JP7418234B2 - Wireless tag reader and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wireless tag reading device and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a wireless tag reading device has been used to read tag information held in a wireless tag such as an RFID tag. Furthermore, there is a system that uses a wireless tag reader to read tag information including an article identifier for identifying the article from a wireless tag attached to an article such as a product all at once. For example, a technology has been proposed that outputs a predetermined byte of tag information read from a wireless tag as product management data.

In the above-described system, the wireless tag reading device outputs the tag information read so far to the host device in response to a request from the host device. Furthermore, the wireless tag reading device is equipped with a duplication check function that suppresses the output of tag information with duplicate tag identifiers based on the tag identifier that identifies the wireless tag included in the tag information.

By the way, in the above-mentioned wireless tag reading device, each time a request is received from a host device, the tag information read until the request is received is outputted as new tag information. In this case, the wireless tag reader checks for tag identifier duplication within the range of tag information output in one request, so duplication of tag identifiers will not be considered for tag information output in the past. .

Therefore, in conventional wireless tag reading devices, when multiple requests are output from a host device in a short period of time, there is a possibility that tag information containing the same tag identifier as previously output tag information may be output. Ta. Therefore, in the conventional configuration, it is necessary to provide a tag identifier duplication check function on the host device side as well, and there is room for improvement in terms of efficiency.

An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless tag reading device and a program that can efficiently read information stored in wireless tags.

The wireless tag reading device of the embodiment includes a reading means, a control means, a reading means, an extraction means, an output means, and an accepting means . The reading means reads tag information including at least a tag identifier for identifying the wireless tag and an article identifier for identifying the article, from the wireless tag attached to the article. The control means stores in the storage means, among the tag information read by the reading means, tag information including a tag identifier that does not overlap with existing tag information stored in the storage means. The reading means reads out the unoutputted tag information from the storage means every time an output request is received from an external device. The extraction means extracts the article identifier from the tag information read by the reading means. The output means outputs the article identifier extracted by the extraction means to the external device. The accepting means accepts instructions to start and end reading. Further, when the receiving means receives the reading end instruction, the control means determines that the wireless tag is within a reading range in which the reading means can read the wireless tag, based on the reading result of the reading means. The storage means is cleared on the condition that the non-existence has been confirmed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the POS system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the RFID scanner according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the RFID scanner and POS terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the data structure of the read buffer according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the data structure of tag information according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the RFID scanner of the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A wireless tag reading device and a program according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Below, a mode of reading tag information from a wireless tag attached to a product will be described. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system 1 includes an RFID scanner 10 and a POS terminal 20. The RFID scanner 10 and the POS terminal 20 are connected via a connection line W such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

The RFID scanner 10 is an example of a wireless tag reading device. The RFID scanner 10 reads tag information from an RFID tag, which is an example of a wireless tag attached to a product. The tag information includes a tag ID for identifying each RFID tag, a product code for identifying the type of product to which the RFID tag is attached, and the like. Here, the tag ID is an example of a tag identifier. Further, the product code is an example of a product identifier.

The RFID scanner 10 outputs tag information read from the RFID tag to the POS terminal 20. Specifically, the RFID scanner 10 stores the tag information read from the RFID tag in a read buffer BF (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, and in response to an output request from the POS terminal 20, reads the tag information read from the RFID tag. The information is output to the POS terminal 20.

The POS terminal 20 is an example of an external device. The POS terminal 20 is a POS register that obtains the product code of a product purchased by a customer and performs registration processing, payment processing, etc. for the purchased product. Based on the product code included in the tag information read by the RFID scanner 10, the POS terminal 20 executes processing related to the transaction (commerce transaction) of the product corresponding to the product code. A transaction means a series of procedures related to purchasing a product.

Specifically, when a transaction is started, the POS terminal 20 obtains the tag information read by the RFID scanner 10 by requesting the RFID scanner 10 to output the tag information. The POS terminal 20 uses the tag information read by the RFID scanner 10 by referring to a product master that associates the product code of each product sold at the store with product information such as the product name and price of the product. The product corresponding to the included product code is identified as the product to be purchased.

