JP4843648B2 - Product sales data processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention intends to provide a merchandise sales data processing apparatus for processing sales data of merchandise purchased by a customer by reading information of a wireless tag attached to each merchandise.

  Conventionally, in a merchandise sales data processing apparatus that processes merchandise sales data using a wireless tag (or RFID tag) in which merchandise information is stored in advance, when a merchandise is refilled from a shopping basket into a bag for taking out the merchandise, A system that can read the information of the attached wireless tag and process merchandise sales data is already known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The merchandise sales data processing apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 forms a recess for inserting a shopping cart into a table, and further, an antenna for reading a RFID tag is surrounded around the shopping cart along the inner surface of the recess. It has an arranged structure.
JP 2006-127219 A

  In the conventional merchandise sales data processing apparatus of this type, an antenna for reading a RFID tag has to form a recess for inserting the shopping cart into the table, and surrounds the shopping cart along the inner surface of the recess. Therefore, there is a problem that the structure is complicated and expensive, and the maintenance of the antenna is complicated.

  The present invention has been made based on such circumstances, and its object is to provide a product sales data processing apparatus that is simple in structure and low in cost, and that also facilitates antenna maintenance. is there.

  The present invention relates to a merchandise container having an upper surface as an opening in a merchandise sales data processing apparatus that reads information on a radio tag attached to each merchandise with an antenna and processes merchandise sales data based on the read information of the radio tag. Is provided with a housing hooking frame that is hooked by a flange formed on the periphery of the opening, and an antenna is disposed along the housing hooking frame.

  According to the present invention in which such measures are taken, it is possible to provide a merchandise sales data processing apparatus that is simple in structure and low in cost, and that can easily maintain an antenna.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
This embodiment is a case in which the present invention is applied to a self-type merchandise sales data processing apparatus that enables a shopper himself to perform purchase merchandise registration to payment settlement.

  The external configuration of the self-type merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is schematically shown in FIGS. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 has a display 11 attached to the upper surface of the main body 10. In addition, a soccer stand 12 is attached to a substantially central portion of the front face of the main body 10. Further, a bill insertion slot 131, a coin insertion slot 132, a bill dispensing slot 133, a coin dispensing slot 134, and a receipt issuing slot 141 are formed on the front surface of the main body 10 above the soccer table 12. As shown in FIG. 2, a shopping basket 2, a shopping bag, or the like can be placed on the soccer stand 12.

  The shopping basket 2 has a trapezoidal shape in which the upper surface and the bottom surface are rectangular and the bottom surface has a smaller area than the upper surface, and the upper surface is an opening, and a flange 2a is formed along the periphery of the opening. ing. The shopping basket 2 is used by the shopper in the store and functions as a commodity container. In this embodiment, only one type of shopping basket 2 having a uniform shape is used in the store.

  The merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 has a rectangular container holding frame 15 attached slightly above the soccer stand 12 on one side surface (right side surface in the figure) of the main body 10. The inner area of the container latching frame 15 is substantially equal to or slightly wider than the opening area of the upper surface of the shopping basket 2. As shown in FIG. 2, by inserting the shopping basket 2 from above into the frame of the container latching frame 15 from the lower surface side, the lower surface of the collar 2a formed on the opening periphery of the shopping basket 2 is stored in the container. The shopping basket 2 is latched to the container latch frame 15 in contact with the upper surface of the latch frame 15.

  A weight sensor 161 is provided on the upper surface of the container retaining frame 15. The weight sensor 161 measures the load applied to the container latch frame 15, that is, the total weight of the shopping basket 2 latched on the container latch frame 15. Here, the weight sensor 161 constitutes a detection means.

  A loop antenna 171 for reading a RFID tag is attached to the lower surface of the container retaining frame 15 along the frame. The loop antenna 171 is a magnetic field antenna.

  In this embodiment, a wireless tag is attached to each product. A wireless tag is a small information storage medium composed of an antenna and an IC chip. In addition to a memory for storing information, the IC chip includes a controller, a modulator, a demodulator, etc. for communicating with the outside through the antenna. It has the function of. The wireless tag itself is a passive type that does not have a function of transmitting data, and uses memory power transmitted from a reader / writer 17 to be described later to transmit or receive memory data wirelessly. Write the data to the memory. As shown in FIG. 4, the wireless tag memory attached to each product has an ID unique to the wireless tag and data necessary for registering the product with the wireless tag, that is, a product code and a product name. I remember the price.

  The internal configuration of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 is specifically shown by the block diagram of FIG. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 includes a communication controller 104, an I / O controller 105, and a reader / writer controller 106, in addition to a main controller 101 mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM 102 and a RAM 103 constituting a main storage unit. The communication controller 104 controls data communication with a host computer (store processor) (not shown).

