JP4060870B2 - Product sales data processing device and checkout system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a merchandise sales data processing apparatus and a checkout system.

  Conventionally, a product is provided with a barcode that describes data about the product (for example, a product code), and the data is read from the barcode using a handy or stationary barcode scanner. Merchandise sales data processing is performed based on the data.

  Also, in recent years, a technique has been proposed in which a tag (RF tag) that stores data about a product is attached to the product instead of a barcode, and data is read using RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology (for example, Patent Document 1). In this case, the data stored in the RF tag is read without contact via the RFID antenna.

JP 2002-083369 A

  By the way, when reading a bar code, it is necessary to hold each product one by one and have the bar code scanner read the bar code, which requires much labor for the store clerk.

  Therefore, it is expected that labor for reading product data will be reduced by using RFID technology. However, Patent Document 1 does not show a specific measure for data reading work. When the position of the RFID antenna is away from the merchandise sales data processing apparatus, it is necessary to move the merchandise according to the position, and therefore the labor for reading the merchandise data cannot be reduced.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a merchandise sales data processing apparatus and a checkout system that use RFID technology and consume less labor when reading merchandise data.

  The merchandise sales data processing apparatus of the present invention includes a housing for storing each part, a first RFID antenna disposed on one side of the housing, and a second RFID disposed on the other side of the housing. An antenna, and reads data stored in an RF tag attached to a product positioned in a checkout space formed adjacent to the one side surface via the first RFID antenna; Read data stored in an RF tag attached to a product positioned in a checkout space formed adjacent to the other side surface via the RFID antenna of the first RFID antenna on the one side surface. It is formed adjacent to the one side surface that is read through the external RFID antenna that is disposed opposite to the adjacent checkout space. Receiving the data stored in the RF tag attached to the product positioned in the checkout space, and performing the product sales data processing based on the data read through the first RFID antenna and the received data And the data read through the second RFID antenna is output to the outside.

  The present invention provides the product sales data processing device and the other product sales data arranged in parallel on the one side with a checkout space formed adjacent to the one side of the product sales data processing device. And a checkout system comprising a processing device.

  The merchandise sales data processing apparatus of the present invention viewed from another aspect includes a housing for housing each part, a first RFID antenna disposed on one side of the housing, and another side of the housing. A second connector for connecting the second RFID antenna and an external RFID antenna disposed opposite to the first RFID antenna via a checkout space formed adjacent to the one side surface And reading data stored in an RF tag attached to a product positioned in the checkout space via the first RFID antenna, and receiving the external RFID antenna connected to the second connector unit. The data stored in the RF tag attached to the product positioned in the checkout space is read, and based on the read data It was to run a commodity sales data processing can.

  The present invention provides the product sales data processing device and the other product sales data arranged in parallel on the one side with a checkout space formed adjacent to the one side of the product sales data processing device. And a checkout system comprising a processing device.

  According to the present invention, the RFID antenna for reading the data of the RF tag is arranged on the side of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus, and the RF tag is attached between the merchandise sales data processing apparatuses arranged in parallel. Since the checkout space for the product to be positioned is formed, the store clerk does not need to read the product positioned in the checkout space by hand or move the product when reading the product data, The labor of the clerk can be reduced.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is an application example to a checkout system 101 including a plurality of checkout devices 111 as product sales data processing devices.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a checkout system 101. The checkout system 101 includes a checkout counter 201 having a table configuration that is long in one direction, and a plurality of checkout devices 111 that are arranged in parallel on the upper surface along the longitudinal direction of the checkout counter 201. .

  On the upper surface of the checkout counter 201 between the checkout devices 111 arranged in this way, a customer (not shown) who wants to purchase a product places the product 302 or the product basket 301 containing the product 302. A checkout space 211 is provided for placement. The customer places a product 302 desired to be purchased from the front side (hereinafter referred to as the customer side) in FIG. 1 in the checkout space 211, and a store clerk (not shown) sandwiches the checkout counter 201. The checkout device 111 is operated from the back side (hereinafter referred to as the clerk side) to execute product sales data processing and the like. Here, the product 302 is provided with an RF tag 303 that stores data unique to the product 302 in a storage unit (not shown).

