JP7320765B2 - Cash register system and cash register settlement method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cash register system and a cash register settlement method using RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) technology.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in retail stores and the like, use of RFID technology instead of bar codes has been considered when a shopper checks out the amount of purchased products at a cash register. Using RFID technology makes it possible to read multiple RF tags attached to each product all at once and to read them from a distance, making it possible to improve the efficiency and speed of checkout operations at cash registers. becomes. Also, by using RFID technology, it is possible to introduce a self-checkout (unmanned checkout) for the purpose of reducing labor costs.

As such a cash register system using RFID technology, a wireless tag reading unit for reading information on a wireless tag storing product identification information, an optical reading unit for reading a code symbol on which product identification information is described, and the wireless tag and a registration unit for registering information read from the code symbol, a reading area of the wireless tag reading unit, and a reading area of the optical reading unit are arranged on a trajectory along which the product to be registered is moved. There is known a product information registration device that does this (see Patent Literature 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3839817

In the prior art described in Patent Document 1 above, when the product is moved from the basket for storing the product before registration to the basket for storing the product after registration, the wireless tag reading unit arranged on the locus of movement reads: It is configured to read wireless tags (RF tags) attached to products.

However, in the prior art of Patent Document 1, radio waves emitted from the wireless tag reading unit are emitted outside the reading area of the wireless tag reading unit, so that products located outside the reading area that are not desired to be read are affected. There is a problem that the attached wireless tag is read by mistake. For example, the direct wave from the RFID tag reader or the reflected wave reflected from the ceiling, floor, wall, cash register, etc., may cause the shopping basket of the customer lined up behind or next to the customer who is checking out. There is a risk that wireless tags affixed to the products in the box or the products displayed on the display shelf may be mistakenly read. This problem becomes conspicuous when the output of the wireless tag reader is increased in order to increase the wireless tag reading rate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been devised in view of such problems of the prior art. The main purpose is to provide a settlement method.

The cash register system of the present invention is a cash register system for adjusting the amount of merchandise purchased by a shopper, and includes a first antenna arranged on the side of a first predetermined area where merchandise before settlement is placed, and a settlement. It has a second antenna arranged on the side of the second predetermined area where the subsequent product is placed, and the RF tag attached to the product is sent to the tag by the first and second antennas at the time of checkout of the product. a reader/writer for reading stored product information; and a management device for managing the product information read by the first antenna and the second antenna, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna is being read, the management device controls, for signals acquired from a predetermined RF tag attached to one product, each antenna of the first antenna and the second antenna from the predetermined RF tag Based on the received signal strength of the acquired signal, it is determined whether it is in a readable state or in an unreadable state, and the first antenna and the second antenna of the signal acquired from the predetermined RF tag Regarding the received signal strength, from the state in which the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is greater than the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna, the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is changed to the It is characterized in that, when the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna changes to be smaller than the value of the received signal strength, it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased.

The cashier settlement method of the present invention is a cashier settlement method for settlement of the amount of merchandise purchased by a shopper, and is arranged on the side of the first predetermined area where the merchandise before settlement is placed at the time of merchandise settlement. By means of the first antenna, a reader/writer reads product information stored in a predetermined RF tag affixed to one product, and the product is placed on the second predetermined area side where the product after checkout is placed. With the second antenna, the reader/writer reads the product information stored in the predetermined RF tag from the tag, and while the first antenna and the second antenna are reading, one product Whether the signal obtained from the attached predetermined RF tag can be read by each of the first antenna and the second antenna based on the received signal strength of the signal obtained from the predetermined RF tag It shall be determined whether the reading is not possible, and the received signal strength of the signal obtained by the first antenna and the second antenna from the predetermined RF tag is determined based on the received signal strength of the first antenna. from a state where the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna is greater than the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna to a state where the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is less than the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna. It is characterized by determining that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased when the value changes .

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the erroneous reading rate of the RF tag when the product amount is settled using the RFID technology.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cash register system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a register table on which first and second antennas are arranged; The figure which shows the state at the time of payment in 1st Embodiment of this invention. Block diagram showing schematic configuration of management device Flow chart for explaining product purchase determination processing in the management device Flow diagram for explaining a first modification of the process explained in FIG. Flow diagram for explaining a second modification of the process explained in FIG. Flow diagram for explaining a third modification of the process explained in FIG. Flow diagram for explaining a fourth modification of the processing explained in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 3; The figure which shows the case where multiple 1st and 2nd antennas are provided in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the case where multiple 1st and 2nd antennas are provided in 4th Embodiment.

A first invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a cash register system for settling the amount of goods purchased by a shopper, which is arranged on the side of a first predetermined area where the goods before settlement are placed. and a second antenna arranged on the side of a second predetermined area where the product after checkout is placed, and the first antenna and the second antenna are attached to the product when the product is checked out. a reader/writer for reading product information stored in the RF tag from the RF tag attached thereto; and a management device for managing the product information read by the first antenna and the second antenna; and the second antenna are reading, the management device detects the signal acquired from the predetermined RF tag attached to one product from the first antenna and the second antenna. Based on the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the predetermined RF tag, the antenna determines whether the first antenna and the second antenna are in a readable state or an unreadable state. With respect to the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the RF tag, from the state where the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is greater than the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna, the first antenna When the value of the received signal strength changes to be smaller than the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna, it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased. do.

