JP5499192B2 - Checkout terminal and its control program - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a checkout terminal that is operated by a customer to complete a series of accounts and a control program therefor.

  In recent years, the development of self-checkout terminals equipped with various interfaces for completing the product checkout process by the customer's own hands has been underway. When a checkout process is performed using this type of terminal, a customer who is an operator reads the barcode attached to the product with a barcode scanner provided in the terminal and inputs the product code. On the terminal side, the price is calculated based on the input product code, and the calculated price is displayed on the display unit. The customer uses the payment interface to pay the price displayed on the display unit with cash, card, electronic money or the like, and completes a series of payment processing.

  When a product is settled using a self-checkout terminal, it is necessary to take measures to limit the products that the customer can take home to the products for which the product code is input in order to prevent fraud. As an example of such measures, there is a method of checking the weight of a product for which a product code is input. That is, the weight of the product for which the product code is input is measured, and the weight is compared with the weight of the product specified from the PLU (Price Look Up) file based on the product code. If there is no error, it is treated as a weighing error. When a weighing error occurs, the customer is notified of this by, for example, displaying an error message and guidance on how to cancel the error on the display unit.

JP 2008-59502 A

  When a weighing error occurs due to the weight check as described above, the operator of the self-checkout terminal may input the next product code without noticing the error message displayed on the display unit. In this case, although the product code input after the occurrence of the weighing error is discarded, it is difficult for the operator who notices the weighing error to confirm which product the weighing error is. As a result, it is impossible to know how to deal with the situation, and the store clerk is called to have the response. If it does so, there existed a problem that the time required for completion of a check-out process will increase, and it will become a burden for a shop assistant.

  In addition, even in a normal checkout system in which a store clerk operates a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal or the like to complete a series of payment processing, the barcode attached to the product is not read normally. Instead, the next product code may be entered. In such a case, the store clerk cannot know which product's barcode has not been read normally, and it takes time to deal with it, so the checkout process is delayed. In addition, it will make customers wait, and this may worsen the impression of the store.

In order to achieve the above object, a checkout terminal according to an embodiment includes an illumination unit, a product code detection unit, a mounting table, a weighing unit, a first illumination control unit, a determination unit, and a second illumination control unit. And .

The illumination means illuminates the product. The product code detection unit detects a product code from the product illuminated by the illumination unit. The product after the product code is detected by the product code detection means is placed on the mounting table. The weighing means measures the weight of the product placed on the mounting table. The first illumination control unit turns off the illumination unit when a product is placed on the mounting table while the product code detection unit waits for detection of the product code. The determination unit determines whether the product placed on the mounting table has been removed from the mounting table while the product code detection unit waits for detection of the product code based on the measurement result of the weighing unit. The second illumination control unit turns on the illumination unit when the determination unit determines that the commodity has been removed from the mounting table.

1 is a configuration diagram of an entire system according to a first embodiment. The top view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of each part which comprises the self-checkout system in the embodiment. The perspective view which shows the self-checkout terminal. The perspective view which shows the balance apparatus of the self-checkout terminal. The block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the self-checkout terminal. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the data structure of the weight information file which the self-checkout terminal memorize | stored. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the barcode scanner with which the self-checkout terminal is provided. The schematic diagram which shows the AA cross section in FIG. The flowchart of the adjustment process which CPU of the self-checkout terminal performs. The flowchart of the measurement process which CPU of the self-checkout terminal performs. The flowchart of the weight check which CPU of the self-checkout terminal performs. The flowchart of the error process which CPU of the self-checkout terminal performs. The figure which shows the structure etc. of the whole system in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart of the adjustment process which CPU of the product code input device in the embodiment performs.

Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
The first embodiment exemplifies a so-called self-checkout terminal that completes a series of checkout processes by a customer's own operation.

[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the system. As illustrated, a plurality of self-checkout systems 11, a plurality of POS terminals 21, and a store controller 31 are connected via a communication network 41.

  The POS terminal 21 is operated by a store clerk to perform a checkout process, and is placed in an accounting office. The store controller 31 comprehensively manages the system, and is installed in a store backyard or the like.

  The self-checkout system 11 is arranged in an accounting office, and is configured by assigning one attendant terminal 501 to a plurality of self-checkout terminals 101. Each self-checkout terminal 101 includes a settlement terminal 201 and a scale device 301 (weighing means).

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an arrangement state of each part constituting the self-checkout system 11. In the self-checkout system 11 of this embodiment, one attendant terminal 501 is assigned to four self-checkout terminals 101. The self-checkout terminal 101 is arranged such that a pair of self-checkout terminals 101 are arranged in parallel along the customer passage 121, and the pair of self-checkout terminals 101 face the front side via the customer passage 121. Has been.

  An attendant terminal 501 is disposed at the end of the customer passage 121. The attendant terminal 501 has a form of a personal computer having a main body 502, a display 503 as a display unit, a keyboard 504, and a pointing device 505 as an operation unit, and is placed on the attendant table 601. Yes.

