JP3071991B2 - Self-scanning product information reader - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an upstream merchandise store, a fixed merchandise information reading unit which allows a customer to self-scan for self-purchased merchandise, and a downstream merchandise store arranged in this order along the product flow direction. In addition, the present invention relates to a self-scanning product information reading device provided with a product passing detection unit that detects that a product has passed between a fixed product information reading unit and a downstream product storage area. It is mainly used as part of a checkout device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A product information reading device reads product information (for example, a product code) from a bar code attached to a product, and is mainly used as a component of a checkout device installed in various stores. . There are a fixed type (stationary type) and a handy type in this product information reading device, and how quickly and accurately the product information can be read by either type controls the level of the checkout operation efficiency.

[0003] In other words, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the cashier CHR includes a soccer table 1 and an accounting machine 70P including an electronic cash register, and one cashier CHR provides merchandise information on all of the purchased merchandise of the customer CST to a handy type machine provided in the accounting machine 70P. A one-person system in which a reading operation is performed using a commodity information reading device (not shown) and an accounting operation is performed using a keyboard (not shown), and a soccer table 1 and a rigid and fixed type as shown in FIG. The merchandise information reading device (30P) and the accounting machine 70P have a two-person system in which one checker CHK specializes in reading operation and the cashier CHR performs only accounting processing operation. Professional staff (CH
R or CHK) performs a reading operation, so that product information can be input quickly and accurately. However, the burden on specialized personnel is heavy, and in the case of a two-person system, labor costs also increase.

On the other hand, the checkout device shown in FIG. 13 arranges the upstream product storage 20P, the fixed-type product information reading unit 30P, and the downstream product storage 40P in this order along the product flow direction X. And an accounting machine 70P having an accounting operation side positioned near a downstream commodity storage area 40P. The reading operation of the merchandise information is performed by a so-called self-scanning method in which the customer himself / herself is performed, and the cashier CHR is configured to perform only the accounting processing operation using the accounting machine 70P. In addition, upstream product storage 20P
The downstream merchandise storage 40P is formed of an individual mounting table, a conveyor, a cart, or the like in addition to the integrated soccer table shown in FIG.

[0005] Accordingly, the burden of the cashier CHR is reduced and the quick accounting is performed while giving both benefits, that is, ease of confirmation of the merchandise information input to the customer CST by self-scanning and displayed on the display, both in terms of ease and interest. Processing can be achieved. As shown in FIG. 14, a pair of merchandise information reading devices 10A and 10B are disposed on both sides of the accounting machine 70P, and one cashier CHR is used for two customers CST-A and CST, as shown in FIG. -It is possible to easily form a two-lane system for performing the accounting process of B. According to the two-lane system, personnel costs can be further reduced.

However, the self-scanning merchandise information reading apparatuses 10, 10A, and 10B cannot prevent some customers CST, CST.A, and CST.B from committing fraud. That is, the upstream product storage area 20P, 20P
A, Products taken out from 20PB are not subjected to regular self-scanning by the fixed-type product information reading units 30P, 30PA, 30PB, and the downstream product storage 40P, 40P is not required.
A, it is transferred to 40PB.

Thus, conventionally, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the fixed type product information reading units 30P, 30PA, 3
Product passing detection units 56, 56A, 56B for detecting that the product has passed are provided between the 0PB and the downstream product storage 40P, 40PA, 40PB, and the products that are not self-scanned are provided in the downstream product storage 40P, 40PA, 40PB.
Is detected automatically in such a case, and in such a case, it is determined that there is a possibility of wrongdoing, and a buzzer is sounded or the like, and the downstream commodity storage 40P, 40P is placed in the cashier CHR.
It is designed to alert the customer CST while obligating the confirmation and monitoring of the products placed on the PA and 40PB without permission.

By the way, the commodity passing detection units 56 and 5
6A and 56B are reflection-type optical detection structures in which a large number of light emitters and light receivers are arranged in rows from the customer end of the product information reading unit to the cashier end as shown in FIGS.
A transmissive optical detection structure is provided in which a plurality of light emitters are arranged in a row from the customer end to the cashier end, and a plurality of light receivers are arranged above the light emitters. That is, the product information reading unit 30 orthogonal to the product flow direction X, XA, XB
A large number of detection light beams are output in parallel in the depth direction of P, 30PA, and 30PB, and the detection of the passage of the product is reliably performed.

[0009]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional goods passing detection units 56, 56A, 56B,
There are the following problems in actual operation.

[0010] That is, the above-mentioned fraudulent acts can be prevented with a high probability. However, when the customer CST, CST-A, CST-B is inexperienced in the self-scanning operation, or when the bar code attached to the product is missing or dirty. In some cases, and even when the product information reading units 30P, 30PA, and 30PB are temporarily out of order, the passing of the product is detected even when the self-scan is not correctly performed. In other words, a good-willed customer C
It is highly likely that ST, CST-A, and CST-B will be alerted by inferring that there is a fraudulent activity, and this will cause the cashier CHR and the store to lose credit.

[0011] In addition, customers CST, CST-A, C
ST · B, for example, learns from the display contents of the display that it has not been correctly scanned, and moves the product to the downstream product storage side 40.
Product information reading unit 30 from P, 40PA, 40PB
In the case of returning to the P, 30PA, 30PB side, the passing of the commodity is detected again, which is inconvenient. Furthermore, if the product is long, the bar code attached to the rear end of the product hits the detection light beam before the bar code is self-scanned, so that the passage is also detected in this case.

On the other hand, the commodity information reading unit 3
0P, 30PA, 30PB and downstream storage 40P, 4
It is considered that it is only necessary to increase the distance between OPA and 40PB and to arrange the product passage detection units 56, 56A and 56B close to the downstream product storage area (40P, 40PA, 40PB). However, it is difficult to actually allow the cost.

Further, the merchandise information reading apparatuses 10, 10
A and 10B are no exception and require further cost reduction and reduction in size and weight. Conventional product passage detection units 56, 56A and 56B including a large number of light-emitting devices and light-receiving devices, however, have high cost contrary to this demand. Some have pointed out that this is a factor.

