JPH06243340A - Self check-out system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To detect illegal use such as exchanging merchandise in the middle of vending by internally providing a check bar code reader in addition to a self bar code reader and comparing information from both readers. CONSTITUTION:When a self bar code reader 2 reads the bar code of a merchandise 4, a microprocessor automatically drives a conveying part 6 by using a conveyance controller. When a customer 5 puts the merchandise of the read bar code at the entrance of the conveying part 6, the merchandise 4 is conveyed to a check bar code reader 7 part by driving the conveying part 6. At the part of the check bar code reader 7, the bar code is read again by a bar code scanner. The bar code read again and the information of the bar code read by the self bar code reader 2 before the conveyance are transmitted to the microprocessor and both bar codes are compared. When the read values are coincident, the merchandise is temporarily stocked in a normal stocker.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a checkout system used in a mass retailer such as a supermarket or a convenience store, and in particular, a purchaser himself / herself can perform a barcode reading operation of a product without using a store clerk. It is about a self-checkout system that can be done.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to reduce the number of employees in a store in a supermarket or the like, a purchaser causes a checkout system to read a bar code attached to a product by self-service, and the settlement process is performed by another device. A system that makes it possible is proposed. What is important in this system is the prevention of illegal purchase of merchandise. An example of illegal purchase of a product is, for example, replacing a low-priced product read by self with another high-priced product and illegally passing through the checkout system.

As a technique for preventing the illegal purchase of the product, for example, there is a "product sales data processing device" disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-128396.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned prior art, the weight of each individual product is weighed and compared with preset weight data to prevent fraudulent replacement of products.

However, with this method, it is difficult to prevent the abrasion by the goods of the same weight. That is, similar products often have the same size and the same weight, and only the quality is different, and the selling price is often different.
After checking low-quality / low-priced products of the same weight, it is not possible to prevent fraudulently putting another high-quality / high-priced product of the same size and same weight in the shopping bag instead of the product. As described above, the conventional device has a problem that the measures for preventing the illegal purchase are not sufficient, and therefore the number of personnel is not sufficiently reduced, for example, the payment is performed through a store clerk.

The present invention has the same problem as the conventional one, that is, the same size,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-checkout system that can prevent changing products by the same weight and can minimize the number of personnel required for settlement processing.

[0007]

To achieve the above object, the following means are provided. In addition to the means by which the buyer himself / herself reads the bar code of the product with the self-barcode reader, a check bar code reader that automatically re-reads the bar code of the product is built into this self-checkout system. A means to compare and check the reading results. Means for displaying inconsistency information of the reading results of the self-bar code reading device and the check bar code reading device on the side-by-side display unit corresponding to the customer display unit of the product content previously displayed.
And a means for identifying the correspondence between the product read by the self-barcode reading device and the product read by the check barcode reading device, based on the carrying distance and the carrying speed of the carrying unit that carries the product between the two devices. A means for controlling the conveyance direction of the conveying section in the opposite direction according to the discrepancy information detected by the check bar code reading device and returning the product with the discrepancy to the position of the self bar code reading device. A means for illuminating and blinking a warning spotlight on the returned product.

[0008] A means for spot-irradiating a part of the entrance of the transport section in order to guide the position where the purchaser puts the commodity whose barcode is read. And a product position detecting means which is provided at the entrance of the transport unit and automatically detects the position of the product placed by the purchaser. The transport unit for transporting the product has a surface formed in an uneven shape, and the entire transport unit is inclined in a mountain shape. Further, appropriate vibration is applied to the upper part of the transport section. Tag issuing means for issuing a bar code unreadable identification tag having a shape that can be electromagnetically detected and can be attached and fixed to a product is provided. Further, a bar code unreadable identification tag detecting means is provided in the middle of the carrying section. Further, means for generating ticketing tag information at the time of issuing a bar code unreadable detection tag and displaying the lamp, and means for transmitting the information to another final settlement unit or a monitoring device. A product division vane that allows products that have been correctly read by the transport unit to be stored in a normal stocker and other products to be stored in a bar code readable product stocker. On the purchaser operation side of the self-check system, there is a cancel button for instructing to cancel the purchase of the product, and a cancel belt conveyor for accommodating the product to be canceled in the canceled product stocker when a cancel signal is generated. The self-checkout system is equipped with a settlement means such as a prepaid card reader / writer or a deposit / withdrawal device that can pay the price of goods. The self-bar code reading device is equipped with a keyboard or a touch panel that allows the purchaser to manually input the product code. In the bar code unreadable identification tag, one bit is added to the information bit to be electromagnetically recorded, and "1" means that the settlement has been made and "0" means that the settlement has not been made. Further, the tag ticket issuing machine is provided with a printing means, and if it is "0", a reddish display is printed on the bar code unreadable identification tag so that it can be visually recognized by the purchaser and the clerk. A means for transmitting the tag ticketing information to the receipt issuing printer is provided. There is provided means for adding a system number uniquely added to each self-checkout system, a transaction serial number unique to each purchaser, and an unsettled product name to the unsettled information and transmitting the unsettled information to the final checkout window. A mismatch information storage unit is provided in the system to count the number of issues of mismatch information for each product in the transaction serial number. The above object is achieved by adopting these various means and configurations.