  On the display 503 of the attendant terminal 501, the processing status of each self-checkout terminal 101 of the self-checkout system 11 to which the attendant terminal 501 belongs is displayed so that it can be confirmed in real time.

[Self checkout terminal]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the self-checkout terminal 101. The settlement terminal 201 has a housing 202 from which a product basket mounting table 102 for mounting a bag (not shown) containing products to be purchased by a customer protrudes from the left side. On the upper surface of the commodity basket mounting table 102, a protrusion 103 for positioning the basket is formed in an L shape.

  The housing 202 of the payment terminal 201 includes a base housing 202a installed on the floor and a small upper housing 202b placed on the upper surface of the base housing 202a. The front surface of the base housing 202a is inclined so as to narrow the projected area of the base housing 202a as it goes downward. As a result, the base housing 202a has a shape that is offset toward the back as it goes downward.

  Various user interfaces are provided in the upper housing 202b. That is, in the upper housing 202b, the barcode scanner 203 is disposed on the left side, the receipt issuing port 204 and the monitoring camera 205 are disposed on the right side, and the card folding surface 206 is disposed between the barcode scanner 203 and the receipt issuing port 204. A numeric keypad 207 is also arranged.

  The barcode scanner 203 is a vertical scanner that reads a barcode attached to a product and inputs the product code. A receipt printed by a receipt printer 260 (see FIG. 5) built in the upper housing 202b is issued from the receipt issuing port 204. The monitoring camera 205 images the front side of the payment terminal 201. The photographing result by the monitoring camera 205 is used to specify the start timing of the settlement process.

  An IC card reader / writer 261 (see FIG. 5) is built in the card tearing surface 206. The IC card reader / writer 261 establishes wireless communication with, for example, a non-contact IC card that stores electronic money placed on the card side 206 and reads / writes information from / to the non-contact IC card. The numeric keypad 207 is used for inputting a personal identification number at the time of settlement with a non-contact IC card.

  An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 210 having a liquid crystal display panel is attached to the upper housing 202b. A touch panel 211 is provided on the display surface of the LCD 210, and a card reading groove 212 is provided on the right side. A magnetic card reader 262 (see FIG. 5) is built in the card reading groove 212. The magnetic card reader 262 reads card information such as a card number and a personal identification number recorded on a magnetic stripe such as a credit card slid in the card reading groove 212.

  The base housing 202a incorporates a deposit / withdrawal device 263 (see FIG. 5) for processing deposit / withdrawal, and coins for depositing coins into the deposit / withdrawal device 263 are placed above the front surface of the base housing 202a. A bill inlet 215 for depositing a bill 213 and a bill, a coin payout outlet 214 for discharging a coin from the deposit / withdrawal device 263, and a bill payout outlet 216 for discharging a bill are provided.

  Further, a display pole 217 for displaying the current state of the self-checkout terminal 101 is erected on the back surface of the base housing 202a. The display pole 217 has a light emitting portion 218 that selectively emits blue and red light at the tip.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the scale device 301. The scale device 301 is configured such that a scale pan 303 is provided on an upper portion of a scale housing 302, and a bag holder 304 is attached to the scale pan 303. The weighing pan 303 has a mounting table 303a on its upper surface. The bag holder 304 is attached to the mounting table 303a. Therefore, when viewed from the bag holder 304, the weighing pan 303 constitutes a pedestal. The bag holder 304 is configured by attaching a temporary placing table 306 to the upper end of a pole-shaped support member 305 and providing the temporary placing table 306 with a pair of holding arms 307 and hooks 308. The temporary placement table 306 is used for temporarily placing products after the barcode is read by the barcode scanner 203. A pair of holding arms 307 and hooks 308 are engaged with handle portions of my bags and shopping bags.

  The scale device 301 incorporates a well-known weighing mechanism using, for example, a load cell, and latches to the products placed on the placing table 303a and the temporary placing table 306, the holding arms 307, and the hooks 308 by the same mechanism. The product placed in the plastic shopping bag is weighed and the result is output to the settlement terminal 201.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical hardware configuration of the self-checkout terminal 101. The settlement terminal 201 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 250 that forms the core of control. The CPU 250 includes the barcode scanner 203, the monitoring camera 205, the numeric keypad 207, the LCD 210, the touch panel 211, the light emitting unit 218, the receipt printer 260, the IC card reader / writer 261, the magnetic card reader 262, and In addition to the deposit / withdrawal device 263, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 251 that stores various data in a fixed manner, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 252 that stores variable data in a rewritable manner, a timer 253, and a speaker 254 that outputs sound. The interface 255 for connecting the scale device 301, the communication interface 256 for connecting the communication network 41, and the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 257 (first storage unit) are connected via a bus line 270 such as an address bus or a data bus. Has been.

  While a settlement process described later is being executed, various work storage areas including a measurement value storage area 252a and a product information storage area 252b (second storage unit) are formed in the RAM 252. In the measurement value storage area 252a, the measurement value of the scale device 301 is accumulated and stored. The merchandise information storage area 252b stores merchandise information of merchandise to be settled.