  In addition to the display 11, the I / O controller 105 controls input / output devices such as the automatic change machine 13, the display 11, and the scanner interface 18. The automatic change machine 13 stores the money inserted from the bill insertion slot 131 and the coin insertion slot 132 in a safe, calculates the input amount by counting the money type, and notifies the main controller 101 of the function. Has a function of paying out change corresponding to change data notified from the bank to the banknote payout port 133 and the coin payout port 134. The printer 14 has a function of printing the print data supplied from the main controller 101 on a predetermined receipt sheet and issuing it from the receipt issuing port 141. The scanner interface 18 is connected to a barcode scanner and outputs barcode data read by the scanner to the main controller 101.

  The reader / writer controller 106 controls the reader / writer 17 for reading and writing data with respect to the wireless tag in a contactless manner. The weight data measured by the weight sensor 161 is converted into a digital signal by the analog / digital converter 16 and then input to the reader / writer controller 106.

  The reader / writer 17 has functions such as a modulator, a demodulator, a transmission amplifier, a reception amplifier, and a circulator. That is, when transmission data is input from the reader / writer controller 106, the reader / writer 17 modulates a carrier wave with the transmission data by a modulator to generate a modulated signal. The modulated signal is amplified by the transmission amplifier and then output to the loop antenna 171 via the circulator. Thereby, the radio wave corresponding to the transmission data is radiated from the loop antenna 171.

  On the other hand, when the radio wave transmitted from the wireless tag is received by the loop antenna 171, the received signal is input to the reader / writer 17. The reader / writer 17 takes the received signal from the loop antenna 171 into the receiving amplifier via the circulator, amplifies it, and supplies it to the demodulator. After demodulating the tag data by the demodulator, the tag data is output to the reader / writer controller 106. In this embodiment, the radio frequency used by the reader / writer 17 is a UHF band of 952 to 954 MHz.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the product sales data processing apparatus 1 having such a configuration forms the memory areas of the shopping basket weight memory 51, the wireless tag ID memory 52, and the registered product memory 53 in the RAM 103. In the shopping basket weight memory 51, a weight K of the shopping basket 2 itself (a state in which nothing is accommodated in the shopping basket alone) is set in advance. This weight K can be changed every time the weight of the shopping basket 2 itself changes. In the wireless tag ID memory 52, tag IDs of wireless tags attached to all products by one customer are stored. The registered product memory 53 stores product data such as product codes, product names, and unit prices of all products purchased by one customer.

  Therefore, the main controller 101 processes self-registration and settlement by the customer by executing control of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. At the start of this process, the shopping basket 2 is not latched on the container latching frame 15.

  First, the main controller 101 detects the weight value G measured by the weight sensor 161 via the reader / writer controller 106 as ST (step) 1. Then, as ST2, the weight value G is compared with the set value K of the shopping basket weight memory 51.

  In a state where the shopping basket 2 is not latched on the container retaining frame 15 or a state where the empty shopping basket 2 is latched on the container retaining frame 15, the weight value G is equal to or less than the set value K. . In this case (NO in ST2), the main controller 101 returns to ST1 and continues to detect the weight value G.

  When the customer puts the shopping basket 2 containing the purchased product into the frame of the container retaining frame 15, the collar portion 2 a of the shopping basket 2 comes into contact with the upper surface of the container retaining frame 15. Then, the shopping basket 2 is latched on the container latch frame 15. Then, the weight value G measured by the weight sensor 161 exceeds the set value K. In this case (YES in ST2), the main controller 101 outputs an on control command for the reader / writer 17 to the reader / writer controller 106 in ST3.

  The reader / writer controller 106 that has received this ON control command activates the reader / writer 17. The activated reader / writer 17 radiates a tag ID inquiry radio wave from the loop antenna 171. As a result, a communication area with the wireless tag is formed in the frame of the container retaining frame 15 to which the loop antenna 171 is attached, and below the frame.

  The communication distance of this communication area is determined by the type of the loop antenna 171 and the radio frequency. In this embodiment, a magnetic field antenna is used as the loop antenna 171. Further, the UHF band is used as the radio frequency. For this reason, the communication distance is about 30 centimeters. This distance is substantially equal to the height of the shopping basket 2. Accordingly, the radio wave from the loop antenna 171 can be received by the wireless tag of the product accommodated in the shopping basket 2 that is latched on the container retaining frame 15, even if the product sales data processing is performed. Even if the product exists in the vicinity of the device 1, the wireless tag of the product not accommodated in the shopping basket 2 does not receive the radio wave from the loop antenna 171.