[0009]

In the self-checkout device, in addition to the self-barcode reading device by which the buyer himself / herself reads the bar code of the product, a check bar code reading device for automatically and automatically reading the bar code of the product is provided inside. By comparing the information of the devices, it is possible to detect fraud such as changing goods on the way. In order to improve the bar code reading accuracy of the check bar code reading device, as a method of specifying the product and the bar code position of the product, the position of the check bar code reading device is determined by the product position detection means and this detection information. Control. In addition, in order to improve the position detection accuracy of the product,
The spot where the product will be installed is displayed to guide the purchaser to install the product. Further, a manipulator or the like is added to the bar code scanner of the self bar code reader to detect the three-dimensional X, Y, Z coordinate position of the self bar code reader, and the position of the check bar code reader is controlled based on the information. Do. Inconsistent information is detected by comparing the self-barcode reading information with the check barcode reading information, and the product is returned to the buyer's operation position and a warning display is displayed on the product section, customer display section, receipt, etc. to guide the correct operation. By doing so, it is possible to realize registration without the need for a clerk,
Preventing recurrence of illegal operations by buyers. By adding a concavo-convex shape to the conveyor belt of the transport section and providing an inclined section and a vibration section, it is possible to fix rotatable products, and even when multiple products are placed on top of each other, vibration can cause individual products to vibrate. It can be separated, and fraud prevention and transportation accuracy are improved. For products that cannot read barcodes,
There is a means to issue a barcode unreadable identification tag automatically and manually by the purchaser.This tag is attached to the product to clarify unsettled payments, complete a series of buyer operations, and only unsettled products will be sold separately by the clerk. By enabling settlement, it is possible to prevent troubles in the self-checkout device section due to the mixture of bar code readable products. This tag can be detected electromagnetically, and a tag detection unit that detects this can be built into the checkout device or equipped at the final settlement unit at the store exit, and the detection information controls the passage of the buyer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the unsettled product from being taken out of the store.

When a plurality of self-checkout systems are installed in a store, the self-barcode readers of all the self-checkout systems and means for receiving and storing mismatch information of the read contents of the check barcode readers By making it possible to refer to later, it is possible to issue a tag ticket to a bar code unreadable product commonly occurring in a store.

Further, by providing a store system with a conventional POS terminal, it is possible to provide a store system that can accommodate various customer groups and products.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a self-checkout system according to this embodiment. (A) is a side view, (b) is a front view, (c) is a rear view, and (d) is a plan view. Figure 2
Is a diagram showing a logical block configuration of the self-checkout system shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example on a customer display unit, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of a check bar code reader, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the barcode reading device, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are diagrams showing details of the transport unit, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of receipt printing, and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a store layout of the self-checkout system. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the outline of the operation of the self-checkout system, and FIG. 11 is an actual in-store system configuration using the self-checkout system according to the present invention.

1 and 2, 1 is a self-checkout system according to the present embodiment, 2 is a self-barcode reading device operated by a purchaser 5 and reading a bar code attached to a product 4, 3 is a self-bar code. A customer display unit for displaying the reading result of the code, the settlement amount, and the like, 6 is a check bar for the product 4, and a stocker 12
To a check bar code reader for re-reading the bar code of the goods 4 being conveyed, 8 to a shopping cart used by the purchaser 5, and 9 to the check bar code reader 7 in the product conveying direction. The product position control unit 10 that moves in a direction at right angles to the product position and controls the position of the product is an error when the bar code read by the self bar code reader and the bar code read by the check bar code reader do not match. A warning display unit for displaying a message and the like, 11 is a bar code reading to be added to the product when the bar code read by the self bar code reading apparatus and the bar code read by the check bar code reading apparatus are disagreeed for a certain number of times. Bar code unreadable ID tag issuing section for issuing a non-identification tag, 12 is a bar code check It is a liquidation-life products stocker to keep reservoir temporarily click finished products. The cleared stocker 12 is a normal stocker 12-1 for temporarily storing a product in which the bar code can be normally read and the bar code read by the self bar code reading device and the bar code read by the check bar code reading device are temporarily stored. It is divided into a bar code unreadable product stocker 12-2 for temporarily storing products with a code unreadable identification tag. Normal stocker 12-1 and bar code unreadable product stocker 12-2
Are provided with shutters 12-3 and 12-4, respectively, and are in a closed state before the settlement is completed so that the taking out of the products is restricted. Reference numeral 14 is a canceled product stocker that stores the canceled product when the purchaser 5 cancels the purchase of the product, and 13 is a case where the canceled product is stored in the canceled product stocker and a case where the canceled product is stored in the cleared product stocker 12. It is a belt conveyor for cancellation that changes the transport position. Reference numeral 15 is a receipt issuing printer for issuing receipts, 16 is a settlement section that serves as a card insertion / exit port, a cash delivery port, etc. when performing settlement of products that can be settled by a self-check system, and 17 is a bar code with a self-barcode reading device. This is a manual input means for manually inputting information such as a barcode number and product type when it cannot be read. The manual input means 17 can be constituted by an ordinary keyboard, a touch panel, a weighing value attaching machine or the like. It is best to configure the product types, etc. to be memorized in the memory etc. in a hierarchical structure according to the degree of detail of the classification, to be sequentially displayed on the touch panel in a pop-up screen as it is done at the bank terminal, and to guide the purchaser. Is. Reference numeral 18 is a gate that opens and closes depending on whether the purchaser 5 can pass or not, and allows the purchaser 5 to proceed to the cleared product stocker 12 portion in an open state after the settlement process is completed. Reference numeral 20 denotes a purchaser detection means for detecting that the purchaser has approached the self-checkout system 1. 21 receives the detection signal from the purchaser detection means 20,
Sensor controller for sending to the processor 100 or the like, 2
Reference numeral 2 is a gate controller that controls the opening and closing of the gate 19 depending on whether or not the settlement is completed, and 23 is a POS interface for connecting a POS register 200 including a PLU file and the like.

