JP7214398B2 - reader - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to readers.

2. Description of the Related Art Merchandise sales processing apparatuses that read merchandise information from RFID tags attached to merchandise and perform accounting processing based on the merchandise information have been known for some time.

As this type of merchandise sales processing apparatus, there is known a self-service merchandise sales processing apparatus in which the customer himself/herself performs all of the operations up to packing. Also known is a semi-self-type product sales processing apparatus in which the customer himself/herself performs part of the work up to packing.

Japanese Patent No. 6268350

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide reading that can shorten the time required to complete the product bagging operation.

According to embodiments, a reader comprises a shell, an opening, a door, an antenna and a lift mechanism . The outer shell body has therein a storage chamber capable of storing a product having an RFID tag. The opening is provided in the upper wall of the outer shell and communicates with the storage chamber. The door is provided in the opening. The antenna is configured to be able to receive a signal from the RFID tag of the product in the accommodation room. A lift mechanism vertically moves the bottom surface of the storage chamber.

Also, in another embodiment , the door is constructed from a transparent material.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a merchandise sales processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the merchandise sales processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a merchandise sales processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a product sales processing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a reading device used in the merchandise sales processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a modification of the merchandise sales processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a reading device used in a merchandise sales processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a merchandise sales processing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

A merchandise sales processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a merchandise sales processing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product sales processing device 10. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the merchandise sales processing device 10 includes a reader 20 and a processor 50 . The commodity sales processing device 10 receives the signal from the RFID tag 6 of the commodity 5 by the reading device 20 . In addition, the product sales processing device 10 reads the information of the RFID tag 6 with the processing device 50 as an example. The product sales processing device 10 also performs sales registration processing and accounting processing based on the information read from the RFID tag 6 by the processing device 50 .

In this embodiment, the sales registration process is a process of creating a product list based on the information of the RFID tag 6. FIG. Accounting processing includes calculation processing and settlement processing. The calculation process is a process of calculating the price to be paid by the customer based on the product list. Settlement processing is the completion of a sales transaction based on the payment information from the customer.

Such a merchandise sales processing device 10 is used, for example, in a semi-self checkout device. In the semi-self-type checkout device, the customer himself/herself performs the work for sales registration processing and the work for accounting processing, and the store clerk packs the merchandise. As a semi-self checkout device, for example, there is a semi-self POS (Point of Sales) device.

The work for the sales registration process is, for example, the work of storing the product 5 in the storage room 32 so that the product sales processing apparatus 10 can execute the sales registration process. The work for accounting processing is the work requested by the customer when the merchandise sales processing apparatus 10 performs the accounting processing. The work for accounting processing is, for example, the operation of the operation unit.

Here, the product 5 is a product sold at a store such as a convenience store when the product sales processing apparatus 10 is installed in the store. A product 5 has an RFID tag 6 .
The RFID tag 6 has information on the product 5 . The information on the product 5 includes, for example, the name of the product 5, the price of the product 5, and identification information for identifying the product 5. FIG. Information held by the RFID tag 6 is not limited to these. Also, the RFID tag 6 is configured to be able to read and write information. The RFID tag 6 is, for example, a passive tag without a battery and configured to be operable in the UHF band.

Here, the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the merchandise sales processing apparatus 10 are defined. In the product sales processing device 10, the direction in which the reading device 20 and the processing device 50 are arranged is defined as the horizontal direction. A direction orthogonal to the two directions of the up-down direction and the left-right direction is defined as the front-rear direction. Among the front-rear directions, the direction in which the first display unit 72 of the processing device 50, which will be described later, faces is defined as the front direction.

The reader 20 receives the signal from the RFID tag 6 of the item 5 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reader 20 includes a reader main body 30 and an antenna 40. As shown in FIGS.

The reading device main body 30 includes an outer shell 31 and a housing chamber 32 . The outer shell 31 defines the outer shell of the reader main body 30 . As an example, the outer shell 31 is configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The housing chamber 32 is provided inside the outer shell 31 . The accommodation chamber 32 is configured to accommodate the product 5 therein. The accommodation room 32 is configured to accommodate the shopping basket 7 in this embodiment. The shopping basket 7 is a container in which a customer carries unchecked commodities 5 in the store. Note that the accommodation room 32 is not limited to being able to accommodate the shopping basket 7 . The storage chamber 32 may be configured to have a size and shape that can store only the product 5 .

The housing chamber 32 is configured to be openable and closable by a door 35, which will be described later. An upper wall portion 34 of the outer shell 31 is formed with an opening 34a. The opening 34a communicates with the housing chamber 32 . The opening 34a has a shape and size that allow the shopping basket 7 to pass through. As an example, the opening 34a is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view.

A door 35 is provided in the opening 34a. The door 35 is configured to be able to open and close the opening 34a. The door 35 is, for example, a shutter. As a specific example, the door 35 includes a door body 35a and a guide portion 35b.

The door main body 35a is formed in a blind shape. As an example, the door main body 35a is made of a transparent material that allows the inside of the storage chamber 32 to be visually recognized from the outside. The guide portion 35b is formed on each of two edges along the front-rear direction of the opening 34a. The guide portion 35b guides movement of the door main body 35a in the front-rear direction. The guide portion 35b is, for example, a groove that accommodates the left and right edges of the door body 35a.

In the door 35 configured in this manner, the door body 35a closes the opening 36a by being extended forward. The door body 35a opens the opening 36a by moving backward.

The antenna 40 is configured to be able to receive a signal from the RFID tag 6 of the product 5 stored in the storage room 32 . The antenna 40 is provided on a part of the inner surface of the accommodation room 32 as an example inside the accommodation room 32 . Note that the antenna 40 is not limited to being provided inside the housing chamber 32 . The antenna 40 may be provided outside the accommodation chamber 32 . As an example of the outside of the housing chamber 32 , the antenna 40 may be provided on a wall portion that is provided inside the outer shell 31 and positioned outside the wall portion that defines the inner surface of the housing chamber 32 .