According to this, based on the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the RF tag by the first antenna and the second antenna, it can be determined that the product to which the RF tag is attached has been purchased. As a result, it is possible to reduce the rate of misreading of RF tags when adjusting the price of goods using RFID technology.

In addition, in the second invention, in the above first invention , between the first antenna and the second antenna, A shielding plate for shielding radio waves is provided.

According to this, it is possible to suppress radio wave leakage outside the first predetermined area by the first antenna and radio wave leakage outside the second predetermined area by the second antenna, so that the misread rate of the RF tag can be reduced. Further reduction is possible.

A third aspect of the invention is a cash register system for adjusting the amount of merchandise purchased by a shopper, comprising: a first antenna disposed on the side of a first predetermined area where merchandise before settlement is placed; a second antenna arranged on the side of a second predetermined area where subsequent products are placed; and a third antenna arranged between the first antenna and the second antenna; a reader/writer for reading product information stored in an RF tag attached to a product by means of 1, second and third antennas; and a management device for managing the product information read by the antenna, wherein the management device can read a signal acquired from a predetermined RF tag attached to one product, although the signal can be read by the first antenna. 3 changes from being readable by the first antenna to being readable by the third antenna, and then to being readable by the third antenna but not readable by the second antenna. Therefore, it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased only when the third antenna cannot read the tag but the second antenna can read the tag.

According to this, in addition to the first antenna and the second antenna, by combining the change in the reading state with the third antenna arranged between the first antenna and the second antenna, the product can be purchased. can be determined more reliably. This makes it possible to further reduce the false reading rate of the RF tag.

Further, in a fourth invention based on the third invention, the management device is configured such that each of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna is acquired from the predetermined RF tag. The readable state or the unreadable state is determined based on the received signal strength of the signal, and the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna determines the received signal of the third antenna. from a state greater than the strength value to a state in which the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is less than the value of the received signal strength of the third antenna, and then the third antenna is greater than the received signal strength value of the second antenna, the received signal strength value of the third antenna is greater than the received signal strength value of the second antenna It is characterized in that it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased only when the state changes to be smaller than the value.

According to this, based on the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the RF tag by each of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna, it is determined that the product to which the RF tag is attached has been purchased. be able to. As a result, it is possible to reduce the rate of misreading of RF tags when adjusting the price of goods using RFID technology. Then, in addition to the first antenna and the second antenna, by combining the change in the reading state with the third antenna arranged between the first antenna and the second antenna, it is possible to confirm that the product has been purchased. can be determined more reliably. This makes it possible to further reduce the false reading rate of the RF tag.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, in the third aspect of the invention or the fourth aspect of the invention, a A shielding plate is provided for shielding the radio waves that are emitted.

According to this, it is possible to suppress radio wave leakage from each antenna of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna to the outside of each predetermined area where the product is placed, so that the misreading rate of the RF tag can be further reduced. can be reduced.

In a sixth aspect, in the first aspect or the third aspect , further comprising a sensor for detecting whether or not the product before payment has been placed in the first predetermined area, The reader/writer starts reading when it is detected that the product before payment has been placed in the first predetermined area, and detects that the product before payment has been removed from the first predetermined area. is detected, reading is terminated.

According to this, since the reader/writer does not read the RF tag except at the time of payment, it is possible to further reduce the misreading rate of the RF tag.

A seventh invention is based on the first invention or the third invention , and a first weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product placed in the first predetermined area before checkout. and a second weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product placed in the second predetermined area after checkout, wherein the management device measures the first predetermined weight measured by the first weight sensor. It is determined whether or not the amount of decrease in the weight of the area matches the amount of increase in the weight of the second predetermined area measured by the second weight sensor. It is characterized in that it is determined that the product to which the RF tag is attached has been purchased.

According to this, only when it is confirmed from the weight increase/decrease in each predetermined area that the product has moved from the first predetermined area (for example, the basket before checkout) to the second predetermined area (for example, the basket after checkout) is purchased, it is possible to further reduce the false reading rate of the RF tag.

An eighth invention is the above first invention or third invention , further comprising a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product placed in the first predetermined area before checkout, The predetermined RF tag stores the weight of the product to which the tag is attached, and the management device determines that the decrease in the weight of the first predetermined region measured by the weight sensor is the predetermined RF tag. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the product matches the weight read from the RF tag, and only when it is determined that the weight matches, it is determined that the product attached with the predetermined RF tag has been purchased. .

According to this, it is possible to determine that the product has been purchased only when the weight of the product read from the RF tag by the reader/writer matches the measured weight, further reducing the misreading rate of the RF tag. becomes possible.