Note that the form of the POS system 1 (RFID scanner 10 and POS terminal 20) is not particularly limited, and various forms can be adopted. For example, the POS system 1 may have the form shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the POS system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the RFID scanner 10 includes an antenna unit 11 and a main body 12. The antenna unit 11 is formed of a radio wave transparent member (for example, resin, etc.), and includes an antenna 107 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later.

The main body section 12 incorporates a control section 100, a reading section 106, etc. (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, and reads tag information by driving the antenna unit 11 (antenna 107). The main body 12 is also provided with a start key 13 for instructing to start reading the RFID tag (tag information), and a stop key 14 for instructing to stop reading. Note that the start key 13 and the stop key 14 may be provided individually as shown in FIG. 2, or may be a single toggle button or the like that can alternately instruct the start and end of reading by toggle operation. It may be.

In the configuration of FIG. 2, a shopping cart C containing products G to be purchased by a customer is placed on the top surface of the antenna unit 11. The antenna 107 performs communication with the RFID tag T of each product G stored in the shopping cart C to read tag information by outputting a radio wave upward that can communicate with the RFID tag. The main body section 12 reads the tag information by acquiring the tag information transmitted from each of the RFID tags T via the antenna 107. Thereby, the RFID scanner 10 can read tag information from each product G (RFID tag T) placed on the top surface of the antenna unit 11 at once.

The POS terminal 20 is provided near the RFID scanner 10 and is connected to the RFID scanner 10 via a connection line W. The POS terminal 20 has a keyboard 22, a receipt outlet 23, a display device 24, etc. on the upper surface of a main body 21. The keyboard 22 is provided with various operation keys such as a numeric keypad, a transaction start key, and a settlement start key. The receipt discharge port 23 discharges a receipt such as a receipt printed by a printer 208 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later. The display device 24 is a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various information such as transaction details.

The POS terminal 20 also includes a code scanner 25 for reading a code symbol (not shown) such as a barcode attached to the product G. The code symbol holds a product code, etc. for identifying the type of product. Further, the POS terminal 20 has a drawer 26 arranged at the bottom of the main body 21 to store coins and banknotes.

In the configuration of FIG. 2, the POS terminal 20 executes registration processing and payment processing for products purchased by the customer based on product codes read through the RFID scanner 10 and the code scanner 25. For example, in the POS terminal 20, the RFID scanner 10 is used to collectively read the product codes for products G with RFID tags, and the code scanner 25 is used to read the product codes for products without RFID tags. Read the code.

Although the RFID scanner 10 is of a stationary type in FIG. 2, the form of the RFID scanner 10 is not limited to this, and may be a portable handy type similar to the code scanner 25, for example. Further, in FIG. 2, the antenna unit 11 and the main body part 12 are configured integrally, but the antenna unit 11 and the main body part 12 may be formed separately. Further, in FIG. 2, the RFID scanner 10 and the POS terminal 20 are shown as separate bodies, but they may be configured as one body.

Next, the hardware configurations of the RFID scanner 10 and the POS terminal 20 will be explained.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the RFID scanner 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the RFID scanner 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103.

The CPU 101 is an example of a processor, and centrally controls the operation of the RFID scanner 10. ROM 102 stores various programs. The RAM 103 is a workspace in which programs and various data are developed. The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 are connected via a bus 104 and constitute a control unit 100 of a computer configuration. In the control unit 100, the CPU 101 executes various processes by operating according to programs stored in the ROM 102 and the storage unit 105 and developed in the RAM 103.

The RAM 103 also holds a read buffer BF for storing tag information read from the RFID tag. The read buffer BF is an example of a storage means, and has a plurality of memory areas capable of holding individual tag information. In this embodiment, the RAM 103 holds the read buffer BF, but the storage unit 105, which will be described later, may hold the read buffer BF.

A storage unit 105 is connected to the control unit 100 via a bus 104 . The storage unit 105 is composed of a nonvolatile storage device such as a flash memory, and retains the stored contents even if the power is turned off. The storage unit 105 stores various programs executed by the CPU 101 and various setting information related to the operation of the RFID scanner 10.

