Information processing device and its program

Abstract

To prevent errors from occurring during the period when a reading device is reading data from a radio tag.SOLUTION: An information processor includes a reading device, one or more input devices, and a control unit. The reading device reads data of a radio tag. The one or more input devices are used to input data other than the data of the radio tag The control unit disables input from the one or more input devices while the reading device is reading the data of the radio tag.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus and a program thereof.

Background Art

[0002] There is an information processing apparatus configured to register sales data of a product to which a wireless tag is attached by reading data of the wireless tag with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader. The RFID reader reads data of a plurality of wireless tags placed within the communication area of an antenna in a batch. Each time the data of the wireless tag is read by the RFID reader, the information processing apparatus executes a registration process of product sales data based on the data. The time required for such information processing becomes longer as the number of wireless tags to be read increases. Therefore, there may be a case where an operator operates an input device other than the RFID reader before the information processing ends. When the input device is operated, an interrupt input occurs to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus processes an interrupt input during the information processing period as an error. When the interrupt input becomes an error, the operator needs to perform an operation to cancel the error.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a program thereof that can prevent an error caused by an interrupt input during an information processing period and eliminate an operation for canceling the error.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In one embodiment, the information processing device comprises a reading device, an input device, and a control unit. The reading device reads data from a wireless tag. The input device is used for inputting data other than data from the wireless tag. The control unit disables input from the input device while the reading device is reading data from the wireless tag. The control unit includes a start detection means for detecting the start of data reading from the wireless tag by the reading device, and a end detection means for detecting the end of data reading from the wireless tag by the reading device. A means to disable input from an input device in response to the detection of the start of data reading from a wireless tag, and a means to enable input from an input device in response to the detection of the end of data reading from a wireless tag, This does not disable the operation input of specific operators included in the input device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of an information processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure recorded on the IC chip of the wireless tag attached to the product. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the information processing performed by the processor according to the read control program. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the specific steps of the tag reading process in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the initial screen. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen where a notification image is displayed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen after data from a wireless tag has been read. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following describes an embodiment of the information processing device with reference to drawings. This embodiment illustrates an information processing device that registers sales data of products to which wireless tags are attached, based on data from wireless tags read by an RFID reader.

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 comprises a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a clock 14, a communication interface 15, a change dispenser interface 16, a plurality of device interfaces 171 to 176, and a system transmission path 18. The system transmission path 18 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The information processing device 1 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the clock 14, the communication interface 15, the change dispenser interface 16, and the plurality of device interfaces 171 to 176 via the system transmission path 18. Various devices such as a touch panel 21, a keyboard 22, a scanner 23, a printer 24, a card reader 25, and an RFID reader 26 are connected to each of the device interfaces 171 to 176 of this computer, respectively. Thus, an information processing device 1 capable of registering and processing sales data of products with wireless tags is configured. This type of information processing device 1 may be referred to as, for example, a product registration device, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, a product sales processing device, etc.

[0009] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 11 controls each part in order to realize various functions as an information processing device 1 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0010] Main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 12 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 12 may also store data necessary for the processor 11 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 11. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0011] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 11, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the application program described above.

[0012] Clock 14 measures the date and time. Processor 11 processes the date and time measured by clock 14 as the current date and time.

[0013] The communication interface 15 is a circuit for data communication with a store server (not shown). The store server is a server that provides services for managing the buying and selling of goods in the store. To provide such services, the store server has a product data file that stores product data such as product name and price, associated with a product code that identifies each product, and an aggregate data file that aggregates the number of items sold, sales amount, etc., associated with the product code of each product.

[0014] The change machine interface 16 is a circuit for performing data communication with an automatic change machine (not shown). For example, the change machine interface 16 receives the inserted amount data, which is the total amount of banknotes or coins inserted into the automatic change machine, from the automatic change machine. Also, the change machine interface 16 transmits the change data of the change amount calculated from the inserted amount and the payment amount to the automatic change machine as change data. In the automatic change machine that has received the change data, banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount are paid out.

