JP5079842B2 - Product sales data processing apparatus and control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a merchandise sales data processing apparatus such as a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal that processes merchandise sales data based on information of a wireless tag attached to each product.

  In recent years, a system for identifying an individual using a wireless tag, a so-called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system, has attracted attention in the distribution field.

  For example, shoplifting prevention systems and inventory management systems using RFID systems have already been put into practical use. In addition, a POS (Point Of Sales) system using a wireless tag instead of a barcode is also being studied for practical use.

  In a POS system using a bar code, the bar code attached to a product must be read and operated one by one with a scanner. On the other hand, when the wireless tag is used, the data of the wireless tag attached to each of a plurality of products can be collectively read. Therefore, the labor and time required for accounting can be greatly simplified.

  However, privacy infringement becomes a problem when wireless tags are attached to all commodities. In other words, since the wireless tag reader reads wireless tag data using wireless communication, the wireless tag data can be read in a non-contact manner even from a certain distance from the wireless communication range. For this reason, as long as anyone has a wireless tag reader, for example, it is possible to know information on the goods contained therein without looking into another person's bag. Alternatively, information such as clothes and accessories worn by others can be easily obtained.

  In order to solve such a problem, various techniques for invalidating a wireless tag attached to a product by a wireless tag reader when purchasing the product have been proposed. However, if the wireless tag is invalidated at the time of product purchase, the product cannot be returned.

  Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes a wireless tag that becomes invalid after a predetermined period has elapsed when an invalidation instruction is input from the outside in order to deal with returned goods while reducing the risk of information leakage. Has been.

JP 2006-178770 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, if anyone has a wireless tag reader within a period from when a product is purchased to when a predetermined period elapses, information on the wireless tag attached to the product is stored. Can be read. For this reason, it was insufficient in terms of security. Further, when the predetermined period has passed, the wireless tag could not be used at all.

  The present invention has been made based on such circumstances. The purpose of the present invention is to prevent the leakage of information of a wireless tag attached to a product for which accounting has been completed from immediately after accounting, while the wireless tag is always attached. An object of the present invention is to provide a merchandise sales data processing apparatus and its control program that can be used effectively.

  The product sales data processing apparatus of the present invention is an interface to which a wireless tag reader / writer capable of reading information in the memory by wireless communication from a wireless tag having a memory and writing data to the memory is connected, A wireless tag is attached based on a read tag table for storing information of each wireless tag read by a wireless tag reader / writer from a wireless tag attached to each of a plurality of products purchased by one customer, and information read from the wireless tag. Sales processing means for processing the sales data of each product, receipt issuing means for issuing a receipt on which the details of each product sales data processed by the sales processing means are printed, and information stored in the reading tag table is stored Password that writes the same password to the memory of each RFID tag A writing means, in which a password printing means for printing the password on the receipt.

  According to the present invention in which such measures are taken, the wireless tag attached to the product can be effectively activated at any time while preventing information leakage of the wireless tag attached to the product for which accounting has been completed immediately after accounting. It is possible to provide a product sales data processing apparatus that can be utilized and a control program thereof.

The whole block diagram which shows the 1st and 2nd embodiment of this invention. The memory structure figure of the wireless tag attached | subjected to each goods in 1st Embodiment. The block block diagram of the POS terminal in 1st Embodiment. The block diagram of the reading tag table in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the receipt printed and issued in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the merchandise registration procedure which CPU of each POS terminal performs in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the registration payment procedure which CPU of each POS terminal performs in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the alarm personal computer in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the returned goods registration procedure which CPU of each POS terminal performs in 1st Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the wireless tag reading program in the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the password input screen displayed on the display for operators of each POS terminal in 1st Embodiment. The memory structure figure in the EPC type radio | wireless tag which is the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the merchandise registration procedure which CPU of each POS terminal performs in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the registration payment procedure which CPU of each POS terminal performs in 2nd Embodiment.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is a case where the present invention is applied to a store in which each product is sold with a wireless tag attached to each product.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a store. In the store 1, a POS system 2 and a shoplifting prevention system 3 are constructed. The POS system 2 is composed of a plurality of POS terminals 4 and a store server 5 which is a host machine. The shoplifting prevention system 3 includes a pair of gate type antennas 6a and 6b, a wireless tag reader 7, and an alarm personal computer 8. A LAN (Local Area Network) 9 is laid in the store 1, and the POS terminals 4, the store server 5, and the alarm personal computer 8 are connected to the LAN 9.