  The customer takes out the products one by one from the shopping basket 2 hooked on the container holding frame 15 and transfers them to another shopping basket or shopping bag placed on the soccer table 12. At this time, the product to which the wireless tag is attached always passes by itself within the frame of the loop antenna 171, that is, within the communication area of the loop antenna 171. Therefore, the radio tag of this product can reliably receive the tag inquiry radio wave from the loop antenna 171.

  The wireless tag that has received the tag ID inquiry radio wave transmits a response wave modulated with the ID stored in the memory. The response wave is received by the loop antenna 171, demodulated into a tag ID by the reader / writer 17, and read by the reader / writer controller 106.

  The main controller 101 that has output the ON control command of the reader / writer 17 clears the wireless tag ID memory 52 and the registered merchandise memory 53 in ST4. After clearing these memories, the main controller 101 detects the measured weight value G of the weight sensor 161 again in ST5. Then, in ST6, it is determined whether or not the weight value G has become a set value K or less.

  The measured weight value G is larger than the set value K in a state where the commodity is stored in the shopping basket 2 that is hooked on the container hooking frame 15. In this case (NO in ST6), the main controller 101 waits for the tag ID of the wireless tag to be read in ST7. When it is detected that the tag ID is read by the reader / writer controller 106 (YES in ST7), the main controller 101 determines whether or not the tag ID is a new ID not stored in the wireless tag ID memory 52 in ST8. to decide. If already stored in the wireless tag ID memory 52 (NO in ST8), the tag ID read from the reader / writer controller 106 is discarded.

  On the other hand, when the tag ID read by the reader / writer controller 106 is a new ID that is not stored in the wireless tag ID memory 52 (YES in ST8), the main controller 101 sets the tag ID as ST9. Is added to the wireless tag ID memory 52. Then, the main controller 101 outputs a memory data reading command of the wireless tag having the tag ID read this time to the reader / writer controller 106 as ST10.

  Upon receiving this read command, the reader / writer controller 106 outputs a read command for the wireless tag with the corresponding tag ID to the reader / writer 17. Then, a radio wave corresponding to this command is radiated from the loop antenna 171. The wireless tag having the corresponding tag ID that has received the radio wave wirelessly transmits memory data, that is, product data. The product data is received by the loop antenna 171, demodulated by the reader / writer 17, and read by the reader / writer controller 106.

  The main controller 101 that has output the memory data reading command waits for the memory data of the wireless tag having the new ID, that is, the product data. When product data is received from the reader / writer controller 106, the product data is added to the registered product memory 53 as ST11. Thereafter, the main controller 101 displays a list of the contents of the registered merchandise memory 53, that is, merchandise data such as merchandise code, merchandise name, price, etc. on the display 11 as ST12.

  The main controller 101 repeatedly executes the processes of ST7 to ST12 until the weight value G measured by the weight sensor 161 becomes equal to or less than the set value K.

  The customer takes out the products stored in the shopping basket 2 hooked on the container holding frame 15 one by one and moves them to another shopping basket or shopping bag placed on the soccer table 12. In this way, when all the products stored in the shopping basket 2 are transferred to the shopping basket or shopping bag of the soccer table 12, or when the shopping basket 2 is removed from the container retaining frame 15, the measured weight value G is set to the set value K. It becomes as follows. In this case (YES in ST6), the main controller 101 outputs an off control command for the reader / writer 17 to the reader / writer controller 106 in ST13.

  The reader / writer controller 106 that has received this off control command stops the reader / writer 17. Thereby, the transmission of the tag ID inquiry radio wave is stopped.

  The main controller 101 that has output the off control command determines whether or not product data is stored in the registered product memory 53 in ST14. For example, when a load equal to or greater than the set value K is applied to the weight sensor 161 other than the shopping basket 2 in which the product is accommodated, and then the load is removed, the product data is not stored in the registered product memory 53. In this case (NO in ST14), the current process ends.

  On the other hand, when the shopping basket 2 in which the purchased product is stored is hooked on the container retaining frame 15, as described above, when the purchased product is taken out from the shopping basket 2, it is attached to the purchased product. The product data such as the product code, product name, and price of the product to which the wireless tag is attached is read via the loop antenna 171 and stored in the registered product memory 53.