Further, in order to further expand the use of the present apparatus 10, 10A, 10B, the cashier CHR can provide guidance to customers CST, CST.A, CST.B who are not experienced in self-scanning. It is also important. In other words, the user notices a malfunction or inability of the self-scan, and transports the product transported in the product flow direction X, XA, XB in the reverse direction without placing it in the downstream product storage 40P, 40PA, 40PB and returns it to its original position. Product detection unit (56, 56A, 56)
If B) can be established, I am convinced that the guidance can be given kindly, clearly distinguished from misconduct.

Here, an object of the present invention is to deal with fraudulent acts by a well-intentioned customer in which it is difficult to detect passage of a product for which self-scan has not been completed and to place the product in a downstream product storage space without self-scanning without permission. An object of the present invention is to provide a self-scanning merchandise information reading apparatus which is provided with a merchandise passage detecting unit capable of reliably detecting the passage, and is small, lightweight and low-cost as a whole.

[0016]

According to the present invention, a good-willed customer transfers a product to a product information reading unit if the product is manually transferred in the product flow direction and if the product transfer direction can be distinguished. Focusing on the fact that it is easy to make it impossible to detect the passage at the time of return, the commodity passage detection units are formed from first commodity passage detection means and second commodity passage means arranged in a line in the commodity flow direction. Along with this, each product passage detection means is formed from a reflection type optical detection structure including a minimum number of light emitters and light receivers, and is configured to irradiate and output two types of detection light rays along the product flow direction, This achieves the above object.

That is, in the self-scanning type commodity information reading apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the upstream commodity storage, the fixed commodity information reading unit for self-scanning by the customer for the self-purchased commodity, and the downstream commodity storage are provided. Self-scanning product information reading provided with a product passing detection unit that is arranged along the product flow direction in order and that detects that the product has passed between the fixed product information reading unit and the downstream product storage area In the apparatus, the commodity passage detection unit is constituted by first commodity passage detection means provided on the fixed commodity information reading unit side and second commodity passage detection means provided on the downstream commodity storage side. In addition, the first and second merchandise passage detecting means are provided adjacent to each other in the merchandise flow direction, and the first and second merchandise passage detecting means are provided. The step is formed from a reflective optical detection structure composed of a combination of a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device, and the second detection light beam emitted from the light-emitting device is reflected by the reflective optical detection structure, which is a second commodity passage detecting means. Installed so as to face the downstream side in the product flow direction and to incline in the direction approaching the horizontal plane.
It is characterized by the following.

In the self-scanning product information reading apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the upstream product storage, the fixed product information reading unit for self-scanning the product purchased by the customer, and the downstream product storage are provided. Self-scanning product information reading provided with a product passing detection unit that is arranged along the product flow direction in order and that detects that the product has passed between the fixed product information reading unit and the downstream product storage area In the apparatus, the commodity passage detection unit is constituted by first commodity passage detection means provided on the fixed commodity information reading unit side and second commodity passage detection means provided on the downstream commodity storage side. In addition, the first and second merchandise passage detecting means are provided adjacent to each other in the merchandise flow direction, and the first and second merchandise passage detecting means are provided. Formed on a reflective optical detection structure composed of a combination of a light emitter and a light receiver, and a reflective optical detection structure serving as a second commodity passage detection means is formed from a plurality of combinations of a light emitter and a light receiver. The combination is such that the second detection light beam emitted from each of the light emitters is directed to the downstream side in the product flow direction and inclined in a direction approaching the horizontal plane, and each second detection light beam is located downstream in the product flow direction. It is mounted so that it is separated from each other in the direction perpendicular to the product flow direction as it goes.

Further, in the self-scanning type commodity information reading apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the upstream-side commodity storage, the fixed-type commodity information reading unit for self-scanning by the customer for the self-purchased commodity, and the downstream-side commodity storage are provided. Self-scanning product information reading provided with a product passing detection unit that is arranged along the product flow direction in order and that detects that the product has passed between the fixed product information reading unit and the downstream product storage area In the apparatus, the commodity passage detection unit is constituted by first commodity passage detection means provided on the fixed commodity information reading unit side and second commodity passage detection means provided on the downstream commodity storage side. In addition, the first and second merchandise passage detecting means are provided adjacent to each other in the merchandise flow direction, and the first and second merchandise passage detecting means are provided.
Is formed in a reflection type optical detection structure composed of a combination of a light emitting device and a light receiving device, and one reflection type optical detection structure as the first product passage detection means is provided in the fixed type product information reading unit. It is disposed on the customer end side and is attached so that the first detection light beam emitted from the light emitter is directed to the opposite side to the customer end side crossing the product flow direction and inclined in a direction approaching a horizontal plane, and A reflective optical detection structure, which is a second product passage detecting means, is mounted such that a second detection light beam emitted from the light emitting device is directed to a downstream side in the product flow direction and inclined in a direction approaching a horizontal plane,
It is characterized by the following.

[0020]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a fixed product information reading unit self-scans a product taken out of an upstream product storage area by a customer while transferring the product in the product flow direction, and the self-scanned product. Is transported further in the product flow direction, first, the first product passage detecting means detects the passage, and subsequently, the second product passage detecting means, which is arranged close, detects the passage. Therefore, if a normal sound is generated, for example, by detecting the passage of a correctly scanned product, it is easy to confirm that the product registered by the regular self-scan is correctly transferred to the downstream product storage. be able to.

However, when the fixed product information reading unit does not perform a regular self-scan and transfers the product to the downstream product storage area, the product passing detection unit including the first and second product passing detecting means causes In the same way as in the case, the passage of the product is detected, and if the product is detected in this case, for example, by sounding a buzzer and generating a monitoring sound, it is possible to know that the probability of fraud is high. The cashier etc. compares the quantity of the goods registered by the regular self-scan with the quantity of the goods actually placed in the downstream goods storage, etc. Alerts can be given and fraudulent acts can be prevented.

