Weighed data processing system

Abstract

To improve weighing and selling of a commodity.SOLUTION: Provided is a commodity sales data processing system including a plurality of detection devices and an information processing device. The detection devices each include detection means for detecting a fact that an article is taken out of a container, and output means for, when the fact that the article is taken out of the container is detected by the detection means, outputting article specifying information for specifying the article taken out of the container. The information processing device includes specifying means for specifying the article taken out of the container based on the article specifying information output by the output means, and display means for displaying, on a screen, an operator for designating an individual article specified by the specifying means. The display means deletes the operator from the screen based on a lapse of time, and when a predetermined operation is performed, displays the operator deleted from the screen again on the screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a system is known that weighs and sells products (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-163995 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in sales in a metered sales system such as that shown in Patent Document 1.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology for improving the measurement and sale of products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a product sales data processing system which is one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing system comprising a plurality of detection devices and an information processing device, wherein the detection devices comprise a detection means for detecting that an item has been removed from a container, and an output means for outputting item identification information for identifying the item removed from the container when the detection means detects that an item has been removed from the container, and the information processing device comprises an identification means for identifying the item removed from the container based on the item identification information output by the output means, and a display means for displaying on a screen an operator for designating each item identified by the identification means, and wherein the display means erases the operator from the screen based on the passage of time, and when a predetermined operation is performed, re-displays on the screen the operator that was erased from the screen. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an example of a network configuration of a sales processing system 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining detection of tilt by a detection device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining detection of tilt by a detection device. [Figure 4] 2 is an example of a configuration of a detection device. [Diagram 5] 1 is an example of a function of a detection device. [Figure 6] 1 is an example of the appearance of a weighing device. [Figure 7] 2 is an example of the configuration of a weighing device. [Figure 8] 13 is an example of a display of a weighing device. [Figure 9] 11 is an example of various information. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the weighing device 20. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the weighing device 20. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the weighing device 20. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating control of a product button. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating control of a product button. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating control of a product button. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating control of a product button. [Figure 17] 13 is an example of a display of a weighing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] (First embodiment) 1 shows an example of a network configuration of a sales processing system 1 according to a first embodiment (the same applies to other embodiments) of the present invention. The sales processing system 1 is installed in a store (such as a supermarket) that handles products that are sold by measuring their weight.

[0009] The sales processing system 1 includes a plurality of detection devices 10 and a weighing device 20. Each of the detection devices 10 and the weighing device 20 are connected to be able to communicate with each other. In this example, in consideration of the appearance when installed, an example is described in which the detection devices 10 and the weighing devices 20 are connected wirelessly (for example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.), but they may also be connected to be able to communicate with each other via a wire.

[0010] The detection device 10 is a device capable of detecting tilt (rotation). The detection device 10 is installed in a container (called a "display container") that contains products that are sold by weighing (sometimes called simply "products", or "products sold by weight", "products sold individually", "products priced by weight", or "products sold by weight"), and detects tilting (rotation) of the display container. Examples of products are nuts, chocolate, and dried fruit. The weighing device 20 is a device that weighs and prices products.

[0011] 2 and 3 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the detection of tilt by the detection device 10. FIG. 2 shows the detection device 10 installed in a display container 300. The display container 300 is a display container that stores product S. The display container 300 has a top lid 310. FIG. 2(A) shows a state in which the top lid 310 is not lifted (a state in which product S cannot be removed; closed state). FIG. 2(B) shows a state in which the top lid 310 is lifted (a state in which product S can be removed; open state).

[0012] The detection device 10 is installed on the top cover part 310. When the top cover part 310 is lifted, the detection device 10 detects the tilting motion (rotation angle) of the top cover part 310. For example, the detection device 10 detects the tilting motion from a state in which the top cover part 310 is not lifted.

[0013] Fig. 3 shows the detection device 10 installed in a display container 400. The display container 400 is a display container that stores a product S. The display container 400 has a push-down portion 410. Fig. 3(A) shows a state in which the push-down portion 410 is not pushed down (a state in which the product S is not released from the release portion 420; closed state). Fig. 3(B) shows a state in which the push-down portion 410 is pushed down (a state in which the product S is released from the release portion 420; open state).

