Wireless tag reading device

Abstract

Disclosed is a wireless tag reading device capable of reducing leakage of radio waves from a front opening portion at low cost. A self-checkout device as a wireless tag reading device includes a housing portion formed by a bottom surface, a left side surface as a first side surface provided upright from the bottom surface, a right side surface as a second side surface opposite the left side surface, and a back surface connecting the left side surface and the right side surface, and houses a product attached with a wireless tag; a front opening portion and an upper opening portion as opening portions provided on a front side and an upper side of the housing portion, and form an entrance and exit of the product when the product is housed or taken out of the housing portion; a reading portion having an antenna that radiates radio waves to the product housed in the housing portion and reads a response signal from the wireless tag; a radio wave reflection portion provided on outer surfaces of the left side surface, the right side surface, and the back surface and a bottom of the bottom surface, and reflects the radio waves; and a radio wave transmission portion provided with a gap between the front opening portion side of the back surface and an outer back surface, and transmits the radio waves.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese application filed on July 2, 2021, with application number JP2021-110504, and incorporates the contents of the aforementioned application in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wireless tag reading device. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, wireless tag readers that use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), an automatic identification technology that applies short-range wireless communication, to install wireless tags on products sold in stores such as supermarkets or shopping malls and read information about the products purchased by customers from the wireless tags are becoming more practical.

[0004] As a known wireless tag reading device, there is a box-shaped receiving section with an opening on at least one side for easy receiving and retrieval of goods. In wireless tag devices with such an opening, leakage of radio waves used for reading the wireless tag from the opening may result in the reading of information from wireless tags outside the receiving section. Furthermore, if the output of the radio waves is reduced to decrease radio wave leakage, the reading performance of the wireless tag may deteriorate.

[0005] In the aforementioned reading device, an electromagnetic wave absorber is installed inside the housing to reduce electromagnetic wave leakage. However, this presents a problem: the need to use expensive electromagnetic wave absorbers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a wireless tag reading device that can reduce the leakage of radio waves from the front opening at low cost.

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless tag reading device including a receiving section, an opening, a reading section, an electromagnetic wave reflecting section, and an electromagnetic wave transmitting section. The receiving section is formed by a bottom surface, a first side surface vertically disposed from the bottom surface, a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and a back surface connecting the first and second side surfaces, and receives a product with a wireless tag attached. The opening is disposed on the front side of the receiving section opposite the back surface and the upper side opposite the bottom surface, forming an entrance / exit for the product when the receiving section receives or removes the product. The reading section has an antenna that illuminates electromagnetic waves onto the product received in the receiving section and reads the response signal from the wireless tag. The electromagnetic wave reflecting section is disposed on the outer surfaces of the first side surface, the second side surface, and the back surface, as well as the bottom surface of the bottom surface, and reflects electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic wave transmitting section is disposed on the opening side of the back surface, with a gap between it and the electromagnetic wave reflecting section, and transmits electromagnetic waves.

[0008] According to the aforementioned wireless tag reader, leakage of radio waves from the front opening of the housing can be reduced at low cost.

[0009] In the aforementioned wireless tag reader, a space surrounded by a component that reflects radio waves is included below the bottom surface, and the gap communicates with the space.

[0010] According to the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the intensity of radio waves incident on the back side and returning to the front opening can be reduced.

[0011] In the aforementioned wireless tag reader, a portion of the upper rear side of the housing is covered with a component that reflects radio waves.

[0012] According to the aforementioned wireless tag reader, leakage of radio waves from the housing upwards can be reduced.

[0013] In the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the antenna included in the reading unit is disposed between a component that transmits radio waves and a component that reflects radio waves and is disposed not adjacent to the side of the receiving part.

[0014] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, the radio waves irradiated from the antenna can be directed toward the housing, preventing leakage to the outside from the side not adjacent to the housing.

[0015] In the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the radio wave reflecting portion included on the first side and the second side and the radio wave reflecting portion included on the back side are integrally formed.

[0016] The aforementioned wireless tag reader can reduce the leakage of radio waves from the sides and back.

[0017] In the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the radio wave transmitting portion includes: a first side transmitting portion, which is disposed on the second side opposite to the first side and has a gap between it and a radio wave reflecting portion disposed on the first side, and transmits the radio waves; and a second side transmitting portion, which is disposed on the first side opposite to the second side and has a gap between it and a radio wave reflecting portion disposed on the second side, and transmits the radio waves.

[0018] According to the aforementioned wireless tag reader, radio waves returning from the side towards the opening can be reduced.

[0019] In the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the radio wave transmitting part has an upper part formed by a component that reflects radio waves, and a lower part formed by a component that transmits radio waves.

[0020] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, the intensity of the radio waves returning from the back side towards the opening can be reduced by using a portion of it as a radio wave transmission part.

[0021] The aforementioned wireless tag reading device further includes an auxiliary surface located above the gap between the radio wave reflecting part and the radio wave transmitting part, which reflects the radio waves downwards.