  Each POS terminal 4 is an aspect of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to the present invention, and is installed on or near the checkout counter. A wireless tag reader / writer 10 is connected to each POS terminal 4. Each wireless tag reader / writer 10 accesses the wireless tag existing in the communication area of the planar antenna 11 using wireless communication, reads data from the memory of the wireless tag that responds, and writes data to the memory. Sloppy. Each planar antenna 11 is provided above or below the checkout counter. Alternatively, it may be embedded in a checkout counter.

  When a product purchased by a customer is placed above the planar antenna 11, information on a wireless tag attached to the product is read by the wireless tag reader / writer 10. The wireless tag stores a product ID for identifying a product to which the tag is attached. The wireless tag information is sent to the POS terminal 4 via the wireless tag reader / writer 10. The POS terminal 4 processes the sales data of the product with the wireless tag based on the information on the wireless tag.

  The store server 5 is a computer that collects and aggregates product sales data processed by each POS terminal 4 and manages store sales, product inventory, and the like. The store server 5 stores a product master file 12. In the product master file 12, the product name, unit price, classification code, classification name, supplier code, supplier name, etc. of the product identified by the product ID are associated with the product ID of each product. Various information is preset. The product ID is generally referred to as a single product code, JAN code, PLU code, or the like.

  The pair of gate antennas 6 a and 6 b are attached to the entrance of the store 1. The wireless tag reader 7 accesses the wireless tag passing between the gate type antennas 6a and 6b using wireless communication, and determines whether there is a response. The alarm personal computer 8 constantly monitors the wireless tag reader 7 and issues an alarm when it detects that the wireless tag has responded.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the wireless tag attached to the product sold in the store is caused to respond to the wireless tag reader 7, and the wireless tag attached to the product checked by the POS terminal 4 is not responded. . In this way, when an item for which accounting has not been completed is taken out from the store 1, an alarm is issued from the alarm personal computer 8, so shoplifting can be prevented.

  In addition, a Web server 13 is installed in the store 1. The installation location of the Web server 13 may be either inside or outside the store 1. The WEB server 13 publishes a product database 14 and a wireless tag reading program 15 on the Web. The product database 14 is a collection of various information regarding the product, such as the product ID, product name, and unit price of each product. The product database 14 is created based on the data of the product master file 12. For example, the product database 14 is created by connecting the store server 5 and the Web server 13 via a network and downloading the data of the product master file 12 from the store server 5 to the Web server 13. Alternatively, the data of the product database 14 created by the store server 5 is stored in a storage medium, and the product database 14 is created by the Web server 13 reading the data of the storage medium.

  The wireless tag reading program 15 is an application program for reading information on a wireless tag attached to each product.

  An unspecified number of users operate an Internet-compatible information processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a user terminal) 21 such as a personal computer and access the Web server 13 via the Internet 22. By doing so, the product database 14 can be browsed or the wireless tag reading program 15 can be downloaded. The user terminal 21 that has downloaded the wireless tag reading program 15 can read wireless tag information by connecting the wireless tag reader 23.

  FIG. 2 is a memory structure diagram of a wireless tag attached to each product in the present embodiment. The wireless tag memory is divided into an ID area 31, a user area 32, and a password area 33. In the ID area 31, a unique ID (referred to as a tag ID) for individually identifying the wireless tag is stored. The user area 32 stores a product ID of a product to which the wireless tag is attached. The password area 33 stores a password for restricting access to the memory of the wireless tag.

  As the password, a random number generated in a range that can be expressed by 2 bytes (01 to FF: hexadecimal) is used. When this password is “00”, it is not set. In this embodiment, a password is not set for a wireless tag attached to a product for which accounting is not performed. When accounting is performed, a password is set in the wireless tag attached to the product by the action of the POS terminal 4.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the POS terminal 4. The POS terminal 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41 as a control unit main body. The CPU 41 is connected to the ROM (Read Only Memory) 43, the RAM (Random Access Memory) 44, the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 45, the LAN controller 46, the tag reader / writer interface 47, via the address bus and the data bus 42. A keyboard controller 48, a first display controller 49, a second display controller 50, a printer controller 51, and an I / O (Input / Output) port 52 are connected.

  The ROM 43 stores a fixed program or the like in advance. The RAM 44 has a work area for temporarily storing various data. The HDD 45 stores variable programs and various data files. A LAN 9 is connected to the LAN controller 46. The tag reader / writer interface 47 is connected to the wireless tag reader / writer 10.