On the other hand, if a good-will customer returns the product to the product information reading unit from the middle while knowing that the self-scanning has failed, the reflection by the second product passage detection means provided on the downstream side Since the second detection light beam emitted from the light emitting device of the mold type optical detection structure is directed to the downstream side in the product flow direction and is inclined in the direction approaching the horizontal plane, that is, the first product passage detection provided on the upstream side Since the first detection light beam and the second detection light beam emitted from the means are largely separated from each other in the product flow direction, even if the first product passage detection means can detect the passage, the second product passage detection means can be used. Does not detect passage. That is, since the product passing detection unit does not detect the product passing to the downstream product storage area, it is possible to avoid the buzzer from sounding, so that a good-willed customer is suspected of wrongdoing and alerts the user unnecessarily. In this case, if guidance guidance is displayed in this case, for example, it is possible to kindly instruct an unskilled customer on a self-scanning operation method and precautions.

In the case of the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the same operation as the first aspect, the reflection type optical detection structure as the second commodity passage detecting means is provided between the light emitting device and the light receiving device. A plurality of combinations are formed, and each second detection light beam emitted from each light emitter is inclined in a direction approaching a horizontal plane while moving toward the downstream side in the product flow direction, and further, each second detection configuration is in the product flow direction. Are formed so as to be separated from each other in a direction orthogonal to the product flow direction as going downstream. That is, since each second detection light beam emitted from each light emitter spreads in a fan shape toward the downstream side in the product flow direction, the product is thrown from above into the downstream product storage area, or is detoured and mounted. Even if it is placed, it is possible to reliably detect the passage of the product by any of the second detection light beams. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent a fraudulent act in which a product for which a self-scan has not been completed is placed in a downstream product storage space without permission.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same operation as in the first aspect, one reflection type optical detection structure as the first product passage detecting means is used to read fixed product information. It is arranged on the customer end side of the unit and is formed such that the first detection light beam emitted from the light emitter is directed to the side opposite to the customer end side crossing the product flow direction and inclined in a direction approaching a horizontal plane. Therefore, the cost can be further reduced, and even if the attitude of the product transported in the product flow direction is tilted in, for example, a horizontal plane, the first detection light beam can reliably detect the attitude, and the self-scan operation can be performed more easily. Can be facilitated.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This self-scanning product information reading device 10A
Is a commodity passing detection unit (5) as shown in FIGS.
0A, 60A) on the side of the fixed product information reading unit 30A, the first product passage detecting means 50A provided on the side of the fixed product information reading unit 30A, and the second product passage detecting means 6 provided on the side of the downstream goods storage 40A.
0A, the first product passing detecting means 50A and the second product passing detecting means 60A are provided close to the product flowing direction XA, and the first and second product passing detecting means 50A, 60A are provided. Light-emitting devices 51 and 61 and light-receiving device 5
The second detection light beam B2 emitted from the light emitting device 61 is applied to the reflection type optical detection structure which is the second product passage detection means 60A. HF facing downstream in direction XA
The first product passing detecting means 50A and the second product passing detecting means 60A are arranged close to each other in the product flowing direction XA as shown in FIG. The first product passage detecting means 5
0A (51) and the first detection light beam B1 and the second detection light beam
Of the detected light beam B2, it is difficult to detect the passage of the goods for which the self-scan has not been completed by the well-meaning customer, and the goods are placed in the downstream goods storage 40A without permission without performing the self-scan. The act is configured to be able to reliably detect passage, and is formed so as to be able to achieve a reduction in size, weight, and cost as a whole.

Further, the reflection type optical detection structure as the second commodity passage detecting means 60A is formed by a plurality of combinations 60A1, 60A2, 60A3 of the light emitter 61 and the light receiver 62, and each combination 60A1, 60A2, 60A3. Are tilted in the direction in which the second detection light beams B2 emitted from the respective light emitters 61 are directed to the downstream side in the product flow direction XA and approach the horizontal plane HF, and the second detection light beams B2, B2,
As shown by a dashed line in FIG. 8, B2 is attached so as to be separated from each other in a direction orthogonal to the product flow direction XA as it goes downstream in the product flow direction XA, and the product is placed on the downstream product storage area 40A from above. Any of the second detection light beams B2 even when thrown in or placed around
Is formed so that the passage of the commodity G can be reliably detected,
It is formed so that fraudulent acts in which products for which self-scan has not been completed are placed in the downstream product storage 40A can be more reliably prevented.

Further, one reflection type optical detection structure, which is the first product passage detecting means 50A, is disposed on the customer end side of the fixed product information reading unit 30A, and the first light emitted from the light emitter 51 is provided. The detection light beam B1 is mounted so as to face the customer end side (31AT) crossing the product flow direction XA and to the side (31AR) opposite to the customer end side (31AR) and to incline in the direction approaching the horizontal plane 31A. As shown in the figure, even if the attitude of the product G transported in the product flow direction XA is tilted, for example, in the horizontal plane HF, the product G can be reliably detected by the first detection light beam B1 shown by the one-dot chain line, and more self-scanning can be performed. It is formed so that the operation of can be facilitated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the merchandise information reading apparatus in this embodiment has the same two lanes (10A, 10B) as in the conventional example (FIG. 14).
It is arranged on both sides of. The other product information reading device 10B has the same configuration as the one product information reading device 10A, although the configuration is the same.

In FIG. 1, an accounting machine 70 is of an electronic cash register type, and each commodity information reading device 10A, 1
FIG. 9 which is common to a pair of keyboards, printers, cashier displays 75CHR.A, 75CHR.B, customer displays 75CST.A, 75CST.B, and the merchandise information reading devices 10A and 10B corresponding to 0B. Each of the merchandise information reading devices 10A, 10B (30) includes a control unit 71 (CPU 72, ROM 73, RAM 74) and a drawer.
A, 30B), each of which can be registered separately based on the product information (product code) self-scanned.

The control unit 71 controls the driving of the whole, and also detects the goods passing detection units (50A, 60A), (50A).
B, 60B), the monitoring sound generation (ST18) shown in FIG. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 71 includes each of the commodity passing detection units (50A, 60A), (50B, 60B).
And each electronic buzzer (76A, 77A), (76B, 77
B) and indicators for each cashier and customer (75CHR · A, 75CHR · B, 75CST · A,
75CST · B). Note that a keyboard, printer, product information reading units 30A and 30B,
The connection of the drawer and the like is omitted in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the self-scanning merchandise information reading apparatus 10A has an upstream merchandise storage area 20A.
The fixed product information reading unit 30A and the downstream product reading unit 40A are arranged in this order along the product flow direction XA, and the fixed product reading unit 30A (reading unit 32A) and the downstream product storage 40A are arranged in this order. A product passing detection unit (50A, 60A) is provided between them.