In a ninth aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention or the third aspect of the invention, the product further comprises a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product placed in the second predetermined area after payment, The predetermined RF tag stores the weight of the product to which the tag is attached, and the management device determines that the increase in the weight of the second predetermined area measured by the weight sensor is the predetermined RF tag. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the product matches the weight read from the RF tag, and only when it is determined that the weight matches, it is determined that the product attached with the predetermined RF tag has been purchased. .

According to this, it is possible to determine that the product has been purchased only when the weight of the product read from the RF tag by the reader/writer matches the measured weight, further reducing the misreading rate of the RF tag. becomes possible.

A tenth aspect of the invention is a cash register settlement method for settlement of the amount of merchandise purchased by a shopper, wherein the cash register is arranged on the side of the first predetermined area where the merchandise before settlement is placed at the time of settlement of the merchandise. By means of the first antenna, a reader/writer reads product information stored in a predetermined RF tag affixed to one product, and the product is placed on the second predetermined area side where the product after checkout is placed. With the second antenna, the reader/writer reads the product information stored in the predetermined RF tag from the tag, and while the first antenna and the second antenna are reading, one product Whether the signal obtained from the attached predetermined RF tag can be read by each of the first antenna and the second antenna based on the received signal strength of the signal obtained from the predetermined RF tag It shall be determined whether the reading is not possible, and the received signal strength of the signal obtained by the first antenna and the second antenna from the predetermined RF tag is determined based on the received signal strength of the first antenna. from a state where the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna is greater than the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna to a state where the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is less than the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna. It is characterized by determining that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased when the value changes .

According to this, based on the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the RF tag by the first antenna and the second antenna, it can be determined that the product to which the RF tag is attached has been purchased. As a result, it is possible to reduce the rate of misreading of RF tags when adjusting the price of goods using RFID technology.

An eleventh aspect of the invention is a cash register settlement method for settlement of the amount of goods purchased by a shopper, wherein A reader/writer reads product information stored in a predetermined RF tag affixed to one product, and a second antenna arranged on the side of a second predetermined area where the product after checkout is placed. , the reader/writer reads the product information stored in the predetermined RF tag, and the third antenna arranged between the first antenna and the second antenna reads the predetermined RF tag. The reader/writer reads the product information stored in the RF tag from the RF tag, and from the state where the product information can be read by the first antenna but cannot be read by the third antenna, the product information cannot be read by the first antenna but can be read by the third antenna. After that, the state changes from the state in which the third antenna can read but the second antenna cannot read to the state in which the third antenna cannot read but the second antenna can read. It is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased only when the RF tag is attached.

According to this, in addition to the first antenna and the second antenna, by combining the change in the reading state with the third antenna arranged between the first antenna and the second antenna, the product can be purchased. can be determined more reliably. This makes it possible to further reduce the false reading rate of the RF tag.

In a twelfth invention, in the tenth invention or the eleventh invention, the weight of the product placed in the first predetermined area before checkout is measured, and the product is placed in the second predetermined area. and determining whether or not the measured weight decrease in the first predetermined area matches the measured weight increase in the second predetermined area. and determining that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased only when it is determined that they match.

According to this, only when it is confirmed from the weight increase/decrease in each predetermined area that the product has moved from the first predetermined area (for example, the basket before checkout) to the second predetermined area (for example, the basket after checkout) is purchased, it is possible to further reduce the false reading rate of the RF tag.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cash register system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , the cash register system 1 includes a reader/writer 2 , a management device 3 and a POS terminal 4 . Each component 2 - 4 of the cash register system 1 is interconnected via a network 5 .

This cash register system 1 settles the price of the product 6 based on the product information read by using the RFID technology from the RF tag 7 attached to the product 6 purchased by the shopper. A unique tag identification code is assigned to the RF tag 7 (hereinafter simply referred to as "tag 7"), and product information such as product name, price, expiration date, etc. is stored in association with the tag identification code. It is In this embodiment, it is assumed that the cash register system 1 is applied to a self-checkout system in which shoppers pay their own bills. Note that the cash register system 1 is not limited to the self-checkout system, and may be applied to a cash register system in which a salesclerk pays the bill or a cashier system in which the salesclerk assists in the payment.

The reader/writer 2 has a first antenna 11 and a second antenna 12 . The first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are arranged on a cash register table 10 (see FIG. 2) on which a basket containing the products 6 is placed when the amount of the products 6 is settled. Sometimes, the product information stored in the tag 7 is read by wirelessly communicating with the tag 7 attached to the product 6.例文帳に追加Information read from the tag 7 by the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 is transmitted to the management device 3 via the network 5 .

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the register table 10 on which the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are arranged. As shown in FIG. 2, the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are arranged on the upper surface 10a of the cash register table 10 with a predetermined distance therebetween so that radio waves do not interfere with each other. In this embodiment, the tag 7 is a passive RF tag that uses the frequency of the 920 MHz band (UHF band), the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 use the frequency of the 920 MHz band, Read information from tag 7.

