Wireless tag reading device

Abstract

A wireless tag reading device that makes it easy for an electric wave transmitted from an antenna to reach a wireless tag includes: a placement section that places a product; an antenna section that is provided in the vicinity of the product placement section and that transmits an electric wave toward a wireless tag attached to the placed product; and an antenna moving mechanism that moves the antenna in a concave curve trajectory.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese application No. JP2021-117583, filed on July 16, 2021, 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] Recently, the following POS terminals are becoming increasingly common in stores such as shopping malls, convenience stores, and clothing stores: when a customer places a basket containing purchased goods at the checkout location, the terminal reads the wireless tag attached to the goods in response to the action of the clerk or customer, and performs goods registration and settlement processing.

[0004] Such POS terminals have the following problems in reading wireless tags. That is, when there is no radio wave transmission between the wireless tag and the antenna that reads the wireless tag, or when there is a shield that makes it difficult for radio waves to pass through (e.g., metal or water droplets), the radio waves transmitted from the antenna cannot reach the wireless tag, or the radio waves (tag information) transmitted from the wireless tag cannot reach the antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0005] 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 makes it easy for radio waves transmitted from the antenna to reach the wireless tag.

[0006] To solve the above problems, a wireless tag reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a product placement unit for placing a product; an antenna disposed near the product placement unit for transmitting radio waves toward a wireless tag attached to the product; and an antenna moving mechanism for moving the antenna along a concave curve trajectory.

[0007] According to the aforementioned wireless tag reader, radio waves transmitted from the antenna can be easily delivered to the wireless tag.

[0008] In the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the concave curve is an arc, and the antenna moving mechanism moves the antenna surface relative to the wireless tag in a concave arc-shaped trajectory as the antenna moves within its movable range.

[0009] According to the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the surface of the antenna can move relative to the wireless tag in an arc-shaped trajectory.

[0010] In the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the concave curve is an elliptical arc, and the antenna moving mechanism extends from near the center to near both ends of the antenna's movable range, causing the angle of the antenna's surface relative to the wireless tag to change rapidly as the antenna moves.

[0011] According to the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the angle of the antenna relative to the wireless tag can be changed rapidly.

[0012] In the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the antenna and the antenna moving mechanism are disposed below the product mounting section.

[0013] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, it is possible to easily read the wireless tags of goods placed in the goods display area.

[0014] The wireless tag reader described above also includes a control unit that drives the antenna movement mechanism when a movement indication signal for the antenna has been output.

[0015] The aforementioned wireless tag reader can control the timing of the drive antenna movement mechanism.

[0016] In the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the antenna moving mechanism has a belt conveyor that moves along the bottom surface of the product placement section below it. According to the movement of the belt conveyor, the antenna approaches and moves away from the bottom surface in a concave curve trajectory.

[0017] According to the aforementioned wireless tag reader, the space at the bottom of the wireless tag reader can be effectively used to set up the antenna moving mechanism.

[0018] In the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the antenna moving mechanism further includes a vertical stabilizing mechanism, which stabilizes the vertical movement of the antenna in accordance with the movement of the belt conveyor.

[0019] According to the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the horizontal movement of the belt conveyor can be stably converted into the vertical movement of the antenna.

[0020] In the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the antenna moving mechanism has a guide portion formed as the concave curve, and the center of the guide portion is the starting position of the antenna moving mechanism.

[0021] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, by setting the center of the guide section as the starting position, it is possible to start reading wireless tags first at the location where the most products are arranged.

[0022] In the aforementioned wireless tag reading device, the antenna moving mechanism causes the antenna to move within the width range of the bottom surface through-hole member disposed on the bottom surface of the product mounting portion.

[0023] According to the aforementioned wireless tag reader, leakage of radio waves emitted from an antenna with a changed angle to the outside of the wireless tag reader can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the wireless tag reading device involved in the embodiment;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the product mounting section of the wireless tag reader;

[0026] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing the antenna;

[0027] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view showing an antenna and a part of the antenna moving mechanism;

[0028] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the antenna and its moving mechanism;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a block diagram representing the hardware configuration of a wireless tag reader;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a wireless tag reader; and

[0031] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process of a wireless tag reader.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0033] 10 Wireless tag reader; 14 Goods storage unit; 20 baskets