  As described above, when all the products stored in the shopping basket 2 are transferred to the shopping basket or the shopping bag of the soccer table 12, the data of all the products stored in the shopping basket 2 are stored in the registered product memory 53. The In this case (YES in ST14), the main controller 101 executes a settlement process for the purchased product as ST15. That is, the billed amount is calculated based on the product data stored in the registered product memory 53 and displayed on the display 11. In this state, the amount of money to be inserted into the automatic change machine 13 from the bill insertion slot 131 or the coin insertion slot 132 is waited. If there is change, the automatic change machine 13 is instructed to change change. The automatic change machine 13 that has received this command arranges the change and pays it out from the banknote payout port 133 or the coin payout port 134. This is the end of the current process.

  As described above, after the shopping basket 2 containing the product purchased by the shopper is hooked on the container holding frame 15 attached to one side portion of the main body 10 of the product sales data processing apparatus 1, this shopping is performed. The sales data of the purchased product is automatically registered in the product sales data processing device 1 simply by taking out the product from the basket 2 and transferring it to another shopping basket or shopping bag. Therefore, compared to the conventional technology in which a recess for inserting a shopping basket is formed in the table and the antenna for reading the RFID tag is arranged so as to surround the shopping basket along the inner surface of the recess, the existing product sales data Since only the container retaining frame 15 is attached to the processing apparatus 1, the structure is simple and it can be realized at low cost. In addition, since the loop antenna 171 is simply pasted to the bottom surface of the container retaining frame 15, the mounting work of the antenna is simple, and maintenance when a failure occurs in the antenna is easy.

  Further, the container retaining frame 15 is attached slightly above the soccer table 12 on which a shopping basket or a shopping bag for transfer is placed. For this reason, the operation | work at the time of transferring goods to the shopping basket and shopping bag of the soccer stand 12 from the shopping basket latched on the container latching frame 15 can be done with a natural posture without bending forward. Therefore, workability is good.

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

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the shape of the container retaining frame 15 is rectangular, but this shape depends on the shape of a commodity container such as a shopping basket that is latched on the retaining frame 15. To do.

  In the above embodiment, the loop antenna 171 is attached to the bottom surface of the container retaining frame 15. However, the loop antenna 171 may be attached to the upper surface of the container retaining frame 15. Alternatively, the loop antenna 171 may be attached along the inner peripheral surface of the frame of the container retaining frame 15, or the loop antenna 171 may be embedded in the frame.

  Further, the loop antenna 171 is not necessarily a magnetic field antenna. Similarly, the use frequency band of the reader / writer 17 is not limited to the UHF band. However, since the communication distance of the magnetic field antenna is shorter than that of other antennas, only the wireless tag in the shopping basket 2 hooked on the container hooking frame 15 can be used by using the UHF band as the frequency band to be used. This antenna is suitable for reading.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the weight sensor 161 was provided in the upper surface of the loop antenna 171 as a detection means, a detection means is not limited to this. For example, the container retaining frame 15 may be structured to move downward by the load, and the amount of movement may be measured as the weight added to the container retaining frame 15.

  Moreover, you may make it detect whether the shopping basket 2 is latched by the container latching frame 15 using an optical sensor instead of a weight sensor. In this case, the reader / writer 17 is activated in response to detecting that the shopping basket 2 is latched on the container retaining frame 15, and then the shopping basket 2 is removed from the container retaining frame 15. When this is detected, the reader / writer 17 is controlled to stop.

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

The schematic diagram which shows the external appearance structure of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus which is one embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the usage example of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus in the embodiment. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus in the embodiment. 4 is a diagram showing a memory data structure of a wireless tag used in the embodiment. FIG. The figure which shows the main memory areas formed in RAM of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main control procedures which the main controller of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus in the embodiment performs.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Merchandise sales data processing apparatus, 2 ... Shopping basket, 2a ... Buttocks, 11 ... Display, 12 ... Soccer stand, 13 ... Automatic change tree, 15 ... Container retaining frame, 17 ... Reader / writer, 51 ... Shopping Basket weight memory 52... RFID tag memory 53. Registered product memory 101... Main controller 161. Weight sensor 171 Loop antenna

Claims (4)

In the product sales data processing device for reading the information of the wireless tag attached to each product with an antenna and processing the product sales data based on the read information of the wireless tag,
A container holding frame for hooking a product container having an opening on the upper surface with a flange formed on the periphery of the opening is provided,
A merchandise sales data processing apparatus, wherein the antenna is disposed along the container retaining frame.   The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is a magnetic field antenna. Detecting means for detecting that the container is hooked on the container hooking frame;
3. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a reading operation of the wireless tag by the antenna is started in response to detecting that the container is hooked by the detecting means. The detection means is a weight sensor for detecting a load on the container retaining frame,
When a load larger than the weight of the container itself is detected, the wireless tag reading operation by the antenna is started, and then the reading operation is stopped when the measured value by the weight sensor becomes less than the weight of the container itself. 4. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein

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