[0022] The aforementioned wireless tag reader can effectively read the product code stored in the wireless tag of the product. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is an external view illustrating an example of a self-checkout device involved in the embodiment;

[0024] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are diagrams showing an example of the antenna configuration of the reading unit of a self-checkout device;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a YZ cross-sectional view of the self-checkout device;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 AA section diagram;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a hardware block diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of a self-checkout device;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the self-checkout device involved in the embodiment;

[0029] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the movement of radio waves reaching the back of a self-checkout device.

[0030] Figures 8(a) to 8(c)This is a conceptual diagram illustrating how the intensity of reflected radio waves varies depending on the structure on the back of the self-checkout device.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the self-checkout device involved in the embodiment; and

[0032] Figures 10(a) to 10(d) This is a diagram illustrating other forms of the structure of the back of a self-checkout device.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0034] 11 Left side (first side view) 12 Right side (second side view)

[0035] 13 Back side 14 Bottom side 15 Top panel 16 Front opening (opening)

[0036] 17. Top opening (opening) 18. Reading section 20. Containment section

[0037] 22 Display control panel 23 Inner back side (radio wave transmission section)

[0038] 24 Outer back surface (radio wave reflecting part) 25 Inner bottom surface (radio wave transmitting part)

[0039] 26 Outer bottom surface (radio wave reflecting part) 27 Left inner side surface (radio wave transmitting part)

[0040] 28 Left outer side (radio wave reflecting part) 29 Right inner side (radio wave transmitting part)

[0041] 30 Right outer side (radio wave reflector) 31 Support platform

[0042] 32 Left side antenna; 33 Right side antenna; 34 Bottom antenna

[0043] 35 Lower back partition 36 Lower left side partition

[0044] 37 Lower right side partition 40 Display device 41 Touch panel

[0045] 42 Scanner 43 Card Reader 44 Ticket Dispensing Slot 45 Ticket Printer

[0046] 55, 60 Space 56 Upper back partition 57 Upper left side partition

[0047] 58 Right side upper partition 61 Antenna control unit 62 Response wave acquisition unit

[0048] 63 Tag Information Reading Department; 64 Commodity Registration and Processing Department; 65 Settlement Processing Department

[0049] 66 Display Control Unit 67 Operation Control Unit 68 Communication Control Unit

[0050] 70. Inner bottom surface; 71. Lower inner back surface; 72. Upper inner back surface.

[0051] 73 Support plate 74 Auxiliary back panel

[0052] 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 Self-checkout devices (wireless tag readers)

[0053] Da, Db, Dc Reflection Intensities Ia, Ib, Ic, Id Interval

[0054] Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd: Reflected waves; wa, wb, wc, wd, we, wn: Radio waves Detailed Implementation

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments shown below, an example of the commodity sales data processing apparatus of the present invention being applied to a self-checkout system 1 having functions for registering and settling accounts for goods purchased by customers will be described.

[0056] (The overall structure of a self-checkout device)

[0057] use Figure 1 Figures 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate the overall structure of the self-checkout device 101. Figure 1 Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(b) are external views showing an example of the self-checkout device according to the embodiment. Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(b) are diagrams showing an example of the antenna configuration of the reading unit of the self-checkout device.

[0058] The self-checkout device 101 is configured at, for example, the checkout counter of a shopping mall, and functions as a so-called self-service POS (Point of Sales) terminal, enabling customers to register and pay for their purchased goods (e.g., clothing or food). The self-checkout device 101 receives and transmits radio waves to a wireless tag attached to the purchased goods, and reads the product code stored in the wireless tag, which specifies the product information. Furthermore, the self-checkout device 101 is an example of a wireless tag reading device disclosed herein.

[0059] The self-checkout device 101 registers and reads the product code and, based on that product code, retrieves product information (hereinafter also referred to as product information) such as product name and price from the storage unit described later. Furthermore, the self-checkout device 101 processes the payment for the registered products according to the customer's preferred method. The payment method may be cashless payment, such as payment using the customer's electronic money card or credit payment using the customer's credit card. When the customer wishes to pay in cash, the customer moves to the cash payment terminal and makes the cash payment. In addition, the self-checkout device 101 also has a cash payment function.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the self-checkout device 101 includes a receiving section 20 for storing goods and a display control panel 22 on the upper part of the support platform 31, which displays various information related to the operation of the self-checkout device 101 while giving various operation instructions to the self-checkout device 101.

[0061] The support platform 31 is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a metal plate surrounding its outer surface. The support platform 31 is heightened in the Z-axis direction to allow for free movement when a customer loads an item into the receiving section 20. Furthermore, the support platform 31 forms a space 55 (described later) within it. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0062] The housing 20 is formed by a bottom surface 14, a left side 11 vertically arranged from the bottom surface 14 on the positive X-axis side, a right side 12 vertically arranged from the bottom surface 14 on the negative X-axis side opposite to the left side 11, and a back surface 13 connecting the left side 11 and the right side 12, and houses a product with an attached wireless tag. Furthermore, the left side 11 is an example of a first side surface in this disclosure. Additionally, the right side 12 is an example of a second side surface in this disclosure.