  The HDD 257 stores an operation program for the payment terminal 201 and various databases. The database includes at least a PLU file 280 and a weight information file 281.

  The PLU file 280 is configured to describe product information including unit prices, product names, product images, discount information, and the like in association with product codes assigned to each product.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the weight information file 281. The weight information file 281 is configured by describing weight information including a check flag F, a set weight (g), and an allowable error (g) in association with each product code described in the PLU file 280. . The check flag F indicates whether or not a weight check is necessary, and is described as “1” when a weight check is necessary and “0” when a weight check is not necessary. A product that does not require a weight check is, for example, a product that has a weight or size that cannot be placed on the scale device 301, or a product that has a large variation in weight for each solid. The set weight is an average weight of the product. The allowable error defines a range that is identical to the set weight in consideration of variation in weight for each product.

[Barcode Scanner]
The barcode scanner 203 provided in the payment terminal 201 will be described.
7 and 8 are schematic diagrams showing the structure of the barcode scanner 203. FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the barcode scanner 203 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the top cover 401 and the bottom cover 402 form a casing of the barcode scanner 203, and the casing illuminates a light source 403, a lighting board 404 to which the light source 403 is attached, a light source The lens 405 that receives reflected light from the product illuminated by the product 403, the camera board 406 that generates image data by converting the reflected light received by the lens 405 into an electrical signal, and the image data generated by the camera board 406 An image processing board 407 that decodes the included barcode and generates a product code is stored. The product code generated by the image processing board 407 is output to the CPU 250.

  The top surface 401a of the top cover 401 is formed with an opening 401b inclined with a rectangular edge, and a glass member 408 is fitted so as to close the opening 401b. The lens 405 is fixed to the camera board 406 so that its central axis passes through the center of the opening 401 b of the top cover 401.

  The illumination board 404 is provided between the glass member 408 and the lens 405. The illumination board 404 is formed with a circular opening 404a centered on an extension line of the central axis of the lens 405 so that the subject image reaches the lens 405 (see FIG. 8).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the light source 403 is configured by LEDs arranged at four locations on the illumination board 404 two by two so as to surround the opening 404 a.

  In the barcode scanner 203 having such a configuration, when the light source 403 is turned on, a predetermined area outside the glass member 408 is illuminated as shown by a broken line in FIG. When the bar code of the product is put on this area at an appropriate angle, the bar code is decoded and the product code is detected. In other words, the light source 403 functions as an illumination unit in the present embodiment, and other parts excluding the light source 403 such as the lens 405, the camera board 406, and the image processing board 407 function as a product code detection unit in the present embodiment.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the self-checkout terminal 101 in the checkout process will be described.

The CPU 250 of the payment terminal 201 implements the following functions (1) to (4) by executing the operation program stored in the HDD 257.
(1) A reading function for reading product information and weight information corresponding to a product code input by the barcode scanner 203 or the like from the PLU file 280 and the weight information file 281.
(2) A determination function for determining whether or not the weight obtained based on the weighing result of the commodity weighing device 301 by which the commodity code is input is identical to the weight indicated by the weight information read by the reading function. .
(3) A storage control function for storing the product information read by the reading function in the product information storage area 252b when the determination function determines that there is identity.
(4) An illumination control function that controls each light source 403 of the barcode scanner 203 so that it is turned off after it is determined that there is no identity by at least the determination function.
Hereinafter, a process realized by using such a function at least partially will be specifically described.
While waiting for the checkout process, the CPU 250 of the self-checkout terminal 101 monitors the video taken by the monitoring camera. When the distance between the customer reflected in the video captured by the monitoring camera 205 and the self-checkout terminal 101 is equal to or less than the predetermined distance, the CPU 250 starts the checkout process according to the operation program stored in the HDD 257.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of processing executed by the CPU 250 of the self-checkout terminal 101 in the checkout process. In this process, first, the CPU 250 displays on the LCD 210 guidance on how to handle the product in the checkout process (step S101). For example, this guidance includes a message that the product basket should be placed on the product basket mounting table 102, a message that the product should be removed from the product basket and the barcode should be scanned, and a product that is not attached with a barcode. The message includes a message indicating that the product code can be input by operating the touch panel 211.

  After displaying such guidance on the LCD 210, the CPU 250 instructs the weighing device 301 to start weighing (step S102). Thereafter, the CPU 250 executes the process shown in FIG. 10 in parallel with the settlement process. That is, the CPU 250 detects the measurement value from the scale device 301 via the interface 255 (step S201), and accumulates and stores the detected measurement value in the measurement value storage area 252a formed in the RAM 252 (step S202).

