JP5358411B2 - POS terminal device, payment target product registration method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To operate a security system by reducing a risk that a customer feels uncomfortable at a security gate. <P>SOLUTION: A POS terminal device 10, when detecting an activated state of a detection object apparatus (a security tag) 21 attached to a commodity 20 by a detection object apparatus detecting means 13, changes the state of the detection object apparatus 21 to an inactivated state by a detection object apparatus inactivating means 12. The POS terminal device 10, after changing the state of the detection object apparatus 21 to the inactivated state, obtains the activated state of the detection object apparatus 21 by a commodity information acquiring means 15 in a state where the activated state of the detection object apparatus 21 is not detected by the detection object apparatus detecting means 13. The POS terminal device 10 registers the commodity 20 as a settlement target by a commodity registering means 14 based on the obtained commodity information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a POS terminal device that deactivates a security tag and a payment target product registration method.

  For the purpose of monitoring the taking-out of products that have not been settled conventionally, some stores are provided with a security tag, and a security tag detector is provided at the entrance of the sales floor. Since the security tag attached to the product is removed from the product or deactivated at the time of checkout, the detector does not operate when a proper purchase procedure is performed. However, when an unsettled product is taken out of the store, or when the store clerk forgets to deactivate the security tag or fails, the detector detects the security tag and issues an alarm. The store clerk who has received the warning confirms whether or not the product owned by the customer has been settled.

  In recent years, the introduction of self-checkout terminal devices that enable self-checkout by customers, rather than checkout (product checkout) using a cashier terminal device by a cashier in a normal lane, has been promoted. The self-checkout terminal device allows customers who come to the store to perform product registration to payment, thereby contributing to labor saving in the store and shortening the waiting time of the checkout queue (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). reference).

JP 2006-72712 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-203275

  Conventionally, inactivation of a security tag has been an operation performed by a store clerk at the time of payment of a product at a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal device. Security tags have been almost certainly inactivated by the store staff gaining experience. However, in a self-checkout terminal device that is one of the POS terminal devices, since the customer inactivates the security tag, a reliable operation cannot always be expected. Further, even a store clerk sometimes fails to deactivate the security tag.

  For example, when the security tag is deactivated by demagnetization, the demagnetization may fail because the security tag is outside the demagnetization area or there is not enough time in the demagnetization area.

  In such a case, the customer leaves the store with a product with a security tag that has not been inactivated, and the security tag is detected at a security gate near the entrance and an alarm is issued. For this reason, the store clerk or the security guard is forced to call the customer and change the product the customer has. Customers will feel uncomfortable with the confirmation work, but there are some malicious customers among some good-will customers, so confirmation work is unavoidable for the operation of the security system. It is often said.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a POS terminal device capable of operating a security system and a settlement target product registration method that can reduce the possibility of a customer feeling uncomfortable. And

In order to solve the above problems, the POS terminal device includes product information acquisition means, detected device detection means, detected device inactivation means, and product registration means.
The product information acquisition unit acquires product information from the product. The detector detection means detects that the detector attached to the product is in an activated state. The detected device inactivating means changes the detected device from the activated state to the deactivated state. When the product registration means detects the activated state by the detected detector detecting means, the detected article detecting means after the detected detector is changed from the activated state to the deactivated state by the detected detector inactivating means. The product is registered as a checkout target based on the product information acquired by the product information acquisition means in a state where the activation state is not detected.

  According to the POS terminal device and the payment target product registration method described above, the security system can be operated by reducing the possibility that the customer feels uncomfortable.

It is a block diagram of the POS terminal device of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the POS system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the checker unit of 2nd Embodiment. It is the cross-sectional schematic diagram which looked at the effective range of the fixed scanner and detector of 2nd Embodiment from the lane entrance side. It is a sequence diagram of barcode input processing in the checker unit and the cashier unit of the second embodiment. It is a flowchart of the security tag demagnetization process in the detector control part of 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of barcode acquisition processing in the fixed scanner control unit of the second embodiment. It is a timing chart of bar code acquisition in the fixed scanner control part of a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the self-checkout terminal device of 3rd Embodiment. It is the cross-sectional schematic diagram which looked at the effective range of the fixed scanner and the individual detector of 3rd Embodiment from the lane entrance side. It is a flowchart of the barcode acquisition process in the fixed scanner control part of 4th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a POS terminal apparatus according to the first embodiment.
The POS terminal device 10 is provided in a store that sells the product 20 and is usually operated by a store clerk. The POS terminal device 10 includes a product information acquisition unit 15, a detected device detection unit 13, a detected device inactivation unit 12, and a product registration unit 14.

  The product information acquisition unit 15 acquires product information from the product 20 to which the detector 21 is attached. The merchandise information acquisition means 15 is, for example, a scanner (optical information reading means). In this case, the product information acquisition unit 15 reads a two-dimensional information display such as a barcode, decodes the read data, and acquires product information (scan data). Alternatively, the product information acquisition unit 15 is a reader (electric information reading unit) of an information recording medium such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. . Alternatively, the product information acquisition unit 15 is a reader (magnetic information reading unit) of an information recording medium such as a magnetic stripe. In these cases, the merchandise information acquisition means 15 reads the information recorded on the information recording medium and acquires the merchandise information. The product information is identification information for identifying the product 20, for example. The POS terminal device 10 can obtain information belonging to the product 20 such as a product name, a product price, a manufacturer, and a product weight by referring to a database (not shown) from the identification information.

