JP2006059302A - Merchandise sales data processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To support accurate self-checkout at the time of performing self-checkout by using a medium such as a non-contact type IC card. <P>SOLUTION: This merchandise sales data processor is configured to carry out settlement by a medium mounted with an IC chip in which money information having an economic value equivalent to currency is stored so as to be freely rewritable, for example, a non-contact IC card 501 by making a reader/writer read and change the money information to a card 501 set by a set part 110a. This merchandise sales data processor is configured to carry out first processing for making a reader read data attached to merchandise, and for calculating a total sum in one transaction for the price of merchandise to be specified by the data and second processing for controlling the driving of the reader/writer so that money information equivalent to the calculated total sum can be withdrawn from the card 501, and for updating the money information stored in the IC chip only when the card 501 is set in the set part 110a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a merchandise sales data processing apparatus that enables self-checkout.

  In the field of merchandise sales data processing devices such as POS terminals and the like, checkout, that is, settlement processing for purchased products and efficient delivery of purchased products to customers have become major issues from the past. Yes. For example, Patent Document 1 issued on March 3, 1995 proposes that a customer himself / herself reads a product code attached to a product. However, at the time of check-out, it is necessary to pay money to the store by cash or a credit card. The invention described in Patent Document 1 is also the same, but in the traditional merchandise sales data processing apparatus, the idea that the customer is responsible for the operation for payment of money to the store side is generally made. Absent.

  On the other hand, in recent years, IC cards that store money information having economic value equivalent to money, such as debit cards, have come into practical use. When using such an IC card, it is possible for the customer himself to perform an operation for paying money to the store side, which is actually performed. Also in the literature, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a settlement process using a non-contact type IC card that stores money information (electronic money in Patent Document 2) having an economic value equivalent to money and a deposit process for the IC card. A merchandise sales data processing apparatus is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-057155 JP 2004-005034 A

  By using an IC card, a complete self-checkout can be realized. However, when the customer himself performs all the operations for self-checkout, it is predicted that the customer will be required to become familiar with the operation. However, it is virtually difficult to require all customers to have such operational proficiency. Accordingly, there is a need for a system ingenuity that enables a customer who is unfamiliar with machine operation to have a self-checkout without mistake. In particular, in self-checkout using a medium such as a non-contact type IC card, it is possible to reliably read and change monetary information on the medium so that self-checkout can be performed without error. Indispensable to do.

  An object of the present invention is to support self-checkout without any mistake in self-checkout using a medium such as a non-contact type IC card.

  The present invention relates to a medium (for example, a non-contact type IC card) mounted with a reader that reads data attached to a product (for example, data stored in an RFID tag attached to the product) and an IC chip having an RFID function. Wireless communication is established between the set unit for setting the medium and the medium set in the set unit, and the economic value equivalent to money stored in the IC chip mounted on the medium is rewritable. A reader / writer that executes reading and changing of the monetary information possessed as hardware resources, determining whether or not the medium is set to the set unit, and on the condition that the set is determined A first process for calculating a total price in one transaction for the price of the product specified by the data read by the reader, and the calculated total price equivalent Wherein said IC chip writer drive control to have so as to perform a second process of updating the monetary information storing money information to drop off from the medium.

  According to the present invention, the first process and the second process necessary for the self-checkout are executed only when a medium is set in the setting unit. Even when a simple customer performs an operation for self-checkout, it is possible to reliably read and change monetary information on the medium.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Hardware configuration]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall appearance configuration of a checkout terminal 101 as a product sales data processing apparatus. As is clear from FIG. 1, the checkout terminal 101 according to the present embodiment has a new appearance as compared with the traditional POS terminal 1 (see FIG. 3). Schematically, the checkout terminal 101 is configured by attaching a display 103 to an upper part of a main body 102. The main body portion 102 has an external configuration in which a housing 106 is attached between the main body portion 102 and a curved plate 105 extending in a curved shape from the rear end portion of the base plate 104 toward the front. Due to such a configuration, the housing 106 has a fan-shaped side surface.

  A part of the front side of the base plate 104 is exposed to the outside without being covered with the housing 106. A round frame 107 is drawn on a portion exposed to the outside of the base plate 104. The circular frame 107 provides a reference for a region through which a product is passed when reading data attached to a product (not shown), in this embodiment, data stored in an RFID tag (not shown) attached to the product.

  The housing 106 has a front panel 108 that forms an inclined front surface thereof. The front panel 108 is detachable with respect to other parts of the housing 106. A receipt issuing port 109 is formed in the front panel 108.

  The curved plate 105 has a table 110 at a position on the most front side as a tip portion thereof. A set portion 110 a is formed on the upper surface of the table 110. The setting unit 110a is used to place and set a medium having an RFID function, that is, a card 501 which is a non-contact type IC card in this embodiment. As is apparent from FIG. 1, the curved plate 105 overhangs from the housing 106 at the distal end side. Such an overhang portion of the curved plate 105 is positioned in a space above the round frame 107 drawn on the base plate 104. Therefore, a space between the round frame 107 of the base plate 104 and the overhang portion of the curved plate 105 is provided as a product passage region.