[0034] 30 Antenna moving mechanism; 31 Base part; 32 Guide part

[0035] 33 Guide rail 35 Antenna 41 Shielding

[0036] 42 Product 141 Bottom surface 147 Light-emitting part

[0037] 148 Light-emitting part; 149 Opening part; 151 Belt conveyor

[0038] 152 Guide component 161 Display unit 165 Operation unit

[0039] 167 Electric motor 351 Antenna section

[0040] 352 Base plate portion; 353 Base portion; 354 ​​Roller

[0041] 355 Guide bar, 356 face, 431 Wireless tag

[0042] 432 Wireless Tag 500 Control Unit 501 Reading Unit

[0043] 502 Settlement Department; 503 Mobility Department; 504 Mobility Stop Department

[0044] 531 Product Information Department 1651 Start Button 1652 End Button

[0045] 1653 Confirm button Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these embodiments, POS terminals installed in stores such as supermarkets, home furnishing centers, clothing stores, and convenience stores will be described as wireless tag reading devices. Furthermore, the embodiments described below do not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0047] Customers take a basket for storing their purchases at the store entrance. Inside the store, customers place their purchased items into the basket. All items in the store are attached with wireless tags (e.g., RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags). The wireless tag reader is operated by the customer or a store employee. When a customer places the basket containing the items into the designated area and presses the start button, the wireless tag reader transmits radio waves from its antenna to the wireless tags attached to the items in the basket, and receives response waves (radio waves) from the wireless tags containing information identifying the item, thus obtaining the item code (item-specific information).

[0048] The wireless tag reader is a device that registers the goods related to the acquired goods based on the acquired goods code and performs settlement processing related to the transaction.

[0049] The so-called product registration processing includes the following steps: For purchased products, based on the obtained product code, the product information such as the product name or price is retrieved from the product master file and displayed on the display unit, and stored in the product information unit. The so-called settlement processing refers to displaying the total amount or change involved in the transaction with the customer (hereinafter referred to as "settlement information") based on the product information of the products that have undergone product registration processing, such as the processing of settlement using a credit card or application software installed on a portable terminal. Settlement processing includes issuing a receipt printed with product information 42 of the settled product and settlement information.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the wireless tag reader device involved in the embodiment. Additionally, Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the product mounting section of the wireless tag reader. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the wireless tag reader 10 includes a product placement section 14. The product placement section 14 holds and stores purchased goods 42 (see reference). Figure 5 ) baskets on a 20-foot platform. Figure 1 This indicates that a basket 20 is placed on the goods placement section 14. The goods placement section 14 includes a bottom surface 141, a left side surface 144, and a right side surface 146. The bottom surface 141 is a generally flat plane that forms the bottom surface of the goods placement section 14. The basket 20 is placed on the bottom surface 141.

[0051] The left side face 144 is the left side surface that constitutes the product display section 14. The left side face 144 is vertically positioned approximately perpendicular to the left end of the bottom face 141. A light-emitting part 147 is provided at the upper end of the left side face 144. The light-emitting part 147 is, for example, composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and emits light upwards. The light-emitting part 147, after reading all the wireless tags 43 (see reference...),... Figure 5 If the information from the wireless tag 43 is not received, the light will illuminate blue. If the light-emitting unit 147 fails to read the information from the wireless tag 43, the light will illuminate red.

[0052] The right side face 146 is the right side surface that constitutes the product display section 14. The right side face 146 is vertically positioned approximately perpendicular to the right end of the bottom face 141. A light-emitting part 148 is provided at the upper end of the right side face 146. The light-emitting part 148 is, for example, made of an LED and emits light upwards. The light-emitting part 148 illuminates blue when all the information from the wireless tag 43 has been read. The light-emitting part 148 illuminates red when reading the information from the wireless tag 43 fails.

[0053] A support column 16 extending upwards is installed behind the merchandise placement section 14. An arm 17, which is retractable and can freely change direction, is installed on the support column 16. A display section 161 is installed at the top of the arm 17. The display section 161 can freely change its display position and orientation by deforming the arm 17. The display section 161 displays, for example, merchandise information of the purchased merchandise 42 (merchandise stored in the basket 20 placed on the merchandise placement section 14) based on information received from the wireless tag 43. Additionally, the display section 161 displays various keys described later (start key 1651, end key 1652, confirm key 1653, etc.). Figure 6 The corresponding image.