Further, a reading unit 106 is connected to the control unit 100 via a bus 104. The reading unit 106 functions as an example of a reading unit by cooperating with a reading control unit 152, which will be described later. The reading unit 106 uses the antenna 107 to transmit modulated waves (radio waves) for reading tag information from the RFID tag at predetermined time intervals (for example, at intervals of several tens of milliseconds). Further, the reading unit 106 reads tag information held by the RFID tag via the antenna 107 and outputs the read tag information to the CPU 101.

Further, an operation unit 108, a connection unit 109, and the like are connected to the control unit 100 via a bus 104. The operation unit 108 has various operation keys. For example, the operation unit 108 includes the start key 13 for instructing the start of reading described above, and the stop key 14 for instructing the end of reading.

The connection unit 109 is a connection interface such as a USB. The connection unit 109 is connected to the POS terminal 20 via a connection line W.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the POS terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203.

The CPU 201 is an example of a processor, and controls the operation of the POS terminal 20 in an integrated manner. ROM 202 stores various programs. The RAM 203 is a workspace in which programs and various data are developed. The CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 are connected via a bus 204 and constitute a control unit 200 of a computer configuration. In the control unit 200, the CPU 201 executes various processes by operating according to programs stored in the ROM 202 and the storage unit 205 and developed in the RAM 203.

A storage unit 205 is connected to the control unit 200 via a bus 204 . The storage unit 205 is composed of a nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory, and retains the stored contents even if the power is turned off. The storage unit 205 stores various programs executed by the CPU 201 and various setting information related to the operation of the POS terminal 20. Furthermore, the storage unit 205 stores the above-mentioned product master and the like.

Further, a display unit 206 and an operation unit 207 are connected to the control unit 200 via a bus 204. The display unit 206 includes, for example, the display device 24 described above, and displays various information and screens under the control of the control unit 200. The operation unit 207 includes, for example, the keyboard 22 described above, and outputs operation details to the control unit 200 in accordance with the operator's operations. Note that the operation unit 207 may be a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 206.

Further, the above-described code scanner 25 and drawer 26 are connected to the control unit 200 via the bus 204. Furthermore, a printer 208 , a connection unit 209 , a communication unit 210 , and the like are connected to the control unit 200 via a bus 204 . The connection unit 209 is a connection interface such as a USB. The connection unit 209 is connected to the RFID scanner 10 via the connection line W. The communication unit 210 is a communication interface that can be connected to a network (not shown) such as a LAN. The communication unit 210 communicates with an external device such as a store server via a network.

Next, the functional configurations of the RFID scanner 10 and the POS terminal 20 will be explained. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the RFID scanner 10 and the POS terminal 20. In FIG. 5, related functional units in both the RFID scanner 10 and the POS terminal 20 are connected by broken lines.

As shown in FIG. 5, the RFID scanner 10 includes an operation reception section 151, a reading control section 152, a request reception section 153, and an output control section 154 as functional sections.

Some or all of the functional units included in the RFID scanner 10 are software configurations realized through cooperation between the processor (for example, the CPU 101) of the RFID scanner 10 and programs stored in the memory (for example, the ROM 102, the storage unit 105). You can. Furthermore, some or all of the functional units included in the RFID scanner 10 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit installed in the RFID scanner 10.

The operation reception unit 151 is an example of reception means. The operation reception unit 151 receives an operation from an operator via the operation unit 108. For example, the operation accepting unit 151 accepts operations on the start key 13 and the stop key 14.

The reading control unit 152 is an example of a reading means and a control means. The reading control unit 152 reads tag information by controlling the reading unit 106. Specifically, the reading control unit 152 starts reading the tag information in response to the operation of the start key 13.

When the tag information is read by the reading unit 106, the reading control unit 152 acquires the read tag information. Next, the reading control unit 152 refers to the reading buffer BF and determines whether tag information including the same tag ID as the tag ID included in the acquired tag information has been registered in the reading buffer BF. Here, if it is determined that the tag information is not registered in the reading buffer BF, the reading control unit 152 registers the acquired tag information in the reading buffer BF. Furthermore, if it is determined that the tag information has been registered in the reading buffer BF, the reading control unit 152 suppresses registration in the reading buffer BF by discarding the acquired tag information.

Here, the operation of the reading control section 152 will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the data structure of the read buffer BF.