  An IC chip (not shown) is mounted on the card 501 set in the setting unit 110a, and money information having economic value equivalent to money is rewritably stored in a storage area of the IC chip. In addition, the storage area of the IC chip stores an ID code for identifying the card holder who owns the card 501 and other various data.

  The display device 103 is a flat display having a liquid crystal display panel 111. A touch panel 112 is attached to the liquid crystal display panel 111. Such a display 103 is an overhang portion of the curved plate 105 and is mounted on the back side of the set portion 110a.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing the overall appearance configuration of the checkout terminal 101. The front view shown in FIG. 2 simply shows how the checkout terminal 101 is viewed from an operator, usually a customer. From the viewpoint of the operator, it can be seen that the checkout terminal 101 of the present embodiment has a new appearance as compared with the traditional POS terminal 1 (see FIG. 3).

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a comparison between the traditional POS terminal 1 and the checkout terminal 101 of the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the functions of each unit included in the checkout terminal 101 of the present embodiment, that is, the “operation screen”, “card reading unit”, “product information reading unit”, and “receipt issuing unit” are set to POS. It can be easily grasped in comparison with the terminal 1.

  In the checkout terminal 101, the “operation screen” includes a liquid crystal display panel 111 and a touch panel 112 provided on the display device 103. This is no different from the traditional POS terminal 1.

  On the other hand, the checkout terminal 101 is provided with a reader / writer 201 (see FIG. 5) that performs wireless communication with the card 501 set in the setting unit 110a. Such a reader / writer 201 performs wireless communication with the card 501 via the first antenna 202 arranged on the upper surface of the set unit 110 a in the table 110. Therefore, the table 110 constitutes a “card reading unit”. As such a “card reading unit”, the POS terminal 1 is provided with a groove-shaped card reading unit. Therefore, as the external configuration of the “card reading unit”, the “card reading unit” of the checkout terminal 101 is greatly different from the “card reading unit” of the POS terminal 1.

  In this embodiment, as described above, product data is read by wireless communication with the RFID tag attached to the product. As a configuration for realizing this, a reader 203 is provided. The reader 203 performs wireless communication with the RFID via the second antenna 204 disposed on the lower surface of the table 110. Accordingly, the table 110 constitutes a “product information reading unit”. As such a “product information reading unit”, the POS terminal 1 includes a separate unit. Therefore, as the external configuration of the “product information reading unit”, the “product information reading unit” of the checkout terminal 101 is greatly different from the “product information reading unit” of the POS terminal 1.

  As a “receipt issuing unit”, the checkout terminal 101 has a slit-like receipt issuing port 109. The “receipt issuing unit” of the POS terminal 1 is also slit-shaped.

  Here, the reader / writer 201 accesses a storage area of the IC chip and reads out and changes the monetary information stored in the storage area for a medium realized in the form of the card 501. It is used as an aspect of a writer. That is, in this embodiment, since the card 501 is used as a medium, the reader / writer 201 is used as a reader / writer, and the setting unit 110a is employed as a setting unit for setting the medium. Therefore, the forms of the reader / writer 201 and the set unit 110a depend on the form of the medium. In this case, when carrying out the present invention, there is no restriction on the appearance of the medium. For example, not only a card type but also a medium having various appearance modes can be used. For example, the medium may have an external appearance like a mobile phone. Therefore, when it is assumed that a medium having an external appearance like a mobile phone is used, the setting unit 110a also has a structure suitable for mounting the mobile phone.

  In addition, the reader 203 accesses a storage area of the RFID tag and reads out data stored in the storage area, for example, a product code and a unit price of the product, for a product including the RFID tag. It is used as one mode of the reader. That is, in this embodiment, since a product with an RFID tag is used as a product, the reader 203 is used as a reader, and the round frame 107 of the base plate 104 and the curved plate are used as a space for reading product data. The space between the 105 overhang portions is used. Therefore, the form of the space for reading the data of the reader 203 and the product depends on how the data is given to the product. For example, if the product data is described in a data code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, the data code is optically read as a reader such as a barcode reader or a two-dimensional code reader. A reader will be used.

  As described above, the checkout terminal 101 and the POS terminal 1 are compared and contrasted with respect to individual elements of “operation screen”, “card reading unit”, “product information reading unit”, and “receipt issuing unit”. As for the overall appearance of both, as shown in FIG. 3, the difference between the checkout terminal 101 and the POS terminal 1 is extremely large.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the printer. The housing 106 contains a printer 113. The printer 113 includes a platen 114 that is rotatably supported and a thermal printer head 115 that is rotatably supported by the platen 114 and abuts against the platen 114. The printer 113 guides the receipt paper 117 wound and stored in a roll shape in the paper storage unit 116 between the platen 114 and the thermal printer head 115 with a guide roller 118 and guides it to the outside from the receipt issue port 109. In such a guide process of the receipt paper 117, predetermined items are printed on the receipt paper 117 by selective heat generation of a plurality of heating elements (not shown) included in the thermal printer head 115. Therefore, it is necessary to use thermal paper or the like as the receipt paper 117. Further, in the process of leading the printed receipt paper 117 to the outside by the thermal printer head 115, the receipt paper 117 is cut by the cutter 119 and issued as a receipt 120 from the receipt issuing port 109.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of electrical connection of each part. A CPU 151 that executes various arithmetic processes and centrally controls each unit is provided. The CPU 151 is connected to a ROM 152 that stores fixed data such as a program and a RAM 153 that functions as a work area when the program is executed. Yes. The CPU 151 executes various arithmetic processes according to a program stored in the ROM 152, and drives and controls each unit while using the RAM 153 as a work area.