[0063] The receiving section 20 includes a front opening 16 on the front side (positive Y-axis side) opposite to the back surface 13, and an upper opening 17 on the upper side (positive Z-axis side) opposite to the bottom surface 14. The front opening 16 and the upper opening 17 form the entrance and exit of the goods when the receiving section 20 receives or removes the goods.

[0064] Furthermore, a top panel 15 is provided on the back side (negative Y-axis side) of the upper opening 17. The top panel 15 is constructed of a component that reflects radio waves, such as metal. Therefore, the upper opening 17 is configured to cover approximately half of the upper part of the receiving section 20 on the positive Y-axis side.

[0065] In summary, a portion of the upper rear side of the containment section 20 is covered by components that reflect radio waves.

[0066] A display operation panel 22 is provided at the end of the top panel 15 on the positive side of the Y-axis, vertically arranged from the top opening 17. The display operation panel 22 includes a display device 40, a touch panel 41, a scanner 42, a card reader 43, and a ticket dispensing slot 44.

[0067] Display device 40 is, for example, an LCD panel or an OLED panel. Display device 40 displays information related to the operating status or operation instructions of self-checkout device 101.

[0068] The touch panel 41 is stacked on the display device 40 and receives operation instructions for the self-checkout device 101.

[0069] Scanner 42 reads barcodes or QR codes displayed on the display of a customer's portable terminal. Scanner 42 performs authentication for cashless transactions by reading the code displayed by the customer.

[0070] Card reader 43 reads the information from the electronic money card or credit card inserted by the customer. Card reader 43 performs cashless transactions by reading this card information.

[0071] The ticket dispensing slot 44 dispenses a ticket indicating the result of the settlement performed by the self-checkout device 101. Additionally, the ticket is printed by the ticket printer 45 included in the self-checkout device 101 and dispensed from the ticket dispensing slot 44.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), a left-side antenna 32, a right-side antenna 33, and a bottom antenna 34 are respectively provided inside the left-side surface 11, the right-side surface 12, and the bottom surface 14. These antennas illuminate radio waves to the merchandise housed in the receiving section 20 and read response signals from the wireless tag attached to the merchandise. Although a rear antenna is not provided in this embodiment, it is possible to further provide one. In short, an antenna can be provided between the radio wave transmitting component located on the side of the rear surface 13 adjacent to the receiving section 20 and the radio wave reflecting component located on the side not adjacent to the receiving section.

[0073] Each antenna illuminates radio waves toward the merchandise housed in the housing section 20 and reads the response signal from the wireless tag attached to the merchandise. Furthermore, the left side antenna 32, right side antenna 33, and bottom antenna 34 are examples of the reading section 18 in this disclosure.

[0074] Each antenna faces the interior of the housing 20, irradiating radio waves in directions orthogonal to the left side 11, right side 12, and bottom surface 14, respectively. The wireless tag attached to the product receives the irradiated radio waves and outputs a response wave. The response wave contains information about the product with the attached wireless tag, such as a product code.

[0075] In addition, at least one of the left-side antenna 32, the right-side antenna 33, and the bottom antenna 34 is sufficient.

[0076] (Internal structure of a self-checkout device)

[0077] use Figure 3 and Figure 4 Explain the internal structure of the self-checkout device 101. Figure 3 This is a YZ cross-sectional view of the self-checkout device. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 AA section diagram.

[0078] Furthermore, the self-checkout device 101 has a structure in which a reading unit is embedded in a housing formed by the support platform 31, the back panel 13, the top panel 15 and the display operation panel 22, and the left side 11, the right side 12 and the bottom side 14 are integrated.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown, the back surface 13 includes an inner back surface 23, an outer back surface 24 (back surface), and an upper partition 56. The inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24 are separated by a gap Ia and are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0080] The inner back surface 23 is, for example, made of wood, and allows radio waves to pass through. Furthermore, the inner back surface 23 is an example of a radio wave-transmitting portion in this disclosure. In summary, the radio wave-transmitting portion constitutes part of the back surface of the receiving portion 20.

[0081] The outer back surface 24 and the upper spacer 56 of the back surface are, for example, formed of metal to reflect radio waves. Furthermore, the outer back surface 24 is an example of a radio wave reflecting part in this disclosure.

[0082] The gap formed between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24 communicates with the space 55 formed inside the support platform 31 through the lower back partition 35.

[0083] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bottom surface 14 includes an inner bottom surface 25 and an outer bottom surface 26. The inner bottom surface 25 and the outer bottom surface 26 are separated by a gap of Ib and are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0084] The inner bottom surface 25 is, for example, made of wood, and transmits radio waves. Furthermore, the inner bottom surface 25 is an example of a radio wave transmitting part in this disclosure.

[0085] The outer bottom surface 26 is formed of metal, for example, to reflect electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, the outer bottom surface 26 is an example of an electromagnetic wave reflecting part in this disclosure.

[0086] Then, the bottom antenna 34 is disposed between the inner bottom surface 25 and the outer bottom surface 26.