Note that the reader/writer 2 only needs to have the function of reading information from the tag 7, and the function of writing information to the tag 7 is not essential. Further, in this embodiment, one reader/writer 2 is configured to have the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12, but the first reader/writer 2 having the first antenna 11 and the second A second reader/writer 2 having a second antenna 12 and two reader/writers 2 may be used. In addition, the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are preferably circularly polarized patch antennas in terms of directivity and polarization characteristics, but are not limited to this.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state of checkout on the register table 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, when the amount of money for the product 6 is settled, a predetermined area above the first antenna 11 on the upper surface 10a of the cash register table 10 (hereinafter referred to as "first predetermined area") is displayed before payment. A pre-checkout basket 21 for putting the products in is placed, and the products after checkout are placed in a predetermined area above the second antenna 12 on the upper surface 10a of the cash register table 10 (hereinafter referred to as "second predetermined area"). After payment, the basket 22 is placed.

When the merchandise 6 is settled, the shopper (or store clerk) moves the merchandise 6 from the pre-settlement basket 21 to the post-settlement basket 22.例文帳に追加Therefore, at the time of checkout of the product 6, the tag 7 attached to the product 6 is read by the first antenna 11 when it is in the pre-checkout basket 21, and is read by the second antenna 11 when it is in the post-checkout basket 22. It is read by the antenna 12 .

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the pre-checkout basket 21 and the post-checkout basket 22 are used. may be used. In the example of FIG. 3, the unfolded My Bag is placed over the basket 22 after payment. Also, the tag 7 attached to the product 6 may be read by the first antenna 11 when the product is taken out of the pre-checkout basket 21, and may be read by the second antenna 12 when the product enters the basket 22 after checkout. . Alternatively, the products 6 may be placed directly on the first predetermined area or the second predetermined area of the register table 10 without using the pre-settlement basket 21 or the post-settlement basket 22 . In the illustrated example, there is one product, but a plurality of products may be accommodated in the pre-checkout basket 21 .

The management device 3 is composed of a server (computer) having a known configuration, and manages product information acquired from the reader/writer 2 . Although the details will be described later, at the time of payment for the product 6, it is determined whether the product has been purchased by determining whether the tag 7 has been read by the first antenna 11 or the second antenna 12. .

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the management device 3. As shown in FIG. The management device 3 has a known hardware configuration, a processor 31 that comprehensively executes each process in the cash register system 1 based on a predetermined control program (for example, a product information management program), a work area of the processor 31, and the like. RAM 32, which is a volatile memory that functions as a memory; ROM 33, which is a nonvolatile memory that stores control programs and data executed by the processor 31; A display unit 35 having a monitor that displays information necessary for the user, an input unit 36 having input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse that allow the user to perform input operations, and communication having a communication module that performs communication via the network 5. A portion 37 and the like are provided.

Each function of the management device 3 can be realized by the processor 31 executing a predetermined control program in the hardware configuration shown in FIG. At least part of the functions of the management device 3 may be replaced by other known hardware processing.

The POS terminal 4 is a POS (Point Of Sales System) terminal device having a known settlement function, and performs settlement processing of the commodity amount based on the commodity information of the commodity 6 determined to have been purchased by the management device 3. I do.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the product purchase determination process performed by the management device 3. As shown in FIG. The process of determining whether to purchase a product will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 3. FIG. This process is started when the pre-checkout basket 21 is placed on the first predetermined area of the upper surface 10a of the cash register table 10 . It is assumed that the post-checkout basket 22 is arranged in the second predetermined area at the time of checkout.

The shopper places the pre-checkout basket 21 on the first predetermined area of the upper surface 10a of the cash register table 10 when checking out the merchandise 6 (step ST101). Placement of the pre-checkout basket 21 in the first predetermined area may be detected by an object sensor, weight sensor, or the like disposed near or below the first predetermined area.

When it is detected that the pre-checkout basket 21 is placed in the first predetermined area, the reader/writer 2 is activated to read the tag 7 of the product 6 with the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12. start (step ST102). As described above, the tag 7 attached to the product 6 is read by the first antenna 11 when it is in the pre-checkout basket 21, and is read by the second antenna 12 when it is in the post-checkout basket 22. read. Instead of step ST101, the shopper or store clerk may activate the reader/writer 2 by pressing the checkout start button.

Next, the product information stored in the tag 7 can be read by the first antenna 11 (ANT1) (reading OK) and cannot be read by the second antenna 12 (ANT2) (reading NG). ) (step ST103). In other words, it is determined here that the product is in the pre-checkout basket 21 and not in the post-checkout basket 22 . If determined to be in this state (step ST103: Yes), proceed to step ST104, and if determined not to be in this state (step ST103: No), proceed to step ST106.

In step ST104, the product information stored in the tag 7 cannot be read by the first antenna 11 (ANT1) (reading NG) and can be read by the second antenna 12 (ANT2) (reading OK). In other words, it is determined here that the product has been taken out of the pre-settlement basket 21 and moved to the post-settlement basket 22 . If it is determined to be in this state (step ST104: Yes), the process proceeds to step ST105, and if it is determined not to be in this state (step ST104: No), the process returns to step ST103. Repeat the subsequent steps.