Customer CST / A is located at the upstream product storage area 20A.
The basket CU containing the purchased commodity is placed, and an empty basket CD is placed in the downstream commodity storage area 40A. A partition wall 80A is provided between the downstream commodity storage 40A and the checkout machine 70. In addition, both or either of the upstream product storage 20A and the downstream product storage 40A are the same as those in FIG.
Instead of the soccer table format shown in FIG. 1, a self-propelled cart or conveyor may be used. This is because it is only necessary to temporarily place the commodity G.

Therefore, the customer CST / A takes out the product from the basket CU and takes out the fixed product information reading unit 30A (3
2A) to perform a self-scan (YE in ST10 of FIG. 10).
S). Then, the product is registered in the accounting machine 70 (ST11). The product registration data is displayed on the customer display 75C.
ST ・ A can confirm it. In this way, the product that has been properly self-scanned is further transported in the product flow direction XA and stored in the basket CD. When the merchandise registration for all the purchased merchandise is completed, the cashier CHR performs an accounting process using the accounting machine 70. Here, accounting including money transfer is performed.

Here, the product information reading unit 30
A is, as shown in FIG. 2, the main body case 30AB and the upper lid 3
The reading unit 32 housed in the unit body composed of 1A
A. This reading unit 32A, as shown in FIG.
A scanning beam is radiated upward through the scanning window 32AH of the upper lid 31A and is fixed to the inside of the main body case 30AB through the mounting member 39, and the product information is read by receiving the reflected light from the product.

The upper lid 31A forms a horizontal plane HF, and a self-scan start key 37AS and a self-scan key 3AS are provided on the opposite side 31AR to the customer end 31AT as shown in FIG.
7AE and a money receiver 36A are provided. Scanning window 3
A first detection window 33A in which an optical filter 33AF is incorporated and a second detection window 34A in which an optical filter 34AF is incorporated are provided downstream of the 2AH.

The second detection window 34A is provided on the downstream side of a triangular frame 35A protruding above the horizontal plane HF. This frame 35A obtains the inclination angle θ2 of the second detection light beam B2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 described later in detail, and also causes a product or the like to be placed on the first detection window 33A (33AF). That is, the first detection light beam B1
Is provided to prevent irradiation from being impossible.

Now, the commodity passing detection unit (50A, 6
0A), as shown in FIG. 3, a first product passing detection unit 50A includes a product information reading unit 30A (reading unit 3A).
2A), and as shown in FIG.
And a light receiving device 52 (51A, 52). That is, the first detection light beam B1 output from the light emitter 51 is irradiated upward through the first detection window 33A (33AF) shown in FIG.
In response to the reflected light from the hand of ST ・ A, the product flow direction X
It is possible to directly or indirectly detect the passage of the goods transferred to A.

From the point of view of merchandise passage detection, it is desirable that the first detection light beam B1 be a large number. However, in order to increase the number, a large number of combinations (51, 52) of the light emitter 51 and the light receiver 52 must be provided. Then, the cost increases as in the conventional example (FIGS. 13 and 14).

Therefore, the first commodity passing detecting means 50A is formed from one combination (51, 52), and the cost is significantly reduced. However, one combination (51,5)
According to 2), when the first detection light beam B1 is irradiated along the vertical axis Z1 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, depending on the transfer posture of the product G of the customer CST / A, as shown in FIG. There is a strong possibility of inconvenience.

That is, the rear end Ge of the product G shown in FIG.
When self-scanning is performed with the barcode attached to the lower surface of the product facing the reading unit 32A, particularly when the product G is long,
The tip Gt may hit the second detection light beam B1 before hitting the first detection light beam B1. In this case, the first detection light beam B1 and the second detection light beam B
It is conceivable that the effect of the excellent detection function by forming the parallel output in the product flow direction XA becomes weaker.

Thus, in this embodiment, one reflection type optical detection structure 50A (51, 52) is provided on the customer end side 31AT of the upper lid 31A as shown in FIG.
Is located on the side 31AR opposite to the customer end side 31AT crossing the product flow direction XA and the horizontal plane HF.
Is attached so as to incline by an angle θ11 in a direction approaching. In this way, the detection area of the first product passage detecting means 50A can be substantially enlarged, so that even if the product G is inclined and transferred in the horizontal plane HF as shown in FIG. It is understood that detection is possible with the detection light beam B1.

Further, in the case of this embodiment, the first product passage detecting means 50A detects that the first detection light beam B1 is directed in the direction opposite to the product flow direction XA as shown in FIG.
It is attached so that it is inclined by an angle θ12 from 1 to the horizontal plane HF. Distance L from second detection light beam B2
In order to further expand.

In order to secure the angles θ11 and θ12, the first product passage detecting means 50A is attached to the inclined holding bracket 53 with a screw 57 as shown in FIG. Is fixed to the base member 55 fixed in the main body case 30AB via the intermediate plate 54 with screws 58. Therefore, if the inclination holding bracket 53 and the intermediate plate 54 are exchanged, the inclination angles θ11 and θ12 can be easily set to appropriate angles.

Next, the second commodity passing detecting means 60A
Similar to the case of the first product passage detecting means 50A (51, 52), the first merchandise passing detecting means 50A (51, 52) is formed of a reflective optical detecting structure 60A1 composed of a combination (61, 62) of a light emitting device 61 and a light receiving device 62 shown in FIG. However, the mounting posture is such that the second detection light beam B2 emitted from the light emitter 61 is inclined by an angle θ2 in a direction toward the downstream side in the product flow direction XA and approaching the horizontal plane HF as shown in FIG. Has been.