[0087] like Figure 4As shown, the left side surface 11 includes a left inner side surface 27, a left outer side surface 28 (first side surface) and an upper partition 57 on the left side surface. The left inner side surface 27 and the left outer side surface 28 are separated by a gap Ic and are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0088] The left inner side 27 is, for example, made of wood, and allows radio waves to pass through. Furthermore, the left inner side 27 is an example of a radio wave-transmitting portion in this disclosure (and also a first side-transmitting portion). In summary, the radio wave-transmitting portion constitutes part of the first side of the receiving portion 20.

[0089] The left outer side surface 28 and the upper spacer 57 on the left side surface are, for example, formed of metal to reflect radio waves. Furthermore, the left outer side surface 28 is an example of a radio wave reflecting part in this disclosure.

[0090] Then, the gap formed between the left inner side 27 and the left outer side 28 communicates with the space 55 formed inside the support platform 31 through the lower left side partition 36.

[0091] Then, the left side antenna 32 is positioned between the left inner side 27 and the left outer side 28.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, the right side surface 12 includes a right inner side surface 29, a right outer side surface 30 (second side surface), and an upper partition 58 on the right side surface. The right inner side surface 29 and the right outer side surface 30 are separated by a gap of 1d and are arranged approximately parallel to each other.

[0093] The right inner side 29 is, for example, made of wood, and allows radio waves to pass through. Furthermore, the right inner side 29 is an example of a radio wave-transmitting portion in this disclosure (and also a second side-transmitting portion). In short, the radio wave-transmitting portion constitutes part of the second side of the receiving portion 20.

[0094] The right outer side surface 30 and the upper partition 58 of the right side surface are, for example, formed of metal to reflect radio waves. Furthermore, the right outer side surface 30 is an example of a radio wave reflecting part in this disclosure.

[0095] Furthermore, the left outer side 28 included in the left side 11, the right outer side 30 included in the right side 12, and the outer back side 24 included in the back side 13 are integrally formed of metal. That is, the self-checkout device 101 is surrounded by metal plates on the back side and both sides.

[0096] Then, the gap formed between the right inner side 29 and the right outer side 30 communicates with the space 55 formed inside the support platform 31 through the lower right side partition 37.

[0097] Then, the right side antenna 33 is positioned between the right inner side 29 and the right outer side 30.

[0098] That is, the left side antenna 32, the right side antenna 33 and the bottom antenna 34 are all disposed between the component that transmits radio waves and the component that reflects radio waves, which is disposed on the side adjacent to the receiving part 20 and not adjacent to the receiving part 20.

[0099] Furthermore, the aforementioned spacings Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, and the thicknesses of the inner back surface 23, inner bottom surface 25, left inner side surface 27, and right inner side surface 29, which serve as radio wave transmission portions, are appropriately determined based on the frequency (wavelength) of the radio waves used.

[0100] In addition, the gap between the inner back panel 23 and the outer back panel 24 also serves as a passage for the wiring harnesses (power lines or signal lines) of various devices or antennas installed on the display control panel 22.

[0101] In addition, the self-checkout device 101 may also include an antenna (not shown) on the side of the housing 20 on the upper panel 15 that illuminates radio waves toward the housing 20 and reads response waves from the wireless tag.

[0102] In addition, since the possibility of a wireless tag being present above the self-checkout device 101 is low, the upper partition 56 on the back, the upper partition 57 on the left side, and the upper partition 58 on the right side can be radio wave reflective parts, openings, or radio wave transmitting parts.

[0103] (Hardware components of a self-checkout device)

[0104] use Figure 5 This describes the hardware configuration of the self-checkout device 101. Figure 5 This is a hardware block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a self-checkout device.

[0105] The self-checkout device 101 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, an input / output controller 53, and a communication controller 54.

[0106] The control unit 51 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 511, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 512, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 513. The CPU 511 is the main control unit of the self-checkout device 101. The ROM 512 stores various fixed data or various lists, etc. The RAM 513 unfolds the control program or various data when the CPU 511 performs various processes and functions as working memory.

[0107] Storage Department 52 Storage Control Program P, Product Master File M, Product Registration File R, and Settlement File S.

[0108] The control program P is a program executed by the CPU 511. The CPU 511, ROM 512, RAM 513, and storage unit 52 are interconnected via an internal bus 59. The control unit 51 causes the control program P stored in the storage unit 52 by the CPU 511 and various data stored in the ROM 512 to be expanded and activated in the RAM 513. As a result, the control unit 51 executes various control processes involved in the self-checkout device 101.

[0109] Furthermore, the control program P can be provided in a state stored in the storage unit 52, or it can be provided as an installable or executable file stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, floppy disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Alternatively, the control program P can be stored on a computer connected to a network and provided by downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program P can also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0110] The product master file M is the main file associated with the product and records the product code and the product information (product name, price, etc.) corresponding to that product code.

[0111] The product registration file R is a file that stores information about registered products (product name, price, quantity, etc.).

[0112] Settlement file S is a file that stores the settlement results performed by the self-checkout device 101.