At step ST105, it is determined that the product 6 to which the tag 7 is attached has been purchased. At this time, for example, if the number of products purchased by the shopper is displayed on the display screen of the POS terminal 4, and the number of products displayed is updated each time it is determined that the product 6 has been purchased, the shopper can , that the product 6 has been purchased.

In step ST106, it is determined whether or not the pre-checkout basket 21 has been removed from the first predetermined area. The removal of the pre-checkout basket 21 from the first predetermined area may be detected by an object sensor, weight sensor, or the like placed near or below the first predetermined area, as in step ST101. When it is determined that the pre-checkout car 21 has been removed from the first predetermined area (step ST106: Yes), the process proceeds to step ST107, and when it is determined that it has not been removed (step ST106: No), Returning to the previous step ST103, the processing after step ST103 is repeated.

In step ST107, the reader/writer 2 is turned off (the operation is ended), and the reading of the tag 7 of the product 6 by the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 is finished.

In subsequent step ST108, it is determined that the product 6 to which the tag 7 is attached has been purchased. As a result, the product 6 purchased by the shopper is confirmed.

Then, in step ST109, the POS terminal 4 settles the amount of the product 6 whose purchase has been confirmed.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, based on the change in the reading state of the tag 7 by the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12, the product 6 attached with the tag 7 is purchased. It can be determined that the item has been moved (moved to the basket after payment). As a result, it is possible to reduce the rate of misreading of RF tags when adjusting the price of goods using RFID technology.

In addition, the reader/writer 2 is activated when the pre-checkout basket 21 is placed at the first predetermined position, and does not perform reading except at the time of checkout. Become.

(First modification)
Further, in steps ST103 and ST104 described above, when determining whether or not the tag 7 can be read by the first antenna 11 or the second antenna 12, the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 may be determined based on the received signal strength indication (RSSI) indicating the strength of the signal acquired from the tag 7 . In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, steps ST201 and ST202 are provided instead of steps ST103 and ST104.

In step ST201, regarding the received signal strength (RSSI) of the signals acquired from the tag 7 by the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12, the RSSI value of the first antenna 11 (ANT1) Determine whether it is greater than the RRSI value of (ANT2). If determined to be large (step ST201: Yes), proceed to the next step ST202, and if determined not to be large (step ST201: No), proceed to step ST106. If it is determined in step ST201 that the RSSI value of the first antenna 11 (ANT1) is larger, it means that the product is in the pre-checkout basket 21. FIG.

In step ST202, it is determined whether or not the RSSI value of the first antenna 11 (ANT1) is smaller than the RRSI value of the second antenna 12 (ANT2). If it is determined to be small (step ST202: Yes), the process proceeds to the next step ST105, and if it is determined not to be small (step ST202: No), the process returns to the previous step ST103. If it is determined in step ST202 that the RSSI value of the first antenna 11 (ANT1) is smaller, it means that the product has been moved from the pre-checkout basket 21 to the post-checkout basket 22 .

In this way, based on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the signal acquired from the tag 7, it can be easily determined whether the first antenna 11 or the second antenna 12 could read the tag 7 more strongly. can judge.

(Second modification)
Also, after the product information stored in the tag 7 is read by the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12, it is confirmed that the product 6 has moved from the pre-checkout basket 21 to the post-checkout basket 22. good too. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, step ST301 is provided between step ST104 and step ST105.

In step ST301, it is determined whether or not the weight change (decrease in weight) of the pre-settlement car 21 and the weight change (increase in weight) of the post-settlement car 22 are the same. The weight change of the pre-settlement basket 21 is measured by a weight sensor arranged below a first predetermined position where the pre-settlement basket 21 is placed, and the weight change of the post-settlement basket 22 is measured by the post-settlement basket 22 placed. It is measured by a weight sensor arranged below the second predetermined position.

In this step ST301, when it is determined that the weight change amount of the pre-settlement car 21 and the post-settlement car 22 match (step ST301: Yes), the process proceeds to step ST105, and when it is determined that they do not match (step If ST201: No), the process returns to step ST103.

In other words, in the pre-checkout basket 21, by comparing the weight of one product before it is taken out and the weight after it is taken out, the decrease in the weight of the pre-checkout basket 21 (the weight of the taken out product) can be calculated. Recognize. Also, by comparing the weight before and after the product is placed in the post-checkout basket 22, the increase in the weight of the post-checkout basket 22 (the weight of the placed product) can be known. When the weight of the product taken out from the pre-checkout basket 21 matches the weight of the product put in the post-checkout basket 22, it can be determined that the product has been purchased (moved to the basket after checkout). .

In this way, only when it is confirmed that the product 6 has been moved from the pre-checkout basket 21 to the post-checkout basket 22, it can be determined that the product 6 has been purchased, thereby further reducing the misreading rate of the tag 7. It becomes possible to

(Third modification)
Further, when confirming that the product 6 has been moved from the pre-settlement basket 21 to the post-settlement basket 22, the weight of the product 6 stored in advance in the tag 7 may be used. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, step ST302 is provided between step ST104 and step ST105. Also, in this case, it is assumed that the product information stored in the tag 7 includes the weight of the product 6 . Therefore, the first antenna 11 or the second antenna 12 can also read the weight of the product 6 when reading the product information from the tag 7 .