  A keyboard 53 is connected to the keyboard controller 48. An operator display 54 is connected to the first display controller 49. A customer display 55 is connected to the second display controller 50. A printer 56 having a receipt printing function is connected to the printer controller 51. A drawer 57 for storing cash or the like is connected to the I / O port 52.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the reading tag table 60. The reading tag table 60 is one type of work area formed in the RAM 44, and includes a tag ID area 61 and a product ID area 62 for each series of table numbers.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a receipt 70 printed and issued by the printer 56 of each POS terminal 4. A product tag reuse password 71 is printed on the receipt 70. The product tag reuse password 71 will be described later.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a product registration procedure executed by the CPU 41 of each POS terminal 4. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a registration settlement procedure executed by the CPU 41. In the following, accounting operations for products purchased by one customer will be described using these flowcharts.

  When an accounting operation occurs, the operator of the POS terminal 4 first places a product for accounting on the flat antenna 11. When there are a plurality of products, they are put together on the planar antenna 11. Next, a registration key provided on the keyboard 53 is pressed.

  The CPU 41 of the POS terminal 4 in the idle state is waiting for the registration key to be operated as ST (step) 1. When it is confirmed that the registration key is operated by a signal from the keyboard controller 48 (YES in ST1), the CPU 41 clears the reading tag table 60 as ST2.

  Next, the CPU 41 transmits a reading start command to the wireless tag reader / writer 10 through the tag reader / writer interface 47 as ST3. Accordingly, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 radiates a tag inquiry radio wave from the planar antenna 11. At this time, when a wireless tag exists in the communication area of the planar antenna 11 and responds to this inquiry radio wave, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 displays the tag ID stored in the ID area 31 of the wireless tag that has made this response. Read and notify the POS terminal 4.

  After transmitting the reading start command, the CPU 41 waits for the tag ID as ST4. If the tag ID is detected via the tag reader / writer interface 47 (YES in ST4), the CPU 41 determines whether or not the tag ID is a new tag ID not yet stored in the read tag table 60 as ST5. to decide. If the tag ID is stored in the read tag table 60 and is not a new tag (NO in ST5), the CPU 41 returns to the process in ST4. That is, it waits for the next tag ID to be detected.

  If the detected tag ID is a new tag ID that is not stored in the read tag table 60 (YES in ST5), the CPU 41 reads a user area read command for the wireless tag identified by the tag ID as ST6. Is transmitted to the wireless tag reader / writer 10. No password is specified for the user area read command.

  In response to the user area read command, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag identified by the tag ID. At this time, if the password is not set in the password area 33 of the wireless tag, that is, “00”, the data stored in the user area 32 of the wireless tag is read by the wireless tag reader / writer 10.

  After transmitting the user area read command, the CPU 41 waits for data in the user area 32 as ST7. If data in the user area 32 is detected via the tag reader / writer interface 47 (YES in ST7), the CPU 41 acquires a product ID from the data as ST8.

  Next, the CPU 41 associates the acquired product ID and the new tag ID in ST9 and stores them in the reading tag table 60. In ST10, the product master file 12 is searched with the product ID, and the product information stored corresponding to the product ID is read. In ST11, the product name, price, and the like are acquired from the product information and displayed on the operator display 54 and the customer display 55.

  Thereafter, the CPU 41 returns to the process of ST4. That is, it waits for the next tag ID to be detected. Even if the data in the user area 32 cannot be detected even after a predetermined time has passed after the user area read command is transmitted (NO in ST7), the CPU 41 returns to the process in ST4 and returns to the next tag ID. Wait for it to be detected.

  Accordingly, when the registration key is pressed while the accounting target product is placed on the flat antenna 11, the wireless tag attached to the accounting target product has no password, so , That is, the product ID is read by the wireless tag reader / writer 10. Then, product sales data is processed based on the product ID.

  Further, the tag ID and the product ID of this wireless tag are stored in the reading tag table 60. At this time, when a plurality of commodities subject to accounting are placed above the planar antenna 11, the information of the wireless tags attached to the respective products is sequentially read by the wireless tag reader / writer 10, and the respective tag IDs and commodities are read. IDs are sequentially stored in the reading tag table 60. Further, the product name, price, etc. of the product information corresponding to the product ID are displayed on the operator display 54 and the customer display 55.

  Therefore, the operator determines from the display content of the operator display 54 whether or not all the information of the wireless tag attached to the accounting target product has been read. If it is confirmed that the reading has been performed, the operator presses a subtotal key provided on the keyboard 53.