[0054] The operation unit 165 is, for example, a touch panel provided on the display unit 161. By operating the touch panel at the position corresponding to the image of the key displayed on the display unit 161, the operation unit 165 makes the key function.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, an opening 149 is provided at the center of the bottom surface 141. The opening 149 is a generally rectangular hole formed in the bottom surface 141. The wireless tag reader 10 has an antenna 35 and an antenna moving mechanism 30 provided below the bottom surface 141 and at a position corresponding to the opening 149. Furthermore, because the antenna moving mechanism 30 needs to... Figures 3-5 The text explains that, therefore, in Figure 2 Not shown in the image, but... Figure 2 In this configuration, the antenna moving mechanism 30 is positioned below the antenna 35. Figure 2 In this configuration, the antenna 35 is typically located at the starting position 156, which serves as the center, and can also reciprocate in the directions of arrow 157 and arrow 158.

[0056] In addition, Figure 2 In the description of the antenna 35, the opening 149 is provided to show the position of the antenna 35. However, the opening 149 is a theoretical opening used to show the position of the antenna 35. In practice, the opening 149 is blocked by a plate-shaped member (bottom-through member) that allows radio waves to pass through, so that the product 42 does not fall out of the opening 149. Figure 5 Similarly). Or, in practice, no opening 149 is formed.

[0057] Next, we will explain antenna 35. Figure 3 This is a 3D diagram representing antenna 35. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, the antenna 35 includes an antenna portion 351, a substrate portion 352, a base portion 353, a roller 354, and a guide rod 355 (described later) Figure 5 ).

[0058] The antenna section 351 has a generally planar surface 356 formed by a spiral arrangement of, for example, linear metal antenna wires (not shown). Furthermore, the substrate section 352 is a circuit board for transmitting radio waves from the antenna section 351 or reading radio waves received from the wireless tag 43. The antenna 35 transmits the radio waves generated in the substrate section 352 vertically from the surface 356 of the antenna section 351. Additionally, the antenna 35 also radially transmits the radio waves generated in the substrate section 352 from the surface 356 forming the antenna section 351. The more vertically the radio waves transmitted from the antenna section 351 are transmitted from the surface 356, the stronger their intensity. Additionally, the antenna 35 receives radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag 43 at the antenna section 351.

[0059] Additionally, the antenna 35 has a base portion 353, on which four freely rotatable rollers 354 are mounted. The rollers 354 connect with a grooved guide rail 33 (described later) Figure 4 When engaged, roller 354 rotates within guide rail 33, thereby guiding antenna 35.

[0060] Next, the antenna moving mechanism 30 will be described. The antenna moving mechanism 30 is the mechanism that moves the antenna 35. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the antenna 35 and the antenna moving mechanism 30. The antenna moving mechanism 30 has a base portion 31 and a guide portion 32. The base portion 31 is fixed below the bottom surface 141 of the wireless tag reader 10 and opposite the opening 149. The width of the base portion 31 is the same as the width of the opening 149. In short, it is the same width as the bottom surface through-hole of the bottom surface. This reduces the leakage of radio waves emitted from the antenna 35, which has changed angle, to the outside of the wireless tag reader 10. The width of the bottom surface through-hole blocking the opening 149, from the front to the inside, is smaller than the width of the basket 20 placed on the merchandise placement portion 14. By moving the antenna 35 within a range smaller than the width of the basket 20, the leakage of radio waves to the outside of the wireless tag reader 10 is reduced.

[0061] The antenna moving mechanism 30 has a guide portion 32 on the upper part of the base portion 31. The guide portion 32 is formed into a concave arc shape (concave curve) facing upward. The guide portion 32 is configured such that it is lowest near the center portion (starting position 156) of the antenna moving mechanism 30 and gradually increases in height towards the sides. That is, the guide portion 32 is formed into a concave arc shape towards the product placement portion 14. The antenna portion 35 moving on the guide portion 32 does not move beyond the width of the bottom surface of the basket 20 containing the products. The antenna portion 35 moving on the guide portion 32 moves within the width of the bottom surface through-hole member blocking the opening portion 149 (it does not move beyond the width of the bottom surface through-hole member). This reduces the leakage of radio waves emitted from the antenna 35, which has changed angle, to the outside of the wireless tag reading device 10. By making the center portion of the concave curve of the guide portion 32 the starting position 156, wireless tag reading can begin first at the position where the most products are placed.