As shown in FIG. 6, the read buffer BF has a memory area that can hold 200 pieces of tag information. Pointers indicating addresses of each memory area range from "0" to "199".

When the tag information is read, the reading control unit 152 compares the tag ID included in the tag information with the tag ID of the tag information registered in the reading buffer BF to check for tag ID duplication. Here, if the duplicate tag ID is not registered in the reading buffer BF, the reading control unit 152 sequentially registers the tag information in the memory area in the order in which it is read.

For example, assume that ten pieces of tag information having tag IDs "ID1" to "ID10" are read in order of tag ID, and that tag information that overlaps with these tag IDs is not registered in the reading buffer BF. In this case, the reading control unit 152 sequentially registers the tag information of the tag IDs "ID1" to "ID10" in the memory areas of the pointers "0" to "9", as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if a duplicate tag ID is registered in the reading buffer BF, the reading control unit 152 discards the read tag information without registering it in the reading buffer BF. For example, suppose that three pieces of tag information with tag IDs "ID5", "ID9", and "IS21" are read while tag information with tag IDs "ID1" to "ID10" is registered in the reading buffer BF. In this case, the reading control unit 152 discards the tag information with tag IDs “ID5” and “ID9” because they overlap with the tag IDs of the tag information registered in the pointers “4” and “8”. Furthermore, since the tag information with the tag ID "ID21" does not overlap with any tag information, the reading control unit 152 transfers the tag information with the tag ID "ID21" to the next pointer "10" as shown in FIG. Register in the memory area of

The reading control unit 152 continues reading tag information from when the start key 13 is operated until when the stop key 14 is operated. Then, the reading control unit 152 sequentially registers the tag information read by the reading unit 106 in the reading buffer BF by performing the above processing every time the tag information is read. As a result, the reading buffer BF stores different tag IDs, excluding duplicate tag IDs, among the tag information read between when the start key 13 is operated and when the stop key 14 is operated. Only tag information that has this information is registered.

In addition, in FIG. 6, the number of memory areas that the read buffer BF has is 200, but it is not limited to this as long as there is a plurality of memory areas. However, it is preferable that the number of memory areas be a large number, such as several dozen or more. Furthermore, the number of memory areas included in the read buffer BF is not limited to a fixed value, and may be dynamically increased or decreased.

Further, the reading control unit 152 may clear the reading buffer BF at the timing when the start key 13 or the stop key 14 is operated. This prevents the reading buffer BF from inadvertently holding tag information, so that the reading buffer BF can be used efficiently.

The request receiving unit 153 receives an output request transmitted from the POS terminal 20. Specifically, the request accepting unit 153 accepts an output request from the POS terminal 20 after the operation accepting unit 151 accepts the operation of the start key 13 until it accepts the operation of the stop key 14.

The output control unit 154 is an example of a reading means, an extraction means, a conversion means, and an output means. The output control unit 154 extracts a product code from the tag information registered in the reading buffer BF, and outputs the extracted product code to the POS terminal 20.

Specifically, when the request reception unit 153 receives an output request, the output control unit 154 reads tag information from the read buffer BF in response to the output request. Here, the output control unit 154 reads the tag information in the order registered in the read buffer BF, that is, in the order of the pointer. Moreover, the output control unit 154 reads out unoutputted tag information newly registered in the read buffer BF every time it receives an output request.

Next, the output control unit 154 extracts the product code included in the read tag information for each piece of tag information. Here, the method for extracting the product code is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a method compatible with the data format of the tag information. Hereinafter, a method for extracting a product code will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the data structure of tag information. FIG. 7 shows tag information in SGTIN (Serialized Global Trade Item Number) format.

As shown in Figure 7, tag information in the SGTIN format includes a header, filter value, partition, company prefix, item reference, and serial number. It consists of six items (Number).

The header stores an 8-bit binary value for identifying the data format of tag information. For example, the header stores a value identifying SGTIN-96 or SGTIN-198.

A 3-bit binary value for identifying the object to which the RFID tag is attached is stored in the filter value. A 3-bit binary value representing a digit separation between the company prefix and the item reference is stored in the partition. A 20-40 bit binary value representing a company code is stored in the company prefix. The item reference stores a 24-4 bit binary value representing the code of the item. Here, the combination of company prefix and item reference corresponds to the product code of this physical form.