  The to-be-detected detector detection means 13 detects that the to-be-detected state of the to-be-detected detector 21 attached to the goods 20 which the goods information acquisition means 15 acquires the goods information is in an activated state. The detector detection means 13 is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the product information acquisition means 15 of the POS terminal device 10.

  The detected-device deactivating means 12 changes the detected state of the detected device from the activated state to the deactivated state. The detected device 21 is, for example, a security tag including a magnetizable magnetic body, and can change the detected state from the magnetized activated state to the deactivated deactivated state. Alternatively, the detector 21 is, for example, a rewritable RFID tag with a built-in memory, and the detected state can be changed from the activated state to the inactivated state by rewriting data stored in the memory. A security tag is one of the components constituting the security system together with a security gate near the entrance. The security gate detects the activation state of the security tag and notifies the store clerk of the abnormality.

  The detector detection means 13 and the detector inactivation means 12 can be provided integrally as the detector 11, but of course they may be separate. For example, the detector detection means 13 provided integrally with the detector inactivation means 12 as the detector 11 is an antenna that detects the activation state of the security tag (magnetization of the magnetized detection target). . In this case, the detector detection unit 13 does not function as a demagnetizer (detected device deactivation unit 12) in a state where the output is suppressed, but functions as a demagnetizer in a state where the output is increased.

  The merchandise registration means 14 confirms the detected state of the detector 21 attached to the merchandise 20 by the detected detector detection means 13. If the merchandise registration means 14 detects the activated state here, the merchandise registration means 14 changes the detected state of the detected substance 21 attached to the merchandise 20 to the inactivated state by the detected substance inactivating means 12. Do it. After this, the product registration means 14 confirms the detected state of the detected device 21 attached to the product 20 by the detected device detecting means 13 again. Then, the merchandise registration unit 14 registers the merchandise 20 as a payment target based on the merchandise information acquired by the merchandise information acquisition unit 15 in a state where the activation state is not detected.

  Thereby, since the POS terminal device 10 can inactivate the detected device 21 attached to the product 20 to be settled more reliably, the possibility that the customer feels uncomfortable is reduced, and the security system is Make it operational.

Next, a more specific second embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a POS system according to the second embodiment.
The POS system 1 includes a network 300, a POS terminal device 100 connected to the network 300, and a POS server 200. The POS terminal device 100 is a terminal device for managing point-of-sale information. The POS server 200 centrally manages the sales information registered by the POS terminal device 100. The POS server 200 also functions as a store server that manages a product master in which product codes and prices for identifying products are registered.

The POS terminal device 100 includes a cashier unit 110 and a checker unit 120.
The cashier unit 110 is a unit for mainly receiving a sales price. The cashier unit 110 includes a control unit 111, an automatic change machine 112, a cash drawer 113, an automatic fishing bill machine 114, a keyboard 115, a touch panel 116, a display 117, a customer display 118, and a printer 119.

  The control unit 111 is a computer that controls the cashier unit 110 and comprehensively controls the POS terminal device 100. The automatic change machine 112 deposits and receives coins received from customers (shoppers). The automatic bill machine 114 deposits banknotes received from customers and withdraws the bills. The cash drawer 113 is a storage for storing coins and banknotes. The display 117 displays a predetermined GUI (Graphical User Interface) for performing transaction work. The display 117 is a liquid crystal display, for example. The display 117 is located below the touch panel 116. The image displayed on the display 117 is visible through the touch panel 116 from the operator. The operator can perform a touch operation on the touch panel 116 while viewing the image displayed on the display 117. The keyboard 115 is an input device for operating the GUI displayed on the display 117. The customer display 118 is a display device that displays transaction information on the customer side. For example, the customer display 118 displays the total amount of merchandise purchases, the deposit amount from the customer, the change amount, and the like. The printer 119 is a printing device that prints a transaction result with a customer on roll paper and issues a receipt.

  The checker unit 120 is a unit for mainly performing a barcode input operation. The checker unit 120 includes a display 121, a customer display 122, a touch panel 123, a speaker 124, a lane stand 125, a column 126, a detector 127, a fixed scanner 128, and a multi-item keyboard 129.

  The lane stand 125 supports the column 126. Further, on the lane stand 125, a shopping basket brought by the customer and a product put in the shopping basket are placed. The column 126 supports the touch panel 123, the speaker 124, the detector 127, the fixed scanner 128, the multi-item keyboard 129, the display 121, and the customer display 122.