The operation of the self-checkout system 1 having this structure will be described with reference to FIG. A program for controlling the self-checkout system 1 is stored in the ROM 110 in the self-checkout system 1, and the microprocessor 100 controls the entire system according to the program.

When the purchaser 5 approaches the operation unit of the self-checkout system 1, the purchaser detection means 20 detects it (1001). When the purchaser detection means detects the purchaser 5, a detection signal is transmitted to the microprocessor 100 via the sensor controller 21 and the entire power supply voltage of the power supply device 101 is supplied to all the circuits of the self-checkout system to start the operation. (1002). Further, the service power supply unit is also activated, and commercial power is supplied to the external POS register 200.

The power supply device 101 is an auxiliary power supply device 10.
The microprocessor 100, the ROM 110, the RAM 111, and the timekeeping LSI which have the built-in 1-1 and should always be in the operating state
Power is always supplied to the RTC 112, the sensor controller 21, and the like.

When the purchaser 5 brings the self-barcode reading device 2 into contact with or comes close to the bar code 24 of the product 4 to be purchased, the self-barcode reading device 2 optically and automatically reads the data and stores it in the POS register 200. Referring to the price look table (hereinafter abbreviated as PLU) file 27,
Decode the product name, price, etc.

As the decryption information, the product name, the number of products, the amount of money, etc. are displayed on the customer display unit 3 as in the example shown in FIG. Further, after the payment, the data is sent to the receipt issuing printer 15 and temporarily stored in the RAM 111 via the POS interface unit 23 in the self-checkout system 1 to be sent to the microprocessor 100.

The self-barcode reading device 2 can be any of a pen type bar code reader, a touch type bar code reader and a fixed type bar code reader which are usually commercially available.

The POS register 200 has a structure in which a commercially available POS terminal is separated and built into the self-checkout system 1, or separately connected to the self-checkout system 1 via a POS interface. To do.

When the self-bar code reader 2 reads the bar code 24 of the product 4, the microprocessor 100 causes the carrier controller 60 to automatically drive the carrier unit 6 (1
004). It should be noted that the driving start of the transport unit 6 may be controlled so as to be driven when the purchaser detection means 20 detects the purchaser.

When the purchaser 5 puts the merchandise whose bar code has been read at the entrance of the conveyance section, the conveyance section 6 drives the merchandise 4 to be conveyed to the check bar code reader 7. In the check bar code reading device 7, the bar code scanner 7
At -1, the barcode 24 is read again. The re-read bar code 24 and the bar code information read by the self bar code reader before transportation are the microprocessor 1
It is transmitted to 00, and both are compared there (1005).
In this case, the results of decoding the barcode using the PLU file 27 may be compared.

Here, the transport unit 6 and each portion located around the transport unit 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7. A plurality of product detection sensors 6-2 are installed horizontally and vertically on the belt conveyor at the entrance of the transport section 6 on the side where the purchaser operates, and the position of the product 4 is optically detected and specified. . Detected by the product detection sensor 6-2,
The position information of the product is sent to the microphone processor 100 via the sensor controller 29. The microprocessor 100 creates information for movement control of the product position control unit 9 of the check barcode reading device 7 based on the received position information, and the scanner position driving unit 7-3 of the check barcode reading device 7 (see FIG. 2). ), And moves the product position control unit 9 in the direction of the left and right arrows, and the laser beam irradiation range 7- for reading the barcode of the check barcode reading device 7-
6 is stopped at a position corresponding to the product 4.

In this example, the movement of the commodity position control unit 9 is configured only in the horizontal direction, but in the case of using the bar code scanner 7-1 having a narrow reading depth range, the commodity has a function of moving in the vertical direction. It is desirable to provide the position controller 9. Further, in place of the product detection sensor for detecting the product position, a manipulator for measuring the three-direction position of X, Y, Z is variably installed in the self-barcode reading device, and the three-dimensional coordinate position of the self-barcode reading device is set. A method of detecting and controlling the position of the check bar code reader may be used.

Further, the correspondence between the product read by the self-barcode reading device and the product read by the check barcode reading device corresponds to the check bar code reading device depending on the carrying distance and the carrying speed of the carrying unit for carrying the product between the two devices. It may be configured to specify the product to be read by.