Further, the serial number stores a binary value representing the serial number of the wireless tag corresponding to the tag ID. For example, in SGTIN-96, the serial number is represented by a 38-bit binary value, and in SGTIN-198, the serial number is represented by a 140-bit binary value. Note that in this embodiment, a combination of a company prefix and an item reference corresponds to a product code, and a serial number corresponds to a tag ID.

In the case of the data configuration described above, the output control unit 154 determines the data format of the tag information from the binary value stored in the header. The output control unit 154 also identifies the number of digits of the company prefix and item reference from the binary value stored in the partition. Next, the output control unit 154 extracts the binary value stored in the company prefix and item reference as a product code based on the specified number of digits. Then, the output control unit 154 outputs the extracted product code to the POS terminal 20.

Here, the output control unit 154 may output the extracted product code (binary value) as is, or may output it after converting it into a format usable by the POS terminal 20. For example, depending on the specifications of the POS terminal 20, it may not be possible to use a product code expressed as a binary value, and only a product code expressed as a character string such as a decimal value can be used.

In this case, the output control unit 154 converts the extracted binary value product code into a character string such as a decimal value, thereby converting the product code into a code system that can be used by the POS terminal 20. Then, the output control unit 154 outputs the converted product code to the POS terminal 20. Note that the code system usable in the POS terminal 20 may be stored in advance as setting information, or may be obtained from the POS terminal 20 via the connection unit 109. Further, the code system of the product code output to the POS terminal 20 may be configured to be selectable via the operation unit 108 or the like.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the POS terminal 20 includes an output request section 251, a product code acquisition section 252, a registration processing section 253, and a payment processing section 254 as functional sections.

Some or all of the functional units included in the POS terminal 20 are software configurations realized through cooperation between the processor (for example, the CPU 201) of the POS terminal 20 and the programs stored in the memory (for example, the ROM 202 and the storage unit 205). You can. Further, some or all of the functional units included in the POS terminal 20 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit installed in the POS terminal 20.

The output request unit 251 transmits an output request to the RFID scanner 10. Specifically, the output request unit 251 starts transmitting an output request in response to an operation instructing the start of a transaction (for example, a transaction start key operation). The output request unit 251 also transmits output requests at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second), and when an operation instructing the end of the registration process (for example, a payment start key operation) is performed, the output request unit 251 transmits the output request. stop.

The product code acquisition unit 252 acquires the product code from the RFID scanner 10 or the code scanner 25. For example, the product code acquisition unit 252 acquires the product code output from the RFID scanner 10 as a response to the output request. Further, the product code acquisition unit 252 acquires the product code read by the code scanner 25.

Here, the code system of the product code that the product code acquisition unit 252 obtains from the RFID scanner 10 is preferably the same as the code system of the product code that is obtained from the code scanner 25. For example, if the code system of the product code read by the code scanner 25 is expressed in decimal numbers, the RFID scanner 10 (output control unit 154) converts the product code read from the RFID tag into decimal and outputs it. Thereby, the product codes read by the RFID scanner 10 and the code scanner 25 can be handled in the same way, so that functions and applications for processing product codes can be shared.

The registration processing unit 253 executes registration processing for the product purchased by the customer based on the product code read from the product. Specifically, the registration processing unit 253 registers the product code and product information (product name, price, etc.) of the product corresponding to the product code in the RAM 103 etc. based on the product code acquired by the product code acquisition unit 252. Execute the registration process to (store). Note that the registration processing unit 253 identifies the product information of the product corresponding to the product code read from the product by referring to the product master.

The payment processing unit 254 executes payment processing for the products registered by the registration processing unit 253. Specifically, the payment processing unit 254 calculates the total amount of each product registered up to the operation in response to an operation instructing the end of the registration process (for example, operation of the payment start key). The total price of the product can be calculated based on the price corresponding to the product code of the registered product. Further, the settlement processing unit 254 executes a settlement process of settling the calculated total amount using the deposit deposited from the customer.

The processing executed by the RFID scanner 10 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the RFID scanner 10.