That is, in order to reduce the size of the product information reading unit 30A and thus the product information reading device 10A as a whole,
It is most important that the first product passing detection means 50A and the second product passing detection means 60A be arranged closer to each other in the product flow direction XA. However, the first detected light beam B1 and the second
Are irradiated along the vertical axes Z1 and Z2 shown in FIG. 3, the two types of detected light beams B1 and B2
It is meaningless to form two parallel outputs in the product flow direction XA. For this reason, in the conventional example (FIGS. 13 and 14), a large number of detection beams of one type and one stage are irradiated while accepting a high cost.

Here, in the present invention, the first product passage detecting means 50A and the second product passage detecting means 60A are mounted close to each other, and the second detected light beam B2 is shifted by an angle θ2 shown in FIG. To the first detection light beam B1
Is greatly increased. The angle of inclination θ2 is 10 to reduce the level difference between the product information reading unit 30A and the downstream product storage 40A to the basket CD and to reliably detect that a product has been inserted into the basket CD. It is better to be within the range of 50 degrees. Further, the second product passage detecting means 60A is connected to the main body case 30A.
Considering that the optical filter 34 is accommodated in the optical filter 34,
It is preferable that the angle be in the range of 20 to 45 degrees from the relationship with the inclined surface of the AF.

Thus, the first commodity passing detecting means 50A
When the distance L between the first detection light beam B1 and the second detection light beam B2 is increased by mounting the second product passage detection means 60A and the second product passage detection means 60A close to each other, the transfer speed of the product G in the product flow direction XA becomes constant. For example, the time difference between the time when the product G hits the first detection light beam B1 and the time when the product G hits the second detection light beam B2 can be made very large. In the case of returning to the direction opposite to the product flow direction XA and re-scanning on the way, the product detection unit (50) hits the second detection light beam B1 but does not hit the second detection light beam B2.
A, 60A) does not detect commodity passing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cashier CHR from calling the customer CST-A who has a suspicion of wrongdoing and gives a caution to the good faith customer CST.

On the other hand, without performing a regular self-scan,
Regarding the fraudulent act of placing the commodity G in the downstream commodity storage 40A (the basket CD), the commodity G always hits the second detection light beam B2 regardless of how much the interval L is expanded. The passage detection units (50A, 60A) reliably detect passage. Therefore, the misconduct can be more reliably prevented.

The fact that the second detection light beam B2 faces the downstream side in the product flow direction XA and inclines so as to approach the horizontal plane HF means that the second detection light beam B2 approaches the opening of the car CD. means. Therefore, the fraudster puts the goods G in the basket CD through any route,
Even if thrown and thrown, it is possible to detect the passage of the product.

Further, for the purpose of more reliably detecting the passage of goods than the case of one reflection type optical detection structure, a plurality of (three) second goods passage detecting means 60A are provided as shown in FIG. Reflective optical detection structure 60A1, 60
A2, 60A3. Moreover, each light emitting device 6
As shown in FIG. 8, each of the second detection light beams B2 emitted from the light source 2 is attached to the downstream side of the product flow direction XA so as to be separated from each other in a direction orthogonal to the product flow direction XA. I have. That is, each second detection light beam B2,
B2 and B2 are fan-shaped extending toward the downstream side, and the detection area is greatly enlarged.

Thus, each reflection type optical detection structure 60A1
(60A2, 60A3), as shown in FIG.
An adjusting groove 63H is attached to the convex bracket 65, 66 of the base plate 64 fixed to the inclined bracket 63 having the inclined portion 63S bent at an angle θ2 with respect to the base plate 64 in the main body case 30AB. It is formed so as to be fitted and fixedly attached with screws 68.

Therefore, if the horizontal portion 63F is rotated with respect to the base plate 64 along the adjustment groove 63H and is adjusted to a desired angle and fixed, each of the reflection type optical detection structures 60A1, 60A.
The angles of the second detection light beams B2, B2, and B2 emitted from 0A2 and 60A3 (light emitters 61, 61, and 61) shown in FIG. 8 in the direction orthogonal to the product flow direction XA can be appropriately selected and set. That is, the fan-shaped detection region spreading downstream can be adjusted. Also, if the tilt bracket 63 is replaced,
The angle θ2 of the second detection light beam B2 with respect to the horizontal plane HF can be selectively set. The bending angle θ2 of the inclined bracket 63 shown in FIG. 7 is set to 40 degrees.

Next, as an example of the effective use of the commodity passing detection unit (50A, 60A) having such a configuration, in the case of this embodiment, prevention of fraudulent acts, kind guidance and check for unskilled persons regarding self-scanning. From the viewpoint of smoothing out the entire out work and improving the efficiency, based on the pronunciation display program shown in FIG. 10 stored in the ROM 73 in the control unit 71 shown in FIG. I have.

That is, the CPU 72 registers the product (ST1) by performing a self-scan (YES in ST10 of FIG. 10).
1) When the passed commodity G is detected by the first and second commodity passage detecting means 50A and 60A (Y in ST12).
ES, ST13 YES) is the electronic buzzer 7 shown in FIG.
6A to generate a comfortable short normal sound (ST
14).

If the correctly scanned product G is not detected as passing (NO in ST12, NO in ST13), the product G is placed on the customer display 75CST · A in the downstream product storage 40A (cage CD). Is displayed (ST15). At this time, the effect is also displayed on the cashier display 75CHR · A so that the cashier CHR can directly give guidance.

On the other hand, when the self-scan is not performed (ST
When the product G is detected to pass by the first and second product passing detection means 50A and 60A (NO in 10) (ST1).
6 (YES in ST17, YES in ST17), the CPU 72 drives the electronic buzzer 77A to generate a strong monitoring sound (S).
T18). Therefore, the cashier CHR can presume that there is fraud and can promptly call attention. For this purpose, when the second product passage detection unit 60A detects the passage (YES in ST17), the first product passage detection unit 50A is configured to generate the monitoring sound even if the passage detection is not performed. May be. More malicious fraud can be prevented.