[0014] The detection device 10 is installed in the push-down portion 410. When the push-down portion 410 is pushed down, the detection device 10 detects the tilting motion (rotation angle) of the push-down portion 410. For example, the detection device 10 detects the tilting motion of the push-down portion 410 from a state in which it is not pushed down.

[0015] 4 shows an example of the configuration of the detection device 10. The detection device 10 includes an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 11, a tilt detection unit 12, and a communication unit 13, as shown in FIG.

[0016] The MCU 11 is a microprocessor that controls the detection device 10. The MCU 11 is equipped with a storage unit (memory) and the like in addition to a processing unit. The MCU 11 reads and executes a program (a program for controlling the detection device 10) stored therein to control the operation of the detection device 10. The tilt detection unit 12 is a tilt sensor that detects the tilt (rotation) of the detection device 10. For example, when the detection device 10 is tilted (rotated) in a certain direction, the tilt detection unit 12 detects the tilt angle (rotation angle) of the tilt operation (rotation operation). The communication unit 13 transmits and receives information to and from other devices wirelessly (for example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.).

[0017] Fig. 5 shows an example of the function of the detection device 10. In Fig. 5, the same parts as in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 5, the MCU 11 of the detection device 10 functions as a memory unit 100 and a determination unit 102. The memory unit 100 stores an angle (determination angle) for determining whether the display container in which the detection device 10 is installed is in an open state or not. The determination angle is a value (angle) according to the type of display container in which the detection device 10 is installed. The memory unit 100 also stores product identification information (product number) that identifies the product contained in the container in which the detection device 10 is installed. The information in the memory unit 100 may be rewritable.

[0019] The tilt detector 12 detects the tilt (rotation) of the detector 10, and outputs information indicating the tilt angle (rotation angle) to the determiner .

[0020] The determination unit 102 determines whether the display container in which the detection device 10 is installed is in an open state. Specifically, when the tilt angle input from the tilt detection unit 12 is equal to or greater than the determination angle stored in the memory unit 100, the determination unit 102 determines that the display container in which the detection device 10 is installed is in an open state. When the determination unit 102 determines that the display container in which the detection device 10 is installed is in an open state (i.e., when the tilt angle input from the tilt detection unit 12 is equal to or greater than the determination angle stored in the memory unit 100), the determination unit 102 notifies the communication unit 13 of the product number stored in the memory unit 100 and controls the communication unit 13 to transmit the product number to the weighing device 20.

[0021] The communication unit 13 transmits the product number to the weighing device 20 under the control of the determination unit 102. In other words, when the detection device 10 detects that the display container in which the detection device 10 is installed is in an open state, the detection device 10 transmits the product number of the product contained in the display container to the weighing device 20.

[0022] The detection device 10 may have an operation unit (such as a button). When the operation unit is operated, the detection device 10 may transmit the product number of the product contained in the display container to the weighing device 20, in the same manner as when the detection device 10 detects that the display container is in an open state.

[0023] Although the detection device 10 is configured to include the MCU 11 in the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the detection device 10 may be configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM, and a RAM instead of the MCU 11.

[0024] Fig. 6 shows an example of the appearance of the weighing device 20. Fig. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the weighing device 20. In Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0025] The weighing device 20 includes a CPU 21 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a scanner unit 24, a weighing unit 25, a touch display 26, a voice output unit 27, a printing unit 28, and a communication unit 29.

[0026] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the weighing device 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 22. For example, the CPU 21 identifies a product taken out of a display container based on the product number transmitted from the detection device 10. The CPU 21 also controls the display of product buttons (described later) on the touch display 26.

[0027] The ROM 22 is a read-only memory, and stores various information used by the CPU 21, including programs, for example.

[0028] The RAM 23 is a read / write memory, and stores various information such as information read from the ROM 22 and information acquired via the communication unit 29. Details will be described later.

[0029] The scanner unit 24 optically reads various types of information. For example, the scanner unit 24 reads various codes (bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc.).

[0030] The weighing unit 25 weighs an item (such as a product or a container) placed on the platform 25a, for example, by a weight detection method using a load cell.