[0113] The input / output controller 53 connects the CPU 511, the left side antenna 32, the right side antenna 33, the bottom antenna 34, the display device 40, the touch panel 41, the scanner 42, the card reader 43, and the ticket printer 45 as peripheral devices via the internal bus 59. The input / output controller 53 controls the operation of these peripheral devices according to the instructions from the control unit 51.

[0114] The functions of each peripheral device are as described above.

[0115] The communication controller 54 controls the communication between the self-checkout device 101 and a store server (not shown). The self-checkout device 101 receives updated versions of the product master file M from the store server. Additionally, the self-checkout device 101 sends product registration files R or settlement files S, etc., to the store server.

[0116] in addition, Figure 5Although not illustrated, the communication controller 54 communicates with the server device of the company managing electronic money or the server device of the company managing credit cards when the customer uses the card reader 43 to read the electronic money card or credit card. Furthermore, the communication controller 54 communicates with the server device of the company managing cashless transactions when the customer aligns the code symbol with the scanner 42.

[0117] (Functional components of a self-checkout device)

[0118] use Figure 6 Explain the functional composition of the self-checkout device 101. Figure 6 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the self-checkout device involved in the embodiment.

[0119] The control unit 51 of the self-checkout device 101 expands and operates the control program P on the RAM 513. Figure 6 The antenna control unit 61, response wave acquisition unit 62, tag information reading unit 63, commodity registration processing unit 64, settlement processing unit 65, display control unit 66, operation control unit 67, and communication control unit 68 shown are implemented as functional units.

[0120] The antenna control unit 61 directs the left side antenna 32, right side antenna 33, and bottom antenna 34 to illuminate radio waves used for reading tag information registered by the wireless tag. Furthermore, after reading the tag information, the antenna control unit 61 controls the left side antenna 32, right side antenna 33, and bottom antenna 34 to stop illuminating the radio waves. The antenna control unit 61 performs the same control on the left side antenna 32, right side antenna 33, and bottom antenna 34. Additionally, each antenna can operate simultaneously or in a time-division manner.

[0121] The response wave acquisition unit 62 acquires the response waves received by the left side antenna 32, the right side antenna 33 and the bottom antenna 34.

[0122] The tag information reading unit 63 reads tag information from the response wave acquired by the response wave acquisition unit 62. Specifically, the tag information reading unit 63 parses the response wave acquired by the response wave acquisition unit 62 and reads the information representing the product code contained in the response wave.

[0123] The product registration processing unit 64 specifies product information (product name, product price, etc.) by comparing the product code obtained by the label information reading unit 63 with the product master file M. Then, the product registration processing unit 64 registers the specified product information in the product registration file R.

[0124] The settlement processing department 65 processes the settlement information of the commodity registration document R registered through the commodity registration processing department 64 according to the settlement method specified by the customer.

[0125] The display control unit 66 controls the display status of the display device 40.

[0126] The operation control unit 67 detects the operation status of the touch panel 41 and sends the detected operation information to the control unit 51.

[0127] The communication control unit 68 connects the control unit 51, a store server (not shown), or an external server device via wired or wireless communication through the internal bus 59.

[0128] (The action of the irradiated radio waves)

[0129] use Figure 7 This describes the action of the radio waves that are irradiated from the antenna and reach the back side 13. Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the action of radio waves reaching the back of a self-checkout device.

[0130] Assume that radio wave wa reaches the inner back surface 23. Radio wave wa is a radio wave emitted from any one of the antennas: the left side antenna 32, the right side antenna 33, and the bottom antenna 34. At this time, radio wave wa passes through the inner back surface 23, which has radio wave permeability, and travels in the negative Y-axis direction as radio wave wb through the gap formed between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24. Then, radio wave wb reaches the outer back surface 24. Radio wave wb that reaches the outer back surface 24 is reflected and travels in the positive Y-axis direction as radio wave wc through the gap formed between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24. Then, radio wave wc reaches the inner back surface 23. After that, a portion of radio wave wd passes through the inner back surface 23 and returns to the receiving part 20. Then, the remaining radio wave we is reflected at the inner back surface 23 and moves towards the outer back surface 24. After that, the radio wave repeats the same operation as described above between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24 and reaches the lower back surface separation part 35. The radio wave wn that reached the lower rear partition 35 invaded the space 55 formed inside the support platform 31. Because the interior of the space 55 is covered with metal, the radio wave wn that invaded the space 55 was repeatedly reflected and gradually attenuated inside the space 55.

[0131] Thus, a portion of the electromagnetic waves incident from the containment section 20 toward the inner back surface 23 are repeatedly reflected into the space 55 through the gap formed between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24. Therefore, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves returning from the back surface 13 (inner back surface 23) toward the front opening 16 is less than the intensity of the electromagnetic waves reaching the back surface 13 (inner back surface 23).

[0132] In addition, such as Figure 4As shown, because a gap of interval Ic is formed between the left inner side surface 27 and the left outer side surface 28 forming the left side surface 11, and a gap of interval Id is formed between the right inner side surface 29 and the right outer side surface 30 forming the right side surface 12, although not illustrated, the electromagnetic waves incident on the left inner side surface 27 and the right inner side surface 29 are represented as... Figure 6 The same operation is described. Therefore, the intensity of the radio waves returning from the left side 11 (left outer side 28) to the containment section 20 is weaker than the intensity of the radio waves reaching the left side 11 (left outer side 28). In addition, the intensity of the radio waves returning from the right side 12 (right outer side 30) to the containment section 20 is weaker than the intensity of the radio waves reaching the right side 12 (right outer side 30).