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. After the process of step S102, the CPU 250 instructs the barcode scanner 203 to turn on each light source 403 (step S103). When this instruction is received, the illumination board 404 of the barcode scanner 203 turns on each light source 403. Further, the CPU 250 waits for input from the barcode scanner 203, the numeric keypad 207, the touch panel 211, the magnetic card reader 262, etc. with each light source 403 turned on (step S104). When there is any input from the barcode scanner 203, the numeric keypad 207, the touch panel 211, the magnetic card reader 262, etc., the CPU 250 determines the type of the input (step S105). The types of input determined at this time are roughly classified into product code input, closing declaration, and other inputs. The merchandise code is input by reading the bar code attached to the merchandise by the bar code scanner 203 or by touching the merchandise designating GUI component displayed on the LCD 210 to designate the purchased merchandise. The declaration of tightening is made by touching the GUI component for tightening declaration displayed on the LCD 210. The other input includes reading of a point card by the magnetic card reader 262 and the like, and is performed by operating each input interface.

  When the input detected in the process of step S104 is the other input (“other” in step S105), the CPU 250 executes a process corresponding to the input (step S106). Thereafter, the process returns to step S104 to wait for the next input.

  On the other hand, when the input detected in the process of step S104 is a product code input (“product code” in step S105), the CPU 250 instructs the barcode scanner 203 to turn off each light source 403 (step S107). ). When this instruction is received, the illumination board 404 of the barcode scanner 203 turns off each light source 403. Thus, after each light source 403 is turned off, the barcode cannot be read by the barcode scanner 203.

  After turning off each light source 403, the CPU 250 executes a weight check process (step S108). That is, the CPU 250 executes a weight check subroutine according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In this process, first, the CPU 250 causes the timer 253 to start measuring a predetermined waiting time (step S301). Next, the CPU 250 reads weight information corresponding to the product code received in the process of the previous step S104 from the weight information file 281 to the RAM 252 (step S302), and the check flag F included in the read weight information is set. It is determined whether it is “0” or “1” (step S303). As a result, when the value of the check flag F is “1” (“F = 1” in step S303), the CPU 250 refers to the measurement value storage area 252a formed in the RAM 252 and performs the process in the immediately preceding step S104. It is determined whether or not the measurement value of the scale device 301 has increased after the product code has been input (step S304). If the measured value has not increased (No in step S304), the CPU 250 determines whether or not the timer 253 has timed the waiting time (step S305). When the timer 253 has not finished measuring the waiting time (No in Step S305), it is determined again whether or not the measurement value of the scale device 301 has increased (Step S304).

  As described above, when the timer 253 finishes counting the waiting time while repeating the processes in steps S304 and S305 (Yes in step S305), the CPU 250 displays a predetermined error message on the LCD 210 and performs the process in step S304. Return to processing. At this time, the error message displayed on the LCD 210 is, for example, a scale device that measures the product indicated by the product code input in the immediately preceding step S104, such as “Please put the product whose barcode is read into the bag”. This message prompts the customer to place the product on the placing table 303a 301 or the like, or to pack it in a shopping bag or the like held by the bag holder 304. In addition, after displaying this message once, the display may be continued until the error is cleared, and the process of step S305 may not be performed.

  On the other hand, when the measurement value of the scale device 301 increases while repeating the processing of steps S304 and S305 (Yes in step S304), the CPU 250 generates variables Xd, Xmax, and Xmin in the RAM 252 and each of them has a predetermined value. A numerical value is described (step S307). That is, the difference (increase) in the measured value before and after the change detected in the process of step S304 is described in the variable Xd, and the weight information is allowed to be set to the set weight of the weight information read out in the process of step S301. A value added with an error is described, and a value obtained by subtracting an allowable error of the same weight information from the set weight of the same weight information is described in the variable Xmin.

  Subsequently, the CPU 250 compares the values of variables Xd, Xmax, and Xmin (step S308). At this time, if the variable Xd is not less than the variable Xmin and not more than Xmax (“Xmin ≦ Xd ≦ Xmax” in step S308), the CPU 250 generates a result flag R in the RAM 252 and sets the value to “1” (step 1). S309). On the other hand, if Xd is less than Xmin or greater than Xmax (“Xd <Xmin, Xd> Xmax” in step S308), the CPU 250 generates a result flag R in the RAM 252 and sets its value to “0” (step 0). S310). After generating the result flag R in which “0” or “1” is set in this way, the CPU 250 completes a series of weight checks.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. After performing the weight check as described above, the CPU 250 refers to the result flag R formed in the RAM 252 and determines the result of the weight check (step S109). At this time, if the value of the result flag R is “1”, the CPU 250 determines whether the product for which the product code has been input in the immediately preceding step S104 and the product placed on the placing table 303a of the scale device 301 or the like. It is determined that the product packed in the shopping bag or the like held in the bag holder 304 has the same identity (“identity exists” in step S109). At this time, the CPU 250 reads the product information corresponding to the product code input in the process of the immediately preceding step S104 from the PLU file 280, and stores the read product information in the product information storage area 252b formed in the RAM 252 ( Step S110). After storing the product information in the product information storage area 252b in this way, the CPU 250 instructs the barcode scanner 203 to turn on each light source 403, turns on each light source 403 (step S103), and waits for the next input (step S103). Step S104).