  The detector 127 includes an antenna that detects an activated state (magnetized magnetic body) of the security tag. The detector 127 changes the detected state of the security tag from the activated state to the inactivated state. To change the detected state of the security tag from the activated state to the deactivated state, for example, to detect the magnetized magnetic material, an alternating magnetic field of a predetermined frequency is applied from the antenna to the detection target to distort the magnetic field. This can be done by detecting. For example, demagnetization of a magnetized magnetic material can be performed by AC demagnetization using a demagnetizing coil. The detector 127 may use an antenna as a demagnetizing coil. In this case, the antenna increases the output of the alternating magnetic field more than when detecting the magnetic material.

  The fixed scanner 128 is a device for reading a barcode attached to a product. An operator (store clerk) inputs a product code (scan code) using the fixed scanner 128 as an input device by holding the barcode attached to the product toward the fixed scanner 128. The product code input result is displayed on the display 121 so that the operator can check the product code input result. In addition, the touch panel 123 is an input device that selects a product without a barcode (for example, a fresh food product such as loosely sold vegetables or fish, or a side dish) from a product group displayed on the display 121. The customer display 122 is a display device that displays transaction information on the customer side. For example, the customer display 122 displays the name, unit price, etc. of a product for which a product code is input. Also, the speaker 124 notifies the input result by voice. For example, the speaker 124 performs different types of sound output depending on the state, such as when the input is made normally and when it is necessary to alert the operator about the input. More specifically, for example, a single sound “beep” is generated during normal operation, and a voice is output that can be easily distinguished by an operator such as a continuous sound “beep” when calling attention.

  The multi-item keyboard 129 receives an operator's operation. For example, the multi-item keyboard 129 receives a correction operation by an operator who has recognized an operation error when alerted by an audio output from the speaker 124.

Next, a hardware configuration of the checker unit 120 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the checker unit according to the second embodiment.
The entire checker unit 120 is controlled by the CPU 120a. A RAM 120b, HDD 120c, communication interface 120d, graphic processing device 120e, and input / output interface 120f are connected to the CPU 120a via a bus 120g.

  The RAM 120b temporarily stores at least a part of an OS (Operating System) program to be executed by the CPU 120a and an application program for executing the server. The RAM 120b stores various data necessary for processing by the CPU 120a. The HDD 120c stores an OS and application programs.

  A display 121 and a customer display 122 are connected to the graphic processing device 120e. The display 121 displays a predetermined GUI (Graphical User Interface) for performing transaction work. The display 121 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display 121 is located below the touch panel 123. The image displayed on the display 121 can be seen by the operator through the touch panel 123. The operator can perform a touch operation on the touch panel 123 while viewing the image displayed on the display 121. The graphic processing device 120e displays images on the screens of the display 121 and the customer display 122 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 120a.

  A fixed scanner 128, a touch panel 123, a multi-item keyboard 129, a detector 127, and a speaker 124 are connected to the input / output interface 120f. The input / output interface 120 f can be connected to a portable recording medium interface that can write information to the portable recording medium 150 and read information from the portable recording medium 150. The input / output interface 120f transmits signals sent from the fixed scanner 128, the touch panel 123, the multi-item keyboard 129, the speaker 124, and the portable recording medium interface to the CPU 120a via the bus 120g.

  The communication interface 120d is connected to the cashier unit 110 in a connection format such as RS-232C (Recommended Standard 232 version C) or USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, for example. The communication interface 120d transmits and receives data to and from the cashier unit 110.

With the hardware configuration as described above, the processing functions of the present embodiment can be realized. Note that the cashier unit 110 can also be realized by a similar hardware configuration.
Note that the checker unit 120 and the cashier unit 110 can be configured to include modules each composed of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like, or can be configured without the CPU 120a. In this case, each of the checker unit 120 and the cashier unit 110 includes a nonvolatile memory (for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), a flash memory, a flash memory type memory card, etc.) and stores module firmware. The nonvolatile memory can write firmware through the portable recording medium 150 or the communication interface 120d. As described above, the checker unit 120 and the cashier unit 110 can also update the firmware by rewriting the firmware stored in the nonvolatile memory.

  Next, the effective range of the fixed scanner 128 and the detector 127 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the effective range of the fixed scanner and detector according to the second embodiment viewed from the lane entrance side. The fixed scanner 128 and the detector 127 are provided on a column 126 that rises vertically from the lane stand 125. The detector 127 is a loop antenna provided so as to surround the fixed scanner 128. The fixed scanner 128 is provided on the support column 126 toward the operator side, and has a barcode reading area 131 in a space above the lane stand 125. The detector 127 is provided on the support 126 toward the operator side, and has a security tag detection region 132 in the space above the lane stand 125. The detector 127 acts as a demagnetizer by controlling the output. The detector 127 as a demagnetizer has a security tag demagnetization region 130 in a space above the lane stand 125.