[0133] (Based on the different radio wave actions constructed on the back)

[0134] use Figures 8(a) to 8(c) This explains the different actions of reflected waves due to different structures on the back side 13. Figures 8(a) to 8(c) This is a conceptual diagram illustrating how the intensity of reflected radio waves varies depending on the structure of the back of a self-checkout device.

[0135] Figures 8(a) to 8(c) The self-checkout device 100 shown is a comparative example of this embodiment. The back surface 13 of the self-checkout device 100 is formed only by the outer back surface 24 of the side that reflects radio waves.

[0136] In the self-checkout device 100, radio waves incident on the back surface 13 generate reflected waves Ra by reflection from the back surface 13. The reflected waves Ra illuminate the front (customer side) of the self-checkout device 100 from the front opening 16 and the top opening 17 between the top panel 15 and the bottom surface 14. The reflected waves Ra maintain a reflection intensity Da. Furthermore, in Figures 8(a) to 8(c) In the diagram, the range of the reflected wave Ra is represented by an elliptical shape. Furthermore, the reflection intensity Da of the reflected wave Ra is expressed by the amount of protrusion from the front opening 16 of the self-checkout device 100.

[0137] Figures 8(a) to 8(c) The self-checkout device 102 shown is a variation of this embodiment. The back surface 13 of the self-checkout device 102 is formed as an example of an inner back surface 23 that transmits radio waves and an outer back surface 24 that reflects radio waves and is provided with a gap between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24. Furthermore, the lower back surface partition 35 is closed by the bottom surface 14 that reflects radio waves.

[0138] In the self-checkout device 102, radio waves incident on the back surface 13 pass through the inner back surface 23 and reach the outer back surface 24. They are then reflected at the outer back surface 24 and directed towards the inner back surface 23. A portion of the radio waves reaching the inner back surface 23 passes through it and illuminates the front of the self-checkout device 100. Then, a portion of the radio waves reaching the inner back surface 23 is reflected by it and directed towards the outer back surface 24.

[0139] Thus, in the self-checkout device 102, a portion of the electromagnetic waves incident on the back surface 13 are repeatedly reflected in the gap between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24. Then, the electromagnetic waves reaching the lower back surface partition 35 are reflected at the lower back surface partition 35 and return again to the gap between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24. Through this repeated reflection, the electromagnetic waves traveling in the gap gradually attenuate. Therefore, the electromagnetic waves returning from the back surface 13 are weaker than the electromagnetic waves incident on the back surface 13. That is, the reflected wave Rb with a reflection intensity Db returns from the back surface 13. Then, when compared with the self-checkout device 100, the magnitude of the reflection intensity is Da > Db.

[0140] Figures 8(a) to 8(c) The self-checkout device 101 shown is an example of this embodiment. The back surface 13 of the self-checkout device 101 is formed by an inner back surface 23 that transmits radio waves and an outer back surface 24 that reflects radio waves and is disposed with a gap between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24. In addition, the lower part of the back surface has an opening 35 and communicates with the space 55.

[0141] In the self-checkout device 101, the operation of the radio waves incident on the back side 13 is as described above (see reference). Figure 7 That is, the reflected wave Rc with reflection intensity Dc returns from the back side 13. Then, the reflected wave Rd is irradiated from the lower back side partition 35 toward the space 55. Then, if compared with the self-checkout devices 100 and 102, the magnitude of the reflection intensity is Da>Db>Dc.

[0142] Furthermore, in the self-checkout devices 101 and 102, the same effect can be achieved even if a component that transmits radio waves, such as wood, is provided in the lower back partition 35 as a radio wave transmission part.

[0143] Additionally, self-checkout devices 101 and 102 can also be installed on the bottom surface 14 (inner bottom surface 25) and the top panel 15. Figure 4 In the end regions of the positive Y-axis side of the left side 11 (left inner side 27) and the right side 12 (right inner side 29) shown, electromagnetic wave absorbers are partially provided to further reduce the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside.

[0144] (The processing flow of the self-checkout device)

[0145] use Figure 9 This describes the processing flow performed by the self-checkout device 101. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the self-checkout device according to the embodiment. Furthermore, the reading unit 18 of the self-checkout device 101 will be described as a functional unit including a left-side antenna 32, a right-side antenna 33, and a bottom-side antenna 34.

[0146] The operation control unit 67 determines whether a reading start instruction has been received from the customer (step S11). If a reading start instruction is determined (step S11: Yes), proceed to step S12. On the other hand, if a reading start instruction is not determined (step S11: No), repeat step S11.

[0147] In step S11, when an indication to start reading is received, the antenna control unit 61 controls the illumination of radio waves from the left side antenna 32, the right side antenna 33, and the bottom antenna 34 (step S12). Furthermore, the timing of radio wave illumination from each antenna is appropriately determined.