[0015] The device interface 171 is a circuit for performing data communication with the touch panel 21. The touch panel 21 is a display device capable of displaying display elements consisting of characters, symbols, images, etc. on the display. Also, the touch panel 21 is an input device that detects the touch operation position on the display with a sensor and processes the display element at that position as if it has been input.

[0016] The device interface 172 is a circuit for performing data communication with the keyboard 22. The keyboard 22 arranges various keys necessary for the information processing device 1, such as numeric keys, PLU (Price Look Up) keys, subtotal keys, closing keys, cancellation keys, clear keys, etc., and is an input device that processes the key signals of the input-operated keys.

[0017] The device interface 173 is a circuit for performing data communication with the scanner 23. The scanner 23 is an optical input device that optically scans and reads machine-readable codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The scanner 23 may be an imaging input device that reads machine-readable codes from an image captured by a camera. The scanner 23 can read not only the machine-readable codes attached to products but also the machine-readable codes displayed on the display of a smartphone or the like.

[0018] The device interface 174 is a circuit for performing data communication with the printer 24. The printer 24 is a printing device that prints data related to merchandise trading transactions on a paper medium to issue receipts, invoices, certificates, etc.

[0019] The device interface 175 is a circuit for performing data communication with the card reader 25. The card reader 25 is an input device that reads data from a card medium such as a credit card, electronic money card, point card, etc., and processes the read card data. The card reader 25 may be a magnetic card reader corresponding to a magnetic card, or an IC card reader corresponding to an IC card. Also, a magnetic card reader and an IC card reader may be used in combination. The IC card reader may be a non-contact IC card reader or a contact-type IC card reader. Also, the card reader may be a card reader / writer equipped with a data writing function.

[0020] The device interface 176 is a circuit for performing data communication with the RFID reader 26. The RFID reader 26 is a reading device that reads data from the wireless tag T existing within the communication area of the antenna 71. In the present embodiment, the antenna 71 is provided on the stand S on which the shopping basket B can be placed. When the shopping basket B containing a plurality of products M is placed on this stand S, the RFID reader 26 communicates individually with the wireless tags T attached to each product M, and collectively reads the data recorded in the IC chip of the wireless tag T. That is, the RFID reader 26 is a reading device capable of collectively reading data from a plurality of wireless tags T existing within the communication area of the antenna 71. The RFID reader 26 may be an RFID reader / writer capable of writing data to the IC chip of the wireless tag T. Incidentally, the wireless tag T may be referred to as an RFID tag, RF tag, electronic tag, etc., but in the present embodiment, a wireless tag is adopted.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure recorded on the IC chip of the wireless tag T attached to product M. As shown in Figure 2, the wireless tag T records RFID, producer code, product code, individual product code, product name, price, attribute information, etc., as tag data 30.

[0022] RFID is a unique identification code assigned to each wireless tag T to identify each wireless tag T individually. Each wireless tag T has a unique RFID pre-recorded. The producer code is a unique identification code assigned to each producer or manufacturer to identify the producer or manufacturer of product M. The product code is a unique identification code assigned to each product M to identify the item of product M. The individual item code is a unique identification code assigned to each individual item to identify each product M of the item specified by the product code. The product name is the name that represents the item specified by the product code. The price is the price set for product M of the item specified by the product code. Attribute information is information about the attributes of product M of the item specified by the product code. An attribute is, for example, the tax type. Tax types include external tax, internal tax, tax-exempt, etc.

[0023] Note that the tag data 30 is not limited to the items shown in Figure 2. Items that can identify the RFID and the product to which the wireless tag T is attached are essential as tag data 30. Other items may or may not be included in the tag data 30. In addition, items other than those shown in Figure 2 may be included in the tag data 30.