The processing device 50 is configured to be able to perform sales registration processing and accounting processing based on the signal from the RFID tag 6 received by the reading device 20 . The processing device 50 includes, for example, a housing 60 , a terminal device 70 , a change dispenser 80 and a printer 90 .

A terminal 70, a change dispenser 80, and a printer 90 are installed in the housing 60. As shown in FIG. The housing 60 is arranged on the side of the reading device 20 .
The terminal 70 includes a reading section 71 , a first display section 72 , a second display section 73 , an operation section 74 , a storage section 75 and a control section 76 .

The reader 71 is electrically connected to the antenna 40 via a signal line. The reading unit 71 reads information of the RFID tag 6 based on the signal of the RFID tag 6 received by the antenna 40 . Furthermore, the reading unit 71 has a function of writing information to the RFID tag 6 via the antenna 40 . In other words, the reading unit 71 is a so-called reader/writer in this embodiment.

Note that the reading unit 71 may be provided in the reading device 20 instead of being provided in the processing device 50 . As an example, the reading unit 71 may be provided in the reading device main body 30 . In this configuration, the reading section 71 may be connected to the control section 76 via a signal line.

The first display unit 72 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The first display portion 72 faces forward. The first display section 72 is mainly a display section visually recognized by customers. The first display section 72 displays information necessary for the customer to perform, for example, work for product sales registration or work for accounting processing. This information includes, for example, information on the product 5, information stored in the storage unit 75, and information on input/operation of the product sales processing device 10. FIG.

The second display unit 73 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The second display section 73 faces rearward. The second display section 73 is mainly a display section visually recognized by the store clerk. The second display unit 73 displays at least information that the settlement process has been completed. The second display section 73 displays the same content as the first display section 72 as an example in this embodiment.

The operation unit 74 is an input device through which a customer inputs information. The operation unit 74 is, for example, a touch panel provided on each of the first display unit 72 and the second display unit 73 .
The storage unit 75 stores a program executed by the control unit 76, information on product registration, and the like. The storage unit 75 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing a control program that stores programs and the like, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for storing data that temporarily stores information when the control unit 76 executes a program. ) etc.

The control unit 76 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 76 is electrically connected to the reading unit 71, the first display unit 72, the second display unit 73, the operation unit 74, the storage unit 75, the change dispenser 80, and the printer 90. be done. The control unit 76 controls each electrically connected configuration by a program stored in the storage unit 75 .

The control unit 76 controls the reading unit 71 to read information from the RFID tag 6 via the antenna 40 . The control unit 76 controls the reading unit 71 to write information to the RFID tag 6 via the antenna 40 . The control unit 76 controls the reading unit 71, the display unit 72, and the change dispenser 80 to perform sales registration processing and accounting processing.

The change machine 80 processes the inserted money. The change machine 80 includes, for example, a first change machine 81 for bills and a second change machine 82 for coins.
The printer 90 outputs a receipt on which information, etc., of the product 5 for which accounting has been completed is printed.

As an example, two product sales processing apparatuses 10 configured in this way form a processing unit 1 . The processing unit 1 includes, for example, two merchandise sales processing devices 10 and a workbench 2 . The two merchandise sales processing apparatuses 10 are arranged with a space in the left-right direction. The workbench 2 is arranged between two merchandise sales processing apparatuses 10 . The upper surface of the workbench 2 is flush with the upper surface 34b of the shell 31 of the reader main body 30. As shown in FIG.

A customer stands in front of the merchandise sales processing apparatus 10 when performing sales registration processing and accounting processing in the merchandise sales processing apparatus 10 configured as described above. When the product sales processing device 10 performs sales registration processing and accounting processing, the sales clerk stands behind the product sales processing device 10 .

Next, an example of the flow up to completion of product bagging work using the product sales processing apparatus 10 will be described.

First, the customer carries the product 5 and moves to the front of the product sales processing device 10 . Next, the customer opens the door 35 and stores the product 5 in the storage room 32 . Incidentally, when the customer stores the products 5 in the shopping basket 7, the customer stores the shopping basket 7 in the storage room 32. - 特許庁Next, the customer performs an operation for product sales registration processing. The work for the sales registration processing here is, for example, an operation of inputting through the operation unit 74 that the accommodation of the product in the accommodation room 32 has been completed. In addition, the customer performs work for accounting processing. The work for accounting processing includes operation of the operation unit 74, insertion of cash into the change dispenser 80, and the like.

When the settlement process is completed, the control section 76 displays information indicating that the settlement process is completed on the first display section 72 and the second display section 73 .

When the customer confirms that the settlement process is completed by looking at the first display unit 72, the customer puts the card in the wallet, puts the wallet in the bag or the like, and the like. These operations are examples of operations performed by the customer after the settlement process is completed.

When the store clerk confirms that the settlement process is completed by looking at the second display section 73, the door 35 is opened and the product 5 is taken out from the storage room 32. - 特許庁Then, the clerk packs the products 5 on the workbench 2 or on the closed door 35 . When the work of bagging the products 5 is completed, the store clerk hands over the bag containing the products 5 to the customer.

In this way, after the settlement process is completed, the work by the customer and the work of packing the products 5 by the store clerk are carried out in parallel.

The merchandise sales processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a door 35 on the upper wall portion 34 of the outer shell 31 . Therefore, the customer standing in front of the merchandise sales processing apparatus 10 and the store clerk standing behind the merchandise sales processing apparatus 10 can open and close the door 35 from their respective positions.