In step ST302, it is determined whether or not the weight change (decrease in weight) of the pre-checkout basket 21 matches the weight of the product 6 read from the tag 7 by the first antenna 11 or the second antenna 12. do. The change in weight of the pre-settlement basket 21 is measured by a weight sensor arranged below the first predetermined position where the pre-settlement basket 21 is placed.

In this step ST302, when it is determined that the weight change of the pre-checkout basket 21 matches the weight of the product 6 (step ST302: Yes), the process proceeds to step ST105, and when it is determined that they do not match ( In step ST302: No), the process returns to step ST103.

In this way, based on the change in the weight of the pre-settlement basket 21 and the weight of the merchandise 6 stored in the tag 7, it is possible to confirm that the merchandise 6 has moved from the pre-settlement basket 21 to the post-settlement basket 22. can be done. In this case, only one weight sensor, which is placed at the first predetermined position where the pre-checkout basket 21 is placed, is required, so the configuration is simpler than the second modification using two weight sensors. Simplified.

(Fourth modification)
Further, in step 302 of the third modification, the weight change (weight increase) of the post-checkout car 22 may be used instead of the weight change (weight decrease) of the pre-checkout car 21. . The change in weight of the post-checkout basket 22 is measured by a weight sensor arranged below the second predetermined position where the post-checkout basket 22 is placed.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, step ST303 is provided instead of step ST302. It is determined whether or not the weight of the product 6 read from the tag 7 by the antenna 12 matches.

In this step ST303, when it is determined that the weight change of the post-checkout basket 22 matches the weight of the product 6 (step ST303: Yes), the process proceeds to step ST105. If ST302: No), the process returns to step ST103.

In this way, only one weight sensor is required to be used, which is placed at the second predetermined position where the basket 22 is placed after checkout. The configuration is simplified as compared with the second modified example described above.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. In the second embodiment, matters that are not particularly mentioned below are the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. Moreover, in FIG. 10, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected about the structure similar to said 1st Embodiment.

In this second embodiment, the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are positioned between a first predetermined position where the pre-checkout car 21 is placed and a second predetermined position where the post-checkout car 22 is placed. placed in position. In the example of FIG. 10, the first antenna 11 is arranged adjacent to the first predetermined position, and the second antenna 12 is arranged adjacent to the second predetermined position.

In this second embodiment, the tag 7 of the product 6 is read when the product 6 is moved from the pre-checkout basket 21 to the post-checkout basket 22 . Specifically, the tag 7 of the product 6 is read by the first antenna 11 immediately after the product 6 is removed from the pre-checkout basket 21, and then read by the second antenna just before the product 6 is placed in the post-checkout basket 22. 12. A shield plate may be provided between the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 .

By doing so, even when the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are arranged between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position, the product 6 can be placed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. A tag 7 can be read with a first antenna 11 and a second antenna 12 . Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the third embodiment, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. In the second embodiment, matters that are not particularly mentioned below are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Moreover, in FIG. 11, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected about the structure similar to said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment.

In this third embodiment, a third antenna 13 is further arranged between the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 . The third antenna 13 is an antenna of the reader/writer 2 similar to the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12, and can read product information stored in the tag 7. FIG. Note that the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 may be arranged between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position as in the second embodiment.

In this third embodiment, the tag 7 of the product 6 is attached when the product 6 is in the pre-checkout basket 21 and in the post-checkout basket 22, and when the product 6 is in the pre-checkout basket 21 to the pre-checkout basket 21. It is further read by the third antenna 13 during the movement.

In this third embodiment, the management device 3 can read the signal transmitted from the tag 7 with the first antenna 11 but cannot read it with the third antenna 13 (the state where the product is in the pre-checkout basket). , the first antenna 11 cannot read it but the third antenna 13 can read it (the product is taken out from the pre-checkout basket and is approaching the third antenna 13). From a state where the product can be read by the antenna 13 but not by the second antenna 12 (a state in which the product is near the third antenna 13 and has not been moved to the basket after payment), the second antenna 13 cannot be read. Only when the antenna 12 changes to a readable state (moved to the basket after payment), it is determined that the product 6 attached with the tag 7 has been purchased.

In this way, in addition to the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12, could the third antenna 13 arranged between the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 read the RF tag? By determining whether or not, it is possible to more reliably determine whether or not the product 6 has been purchased (moved to the basket after payment). This makes it possible to further reduce the false reading rate of the tag 7 .

Further, similarly to the first modification of the first embodiment, it is determined whether each of the first antenna 11, the second antenna 12, and the third antenna 13 can read the tag 7. The determination may be made based on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) indicating the strength of the signal acquired from the tag 7 by each antenna.

In this case, for the received signal strength (RSSI) of the signals acquired from the tag 7 by each of the first antenna 11, the second antenna 12, and the third antenna 13, the RSSI value of the first antenna 11 is larger than the RSSI value of the third antenna 13 to a state where the RSSI value of the first antenna 11 is smaller than the RSSI value of the third antenna 13, and then the third antenna 13 changes from being greater than the RSSI value of the second antenna 12 to the state where the RSSI value of the third antenna 13 is less than the RSSI value of the second antenna 12. , it is determined that the product 6 to which the tag 7 is attached has been purchased.