  As each unit controlled by the CPU 151, the reader / writer 201 and the reader 203 are connected to the CPU 151, the liquid crystal display panel 111 is connected via the display I / F 154, and the touch panel 112 is connected via the touch panel I / F 155. The printer 113 is connected via the printer I / F 156. The CPU 151 is also connected with a communication I / F 157, enabling data communication between the CPU 151 and an external device connected to the communication I / F 157, such as a store controller.

  The reader / writer 201 includes a card RFID wireless unit 205, and the card RFID wireless unit 205 realizes wireless communication with the non-contact type card 501 through the first antenna 202. That is, wireless communication between the reader / writer 201 and the card 501 is performed using RFID technology. In this case, since the communication distance is appropriately several mm to several cm, it is preferable to use the electromagnetic coupling type or electromagnetic induction type RFID technology.

  The reader 203 includes a product RFID wireless unit 206, and the product RFID wireless unit 206 realizes wireless communication with an RFID tag attached to the product via the second antenna 204. In this case, although a communication distance of about several tens of centimeters is required, if the communication distance is too long, useless reading is performed on another product that is not a product from which data is to be read. Therefore, it is preferable to use an electromagnetic induction system (for example, 13.56 MHz band is used) or a microwave system (for example, 2.45 GHz band is used) RFID technology.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a usage state of a memory (RAM 153) used when executing the merchandise sales data processing. The checkout terminal 101 stores program codes in the ROM 152 for executing various processes typified by the self checkout process. Therefore, according to such program code, the CPU 151 executes various arithmetic processes and drive control of each part as necessary while using the RAM 153 as a work area, and performs various processes typified by a self-checkout process. Execute. In such a self-checkout process by the CPU 151, a usage area as illustrated in FIG. 6 is generated in the RAM 153 for each transaction.

  That is, when the card 501 is placed and set on the setting unit 110a, the reader / writer 201 starts communication with the card 501, and the card information stored in the storage area of the IC chip included in the card 501, For example, information such as a card amount that is the balance of the card 501 is acquired. The CPU 151 stores the card information read by the reader / writer 201 in the storage area of the RAM 153. Thus, the card information storage unit 153a is generated in the RAM 153.

  When the reader 203 reads the product data, the CPU 151 stores the read product data in the storage area of the RAM 153. The product information temporary storage unit 153b is generated in the RAM 153 in this way.

  The CPU 151 can obtain the unit price of the product based on the product data. For example, if the data itself stored in the RFID tag attached to the product includes the unit price of the product, the reader 203 can immediately obtain the unit price of the product by reading the product data. As another example, when the data stored in the RFID tag attached to the product includes the product code, information about the product specified by the product code is displayed, for example, by using the communication I / F 157. Through the inquiry to an external device such as a store controller, the unit price of the product can be obtained from the response by the inquiry. In any case, the CPU 151 calculates the total amount of products for which the reader 203 has read data based on the unit price of the products. Then, the CPU 151 stores the calculated total amount in the storage area of the RAM 153. Thus, the total amount storage unit 153c is generated in the RAM 153.

[Self checkout process]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the self-checkout process. The self-checkout process is executed according to a self-checkout program stored in the ROM 152. Hereinafter, the self-checkout process will be described with reference to screen display examples of the display unit 103 illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 15.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a self-checkout process start screen on the display device 103. The checkout terminal 101 provides the customer with the screen illustrated in FIG. 9 as the start screen for the self-checkout process. On this start screen, a greeting “I welcome you” and a guidance “Please put a card” are displayed. The start screen provides a graphic display of the display unit 103 and the setting unit 110a, and in accordance with the guidance “please place the card”, shows the customer where to place the card 501 and guides the customer.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the image display process. The image display process is executed in parallel with the self-checkout process shown in FIG. 7 according to the image display program stored in the ROM 152. That is, although not shown in FIG. 7, in the self-checkout program, program code for instructing activation of the image display program illustrated in FIG. Therefore, when the self-checkout program shown in FIG. 7 is activated, the CPU 151 activates the image display program shown in FIG. In accordance with this image display program, the CPU 151 displays a start screen on the liquid crystal display panel 111 of the display 103 (step S201). The screen displayed in this way is the start screen illustrated in FIG.

  The screen of the display 103 illustrated in FIG. 9 changes according to the occurrence of a certain event. That is, in the image display process of FIG. 8, the CPU 151 monitors the occurrence of an event (step S202). When an event occurs (Y in step S202), the generated event is analyzed (step S203). Then, it is determined whether the event that has occurred is settlement (step S204). If it is not settlement (N in step S204), a screen corresponding to the analysis content in step S203 is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 111 (step S204). S205). On the other hand, when it is determined that the event that has occurred has been settled (Y in step S204), the display screen of the display device 103 is switched to a settlement end screen to be described later (step S206), and a predetermined time has passed. After (step S207), the display returns to the disclosure screen display (Y in step S207). Here, the concept of “settlement” determined in step S204 will be described in detail when the processing from step S113 to step S114 in FIG. 7 is described.