The barcode reading area 131 is a range in which the fixed scanner 128 can irradiate the product 20 with a laser scanning line and read the barcode attached to the product 20.
The security tag detection area 132 is a range in which the detector 127 can detect a security tag whose detected state is in an activated state. The security tag detection area 132 is set in a range including the barcode reading area 131. The security tag detection area 132 can be set based on the output of the detector 127, output directivity characteristics, detection accuracy, detection directivity characteristics, and the like. The security tag detection area 132 can also be set by limiting the effective range by combining a sufficient detection range of the detector 127 with a product position detection unit such as a photo sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

  The security tag demagnetization area 130 is a range in which the detector 127 can demagnetize a security tag whose detection state is in an activated state. The security tag degaussing area 130 is set in a range included in the barcode reading area 131. The security tag degaussing region 130 can be set by the output of the detector 127, the output directivity characteristic, and the like. In addition, the security tag demagnetization region 130 can be set by restricting activation by combining a sufficient demagnetization range of the detector 127 with product position detection means such as a photo sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

  Thus, when the POS terminal apparatus 100 reads the barcode for the product 20, it can determine whether the detected state of the security tag attached to the product 20 is in the activated state. Further, the POS terminal device 100 makes it easy to read the barcode of the product 20 after the detected state of the security tag attached to the product 20 is inactivated.

  Next, barcode input processing of the POS terminal device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of barcode input processing in the checker unit and the cashier unit according to the second embodiment.

  The POS terminal device 100 inputs and settles at least one product code for each purchase. The barcode input process is a process in which the cashier unit 110 and the checker unit 120 read a barcode attached to a product and input the product code.

  [Step S11] The cashier unit 110 instructs initialization of the fixed scanner 128. An instruction to initialize the fixed scanner 128 is given based on, for example, an operation of the keyboard 115 by the operator. The cashier unit 110 issues an initialization instruction once for each customer shopping.

[Step S21] The checker unit 120 receives an initialization instruction from the cashier unit 110 and initializes a storage area for storing barcode data.
[Step S22] The checker unit 120 determines whether or not to end the barcode input process. The end determination of the bar code input process is performed upon receiving an end instruction from the cashier unit 110. When the checker unit 120 determines to end the barcode input process, the checker unit 120 ends the barcode input process. On the other hand, if the checker unit 120 determines not to end the barcode input process, the checker unit 120 proceeds to step S23.

  [Step S23] The checker unit 120 executes a barcode acquisition process for acquiring a barcode attached to the product from the fixed scanner 128. Details of the barcode acquisition process will be described later.

[Step S24] The checker unit 120 notifies the cashier unit 110 of input data (the barcode read from the fixed scanner 128).
In this manner, the checker unit 120 reads the barcode and notifies the input data until receiving an end instruction from the cashier unit 110.

  [Step S12] The cashier unit 110 waits for notification of input data from the checker unit 120 or pressing of a subtotal key. If there is a notification of input data from the checker unit 120, the cashier unit 110 proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the subtotal key is pressed, the cashier unit 110 proceeds to step S14.

  [Step S13] The cashier unit 110 performs a required process on the input data. For example, the cashier unit 110 refers to the input data for the product master and acquires the product name and the product unit price. Then, the cashier unit 110 displays the product name and the product unit price on the display 117 and the customer display 118. The cashier unit 110 proceeds to step S12 when the execution of the required processing for the input data is completed.

  [Step S14] When the subtotal key is pressed by the keyboard 115, the cashier unit 110 instructs the checker unit 120 to end the bar code input process and ends the bar code input process.

  Next, security tag demagnetization processing of the POS terminal apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of security tag demagnetization processing in the detector control unit of the second embodiment.

  The control unit (for example, the CPU 120a) of the POS terminal device 100 has a function as a detector control unit. The detector control unit controls the detector 127. The detector control unit executes security tag demagnetization processing.

  [Step S31] The detector control unit determines the detection state of the security tag detected by the detector 127 and in which the detected state is in the activated state. The detector control unit proceeds to step S32 if a security tag whose detected state is in the activated state is detected, and proceeds to step S37 if not detected.

  [Step S32] The detector control unit sets a signal (security tag detection signal) for detecting a security tag whose detected state is in an activated state. For example, the detector control unit sets “1” in the security tag detection flag. The security tag detection signal is notified to the fixed scanner control unit. Alternatively, the security tag detection signal is stored in the storage unit (for example, the RAM 120b) so that it can be referred to from the fixed scanner control unit.

  [Step S33] Upon receiving a detection of a security tag whose detected state is in an activated state, the detector control unit controls the output of the detector 127 to increase the demagnetizing force. As a result, the range in which the detector 127 can demagnetize the security tag whose detection target state is in the activated state extends to the security tag demagnetization region 130. In other words, the detector 127 demagnetizes the security tag in the security tag demagnetization area 130.

  [Step S34] The detector control unit determines the detection state of the security tag detected by the detector 127 and in which the detected state is in the activated state. The detector control unit proceeds to step S35 if the detected security tag is not in the activated state, and waits until it is not detected if detected.

  [Step S35] The detector control unit clears a signal (security tag detection signal) for detecting a security tag whose detected state is in an activated state. For example, the detector control unit sets “0” in the security tag detection flag. The security tag detection signal is notified to the fixed scanner control unit. Alternatively, the security tag detection signal is stored in the storage unit (for example, the RAM 120b) so that it can be referred to from the fixed scanner control unit.