However, when the self-scan is not performed (S
When the passage is not detected (NO in T10) (ST1)
No. 6) is "Please start self-scan" or "Please scan again" on the customer display 75CST-A.
It is designed to display guidance guidance. This is for facilitating the operation of the self-scan.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG.
In the accounting machine 70, when the cashier CHR turns on the power of the product information reading device 10A, the reading unit 32A of the product information reading unit 30A is driven to emit a scanning beam from the scanning window 32AH shown in FIG. Becomes In addition, the product passage detection unit (5
0A, 60A) forming the first commodity passage detecting means 50
A and the second product passage detection means 60A (60A1, 60A2, 60A3) provided adjacent thereto are driven.

The first product passage detecting means 50A (light emitting device 5)
The first detection light beam B1 emitted from 1) is inclined at both the angle θ11 shown in FIG. 4 and θ12 shown in FIG. 3 to form a detection area. In addition, the second product passage detecting means 60
Each of the second detection light beams B2 emitted from A (light emitters 61, 61, 61) has a direction angle θ2 on the downstream side as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, a detection area is formed which expands in a fan shape toward the downstream side.

Now, the customer CST-A shown in FIG.
After the start key 37AS is turned on, the commodity G is taken out from the upstream commodity storage 20A (the basket CU) and self-scanned using the commodity information reading unit 30A (32A) (YES in ST10 in FIG. 10). Then, the accounting machine 7
The controller 71 (CPU 72) registers the product in the RAM 74 based on the product information (ST11).

When the scanned product G held by the customer CST · A is further transported to the downstream side in the product flow direction XA, the first product passing detection means 50A detects the product passing, and then the second product passing detecting means 50A. Goods passing detection is performed by the goods passing detection means 60 (YES in ST12, YES in ST13). Then, the CPU 72 drives the electronic buzzer 76A to generate a normal sound (ST14). Therefore, cashier C
It can be seen that both the HR and the customer CST-A have been registered for goods by correct self-scanning and have been placed in the basket CD on the downstream goods storage 40A.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, even if the customer CST / A transports the long product G while tilting it in the horizontal plane HF, the first detection beam B1 is tilted by the angle θ11 and the first detection beam B1 is tilted by the first angle. Since the distance L between the first detection light beam B1 and the second detection light beam B2 is increased, the first product
A (YES in ST12), and then detected by the second product passage detecting means 60A (YES in ST13). The same applies to ST16 and ST17.

Now, if the customer CST / A holds the self-scanned product G as it is, the customer display 75
Guidance guidance to be placed on the downstream commodity storage 40A (cage CD) is displayed on the CST A (ST15).
In this case, the customer CST-A can be convinced that the self-scanning was correct, and can quickly put it in the basket CD.

However, if the customer CST · A has performed a self-scan operation, but the scan has failed due to any reason (NO in ST10), ST16 and / or ST
If the determination in step 17 is NO, that is, no passage is detected, the CP
U72 displays guidance for rescanning on the customer display 75CST / A (ST19). In addition,
When start key 37AS is turned on, guidance for starting self-scanning is displayed (ST19).

Further, the commodity G is supplied to the first commodity passage detecting means 5.
After detecting the passage at 0A (YES in ST16), if it is determined that the self-scan has failed, and returned to the product information reading unit 30A (32A), the first detection light beam B
Since the interval L shown in FIG. 3 between the first detection light beam B2 and the second detection light beam B2 is wide, the commodity passage detection unit (50A, 60A) does not detect the commodity passage (NO in ST17). Therefore, the monitoring sound (ST18) in the case of impersonating fraud is not generated. Thus, even in the case of a well-meaning customer CST-A, even if he or she is inexperienced in self-scanning, it is not warned as fraud.

After the customer CST-A has correctly self-scanned all of the self-purchased products, the end key 37AE
Is turned on, the CPU 72 calculates the total price and the like based on the merchandise registration data and displays them on the customer display 75CST · A and the cashier display 75CHR · A. Then, the customer CST-A receives the currency equivalent to the total amount 36
A is placed in A and the change is received, thereby completing the accounting process. Thereby, the customer CST-A carries away the basket CU. That is, the checkout ends.

Here, a malicious person (CST-A)
However, a case is considered in which the product G is placed in the downstream product storage 40A (cage CD) without permission without correct self-scanning.

When the product G is transported along the product flow direction XA, the first product passing detecting means 50A detects the passing of the product G by the first detection light beam B1 (YE in ST16 in FIG. 10).
S). Subsequently, the second commodity passing detection means 60A (60A1, 60A2, 60A3) detects the passage of the second commodity light beam B1 (YES in ST17). At this time, the second detection light beam B2 is inclined toward the horizontal plane HF on the downstream side by an angle θ2, and the three second detection light sources B2, B2, and B2 are enlarged in a fan shape, and the opening of the basket CD is opened. Since the portion is covered, it is possible to more reliably detect the passage of the product.

Then, the CPU 72 sets the electronic buzzer 77A
Is sounded to generate a monitoring sound (ST18). The cashier CHR can easily presume that there is cheating. Therefore, for example, the number of registered products,
By comparing the number of products in the basket CD, it is possible to give a proper and strict alert to the fraudster. Therefore, intentional misconduct can be completely prevented. The ability to generate a strong monitoring sound is also effective in preventing the next misconduct.

Note that even if the well-meaning customer CST-A puts the product in the basket CD without noticing the malfunction of the self-scan, a monitoring sound is generated. However, in this case, it is effective because it is possible to eliminate a situation in which the well-meaning customer CST / A has a feeling of guilt that the unpaid product G has been removed.

The other merchandise information reading apparatus 10B is the same as that of the above-described one merchandise information reading apparatus 10A, and the description of its operation will be omitted.

According to this embodiment, the commodity passing detecting unit (50A, 60A) is connected to the first commodity passing detecting means 50A provided on the fixed commodity information reading unit 30A (32A) side and to the downstream commodity. The second product passing detection means 50A and the second product passing detection means 60A are provided close to the product flow direction XA, and the second product passing detection means 60A provided on the storage space 40A side; The first and second merchandise passage detection means 50A and 60A are formed in a reflective optical detection structure composed of a combination of the light emitters 51 and 61 and the light receivers 52 and 62, and the reflection is the second merchandise passage detection means 60A. The optical detection structure is designed such that the second detection light beam B2 emitted from the light emitter 61 is directed to the downstream side in the product flow direction XA and is inclined by an angle θ2 in a direction approaching the horizontal plane HF. Since the only configuration, the first product passing detecting means 50A and the second product passage detection means 60A
And the distance between the first detection light beam B1 and the second detection light beam B2 emitted from the first product passage detection means 50A (51). By increasing L, it is difficult to detect the passage of goods for which a self-scan has not been completed by a well-meaning customer.
A fraudulent act of placing on A can be detected without fail, and the overall size, weight, and cost can be reduced.