[0062] Furthermore, grooved guide rails 33 are formed at both ends of the guide portion 32. The guide rails 33 have a curve with the same arc shape as the guide portion 32. The rollers 354 of the antenna 25 engage with the guide portion 32. Therefore, by moving the rollers 354 along the guide rails 33, the antenna 35 is guided along the guide portion 32. Because the guide portion 32 is arc-shaped, the surface 356 of the antenna portion 351 moves along the guide portion 32 in a concave arc-shaped trajectory.

[0063] In addition, while the antenna section 351 moves along the guide section 32 in the direction of arrow 155, it changes its angle relative to the product placement section 14 (i.e., the angle of the surface 356). Specifically, the surface 356 of the antenna section 351 changes its angle while moving in the direction of arrow 155 so that it always faces the product placement section 14.

[0064] Next, the configuration of the antenna 35 being moved by the antenna moving mechanism 30 and the radio waves being transmitted by the wireless tag 43 will be explained. Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of antenna 35 and antenna moving mechanism 30. (For example...) Figure 5 As shown, the wireless tag reader 10 includes an antenna moving mechanism 30 at its bottom below the bottom part 141. That is, the antenna moving mechanism 30 is located at the bottom of the goods 42 stored in the basket 20 placed on the goods placement part 14.

[0065] The antenna moving mechanism 30 includes a belt conveyor 151 consisting of a loop belt. The belt conveyor 151 is powered by an electric motor 167 (see reference 167). Figure 6 Reciprocating drive. A rod-shaped guide member 152 is vertically mounted on top of the belt conveyor 151. As the belt conveyor 151 rotates, the guide member 152 reciprocates together with the belt conveyor 151 in the direction of rotation of the belt conveyor 151 (direction of arrow 155).

[0066] The antenna moving mechanism 30 is a mechanism that converts the movement of the belt conveyor 151 moving along the bottom surface 141 into the movement of the antenna 35 relative to the bottom surface 141 in directions of approach and departure. Thus, the space at the bottom of the wireless tag reader 10 can be effectively utilized to implement the antenna moving mechanism 30.

[0067] The guide member 152 has an elongated hole 153. The elongated hole 153 is a longitudinal hole formed in the vertical setting direction of the guide member 152 (a direction approximately perpendicular to the moving direction of the guide member 152 (the direction of arrow 155)). The guide member 152 is a vertical stabilizing mechanism. Thus, the horizontal movement of the belt conveyor 151 can be stably converted into the vertical movement of the antenna.

[0068] Additionally, the guide portion 32 provided on the base portion 31 is an arc-shaped guide (guide for the antenna 35) formed between positions 171 and 172. The starting position 156 is located approximately midway between positions 171 and 172, at the center of the guide portion 32. The guide portion 32 has an arc-shaped track extending from position 171 through the starting position 156 to position 172. That is, the starting position 156 is located at the lowest position on the base portion 31, and positions 171 and 172 are located on the base portion 31 at positions higher than the starting position 156.

[0069] In addition, the base part 31, guide part 32, guide rail 33, elongated hole 153 (guide component 152), belt conveyor 151 and motor 167 constitute the antenna moving mechanism 30.

[0070] The antenna 35 has a generally cylindrical guide rod 355 on the base portion 353. The guide rod 355 is inserted into the elongated hole 153. The guide rod 355 is able to move freely in the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole 153 within the elongated hole 153.

[0071] Because the guide rod 355 is inserted into the elongated hole 153, it moves in the same direction as the guide member 152 moves. When the guide rod 355 moves, the antenna 35 moves along the guide portion 32.

[0072] With the guide member 152 in the starting position 156, the antenna 35 is also in the starting position 156. With the antenna 35 in the starting position 156, the antenna portion 351 (i.e., surface 356) faces directly upwards. That is, surface 356 faces the product 42.

[0073] The product display section 14 contains products 421 and 422 (collectively referred to as product 42), which are stored in the basket 20. A wireless tag 431 is affixed to product 421. A wireless tag 432 is affixed to product 422 (collectively referred to as wireless tag 43). In addition, a shielding material 41, such as a metal one, is located below product 422.