As a means for starting the movement of the commodity position control section 9 in advance and reducing the movement amount to move the commodity 4 to the position of the commodity 4 quickly, spot display means 10-1 is provided at the entrance of the conveying section 6. , The spot light of an optically constant color is irradiated and displayed on the transport unit 6. The purchaser 5 is guided to place the product 4 at the spotlight irradiation position. The spot display means 10-1 also serves as a warning display. There are two types of color of spot light, for example, green for spot display and red for warning display.

In addition, a bar code unreadable identification tag detection unit 6-6 is installed in front of the check bar code reading device to detect whether or not the bar code unreadable identification tag is added to the conveyed product. .

Also, a product detection sensor 6-7 is provided immediately before the bar code scanner 7-1 of the check bar code reading device 7 to detect the passing of the product.

As shown in 6-4, the transport section 6 has a mountain-shaped structure having an inclined portion, and the transport section 6 has an uneven surface as in 6-3, and is vibrated below the transport section 6. The part 6-5 is installed and vibration is applied in the up and down arrow directions. By giving an inclination to the transport section and giving vibration, for example, the product 4-
1 and the product 4-2 overlap and break up the condition that can be regarded as one,
Separate it like product 4-3.

Further, by making the surface of the transport section 6 uneven, it is possible to prevent the round product 4-4 or the like, which is easily rotated, from falling.

FIG. 5 shows another configuration example of the check bar code reading device 7. In this configuration example, the configuration of the check bar code reading device 7 is provided with a plurality of bar code scanners 7-1 in the horizontal direction of the conveyance section 6, and the bar code scanner is not moved to align the reading range of the scanner with the product position. Then, the barcode of the product 4 is detected by any one of the plurality of scanners. In addition, a bar code scanner is also arranged in the vertical direction so that it can be read even when the bar code is attached to the product in the horizontal direction.

Returning to the explanation of the control flow of the self-check system. When the product information read by the check bar code reading device 7 is the same as the product information read by the self-bar code reading device 2, it is determined that the normal operation is completed, and the product 4 is conveyed to the normal stocker 12-1 and temporarily stocked. (1006).

At this time, the next product reading operation by the self-bar code reading device 2 is prohibited until the previous product is stored in the stocker 12. However, the method of not prohibiting may be such that the product reading operation is continuously performed.

If the product information read by the check bar code reader 7 and the product information read by the self-bar code reader 2 do not match, the mismatch information 7
-2 is sent to the microprocessor 100 to cause the following fraud prevention processing.

As a case where the inconsistency information 7-2 is generated, as shown in FIG. 7, the illegal quantity self-bar code reading device 2 which conveys the product 4-1 and the product 4-3 and detects a plurality of bar codes. Do not place the product read in
Instead, a high-priced product having the same shape and the same weight is placed on the conveyance section 6, and the self-barcode reading device 2 can read the product normally due to incorrect product abrasion and poor quality of the bar code 24 (for example, dirt, chipping, and distortion). However, there are cases where the check bar code cannot be read due to variations in device accuracy.

The mismatch information 7-2 is sent to the microprocessor 1
When it is received as 00, it is temporarily stored in the RAM and the number of times of the mismatch information 7-2 for the same product is monitored by the microprocessor 100 to count the number of mismatches. If the number of mismatches does not reach the predetermined limit (1015),
The conveyance unit 6 is conveyed in the opposite direction, and the product 6 is returned to the vicinity of the self-barcode reading device 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, warning spot irradiation is performed by the spot display means 10-1 by blinking red spot light on the upper portion of the reversely conveyed product 4 and, as shown in 10-3 of FIG. A warning is displayed to the purchaser 5 in a character example, and the purchaser 5 is instructed to perform reoperation (1017). The example shown in 10-3 of FIG. 3 is a fraudulent example of product alteration, in which a product with a unit price of 860 yen is sent to the transport section 6 instead of a product with a unit price of 560 yen, that is, 560 yen for a self-barcode reader. Is a display example when the reading and check bar code reading device reads 860 yen.

As a result, if the purchaser 5 correctly reads the product with the unit price of 560 yen, the self-check bar code reading device again reads it, and if it is placed in the carrying section 6, the carrying and the reading of the check bar code are carried out, and the reading is carried out. If the values match, it is temporarily stocked in the normal stocker and the recovery process is completed.

When the number of times of non-coincidence reaches the predetermined limit number (1015), the bar code unreadable identification tag ticket issuing unit 11 is automatically activated and the bar code unreadable identification tag 11-1 is automatically issued (1016). ), The merchandise is sent back, and the warning display section 10 attaches the bar code unreadable identification tag 11-1 to the merchandise for the purchaser 5 as shown in the display example 10-2 of FIG. Is displayed and the purchaser's operation is guided (1017).

The purchaser 5 attaches this tag 11-1 to the product 4 and puts it on the carrying section 6 and leaves the process to the self-checkout system 1 to perform the bar code reading process of the next product.