Further, each of the second detection light beams B2 has a horizontal plane HF.
, The detection area that covers the opening of the basket CD can be established.
Can be reliably detected even if is thrown into the basket CD or thrown around.

Each of the reflection type optical detection structures 60A1, 60A2, 60 constituting the second commodity passing detecting means 60A.
Since A3 is mounted via the tilt holding bracket 63 shown in FIG. 7, the tilt angle θ2 with respect to the horizontal plane HF can be easily adjusted, and the applicability is wide.

Further, since the frame 35A forming the second detection window 34A has a triangular shape, the step between the product information reading unit 30A and the downstream product storage 40A can be reduced, and the first detection window 33A Is not blocked by the product G or the like. Therefore, the detection operation of the first product passage detection unit 50A can be guaranteed.

Further, the commodity passing detection unit (50A, 6
0A), the normal sound (S in FIG.
T14), it is configured to generate a monitoring sound (ST18) and to display guidance guidance (ST15, 19), so that fraudulent acts can be reliably prevented, and those who are unskilled in self-scan can be kindly guided. With 2 lanes (10
A, 10B), two cashiers CST-A, CST-B can be processed smoothly and promptly by one cashier CHR, and no significant mental burden is imposed on fraud prevention.

Further, the reflection type optical detection structure as the second commodity passage detecting means 60A is formed by a plurality of combinations 60A1, 60A2, 60A3 of the light emitting device 61 and the light receiving device 62, and each combination 60A1, 60A2, 60A3. Are tilted by an angle θ2 in a direction toward the downstream side in the product flow direction XA and approaching the horizontal plane HF, and the respective second detection beams B2, B2 , B2 are mounted so as to be separated from each other in a direction orthogonal to the product flow direction XA as going toward the downstream side of the product flow direction XA as shown in FIG. Even if it is thrown into the storage space 40A or placed around the detour, it is possible to reliably detect the passage of the goods by any of the second detection light beams B1, Fraud Product Ruff scan incomplete from being placed on the downstream side products Area 40A can be more reliably prevented.

Each of the reflection type optical detection structures 60A1, 60A
0A2 and 60A3 are rotation adjustment mechanisms (63,
63H, 65, 66).
Wide applicability because the fan-shaped detection area can be scaled and adjusted,
In addition, it is possible to more reliably detect the passage of goods.

Further, if the second commodity passing detecting means 60A is 3
Reflective optical detection structures 60A1, 60A2, 60A3
Therefore, the cost can be significantly reduced as compared with the case of the conventional example (FIGS. 13 and 14).

Further, one reflection type optical detection structure, which is the first product passage detecting means 50A, is disposed on the customer end side 31AT of the fixed product information reading unit 30A (32A), and is radiated from the light emitter 51. Customer side 31A where the first detection light beam B1 crosses the product flow direction XA
Since it is configured so as to be inclined at an angle θ11 in a direction toward the side 31AR opposite to T and approaching the horizontal plane 31A (HF), the cost can be further reduced and the product G transferred in the product flow direction XA. For example, even if the posture is inclined in the horizontal plane HF, it can be reliably detected with one first detection light beam B1, and the self-scan operation can be further facilitated.

Further, the reflection type optical detection structure (50)
Since A) can be tilt-adjusted via the bracket 53 shown in FIG. 6, the angle θ11 can be easily adjusted by replacing the tilt holding bracket 53, so that the present invention is widely applicable.

Further, the first detection light beam B1 has an angle θ.
Since not only 11 but also the angle θ12 shown in FIG. 3 is inclined, the interval L can be further increased.

In the above embodiment, the first commodity passing detecting means 50A is provided with one reflection type optical detecting structure (light emitting device 5).
1, the light receiver 52), but the first product passage detection means 50A may be implemented even if it is configured to use the scanning light output from the reading unit 32A of the product information reading unit 30A. it can.

[0084]

As apparent from the above description, claim 1
According to the invention, the commodity passing detection unit is constituted by the first commodity passing detecting means provided on the fixed type commodity information reading unit side and the second commodity passing detecting means provided on the downstream commodity storage side. In addition, the first product passage detection means and the second product passage detection means are provided in the direction of the product flow, and the first and second product passage detection means are formed by a combination of a light emitter and a light receiver. Shaped optical detection structure,
A configuration in which a reflection type optical detection structure as a second product passage detecting means is attached so that a second detection light beam emitted from the light emitting device is directed to a downstream side in a product flow direction and inclined in a direction approaching a horizontal plane. Therefore, by arranging the first product passage detecting means and the second product passage detecting means close to each other in the product flow direction, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus, and irradiate the light from the first product passage detecting means. By widening the interval between the first detection light beam and the second detection light beam, it is difficult to detect the passage of goods for which a self-scan has not been completed by a well-meaning customer, and the goods are stored without performing self-scan without permission. In addition, it is possible to reliably detect the passage of an illegal act of placing the camera on a vehicle, and to achieve a reduction in size, weight, and cost as a whole.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the reflection type optical detection structure as the second commodity passage detecting means is formed by a plurality of combinations of the light emitting device and the light receiving device, and each combination is formed by the light emitting device. Each of the second detection light beams emitted from the container is directed to the downstream side in the product flow direction and inclined in a direction approaching the horizontal plane, and furthermore, as each of the second detection light beams goes downstream in the product flow direction, the product flow direction is increased. In addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, the products are thrown into the downstream product storage area from above, or placed in a detour manner, in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention. In this case, it is possible to reliably detect the passage of the product by any one of the second detection light beams and to more reliably prevent a fraudulent act of placing a product that has not completed the self-scan in the downstream product storage area.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, one reflection type optical detection structure, which is the first product passage detecting means, is disposed on the customer end side of the fixed type product information reading unit, and the light emitting device is connected to the reflection type optical detection structure. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the first detection light beam to be irradiated is mounted so as to be directed to an end side opposite to the customer end side crossing the product flow direction and inclined in a direction approaching a horizontal plane. In addition to the effects described above, the cost can be further reduced, and even if the attitude of the product transferred in the product flow direction is inclined in, for example, a horizontal plane, the product can be reliably detected by one first detection light beam. In addition, the self-scanning operation can be further facilitated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is also an external perspective view for explaining a product information reading unit.