  [Step S36] The detector control unit receives the detection of the security tag whose detected state is in the activated state, and controls the output of the detector 127 to reduce the demagnetizing force. As a result, there is no range in which the detector 127 can demagnetize the security tag whose detected state is in the activated state. In other words, the detector 127 does not demagnetize the security tag in the security tag demagnetization area 130.

  [Step S37] If the end condition is not satisfied, the detector control unit proceeds to step S31. If the end condition is satisfied, the detector control unit ends the security tag demagnetization process.

  Next, barcode acquisition processing of the POS terminal device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of barcode acquisition processing in the fixed scanner control unit of the second embodiment.

  The control unit (for example, CPU 120a) of the POS terminal device 100 has a function as a fixed scanner control unit. The fixed scanner control unit controls the fixed scanner 128. The fixed scanner control unit executes barcode acquisition processing.

  [Step S41] The fixed scanner control unit irradiates the product 20 in the barcode reading area 131 from the fixed scanner 128 with a laser scanning line, and reads the barcode attached to the product 20. The fixed scanner control unit proceeds to step S42 when the barcode is read (detected), and continues the barcode scanning when the barcode is not read (not detected).

  [Step S42] The fixed scanner control unit determines whether the scan data acquired by reading the barcode is valid. For example, the fixed scanner control unit determines whether the scan data matches a predetermined format. The fixed scanner control unit proceeds to step S43 when the scan data is valid, and proceeds to step S41 when the scan data is not valid.

  [Step S43] The fixed scanner control unit determines whether or not a security tag detection signal is set. The fixed scanner control unit proceeds to step S44 when the security tag detection signal is not set, and proceeds to step S41 when the security tag detection signal is set. The determination of whether or not the security tag detection signal is set by the fixed scanner control unit can be made based on, for example, the notification of the security tag detection signal from the detector control unit. Alternatively, whether or not the security tag detection signal is set by the fixed scanner control unit can be determined by referring to the storage unit in which the detector control unit stores the security tag detection signal.

  [Step S44] The fixed scanner control unit executes an acquisition confirmation process based on the scan data acquired in a state where a security tag whose detected state is in an activated state is not detected. The acquisition confirmation process includes a notification process for notifying that the scan data has been acquired properly, and a notification process for notifying the cashier unit 110 of the acquired scan data. Note that the notification in the notification process can be performed for the operator by, for example, sound from the speaker 124, ringing sound such as a buzzer, or the display 121. In addition, the notification in the notification process can be performed for the customer by the speaker 124 or the customer display 122.

  [Step S45] If the end condition is not satisfied, the fixed scanner control unit proceeds to step S41. If the end condition is satisfied, the fixed scanner control unit ends the barcode acquisition process.

  Next, barcode acquisition timing of the POS terminal apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a timing chart of barcode acquisition in the fixed scanner control unit of the second embodiment.

  If the operator has an activated security tag attached to the bar code scan target, the product 127 is detected by the detector 127 when it enters the security tag detection area 132 (timing T1).

  After the commodity 20 that has been subjected to barcode scanning enters the barcode reading area 131, the barcode is read by the fixed scanner 128 at the timing of “◯” in the timing chart. In the barcode reading by the fixed scanner 128, the reading prohibition period ST1 is provided after the barcode is read once to prevent continuous reading. For this reason, the barcode is repeatedly read at least at intervals of the reading prohibition period ST1. Since the fixed scanner control unit does not permit bar code acquisition, the fixed scanner control unit discards the read bar code without acquiring it. The fixed scanner control unit can confirm that the product 20 exists in the barcode reading area 131 at the barcode reading timing by repeatedly reading the barcode.

  The detector 127 activates (ON) the demagnetization function based on the detection of the security tag in the activated state (timing T2). The detector 127 cannot detect the activation state of the security tag due to the activation of the demagnetization function (timing T3). The detector 127 disables the demagnetization function (OFF) based on the fact that the activation state of the security tag cannot be detected (timing T4).

  The fixed scanner control unit permits bar code acquisition based on the deactivation of the degaussing function (timing T5). Thereafter, since the fixed scanner control unit permits the acquisition of the barcode, the fixed scanner control unit acquires the read barcode (the timing of “◎” in the timing chart). The fixed scanner control unit disallows the acquisition of the barcode based on the acquisition of the read barcode (timing T6). The barcode reading by the fixed scanner 128 is provided with a reading prohibition period ST2 after the barcode is acquired to prevent continuous reading. The reading prohibition period ST2 may be set longer than the reading prohibition period ST1. In other words, the reading prohibition period ST1 may be set to a time shorter than the reading prohibition period ST2. In the reading prohibition period ST1, since the acquisition is not permitted even if the reading is performed, the presence confirmation of the same product can be prioritized over the continuous reading prevention.

  Note that if not all products have security tags attached, the fixed scanner control unit does not detect activated barcodes because it does not detect activated security tags. The acquisition of a barcode may be permitted.