At the time of issuing a bar code unreadable identification tag, the tag issuing display means 11 provided at the upper part of the self-checkout system 1 so that the manager of the store can understand the situation.
-3 (FIG. 1) is indicated by a lamp. In addition, the tag issuing information is transmitted to the final settlement unit 25 existing independently of the self-check system 1 via the external interface unit 26, and the settlement processing is entrusted there. As described above, the information of the products that cannot be paid out by the self-checkout system is centrally transmitted to the final settlement unit, and a display unit for collectively displaying the transmitted information at the time of processing by the final settlement unit 25 is provided.
Further, the unsettled information transmitted to the final settlement section 25 is sent with a system number uniquely added to each self-checkout system, a transaction serial number unique to each purchaser, an unsettled product name, etc. This makes it easy to identify the purchaser.

The self-checkout system 1 is provided with a tag issuing button 11-4 shown in FIG.
It is also possible to issue -1.

The tag 11-1 is provided with a string-shaped component attachment or double-sided adhesive tape, etc., and facilitates attachment and fixing to the product 4.

When the product 4 having the bar code unreadable identification tag 11-1 attached thereto is sent to the conveyance section 6, the bar code unreadable identification tag detection section 6-6 electromagnetically detects (1).
011), the following processing is performed by the microprocessor 100 via the sensor controller 21. If the barcode unreadable tag 11-1 is detected first, this product 4
The bar code scanner 7-1 reading operation for the bar code of FIG. 2 is prohibited or read out, and the product switching vane 12-5 is positioned in the direction of the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. No Goods Stocker 12
-2 Bar code readable product stocker 12
-Stock to -2 (1013).

Further, by installing the product detection sensor 6-7 in the vicinity of the bar code unreadable detection section 6-6, the presence or absence of the product 4 from the self bar code reading device 2 after a predetermined time and the bar code unreadable discrimination. Comparing the presence / absence of the tag 11-1 and the presence / absence of a barcode by the barcode scanner 7-1 to detect the loss of the product 4 in the transport unit 6, the quantity mismatch, etc., and perform processing such as warning display. You can

The inconsistency information 7-2 is the final settlement section 2
5 through the external interface unit 26, and the settlement process is entrusted to the final settlement unit 25 (1014).

If the purchaser 5 does not wish to purchase the product 4 etc. for which the disagreement information 7-2 has occurred, the cancel button 14
-2 (FIG. 1 (b)) is pressed to generate a cancel signal 14-1, and the product controller 120 moves the cancel belt conveyor 13 to the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1 (d). , Can be temporarily stocked in the canceled product stocker 14. The canceled product stocker 14 is normally closed by the carry-out shutter 14-3 to restrict the purchaser from taking out the canceled product.

For a product to which a bar code is not added (for example, a product such as fresh vegetables that is difficult to attach), the manual input means 17 inputs a product code that can be loaned to the bar code and identifies that the bar code cannot be read. The tag 11-1 is issued, added to the product, and placed on the transport unit 6, and a series of processing is performed.

When a series of reading and registration operations are completed for all the desired products 4 to be stored in the shopping cart 8, according to the total display amount of the customer display unit 3 shown in FIG.
The settlement unit 16 asks the purchaser 5 to settle the product price (1007). The settlement unit 16 can be realized by using a commercially available prepaid card processing machine, credit card processing machine, cash accepting machine, or the like.

When this settlement process is completed, the receipt issuing printer 15 issues the receipt of the print example shown in FIG. 8 (1018). The bar mark of the tag issue identification mark 15-1 printed on the receipt printing example could not be read, but it could be registered by other input means and payment was made at the settlement section of the self-checkout system. Indicates the identification display of the product. Unsettled identification mark 15-2 ×
The mark indicates a product (for example, Japanese radish) that the user cannot purchase, but has not paid for the price payment, but the final checkout unit 25 performs the checkout process as a clerk. It is displayed. In addition, the total number of uncleared products (products marked with a cross) is printed on the receipt so that the final settlement section 25 can easily confirm it. In addition, the total amount of uncleared products can be printed.

When this settlement process is completed, the gate controller 22 moves the gate 18 in the direction of the arrow to allow the purchaser 5 to move to the settlement completed product stocker 12 section. Further, the shutter of the stocker can be opened to take out the product (1008). The gate 18 can be configured in the same shape as a ticket gate used in transportation. The gate 18 is provided with a tag detection unit separately from the tag detection unit 6-6 installed in the transport unit 6, and detects the carry-out of unpaid items. Bar code unreadable product stocker 12-2
The purchaser 5 who has taken out the product 4 from the item is processed as a clerk at the final settlement unit 25 shown in FIG. The final checkout unit 25 is installed independently of the self-check system 1, and the purchaser is installed so as to go out of the store through the final checkout unit 25.
The bar code unreadable identification tag 11-1 is the final settlement unit 25.
At the end of the payment period, the clerk removes it. The tag 11-1 may be repeatedly used by re-inputting it to the tag issuing machine to reduce the operation cost.

The bar code unreadable product stocker 1
2-2 and the bar code unreadable product stocker carry-out shutter 12-4 may have the same configuration, and may be separated from the self-checkout system 1 so as to be a portable box so that the purchaser 5 can bring it to the final settlement section 25. good. In this case, the material of the box needs to be a material that can detect the bar code unreadable identification tag, for example, a non-magnetic material. As another embodiment, an automatic packing device is used, and a means for accommodating in a vinyl bag and binding means are used instead. You may.

When all the commodities have been removed from the stocker, the processing of the next purchaser is started (1009).