[0074] Antenna 35 transmits radio waves vertically from surface 356. Furthermore, antenna 35 transmits radio waves radially from surface 356. That is, antenna 35 transmits radio waves within the area indicated by arrow a. The transmitted radio waves reach wireless tag 431. Therefore, antenna 35 (more precisely, antenna section 351) receives the response radio waves transmitted from wireless tag 431. Antenna 35 is able to read information from wireless tag 431. However, because of the shield 41, the transmitted radio waves do not reach wireless tag 432. Therefore, wireless tag 432 does not transmit response radio waves. Consequently, antenna 35 cannot read information from wireless tag 432.

[0075] As the guide component 152 moves from the starting position 156 toward the arrow 157, the antenna 35 moves from the starting position 156 toward the arrow 157, guided by the guide rail 33 and the guide portion 32. At this time, because the antenna 35 moves upward along the concave arc-shaped guide portion 32 toward position 171, the antenna portion 351 gradually tilts to the left from directly above. After the antenna portion 351 gradually tilts from directly above, its surface 356 faces the direction of the wireless tag 43 attached to the product 42 stored in the basket 20 on the product placement section 14.

[0076] With the guide member 152 in position 171, the antenna 35 is also in position 171. With the antenna 35 in position 171, the antenna portion 351 (i.e., surface 356) is... Figure 5 The antenna 351 (i.e., surface 356) slopes downwards from right to left. In this state, the antenna 351 faces the goods 42 stored in the basket 20 placed in the goods placement section 14. In addition, in this state, the shielding 41 is not present between the antenna 35 and the wireless tag 432.

[0077] Antenna 35 transmits radio waves vertically from surface 356. Furthermore, antenna 35 transmits radio waves radially from surface 356. That is, antenna 35 transmits radio waves at position 171, within the area indicated by arrow b. The transmitted radio waves are delivered to wireless tag 431. Therefore, antenna 35 (more precisely, antenna section 351) receives the response radio waves transmitted from wireless tag 431. Antenna 35 is able to read information from wireless tag 431. Additionally, the transmitted radio waves are delivered to wireless tag 432. Therefore, antenna 35 (more precisely, antenna section 351) receives the response radio waves transmitted from wireless tag 432. Antenna 35 is able to read information from wireless tag 432.

[0078] As the guide member 152 moves from the starting position 156 toward the arrow 158, the antenna 35 moves from the starting position 156 toward the arrow 158 while being guided by the guide rail 33 and the guide portion 32. At this time, because the antenna 35 moves upward along the concave arc-shaped guide portion 32 toward the position 172, the antenna portion 351 slowly tilts to the right from directly above. As the antenna portion 351 slowly tilts from directly above, its surface 356 faces the direction of the goods 42 stored in the basket 20 placed in the goods placement portion 14.

[0079] When the guide member 152 is in position 172, the antenna 35 is also in position 172. When the antenna 35 is in position 172, the antenna portion 351 (i.e., surface 356) is... Figure 5The antenna 351 (i.e., surface 356) slopes downwards from left to right. In this state, the antenna 351 faces the goods 42 stored in the basket 20 of the goods placement section 14. Furthermore, in this state, the shielding 41 is not present between the antenna 35 and the wireless tag 432.

[0080] Antenna 35 transmits radio waves vertically from surface 356. Furthermore, antenna 35 transmits radio waves radially from surface 356. That is, antenna 35 transmits radio waves at position 172, within the area indicated by arrow c. The transmitted radio waves reach wireless tag 431. Therefore, antenna 35 (more precisely, antenna section 351) receives the response radio waves transmitted from wireless tag 431. Antenna 35 is able to read information from wireless tag 431. Additionally, the transmitted radio waves reach wireless tag 432. Therefore, antenna 35 (more precisely, antenna section 351) receives the response radio waves transmitted from wireless tag 432. Antenna 35 is able to read information from wireless tag 432.

[0081] Antenna 35 is located at the starting position 156, which serves as the initial position. In this state, when the wireless tag 43 is read, radio waves are transmitted from antenna 35. Furthermore, when the wireless tag 43 is read, the belt conveyor 151 rotates, and antenna 35 reciprocates within the range indicated by arrow 155. Specifically, when the belt conveyor 151 rotates, the guide member 152 moves towards position 171. Thus, antenna 35 moves from the starting position 156 towards position 171 in the direction of arrow 157 while transmitting radio waves. When antenna 35 reaches position 171, the belt conveyor 151 reverses direction. Then, the guide member 152 moves towards the starting position 156. Thus, antenna 35 moves from position 171 towards the starting position 156 in the direction of arrow 157 while transmitting radio waves.