[0024] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 1. The processor 11 functions as the control unit of the information processing device 1. Specifically, the processor 11 has the functions of a start detection means 111, an end detection means 112, a deactivation means 113, an activation means 114, and a notification means 115.

[0025] The start detection means 111 is a function that detects the start of data reading of the wireless tag T by the RFID reader 26. The end detection means 112 is a function that detects the end of data reading of the wireless tag T by the RFID reader 26. The disable means 113 is a function that disables input from input devices other than the RFID reader 26 in response to the detection of the start of data reading of the wireless tag T. The input devices are the touch panel 21, keyboard 22, scanner 23, and card reader 25. The enable means 114 is a function that enables input from the input device in response to the detection of the end of data reading of the wireless tag T. The notification means 115 is a function that notifies that input from the input device is invalid. The notification means 115 notifies that input from the input device is invalid by display, for example, using the touch panel 21, which is a display device. The notification means 115 notifies that input from the input device is invalid by voice, for example, using an audio output device (not shown).

[0026] The functions of the start detection means 111, end detection means 112, invalidation means 113, validation means 114, and notification means 115 described above are realized by information processing performed by the processor 11 in accordance with the read control program. The read control program is a type of application software installed in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13. The method of installing the read control program in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13 is not particularly limited. The read control program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via network communication and installed in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13. The recording medium can be of any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0027] An information processing device 1 with this configuration is installed, for example, at the checkout counter of a store. When a customer comes to the store, they place the products M they wish to purchase in a shopping basket B or on a cart at the sales floor where the products are displayed, carry them to the checkout counter, and place them on a stand S. In this way, the RFID reader 26 reads all at once the tag data 30 of the wireless tags T attached to each product M placed on the stand S. The information processing device 1 then registers the sales data of the products M based on the tag data 30 of the wireless tags T.

[0028] Next, the essential information processing steps performed by the processor 11 according to the read control program will be explained using the flowcharts shown in Figures 3 and 4, as well as the screen examples shown in Figures 5 to 9. Note that the information processing steps and content described below are examples only. The steps and content are not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained. Furthermore, the screen examples are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate.

[0029] First, the processor 11 displays the initial screen 40 (see Figure 5) on the touch panel 21 via the device interface 171 as ACT1 in Figure 3. The initial screen 40 is a screen that guides the operator of the information processing device 1 through the registration start operation. The operator may be a store employee or a customer. In the following explanation, we will assume that the operator is a customer. That is, we will assume that the information processing device 1 is a fully self-service POS terminal.

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the initial screen 40. As shown in the figure, the initial screen 40 displays a "Start" button 41 as an operator for receiving the command to start registration. The "Start" button 41 is a display element reproduced on the initial screen 40 as a soft key. A customer who has placed product M on the stand S inputs the "Start" button 41.

[0031] The processor 11 of the information processing device 1, which displays the initial screen 40, waits for a registration start command as ACT2. When the processor 11 detects that the "Start" button 41 on the initial screen 40 has been pressed based on a signal from the touch panel 21 input via the device interface 171, it considers that a registration start command has been received. The processor 11 proceeds from ACT2 to ACT3. As ACT3, the processor 11 transitions the screen of the touch panel 21 from the initial screen 40 to the registration screen 50 (see Figure 6) via the device interface 171.

[0032] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the registration screen 50. As shown in the figure, the registration screen 50 displays a details list 51. The details list 51 displays the product name, price (unit price), number of items sold (number of items), discount amount (discount), and sales amount (amount) of the registered products in a list format, and is an area for displaying the total discount amount, number of items sold, and sales amount. The registration screen 50 also displays a "Pay" button 52 as an operator for receiving a payment transition command, a "Cancel" button 53 as an operator for receiving a registration cancellation command, and a "Call" button 54 as an operator for receiving a staff call command. The "Pay" button 52, "Cancel" button 53, and "Call" button 54 are display elements reproduced on the registration screen 50 as soft keys. A customer who has finished registering the product M to purchase and is moving to payment inputs the "Pay" button 52. A customer who cancels the registration of product M midway through inputs the "Cancel" button 53. For example, a customer who has encountered an error and wants to call a staff member would press the "Call" button 54.