  Returning to the description of the self-checkout process shown in FIG. As the self-checkout process, first, it is determined whether or not the card 501 is set in the setting unit 110a (step S101). This determination is made based on whether the reader / writer 201 has established communication with the card 501. That is, the CPU 151 keeps the reader / writer 201 in a driving state during the execution of the self-checkout process. The reader / writer 201 maintained in the driving state is in a state in which a current is constantly supplied to the first antenna 202. Therefore, when the card 501 is set in the setting unit 110a in this state, communication by electromagnetic coupling or electromagnetic induction is established between the reader / writer 201 and the card 501, and a signal from the card 501 can be received. Therefore, when the CPU 151 confirms reception of the signal from the card 501, in step S101, the CPU 151 determines that the card 501 is set to 110 in the setting unit (Y in step S101).

  The determination that the card 501 is set to 110 in the setting unit (Y in step S101) is an occurrence of an event for the screen display process shown in FIG. Therefore, the CPU 151 recognizes the occurrence of an event in step S202 in FIG. 8 (Y in step S202). In response to this, the CPU 151 performs event analysis (step S203), and switches the screen of the display unit 103 to the screen illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the screen of the display unit 103 when the card 501 is set in the setting unit 110a. In this screen example, a balance display field 301 is displayed together with a display of “card balance”. Then, on the screen, a guidance “Please pass the product tag (RFID) upward in the round frame” is displayed. In addition, the screen provides a graphic display of the product passing over the round frame 107 drawn on the base plate 104, so that “the product tag (RFID) faces upward and passes through the round frame. In accordance with the guidance “Please let me”, the customer is shown where the card 501 should be passed, and the customer is guided.

  In the screen illustrated in FIG. 10, a cancel button 302 marked “Cancel” and a call button 303 marked “Call” are displayed. These cancel button 302 or call button 303 appear as buttons that can be touch-inputted by the touch panel 112. Therefore, when the cancel button 302 or the call button 303 is touch-inputted, the touch panel 112 outputs the position information, and the CPU 151 recognizes the touch input of the cancel button 302 or the call button 303 accordingly. Therefore, when the cancel button 302 is touched (Y in step S115), the CPU 151 executes cancel processing of the processing operation so far (step S116), and when the call button 303 is touched (step S116). (Y in S115), the salesclerk calling process is executed (step S116).

  Returning to the description of the self-checkout process shown in FIG. When the CPU 151 determines that the card 501 is set in the setting unit 110a (Y in step S101), the CPU 151 reads the amount stored as a balance among the data stored in the storage area of the IC chip included in the card 501 ( Step S102). This amount is the card balance. Therefore, the CPU 151 stores the read card balance in the card information storage unit 153a (see FIG. 6) of the RAM 153, and displays the card balance in the balance display field 301 displayed on the display unit 103. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the card balance is 5200 yen.

  Following the process of step S102, the CPU 151 proceeds to determination whether the RFID tag attached to the product has been read (step S103). This determination is made based on whether the reader 203 has established communication with the RFID tag attached to the product. That is, the CPU 151 keeps the reader 203 in a driving state when executing the self-checkout process. The reader 203 maintained in the driving state is in a state in which a current is constantly passed through the second antenna 204. In this state, when the product is passed through the space between the round frame 107 of the base plate 104 and the overhang portion of the curved plate 105 provided as a product passage area, the RFID tag attached to the product and the reader 203 Communication with the product is established, and the product data stored in the RFID tag is read by the reader 203. Therefore, when confirming reception of the signal from the RFID, the CPU 151 determines that the RFID tag has been read (Y in step S103).

  The determination that the RFID tag has been read (Y in step S103) is the occurrence of an event for the screen display process shown in FIG. Therefore, the CPU 151 recognizes the occurrence of an event in step S202 in FIG. 8 (Y in step S202). In response to this, the CPU 151 performs event analysis (step S203), and switches the screen of the display 103 to the screen illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the screen of the display 103 when the reader 203 reads can coffee data. The screen illustrated in FIG. 11 transitioned from the screen illustrated in FIG. 10 includes a product information display column 304 for displaying the product name and its amount, a total amount display column 305 for displaying the total amount, and a cancel button. In addition to 302 and the call button 303, a settlement button 306 labeled “settlement” appears. In addition, the screen illustrated in FIG. 11 also displays a guidance “When you have finished registering the product, please confirm the amount and press the checkout button”. Among these screen appearance items, the settlement button 306 appears as a button that can be touch-inputted by the touch panel 112, like the cancel button 302 and the call button 303. Therefore, when the settlement button 306 is touch-inputted, the touch panel 112 outputs the position information, and the CPU 151 recognizes the touch input of the settlement button 306 accordingly. Therefore, when the settlement button 306 is touch-inputted (Y in step S110), the CPU 151 executes processing from step S111 to step S114. This process will be described later.

  Returning to the description of the self-checkout process shown in FIG. When the CPU 151 determines that the RFID tag has been read, the product data has already been read by the reader 203. Therefore, the CPU 151 stores the product data read by the reader 203 in the product information temporary storage unit 153b set in the RAM 153 (step S104). The product data in this case is, for example, a product name and a unit price.