Therefore, when the settlement process is completed, the salesclerk can open the door 35, take out the products 5 from the storage chamber 32, and pack the products 5 into bags. Then, the store clerk can carry out the work of packing the product 5 while the customer puts away his wallet. Therefore, the time required to complete the bagging operation can be shortened.

In addition, in this embodiment, the shutter was used for the door 35 as an example. However, door 35 is not limited to a shutter. The door 35 may be, for example, a plate-shaped door provided rotatably around a rotation axis provided at the edge of the opening 34a. Alternatively, door 35 may be an accordion curtain.

Further, the reading device 20 may include a lift mechanism and an opening/closing mechanism for automatically opening/closing the door 35 . The lift mechanism is configured to be vertically movable on the bottom surface 32 d of the storage chamber 32 . For example, when the control unit 76 detects through a sensor or the like that the product 5 remains in the storage chamber 32 for a predetermined period of time after the settlement process is completed, the control unit 76 opens the door 35 with the opening/closing mechanism, and lifts the door 35 with the lift mechanism. The bottom surface 32d is moved upward. By moving the bottom surface 32 d upward, the customer or store clerk notices the product 5 left in the storage room 32 . Alternatively, a part of the shopping basket 7 is exposed to the outside, so that the customer or the store clerk notices it.

Further, the control unit 76 positions the bottom surface 32d at a height where a part of the shopping basket 7 protrudes from the opening 34a when the product is waiting, and lowers the bottom surface 32d to open the door 35 at the start of the reading operation. may be closed automatically. Then, when the settlement process is completed, the door 35 may be automatically opened to raise the bottom surface 32d.

Next, a merchandise sales processing apparatus 10A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. In addition, the structure which has the same function as 1st Embodiment attaches|subjects the code|symbol same as 1st Embodiment, and abbreviate|omits description.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the merchandise sales processing apparatus 10A. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product sales processing device 10A. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a reader 20A used in the merchandise sales processing apparatus 10A. FIG. 5 shows the inside of the housing chamber 32 viewed from above.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the merchandise sales processing device 10A includes a reader 20A and a processing device 50A. The reading device 20A includes a reading device main body 30A, a first antenna 41, and a second antenna .

The reading device main body 30A includes an outer shell 31A and a housing chamber 32. As shown in FIG. As an example, the outer shell 31A is configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing chamber 32 is provided inside the outer shell 31A.

In order to accommodate the rectangular parallelepiped shopping basket 7, the storage chamber 32 is configured such that the length in the front-rear direction is longer than the length in the left-right direction. In other words, as shown in FIG. 5, the distance along the front-rear direction from the front surface 32a of the storage chamber 32 to the rear surface 32b of the storage chamber 32 is equal to the distance from the right side 32c of the storage chamber 32 to the left side 32e of the storage chamber 32. Longer than the distance along the direction. In this embodiment, the storage chamber 32 is configured as a rectangular parallelepiped chamber space, as an example. In other words, the shape formed by the front surface 32a, the rear surface 32b, the right side surface 32c, the bottom surface 32d, the left side surface 32e, and the upper surface 32f of the storage chamber 32 is a rectangular parallelepiped.

The outer shell 31A includes an upper wall portion 34, a front wall portion 36, and a rear wall portion 37. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, both sides of the outer shell 31A are in contact with the workbench 2 or the processing device 50. As shown in FIG. For this reason, the outer shell 31A may be configured to include left and right side wall portions, or may be configured to not include left and right side wall portions.

The front wall portion 36 and the rear wall portion 37 are part of the peripheral wall portion of the outer shell 31A. The peripheral wall portion is a wall portion of the outer wall portion of the outer shell 31A along an axis parallel to the vertical direction. In other words, it is the wall portion excluding the top wall portion and the bottom wall portion of the shell 31A.

When the outer wall portion of the outer shell 31A is columnar or cylindrical with the lower end closed, the cylindrical portion serves as the peripheral wall portion. In addition, when the outer shell 31A has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a cubic shape, or a polygonal prism shape, the peripheral wall portion has a plurality of side surfaces. In the present embodiment, in the case of having a plurality of side surfaces, the walls that define the side surfaces are referred to as side wall portions. And the side wall portion is a part of the peripheral wall portion.

The upper wall portion 34 is configured so that the accommodation room 32 can be visually recognized by the customer. As a specific example, the upper wall portion 34 is partially configured by a transparent portion 34c. The transparent portion 34c is made of a transparent material. As an example, the transparent portion 34c is configured in a rectangular shape. A transparent material is, for example, colorless glass.

As an example, the upper surface 34b of the upper wall portion 34 is formed so as to be usable as a workbench for packing products into bags. The upper surface 34b (including the transparent portion 34c) is formed in a horizontal plane as a specific example of its configuration.

The front wall portion 36 includes a door 35A. An opening 36 a is formed in the front wall portion 36 . The opening 36a communicates with the housing chamber 32 . The opening 36a is formed in a rectangular shape, for example. Furthermore, as an example, the upper edge and lower edge of the opening 36a are formed horizontally.

The door 35A is configured, for example, in the shape of a plate having the same shape and size as the opening 36a. The door 35A closes the opening 36a or opens the opening 36a by opening and closing. A door 35A provided in the opening 36a is a door operated by a customer.

The door 35A is rotatably provided by a first hinge 38A. The first hinge 38A is provided on the right or left side of the opening 36a so as not to interfere with the shopping basket 7 received from the opening 36a. The accommodation chamber 32 has a space in which the first hinge 38A can be installed on the right or left side of the opening 36a. For this reason, the front surface 32a has a width corresponding to the space between the opening 36a and the right side 32c or the left side 32e on the side where the first hinge 38A is provided with respect to the opening 36a. have.