  The CPU 41 of the POS terminal 4 in the tag ID detection standby state determines whether or not the subtotal key is operated in ST12. When it is confirmed that the subtotal key has been operated by a signal from the keyboard controller 48 (YES in ST12), the CPU 41 transmits a reading stop command to the wireless tag reader / writer 10 via the tag reader / writer interface 47 as ST13. . Thereby, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 stops emitting the tag inquiry radio wave.

  After transmitting the reading stop command, the CPU 41 calculates an accounting amount of the accounting target product in ST14 and displays the accounting amount on the operator display 54 and the customer display 55.

  The operator then receives payment for the accounting amount from the customer. When payment is received, the fastening key provided on the keyboard 53 is pressed.

  The POS terminal 4 that has finished the merchandise registration process moves to a registration settlement process. That is, the CPU 41 waits for the tightening key to be operated as ST21. When confirming that the tightening key has been operated by a signal from the keyboard controller 48 (YES in ST21), the CPU 41 executes a registered tightening process as ST22. This processing includes change calculation, sales data update, receipt printing, journal recording, and the like.

  When the registration closing process is completed, the CPU 41 generates a 2-byte random number in ST23, and uses the random number as a password p for restricting access to the memory of the wireless tag (password generation means).

  After generating the password p, the CPU 41 transmits a write start command to the wireless tag reader / writer 10 via the tag reader / writer interface 47 as ST24. Accordingly, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 radiates a tag inquiry radio wave from the planar antenna 11. At this time, when a wireless tag exists in the communication area of the planar antenna 11 and responds to this inquiry radio wave, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 displays the tag ID stored in the ID area 31 of the wireless tag that has made this response. Read and notify the POS terminal 4.

  After transmitting the write start command, the CPU 41 clears the table number counter N to “0” as ST25. The table number counter N is formed in the RAM 44, for example. Thereafter, the CPU 41 increments the table number counter N by “1” in ST26. In ST27, it is determined whether or not the table number counter N has exceeded the number of wireless tags read in the current product registration process, that is, the number of read tags.

  When the table number counter N does not exceed the number of read tags (NO in ST27), the CPU 41 acquires the tag ID stored in the table number N of the read tag table 60 as ST28. In ST29, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 waits for the tag ID to be read.

  If it is detected that the tag ID has been read via the wireless tag reader / writer 10, the CPU 41 transmits a password write command for the wireless tag identified by the tag ID to the wireless tag reader / writer 10 in ST30. . This command includes the password p generated in the process of ST23. In response to this command, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag identified by the tag ID, and writes the password p in the password area 33 (password writing means).

  After transmitting the password write command, the CPU 41 returns to the process of ST26. That is, the table number counter N is further incremented by “1” (ST26). Then, the tag ID stored in the table number N of the read tag table 60 is acquired (ST28). If this tag ID is read (YES in ST29), the password for the wireless tag identified by this tag ID A write command is transmitted to the wireless tag reader / writer 10 (ST30). Thereafter, the processes of ST26 to ST30 are repeatedly executed until the table number counter N exceeds the number of read tags.

  Therefore, the same password p is written in each password area for each wireless tag whose tag ID is stored in the read tag table 60.

  If the table number counter N exceeds the number of read tags (YES in ST27), the CPU 41 transmits a write stop command to the wireless tag reader / writer 10 via the tag reader / writer interface 47 as ST31. Thereby, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 stops emitting the tag inquiry radio wave.

  After transmitting the write stop command, the CPU 41 converts the password p into a decimal number in ST32. Then, the printer 56 is controlled as ST33, and the decimal password p is printed on the receipt 70 as the product tag reuse password 71. That is, the password p written in the wireless tag is output in a form that can be recognized by the purchaser of the product with the wireless tag attached (password output means). Thereafter, the CPU 41 issues a receipt 70 as ST34.

  The operator gives the receipt 70 issued from the POS terminal 4 to the customer. The customer who receives the receipt leaves the store with the finished product. In the wireless tag attached to this product, the same password p is written in the password area 33 of the memory. The wireless tag in which the password p is written does not respond to the user area read command from the wireless tag reader or the wireless tag reader / writer unless a matching password is designated.

  Therefore, the alarm PC 8 is configured to operate according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the alarm personal computer 8 transmits a reading start command to the wireless tag reader 7 as ST41 after the system is started up. Thereby, the wireless tag reader 710 radiates radio waves for tag inquiry from the gate type antennas 6a and 6b. Then, when the wireless tag passes between the gated antennas 6a and 6b and responds to the inquiry radio wave, the wireless tag reader 7 reads the tag ID stored in the ID area 31 of the wireless tag that has made this response, The alarm PC 8 is notified.