  Below the table portion of the checkout counter 201 is formed a shelf (not shown) that can store various devices from the store clerk side, and a drawer (not shown) for storing money is stored in this shelf. ), A receipt printer (not shown) for issuing a receipt, and the like are accommodated and connected to the checkout device 111 so as to be communicable.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the checkout device 111. The checkout device 111 has a housing 151 that houses each part. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 151 has a semi-cylindrical shape and is formed with both sides of a semicircular shape parallel to the front-rear direction. At this time, both side surfaces of the housing 151 are a left antenna unit 501 and a right antenna unit 601 which will be described later on the left and right, respectively. Note that the length of the housing 151 in the front-rear direction is approximately the same as the length of the checkout counter 201 in the short direction (see FIG. 1).

  The checkout device 111 is positioned on the clerk side of the curved upper surface of the housing 151 to display information to the clerk, and is positioned closer to the customer side than the clerk display 161 to display information to the customer. And a display for customer 162. The checkout device 111 also includes a touch panel 163 (see FIG. 4) as an input unit attached to a display surface constituted by a liquid crystal display panel or the like of the clerk display 161. Based on the screen display displayed on the device 161, the touch panel 163 is operated to perform operations such as merchandise sales data processing. Further, the checkout device 111 is provided with a card reader / writer 164 (see FIG. 4) that enables settlement by electronic money. The customer's display unit 162 stores monetary value data at the time of settlement. A card reading unit 165 for bringing the IC card to be brought close is formed to be recessed. In the center of the card reader 165, a card diagram is drawn to show the customer where the IC card can be brought close to.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing the checkout system 101. The checkout device 111 performs wireless communication using the RFID technology with the RF tag 303 attached to the product 302 positioned in the checkout space 211, thereby acquiring data stored in the RF tag 303. To do.

  Here, the data stored in the RF tag 303 attached to the product 302 is an identification code for specifying each product 302 individually. The identification code is different from the product code (for example, JAN code) allocated for each product type and specifying the product type, and is different for each product 302 even if they are the same type.

  The checkout device 111 includes the left antenna unit 501 and the right antenna unit 601 described above that are positioned on both side surfaces of the housing 151.

  The left antenna unit 501 includes a left antenna as a first RFID antenna that can perform wireless communication with the RF tag 303 of the product 302 positioned in the checkout space 211 adjacent to the left side of the checkout device 111. 502 is embedded, and the right antenna unit 601 is configured to be able to execute wireless communication with the RF tag 303 of the product 302 positioned in the checkout space 211 adjacent to the right side of the checkout device 111. A right antenna 602 as an RFID antenna 2 is embedded.

  Here, one checkout device 111 is associated with a checkout space 211 adjacent to the left side thereof in a one-to-one correspondence. Then, one checkout device 111 includes a left antenna unit 501 (left antenna 502) provided in itself for performing wireless communication with the RF tag 303 positioned in the associated checkout space 211, A right antenna unit 601 (right antenna 602) provided in another checkout device 111 arranged in parallel on the left side across a checkout space 211 adjacent to the left side is used. In other words, in the checkout system 101 according to the present embodiment, the RF tag 303 of the product 302 positioned in the checkout space 211 includes the left antenna 502 and the right antenna 602 that are disposed to face each other with the checkout space 211 interposed therebetween. Data is read via the.

  Thus, in the checkout system 101, a checkout space 211 for positioning the product 302 is formed between the checkout devices 111, and an antenna for reading data from the RF tag 303 on the side surface of the checkout device 111 ( Since the left antenna 502 and the right antenna 602) are arranged, the store clerk operating the checkout device 111 reads the data without reading the product 302 or moving the position of the product 302. Can do. In addition, since the left antenna 502 and the right antenna 602 that are arranged to face each other via the checkout space 211 are used, there is no leakage between the RF tags 303 of all the products 302 that are positioned in the checkout space 211. Communication can be performed, and data reading omission can be prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the checkout system 101 includes only the right antenna unit 601 positioned at the leftmost end on the checkout counter 201 when viewed from the customer side. The right antenna unit 601 is fixed to the checkout counter 201 by a fastening member (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of electrical connection of each unit included in the checkout device 111. The checkout device 111 includes a control unit 451 that drives and controls each unit. The control unit 451 includes a CPU 452 that executes various arithmetic processes and controls each unit centrally, a ROM 453 that stores fixed data in a fixed manner, and a RAM 454 that stores variable data in a rewritable manner.