[0031] The touch display 26 displays various information to the operator, and also has a touch panel and functions as an operation unit.

[0032] The audio output unit 27 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 27 outputs audio guidance and the like.

[0033] The printing unit 28 is a printer device that prints and issues media. For example, the printing unit 28 prints product labels (sometimes called "price labels") after weighing and pricing products, and issues (discharges) the labels from the label discharge port 28a.

[0034] On the product label, for example, the date and time, the name of the product (product name), the weight of the product (net weight), the price per unit weight of the product, and the selling price are printed. The weighing device 20 (for example, the printing unit 28) may have a function to detect when the discharged product label is removed from the label discharge port 28a.

[0035] The communication unit 29 transmits and receives information to and from other devices wirelessly (for example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.). For example, the communication unit 29 receives the product number transmitted from the detection device 10.

[0036] Although not shown, the weighing device 20 also includes a timer (timekeeping function). The timer allows the weighing device 20 to manage the current time, the remaining time until a certain time, and the elapsed time from a certain state.

[0037] The weighing device 20 may also include a wireless tag reader / writer capable of reading and writing non-contact IC tags. The wireless tag reader / writer reads information stored in a memory unit of a non-contact IC tag by short-distance wireless communication using an electromagnetic field, radio waves, or the like, and writes information to the memory unit of the non-contact IC tag. An example of a non-contact IC tag is an RFID (radio frequency identifier) ​​tag. The type of non-contact IC tag may be any of a passive tag, an active tag, and a semi-active tag (activated active tag) that combines both. In the following description, a non-contact IC tag may be referred to as a wireless tag, a wireless IC tag, or the like.

[0038] The weighing device 20 may also include a detection unit (human sensor) capable of detecting the presence of a person in the vicinity (mainly in front) of the weighing device 20. The weighing device 20 may also include one or more imaging units (cameras). For example, the weighing device 20 may include an imaging unit that images an operator of the weighing device 20, or an imaging unit that images an object placed on the platform 25a. The weighing device 20 may also include an alarm unit (sign pole) having a light-emitting unit. The weighing device 20 may also include a key operation unit consisting of one or more mechanical keys (hard buttons).

[0039] In addition, in FIG. 7, the weighing device 20 is described as including the CPU 21, the ROM 22, and the RAM 23, but the weighing device 20 may be configured to include an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) instead.

[0040] Fig. 8 shows an example of the display of the weighing device 20. Fig. 8(A) is an example of an initial screen (start screen). When the weighing device 20 is in standby mode (standby state, waiting for a customer), it displays, for example, an initial screen as shown in Fig. 8(A). The initial screen shown in Fig. 8(A) has a numerical value display area 200 and a weighing guide display area 210.

[0041] The numerical value display area 200 is an area for displaying weight and price. The numerical value display area 200 is provided with a container weight display field 201, a net weight / measurement value display field 202, a unit price display field 203, and a selling price display field 204. The container weight display field 201 is an area for displaying the weight of the container. The net weight / measurement value display field 202 is an area for displaying the weight of the container and the product, or the weight of the product (net weight). The unit price display field 203 is an area for displaying the unit price by weight of the product. The selling price display field 204 is an area for displaying the selling price (including the price of the container if a charge is required for the container).

[0042] The measurement guidance display area 210 is an area that provides guidance on measuring the product. In the measurement guidance display area 210, a message to place the product on the platform 25a ("Place the product and start") and an image showing the state of placing the product on the platform 25a are displayed.

[0043] Fig. 8(B) is an example of a product selection screen (product designation screen) for selecting (designating) a product. When a product is placed on the platform 25a while the initial screen is being displayed, the weighing device 20 displays the product selection screen as shown in Fig. 8(B). The product selection screen shown in Fig. 8(B) includes a numeric display area 200, a first product selection area 220, and a second product selection area 230.

[0044] The first product selection area 220 is an area where a product is selected by operating a product button (a button corresponding to each product). The first product selection area 220 is provided with a product button display area 221. The product button display area 221 is an area where product buttons are displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 8(B), the product button display area 221 displays a product button corresponding to raw cashew nuts, a product button corresponding to mixed nuts, and a product button corresponding to almonds. The first product selection area 220 also has a redisplay button 222. The redisplay button 222 is a button for redisplaying the product buttons on the product selection screen. The redisplay button 222 is displayed when there is a product button to be redisplayed (when a redisplay control timer value is stored in the product button redisplay control file). The product button redisplay control file and the redisplay control timer value will be described later.