[0082] After antenna 35 returns to the starting position 156, guide member 152 moves toward position 172. Thus, antenna 35 moves from the starting position 156 toward position 172 in the direction of arrow 158 while transmitting radio waves. When antenna 35 reaches position 172, belt conveyor 151 rotates clockwise. Then, guide member 152 moves toward the starting position 156. Thus, antenna 35 moves from position 172 toward the starting position 156 in the direction of arrow 158 while transmitting radio waves.

[0083] Thus, when antenna 35 moves from starting position 156 to position 171 while transmitting radio waves, the surface 356 of antenna 35 slowly tilts to the left as it moves, so that surface 356 faces the direction of the goods 42 stored in the basket 20 placed on the goods display section 14. Furthermore, when antenna 35 moves from starting position 156 to position 172 while transmitting radio waves, the surface 356 of antenna 35 slowly tilts to the right as it moves, so that surface 356 faces the direction of the goods 42 stored in the basket 20 placed on the goods display section 14.

[0084] Next, the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader 10 will be explained. Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader 10. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the wireless tag reader 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, and a memory unit 54. The CPU 51 is the control unit. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 displays programs or various data. The memory unit 54 stores various programs. The CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and memory unit 54 are connected to each other via a bus 55. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 constitute a control unit 500. That is, the control unit 500 performs operations according to the control program stored in the ROM 52 or memory unit 54 and displayed in the RAM 53 via the CPU 51, thereby executing the control processing of the wireless tag reader 10 described later.

[0085] RAM53 includes a product information unit 531. The product information unit 531 stores product information (product code, product name, and product price, etc.) of the product 42 that has undergone product registration processing.

[0086] The memory unit 54 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is cut off. It stores a control program unit 541 and a product master file 542. The control program unit 541 stores the control program for controlling the wireless tag reader 10. The product master file 542 stores product information of a specified product 42, corresponding to the product code of that product 42.

[0087] Furthermore, the control unit 500 is connected to the operation unit 165, display unit 161, settlement terminal 164, printer 166, code reader 163, and motor 167 via bus 55 and controller 56. The controller 56 receives instructions from the control unit 500 and controls the operation unit 165, display unit 161, settlement terminal 164, printer 166, and code reader 163. However, for ease of explanation, the control performed by the controller 56 will be described as the control performed by the control unit 500.

[0088] The operation unit 165 is, for example, a touch panel with a keyboard including a start button 1651, an end button 1652, and an confirmation button 1653, which is operated by the operator of the wireless tag reader 10. The start button 1651 is operated when starting to use the wireless tag reader 10. The end button 1652 is operated when making a checkout using the wireless tag reader 10. The confirmation button 1653 is operated after confirming that the display unit 161 shows the product information of all the products 42 stored in the basket 20.

[0089] Printer 166 issues a receipt containing product information and settlement information related to the settled goods 42. Code reading unit 163 is a camera or optical scanner that reads the code (e.g., a QR code) displayed on a portable terminal (not shown) when payment is made using application software. Payment terminal 164 is a terminal that operates when payment is made using, for example, a credit card or electronic money card. Motor 167 is an electric motor that reciprocates the belt conveyor 151.

[0090] Additionally, the control unit 500 is connected to the communication unit 57 via bus 55. The communication unit 57 is connected to a server or other wireless tag reader 10 (not shown) installed in the store via a communication line (not shown). The communication unit 57 receives and transmits information with the server or other wireless tag reader 10 via communication line L.

[0091] Next, the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 10 will be explained. Figure 7 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 10. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 500 of the wireless tag reader 10 is controlled by the control program of the control program unit 541 stored in the ROM 52 or the memory unit 54, and functions as the reading unit 501, the settlement unit 502, the moving unit 503 and the moving stop unit 504.

[0092] While moving the antenna 35, the reading unit 501 transmits radio waves from the antenna 35, which serve as the basis for the response wave from the wireless tag 43. Additionally, the reading unit 501 reads the radio waves transmitted in response to the wireless tag 43, and transmits information specifying the product 42 as the response wave. The wireless tag 43 is attached to the product 42 stored in the basket 20 placed on the product placement section 14.