  As another example, it is assumed that the product code of the product is stored in the RFID tag attached to the product. In this case, it is necessary to search for the product name and unit price using the product code as a key. As an example, if the checkout terminal 101 itself has a PLU or an external device that can communicate with the checkout terminal 101 via a communication I / F, for example, a store controller or the like adopts a configuration in which the PLU has a PLU, The product name and unit price of the product can be obtained using the product code acquired from the key. In the process of step S104, the product name and unit price obtained in this way may be stored in the product information temporary storage unit 153b.

  Subsequently, the CPU 151 determines whether or not the card 501 is placed and set on the setting unit 110a (step S105), on condition that the card 501 is set (Y in step S105), And the total amount calculated is written in the total amount storage unit 153c set in the RAM 153 (step S106).

  Then, the CPU 151 determines whether or not the amount stored in the card read in step S102, that is, the card balance exceeds the total amount calculated in step S105 (step S107). As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the balance of the card 501 exceeds the total amount (Y in step S107), the product information temporary storage in the RAM 153 is displayed in the product information display column 304 shown in FIG. The product name and unit price of the product data stored in the unit 153b are displayed (step S108). 11 displays the total amount stored in the total amount storage unit 153c of the RAM 153 (step S109).

  Here, the screen format illustrated in FIG. 11 is caused to appear by the CPU 151 driving and controlling the liquid crystal display panel 111 in accordance with the description in step S205 of the image display program showing the processing contents in FIG. On the other hand, the product name and unit price displayed in the product information display field 304 are controlled by the CPU 151 to drive the liquid crystal display panel 111 in accordance with the descriptions in steps S108 and S109 of the self-checkout program showing the processing contents in FIG. And appear. The example shown in FIG. 11 shows a screen display example of the display unit 103 in such a case, assuming that the data stored in the RFID attached to the can coffee is read by the reader 203. Therefore, “can coffee” “120 yen” is displayed in the product information display field 304, and “120 yen” is displayed in the total amount display field 305.

  After the process of step S109, the process of the CPU 151 returns to the process of step S103, that is, the determination process of whether or not the RFID tag has been read. Therefore, as long as any one of the cancel button 302, the call button 303, or the settlement button 306 is not touch-input, the product data input process is repeated. On the other hand, until it is determined in step S103 that the RFID tag has been read (N in step S103), it is determined whether or not the settlement button 306 is touch-input (step S110). When the touch input of the settlement button 306 is determined (Y in step S110), the settlement process is executed (step S111 to step S114). This settlement process will be described later. On the other hand, if the touch input of the settlement button 306 is not determined (N in step S110), it is determined whether another button, that is, the cancel button 302 or the call button 303 is touch-input (step S115). If the touch input of another button is determined (Y in step S115), the process corresponding to the input button, that is, if the cancel button 302 is touched (Y in step S115), the process so far An operation canceling process is executed (step S116), and when the call button 303 is touched (Y in step S115), a salesclerk calling process is executed (step S116). On the other hand, if the touch input of another button is not determined (N of step S115), the process returns to the process of step S103, that is, the determination process of whether or not the RFID tag has been read.

  Here, in the self-checkout process of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the card 501 is continuously placed on the set unit 110a. Therefore, as described above, when the CPU 151 determines that the RFID tag has been read in step S103 (Y in step S103), the CPU 151 determines whether or not the card 501 is placed and set on the setting unit 110a ( Step S105). As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the card 501 is not set (N in step S105), the data is cleared from the card information storage unit 153a, the product information temporary storage unit 153b, and the total amount storage unit 153c in the RAM 153. (Step S117), and the process ends.

  Also, if the card balance exceeds the purchase amount, the transaction is no longer established. Therefore, as described above, in step S107, it is determined whether or not the card balance read in step S102 exceeds the total amount calculated in step S105. If it is determined that the balance of the card 501 is less than the total amount (N in step S107), the display 103 indicates that the card amount is insufficient and indicates to the customer. Notification (step S118), the unit price of the product for which it was determined that the RFID tag was read in step S103 immediately before is subtracted from the total amount stored in the total amount storage unit 153c of the RAM 153 (step S119), and the processing in step S103 That is, the process returns to the determination process of whether or not the RFID tag has been read. In this state, it is possible to purchase a product with a unit price such that the total purchase amount does not exceed the card balance, or it is possible to perform settlement by touch-inputting the settlement button 306.