First, the reading control unit 152 determines whether reading of tag information has started (step S11). If reading the tag information has already started (step S11; Yes), the reading control unit 152 moves to step S16.

Further, if reading of the tag information has not been started (step S11; No), the operation reception unit 151 determines whether or not the operation of the start key 13 has been accepted (step S12). If the start key 13 is not operated (step S12; No), the process returns to step S11. Further, when the operation accepting unit 151 accepts the operation of the start key 13 (step S12; Yes), the reading control unit 152 clears the reading buffer BF (step S13), and then moves the process to step S14.

In step S14, the read control unit 152 sets the pointer of the read buffer BF where the tag information is registered (hereinafter also referred to as the registration destination pointer) to the leading “0”, and the output control unit 154 sets the pointer of the read buffer BF where the tag information is to be registered to “0”. The pointer of the read buffer BF (hereinafter also referred to as output start pointer) for starting output of is set to "0" at the beginning (step S14). Next, the reading control unit 152 starts reading the RFID tag (tag information) by controlling the reading unit 106 (step S15).

Subsequently, the reading control unit 152 determines whether the tag information has been read (step S16). Here, when the reading control unit 152 determines that the tag information cannot be read (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S20.

Further, when determining that the tag information has been read (step S16; Yes), the reading control unit 152 compares the tag ID included in the read tag information and the tag ID of the tag information registered in the reading buffer BF. Then, it is determined whether the tag IDs overlap (step S17). If the tag IDs are duplicated (step S17; Yes), the reading control unit 152 discards the read tag information and moves the process to step S20.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the tag IDs do not overlap (step S17; No), the reading control unit 152 registers the read tag information in the registration pointer of the reading buffer BF (step S18). Next, the reading control unit 152 increments the registration pointer by 1 to update the registration destination pointer to a new registration destination pointer (step S19), and then proceeds to step S20.

In this way, the reading control unit 152 executes the processes of steps S17 to S19 for each piece of tag information each time the reading unit 106 reads the tag information. As a result, unique tag information with no duplicate tag IDs is sequentially registered in the reading buffer BF.

In the following step S20, the request receiving unit 153 determines whether an output request has been received from the POS terminal 20 (step S20). Here, if there is no output request (step S20; No), the process moves to step S25.

When the request reception unit 153 accepts the output request (step S20; Yes), the output control unit 154 reads the tag information registered from the output start pointer to the registration destination pointer. Next, the output control unit 154 extracts a product code from each piece of tag information read in step S21 (step S22). Note that when converting the code system of product codes, the output control unit 154 converts each of the product codes extracted in step S22 into a predetermined code system such as decimal.

Subsequently, the output control unit 154 outputs the product code extracted in step S22 to the POS terminal 20 (step S23). Next, the output control unit 154 updates the output start pointer to the same pointer as the registration destination pointer (step S24).

In this way, every time an output request is sent from the POS terminal 20, the request reception unit 153 reads the newly registered unoutput tag information in the reading buffer BF, and sends the product code extracted from the tag information to the POS terminal. Output to the terminal 20. As a result, a product code included in unique tag information with no duplicate tag ID is output to the POS terminal 20 for each output request.

In this embodiment, in step S21, the tag information from the output start pointer to the registration destination pointer is read, but the tag information from the output start pointer to a pointer that is decremented by 1 from the registration destination pointer may also be read. good.

Subsequently, the operation accepting unit 151 determines whether or not the operation of the stop key 14 has been accepted (step S25). Here, if the stop key 14 is not operated (step S25; No), the process returns to step S11.

When the operation reception unit 151 receives the operation of the stop key 14 (step S25; Yes), the reading control unit 152 controls the reading unit 106 to stop reading the tag information (step S26), and then performs step The process returns to S11. Note that the reading control unit 152 may clear the reading buffer BF after the processing in step S26.

As described above, when the RFID scanner 10 of this embodiment reads tag information including a tag ID that identifies the wireless tag from a wireless tag, it compares it with the tag identifier of existing tag information stored in the reading buffer BF. Then, tag information including unique tag identifiers is stored in the reading buffer BF. Further, each time the RFID scanner 10 receives an output request from the POS terminal 20, the RFID scanner 10 reads unoutputted tag information from the reading buffer BF, extracts the product code included in the tag information, and outputs it to the POS terminal 20. .