In this way, each antenna of the first antenna 11, the second antenna 12, and the third antenna 13 can read the tag 7 based on the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the tag 7. It can be easily determined whether or not Then, in addition to the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12, it is determined whether or not the third antenna 13 arranged between the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 can read the tag 7. By making the determination, it is possible to more reliably determine whether or not the product has been purchased. This makes it possible to further reduce the false reading rate of the tag 7 .

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. In the fourth embodiment, matters that are not particularly mentioned below are the same as those in the above-described first to third embodiments, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, in FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations as those of the above-described first to third embodiments.

In the fourth embodiment, a shielding plate 14 is provided between the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 to shield radio waves emitted from the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12. . The shielding plate 14 is composed of either or both of a metal plate and a radio wave absorber. If radio wave absorbers are arranged on both sides of the metal plate, the radio wave absorbers can suppress the reflection of radio waves, and the metal plate can prevent the transmission of radio waves. radio wave leakage can be suppressed.

In this way, the shielding plate 14 makes it difficult for the first antenna 11 to read the product in the second predetermined area and for the second antenna 12 to read the product in the first predetermined area. can. This makes it possible to further reduce the false reading rate of the tag 7 .

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, a plurality of each of the first antenna 11, the second antenna 12, and the third antenna 13 may be provided. By providing a plurality of each antenna, the tag 7 can be read more reliably, so that the reading error rate of the tag 7 can be reduced while the reading rate can be improved. Also, each antenna may be provided with a shield plate.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a case where a plurality of each of the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are provided in the first embodiment, and shows a perspective view of the register table 10. FIG. In the example of FIG. 13, the register table 10 has a top surface 10a and a side surface 10b.

In the first embodiment, when a plurality of each of the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are provided, each antenna should be provided on the upper surface 10a and the side surface 10b of the register table 10 as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 13, two first antennas 11 are provided. Similarly, two second antennas 12 are also provided, 12-1 on the upper surface 10a of the register table 10 and 12-2 on the side surface 10b.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a case where a plurality of each of the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are further provided in the fourth embodiment, and shows a top view of the register table 10. FIG. In the example of FIG. 14, the register table 10 has an upper surface 10a and four frame-shaped side surfaces 10b surrounding the periphery of the upper surface 10a. It should be noted that, like the shielding plate 14, the side surface 10b is preferably made of either or both of a metal plate and a radio wave absorber. When a radio wave absorber is placed on the surface of the metal plate, the radio wave absorber can suppress the reflection of radio waves, and the metal plate can prevent radio wave transmission. can be suppressed, which is more preferable.

In the fourth embodiment, when a plurality of antennas of the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12 are provided, as shown in FIG. 14. In the example of FIG. 14, five first antennas 11 are provided, 11-1 on the upper surface 10a of the register table 10, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4 on each side surface 10b, and the shielding plate 14 , 11-5 are arranged respectively. Similarly, five second antennas 12 are also provided. 5 are arranged respectively.

Although not shown, the same applies to the second and third embodiments, and when a plurality of antennas are provided, each antenna should be provided on the upper surface 10a, the side surface 10b, or the shielding plate 14 of the register table 10. .

Although the present invention has been described above based on specific embodiments, these embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Moreover, all of the constituent elements of the cash register system and the cash register settlement method according to the present invention shown in the above embodiments are not necessarily essential, and at least they can be appropriately selected as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention. .

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The cash register system according to the present invention is useful as a cash register system, a cash register settlement method, and the like, which make it possible to reduce the erroneous reading rate of an RF tag during settlement of the product amount using RFID technology.

1 Cash Register System 2 Reader/Writer 3 Management Device 4 POS Terminal 5 Network 6 Merchandise 7 RF Tag 10 Cash Register Stand 11 First Antenna 12 Second Antenna 13 Third Antenna 14 Shielding Plate 21 Pre-Payment Basket 22 Post-Payment Basket

Claims (12)