  After transmitting the reading start command, the alarm personal computer 8 waits for the tag ID as ST42. If the tag ID is detected via the wireless tag reader 7 (YES in ST62), the alarm personal computer 8 sends a user area read command for the wireless tag identified by the tag ID to the wireless tag reader / writer 10 in ST63. Send. No password is specified for this user area read command.

  After transmitting the user area read command, the alarm personal computer 8 waits for data in the user area 32 as ST44. If the data in the user area 32 cannot be read (NO in ST44), the process returns to ST42 and waits for detection of the next tag ID.

  On the other hand, when the data in the user area 32 can be read (YES in ST44), the alarm personal computer 8 issues an alarm as ST45. For example, an alarm is sounded. Alternatively, the alarm lamp is turned on. Thereafter, the process returns to ST42 and waits for the next tag ID to be detected.

  As described above, the password p is written in the wireless tag of the product for which accounting has been completed. Therefore, when the customer leaves the store with the finished product, no warning is issued. However, no password is set for a wireless tag attached to an unaccounted item. For this reason, when a customer tries to leave a store with an unaccounted item, an alarm is issued. That is, the shoplifting prevention function works effectively.

  In addition, although the wireless tag is attached as it is to the finished product, in order to read the information in the user area 32 of the wireless tag with the wireless tag reader, the password p set in the password area 33 is known. There is a need. In other words, unless the password p is known, the information in the user area 32 of the wireless tag attached to the product is not read immediately after the product is purchased. The password p is printed on the receipt 70, but is not known to others unless the receipt 70 is viewed. Therefore, there is very little risk of information leakage such that personal privacy is infringed from information on the wireless tag attached to the product.

  By the way, in a store, a customer may offer a return of an accounted item. In that case, it is necessary to confirm whether or not this product has been purchased at the store itself. Even if the purchase history of the return target product is recorded on the receipt, it is not certain whether the returned product itself is a product printed on the receipt. The POS terminal 4 can cope with such a return business.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a return registration procedure executed by the CPU 41 of each POS terminal 4. Hereinafter, the returned goods business of 1 goods is demonstrated using this flowchart.

  When a return operation occurs, the operator of the POS terminal 4 first places one item to be returned above the planar antenna 11. Further, the customer is requested to present the receipt 70 when purchasing the return target product. Thereafter, a return key provided on the keyboard 53 is pressed.

  The CPU 41 of the POS terminal 4 in the idle state waits for the return key to be operated as ST51. When it is confirmed that the return key has been operated by a signal from the keyboard controller 48 (YES in ST51), the CPU 41 displays a password input screen 80 on the operator display 54 as ST52 (password accepting means).

An example of the password input screen 80 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, a password input field 81 and an OK button 82 are displayed on the password input screen 80.
Therefore, the operator operates the keyboard 53 to input the product tag reuse password 71 printed on the receipt 70 presented by the customer into the input field 81 and then inputs the OK button 82.

  After displaying the password input screen 80, the CPU 41 waits for input of a password in ST53. Then, as described above, if the product tag reuse password 71 is input in the input field 81 and the OK button 82 is further input, the CPU 41 sets the product tag reuse password 71 in the input field 81 in hexadecimal as ST54. To password p.

  Next, the CPU 41 transmits a reading start command to the wireless tag reader / writer 10 via the tag reader / writer interface 47 in ST55. Accordingly, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 radiates a tag inquiry radio wave from the planar antenna 11. At this time, when a wireless tag exists in the communication area of the planar antenna 11 and responds to this inquiry radio wave, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 displays the tag ID stored in the ID area 31 of the wireless tag that has made this response. Read and notify the POS terminal 4.

  After transmitting the reading start command, the CPU 41 waits for the tag ID as ST56. If the tag ID is detected via the tag reader / writer interface 47 (YES in ST56), the CPU 41 transmits a user area read command for the wireless tag identified by the tag ID to the wireless tag reader / writer 10 in ST57. To do. At this time, the password p is specified for the user area reading command (tag information reading means).

  In response to the user area read command, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag identified by the tag ID. At this time, if the password p is set in the password area 33 of the wireless tag, the data stored in the user area 32 is read by the wireless tag reader / writer 10.