  12 to 14 exemplify screen transition examples when product data is successively input.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating the screen of the display when the reader 203 reads rice ball data following the can coffee. When rice balls are passed through the space between the round frame 107 of the base plate 104 and the overhanging portion of the curved plate 105, which is provided as a product passage area, following the can coffee, the RFID tag attached to the rice ball and the reader Communication with 203 is established, and the rice ball data stored in the RFID tag is read by the reader 203. Thereby, the process from step S103 to step S109 in FIG. 7 is repeated, and the process from step S201 to step S205 in FIG. 8 is repeated in these processes. As a result, the product information display column 304 is further increased as the display of the display 103 by the processing of step S108 in FIG. 7, and the first level “can coffee” “120 yen” is displayed along with the second level. “Onigiri” and “150 yen” are displayed on the eyes. Then, in step S106 in FIG. 7, the total amount stored in the total amount storage unit 153c of the RAM 153, in this case, 120 yen that is the amount of can coffee, 150 yen that is the amount of rice balls is added 270 Yen is obtained as the total amount so far, and this 270 yen is stored in the total amount storage unit 153c. Thereby, the amount in the total amount display column 305 displayed on the display unit 103 is 270 yen in step S109 in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating the screen of the display unit when the reader 203 reads the data of the lunch box following the rice ball. Following the rice ball, when the lunch box is passed through the space between the round frame 107 of the base plate 104 and the overhanging portion of the curved plate 105, which is provided as a product passage area, the RFID tag attached to the lunch box and the reader 203 Communication with the device is established, and the data of the lunch box stored in the RFID tag is read by the reader 203. Thereby, the process from step S103 to step S109 in FIG. 7 is repeated, and the process from step S201 to step S205 in FIG. 8 is repeated in these processes. As a result, the product information display field 304 is further increased as the display of the display 103 by the processing of step S108 in FIG. 7, and the first level “can coffee” “120 yen” and the second level “ Along with the display of “rice ball” and “150 yen”, the display of “bento” and “480 yen” is made in the third row. Then, in step S106 in FIG. 7, 480 yen, which is the amount of a lunch box, is added to the total amount stored in the total amount storage unit 153c of the RAM 153, in this case, 270 yen, which is the amount of can coffee and rice balls. Then, 750 yen is obtained as the total amount so far, and this 750 yen is stored in the total amount storage unit 153c. Thereby, the amount in the total amount display field 305 displayed on the display unit 103 is 750 yen in step S109 in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating the screen of the display when the reader 203 reads the magazine data following the lunch box. Following the lunch box, when the magazine is passed through the space between the round frame 107 of the base plate 104 and the overhanging portion of the curved plate 105 provided as a product passage area, the RFID tag attached to the magazine and the reader 203 Communication with the user is established, and magazine data stored in the RFID tag is read by the reader 203. Thereby, the process from step S103 to step S109 in FIG. 7 is repeated, and the process from step S201 to step S205 in FIG. 8 is repeated in these processes. As a result, the product information display field 304 is further increased as the display of the display 103 by the processing of step S108 in FIG. 7, and the first level “can coffee” “120 yen” and the second level “ Onigiri, “150 yen”, “bento”, “480 yen” in the third row, and “magazine”, “500 yen” in the fourth row are displayed. In step S106 in FIG. 7, the total amount stored in the total amount storage unit 153c of the RAM 153, in this case, 750 yen, which is the amount of can coffee, rice balls and lunch boxes, is 500 yen, which is the amount of the magazine. Is added to obtain 1250 yen as the total amount so far, and this 1250 yen is stored in the total amount storage unit 153c. As a result, the amount in the total amount display field 305 displayed on the display unit 103 is 1250 yen in step S109 in FIG.

  The settlement process will be described. Until it is determined in step S103 that the RFID tag has been read (N in step S103), it is determined whether or not the settlement button 306 has been touched (step S110). As a result of this determination, the touch input of the settlement button 306 is determined. Is determined (Y in step S110), a settlement process is executed (steps S111 to S114). That is, the CPU 151 determines whether or not the card 501 is placed and set on the setting unit 110a (step S111), and the card balance is set on the condition that the card 501 is set (Y in step S111). An amount of money obtained by subtracting the total amount of money is calculated (step S112). The card balance in this case is the card balance read from the card 501 in step S102 and stored in the card information storage unit 153a (see FIG. 6) of the RAM 153. The total amount is the total amount written in the total amount storage unit 153c of the RAM 153 in step S106.

  After calculating the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount from the card balance in step S112, the CPU 151 writes the amount in the card 501 (step S113). That is, the CPU 151 drives and controls the reader / writer 201 to access the storage area of the IC chip included in the card 501 placed and set on the set unit 110a, and among the data stored in the storage area The amount obtained by subtracting the amount calculated in step S112 from the amount stored as the balance is stored as a new balance. However, the processing content described here is conceptual processing content to some extent, and as a result, the card balance stored in the card 501 may be the amount obtained by subtracting the amount calculated in step S112. More specific processing contents are often determined by the standard or data structure of the card 501.

  As another embodiment, the card balance stored in the card 501 does not have to be a numerical value as a balance, and may be history information of an amount withdrawn from the card 501, for example. In this case, as an example, only the amount to be deducted from the card 501, for example, the total amount stored in the total amount storage unit 153 c is added to the card 501. If the amount charged in advance to the card 501 and the history of the amount to be deducted from the card 501 are known, the balance of the card 501 is automatically calculated by subtracting all the amounts to be deducted from the charged amount. Is possible. Therefore, when such a process is executed, it is not necessary to subtract the total amount from the card balance, so the process of step S112 becomes unnecessary.

  As described above, when the CPU 151 determines the touch input of the settlement button 306 (Y in step S110), the CPU 151 determines whether or not the card 501 is placed and set on the setting unit 110a before entering the settlement process. Is performed (step S111). As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the card 501 is not set (N in step S111), the data is cleared from the card information storage unit 153a, the product information temporary storage unit 153b, and the total amount storage unit 153c in the RAM 153. (Step S117), and the process ends.