[0093] The settlement unit 502 performs settlement processing based on the information of the product 42 read by the reading unit 501. Specifically, the settlement unit 502 performs settlement processing on the product 42 for which product registration processing has been performed based on the information of the product 42 read by the reading unit 501 and for which product information is stored in the product information unit 5531.

[0094] The moving part 503 drives the antenna moving mechanism 30 to move the antenna 35. Specifically, when the start button 1651 is operated (outputting a movement indication signal), the moving part 503 moves the antenna 35 via the antenna moving mechanism 30.

[0095] The movement stop unit 504 determines whether the movement of the moving antenna 35 should be stopped. Specifically, the movement stop unit 504 determines whether the movement of the moving antenna 35 can be stopped. If the antenna 35, which started moving from the starting position 156, has made a round trip via positions 171 and 172 and returned to the starting position 156, the movement stop unit 504 determines to stop the movement of the antenna 35 and stops it. If it is determined that the antenna 35, which started moving from the starting position 156, has not yet made a round trip, the movement stop unit 504 determines that the movement of the antenna 35 should not be stopped and does not stop it. In addition, if the confirmation key 1653 is operated during the movement of the antenna 35, the movement stop unit 504 determines to stop the movement of the antenna 35, returns it, and stops it at the starting position 156.

[0096] Next, the control of the wireless tag reader 10 will be explained. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processing of the wireless tag reader 10. For example... Figure 8As shown, the control unit 500 of the wireless tag reader 10 determines whether the start key 1651 corresponding to the start key image displayed on the display unit 161 has been operated (S11). Before operation, it remains in standby mode (S11: No). If it determines that the start key 1651 has been operated (S11: Yes), the movement unit 503 rotates the belt conveyor 151 and begins to move the antenna 35 from the starting position 156 to the position 171 (S12). Furthermore, the reading unit 501 begins to transmit radio waves to the wireless tag 43 based on the antenna 35 (S12). Additionally, the reading unit 501 begins to receive radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag 43 based on the antenna 35 (S12). The reading unit 501 reads the received radio waves, reads the obtained product information (product code, product name, and product price, etc., specifying product 42) from the product master file 542, and stores it in the product information unit 531. The moving part 503 causes the antenna 35 to move a maximum distance from the starting position 156 to the position 171, then from the position 171 to the position 172, and then from the position 172 back to the starting position 156.

[0097] Next, the movement stop unit 504 determines whether the antenna 35 has moved one round trip (S13). If it is determined that it has not moved one round trip (No in S13), the movement stop unit 504 determines whether the confirmation key 1653 has been operated (S14). If it is determined that it has moved one round trip (Yes in S13), or if it is determined that the confirmation key 1653 has been operated (Yes in S14), the movement stop unit 504 stops the rotation of the belt conveyor 151 and stops the movement of the antenna 35 (S15).

[0098] Next, the control unit 500 determines whether the end key 1652 has been operated (S16). It remains in standby mode until operated (S16: No). If it determines that the end key 1652 has been operated (S16: Yes), the settlement unit 502 performs settlement processing based on the product information stored in the product information unit 531 (S17). Afterwards, the control unit 500 ends the processing and returns to S11.

[0099] Furthermore, in S14, if it is determined that there is no operation confirmation key 1653 (No in S14), the control unit 500 returns to S12 and continues to move the antenna 35, transmit radio waves from the antenna 35, and receive radio waves from the wireless tag 43.

[0100] The wireless tag reading device 10 of such an embodiment includes: a product placement unit 14 for placing a product 42; an antenna 35 disposed near the product placement unit 14 and transmitting radio waves to a wireless tag 43 attached to the product 42; and an antenna moving mechanism 30 that moves the antenna 35 relative to the wireless tag 43 in a concave curve trajectory while changing the angle of the antenna 35 so that the surface 356 of the antenna 35 transmitting radio waves faces the direction of the wireless tag 43 attached to the product 42 placed in the product placement unit 14.

[0101] In this wireless tag reader 10, the antenna 35 moves while transmitting radio waves from the surface 356 to the wireless tag 43, and the surface 356 is always facing the wireless tag 43. Therefore, the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 35 can be easily delivered to the wireless tag 43.

[0102] So far, while embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described, 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, these embodiments and their variations are all included within the scope of the invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0103] For example, in one embodiment, the basket 20 for storing goods 42 is placed on the goods placement section 14. However, it is not limited to this, and the goods 42 may also be placed directly on the goods placement section 14. That is, the basket 20 is not necessary.