[0045] In addition, when there are many product buttons and all the product buttons cannot be displayed at once (on one page) in the product button display area 221, the weighing device 20 displays all the product buttons divided into multiple pages. When displaying all the product buttons divided into multiple pages, a page switching operation member (e.g., a scroll bar, button) for switching the display to the next page or the previous page may be disposed in the first product selection area 220 (e.g., below the product button display area 221). In the example shown in FIG. 8(B), since the number of product buttons is not large and all the product buttons can be displayed at once in the product button display area 221, the weighing device 20 displays the page switching operation member in an inoperable state (indicated by a dashed line in the figure). In the case where there are not many product buttons and all the product buttons can be displayed at once in the product button display area 221, the weighing device 20 may hide the page switching operation member.

[0046] When there are a large number of product buttons, the weighing device 20 may reduce the number of pages by making the display size of the product buttons smaller than the normal size, or may display them all at once.

[0047] The second product selection area 230 is an area where a product number is input (by operating the numeric buttons) to select a product. The second product selection area 230 is provided with a product number display area 231. The product number display area 231 is an area where the product number input by the numeric buttons (described below) is displayed. Additionally, the product number display area 231 has numeric buttons 0 to 9, a clear button, and a confirm button arranged therein.

[0048] In addition, the net weight / measurement value display field 202 in the numerical value display area 200 of the product selection screen shown in FIG. 8(B) displays the measurement value, ie, the weight of the tare (free paper bag) and the weight of the product, "164 (g)".

[0049] Fig. 8(C) is an example of a label printing instruction screen that instructs printing and issuing of a product label. When a product is selected on the product selection screen, the weighing device 20 displays the label printing instruction screen as shown in Fig. 8(C). The label printing instruction screen shown in Fig. 8(C) has a numerical value display area 200 and a print guide display area 240.

[0050] The print guide display area 240 is an area that provides guidance on printing and issuing a product label. A print button 241 that instructs printing and issuing a product label is arranged in the print guide display area 240. Also, the print guide display area 240 displays an icon 242 of the product selected on the product selection screen.

[0051] The weight of the tare (free paper bag) "10 (g)" is displayed in the tare weight display field 201 of the numerical value display area 200 of the label issuance instruction screen shown in FIG. 8(C). The weight (net weight) of the product (mixed nuts) "154 (g)" is displayed in the net weight / measurement value display field 202. The unit price display field 203 displays the unit price by weight of the product "400 (yen / g)". The selling price display field 204 displays the selling price "616 (yen)". The same is true for the label issuance completion screen shown in FIG. 8(D).

[0052] FIG. 8(D) is an example of a label issuance completion screen notifying completion of issuance of a product label. When an instruction to print and issue a product label is given on the label issuance instruction screen, the weighing device 20 starts printing and issuing the product label. When printing and issuing of the product label is completed, the weighing device 20 displays a label issuance completion screen as shown in FIG. 8(D). Note that when an instruction to print and issue a product label is given on the label issuance instruction screen, the weighing device 20 may display the label issuance completion screen before printing and issuing of the product label is completed. The label issuance completion screen shown in FIG. 8(D) is provided with a numerical value display area 200 and an attachment guide display area 250.

[0053] The label application guide display area 250 is an area that provides guidance on how to apply a product label to a container. An image showing how to apply a product label to a container is displayed in the label application guide display area 250.

[0054] The weighing device 20 refers to the product file (see FIG. 9(A)) and acquires the weight unit price of the product selected on the product selection screen. The weighing device 20 displays the weight unit price of the product acquired from the product file on the label issuance instruction screen.