  Here, the end of the writing process to the card 501 in step S113 is the occurrence of an event for the screen display process shown in FIG. Therefore, the CPU 151 recognizes the occurrence of an event in step S202 in FIG. 8 (Y in step S202). In response to this, the CPU 151 performs event analysis (step S203). As a result, the CPU 151 determines that the event is a settlement (Y in step S204). That is, the concept of “settlement” in step S204 is equivalent to the completion of the writing process to the card 501 in step S113 after the settlement button 306 is touch-inputted. Therefore, the CPU 151 switches the screen of the display unit 103 to the settlement end screen illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating the screen of the display device 103 (the settlement end screen) when the settlement process is completed. On the checkout end screen, a message “Checkout is complete. Please take your receipt and card.” And a greeting “Thank you” are displayed. In addition, the guidance “Please fill in next to the bag” is displayed together with a graphic display of an arrow leading to the place to be bagged to guide the customer to the place to be bagged.

  Then, in the self-checkout process shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 151 drives and controls the printer 113 to execute printing of the receipt 120 (step S114) following the process of writing the card balance to the card 501 (step S113). At this time, the print contents of the receipt 120 are determined with reference to the storage contents of the product information temporary storage unit 153b and the total amount storage unit 153c of the RAM 153. Thus, if the receipt 120 is printed in step S114, the self-checkout process in one transaction is completed.

[Summary]
The checkout terminal 101 according to the present embodiment described above has, as a function execution unit executed by the CPU 151, a unit (step S101) for determining whether or not the card 501 is set with respect to the set unit 110a, and the card for the set unit 110a. On condition that the set of 501 is determined (step S105), means for executing a first process for calculating the total amount in one transaction for the price of the product specified by the data read by the reader 203 (step S106) ) And the amount of money corresponding to the total amount calculated by controlling the driving of the reader / writer 201 is withdrawn from the card 501 on the condition that the card 501 is set to the set unit 110a (step S111). (Step S112, Step S113), Printer 11 The drive control to have a means for performing a second process of issuing a receipt 120 of the transaction (step S114). As described above, in the self-checkout process, both the first process and the second process are executed on the condition that the set unit 110a determines that the card 501 is set. (Step S105, Step S111). Thereby, self-checkout without error is supported from the aspect of surely reading out and changing the monetary information with respect to the card 501. In addition, since the card 501 is not set in the setting unit 110a, the customer cannot perform an unnecessary operation for self-checkout even though the card 501 cannot be settled. It is surely prevented.

  Also, in the checkout terminal 101 of the present embodiment, the determination as to whether or not the card 501 is set in the setting unit 110a is made based on whether or not the reader / writer 201 establishes wireless communication with the card 501. For this reason, the presence or absence of the set of the card 501 with respect to the set unit 110a can be reliably determined without using a structure such as an optical sensor, and the structure can be simplified.

  In addition, the checkout terminal 101 according to the present embodiment enables various processes in one transaction to be started on the condition that the card 501 is set for the set unit 110a (step S101). For this reason, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the customer starts an operation for self-checkout without the card 501 being set in the setting unit 110a and eventually fails in self-checkout. From this aspect, the customer can perform unnecessary operations for self-checkout even though the card 501 is not set in the setting unit 110a and the card 501 cannot be settled. Inconveniences that can be forced are reliably prevented.

  In addition, the checkout terminal 101 according to the present embodiment has means (step S111) for declaring the end of one transaction by operating the checkout button 306 that is an operation unit. 2 is executed (steps S111 to S114). In the second process, such a process is executed under the condition that the card 501 has been determined for the set unit 110a (step S105, step S111). It will provide great support for self-checkout without mistakes. That is, every time the product information is read by the reader 203, if all or part of the second processing is performed, if the card 501 is removed during the operation for all the products, a certain product is checked out. This results in a contradictory state where another product has not yet been checked out. The occurrence of such a contradiction is such that the second process is executed in accordance with the end declaration of one transaction (steps S111 to S114), and the execution of the second process is based on the setting of the card 501 with respect to the set unit 110a. By doing so (step S105, step S111), it can be surely prevented.

  In the checkout terminal 101 according to the present embodiment, the reader 203 establishes communication with the RFID tag attached to the product via the second antenna 204 and reads data from the RFID tag. As a result, even if the customer is unfamiliar with the operation of reading a data code such as a barcode, the product information can be reliably read.

  Further, in the checkout terminal 101 of the present embodiment, a table 110 extending toward the operator side is provided, the setting unit 110 a is disposed on the upper surface of the table 110, and the first antenna 202 is connected to the table 110. The second antenna 204 is disposed below the table 110 in the table 110, and is disposed at a position that mediates communication between the card 501 set in the set unit 110a disposed on the upper surface of the table 110 and the reader / writer 201. It is disposed at a position that mediates communication between the RFID tag attached to the product passing through the space and the reader 203. Therefore, with the table 110 interposed therebetween, the monetary information is read and changed for the card 501 above, and the merchandise information is read below it. Thereby, space is used efficiently. In addition, since the setting unit 110a is arranged on the upper surface of the table 110, the visibility of the card 501 from the customer is improved, and the card 501 is forgotten to be removed after the reliable setting of the card 501 and the self-checkout operation. Various advantages arise, such as prevention. Further, the space below the table 110 facilitates the natural movement of the product, and in this sense, the advantage of improved operability occurs.