FIG. 11 shows an actual in-store system configuration using the self-checkout system according to the present invention. 11, 700 is a personal computer, 600 is a prepaid card issuing machine, 500 is a store processor, and 800 is LA.
N line, 400 POS server, 401 backup POS server, 901 electrical junction box, 900 PO
S line, 300 is a conventional POS terminal, and 25 is a final settlement device. The feature of this configuration is that a self-checkout system 1 and a conventional POS terminal 300 that requires registration and settlement of products by a store clerk are installed side by side. The composition ratio of the self-checkout system 1 and the conventional POS terminal 300 is reduced to about 2: 8 at the beginning of the introduction, and the purchaser 5 is not accustomed to the operation of the self-checkout system 1 at the beginning of the introduction. Keep trouble to a minimum. If the purchaser becomes accustomed to the operation, the effect of reducing the number of store employees can be gradually increased by increasing the ratio as in the example of 8: 2.

The self-checkout system 1, the conventional POS terminal 300, and the final settlement device 25 are all connected to the POS server 400 and the backup POS server 4 by the signal line of the POS line 900 via the electrical connection box 901.
01 is connected. POS line 900 is generally RS4
Interface means such as 85 are used. The POS / server 401 is the PLU in the self-checkout system 1.
1000 to 5 files (generally 100,000 to 200,000) that are stored in the normal PLU file 27
It is used to register the product code that does not exist in 000 PLUs. Also, self-checkout system 1 and conventional P
It has a function to store sales information from the OS terminal and a negative file for credit inquiries. The backup POS server 401 is the POS server 400.
It has a function as a standby machine having the same function as the above and operates simultaneously, and in the unlikely event that the POS server 400 fails, the self-checkout system 1 and other systems can operate as a dual system.

POS server 400 and backup PO
The S server 401 is connected to the store processor 500 via the LAN line 800. Store processor 50
0 is generally a computer that controls the system of the store, updates the PLU file that is changed at regular intervals (monthly, weekly, daily, etc.) and collects, calculates, and edits sales information for managing the sales of the store. have. Also book L
The prepaid card issuing machine 600 and the personal computer 700 are connected to the AN line 800, and the prepaid card used in the settlement unit 16 of the self-checkout system 1 is sold.
Has a publishing function. The purchaser 5 can shorten the response time at the settlement unit 16 by purchasing a prepaid card with cash in advance when visiting the store. For this convenience, the prepaid card adds a premium for general credit cards,
It is good to promote sales.

In the present configuration, the prepaid card issuing machine is used to perform the settlement using the prepaid card. However, a magnetic card reader / writer may be used instead to issue the own credit card.

Since this embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

1. Within the self-checkout system,
The built-in check bar code reader checks the contents read by the self bar code reader to check the contents, preventing unauthorized purchases such as changing products and losing the product during the checkout process. It can be prevented.

2. By providing multiple check bar code scanners in the check bar code reader, the bar code reading range of the product can be widened when the check bar code is read, and the buyer himself / herself can read the bar code with the self bar code reader. By shifting the position of the read product horizontally or turning it vertically, the bar code reading rate of the check bar code reading device can be improved even if the position of the product in the transport unit moves.

3.4. The product for which the discrepancy information is detected is returned to the buyer, and the discrepancy information is displayed on the customer display unit to guide the purchaser to perform the recovery operation, so the recovery operation by the store clerk can be omitted and the number of store staff can be reduced. .

5. At that time, since the product for which the inconsistency information is detected is displayed by a spotlight or the like, the purchaser can easily identify the product to be recovered from among many products.

6. Since the position where the purchaser performs the reading operation by the self-barcode reading device on the transport section is displayed as a spot, it is possible to guide the placing of the product at the position where the reading rate of the check barcode reading device is the highest.

7. Since the concavo-convex portion is provided in the shape of the belt conveyor, it is possible to prevent the bar code reading rate from being lowered in the transportation section of the product which is easily rotated and moved.

8. Since the product conveying section is provided with the inclined section and the vibrating means is further provided, it is possible to separate a plurality of commodities in a stacked state and prevent an illegal quantity.

9. If a bar code unreadable identification tag is found and the product with the tag is temporarily stocked in the stocker unit to enable processing of the next product, even if a bar code unreadable product occurs, the self bar code reader unit Does not increase the operating time. 10. The bar code unreadable identification tag ticketing display is displayed on the upper part of the self-checkout system and is transmitted to the final settlement section, so that the clerk can grasp the situation.

11. Since the unchecked product is stored and the shutter controls the opening and taking-out, it has the effect of preventing the unauthorized removal of the unchecked product by having a store clerk intervene.

12. Since the canceled product stocker is provided, it is possible to cancel the product to be purchased without the intervention of a store clerk.

13. Since the self-bar code reading unit is provided with a settlement unit, the purchaser can realize the settlement process, and the store clerk does not need to be involved in the settlement process.

14. Since the manual input means is provided, the registration operation of the barcode unreadable product due to stains or scratches on the barcode label can be realized without the intervention of a store clerk.

15. The tags are added to the product by distinguishing the types of tags that can be settled by the self-check system and those that cannot be set up. It has the effect of reducing the frequency of intervention.