In this embodiment, the first hinge 38A is fixed on the right side with respect to the opening 36a. Further, as an example on the right side, in this embodiment, the first hinge 38A is fixed to a portion of the range A of the front surface 32a between the opening 36a and the right side surface 32c. The range A extends from the opening 36a to the right side surface 32c in the circumferential direction, and extends from the upper end to the lower end of the front surface 32a in the vertical direction.

The rotation axis of the first hinge 38A is parallel to the vertical direction. The first hinge 38A may be fixed to the corner of the bottom surface 32d between the front surface 32a and the right side surface 32c. Alternatively, the first hinge 38A may be fixed to the corner of the top surface 32f between the front surface 32a and the right side surface 32c.

The opening 36a and the door 35A are configured so that the product 5 can pass through the opening 36a while the door 35A is open. In this embodiment, as a specific example of this, the opening 36a and the door 35A are configured to have a size and shape that allow the shopping basket 7 to pass through the opening 36a when the door 35A is opened to a predetermined position.

The rear wall portion 37 includes a door 35B. An opening 37 a is formed in the rear wall portion 37 . The opening 37a communicates with the accommodation chamber 32 . The opening 37a is formed in a rectangular shape, for example. Furthermore, as an example, the upper edge and lower edge of the opening 37a are formed horizontally.

The door 35B is configured, for example, in the shape of a plate having the same shape and size as the opening 37a. The door 35B closes the opening 37a or opens the opening 37a by opening and closing. A door 35B provided in the opening 37a is a door operated by a store clerk.

The door 35B is rotatably provided by a second hinge 38B. The second hinge 38B is fixed on the first hinge 38A side with respect to the opening 36a, whichever is the right side or the left side with respect to the opening 37a.

In this embodiment, since the first hinge 38A is fixed to the right side of the opening 36a, the second hinge 38B is fixed to the right side of the opening 37a. The housing chamber 32 has a space in which the second hinge 38B can be installed on the right side of the opening 37a. In order to secure this space, the opening 37a is located on the left side with respect to the right side surface 32c. In other words, the rear surface 32b has a width between the right side surface 32c and the opening 36a corresponding to the space described above.

In this embodiment, as an example, the second hinge 38B is fixed to a portion of the range B between the opening 37a and the right side 32c of the rear surface 32b. Range B is a range from the opening 37a to the right side surface 32c in the circumferential direction, and a range from the upper end to the lower end of the front surface 32a in the vertical direction.

The rotation axis of the second hinge 38B is parallel to the vertical direction. The second hinge 38B may be fixed to the corner of the bottom surface 32d between the rear surface 32b and the right side surface 32c. Alternatively, the second hinge 38B may be fixed to the corner of the top surface 32f between the rear surface 32b and the right side surface 32c.

The opening 37a and the door 35B are configured so that the product 5 can pass through the opening 37a while the door 35B is open. In this embodiment, the opening 37a and the door 35B are sized and shaped so that the shopping basket 7 can pass through the opening 37a when the door 35B is opened to a predetermined position.

The first antenna 41 is provided on the right side 32c, which is the side on which the hinges 38A and 38B are fixed to the openings 36a and 37a, among the four sides of the storage chamber 32. As shown in FIG. That is, the first antenna 41 is installed inside the accommodation chamber 32 using the space for fixing the hinges 38A and 38B. Therefore, the shopping basket 7 does not interfere with the first antenna 41 even if the shopping basket 7 is accommodated through the opening 36a. The first antenna 41 emits radio waves toward the left side surface 32e.

The second antenna 42 is provided on the bottom surface 32d. The second antenna 42 emits radio waves toward the upper surface 32 f of the accommodation chamber 32 . Note that the second antenna 42 is not limited to being provided on the bottom surface 32d. The second antenna 42 may be provided below the bottom surface 32d, for example. As an example of this, the second antenna 42 is provided on the back surface of the wall having the bottom surface 32d or another wall provided below the wall having the bottom surface 32d.

The processing device 50A includes, as an example, a housing 60, a terminal device 70A, a change dispenser 80, and a printer 90.

The terminal 70A includes a reading section 71A, a first display section 72, a second display section 73, an operation section 74, a storage section 75, and a control section 76A.
The reading unit 71A is electrically connected to the antennas 41 and 42 via signal lines. The reader 71A reads the information of the RFID tag 6 based on the signals of the RFID tag 6 received by the antennas 41 and 42 . Further, the reading unit 71A has a function of writing information to the RFID tag 6 via the antennas 41 and 42. FIG. In other words, the reading unit 71A is a so-called reader/writer in this embodiment.

Note that the reading unit 71A may be provided in the reading device 20A instead of being provided in the processing device 50A. As an example, the reading section 71A may be provided in the reading device main body 30 . In this configuration, the reading section 71A may be connected to the control section 76A via a signal line.

The control unit 76A is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 76A is electrically connected to the reading unit 71A, the first display unit 72, the second display unit 73, the operation unit 74, the storage unit 75, the change dispenser 80, and the printer 90. be done. The control unit 76A controls each electrically connected configuration by a program stored in the storage unit 75. FIG.

The control section 76A controls the reading section 71A to read the information of the RFID tag 6 via the antennas 41 and 42. FIG. The control unit 76A controls the reading unit 71 to write information to the RFID tag 6 via the antennas 41 and 42. FIG. The control unit 76A controls the reading unit 71A, the first display unit 72, the second display unit 73, and the change dispenser 80 to perform sales registration processing and accounting processing.

Next, an example of the flow until completion of product bagging work using the product sales processing apparatus 10A will be described.