  The control unit 451 configured in this manner is connected to a store clerk display 161, a touch panel 163, a customer display 162, a card reader / writer 164 to which an antenna (not shown) is connected, a drawer or a receipt printer via a bus line 401. An external interface 458 for realizing signal communication with such an external device, a communication interface 459 for realizing data communication with an external device, and the like are connected. The checkout device 111 is communicably connected to another checkout device 111 or a host device (not shown) installed in a store backyard or the like via the communication interface 459.

  The control unit 451 is connected to the HDD 460 via the bus line 401. The HDD 460 stores various files (not shown) such as a product data file and a sales file in addition to various programs including a computer program for processing product sales data. All or part of these computer programs and various files are transferred to the RAM 454 for use when the checkout device 111 is activated. Here, the product data file stored in the HDD 460 is associated with an identification code for specifying each product 302 individually, and displays a product price such as a unit price, product name text data, discount product type, discount price, etc. It is a file as a storage unit for storing product data in a rewritable manner.

  The control unit 451 includes a left RF tag reader 471 connected to the left antenna 502 embedded in the left antenna unit 501 and a right RF tag reader 472 connected to the right antenna 602 embedded in the right antenna unit 601. They are connected via a bus line 401.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the flow of merchandise sales data processing. The merchandise sales data process is executed by the CPU 452 of the control unit 451 performing various arithmetic processes in accordance with a computer program installed in the HDD 236. The control unit 451 displays a start key (not shown) for declaring the start of merchandise sales data processing on the store clerk display 161 and waits for a touch operation of the start key.

  In this state, if the start key is touched, the control unit 451 first drives and controls the left RF tag reader 471, and the checkout space adjacent to the left side of the checkout device 111 via the left antenna 502. The identification code stored in the RF tag 303 attached to the product 302 positioned at 211 is read. Since the read identification code is digitally converted by the left RF tag reader 471 and transmitted to the control unit 451, the control unit 451 temporarily stores the read identification code in the work area of the RAM 454.

  Subsequently, the control unit 451 connects the product 302 positioned in the checkout space 211 with respect to the other checkout devices 111 connected via the communication interface 459 and arranged in parallel with the checkout space 211 in between. A reading request for executing reading of the identification code stored in the RF tag 303 attached to is transmitted.

  When the control unit 451 of the other checkout device 111 receives the reading request, the control unit 451 drives and controls the right RF tag reader 472 to read the identification code via the right antenna 602. The read identification code is digitally converted and temporarily stored in the work area of the RAM 454, and the control unit 451 outputs the identification code to the outside and transmits it to the checkout device 111 that is the source of the read request.

  The checkout device 111 that is the transmission source receives the identification code read by the other checkout device 111, and the control unit 451 of the received checkout device 111 temporarily stores the identification code in the work area of the RAM 454. At this time, the control unit 451 performs processing so as not to repeatedly store the same identification code as the identification code already temporarily stored in the work area of the RAM 454.

  Next, the control unit 451 searches the product data file based on the identification code temporarily stored in the work area of the RAM 454, and acquires product data such as a corresponding unit price and product name. At this time, the control unit 451 stores the acquired product data in the sales file developed in the RAM 454 and executes calculation of the subtotal amount and the like. In addition, information such as unit price, product name, subtotal amount, etc. is displayed on the salesclerk display 161, and the subtotal amount is also displayed on the customer display 162.

  Then, the control unit 451 displays a payment key (not shown) for declaring payment by electronic money using the card reader / writer 164 on the clerk display 161, and a touch panel in an area where the payment key is displayed. If the payment key is touched by the store clerk by waiting for the touch operation at 163, a payment process using electronic money is executed. In the payment process, the control unit 451 controls the drive of the card reader / writer 164 to execute the payment process for the IC card that stores the monetary value data. Further, in the settlement process, receipt print issuance by controlling the receipt printer connected via the external interface 458, sales file update process, data temporarily stored in the RAM 454, and the like are executed. . When the settlement process is finished, the merchandise sales data process for one transaction is finished. Needless to say, cash settlement is also acceptable. In this case, a cash settlement key (not shown) for declaring cash settlement is displayed on the salesclerk display 161, and settlement processing is executed by touching the cash settlement key. At this time, in the settlement process, drawer drawer opening and the like are executed.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the electrical connection of each unit included in the checkout device 111. Parts having the same functions as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is also omitted.