A cash register system for settling the amount of goods purchased by a shopper,
A first antenna arranged on the side of a first predetermined area where products before payment are placed, and a second antenna arranged on the side of a second predetermined area where products after payment are placed, a reader/writer for reading product information stored in an RF tag attached to a product by means of the first and second antennas at the time of checkout of the product;
a management device for managing the product information read by the first antenna and the second antenna;
with
In a state where the first antenna and the second antenna are reading,
The management device
Regarding the signal acquired from the specified RF tag attached to one product,
It is determined whether each antenna of the first antenna and the second antenna is in a readable state or in a readable state based on the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the predetermined RF tag,
Regarding the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the predetermined RF tag by the first antenna and the second antenna,
From the state in which the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is greater than the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna, the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is changed to that of the second antenna. When the state changes to a state smaller than the value of the received signal strength,
A cash register system, wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a shielding plate provided between said first antenna and said second antenna for shielding radio waves radiated from said first antenna and said second antenna. cash register system. A cash register system for settling the amount of goods purchased by a shopper,
A first antenna arranged on the side of a first predetermined area where products before payment are placed, a second antenna arranged on the side of a second predetermined area where products after payment are placed, and the first antenna and a third antenna disposed between said second antenna, said first, second and third antennas from an RF tag affixed to a product to a product stored in said tag a reader/writer for reading information;
a management device for managing the product information read by the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna;
with
The management device
Regarding the signal acquired from the specified RF tag attached to one product,
From a state in which the first antenna can read but the third antenna cannot read, to a state in which the first antenna cannot read but the third antenna can read, and thereafter,
Only when the state changes from being readable by the third antenna but not readable by the second antenna to being unreadable by the third antenna but readable by the second antenna,
A cash register system, wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased. The management device
Each antenna of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna is in the readable state or in the unreadable state based on the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the predetermined RF tag shall determine whether there is
From the state in which the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is greater than the value of the received signal strength of the third antenna, the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is changed to that of the third antenna. change to a state smaller than the value of the received signal strength, and then
From the state in which the value of the received signal strength of the third antenna is greater than the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna, the value of the received signal strength of the third antenna is changed to that of the second antenna Only when the received signal strength changes to a state smaller than the value,
4. The cash register system according to claim 3 , wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached has been purchased. 3. A shielding plate for shielding radio waves radiated from each antenna is provided between each of said first antenna, said second antenna and said third antenna. 5. The cash register system according to item 4 . further comprising a sensor for detecting whether or not the product before payment has been placed in the first predetermined area;
The reader/writer starts reading when it is detected that the product before payment has been placed in the first predetermined area, and detects that the product before payment has been removed from the first predetermined area. 4. The cash register system according to claim 1 or 3, wherein reading is terminated when is detected. A first weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product placed in the first predetermined area before checkout, and a second weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product after checkout placed in the second predetermined area. further comprising a weight sensor,
The management device matches the decrease in weight of the first predetermined area measured by the first weight sensor with the increase in weight of the second predetermined area measured by the second weight sensor. 4. The cash register system according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the checkout system determines whether or not the RF tag matches, and determines that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased only when it is determined that they match. . further comprising a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product placed in the first predetermined area before checkout;
The predetermined RF tag stores the weight of the product to which the tag is attached,
The management device determines whether or not the decrease in the weight of the first predetermined region measured by the weight sensor matches the weight of the product read from the predetermined RF tag, and determines that the weight matches. 4. The cash register system according to claim 1 or 3 , wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased only when the product is purchased. further comprising a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the product placed in the second predetermined area after payment;
The predetermined RF tag stores the weight of the product to which the tag is attached,
The management device determines whether or not the increase in the weight of the second predetermined area measured by the weight sensor matches the weight of the product read from the predetermined RF tag. 4. The cash register system according to claim 1 or 3 , wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased only when the product is purchased. A cash register settlement method for settlement of the amount of goods purchased by a shopper,
At the time of product checkout,
A reader/writer reads product information stored in a predetermined RF tag attached to one product by means of a first antenna arranged on the side of a first predetermined area where the product before checkout is placed,
the reader/writer reads product information stored in the predetermined RF tag from the predetermined RF tag by means of a second antenna arranged on the side of the second predetermined area where the product after checkout is placed;
In a state where the first antenna and the second antenna are reading,
Regarding the signal acquired from the specified RF tag attached to one product,
It is determined whether each antenna of the first antenna and the second antenna is in a readable state or in a readable state based on the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the predetermined RF tag,
Regarding the received signal strength of the signal acquired from the predetermined RF tag by the first antenna and the second antenna,
From the state in which the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is greater than the value of the received signal strength of the second antenna, the value of the received signal strength of the first antenna is changed to that of the second antenna. When the state changes to a state smaller than the value of the received signal strength,
A cash register settlement method, wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased. A cash register settlement method for settlement of the amount of goods purchased by a shopper,
A reader/writer reads product information stored in a predetermined RF tag attached to one product by means of a first antenna arranged on the side of a first predetermined area where the product before checkout is placed,
the reader/writer reads product information stored in the predetermined RF tag from the predetermined RF tag by means of a second antenna arranged on the side of the second predetermined area where the product after checkout is placed;
the reader/writer reads product information stored in the predetermined RF tag from the predetermined RF tag by means of a third antenna disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna;
From a state in which the first antenna can read but the third antenna cannot read, to a state in which the first antenna cannot read but the third antenna can read, and thereafter,
Only when the state changes from being readable by the third antenna but not readable by the second antenna to being unreadable by the third antenna but readable by the second antenna,
A cash register settlement method, wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased. measuring the weight of the product placed in the first predetermined area before checkout;
measuring the weight of the product placed in the second predetermined area after payment;
Determining whether the measured decrease in weight of the first predetermined region matches the measured increase in weight of the second predetermined region,
12. The cash register settlement method according to claim 10 , wherein it is determined that the product to which the predetermined RF tag is attached is purchased only when it is determined that they match.

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