FIG. 3 is a front view for explaining a mounting state of first and second merchandise passage detecting means.

FIG. 4 is a side view, similarly viewed from the downstream side, for explaining a mounting state of the first product passage detecting means.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view for explaining an attachment state of the commodity information reading unit and first and second commodity passage detection means.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view for explaining in detail the attachment state of the first product passage detection means.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view for explaining in detail the attachment state of the second product passage detection means.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining irradiation directions of first and second detection light beams.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a connection state between the product passage detection unit and the control unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a use operation based on the detection of a product passing by the product passing detection unit.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a conventional example (single-person system).

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a conventional example (two-person system).

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a conventional example (one lane) of the self-scan method.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining a conventional example (two lanes) of a self-scan method.

[Explanation of symbols]

10A, 10B Merchandise information reading device 20A, 20B Upstream merchandise storage area 30A, 30B Fixed merchandise information reading unit 30AB, 30BB Main body case 31A, 31B Top lid 31AT, 31BT Customer end side 31AR, 31BR Opposite side 32A, 32B Reading unit 33A , 33B First detection window 34A, 34B Second detection window 35A, 35B Frame 36A, 36B Money receiving 37AS, 37BS Start key 37AE, 37BE End key 40A, 40B Downstream merchandise storage 50A, 50B First merchandise passing detection Means (commodity passage detection unit) 51 Light emitting device (reflection type optical detection structure) 52 Light receiver (reflection type optical detection structure) 53 Inclined holding bracket 54 Intermediate plate 60A, 60B Second product passage detection unit (commodity passage detection unit) 60A1, 60A2, 60A3 reflection Type optical detection structure (combination) 61 Light emitter (Reflection type optical detection structure) 62 Light receiver (Reflection type optical detection structure) 63 Inclined bracket 63F Horizontal portion 63H Adjustment groove 63S Inclined portion 65 Convex portion 70 Cashier 71 Controller 72 CPU 73 ROM 74 RAM 75CHR · A, 75CHR · B Cashier's display 75CST · A, 75CST · B Customer display 76A, 76B Electronic buzzer 77A, 77B Electronic buzzer B1 First detection light beam B2 Second detection light beam L interval HF Horizontal plane XA, XB Product flow direction G Product Gt Front end Ge Rear end CU Upstream basket CD Downstream basket

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An upstream merchandise yard, a fixed merchandise information reading unit which allows a customer to self-scan for self-purchased merchandise, and a downstream merchandise arranging unit are arranged in this order along a product flow direction and read fixed merchandise information. In a self-scanning product information reading device provided with a product passing detection unit that detects that a product has passed between the unit and a downstream product storage area, the product passing detection unit is provided on the fixed product information reading unit side. And a second commodity passage detecting means provided on the downstream commodity storage side, and the first commodity passage detecting means and the second commodity passage detecting means provided on the downstream commodity storage side.
And a first and a second product passage detecting means are formed from a reflective optical detection structure comprising a combination of a light emitting device and a light receiving device, and a second product is provided. A reflection type optical detection structure as a passage detection means is attached so that a second detection light beam emitted from the light emitting device is directed to a downstream side in the product flow direction and inclined in a direction approaching a horizontal plane. Self-scan type product information reader. 2. An upstream merchandise yard, a fixed merchandise information reading unit which allows a customer to self-scan for self-purchased merchandise, and a downstream merchandise arranging unit are arranged in this order along the product flow direction and read fixed merchandise information. In a self-scanning product information reading device provided with a product passing detection unit that detects that a product has passed between the unit and a downstream product storage area, the product passing detection unit is provided on the fixed product information reading unit side. And a second commodity passage detecting means provided on the downstream commodity storage side, and the first commodity passage detecting means and the second commodity passage detecting means provided on the downstream commodity storage side.
And the first and second merchandise passage detecting means are formed in a reflection type optical detecting structure comprising a combination of a light emitting device and a light receiving device.
The reflection type optical detection structure, which is the product passage detection means, is formed from a plurality of combinations of light emitters and light receivers, and each combination emits a second detection light beam emitted from each light emitter in the product flow direction. It is attached so that it is inclined toward the downstream side and approaches the horizontal plane, and is further separated from each other in a direction orthogonal to the product flow direction as each second detection light beam goes downstream in the product flow direction. A self-scanning product information reading device characterized by the following: 3. An upstream merchandise yard, a fixed merchandise information reading unit for self-scanning by a customer for self-purchased merchandise, and a downstream merchandise arranging unit are arranged in this order along the product flow direction and fixed merchandise information reading. In a self-scanning product information reading device provided with a product passing detection unit that detects that a product has passed between the unit and a downstream product storage area, the product passing detection unit is provided on the fixed product information reading unit side. And a second commodity passage detecting means provided on the downstream commodity storage side, and the first commodity passage detecting means and the second commodity passage detecting means provided on the downstream commodity storage side.
The first and second goods passage detecting means are formed in a reflection type optical detecting structure comprising a combination of a light emitting device and a light receiving device;
A reflection type optical detection structure, which is a product passage detecting means, is disposed on the customer end side of the fixed product information reading unit, and a first detection light beam emitted from the light emitter crosses the product flow direction. A second detection light beam, which is attached to the opposite side to the customer end side and inclined in a direction approaching a horizontal plane, and is illuminated from the light-emitting device with a reflective optical detection structure serving as second product passage detection means. Are mounted so as to face the downstream side in the product flow direction and incline in a direction approaching a horizontal plane.