[0104] In addition, in this embodiment, the antenna 35 is moved and its angle is changed so that the surface 356 always faces the wireless tag 43. Thus, even if the shield 41 is present between them, the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 35 can be easily delivered to the wireless tag 43. However, it is not limited to this; even if the shield 41 is not present between them, the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 35 can still be easily delivered to the wireless tag 43.

[0105] In this embodiment, the antenna moving mechanism 30 is disposed below the bottom portion 141 of the product mounting portion 14. However, it is not limited to this, and the antenna moving mechanism 30 may also be disposed on, for example, the side portion of the product mounting portion 14.

[0106] Additionally, in this embodiment, the antenna 35 is configured to move between positions 171 and 172, centered at the initial position 156. However, it is not limited to this; for example, the antenna 35 may also be moved around the perimeter of the wireless tag 43.

[0107] Additionally, in this embodiment, the antenna 35 is configured to move along an arc-shaped trajectory between positions 171 and 172, centered on the starting position 156. However, this is not a limitation. The key point is that as long as the antenna 35 moves with its angle changing such that its surface 356 always faces the wireless tag 43 during the movement from the starting position 156 to position 171, from position 171 to position 172, or from position 172 back to the starting position 156, it can be moved along an elliptical (elliptical arc) trajectory. When the antenna 35 moves along an elliptical trajectory, initially, the angle of the antenna 35 remains almost constant as it moves from the starting position 156 to position 171, but changes rapidly as it approaches position 171. The same applies when the antenna 35 moves from the starting position 156 to position 172.

[0108] In this embodiment, a POS terminal that performs product registration or settlement processing is described as the wireless tag reader 10. However, it is not limited to this; the wireless tag reader 10 may also be a device that does not have the function of performing product registration or settlement processing.

[0109] Furthermore, the program executed by the wireless tag reader 10 in the embodiment is stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as CD-ROM, floppy disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and provided as an installable or executable file.

[0110] Alternatively, the program executed by the wireless tag reader 10 in this embodiment can be provided by downloading it from a computer connected to a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the program executed by the wireless tag reader 10 in this embodiment can be provided or published via a network such as the Internet.

[0111] Alternatively, the program executed by the wireless tag reader 10 in the embodiment can be pre-stored in a ROM or the like and provided.

Claims

1. A wireless tag reading device, characterized in that, include: The goods placement section holds the goods. An antenna is positioned near the product carrier and transmits radio waves toward the wireless tag attached to the product. as well as An antenna moving mechanism causes the antenna to move along a concave curved trajectory, wherein, The antenna moving mechanism includes: The guide portion, which is formed in the concave curve in the direction toward the product placement portion; and Guide rails are formed on the guide portion. The antenna has rollers. The antenna rotates by engaging the roller with the guide rail, and moves along the guide portion in a concave curve trajectory.

2. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein, The concave curve is an arc, and the antenna moving mechanism moves the antenna surface relative to the wireless tag in a concave arc-shaped trajectory as the antenna moves within its movable range.

3. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein, The concave curve is an elliptical arc, and the antenna moving mechanism, within the movable range of the antenna from near the center to near both ends, causes the angle of the antenna surface relative to the wireless tag to change rapidly as the antenna moves.

4. The wireless tag reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The antenna and the antenna moving mechanism are located below the product placement section.

5. The wireless tag reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Also includes: The control unit drives the antenna moving mechanism when the antenna movement indication signal has been output.

6. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 4, wherein, Also includes: The control unit drives the antenna moving mechanism when the antenna movement indication signal has been output.

7. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 4, wherein, The antenna moving mechanism has a belt conveyor that moves along the bottom surface of the product placement section below the bottom surface, and the antenna moves closer to and further away from the bottom surface in a concave curve according to the movement of the belt conveyor.

8. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 7, wherein, The antenna moving mechanism also includes a vertical stabilizing mechanism, which stabilizes the vertical movement of the antenna in accordance with the movement of the belt conveyor.

9. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 4, wherein, The center of the guide section is the starting position of the antenna moving mechanism.

10. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 4, wherein, The antenna moving mechanism allows the antenna to move within the width range of the bottom surface through-member disposed on the bottom surface of the product carrier.

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