16. Since the settlement status is displayed on the receipt, it is possible to easily identify the settlement product at the time of the settlement process by the clerk intervening for the unsettled product that cannot be settled by the self-check system, and it is possible to reduce the accuracy and the processing time of the settlement process.

17. Since a gate for automatically detecting the bar code unreadable identification tag and controlling passage is provided, it is possible to prevent the unpaid item from being unloaded.

18. Even when products are stacked and placed on the transport unit, a plurality of barcodes are detected by tilting and vibrating the transport units, so that it is possible to prevent passage of unsettled products by sending multiple products to the transport unit at one time.

19. Since the information of the unsettled product is sent to the final settlement section provided at the entrance / exit of the store, the unsettled product settlement process can be realized with a small number of store staff.

20. For products that cannot be read many times, tags can be issued and added, and the processing time in the self-barcode reading device can be reduced.

21. Since the self-checkout system and the conventional POS terminal are installed in the same store, purchasers who are unfamiliar with machines such as the elderly and children can use the conventional PO.
It can be processed at the S terminal, and confusion due to increased operation time can be prevented. In addition, large-scale products that are difficult to process with the self-checkout system or products that are difficult to add barcode labels can be registered and settled using the conventional POS terminal, so it is possible to systematize stores that sell various products.

[0078]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to sufficiently prevent illegal purchase by a purchaser, and to adopt various configurations such as tag ticketing and a settlement processing unit, so that the intervention of a store clerk is minimized (unreadable. We can provide a self-checkout system that can be completely suppressed if there is no product.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a self-checkout system according to this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a logical block configuration of the self-checkout system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example on a customer display unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of a check bar code reader.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the check barcode reading device.

FIG. 6,

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing details of a transport unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of receipt printing.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a store layout of the self-checkout system.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the outline of the operation of the self-checkout system.

[Figure 11] In-store system configuration diagram

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Self checkout system, 2 ... Self bar code reader, 3 ... Customer display part, 4 ... Merchandise, 5 ... Buyer, 6 ... Conveyor part, 7 ... Check bar code reader, 8
… Shopping cart, 9… Product position control unit, 10… Warning display unit,
11… Bar code unreadable identification tag ticketing unit, 12… Settled product stocker, 13… Canceling belt conveyor, 14… Canceled product stocker, 15… Receipt issuing printer, 16
... settlement section, 17 ... manual input means, 18 ... gate 1, 19 ... gate 2,20 ... purchaser detection means, 21 ... sensor controller,
22 ... Gate controller, 23 ... POS interface section, 24 ... Bar code, 25 ... Final settlement section, 26 ... External interface, 27 ... PLU file, 60 ... Transport controller, 100 ... Microprocessor, 101 ... Power supply unit, 101-1
… Auxiliary power supply unit, 101-2… Service power supply unit, 120… Product controller, 200… POS register, 300… Conventional PO
S register, 400 ... POS server, 401 ... Backup P
OS server, 500 ... Store processor, 600 ... Prepaid card issuing machine, 700 ... Personal computer, 800 ... LAN line, 900
… POS line, 901… Junction box, 4-4… Round product, 6-
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Product installation planned position in conveyance part, 6-2 ... Product detection sensor, 6-4 ... Inclined part, 6-5 ... Excitation means, 6-6 ... Bar code unreadable identification tag detection part, 7-1 ... Bar Code scanner, 7-2 ... Mismatch information, 7-3 ... Scanner position drive unit, 7-4 ... Scanner position control unit, 7-5 ... Tag detection unit, 7-6 ... Laser light irradiation range, 10-1 ... Spot Display means, 11-1 ... Bar code unreadable identification tag, 11-2
… Tag ticketing information, 11-3… Tag ticketing display means, 11-4…
Tag ticketing button, 12-1 ... Normal stocker, 12-2 ... Bar code unreadable product stocker, 12-3 ... Normal stocker unloading shutter, 12-4 ... Bar code unreadable product stocker unloading shutter, 12-5 ... Product off Minute vanes, 14-1 ... Cancel signal, 14-2 ... Cancel button, 14-3 ... Outgoing shutter, 15-1 ... Tag issue identification mark, 15-2 ... Unchecked identification mark, 15-3 ... Receipt, 19- 1 ... Tag detection unit.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yukio Akimoto 810 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture Hitachi Systems Office Systems Division (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Abe 810 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina City, Kanagawa Stock Company Hitachi (72) Inventor Hironori Kashiki 1 Horiyamashita, Hadano City, Kanagawa Hitachi Computer Engineering Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masao Kato 810 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina, Kanagawa Hitachi Ltd. Office System Division