[0033] The processor 11 of the information processing device 1, which displays the registration screen 50, outputs a start signal to the RFID reader 26 via the device interface 176 as ACT4. Upon receiving the start signal, the RFID reader 26 begins an operation to repeatedly read the tag data 30 of wireless tags T that are within the communication area of ​​the antenna 71 at regular intervals. During this operation, when the tag data 30 of a new wireless tag T is read, the RFID reader 26 outputs a read start command to the information processing device 1.

[0034] When the RFID reader 26 is activated, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1, as ACT5, functions as a start detection means 111 to check whether a read start command has been input from the RFID reader 26. If no read start command has been input, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT5 to ACT6. As ACT6, the processor 11 checks whether there is input from an input device other than the RFID reader 26. That is, the processor 11 checks whether there is input from the touch panel 21, keyboard 22, scanner 23, or card reader 25. If there is no input from any of the input devices, the processor 11 returns from ACT6 to ACT5. In this way, the processor 11 waits for a read start command to be input or input from an input device as ACT5 and ACT6.

[0035] In the waiting state of ACT5 and ACT6, if input is received from an input device, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT6 to ACT7. In ACT7, the processor 11 checks whether the input device is the touch panel 21. If the input device is not the touch panel 21, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT7 to ACT8. In ACT8, the processor 11 executes an interrupt process corresponding to the input source.

[0036] For example, when a key signal corresponding to an operation key is input from the keyboard 22 via the device interface 172, the processor 11 executes an interrupt process corresponding to that key signal. For example, when machine-readable code read data is input from the scanner 23 via the device interface 173, the processor 11 executes an interrupt process corresponding to that machine-readable code. For example, when card data is input from the card reader 25 via the device interface 175, the processor 11 executes an interrupt process corresponding to that card data.

[0037] These interrupt handling processes are well-known procedures performed in existing information processing devices of this type, so a detailed explanation is omitted here. After completing the interrupt handling, processor 11 returns to the waiting state for ACT5 and ACT6.

[0038] On the other hand, if the input source is the touch panel 21, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT7 to ACT9. The processing from ACT9 onwards will be described later.

[0039] If a read start command is received from the RFID reader 26 via the device interface 176 while in the waiting state of ACT5 and ACT6, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT5 to ACT20. The processor 11 then executes the tag reading process as ACT20.

[0040] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the specific steps of the tag reading process. When the tag reading process begins, the processor 11, as ACT 21, disables input from input devices other than the RFID reader 26 through its function as a disabling means 113. Specifically, the processor 11 outputs a Disable signal to the scanner 23 via the device interface 173, rendering the scanner 23 inoperable. Similarly, the processor 11 outputs a Disable signal to the card reader 25 via the device interface 175, rendering the card reader 25 inoperable. The processor 11 also ignores all signals input from the touch panel 21 to the device interface 171. Similarly, the processor 11 ignores all signals input from the keyboard 22 to the device interface 172.

[0041] This input disabling process prevents, for example, a customer from operating the scanner 23 or card reader 25, from being recognized. Similarly, any attempts by the customer to operate the touch panel 21 or keyboard 22 are completely ignored. Therefore, no errors due to interrupt input occur.

[0042] In ACT21, the processor 11, having disabled input from input devices other than the RFID reader 26, proceeds to ACT22. In ACT22, the processor 11, functioning as a notification means 115, notifies that input from input devices is disabled. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the processor 11 displays an image 55 superimposed on the registration screen 50 displayed on the touch panel 21 to notify that input from input devices is disabled. In Figure 7, the image 55 is an image containing the text "Reading product". The image 55 does not necessarily have to contain the text "Reading product". For example, it may be an image containing text such as "Touch panel, keyboard, etc. cannot be operated because the product is being read". Or it may be an image containing text such as "Operation prohibited". A customer who sees the image 55 can easily understand that they cannot operate input devices such as the touch panel 21, keyboard 22, scanner 23, and card reader 25.