As a result, the RFID scanner 10 excludes tag information having the same tag ID as the tag information of the product code outputted in the past from the output target even if an output request is sent multiple times from the POS terminal 20. can do. Therefore, in the POS system 1 of this embodiment, there is no need to provide a tag ID duplication check function on the POS terminal 20 side, so that wireless tags can be read efficiently.

Further, the RFID scanner 10 extracts the product code included in the tag information and outputs it to the POS terminal 20. As a result, in the POS system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the need for a function for processing tag information on the POS terminal 20 side, and therefore it is possible to efficiently read the information stored in the RFID tag. can.

Furthermore, the RFID scanner 10 can also convert the code system of the extracted product code and output it to the POS terminal 20. As a result, in the POS system 1 of this embodiment, the RFID scanner 10 can output a product code in a code system that can be used in the POS terminal 20. Therefore, in the POS system 1 of this embodiment, there is no need to provide a code system conversion function on the POS terminal 20 side, so that information stored in the RFID tag can be read more efficiently.

The embodiments described above can be appropriately modified and implemented by changing part of the configuration or function of each of the above-mentioned devices. Therefore, below, some modified examples of the above-described embodiment will be described as other embodiments. Note that, below, points that are different from the embodiments described above will be mainly explained, and detailed explanations of points that are common to those already explained will be omitted. Further, the modified examples described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combinations.

(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, the RFID scanner 10 is configured to clear the reading buffer BF using the operation of the start key 13 or the stop key 14 as a trigger, but the RFID scanner 10 may also be configured to clear the reading buffer BF in response to other triggers. good.

For example, the RFID scanner 10 may clear the read buffer BF in response to an instruction from the POS terminal 20. For example, the reading control unit 152 controls the reading buffer BF on the condition that it receives an instruction to start reading corresponding to the operation of the start key 13 or an instruction to stop reading corresponding to the operation of the stop key 14 from the POS terminal 20. It may also be a form that clears. In this case, for example, the POS terminal 20 sends an instruction to start reading to the RFID scanner 10 when the terminal opens or turns on the power, and sends an instruction to stop reading to the RFID scanner 10 when the terminal closes or turns off the power. .

Further, as another example, the reading control unit 152 may clear the reading buffer BF on condition that an instruction to start a transaction or an instruction to end a registration process is received from the POS terminal 20. In this case, for example, when the POS terminal 20 receives an operation to instruct to start a transaction, it transmits an instruction to that effect to the RFID scanner 10, and when it receives an operation to instruct to finish the registration process, it sends an instruction to that effect to the RFID scanner 10. It is transmitted to the RFID scanner 10.

Note that in other examples, there is a possibility that a read product (RFID tag) exists within the reading range of the antenna 107 at the time when the instruction to end the registration process is received. Therefore, in other examples, it is preferable to clear the reading buffer BF on the condition that it has been confirmed that no RFID tag exists in the reading range of the antenna 107 based on the reading result of the reading unit 106. . Further, in this case, a configuration may be adopted in which it is confirmed that no article exists within the reading range of the antenna 107 by separately providing an object detection sensor that senses the reading range of the antenna 107.

As a result, the RFID scanner 10 can clear the reading buffer BF in conjunction with the operations and operations of the POS terminal 20, thereby improving the convenience of reading RFID tags during transactions.

Furthermore, the RFID scanner 10 may be configured to independently clear the reading buffer BF based on the detection results of RFID tags and articles existing within the reading range of the antenna 107 described above. For example, the reading control unit 152 of the RFID scanner 10 may clear the reading buffer BF on condition that a period in which tag information is not read continues for a predetermined period of time (for example, one minute, etc.).

Thereby, the RFID scanner 10 can clear the read buffer BF during the idle period in which RFID tags are not read, and therefore can use the read buffer BF efficiently.

(Modification 2)
In the embodiment described above, the tag information read by the reading unit 106 is registered in the order of the pointer of the reading buffer BF. In this case, if tag information is registered up to the last pointer, there will be a shortage of free memory area. Therefore, for example, when there is a shortage of free memory areas, the read control unit 152 may perform overwriting registration in the order of memory areas that were used first by returning to the first pointer.