[0055] Furthermore, the weighing device 20 displays the weight of the container, for example, as follows: (1) In an operation using one type of container (the same applies to an operation using multiple types of containers with the same weight), the weight of the container is displayed by referring to the weight information of the container. The weight information of the container is stored, for example, in RAM 23. Since there is only one type of container weight, weighing device 20 can display the weight of the container at any time. (2) In an operation using multiple types of containers with different weights, the weight of the container selected by the operator is displayed. Specifically, for example, weight information for each type of container is stored (for example, stored in RAM 23). The weighing device 20 displays an option (such as a selection button) for selecting the type of container, and displays the weight of the container selected by the operator by referring to the weight information of the container selected by the operator. Since there are two or more types of container weights, the weighing device 20 is capable of displaying the weight of the container after the operator's selection. Note that the timing at which the operator selects the container may be before or after selecting the product. (3) In an operation using a plurality of types of containers with different weights, a code (barcode, two-dimensional code) encoding the weight information of the container may be attached to the container, and the weighing device 20 may display the weight of the container by reading the code with the scanner unit 24. Alternatively, a wireless tag storing the weight information of the container may be attached to the container, and the weighing device 20 may display the weight of the container by reading the weight information of the wireless tag with the wireless tag reading unit. Note that, for example, before an operator places a container (a container containing a product) on the platform 25a, the scanner unit 24 or the wireless tag reading unit may read the code or wireless tag attached to the container, or the scanner unit 24 or the wireless tag reading unit may automatically read the code or wireless tag attached to the container when the container is placed on the platform 25a.

[0056] Note that while the above (1) to (3) have been explained regarding the weight of the container, the same applies to the selling price of the container. For example, in an operation in which multiple containers with different selling prices are used, the weighing device 20 may display the selling price of the container selected by the operator, or may display the selling price of the container read from the code or wireless tag.

[0057] FIG. 9 shows an example of various information. FIG. 9(A) shows an example of a product file (also called a product master). As shown in FIG. 9(A), the product file stores the product name and the price by weight in association with the product number. The product file is stored, for example, in RAM 23. The weighing device 20 may receive a product file from another device (for example, a management device (not shown) installed in the store, a headquarters server (not shown) installed in the headquarters, or a cloud server (not shown) on the Internet) and store it in RAM 23. The same applies to other files described below.

[0058] FIG. 9(B) is an example of a product button file. As shown in FIG. 9(B), the product button file stores product buttons in association with product numbers. Specifically, the product button file stores image data of product buttons in association with product numbers. The product button file may store the image name (data name, file name) of the image data of the product button instead of or in addition to the image data of the product button. The product button file may store the storage location of the image data of the product button instead of or in addition to the above. In other words, the product button file may be one that enables the weighing device 20 to identify which product button corresponds to each product (product number).

[0059] Fig. 9(C) is an example of a product button display control file. As shown in Fig. 9(C), the product button display control file stores a display control timer value in association with a product number. The product number stored in the product button display control file is the product number of the product to be displayed when the product button is displayed. The display control timer value stored in the product button display control file is the effective period (e.g., number of seconds) as a display target. The display control timer value is updated (counted down) after an initial value is set.

[0060] According to the product button display control file shown in Fig. 9(C), the product buttons to be displayed are the product button (GA04) of the product number "S04" (raw cashew nuts), the product button (GA01) of the product number "S01" (mixed nuts), and the product button (GA02) of the product number "S02" (almonds). According to the product button display control file shown in Fig. 9(C), the effective period as a display target for the product button (GA04) of the product number "S04" (raw cashew nuts) is 102 seconds remaining, the effective period as a display target for the product button (GA01) of the product number "S01" (mixed nuts) is 162 seconds remaining, and the effective period as a display target for the product button (GA02) of the product number "S02" (almonds) is 285 seconds remaining. Details will be described later.

[0061] Fig. 9(D) is an example of a product button redisplay control file. As shown in Fig. 9(D), the product button redisplay control file stores a redisplay control timer value in association with the product number. The product number stored in the product button redisplay control file is the product number of the product to be redisplayed when the product button is redisplayed. The redisplay control timer value stored in the product button redisplay control file is the effective period (e.g., number of seconds) for the product to be redisplayed. The redisplay control timer value is updated (counted down) after an initial value is set.