[0043] After completing the processing of ACT21 and ACT22, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT23. As ACT23, the processor 11 checks whether or not tag data 30 has been input from the RFID reader 26. If tag data 30 has not been input, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT23 to ACT24. As ACT24, the processor 11, functioning as the termination detection means 112, checks whether or not a read completion command has been input from the RFID reader 26. If a read completion command has not been input, the processor 11 returns from ACT24 to ACT23. In this way, the processor 11 waits for tag data to be input or a read completion command to be input from the RFID reader 26 as ACT23 and ACT24.

[0044] As described above, the RFID reader 26 repeatedly reads the tag data 30 of wireless tags T that are within the communication area of ​​the antenna 71 at regular intervals. When it reads the tag data 30 of a new wireless tag T, the RFID reader 26 outputs a read start command to the information processing device 1. Subsequently, the RFID reader 26 outputs the tag data 30 read from the wireless tag T to the information processing device 1. At this time, if two or more tag data 30 are read in one cycle, those tag data 30 are output sequentially to the information processing device 1. On the other hand, if the RFID reader 26 performs a certain number of reading operations without reading the tag data 30 of a new wireless tag T, it outputs a read end command to the information processing device 1.

[0045] When tag data 30 is input via the device interface 176 while in the standby state of ACT23 and ACT24, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT23 to ACT25. As ACT25, the processor 11 executes product registration processing based on the tag data 30. That is, the processor 11 generates product sales data using the product code, product name, price, etc. contained in the tag data 30. In addition to the product code, product name, and price, the product sales data includes data such as the number of items sold, discount amount, and sales amount. The processor 11 registers the product sales data in the list memory. The list memory is formed in the non-volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 12 and is a work area that is cleared when a command operation to start registration is received. The processor 11 also displays the product name, price, number of items sold, discount amount, and sales amount of the product sales data in the detail list 51 of the registration screen 50. The processor 11 also updates the total discount amount, total number of items, and total amount in the detail list 51 to the latest values.

[0046] Once the product registration process is complete, the processor 11 returns to the waiting state for ACT23 and ACT24. Therefore, when the next tag data 30 is input from the RFID reader 26, the processor 11 executes the product registration process again.

[0047] When a read completion command is entered via the device interface 176 while in the standby state of ACT23 and ACT24, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT24 to ACT26. As ACT26, the processor 11, through its function as the effective means 114, enables input from input devices other than the RFID reader 26. That is, the processor 11 outputs an Enable signal to the scanner 23 via the device interface 173, enabling the scanner 23 to operate. Similarly, the processor 11 outputs an Enable signal to the card reader 25 via the device interface 175, enabling the card reader 25 to operate. The processor 11 also captures all signals input from the touch panel 21 via the device interface 171. Similarly, the processor 11 captures all signals input from the keyboard 22 via the device interface 172.

[0048] This input activation process ensures that, for example, if a customer operates the scanner 23 or card reader 25, all of those operations are accepted. Similarly, if a customer operates the touch panel 21 or keyboard 22, all of those operations are accepted.

[0049] In ACT26, the processor 11, having enabled input from the input device, proceeds to ACT27. In ACT27, the processor 11 stops notifying that input from the input device is disabled. For example, the processor 11 erases the image 55 that was displayed overlaid on the registration screen 50. As a result of the image 55 being erased, the customer can easily know that they can now operate input devices such as the touch panel 21, keyboard 22, scanner 23, and card reader 25.

[0050] Once processing ACT27 is complete, processor 11 exits the tag reading process. Processor 11 returns to the waiting state for ACT5 and ACT6 as shown in Figure 3.