  On the other hand, if the value of the result flag R is “0” in the process of step S109, the CPU 250 stores the product for which the product code has been input in the immediately previous process of step S104, the mounting table 303a of the scale device 301, and the like. It is determined that there is no identity between the placed product or the product packed in a shopping bag or the like held by the bag holder 304 ("No identity" in step S109). At this time, the CPU 250 discards the product code input in the immediately preceding step S104 and displays a predetermined error message on the LCD 210 (step S111). The error message here is, for example, a message indicating the cause of the error such as “a product whose barcode is not read is in the bag” and the previous step S104 such as “please remove the product”. This message is composed of a message that prompts the customer to remove the product for which the product code has been input in the above process from the shopping bag held by the mounting table 303a or the bag holder 304.

  In a state where such an error message is displayed, the CPU 250 waits until the product for which the product code has been input in the immediately preceding step S104 is removed from the shopping bag or the like held on the mounting table 303a or the bag holder 304. (Step S112). Specifically, after an error message is displayed in the process of step S111, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the measurement value by the scale device 301 has decreased by substantially the same amount as the variable Xd. When the product for which the customer has entered the product code immediately before is removed from the shopping bag held by the mounting table 303a or the bag holder 304, the measured value of the scale device 301 decreases by substantially the same amount as the variable Xd. At this time, the CPU 250 determines that the product for which the product code has been input in the immediately preceding step S104 has been removed from the shopping bag or the like held on the mounting table 303a or the bag holder 304 (Yes in step S112). The code scanner 203 is instructed to turn on each light source 403 to turn on each light source 403 (step S103), and waits for the next input (step S104). In this case, the customer must input the product code of the removed product again and place it on the mounting table 303a or the like, or pack it in a plastic bag or the like held by the bag holder 304.

  The customer eventually inputs the product codes of all the products in the product basket placed on the product basket mounting table 102 and places them on the mounting table 303a or the like, or the shopping bag held by the bag holder 304 or the like When finished, touch operation is performed on the GUI component for tightening declaration displayed on the LCD 210. At this time, the CPU 250 determines that the closing of the product code input has been declared (“Shutdown Declaration” in Step S105), executes the closing process (Step S113), and ends the settlement process. In the closing process, first, the total price of each purchased product is calculated based on the unit price in each product information stored in the product information storage area 252b, and the calculated total price is displayed on the LCD 210 to pay the price. Accepted. The price can be paid, for example, in cash or electronic money. When the customer pays the price with cash, the customer inserts the cash into the coin slot 213 and the banknote slot 215, and when paying the price with electronic money, the customer uses the card-seal surface 206 to store the electronic money.翳When cash is inserted, the amount inserted by the deposit / withdrawal device 263 is counted, and the difference from the price is paid out from the coin payout exit 214 and the bill payout exit 216. When an IC card storing electronic money is placed on the card side 206, the IC card reader / writer 261 communicates wirelessly with the IC card and withdraws the price. Further, after the payment is made, a receipt on which detailed information of the sold product is printed is printed by the receipt printer 260 and issued from the receipt issuing port 204.

  When the product is placed on the placement table 303a or the like while waiting for input in the process of step S104, or when the product is packed in a plastic bag or the like held by the bag holder 304, the CPU 250 12 operates in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. In this process, first, the CPU 250 instructs the barcode scanner 203 to turn off each light source 403 (step S401). When this instruction is received, the illumination board 404 of the barcode scanner 203 turns off each light source 403. Next, the CPU 250 displays a predetermined error message on the LCD 210 (step S402). The error message here is, for example, a message indicating the cause of the error, such as "A product whose barcode is not read is in the bag" and a product code such as "Please remove the product" And a message that prompts the customer to remove the product from the shopping bag or the like held on the mounting table 303a or the bag holder 304.

  In a state where such an error message is displayed, the CPU 250 removes the product for which the product code is not input from the shopping bag held on the mounting table 303a or the bag holder 304 in the same manner as in the process of step S112. Wait (step S403). If the CPU 250 determines that the product for which the product code has not been input has been removed from the shopping bag or the like held by the mounting table 303a or the bag holder 304 (Yes in step S403), the CPU 250 turns on the light source 403 to the barcode scanner 203. To turn on each light source 403 (step S404), and the process returns to step S104.

[Action]
As described above, the self-checkout terminal 101 according to the present embodiment turns off each light source 403 of the barcode scanner 203 when a product code is detected, and each time when it is determined that there is identity by weight check. The light source 403 is turned on. If each light source 403 is controlled in this way, each light source 403 is turned off after at least a weight check determines that there is no identity. That is, the product code cannot be input using the barcode scanner 203 immediately after the weight check determines that there is no identity. Therefore, the weighing error can be surely noticed to the customer. Furthermore, since the next product code cannot be read using the barcode scanner 203 in a state where a weighing error has occurred, the customer is not confused with which product the weighing error has occurred.

  When a weighing error occurs, an error message is displayed on the LCD 210. Therefore, even if a customer tries to input a product code using a product designating GUI component displayed on the LCD 210 in a state where a weighing error has occurred, the customer notices the abnormality by the error message.