  After transmitting the user area read command, the CPU 41 waits for data in the user area 32 as ST58. If data in the user area 32 is detected via the tag reader / writer interface 47 (YES in ST58), the CPU 41 acquires a product ID from the data as ST59.

  Next, the CPU 41 searches the product master file 12 with the product ID in ST60 and reads the product information stored corresponding to the product ID. In ST61, the product name, price, etc. are acquired from the product information and displayed on the operator display 54 and the customer display 55.

  Thereafter, the CPU 41 transmits a reading stop command to the wireless tag reader / writer 10 via the tag reader / writer interface 47 as ST62. Thereby, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 stops emitting the tag inquiry radio wave.

  On the other hand, if data in the user area 32 cannot be detected in response to the transmission of the user area read command specifying the password p (NO in ST58), the CPU 41 displays a password error message on the operator display 54 in ST63. Is displayed.

  If the tag ID cannot be detected in response to the transmission of the read start command (NO in ST56), the CPU 41 displays a tag error message on the operator display 54 as ST64. After displaying these error messages, the CPU 41 transmits a reading stop command to the wireless tag reader / writer 10.

  Therefore, when the product name and price of the product to be returned are displayed, it can be determined that the product is a product sold at the store. On the other hand, if a password error or tag error is displayed, it cannot be determined whether the product is sold at the store. In this case, it will be confirmed by another method.

  In the present embodiment, the product is provided to the customer with the wireless tag attached. It is preferable that the customer can effectively use the information of the wireless tag. Therefore, in this embodiment, a wireless tag reading program 15 for reading wireless tag information from the Web server 13 of the store is distributed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the RFID tag reading program 15. The CPU of the user terminal 21 in which the wireless tag reading program 15 is installed operates according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 when the wireless tag reading program 15 is activated.

  First, the CPU displays a password input screen on the display of the user terminal 21 as ST71. In ST72, the process waits for a password to be input. When a value corresponding to the product tag reuse password 71 is input, the CPU converts the value input as ST73 into a hexadecimal password p.

  Next, the CPU transmits a reading start command to the wireless tag reader 23 as ST74. As a result, the wireless tag reader 23 radiates a tag inquiry radio wave from the antenna. At this time, when the wireless tag exists in the antenna communication area and responds to the inquiry radio wave, the wireless tag reader 23 reads the tag ID stored in the ID area 31 of the wireless tag that has made this response, and the user terminal 21 is notified.

  After transmitting the reading start command, the CPU waits for the tag ID as ST74. If the tag ID read by the wireless tag reader 23 is detected (YES in ST74), the CPU of the user terminal 21 sends a user area read command for the wireless tag identified by the tag ID to the wireless tag reader 23 in ST75. Send. The password p is specified for the user area read command at this time.

  In response to the user area read command, the wireless tag reader 23 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag identified by the tag ID. At this time, if the password p is set in the password area 33 of the wireless tag, the data stored in the user area 32 is read by the wireless tag reader 23.

  After transmitting the user area read command, the CPU waits for data in the user area 32 as ST76. If data in the user area 32 read by the wireless tag reader 23 is detected (YES in ST76), the CPU 41 acquires a product ID from the data as ST77.

  Next, the CPU accesses the Web server 13 via the Internet 22 as ST78. And the product information memorize | stored corresponding to the said product ID is read from the product database 14 currently open | released by this Web server 13. FIG. Then, as ST79, the product information is displayed on the display of the user terminal 21 using a browser.

  Thereafter, the CPU transmits a reading stop command to the wireless tag reader 23 in ST80. Thereby, the wireless tag reader 23 stops emitting the tag inquiry radio wave.

  Next, the CPU waits for selection of processing for the next product, selection of storage processing, or selection of program termination. When processing for the next product is selected (YES in ST81), the CPU waits for an instruction as to whether or not to change the password in ST82. When receiving a command not changing the password (NO in ST82), the CPU proceeds to the process in ST74. That is, the reading start command is transmitted to the wireless tag reader 23 again.

  When receiving the instruction to change the password, the CPU proceeds to the process of ST71. That is, a password input screen is displayed on the display. When a value corresponding to the product tag reuse password 71 is input and converted to a hexadecimal password p, a reading start command is transmitted to the wireless tag reader 23 again.

  On the other hand, when the storage process is selected (YES in ST83), the CPU stores the product information acquired from the product database 14 in ST84 in the storage unit of the user terminal 21. This completes the reading program. If the program end is selected without selecting the storage process (NO in ST83), the product information acquired from the product database 14 is discarded.