  The checkout device 111 according to the present embodiment includes a first connector 701 for connecting the right antenna 602 to an external device, and an external RFID antenna, that is, a right antenna 602 included in another checkout device 111, as a right RF. A second connector portion 702 is provided for connection with the tag reader 472. By connecting the first connector portion 701 and the second connector portion 702 with a communication cable or the like, the right RF tag reader 472 is arranged in parallel with the checkout space 211 adjacent to the left side of the checkout device 111 interposed therebetween. The other checkout device 111 is connected to a right antenna 602 included in the checkout device 111.

  The control unit 451 drives and controls the left RF tag reader 471, reads the identification code stored in the RF tag 303 attached to the product 302 via the left antenna 502, and drives and controls the right RF tag reader 472. The identification code stored in the RF tag 303 attached to the product 302 received by the right antenna 602 provided in another checkout device 111 arranged in parallel across the checkout space 211 adjacent to the left side of the checkout device 111 is read. .

  Also in the checkout system 101 including such a checkout device 111, a checkout space 211 is formed between the checkout devices 111 arranged in parallel, and data is transmitted from the RF tag 303 to the side surface of the checkout device 111. Since the antenna (left antenna 502 and right antenna 602) is read, the store clerk does not need to read the product 302 by hand or move the product 302 to read the data. It is possible to communicate with the RF tags 303 of all the commodities 302 positioned in the out space 211 without leakage, thereby preventing data reading leakage.

It is a perspective view which shows a checkout system. It is a perspective view which shows a checkout apparatus. It is a top view which shows a checkout system roughly. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the electrical connection of each part with which a checkout apparatus is provided. It is a timing chart which shows the flow of merchandise sales data processing. It is a block diagram which shows another example of the electrical connection of each part with which a checkout apparatus is provided.

Explanation of symbols

101 Checkout System 111 Merchandise Sales Data Processing Device (Checkout Device)
151 Housing 211 Checkout space 302 Product 303 RF tag 502 First RFID antenna (left antenna)
602 Second RFID antenna (right antenna)
701 1st connector part 702 2nd connector part

Claims (6)

A housing for storing each part;
A first RFID antenna disposed on one side of the housing;
A second RFID antenna disposed on the other side of the housing;
Means for reading data stored in an RF tag attached to a product positioned in a checkout space formed adjacent to the one side surface via the first RFID antenna;
Means for reading data stored in an RF tag attached to a product positioned in a checkout space formed adjacent to the other side surface via the second RFID antenna;
A checkout formed adjacent to the one side surface read through the external RFID antenna disposed opposite to the first RFID antenna via a checkout space formed adjacent to the one side surface. Means for receiving data stored in an RF tag attached to a product positioned in space;
Means for executing merchandise sales data processing based on the data read through the first RFID antenna and the received data;
Means for externally outputting data read via the second RFID antenna;
A product sales data processing apparatus comprising:   2. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1, and another one of the product sales data processing devices arranged in parallel on the one side through a checkout space formed adjacent to the one side of the product sales data processing device. A checkout system comprising: a product sales data processing apparatus.   The check-out according to claim 2, wherein the merchandise sales data processing apparatus uses the second RFID antenna provided in the other merchandise sales data processing apparatus arranged in parallel on the one side as the external RFID antenna. system. A housing for storing each part;
A first RFID antenna disposed on one side of the housing;
A second RFID antenna disposed on the other side of the housing;
A second connector portion for connecting an external RFID antenna disposed opposite to the first RFID antenna via a checkout space formed adjacent to the one side surface;
Means for reading data stored in an RF tag attached to a product positioned in the checkout space via the first RFID antenna;
Means for reading data stored in an RF tag attached to a product positioned in the checkout space received by the external RFID antenna connected to the second connector unit;
Means for executing merchandise sales data processing based on the read data;
A product sales data processing apparatus comprising:   The product sales data processing device according to claim 4 and another claim 4 arranged in parallel on the one side surface via the checkout space formed adjacent to the one side surface of the product sales data processing device. A checkout system comprising: the product sales data processing device described. The product sales data processing device includes a first connector unit for connecting the second RFID antenna to an external device, and the other product sales data processing device arranged in parallel on the one side surface includes The checkout system according to claim 5, wherein a second RFID antenna is used as the external RFID antenna.

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