[0051] Figure 8 shows an example of the registration screen 50 after the RFID reader 26 has read the tag data 30 from the wireless tags T attached to each of the three product items M and has entered a read completion command. As shown in the figure, the details list 51 of the registration screen 50, after image 55 has been erased, displays the product name, price, number of items sold, discount amount, and total sales amount for the three product items M. The total discount amount, total number of items, and total sales amount have also been updated to the latest values.

[0052] For example, if a customer purchased four items, such as items AAA, BBB, CCC, and DDD, but only data for three items, such as items AAA, BBB, and CCC, is displayed, then it can be considered that the RFID reader 26 missed reading the tag data 30. A reading error may occur if the wireless tag T attached to item DDD overlaps with a wireless tag T attached to another item, or if it is touching a metal part of another item. In such cases, the customer may move item DDD by shaking the shopping basket B, etc. By doing so, the RFID reader 26 may be able to read the tag data 30 of the wireless tag T attached to item DDD.

[0053] When the tag data 30 of the new wireless tag T is read, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT5 to ACT20. That is, the processor 11 executes the tag reading process described using Figure 4 in the same way as described above. As a result, the product sales data of product DDD is registered. In addition, the product name, price, number of items sold, discount amount, and sales amount of product DDD are added to the details list 51, and the total discount amount, total number of items, and total amount are updated. At this time as well, input from input devices other than the RFID reader 26 is disabled. Therefore, no errors will occur due to input operations of input devices. After that, when the RFID reader 26 outputs a read completion command, input from all input devices is enabled.

[0054] On the other hand, if, for example, the wireless tag T attached to product DDD is broken, the tag data 30 of the wireless tag T cannot be read even if the position of product DDD is shifted. As a result, product DDD will not be registered. In this case, the customer operates the scanner 23 to scan the barcode attached to product DDD. At this time, the input of scanner 23 is valid, so product DDD is registered using the barcode data. Alternatively, the customer operates the numeric keypad and PLU key on keyboard 22 to enter the product code of product DDD. At this time, the input of keyboard 22 is valid, so product DDD is registered using the key data. These processes are examples of input interrupt processing of ACT8 in Figure 3.

[0055] Next, we will explain the processes from ACT9 onwards in Figure 4. If the input device used for the input operation is the touch panel 21, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT9. The processor 11 checks whether or not the user has been instructed to proceed to payment as ACT9. When the processor 11 detects that the "Payment" button 52 on the registration screen 50 has been pressed based on the signal from the touch panel 21 input via the device interface 171, it determines that the user has been instructed to proceed to payment.

[0056] When instructed to proceed to checkout, the processor 11 moves from ACT9 to ACT10. As ACT10, the processor 11 outputs a stop signal to the RFID reader 26 via the device interface 176. Upon receiving the stop signal, the RFID reader 26 stops reading the wireless tag. Also as ACT11, the processor 11 transitions the screen of the touch panel 21 from the registration screen 50 to the payment screen 60 (see Figure 9). Thus, in the information processing device 1 where the screen of the touch panel 21 has become the payment screen 60, the RFID reader 26 is stopped, and therefore no new wireless tags T of products are read.

[0057] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment screen 60. As shown in the figure, the payment screen 60 displays payment method selection buttons: a "Cash" button 61, a "Credit" button 62, an "Electronic Money" button 63, and a "Code Payment" button 64, as well as a "Back" button 65 and a "Call" button 66. The "Cash" button 61 is an operator for receiving a payment command in cash. The "Credit" button 62 is an operator for receiving a payment command in credit card form. The "Electronic Money" button 63 is an operator for receiving a payment command in electronic money form. The "Code Payment" button 64 is an operator for receiving a payment command in code form. The "Back" button 65 is an operator for receiving a command to return from the payment screen 60 to the registration screen 50. The "Call" button 66 is an operator for receiving a command to call a store clerk. Each of the buttons 61 to 66 is a display element reproduced on the payment screen 60 as a soft key.