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A bar code attached to a product is read to accurately
Self-checkout system to register for arithmetic processing
Is operated by the purchaser and added to the product
Self-barcode reading means for reading a bar code;
Bar code products scanned by a self-bar code reader
Conversion means for converting the contents into product information, and
A storage means for storing product information and a carrying device for carrying the product.
Sending means and bar code of goods conveyed by the conveying means
Check bar code reading means for re-reading
Read the check bar code and the product contents stored in the memory
Means for comparing the contents read by the collecting means and the above-mentioned comparison
Register the product information of the matching product as a result of comparison by means
Self-checking
Quout system. 2. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, wherein said conveying means is provided with a commodity position detecting means for detecting the position of the commodity placed on said conveying means, and the commodity position from said commodity position detecting means. A self-checkout system comprising: a moving means for moving the check bar code reading means according to information. 3. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the check bar code reading means is provided with a plurality of bar code scanners on vertical and horizontal planes in the transport direction. 4. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising a customer display unit for displaying information on the non-coincidence when the result of comparison by the comparing unit is non-coincidence. Checkout system. 5. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, wherein when the result of comparison by the comparing means is a mismatch, the carrying means controls the carrying in a reverse direction,
A self-checkout system that conveys products to the position of the self-barcode reading means. 6. The self-checkout system according to claim 5, further comprising: an identification display unit for temporarily suspending the product for which the mismatch information is detected to the self-barcode reading unit and for identifying the product to the purchaser. Features a self-checkout system. 7. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising irradiation means at the entrance of the carrier means for irradiating spots of a product whose barcode has been read by the self-barcode reading means in order to guide the product to the back position. A self-checkout system that is equipped with the features. 8. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the conveying means is provided with an upper and lower inclined portion in the conveying direction, and the surface of the conveying means is formed into an uneven shape. 9. The self-checkout system according to claim 8, further comprising vibrating means for applying vibration to the conveying means. 10. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising bar code unreadable identification tag ticket issuing means, wherein the product with the bar code unreadable identification tag is compared with product information by reading a check bar code. The self-checkout system, wherein the registration means registers the tag discovery information without performing the above. 11. The self-checkout system according to claim 10, wherein when a bar code unreadable identification tag is issued, a means for visually displaying the tag issuance state so that the tag issuance status can be displayed, and the tag issuance information is generated to indicate other means. A self-checkout system comprising a transmission means for transmitting the tag ticketing information to a monitoring device or the like. 12. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, wherein a normal stocker for stocking products correctly read by the check bar code reading device and a bar code unreadable behind the check bar code reading means in the conveying direction. It is equipped with a bar code unreadable product stocker that stocks products with identification tags, both stocker carry-out ports are equipped with an automatic shutter mechanism, and the carry-out shutter is opened when the payment process for paying the price of the product is completed A self-checkout system that can be taken out. 13. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising a canceling belt conveyor and a canceling product stocker in the middle of the conveying means.
A self-checkout system characterized by directing the canceling belt conveyor to the canceling product stocker side when receiving a canceling signal. 14. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising: a receipt issuing means for issuing a receipt for recording product registration information, and a settlement means for performing settlement processing of the price of the goods. Checkout system. 15. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising a manual input means by which the purchaser can manually input the barcode of a product that cannot be read by a barcode scanner. . 16. The self-checkout system according to claim 10, wherein the bar code unreadable identification tag can be entered with a product code and registered and settled, and the completed bar code unreadable identification tag and the product code can be entered. A self-checkout system that issues two types of tags, an uncleared barcode unreadable identification tag that indicates that payment was impossible and payment could not be performed. 17. The self-checkout system according to claim 14, wherein an identification mark indicating the tag issuance is printed on a receipt. 18. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising a self-barcode reading device section and a first gate that physically shields the completed product stocker section. A self-checkout system, characterized in that the first gate is opened when the operation is completed. 19. A self-barcode reading unit that is operated by a purchaser to read a barcode attached to a product, and a conversion unit that converts the product content of the barcode read by the self-barcode reading device into product information. A storage means for storing the converted product information, a carrying means for carrying the product, a check bar code reading means for re-reading a bar code of the product carried by the carrying means, and a storing means for storing the product. A means for comparing the content of the product and the content read by the check bar code reading means, a registration means for registering the product information of the product which is the same as the result of the comparison by the comparing means, and a bar code readable identification tag issuing means. Built-in self-checkout system and tag that automatically detects the barcode unreadable identification tag at the store exit electromagnetically A store system comprising a detecting means and a second gate which is also provided at a store exit and has a function of blocking passage of a purchaser by detecting a tag. 20. The self-checkout system according to claim 3, wherein a warning display is generated when a plurality of barcodes are detected within a fixed time. 21. The self-checkout system according to claim 10, wherein, independently of the self-checkout system, a final settlement window section where a clerk intervenes to settle a product that could not be settled by the self-checkout system. A self-checkout system comprising: a means for centrally displaying information of products that could not be settled by the self-checkout system at the final settlement window section. 22. The self-value checkout system according to claim 10, further comprising means for monitoring and counting inconsistency information about the same product, and automatically issuing a bar code unreadable identification tag when the limit number of times is exceeded. A self-checkout system featuring. 23. Self-barcode reading means for reading a bar code assigned to a product operated by a purchaser, and conversion means for converting the product content of the bar code read by the self-barcode reading device into product information. A storage means for storing the converted product information, a carrying means for carrying the product, a check bar code reading means for re-reading a bar code of the product carried by the carrying means, and a storing means for storing the product. A self-check, characterized by comprising: a means for comparing the content of the product with the content read by the check bar code reading means; and a registration means for registering the product information of the product that matches as a result of comparison by the comparing means. A store system featuring an out system and a conventional POS terminal.