[0148] The response wave acquisition unit 62 acquires the response waves from each antenna (step S13).

[0149] The tag information reading unit 63 reads the tag information (product code) stored in the wireless tag from the response wave obtained by the response wave acquisition unit 62 (step S14).

[0150] The product registration processing unit 64 specifies product information (product name, product price, etc.) by comparing the product code read by the label information reading unit 63 with the product master file M (step S15).

[0151] Next, the commodity registration processing unit 64 performs commodity registration processing (step S16) by registering the specified commodity information in the commodity registration file R.

[0152] The operation control unit 67 determines whether the customer has indicated a payment method (step S17). If it is determined that a payment method has been indicated (step S17: Yes), proceed to step S18. On the other hand, if it is determined that no payment method has been indicated (step S17: No), repeat step S17.

[0153] In step S17, when it is determined that a payment method has been indicated, the payment processing unit 65 performs payment processing according to the method indicated by the customer (step S18). Afterwards, the self-checkout device 101 terminates. Figure 9 The processing.

[0154] (Other forms of back construction)

[0155] use Figures 10(a) to 10(d) Other forms of the back structure of the self-checkout device 101 are described. Figures 10(a) to 10(d) This is a diagram illustrating other forms of the back structure of a self-checkout device.

[0156] The self-checkout device 103 is an example in which a portion of the back side (inner bottom surface 70) of the bottom surface 14 is a radio wave transmission part of wood or the like that transmits radio waves.

[0157] According to the self-checkout device 103, the radio waves emitted by each antenna that reach the inner bottom surface 70 pass through the radio wave transmission section and invade the space 55 formed inside the support platform 31. Then, the radio waves that invade the space 55 are attenuated by repeated reflections in the space 55. As a result, the intensity of the radio waves that pass through the inner back surface 23 and return to the front opening 16 can be reduced.

[0158] The self-checkout device 104 is an example in which the upper part 72 of the inner back surface 23 is a radio wave reflecting part formed by a component that reflects radio waves, and the lower part 71 of the inner back surface is a radio wave transmitting part formed by a component that transmits radio waves. Radio waves cannot return from the upper part 72 of the inner back surface, which is formed as a radio wave reflecting part, to the receiving part 20.

[0159] According to the self-checkout device 104, by using at least a portion of the inner back surface 23 as a radio wave transmission part, the intensity of the radio waves incident on the back surface 13 that return to the front opening 16 can be reduced.

[0160] The self-checkout device 105 is an example in which a support plate 73 is provided in the support platform 31 to connect the bottom surface 14 and the bottom surface of the support platform 31. The support plate 73 is an electromagnetic wave reflector formed of a metal or the like that that reflects electromagnetic waves.

[0161] According to the self-checkout device 105, although the space 60 formed inside the support platform 31 is smaller than the space 55, the space 60 attenuates electromagnetic waves that intrude into the space 60 through the lower rear partition 35, just like the space 55. Furthermore, according to the self-checkout device 105, since the bottom surface 14 is supported by the support plate 73, the strength of the housing constituting the self-checkout device 105 can be increased.

[0162] The self-checkout device 106 includes an auxiliary back surface 74 in the upper part of the gap between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24. The auxiliary back surface 74 is an electromagnetic wave reflector formed of a metal or the like that that reflects electromagnetic waves, and is inclined so that electromagnetic waves incident from the inner back surface 23 are reflected downwards.

[0163] According to the self-checkout device 106, a portion of the electromagnetic waves passing through the inner back surface 23 reaches the auxiliary back surface 74 and is reflected downwards, thus increasing the amount of electromagnetic waves directed towards the lower back surface partition 35. Therefore, because the amount of electromagnetic waves passing through the lower back surface partition 35 and intruding into the space 55 is increased, the amount of electromagnetic waves returning from the back surface is reduced. Furthermore, the goods stored in the receiving section 20 are positioned on the inner bottom surface 25. Therefore, the electromagnetic waves passing through the inner back surface 23 are reflected downwards by the auxiliary back surface 74 towards the goods. This reduces the intensity of the electromagnetic waves incident on the back surface 13 that return to the front opening 16. Furthermore, it increases the amount of electromagnetic waves used for reading. To direct the electromagnetic waves towards the inner bottom surface 25, a component identical to the auxiliary back surface 74 can be provided above the gap between the left inner side surface 27 and the left outer side surface 28 (auxiliary left side surface). Alternatively, a component identical to the auxiliary back surface 74 can be placed on the upper part of the gap between the right inner side surface 29 and the right outer side surface 30 (auxiliary right side surface). The auxiliary back surface 74, the auxiliary left side surface, and the auxiliary right side surface are collectively referred to as auxiliary surfaces.

[0164] Alternatively, the back structures of the self-checkout devices 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 described above can be configured as a suitable combination of back structures.