For example, in the read buffer BF of FIG. 6, if tag information is registered up to the last pointer "199", there will be a shortage of free memory area. In this case, the reading control unit 152 overwrites and registers tag information in order from pointer "0" by returning to the first pointer "0" again.

Thereby, the RFID scanner 10 can efficiently use the read buffer BF even if the number of memory areas is limited to a fixed value. Furthermore, the memory size of the entire read buffer BF can be reduced.

(Modification 3)
In the embodiment described above, the output control unit 154 of the RFID scanner 10 extracts the product code from the tag information and outputs it to the POS terminal 20. However, the information to be output is not limited to the product code. . For example, if the POS terminal 20 handles products individually, the tag ID may be output to the POS terminal 20 along with the product code.

Specifically, the output control unit 154 extracts the product code and tag ID from the tag information. Then, the output control unit 154 outputs the product code extracted from the same tag information and the tag ID to the POS terminal 20 in association with each other.

Note that the output control unit 154 may output the product code and the tag ID to the POS terminal 20 after converting them into a decimal value or the like, similarly to the embodiment described above. Furthermore, the output control unit 154 may convert only one of the combinations of the product code and tag ID (for example, the product code).

As a result, the RFID scanner 10 allows the POS terminal 20 to handle individual products, thereby improving convenience.

The programs executed by each device of the above-described embodiments are provided in advance in a ROM or the like. The programs executed on each device of the above-described embodiments are files in an installable or executable format and can be stored on a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It may be configured to be recorded on a readable recording medium and provided.

Furthermore, the programs executed by each device of the embodiments described above may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be provided by being downloaded via the network. Furthermore, the programs executed by each device of the above-described embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are 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, substitutions, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

1 POS system 10 RFID scanner 20 POS terminal 151 Operation reception unit 152 Reading control unit 153 Request reception unit 154 Output control unit 251 Output request unit 252 Product code acquisition unit 253 Registration processing unit 254 Payment processing unit

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-176632

Claims (6)

reading means for reading tag information from a wireless tag attached to an article, including at least a tag identifier for identifying the wireless tag and an article identifier for identifying the article;
A control means for storing in the storage means, among the tag information read by the reading means, tag information including a tag identifier that does not overlap with existing tag information stored in the storage means;
reading means for reading the unoutputted tag information from the storage means each time an output request is received from an external device;
Extracting means for extracting the article identifier from the tag information read by the reading means;
output means for outputting the article identifier extracted by the extraction means to the external device;
a reception means for receiving instructions to start reading and end reading;
Equipped with
When the receiving means receives the reading end instruction, the control means determines, based on the reading result of the reading means, that the wireless tag exists in a reading range where the reading means can read the wireless tag. The wireless tag reading device clears the storage means on the condition that it is confirmed that the wireless tag is not used . Further comprising a conversion means for converting the code system of the article identifier extracted by the extraction means into a code system usable by the external device,
The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs the article identifier converted by the conversion means to the external device. The extraction means further extracts the tag identifier from the tag information,
3. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs the article identifier extracted from the same tag information and the tag identifier to the external device in association with each other. The wireless tag reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reading means continues reading the tag information from when the reading start is instructed until the reading end is instructed. 2. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means clears the storage means on the condition that the reception means receives the instruction to start reading. The wireless tag reader computer
reading means for reading tag information including at least a tag identifier for identifying the wireless tag and an article identifier for identifying the article from a wireless tag attached to the article;
A control means for storing in the storage means, among the tag information read by the reading means, tag information including a tag identifier that does not overlap with existing tag information stored in the storage means;
reading means for reading the unoutputted tag information from the storage means each time an output request is received from an external device;
Extracting means for extracting the article identifier from the tag information read by the reading means;
output means for outputting the article identifier extracted by the extraction means to the external device;
a reception means for receiving instructions to start reading and end reading;
and make it work ,
The control means determines, when the reception means receives the instruction to end the reading, that the wireless tag exists in a reading range where the reading means can read the wireless tag, based on the reading result of the reading means. A program that clears the storage means on the condition that it is confirmed that the storage means is not deleted .

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