  If the data in the user area 32 cannot be detected in response to the transmission of the user area read command specifying the password p (NO in ST77), the CPU displays a password error message in ST86.

  If the tag ID cannot be detected in response to the transmission of the reading start command (NO in ST75), the CPU displays a tag error message as ST87. After displaying these error messages, the CPU transmits a reading stop command to the wireless tag reader 23.

  Therefore, a customer who wants to utilize the information of the wireless tag attached to the purchased product operates the user terminal 21 and downloads the reading program 15 from the website of the store 1. Further, a commercially available wireless tag reader 23 is connected to the user terminal 21.

  In this state, the reading program 15 is activated. Then, a password input screen is displayed, and the product tag reuse password printed on the receipt 70 when the desired product is purchased is input. At this time, if there is no error in receipt or password input, the password set in the wireless tag attached to the product matches the password converted from the input product tag reuse password. As a result, the product ID stored in the user area 32 of the wireless tag is read by the wireless tag reader 23. Then, product information corresponding to the product ID is downloaded from the product database 14 to the user terminal 21 and displayed.

  Next, when the information of the wireless tag attached to another product is to be used, the processing for the next product is selected. Here, if the receipt is different from the previous product, the password change is designated. If the receipt is the same as the previous product, change password is not specified. When password change is specified, a password input screen is displayed. Enter the product tag reuse password of the corresponding receipt.

  By doing so, the customer can download various types of information related to the product from the product database 14 to the user terminal 21 using the wireless tag attached to the product. By saving the downloaded product information, it can be used effectively, for example, for creating a household account book.

  By the way, in recent years, international standardization of wireless tags has progressed, and a so-called electric product code (hereinafter abbreviated as EPC) has been proposed, which is a globally completely unique article management code. Therefore, an embodiment in which the wireless tag attached to each product is an EPC type will be described next.

  For convenience of explanation, the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 is referred to as a first embodiment, and the embodiment described next is referred to as a second embodiment. And this 2nd Embodiment shall also be applied to the store 1 similar to 1st Embodiment, attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to a common part, and abbreviate | omits detailed description.

  FIG. 12 is a memory structure diagram of an EPC type wireless tag. This wireless tag memory is divided into an ID area 31, a user area 32, and a password area 33, as in the first embodiment. However, the same EPC is stored in the ID area 31 and the user area 32. In the product master file 12, corresponding to the EPC of each wireless tag, the product name, unit price, classification code, classification name, supplier code, supplier name, etc. of the product with the wireless tag attached, Various information regarding the product is set in advance. The same applies to the product database 14.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a product registration procedure executed by the CPU 41 of each POS terminal 4. The difference from the first embodiment is the processing after determining that the tag ID of the wireless tag detected by the wireless tag reader / writer 10 in ST5 is a new tag ID. In the case of an EPC type wireless tag, the tag ID is EPC, which is the same as the information in the user area 32. Therefore, the CPU 41 stores this EPC in the reading tag table 60 (ST9).

  As described above, when the EPC type wireless tag is used, the user area reading process of ST6 to ST8 is omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a registration settlement procedure executed by the CPU 41 of each POS terminal 4. The difference from the first embodiment is processing after the tag ID (EPC) acquired from the table number N of the reading tag table 60 of ST29 is read by the wireless tag reader / writer 10.

  In the case of an EPC type wireless tag, the information in the ID area 31 and the information in the user area 32 are both the same (EPC). Therefore, even if a password is set in the password area 33 and the information in the user area 32 cannot be read without specifying the password, the information in the ID area 31 can be read. Information (EPC) will be known.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, if the tag ID (EPC) acquired from the table number N of the read tag table 60 is read by the wireless tag reader / writer 10 (YES in ST29), the CPU 41 uses the tag ID as ST101. An ID rewrite command for the identified wireless tag is transmitted to the wireless tag reader / writer 10. This command includes the value N of the table number counter acquired in the process of ST26. In response to this command, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag identified by the tag ID, and rewrites information in the ID area 31 from EPC to the count value N (code rewriting means).

  Next, the CPU 41 waits for the tag ID matching the count value N to be read by the wireless tag reader / writer 10 in ST102. When it is detected that the tag ID has been read via the wireless tag reader / writer 10, a password write command for the wireless tag identified by the tag ID is transmitted to the wireless tag reader / writer 10. This command includes the password p generated in the process of ST23. In response to this command, the wireless tag reader / writer 10 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag identified by the tag ID, and writes the password p in the password area 33 (password writing means).