  As a result, the POS terminal device 100 can more appropriately deactivate the security tag when acquiring the product 20, reducing the possibility that the customer feels uncomfortable and making the security system operable.

  Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment in which a self-checkout terminal device in which the operator is the customer himself is used instead of the POS terminal device 10 in which the operator is a store clerk. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the self-checkout terminal device according to the third embodiment.

The self-checkout terminal device 500 is connected to a network so as to be communicable with a monitoring terminal device and a POS server (not shown) to constitute a self-checkout system.
The self-checkout system is a system that operates the self-checkout terminal device 500 in a store such as a supermarket that sells the product 20. The self-checkout system includes one or more (for example, four) self-checkout terminal devices 500 and one monitoring terminal device. The self-checkout terminal device 500 is one of POS terminal devices that provide a service that enables self-checkout by a customer. The monitoring terminal device performs customer services such as fraud monitoring by a customer using the self-checkout terminal device 500, operation guidance for an unguided customer, and correction of an erroneous operation of the customer.

  In a security system operated together with a self-checkout system, it is detected that a product 20 with a security tag in an activated state is taken out of the store. The self-checkout system inactivates the security tag that is in an activated state at the time of product checkout, thereby excluding the checkout product 20 from being taken out of the store.

  The self-checkout system monitors the weight of the product 20 placed in the shopping bag. The self-checkout terminal device 500 detects fraud by comparing the weight of the product 20 placed in the shopping bag with the weight of the product 20 registered as a payment target. For this reason, the self-checkout system includes a data file (product weight file) in which the product 20 and the weight of the product 20 are associated with each other. Then, the self-checkout system grasps the weight of the product 20 by measuring the product arrival information obtained when the product is received and the weight of the product 20 by the scale provided in the self-checkout terminal device 500, and Match the weight.

  The POS server centrally manages the sales information registered by the self-checkout terminal device 500, a product code (product identification information) for identifying the product 20, a product name (product name information), a price (price information), etc. Product master (product information file) and weight master (product weight file) are managed. The self-checkout terminal device 500 also includes a product master and a weight master, and manages them in synchronization with the product master and the weight master included in the POS server or other self-checkout terminal device 500.

  The self-checkout terminal device 500 is a terminal device for a customer to pay for the product 20 by himself / herself. The self-checkout terminal device 500 includes a display 501, a touch panel 502, a monitoring camera 503, a plastic bag suspension unit 504, a coin deposit / withdrawal unit 505, a total weight weighing scale 506, a total detector 507, a coin return port 508, a shopping basket. A mounting table 509, a banknote deposit / withdrawal port 510, an individual detector 511, an individual weight weighing scale 512, a fixed scanner (barcode scanner) 513, a printer (for receipt) 514, and a credit card insertion port 515 are provided.

  The shopping basket placing table 509 is a table on which a customer places a shopping basket in which the product 20 before payment is placed. The fixed scanner 513 irradiates the product 20 with a laser scanning line and reads a barcode attached to the product 20. The self-checkout terminal device 500 registers the product 20 as a payment target based on the read information. The display 501 displays information associated with the settlement of the product 20 such as a product name, a product unit price, and a product weight based on the read barcode. When the product 20 is not associated with the product weight, guidance display is performed so that the product 20 is placed on the individual weighing scale 512 and the weight of the product 20 is measured. Further, a guidance display for selecting a product for paying out the product 20 without the barcode is displayed. For example, the display 501 performs category display such as sugar beet and fresh food, display of individual product names, quantity display, etc. in the guide display for product selection. At this time, the customer can perform a selection operation on the touch panel 502 in accordance with the guidance display on the display 501. The self-checkout terminal device 500 can perform payment for the product 20 that is not attached with a barcode by a customer selection operation.

  The individual detector 511 includes an antenna that detects an activation state (magnetized magnetic body) of the security tag. The individual detector 511 changes the detected state of the security tag from the activated state to the inactivated state. The detected state of the security tag can be changed from the activated state to the deactivated state by, for example, AC demagnetization using a degaussing coil. Further, the individual detector 511 can share an antenna with a degaussing coil.

  The monitoring camera 503 captures a hand that the customer pays out and displays a captured image on the monitor of the monitoring terminal device in the vicinity of the self-checkout terminal device 500. The taken image is used for operation guidance to customers who do not know the operation method in addition to countermeasures against fraud. The product 20 registered as a payment target is placed in a plastic bag suspended from a plastic bag suspension unit 504, and the total weight of the product 20 registered as a payment target is weighed by a total weight weighing scale 506. If the difference between the weight of the individual product 20 and the weight increment measured by the total weight weighing scale 506 is within a predetermined allowable range, the self-checkout terminal device 500 registers the product 20 as a settlement target.

  The total detector 507 detects the activation state of the security tag attached to the product 20 stored in the shopping bag suspended from the shopping bag suspension unit 504. The activation state detection range of the security tag of the total detector 507 is a range in which the product 20 stored in the shopping bag suspended from the shopping bag suspension 504 can be detected. Further, the total detector 507 is not stored in the shopping bag, and the product 20 placed on the total weight weighing scale 506 is also set as the detection range. In addition, what is necessary is just to provide the activation state detection range of the security tag of the total detector 507 in an appropriate location in order to detect the goods 20 after registration as a payment object. The self-checkout terminal apparatus 500 may be provided with a plurality of total detectors 507.

