF tag can be read to a state in which the first antenna cannot be read, and then the second antenna has changed from a state in which the predetermined RF tag cannot be read to a state in which the predetermined RF tag can be read A cashier checkout method, wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased. A cashier settlement method to settle the amount of goods purchased by a shopper,
The reader / writer reads the product information stored in the tag from the predetermined RF tag attached to one product by the first antenna arranged on the first predetermined area side where the product before settlement is placed,
The reader / writer reads the product information stored in the tag from the predetermined RF tag by the second antenna arranged on the second predetermined area side where the product after payment is placed,
The reader / writer reads product information stored in the tag from the predetermined RF tag by a third antenna disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna.
The state that can be read by the first antenna but cannot be read by the third antenna is changed to the state that cannot be read by the first antenna but can be read by the third antenna.
Only when the state that can be read by the third antenna but cannot be read by the second antenna is changed to the state that cannot be read by the third antenna but can be read by the second antenna,
A cashier checkout method, wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased. Measuring the weight of the product before the settlement placed in the first predetermined area;
Measuring the weight of the item after payment placed in the second predetermined area;
Determining whether the measured decrease in weight of the first predetermined area matches the measured increase in weight of the second predetermined area;
13. The cashier checkout method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased only when it is determined that they match.

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