First, the customer carries the product 5 and moves to the front of the product sales processing device 10A. Next, the customer opens the door 35A and stores the product 5 in the storage chamber 32. - 特許庁Incidentally, when the customer stores the products 5 in the shopping basket 7, the customer stores the shopping basket 7 in the storage room 32. - 特許庁Next, the customer performs work for product sales registration and work for accounting processing.

When the settlement process is completed, the control section 76A displays information indicating that the settlement process is completed on the first display section 72 and the second display section 73 .

When the customer confirms that the settlement process is completed by looking at the first display unit 72, the customer puts the card in the wallet, puts the wallet in the bag or the like, and the like.

When the store clerk confirms that the settlement process is completed by looking at the second display section 73, the door 35B is opened and the product 5 is taken out from the storage room 32. - 特許庁Then, the store clerk packs the products 5 on the workbench 2 or on the upper wall portion 34 . When the work of bagging the products 5 is completed, the store clerk hands over the bag containing the products 5 to the customer.

In this way, the work by the customer and the work of packing the products 5 by the store clerk are carried out in parallel.
In this embodiment, effects similar to those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Furthermore, the first antenna 41 is fixed to the right side surface 32c, which is the side surface on which the hinges 38A and 38B are provided, either on the right side or the left side of the openings 36a and 37a. Therefore, the first antenna 41 is arranged in the space secured inside the housing chamber 32 for fixing the hinges 38A and 38B.

For this reason, in addition to the space for fixing the hinges 38A and 38B, there is space for the first antenna 41 to prevent the first antenna 41 from interfering with the shopping basket 7. There is no need to secure an installation space for

For example, in the case of a configuration in which the first antenna 41 is fixed to the left side surface 32e, an antenna for preventing interference between the first antenna 41 and the shopping basket 7 is provided on the left side of the openings 36a and 37a in the storage chamber 32. Space must be reserved.

In this configuration, since the accommodation chamber 32 has a space for the hinges 38A and 38B and a space for the first antenna 41, the distance from the right side surface 32c to the left side surface 32e is increased, The volume within 32 increases. As a result, the outer shell 31A is enlarged.

However, in this embodiment, since the first antenna 41 is arranged using the installation space of the hinges 38A and 38B, there is no need to secure the installation space for the first antenna 41, so the outer shell 31A can be prevented from becoming large.

In this embodiment, the door 35A operated by the customer is included in the front wall portion 36 of the outer shell 31A. A door 35B operated by a store clerk is included in the rear wall portion 37 of the shell 31B. This is because the merchandise sales processing apparatus 10A is configured so that the customer stands in front of the apparatus and the store clerk stands behind the apparatus.

The reading device 20A is not limited to the configuration in which the front wall portion 36 includes the door 35A operated by the customer and the rear wall portion 37 includes the door 35B operated by the store clerk. The positions of the doors 35A and 35B may be determined according to the position where the customer stands and the position where the store clerk stands with respect to the merchandise sales processing device.

This modification will be described with reference to FIG. The modification shown in FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which the right side wall portion 39 includes a door 35B. The right side wall portion 39 is an example of a peripheral wall portion of the outer shell 31A that can be accessed by a person from the outside and is excluding the front wall portion 36 and the rear wall portion 37. FIG. In the variant shown in , the workbench 2 is not used.

In this configuration, the right side wall portion 39 is formed with an opening 39a that is closed or opened by the door 35B. A second hinge 38B that rotatably supports the door 35B is provided at the edge of this opening, as an example. The rotation axis of the second hinge 38B that supports the door 35B is, for example, parallel to the vertical direction.

In the modified example shown in FIG. 6, the store clerk stands on the right side of the right side wall portion 39 . In addition, in the modification shown in FIG. 6, the second display unit 73 is provided in a posture facing the right side, which is the store clerk's side.

Next, a merchandise sales processing device 10B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. In addition, the structure which has the same function as 2nd Embodiment attaches|subjects the same code|symbol as 2nd Embodiment, and abbreviate|omits description.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a reading device 20B used in the merchandise sales processing device 10B. FIG. 7 shows the inside of the housing chamber 32 viewed from above. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the merchandise sales processing device 10B.

In addition, the appearance of the merchandise sales processing device 10B is the same as that of the merchandise sales processing device 10A as an example. Product sales processing device 10B differs from product sales processing device 10A in that first antenna 41 and second antenna 42 are configured to be movable.

As shown in FIG. 8, the merchandise sales processing device 10B includes a reading device 20B and a processing device 50B.

As shown in FIG. 7, the reading device 20B includes a reading device main body 30A, a first antenna 41, a second antenna 42, a first driving section 100, and a second driving section 110. ing.
The reading device main body 30A includes an outer shell 31A and a housing chamber 32. As shown in FIG.
The first antenna 41 is supported by the right side surface 32c via the first driving section 100. As shown in FIG. The second antenna 42 is supported below the bottom surface 32 d via the second driving section 110 . As an example, the second antenna 42 is mounted on the back surface of the wall portion having the bottom surface 32d (the surface opposite to the bottom surface 32d) or another support portion provided below the wall portion having the bottom surface 32d. is supported via the drive unit 110 of the

The first drive unit 100 is configured to move the first antenna 41 back and forth. As an example, the first drive unit 100 includes a ball screw, and the ball screw moves the first antenna 41 in the front-rear direction. The first drive unit 100 includes, for example, a first ball screw 101 and a first motor 102 .

The first ball screw 101 includes a first screw 101a and a first nut 101b. The first screw 101a is rotatably supported on the right side surface 32c. The first screw 101a is parallel to the front-rear direction.

The first nut 101 b is fixed to the first antenna 41 . Also, the first nut 101b is screwed onto the first screw 101a. As the first screw 101a rotates, the first nut 101b moves along the first screw 101a. The movement of the first nut 101b causes the first antenna 41 to move in the front-rear direction.