[0058] After viewing the payment screen 60, the customer selects their desired payment method using the corresponding button. For example, a customer wishing to pay with cash presses the "Cash" button 61. A customer wishing to pay by credit card presses the "Credit" button 62. The same applies to customers wishing to pay with electronic money or code payment. A customer who wishes to return to the registration screen 50 because, for example, an item was not registered correctly presses the "Back" button 65. A customer who wishes to call a store employee presses the "Call" button 66.

[0059] The processor 11 of the information processing device 1, which displays the payment screen 60, proceeds to ACT 12. The processor 11 executes the settlement process according to the payment method selected as ACT 12. Specifically, if the "Cash" button 61 is pressed, the processor 11 executes the cash settlement process. If the "Credit" button 62 is pressed, the processor 11 executes the credit card settlement process. If the "Electronic Money" button 63 is pressed, the processor 11 executes the electronic money settlement process. If the "Code Payment" button 64 is pressed, the processor 11 executes the code payment process. These settlement processes are well-known processes, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0060] After completing the settlement process, processor 11 proceeds to ACT 13. As ACT 13, processor 11 operates printer 24 to control the issuance of a transaction receipt. With this, processor 11 completes the information processing for one transaction according to the read control program.

[0061] In ACT9, if the input from the touch panel 21 does not instruct the system to proceed to checkout, other information processing is performed. For example, if a registration cancellation command is entered by operating the "Cancel" button 53, the processor 11 performs information processing to cancel the registration at that point. For example, if a staff call command is entered by operating the "Call" button 54, the processor 11 performs processing to call a staff member.

[0062] As detailed above, in this embodiment, while the RFID reader 26 is reading the tag data 30 of the wireless tag T, input from input devices other than the RFID reader 26, namely the touch panel 21, keyboard 22, scanner 23, and card reader 25, is disabled. Therefore, no errors will occur due to interrupt input during the period in which the tag data 30 is being processed. As a result, errors due to interrupt input during the information processing period can be prevented, and the number of operations required to clear errors can be reduced. Therefore, even when the operator is a customer, unnecessary errors are not made, reducing the number of times inefficient events such as calling a store employee occur, and improving the processing efficiency of the information processing device 1.

[0063] Although embodiments of the information processing device 1 have been described above, the embodiments are not limited thereto. In the above embodiment, an information processing device 1 was provided as an example that registers sales data of product M to which a wireless tag T is attached, based on the tag data 30 of the wireless tag T read by the RFID reader 26. As an example of this information processing device 1, a fully self-service POS terminal was assumed. As an example of the information processing device 1, a registration machine in a semi-self-service POS system may also be assumed.

[0064] Furthermore, if the information processing device includes a reading device for reading data from wireless tags T, such as an RFID reader 26, and other input devices, then by providing functions as a start detection means 111, an end detection means 112, an invalidation means 113, and an active means 114, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved. In other words, the present invention can also be applied to information processing devices other than those referred to as product registration devices, POS terminals, or product sales processing devices.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the processor 11, which is the control unit of the information processing device 1, disabled input from the input device while the reading device was reading data from the wireless tag. In this regard, while the reading device is reading data from the wireless tag, input from the input device may be disabled except for at least some of the inputs from certain input devices. For example, in the above embodiment, input from the input device is disabled except for the "Cancel" button 53 on the touch panel 21 on which the registration screen 50 is displayed. The processor 11 does not treat the interrupt processing caused by the input of the "Cancel" button 53 as an error. By doing so, registration can be canceled even during the period when the tag data of the wireless tag T is being read. Alternatively, input from the input device is disabled except for the "Call" button 54 on the touch panel 21 on which the registration screen 50 is displayed. The processor 11 does not treat the interrupt processing caused by the input of the "Call" button 54 as an error. By doing so, a store employee can be called even during the period when the tag data of the wireless tag T is being read.