  Further, in the self-checkout terminal 101 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that there is no identity in the weight check, the product related to the determination is removed from the shopping bag or the like held on the mounting table 303a or the bag holder 304. Accordingly, each light source 403 is turned on. In this way, it is possible to notify the customer that the measurement error has been released by turning on each light source 403. Also, the customer can resume the product code input operation immediately after the weighing error is released.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, a product code input device used in a checkout system that is operated by a store clerk and completes a series of checkout processes is illustrated. Note that the barcode scanner included in the product code input device illustrated here has the same configuration as the barcode scanner 203 described in the first embodiment. The detailed explanation is omitted.

[System configuration]
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electrical hardware configuration of the checkout system according to the present embodiment. This system is configured by connecting a product code input device 701 and a POS terminal 801 with a communication cable 901.

  The merchandise code input device 701 and the POS terminal 801 are arranged on a cashier counter that forms a checkout lane at the checkout, and are operated by a store clerk in charge of checkout work. The product code input device 701 is responsible for inputting the product code of the product placed in the product basket brought by the customer, and the POS terminal 801 completes the settlement process based on the product code input by the product code input device 701. I have a role to let you.

  The product code input device 701 includes a CPU 702 that forms the core of control. The CPU 702 includes a ROM 703 that stores various data in a fixed manner, a RAM 704 that stores variable data in a rewritable manner, a speaker 705 that outputs sound, a keyboard 706, a store-side LCD 707, a customer-side LCD 708, and a touch panel provided on the store-clerk side LCD 707. 709, a communication interface 710 for connecting a communication cable 901, and a barcode scanner 203 are connected via a bus line 711 such as an address bus or a data bus.

  The keyboard 706 is configured with operation keys, a numeric keypad, and the like for instructing input start and closing of a product code.

  The store clerk side LCD 707 has a display surface directed toward the standing position of the store clerk, and displays a GUI part or the like for inputting a product code of a product without a barcode. This GUI component can be touched via the touch panel 709.

  The customer-side LCD 708 has a display surface facing the customer's standing position, and displays the product name, unit price, and the like specified based on the input product code.

  A PLU file 802 is stored in a storage unit such as an HDD provided in the POS terminal 801. The PLU file 802 is configured by describing product information including unit prices, product names, product images, discount information, etc., corresponding to the product codes assigned to each product.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the product code input device 701 in the checkout process will be described.

  When the customer proceeds to the checkout lane, the store clerk in charge of the operation of the product code input device 701 depresses a predetermined operation key provided on the keyboard 706 and declares the start of the checkout process. At this time, the CPU 702 of the product code input device 701 operates according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In this process, first, the CPU 702 instructs the barcode scanner 203 to turn on each light source 403 (step S501). When this instruction is received, the illumination board 404 of the barcode scanner 203 turns on each light source 403. Further, the CPU 702 waits for input from the barcode scanner 203, the keyboard 706, the touch panel 709, and the like in a state where each light source 403 is turned on (step S502). When there is any input from the barcode scanner 203, the keyboard 706, the touch panel 709, etc., the CPU 702 determines the type of the input (step S503). The type of input determined at this time is broadly classified into input from the barcode scanner 203, declaration of closing, and other inputs. The declaration of tightening is made by touching the GUI component for tightening declaration displayed on the store clerk side LCD 707. The other input is, for example, an input of a product code by touching a GUI component for product specification displayed on the store clerk side LCD 707.

  When the input detected in the process of step S502 is the other input (“other” in step S503), the CPU 702 executes a process corresponding to the input (step S504). For example, when a product code is input by touching a product designating GUI component displayed on the store clerk side LCD 707, the input product code is transmitted to the POS terminal 801 via the communication interface 710. After the process of step S504, the CPU 702 returns to the process of step S502 and waits for the next input.

  On the other hand, when the input detected in the process of step S502 is an input from the barcode scanner 203 (“barcode scanner” in step S503), the CPU 702 determines whether or not a barcode reading error has occurred (step S505). ). The reading error here is, for example, a missing part of the code read by the bar code scanner 203, a mismatch between the code system of the read code and the code system of the product code, or double reading of the bar code. The double reading is an error detected when a barcode attached to the same product is continuously read.

  When it is determined that no reading error has occurred (No in step S505), the CPU 702 transmits information input from the barcode scanner 203, that is, a product code, to the POS terminal 801 (step S506). When the POS terminal 801 receives this product code, product information corresponding to the product code is retrieved from the PLU file 802. The product information discovered at this time is stored in a storage unit such as a RAM and returned to the product code input device 701. When the product information returned from the POS terminal 801 is received, the CPU 702 displays the product name and unit price included in the received product information on the store clerk side LCD 707 and the customer side LCD 708 (step S507). Thereafter, the process returns to step S502 to wait for the next input.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S505 that a reading error has occurred (Yes in step S505), the CPU 702 instructs the barcode scanner 203 to turn off each light source 403 (step S508). When this instruction is received, the illumination board 404 of the barcode scanner 203 turns off each light source 403. Thus, after each light source 403 is turned off, the barcode cannot be read by the barcode scanner 203.