The first motor 102 rotates the first screw 101a in both directions. When the first screw 101a rotates in one direction, the first antenna 41 moves forward. When the first screw 101a rotates in the other direction, the first antenna 41 moves rearward. The first motor 102 is controlled by a control section 76B, which will be described later.

The first drive unit 100 configured in this manner is arranged in a space reserved for installation of the hinges 38A and 38B.

The second driving section 110 is configured to move the second antenna 42 back and forth. The second drive unit 110 has, for example, a ball screw, and the ball screw moves the second antenna 42 in the front-rear direction. The second driving section 110 includes, for example, a second ball screw 111 and a second motor 112 . Note that FIG. 7 shows a state in which a portion of the bottom plate forming the bottom surface 32d has been cut away. The second driver 110 and the second antenna 42 are shown through this cutout.

The second ball screw 111 has a second screw 111a and a second nut 111b. The second screw 111a is rotatably supported, for example, on the back surface of the wall having the bottom surface 32d or another support below this wall. The second screw 111a is parallel to the front-rear direction.

A second nut 111 b is fixed to the second antenna 42 . Also, the second nut 111b is screwed onto the second screw 111a. As the second screw 111a rotates, the second nut 111b moves along the second screw 111a. The movement of the second nut 111b causes the second antenna 42 to move in the front-rear direction.

A second motor 112 rotates the second screw 111a in both directions. When the second screw 111a rotates in one direction, the second antenna 42 moves forward. When the second screw 111a rotates in the other direction, the second antenna 42 moves rearward. The second motor 112 is controlled by a control section 76B, which will be described later.

The first driving unit 100 and the second driving unit 110 receive the signal from the RFID tag 6 of the product 5 at any position in the storage chamber 32 by using the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42. configured to be receivable.

Specifically, the range of movement of the first antenna 41 in the front-rear direction and the range of movement of the second antenna 42 in the front-rear direction are the same regardless of the position of the product 5 in the storage chamber 32 . The range is set so that the signal from the RFID tag 6 of the product 5 can be received by the first antenna 41 or the second antenna 42 .

The range of movement of the first antenna 41 in the front-rear direction is defined by the length of the first screw 101a. The range of movement of the second antenna 42 in the front-rear direction is defined by the length of the second screw 11a. In this embodiment, the screws 101a and 111a extend, for example, from the vicinity of the front surface 32a of the storage chamber 32 to the vicinity of the rear surface 32b.

In addition, the first drive unit 100 is not limited to the configuration in which the first antenna 41 is movable by the first ball screw 101 . The second driving unit 110 is also not limited to the configuration in which the second ball screw 111 allows the second antenna 42 to move. As another example, moving devices other than ball screws may be used.

The processing device 50B includes, as an example, a housing 60, a terminal device 70B, a change dispenser 80, and a printer 90.

The terminal 70B includes a reading section 71A, a first display section 72, a second display section 73, an operation section 74, a storage section 75, and a control section 76B.
The control unit 76B is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The control unit 76B includes a reading unit 71A, a first display unit 72, a second display unit 73, an operation unit 74, a storage unit 75, a change dispenser 80, a printer 90, and a first motor 102. , and the second motor 112 . The control unit 76B controls each electrically connected configuration by a program stored in the storage unit 75. FIG.

The control section 76B controls the reading section 71A to read the information of the RFID tag 6 via the antennas 41 and 42. FIG. The control unit 76B controls the reading unit 71 to write information to the RFID tag 6 via the antennas 41 and 42. FIG. The control unit 76B controls the reading unit 71A, the display units 72 and 73, and the change dispenser 80 to perform sales registration processing and accounting processing.

Further, the control unit 76B controls the movement of the first antenna 41 and the movement of the second antenna 42 by controlling the first motor 102 and the second motor 112. conduct.

As an example of movement control of the first antenna 41 and movement control of the second antenna 42 by the control unit 76B via the motors 102 and 112, the relative positions of the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are changed. The first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 may be moved while being kept constant. An example of this is that the distance from the front end to the rear end of the movement range of the first antenna 41 and the distance from the front end to the rear end of the movement range of the second antenna 42 are the same, and the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are moved in the same direction at the same speed.

Alternatively, the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 may be moved while changing the relative positions of the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 . An example of this is to make the moving speed of the first antenna 41 and the moving speed of the second antenna 42 different.

Further, the control section 76B may cause the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 to reciprocate. The reciprocation may be performed once or multiple times.

When the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are allowed to make only one round trip within their respective movement ranges, the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are moved while changing the relative positions of the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 . As an example of a means for moving the antenna 42 and the second antenna 42, the time required for each round trip may be different. The distance from the front end to the rear end of the range of movement of the first antenna 41 may be different from the distance from the front end to the rear end of the range of movement of the second antenna 42 so that the times are different.

Further, when the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are reciprocated a plurality of times, the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are moved while changing the relative position of the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42. A phase difference may be set between the reciprocating period of the antenna 41 and the reciprocating period of the second antenna 42 .
An example of a means for generating a phase difference is to set the time required for one round trip of the first antenna and the time required for one round trip of the second antenna 42 to be different times. As an example of this, when the distance from the front end to the rear end of the movement range of the first antenna 41 and the distance from the front end to the rear end of the movement range of the second antenna 42 are the same, the first Let the moving speed of the antenna 41 and the moving speed of the second antenna 42 be different speeds.

Another example of means for generating a phase difference is to make the distance from the front end to the rear end of the movement range of the first antenna 41 and the distance from the front end to the rear end of the movement range of the second antenna 42 different. In terms of the distance, the moving speed of the first antenna 41 and the moving speed of the second antenna 42 may be the same speed.