  The customer can perform settlement by inserting a credit card into the credit card insertion slot 515, inserting coins into the coin deposit / withdrawal unit 505, and inserting banknotes into the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 510. At this time, the coins that could not be received are returned from the coin return port 508. When change occurs, the self-checkout terminal device 500 pays out change by paying out a coin from the coin deposit / withdrawal unit 505 and paying out a bill from the bill deposit / withdrawal port 510. The self-checkout terminal device 500 prints the payment history with the printer 514 and issues a receipt.

  Next, the effective ranges of the fixed scanner 513 and the individual detector 511 of the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the effective range of the fixed scanner and the individual detector according to the third embodiment as viewed from the lane entrance side. The fixed scanner 513 is provided toward the operator side on an upright wall of the casing that rises vertically from a substantially horizontal plane on which the individual weight weighing scale 512 is provided. The fixed scanner 513 has a barcode reading area 134 in a space above the individual weight weighing scale. The individual detector 511 is a loop-shaped antenna, and is provided upward at the bottom of the individual weight weighing scale 512. The individual detector 511 can also be provided so as to surround the circumference of the individual weight weighing scale 512. The individual detector 511 has a security tag detection area 135 in the space above the individual weight weighing scale.

  The individual detector 511 functions as a demagnetizer by controlling the output. The individual detector 511 as a demagnetizer has a security tag demagnetization region 133 in the space above the individual weight weighing scale.

The barcode reading area 134 is a range in which the fixed scanner 513 can irradiate the product 20 with a laser scanning line and read the barcode attached to the product 20.
The security tag detection area 135 is a range in which the individual detector 511 can detect a security tag whose detected state is in an activated state. The security tag detection area 135 is set in a range including the barcode reading area 134. The security tag detection area 135 can be set by the output of the individual detector 511, output directivity characteristics, detection accuracy, detection directivity characteristics, and the like. Further, the security tag detection area 135 can be set by limiting the effective range by combining a sufficient detection range of the individual detector 511 with a product position detection unit such as a photo sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

  The security tag demagnetization region 133 is a range in which the individual detector 511 can demagnetize a security tag whose detection state is in an activated state. The security tag degaussing area 133 is set in a range included in the barcode reading area 134. Note that the security tag demagnetization region 133 can be set by the output of the individual detector 511, the output directivity characteristics, and the like. In addition, the security tag demagnetization region 133 can be set by restricting activation by combining a sufficient demagnetization range of the individual detector 511 with a product position detection unit such as a photo sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

  Thereby, the self-checkout terminal device 500 can determine whether or not the detected state of the security tag attached to the product 20 is in the activated state when reading the barcode of the product 20. In addition, the self-checkout terminal device 500 makes it easy to read the barcode of the product 20 after setting the detected state of the security tag attached to the product 20 to the inactivated state. Therefore, the self-checkout terminal device 500 that is assumed to be operated by the customer himself / herself is more capable of being a customer who cannot deactivate the detected state of the security tag attached to the product 20. Certainly, the detected state of the security tag can be inactivated.

  The self-checkout terminal device 500 is demagnetized in the time required for weighing by including the individual detector 511 so that the product 20 placed on the individual weight weighing scale 512 is included in the security tag demagnetization area 133. It can also be done.

  Next, barcode acquisition processing of the POS terminal apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of barcode acquisition processing in the fixed scanner control unit of the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the barcode is acquired after comparing the barcode data read before and after setting the detected state of the security tag to the inactivated state.

  [Step S51] The fixed scanner controller irradiates the product 20 in the barcode reading area 131 from the fixed scanner 128 with a laser scanning line, and reads the barcode attached to the product 20. The fixed scanner control unit proceeds to step S52 when the barcode is read (detected), and continues the barcode scan when the barcode is not read (not detected).

  [Step S52] The fixed scanner control unit determines whether the scan data acquired by reading the barcode is valid. The fixed scanner control unit proceeds to step S53 when the scan data is valid, and proceeds to step S51 when the scan data is not valid.

  [Step S53] The fixed scanner control unit determines whether the security tag detection signal is set. The fixed scanner control unit proceeds to step S54 when the security tag detection signal is not set, and proceeds to step S55 when the security tag detection signal is set.

  [Step S54] The fixed scanner control unit tentatively acquires the scan data acquired while detecting the security tag whose detection state is the activated state, and then proceeds to step S51.

[Step S55] The fixed scanner control unit provisionally acquires scan data acquired in a state where a security tag whose detected state is in an activated state is not detected.
[Step S56] The fixed scanner control unit does not detect the scan data acquired in a state where the detected security tag is in the activated state and the security tag in which the detected state is in the activated state. The sameness (correctness) with the scan data acquired in the state is compared. Then, the fixed scanner control unit proceeds to step S57 when the two scan data match, and proceeds to step S58 when the two scan data do not match.