  After turning off each light source 403, the CPU 702 displays an error message indicating that a reading error has occurred on the salesclerk-side LCD 707 (step S509), and waits for the error to be cleared (step S510). The reading error is canceled by, for example, operating the keyboard 706 or operating an error canceling GUI component displayed on the store clerk side LCD 707 together with the error message. When the reading error is canceled by such an operation (Yes in step S510), the CPU 702 instructs the barcode scanner 203 to turn on each light source 403 (step S511). When this instruction is received, the illumination board 404 of the barcode scanner 203 turns on each light source 403. Thereafter, the CPU 702 returns to the process of step S502 and waits for the next input.

  When the store clerk finishes inputting the product codes of all the products that the customer who is currently paying out purchases, the store clerk touches the GUI component for closing declaration displayed on the store clerk side LCD 707. At this time, the CPU 702 determines that the closing of the product code input has been declared (“Shutdown Declaration” in step S503), notifies the POS terminal 801 to that effect (step S512), and ends the settlement process.

  When receiving a notification that the closing is declared from the product code input device 701, the POS terminal 801 calculates the total price based on the unit price included in the product information stored in its storage unit in the settlement process. The calculated total amount is displayed on a display unit such as an LCD, and payment for the price is accepted. The price is paid by cash, electronic money, credit card or the like.

[Action]
As described above, the product code input device 701 in this embodiment turns off each light source 403 of the barcode scanner 203 when a reading error occurs. If each light source 403 is controlled in this way, a product code cannot be input using the barcode scanner 203 at least after a reading error has occurred. Therefore, the reading error can be surely noticed to the store clerk. Furthermore, since the next product code cannot be read using the barcode scanner 203 in a state where a reading error has occurred, the store clerk will not be confused as to which product the reading error has occurred.

  When a reading error occurs, an error message is displayed on the clerk-side LCD 707. Therefore, even if a store clerk tries to input a product code using a product designating GUI part displayed on the store clerk side LCD 707 in a state where a reading error has occurred, the store clerk notices the abnormality by the error message.

(Modification)
In addition, the structure disclosed in each said embodiment can be embodied by making various changes in the implementation stage. Examples of such modifications include the following.
(1) In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the self-checkout terminal 101 is configured by the separate settlement terminal 201 and the scale device 301. However, the self-checkout terminal 101 may be configured by integrating the settlement terminal 201 and the scale device 301.

(2) In the first embodiment, it has been described that each light source 403 is turned off immediately after a product code is input. However, the timing at which each light source 403 is turned off is not limited to immediately after the product code is input, and each light source 403 may be turned off at any time until the next product code is input. . For example, the light sources 403 may not be turned off immediately after the product code is input, and the light sources 403 may be turned off after the weight check determines that there is no identity.

(3) In the first embodiment, an error message is displayed on the LCD 210 when it is determined that there is no identity in the weight check, or when a product is placed on the mounting table 303a even though the product code is not input. It is assumed that the product returns from the error in response to the removal of the product from the shopping bag or the like held on the mounting table 303a or the bag holder 304 (steps S112 and S403). However, in addition to removing the product, a method of recovering from the error by operating a predetermined GUI component displayed on the LCD 210 may be employed.

(4) In the second embodiment, the product code input device 701 that inputs the product code to the POS terminal 801 is illustrated. However, the configuration in which each light source 403 is turned off when a reading error occurs may be applied to an apparatus such as the self-checkout terminal 101 described in the first embodiment.

(5) In the second embodiment, it has been described that each light source 403 is turned off immediately after a reading error occurs. However, the timing of turning off each light source 403 is not limited to immediately after a reading error occurs, and the light source 403 may be turned off at any point in time until the next product code is input. For example, each light source 403 may be turned off when any input from the barcode scanner 203 is received, and each light source 403 may be turned on when the input is not a reading error.

(6) In the second embodiment, the case where the CPU 702 of the product code input device 701 controls the timing of turning on and off each light source 403 is exemplified. However, this control may be executed by a control means provided in the barcode scanner 203. That is, the occurrence of a reading error is detected by the control unit of the barcode scanner 203, and this control unit instructs the lighting board 404 to turn on and off each light source 403. Even if it does in this way, there exists an effect similar to what was disclosed in 2nd Embodiment.