Further, still another example of the means for generating a phase difference is to divide the distance from the front end to the rear end of the movement range of the first antenna 41 and the distance from the front end to the rear end of the movement range of the second antenna 42. The movement speed of the first antenna 41 and the movement speed of the second antenna 42 are set to be the same, and the movement start timing of the first antenna 41 and the movement start timing of the second antenna 42 are shifted. good too.

It should be noted that the means for shifting the period when the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are reciprocated a plurality of times is not limited to the above means. A phase difference may be generated between the period of the reciprocating motion of the first antenna 41 and the period of the reciprocating motion of the second antenna 42 by other means.

Next, an example of the reading operation of the product 5 by the product sales processing device 10B will be described. For example, when the operation unit 74 is operated after the customer puts the product 5 in the storage room 32, the control unit 76B controls the reading unit 71A to transmit the product 5 through the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42. , starts reading the RFID tag 6 of the product 5 in the storage room 32 .

Further, the control section 76B drives the first motor 102 to move the first antenna 41 in the front-rear direction. The control unit 76B also drives the second motor 112 to move the second antenna 42 in the front-rear direction. At this time, the control unit 76B moves the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 while keeping the relative positions of the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 constant as described above. .

Alternatively, the control unit 76B moves the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 while changing the relative positions of the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 as described above.

Note that the movement that maintains the relative positions of the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 constant, and the movement that changes the relative positions of the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are: One is set in advance. In this embodiment, as an example, the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are moved while changing their relative positions.

The radio waves emitted by the first antenna 41 are characteristically emitted in the shape of an oval elongated in the left-right direction in a plan view. The radio waves emitted by the second antenna 42 are characteristically emitted in an oval shape elongated in the vertical direction in a plan view.

By moving the first antenna 41 in the front-rear direction, the null point between the radio wave emitted by the first antenna 41 and the radio wave reflected by the inner surface of the accommodation chamber 32 is moved. Similarly, by moving the second antenna 42 in the front-rear direction, the null point between the radio waves emitted from the second antenna 42 and the radio waves reflected on the inner surface of the accommodation room 32 moves.

Furthermore, when the moving speed of the first antenna 41 and the moving speed of the second antenna 42 are different, null between the radio waves emitted from the first antenna 41 and the radio waves emitted from the second antenna 42 The point will also move.

By moving the null point in this way, the problem that the RFID tag 6 of the product 5 is always positioned at the null point is eliminated.

The control unit 76B creates a product list of the products 5 stored in the storage chamber 32 based on the read information. When the creation of the product list is completed, the control unit 76B displays it on the first display unit 72 and the second display unit 73. FIG. When the product 5 displayed on the first display unit 72 and the product 5 accommodated in the storage chamber 32 match, the customer operates the operation unit 74 to proceed to checkout processing. When the operation for proceeding to checkout processing is performed, the control section 76B stops driving the reading section 71 and the motors 102 and 112, and proceeds to checkout processing. The work of the customer and the work of the store clerk in this embodiment are the same as in the second embodiment.

The commodity sales processing apparatus 10B configured in this way can obtain the same effects as those of the second embodiment.

Furthermore, since the first antenna 41 is moved in the front-rear direction, the reading accuracy of the RFID tag 6 of the product 5 in the storage chamber 32 by the first antenna 41 is improved. In other words, the radio waves emitted from the first antenna 41 are emitted in an oval shape elongated in the left-right direction due to their characteristics. Therefore, it is difficult for the radio waves emitted from the first antenna 41 whose position is fixed to reach the entire range within the accommodation room 32 . The radio waves emitted from the first antenna 41 referred to here do not include the radio waves reflected by the inner surface of the accommodation chamber 32 .

However, in the present embodiment, radio waves emitted from the first antenna 41 reach a wide range in the accommodation room 32 by moving the first antenna 41 in the accommodation room 32 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the movement range of the first antenna 41 may be a range in which the radio waves emitted from the first antenna 41 reach the entire inside of the accommodation room 32 .

By moving the first antenna 41 in the front-rear direction in this manner, the accuracy of reading the product 5 in the storage chamber 32 by the first antenna 41 is improved.

Furthermore, since the second antenna 42 is moved in the front-rear direction, the accuracy of reading inside the storage chamber 32 by the second antenna 42 is improved, as is the case with the first antenna 41 . The movement range of the second antenna 42 may also be set to a movement range in which the radio waves emitted from the second antenna 42 reach the entire inside of the accommodation room 32 .

Furthermore, since the first antenna 41 is moved, the null points of the radio waves emitted from the first antenna 41 and the radio waves reflected by the inner surface of the accommodation chamber 32 are moved. Therefore, the state where the RFID tag 6 of the product 5 is always on the null point is resolved. Therefore, the reading accuracy of the RFID tag 6 of the product 5 in the storage room 32 by the first antenna 41 is improved.

Furthermore, since the second antenna 42 is moved, the null points of the radio waves emitted from the second antenna 42 and the radio waves reflected by the inner surface of the accommodation chamber 32 are moved. Therefore, the state where the RFID tag 6 of the product 5 is always on the null point is resolved. Therefore, the accuracy of reading the RFID tag 6 of the product 5 in the storage room 32 by the second antenna 42 is improved.

Further, the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are moved while changing their relative positions. As an example of this, when the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 reciprocate a plurality of times, a phase difference is set in the cycle of reciprocation. Therefore, the null points of the radio waves emitted from the first antenna 41 and the radio waves emitted from the second antenna 42 move. Therefore, the reading accuracy of the RFID tag 6 in the accommodation room 32 is improved.