  Thus, when writing the password to the wireless tag, the tag ID is simultaneously converted from the EPC to the value N of the table number counter. By doing so, the wireless tag is subsequently read into the user area 32 unless the password set in the password area 33 is specified, although the tag ID, that is, the value N is read by the wireless tag reader or the wireless tag reader / writer. The stored information, that is, the EPC is never read. Therefore, there is very little risk of information leakage such that personal privacy is infringed from information on the wireless tag attached to the product.

  Since the tag ID is converted from EPC to the value N of the table number counter, the return registration procedure of the POS terminal 4 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Also, the wireless tag reading program 15 can be used as it is in the first embodiment. Further, the shoplifting prevention system 3 may be the same as that in the first embodiment.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the spirit of the invention in the implementation stage.

  For example, in the embodiment described above, the password written in the wireless tag is printed on the receipt 70 issued to the purchaser of the product with the wireless tag so that the purchaser can recognize the password. However, the password output means is not limited to this. For example, a short-range wireless communication interface may be provided in the POS terminal 4, and a password may be transferred to a memory of a mobile phone having a short-range wireless communication function so that the purchaser can visually recognize the mobile phone display.

  In addition, when an e-mail address is registered in the store server 5 in association with a membership number such as a membership card or a point card, the membership number of the card is obtained by causing the POS terminal 4 to read the membership number of the card at the time of settlement. It is also possible to notify a password to an e-mail address corresponding to. Also in this case, the user can visually recognize the password on a display of a personal computer or a mobile phone.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the password was made into the random number, the form of a password is not limited to this. For example, a unique password can be generated and set in the wireless tag by using a transaction number managed by the POS terminal 4, a date and time, and the like.

  The application of the present invention is not limited to stores that sell products. For example, it is effective when applied to rental shops such as books, CDs, and DVDs. In these stores, a process step of rewriting the data in the password area 33 from an arbitrary password to “00” indicating unset is added at the time of return. In this way, the wireless tag attached to each product can be used many times.

  Moreover, 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.

  2 ... POS system, 3 ... Shoplifting prevention system, 4 ... POS terminal, 5 ... Store server, 7 ... Wireless tag reader, 10 ... Wireless tag reader / writer, 11 ... Plane antenna, 12 ... Product master file, 13 ... Web server, 14 ... Product database, 15 ... Radio tag reading program, 21 ... User terminal, 22 ... Internet, 23 ... Radio tag reader, 60 ... Reading tag table.

Claims (7)

An interface to which a wireless tag reader / writer capable of reading information in the memory from a wireless tag having a memory by wireless communication and writing data in the memory is connected;
A reading tag table for storing information of each wireless tag read by the wireless tag reader / writer from wireless tags attached to a plurality of products purchased by one customer;
Sales processing means for processing the sales data of each product to which the wireless tag is attached based on the information read from the wireless tag;
A receipt issuing means for issuing a receipt printed with details of each product sales data processed by the sales processing means;
Password writing means for writing the same password to the memory of each wireless tag storing the information stored in the read tag table via the wireless tag reader / writer;
Password printing means for printing the password on the receipt;
A product sales data processing apparatus characterized by comprising: A password accepting means for accepting an input of a password when a return operation for accepting a return of an accounting product is selected;
Tag information reading means for transmitting a command for reading information from a memory of the wireless tag by designating a password received by the password receiving means to the wireless tag via the wireless tag reader / writer;
The product sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An error notification means for notifying a password error when reading by the tag information reading means is impossible;
The product sales data processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: A first key for instructing the wireless tag reader / writer to transmit a reading start command;
A second key for instructing the wireless tag reader / writer to transmit a reading end command;
The product sales data processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: A third key for instructing the wireless tag reader / writer to transmit a write command for the password;
The product sales data processing device according to claim 4, further comprising:   6. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the password printing unit prints the password on the receipt when the third key is input. To a product sales data processing apparatus including an interface to which information of the memory is read from a wireless tag having a memory by wireless communication, and a wireless tag reader / writer capable of writing data to the memory is connected.
A function of storing information of each wireless tag read by the wireless tag reader / writer from wireless tags attached to a plurality of products purchased by one customer in a read tag table;
A function of processing sales data of each product with the wireless tag based on the information read from the wireless tag;
A function of issuing a receipt printed with the details of each product sales data processed by this processing function;
A function of writing the same password to the memory of each wireless tag storing the information stored in the read tag table via the wireless tag reader / writer;
A function for printing the password on the receipt;
Control program to realize.

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