[0066] Alternatively, while the reading device is reading the data from the wireless tag, some inputs from a predetermined input device may be disabled. For example, in the above embodiment, while the RFID reader 26 is reading the tag data 30 from the wireless tag T, the operator may manually register a product that they suspect has been missed. In this case, input from the scanner 23 and input from the PLU keys on the keyboard 22 are disabled. By making such a setting, the frequency of errors occurring while the reading device is operating can be reduced.

[0067] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. The original claims of this application are included below. [C1] A reader device for reading data from wireless tags, An input device used for inputting data other than the data of the aforementioned wireless tag, A control unit that disables input from the input device while the reading device is reading the data from the wireless tag, An information processing device equipped with the following. [C2] The control unit, A start detection means for detecting the start of data reading of the wireless tag by the reading device, Termination detection means for detecting the completion of data reading of the wireless tag by the reading device, A disabling means that disables input from the input device in response to the detection of the start of data reading from the wireless tag, Effective means for enabling input from the input device in response to the detection of the completion of data reading from the wireless tag, The information processing apparatus described in C1, including the one described above. [C3] A notification unit that notifies that the input from the aforementioned input device is invalid. Furthermore, the information processing device described in C1. [C4] The control unit does not invalidate the operation input of a specific operator included in the input device, as described in C1. [C5] The aforementioned reading device is a device for reading data from a wireless tag attached to a product. The control unit processes product sales data based on the data of the wireless tag read by the reading device, as described in C1. [C6] A computer in an information processing terminal, comprising a reading device for reading data from wireless tags and an input device for inputting data other than the data from the wireless tags, Start detection means for detecting the start of data reading of the wireless tag by the reading device, Termination detection means for detecting the completion of data reading of the wireless tag by the reading device, A means for disabling input from the input device in response to the detection of the start of data reading from the wireless tag, and Effective means for enabling input from the input device in response to the detection of the completion of data reading from the wireless tag, A program designed to function as such. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1... Information processing device, 11... Processor, 12... Main memory, 13... Auxiliary storage device, 14... Clock, 15... Communication interface, 16... Change machine interface, 18... System transmission path, 21... Touch panel, 22... Keyboard, 23... Scanner, 24... Printer, 25... Card reader, 26... RFID reader, 30... Tag data, 71... Antenna, 111... Start detection means, 112... End detection means, 113... Deactivation means, 114... Activation means, 115... Notification means, 171~176... Device interface, B... Shopping basket, M... Product, S... Unit, T... Wireless tag.

Claims

1. A reader device for reading data from wireless tags, An input device used for inputting data other than the data of the aforementioned wireless tag, A control unit that disables input from the input device while the reading device is reading the data from the wireless tag, It is equipped with, The control unit, A start detection means for detecting the start of data reading of the wireless tag by the reading device, Termination detection means for detecting the completion of data reading of the wireless tag by the reading device, A disabling means that disables input from the input device in response to the detection of the start of data reading from the wireless tag, Effective means for enabling input from the input device in response to the detection of the completion of data reading from the wireless tag, Includes, An information processing device that does not invalidate the operation input of a specific operator included in the aforementioned input device.

2. A notification unit that notifies that the input from the aforementioned input device is invalid. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The aforementioned reading device is a device for reading data from a wireless tag attached to a product. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit processes product sales data based on the data of the wireless tag read by the reading device.

4. A computer in an information processing terminal equipped with a reading device for reading data from wireless tags and an input device for inputting data other than the data from the wireless tags, Start detection means for detecting the start of data reading of the wireless tag by the reading device, Termination detection means for detecting the completion of data reading of the wireless tag by the reading device, A means for disabling input from the input device in response to the detection of the start of data reading from the wireless tag, and Effective means for enabling input from the input device in response to the detection of the completion of data reading from the wireless tag, To make it function as, A program that does not disable the operation input of a specific operator included in the aforementioned input device.

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