In addition, in this embodiment, the 1st antenna 41 and the 2nd antenna 42 were comprised so that a movement was possible. However, both the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are not limited to being movable. In another example, only one of the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 may be configured to be movable. That is, the commodity sales processing device 10B may be configured to include only one of the first driving section 100 and the second driving section 110 .

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reading device 20B having the storage chamber 32 into which the product 5 can be put in and taken out through two doors 35A and 35B is provided with a movable first antenna 41 and a movable second antenna 42. was established. However, the movable first antenna 41 and the movable second antenna 42 are not limited to being provided in the reading device having the storage chamber 32 into which the product 5 can be put in and taken out through two doors.

At least one of the movable first antenna 41 and the movable second antenna 42 allows the article 5 to be taken in and out through one door 35 like the reader 20 described in the first embodiment. It may be provided in a reader having a possible storage chamber 32 .

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment and modification, it is possible to shorten the time required to complete the product bagging operation.

The configurations of the processing apparatuses 50, 50A, and 50B are not limited to the configurations described in the first, second, and third embodiments. The processing devices 50, 50A, 50B may further include, for example, a card reader and a communication unit. The card reader reads information on the card used by the customer for payment. The communication unit is a communication interface configured to be communicable with an external device. The communication unit transmits the product information acquired by the reading units 71 and 71A to the outside.

Further, each of the reading devices 20, 20A, and 20B of the first, second, and third embodiments may further include a moving mechanism capable of horizontally moving the bottom surface 32d of the storage chamber 32. FIG. The control units 76, 76A, and 76B drive the moving mechanism to move the product 5 in the storage chamber 32 in the horizontal direction, for example, in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, when reading the product 5. FIG. By moving the product 5, the reading accuracy of the product 5 is improved.

The merchandise sales processing apparatuses 10, 10A, and 10B of the first, second, and third embodiments are semi-self-type merchandise sales processing apparatuses. However, the merchandise sales processing apparatuses 10, 10A, and 10B can also be used as self-service merchandise sales processing apparatuses.

Moreover, the reading devices 20A and 20B described in the second and third embodiments may further include a door opening/closing mechanism. The door opening/closing mechanism opens the closed door 35A operated by the customer. The door opening/closing mechanism includes, for example, an operation unit that is stepped on by a customer. The door opening/closing mechanism opens the door 35A in a state in which the operating portion is depressed. When the depression of the operating portion is released, the door 35A is closed. A similar door opening/closing mechanism for opening/closing the door 35B may be provided. This opening/closing mechanism is operated by a store clerk.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
Description equivalent to the invention described in the scope of claims at the time of filing the present application will be added below.
[1]
an outer shell having therein a storage chamber capable of storing a product having an RFID tag;
an opening provided in the upper wall of the outer shell and communicating with the storage chamber;
a door provided in the opening;
an antenna capable of receiving a signal from the RFID tag possessed by the product in the accommodation room;
A reader comprising:
[2]
an outer shell having therein a storage chamber capable of storing a product having an RFID tag;
two openings provided in the peripheral wall of the outer shell and communicating with the housing chamber;
a door provided in each of the two openings;
an antenna capable of receiving a signal from the RFID tag possessed by the product in the accommodation room;
A reader comprising:
[3]
a first hinge that supports one of the two doors so that it can be opened and closed;
a second hinge that supports the other door so that it can be opened and closed;
and
one of the two openings is formed in a front wall portion forming part of the peripheral wall portion,
The other of the two openings is formed in a rear wall portion forming part of the peripheral wall portion,
The first hinge is provided on one of right and left sides with respect to the opening in which the door supported by the first hinge is provided,
The second hinge is provided on the one side with respect to the opening in which the door supported by the second hinge is provided,
The antenna is provided on one of the right and left sides of the housing chamber with respect to the two openings.
The reader according to [2].
[4]
the antenna includes a first antenna and a second antenna;
A driving unit for moving at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna
The reader according to any one of [1] to [3].
[5]
The driving unit moves the first antenna and the second antenna while changing their relative positions.
The reader according to [4].

5 Product 6 RFID tag 10 Product sales processing device 10A Product sales processing device 10B Product sales processing device 20 Reader 20A Reader 20B Reader 30 Reader body , 30A... reader body, 31... shell body, 31A... shell body, 31B... shell body, 32... housing chamber, 32a... front surface, 32b... rear surface, 32c... right side surface, 32d... bottom surface, 32e... left side surface, 32f Upper surface 34 Upper wall 34a Opening 35 Door 35A Door 35B Door 36 Front wall 36a Opening 37 Rear wall 37a Opening 38A First Hinge 38B... Second hinge 39... Right side wall 40... Antenna 41... First antenna 42... Second antenna 50... Processing device 50A... Processing device 50B... Processing device 70... Terminal 70A Terminal 70B Terminal 71 Reading unit 71A Reading unit 72 First display unit 73 Second display unit 76 Control unit 76A Control unit 76B ... control section, 100 ... first driving section, 110 ... second driving section.

Claims (5)

an outer shell having therein a storage chamber capable of storing a product having an RFID tag;
an opening provided in the upper wall of the outer shell and communicating with the storage chamber;
a door provided in the opening;
an antenna capable of receiving a signal from the RFID tag possessed by the product in the accommodation room;
a lift mechanism that vertically moves the bottom surface of the storage chamber;
A reader comprising: 2. The reader of claim 1, wherein the door is constructed from a transparent material. an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the door;
3. The reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a controller that opens the door by the opening/closing mechanism and moves the bottom surface upward by the lift mechanism. the antenna includes a first antenna and a second antenna;
4. The reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a driving unit that moves at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna. The reader according to claim 4, wherein the drive unit moves the first antenna and the second antenna while changing their relative positions.

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