In addition, some constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the respective embodiments, or constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.
The invention described in the scope of claims at the beginning of the filing of the present application is appended below.
[1] An illuminating unit that illuminates a product, a product code detecting unit that detects a product code from the product illuminated by the illuminating unit, and a product after the product code is detected by the product code detecting unit. A first storage unit that stores, for each product, a mounting table for weighing, weighing means for weighing the product placed on the mounting table, weight information indicating the weight of the product, and product information including at least a unit price From the reading means for reading the weight information and the product information of the product indicated by the product code detected by the product code detection unit, and the weighing result of the product whose product code is detected by the product code detection unit by the weighing unit Determining means for determining whether or not the weight obtained based on the weight indicated by the weight information read by the reading means is identical; and Storage control means for storing the product information read by the reading means in a second storage unit for storing the product information of the product to be settled when it is determined that there is identity, and the determination means And a lighting control unit that turns off the lighting unit when it is determined that there is no identity.
[2] The illumination control unit turns off the illumination unit when the product code is detected by the product code detection unit, and turns on the illumination unit when the determination unit determines that there is identity. The checkout terminal according to [1] above, characterized in that:
[3] The lighting control unit turns on the lighting unit in response to the determination that the product is not identical after the determination unit determines that there is no identity. The checkout terminal according to the above [1] or [2].
[4] The weight information includes a numerical value indicating the weight of the product and a numerical value indicating an allowable error range, and the determination unit is the weighing unit of the product for which the product code is detected by the product code detection unit. When the weight obtained on the basis of the weighing result by the above-mentioned reading means falls within the range indicated by the numerical value indicating the weight of the product included in the weight information read by the reading means and the numerical value indicating the allowable error range, The checkout terminal according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein it is determined that the weights are identical.
[5] The product code detection means captures the product illuminated by the illumination means to generate image data, and decodes a barcode included in the image data to detect the product code. The checkout terminal according to any one of [1] to [4].
[6] An illumination unit that illuminates the product, a product code detection unit that detects a product code from the product illuminated by the illumination unit, and a product after the product code is detected by the product code detection unit A checkout terminal control program comprising a mounting table for weighing and a weighing unit that measures the weight of a product placed on the mounting table, wherein the weight information indicates the weight of the product on the checkout terminal. A reading function for reading the weight information and product information of the product indicated by the product code detected by the product code detection unit from the first storage unit storing at least product information including unit price for each product; Weight obtained based on the result of weighing by the weighing unit of the product for which the product code is detected by the code detecting unit, and weight information read by the reading function The determination function for determining whether or not there is identity with the displayed weight, and when the determination function determines that there is identity, the reading to the second storage unit for storing the product information of the product to be settled A control program for realizing a storage control function that stores product information read by a function and an illumination control function that turns off the illumination unit when it is determined by the determination function that there is no identity.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Self-checkout system, 101 ... Self-checkout terminal, 102 ... Merchandise placing table, 201 ... Payment terminal, 203 ... Barcode scanner, 210 ... LCD, 250 ... CPU, 252a ... Measurement value storage area, 252b ... Product Information storage area, 280 ... PLU file, 281 ... Weight information file, 301 ... Weighing device, 303a ... Place, 403 ... Light source

Claims (6)

Lighting means for illuminating the product;
Product code detection means for detecting a product code from the product illuminated by the illumination means;
A mounting table for mounting the product after the product code is detected by the product code detecting means;
A weighing means for weighing the product placed on the mounting table;
A first illumination control unit that turns off the illumination unit when a product is placed on the mounting table while the product code detection unit waits for detection of a product code;
Based on the measurement result of the weighing unit, a determination unit that determines whether the product placed on the mounting table is removed from the mounting table while the product code detecting unit waits for detection of the product code;
A second illumination control unit that turns on the illumination unit when the determination unit determines that the product has been removed from the mounting table;
A checkout terminal characterized by comprising: Informing means for notifying an error when a commodity is placed on the mounting table while the commodity code detecting means waits for detection of the commodity code,
The checkout terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: The determination means, when the weight measured by the weighing means decreases by the same amount as the increase before and after the product is placed on the mounting table while the product code detection means waits for the detection of the product code The checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the product has been removed from the mounting table. When a product is placed on the mounting table after the product code is detected by the product code detection unit, a set weight predetermined for the product corresponding to the product code and the product measured by the weighing unit Weight determination means for determining the presence or absence of identity with the weight of
If it is determined by the weight determination means that there is identity, the product information of the product corresponding to the product code detected by the product code detection means is stored in the storage unit for storing the product information of the product to be settled. Storage control means for storing;
The checkout terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:   2. The product code detection unit picks up a product illuminated by the illumination unit to generate image data, and decodes a barcode included in the image data to detect a product code. The checkout terminal according to any one of 1 to 4. An illumination unit that illuminates the product, a product code detection unit that detects a product code from the product illuminated by the illumination unit, and a mounting for placing the product after the product code is detected by the product code detection unit A control program for a checkout terminal comprising: a table; and a weighing unit that measures the weight of the product placed on the table;
The check-out terminal,
A first illumination control unit that turns off the illumination unit when a product is placed on the mounting table while the product code detection unit waits for detection of a product code;
Based on the measurement result of the weighing unit, a determination unit that determines whether the product placed on the mounting table is removed from the mounting table while the product code detecting unit waits for detection of the product code; and
A second illumination control unit that turns on the illumination unit when the determination unit determines that the product has been removed from the table;
Control program to function as.

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