[0165] As described above, the self-checkout device 101 (wireless tag reader) includes: a receiving section 20, formed by a bottom surface 14, a left side surface 11 (first side surface) vertically disposed from the bottom surface 14, a right side surface 12 (second side surface) opposite to the left side surface 11, and a back surface 13 connecting the left side surface 11 and the right side surface 12, and for receiving goods with wireless tags attached; a front opening 16 and a top opening 17 (opening), disposed on the front side of the receiving section 20 opposite to the back surface 13 and the top side opposite to the bottom surface 14, respectively, forming a section in the receiving section 20 for receiving or... The product has an inlet / outlet for retrieving goods; a reading unit 18 has an antenna that illuminates radio waves onto the product housed in the housing unit 20 and reads response signals from a wireless tag; a left outer side 28, a right outer side 30, an outer back surface 24, and an outer bottom surface 26 (radio wave reflecting portion) that reflect radio waves are provided on the outer surfaces of the left side 11, right side 12, and back surface 13, and the bottom of the bottom surface 14; and an inner back surface 23 (radio wave transmitting portion) that transmits radio waves is provided with a gap between it and the outer back surface 24, at least on the side of the front opening 16 of the back surface 13. Therefore, leakage of radio waves from the front opening 16 of the housing unit 20 can be reduced at low cost.

[0166] Furthermore, the self-checkout device 101 of this embodiment includes a space 55 surrounded by a component that reflects electromagnetic waves below the bottom surface 14. The gap between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24 communicates with the space 55 at the lower part of the back surface partition 35. Therefore, electromagnetic waves incident on the back surface 13 that are repeatedly reflected between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24 penetrate into the space 55 through the gap between the inner back surface 23 and the outer back surface 24. Thus, the intensity of electromagnetic waves incident on the back surface 13 that return to the front opening 16 can be reduced.

[0167] Furthermore, in the self-checkout device 101 of this embodiment, a portion of the back side of the upper panel 15 of the housing 20 is covered with a component that reflects electromagnetic waves. Therefore, leakage of electromagnetic waves upwards from the housing 20 can be reduced. Additionally, various display and operation devices, such as a display control panel 22, can be installed on the upper part of the self-checkout device 101.

[0168] Furthermore, in the self-checkout device 101 of this embodiment, the antenna included in the reading unit 18 is disposed between a component that transmits radio waves and is disposed on the side adjacent to the receiving unit 20, and a component that reflects radio waves and is disposed on the side not adjacent to the receiving unit 20. Therefore, the direction of the radio waves irradiated by the antenna toward the receiving unit 20 can prevent leakage to the outside from the side not adjacent to the receiving unit 20.

[0169] Furthermore, in the self-checkout device 101 of this embodiment, the left outer side 28 (electromagnetic wave reflector), the right outer side 30 (electromagnetic wave reflector), and the outer back side 24 (electromagnetic wave reflector) are integrally formed. Therefore, leakage of electromagnetic waves from the sides and back side of the self-checkout device 101 can be reduced.

[0170] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, this embodiment and its variations are included within the scope of the invention, and also within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A wireless tag reading device, characterized in that, include: The storage compartment is formed by a bottom surface, a first side surface vertically disposed from the bottom surface, a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and a back surface connecting the first side surface and the second side surface, and stores goods with wireless tags attached. An opening is provided on the front side of the receiving part opposite to the back surface and on the upper side opposite to the bottom surface, forming an entrance and exit for the goods when the receiving part receives or takes out the goods; The reading unit has an antenna that illuminates radio waves onto the goods housed in the housing and reads the response signal from the wireless tag; An electromagnetic wave reflector is disposed on the outer surface of the first side, the second side, and the back surface, as well as the bottom of the bottom surface, to reflect electromagnetic waves; as well as The radio wave transmitting portion, at least on the side of the opening on the back surface, is provided with a gap between itself and the radio wave reflecting portion, through which the radio waves are transmitted. Below the bottom surface is a space surrounded by components that reflect electromagnetic waves. The gap is connected to the space. The wireless tag reading device further includes an auxiliary surface, which is obliquely disposed above the gap between the radio wave reflecting portion on the back side and the radio wave transmitting portion on the side of the opening on the back side, so that radio waves incident from the side of the opening on the back side are reflected downward.

2. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein, A portion of the upper rear side of the housing is covered with a component that reflects radio waves.

3. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The antenna included in the reading unit is disposed between a component that transmits radio waves and a component that reflects radio waves and is disposed not adjacent to the side of the receiving unit.

4. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The radio wave reflecting portion included on the first side and the second side and the radio wave reflecting portion included on the back side are integrally formed.

5. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 3, wherein, The radio wave reflecting portion included on the first side and the second side and the radio wave reflecting portion included on the back side are integrally formed.

6. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein, The radio wave transmitting portion includes: A first side-transmitting portion is provided with a gap between itself and an electromagnetic wave reflecting portion provided on the first side, on the side opposite to the first side, to transmit electromagnetic waves; and The second side-transmitting portion is provided with a gap between the first side opposite to the second side and the radio wave reflecting portion provided on the second side, and transmits the radio waves.

7. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein, The radio wave transmitting part has an upper part formed by a component that reflects radio waves, and a lower part formed by a component that transmits radio waves.

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