  [Step S57] The fixed scanner control unit executes an acquisition confirmation process 1 including a notification process for notifying that the scan data has been properly acquired and a notification process for notifying the cashier unit 110 of the acquired scan data.

  [Step S58] The fixed scanner control unit executes an acquisition confirmation process 2 including a notification process for notifying that the scan data requiring confirmation has been acquired and a notification process for notifying the cashier unit 110 of the acquired scan data. Since the scan data do not match, the fixed scanner control unit notifies the store clerk that confirmation is required, or urges attention by printing on a receipt.

  [Step S59] If the end condition is not satisfied, the fixed scanner control unit proceeds to Step S51. If the end condition is satisfied, the fixed scanner control unit ends the barcode acquisition process.

As described above, the fixed scanner control unit changes the processing content to be executed in the acquisition confirmation processing depending on whether or not both scan data match.
The above processing functions can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program describing the processing contents of the functions that the POS terminal device, the self-checkout terminal device, the POS server, and the monitoring terminal device should have is provided. By executing the program on a computer, the above processing functions are realized on the computer. The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (including a portable recording medium). Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, and a semiconductor memory. Examples of the magnetic recording device include a hard disk device (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), and a magnetic tape. Optical discs include DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R (Recordable) / RW (ReWritable), and the like. Magneto-optical recording media include MO (Magneto-Optical disk).

  When distributing the program, for example, portable recording media such as a DVD and a CD-ROM in which the program is recorded are sold. It is also possible to store the program in a storage device of a server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via a network.

  The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded on the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. Further, each time the program is transferred from the server computer, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

Note that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the embodiment.
Further, the above-described embodiments can be modified and changed by those skilled in the art, and are not limited to the exact configurations and application examples described.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 POS terminal device 11 Detector 12 Detected device deactivation means 13 Detected device detection means 14 Product registration means 15 Product information acquisition means 20 Product 21 Detected device 100 POS terminal device 110 Cashier unit 120 Checker unit 200 POS server 300 network

Claims (9)

Product information acquisition means for acquiring product information from the product;
A detector detection means for detecting that the detector attached to the product is in an activated state;
A detector deactivation means for changing the detector from an activated state to an inactivated state;
When the activated state is detected by the detected device detecting means, the detected device detecting means is changed to the inactivated state from the activated state by the detected device inactivating means, and then the detected device detecting means. Product registration means for registering the product as a payment target based on the product information acquired by the product information acquisition means in a state where the activation state is not detected by:
A POS terminal device comprising: The detector inactivation means can set an inactivation area, which is an area where the detector can be changed from an activated state to an inactivated state,
2. The POS terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inactivation area has a size included in a product information acquisition area in which the product information acquisition unit can acquire product information from a product. The detector detection means can set an activation state detection region that is a region where it is possible to detect that the detector attached to the product is in an activated state,
2. The POS terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the activation state detection area includes a product information acquisition area in which the product information acquisition unit can acquire product information from a product. The detector inactivation means can set an inactivation area, which is an area where the detector can be changed from an activated state to an inactivated state,
The inactivation area is a size included in a product information acquisition area in which the product information acquisition unit can acquire product information from a product,
The detector detection means can set an activation state detection region that is a region where it is possible to detect that the detector attached to the product is in an activated state,
The POS terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the activation state detection area has a size including the product information acquisition area.   The product information acquisition means reads the product information from the product in the product information acquisition area at a predetermined interval from when the detected device is in an activated state to after being changed to an inactivated state, 5. The POS terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the product information read when the detected device is in an inactivated state is acquired.   The interval of reading out the product information from when the detected device is in an activated state to when the detected device is changed to an inactivated state is the product information after the detected device is changed to an inactivated state. 6. The POS terminal apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the POS terminal apparatus is set to be shorter than the reading interval.   The product information acquisition means reads the product information read from when the detected device is in an activated state to when it is changed to an inactivated state, and the detected device is changed to an inactivated state. 6. The POS terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the identity of the product is determined by comparing with the product information read later. The detector detection means detects the detector by detecting a magnetic material by applying an alternating magnetic field having a predetermined frequency to the detector.
The to-be-detected device deactivating means inactivates the to-be-detected device by applying an alternating magnetic field having a larger output than that detected by the to-be-detected detector and performing AC demagnetization. The POS terminal device according to claim 1. Product information acquisition means for acquiring product information from a product, detected device detection means for detecting that a detected device attached to the product is in an activated state, and inactive the detected device from an activated state A payment target product registration method for a POS terminal device, comprising: a detector inactivation means for changing to an activated state; and a product registration means for registering the product as a payment target,
When the activated state is detected by the detected device detecting means, the detected device detecting means is changed to the inactivated state from the activated state by the detected device inactivating means, and then the detected device detecting means. A method of registering a product to be settled in a POS terminal device, wherein the product is registered in a settlement object based on the product information acquired by the product information acquisition means in a state where the activation state by is not detected.

Images