  In addition, the checkout terminal 101 of the present embodiment includes the display device 103 and displays various information on the display device 103. Therefore, it is easy to guide the customer and there is no mistake from this aspect. Support for self-checkout.

  In addition, the checkout terminal 101 of the present embodiment has a touch panel 112 on the display surface of the display device 103, and has means (step S111) for declaring the end of one transaction by a touch operation on the touch panel 112. The second process is executed according to the end declaration of one transaction (steps S112 to S114). In the second process, such a process is executed under the condition that the card 501 has been determined for the set unit 110a (step S105, step S111). It will provide great support for self-checkout without mistakes. That is, every time the product information is read by the reader 203, if all or part of the second processing is performed, if the card 501 is removed during the operation for all the products, a certain product is checked out. This results in a contradictory state where another product has not yet been checked out. The occurrence of such a contradiction is such that the second process is executed in accordance with the end declaration of one transaction (steps S111 to S114), and the execution of the second process is based on the setting of the card 501 with respect to the set unit 110a. By doing so (step S105, step S111), it can be surely prevented. In addition, since the touch panel 112 that declares the end of one transaction is integrated with the display device 103, an operation device such as a keyboard is not required, and a more compact and smart device can be obtained.

  Further, in the checkout terminal 101 of the present embodiment, since the display device 103 is disposed on the back side of the table 110, the space for setting the card 501 on the setting unit 110a is secured while the horizontal direction is maintained. Therefore, the device can be made more compact and smart without increasing the size of the device.

  And in the checkout terminal 101 of this Embodiment, since the receipt issuing port 109 is arrange | positioned under the table 110, it can be set as a more compact and smart apparatus without enlarging an apparatus in the left-right direction. .

1 is a perspective view showing an overall appearance configuration of a merchandise sales data processing apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention. It is the front view. It is a schematic diagram which compares and compares the traditional merchandise sales data processing apparatus (POS terminal) and the merchandise sales data processing apparatus of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a printer. It is a block diagram of the electrical connection of each part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the use condition of the memory used at the time of execution of merchandise sales data processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a self-checkout process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a screen display process. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the start screen of the self-checkout process in a display. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the screen of the indicator at the time of setting a medium (card which is a non-contact type IC card) in a set part. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the screen of the indicator at the time of making a reader read the data of can coffee. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the screen of the indicator at the time of making a reader read the data of rice balls following can coffee. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the screen of the indicator at the time of making a reader read the data of a lunch box following a rice ball. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the screen of the indicator at the time of making a reader read the data of a magazine following a lunch box. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the screen of the display device when a payment process is complete | finished.

Explanation of symbols

103: Display, 109: Receipt issuing port, 110: Table, 110a: Set unit, 112: Touch panel, 113: Printer, 117: Receipt paper, 120: Receipt, 201: Reader / writer, 202: First antenna, 203 : Reader, 204: Second antenna, 306: Operation unit, 501: Medium (card)

Claims (11)

A reader that reads the data attached to the product;
A set unit for setting a medium on which an IC chip having an RFID function is mounted;
Money having economic value equivalent to money stored in the IC chip mounted on the medium in a rewritable manner by establishing wireless communication with the medium set in the set unit via the first antenna A reader / writer for reading and changing information;
Means for determining whether or not the medium is set in the set unit;
Means for executing a first process of calculating a total amount in one transaction for the price of the product specified by the data read by the reader, on the condition that the set of the medium with respect to the set unit is determined; ,
On the condition that the set of the medium with respect to the set unit has been determined, the IC chip stores and controls the reader / writer so that the calculated monetary information corresponding to the total amount is withdrawn from the medium. Means for executing a second process for updating money information to be performed;
A product sales data processing apparatus comprising: A printer that prints on receipt paper and issues the printed receipt paper as a receipt from the receipt issuing port,
The second process includes a process of driving and controlling the printer to issue a receipt of the transaction.
The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination as to whether or not the medium is set in the set unit is made based on whether or not wireless communication with the medium is established by the reader / writer.   The merchandise sales data processing device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the processing can be started in one transaction on condition that the set of the medium with respect to the set unit is determined. An operation unit;
Means for declaring the end of one transaction by operating the operation unit;
And executing the second process in response to an end declaration of the one transaction.
The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The commodity sales data processing according to claim 1, wherein the reader establishes communication with a RFID tag attached to a commodity and stores the data via a second antenna, and reads the data from the RFID tag. apparatus. It has a table that extends toward the operator side,
The set portion is disposed on the upper surface of the table,
The first antenna is disposed in the table at a position that mediates communication between the medium set in the set unit disposed on the upper surface of the table and the reader / writer,
The second antenna is disposed in the table at a position that mediates communication between the RFID tag attached to the product passing through the space below the table and the reader.
The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 6. An indicator,
Means for displaying various information on the display;
The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 7. A touch panel disposed on the display surface of the display;
Means for declaring the end of one transaction by touching the touch panel;
And executing the second process in response to an end declaration of the one transaction.
The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 8.   The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the display is disposed on the back side of the table. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 10, wherein the receipt issuing port is disposed below the table.

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