[0062] According to the product button redisplay control file shown in Fig. 9(D), the product buttons to be redisplayed are the product button (GA09) for product number "S09" (cocoa sea salt) and the product button (GA11) for product number "S11" (dried mango). According to the product button redisplay control file shown in Fig. 9(D), the valid period remaining for the product button (GA09) for product number "S09" (cocoa sea salt) as a redisplay target is 44 seconds, and the valid period remaining for the product button (GA11) for product number "S11" (dried mango) as a redisplay target is 105 seconds. Details will be described later.

[0063] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the weighing device 20. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 10 shows the basic operation of the weighing device 20 from placement to printing and issuing of product labels. It is assumed that at the start of the flowchart in Fig. 10, the weighing device 20 is displaying the initial screen (Fig. 8(A)).

[0064] (Flowchart in Figure 10) Step S1: The weighing device 20 judges whether or not an object has been placed (whether or not weight has been detected). If an object has been placed (step S1: YES), the process proceeds to step S2. If an object has not been placed (step S1: NO), the process returns to step S1 (i.e., waits until an object is placed).

[0065] Step S2: The weighing device 20 displays a product selection screen instead of the initial screen, and then proceeds to step S3.

[0066] In the process of step S2, the weighing device 20 refers to the product button display control file and the product button file, and controls the display of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221). This will be explained in detail below.

[0067] First, the weighing device 20 refers to the product button display control file to determine the product for which the product button is to be displayed in the product button display area 221. More specifically, the weighing device 20 determines the product for which the display control timer value is stored in the product button display control file as the product for which the product button is to be displayed in the product button display area 221. The product button display control file shown in FIG. 9(C) stores the display control timer value of raw cashew nuts with product number "S04", the display control timer value of mixed nuts with product number "S01", and the display control timer value of almonds with product number "S02". Therefore, when the weighing device 20 refers to the product button display control file shown in FIG. 9(C), it determines the raw cashew nuts with product number "S04", the mixed nuts with product number "S01", and the almonds with product number "S02" as the products for which the product buttons are to be displayed in the product button display area 221.

[0068] Next, the weighing device 20 refers to the product button file to identify the product button of the product determined as described above. Then, the weighing device 20 displays the identified product button in the product button display area 221.

[0069] Therefore, when the weighing device 20 refers to the product button display control file shown in Fig. 9(C), it displays a product selection screen as shown in Fig. 8(B). The product selection screen shown in Fig. 8(B) displays product buttons corresponding to raw cashew nuts with product number "S04", mixed nuts with product number "S01", and almonds with product number "S02". Note that when the display control timer value is not stored in the product button display control file, the weighing device 20 does not display product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221).

[0070] Step S3: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not a product has been selected. If a product has been selected (Step S3: YES), the process proceeds to Step S7. If a product has not been selected (Step S3: NO), the process proceeds to Step S4.

[0071] Step S4: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not an instruction to redisplay the product buttons has been given. If the redisplay button 222 has been operated, the weighing device 20 determines that an instruction to redisplay the product buttons has been given. If an instruction to redisplay the product buttons has been given (Step S4: YES), the process proceeds to Step S5. If an instruction to redisplay the product buttons has not been given (Step S4: NO), the process proceeds to Step S6.

[0072] Step S5: The weighing device 20 controls redisplay of the product buttons on the currently displayed product selection screen, and then proceeds to step S6.

[0073] In the process of step S5, the weighing device 20 refers to the product button redisplay control file and the product button file, and controls the redisplay of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221). This will be explained in detail below.

[0074] First, the weighing device 20 refers to the product button redisplay control file to determine the product whose product button is to be redisplayed in the product button display area 221. More specifically, the weighing device 20 determines the product whose redisplay control timer value is stored in the product button redisplay control file as the product whose product button is to be redisplayed in the product button display area 221. The product button redisplay control file shown in FIG. 9(D) stores the redisplay control timer value of cacao sea salt with product number "S09" and the redisplay control timer value of dried mango with product number "S11". Therefore, when the weighing device 20 refers to the product button redisplay control file shown in FIG. 9(D), it determines the cacao sea salt with product number "S09" and the dried mango with product number "S11" as the products whose product buttons are to be redisplayed in the product button display area 221.

[0075] Next, the weighing device 20 identifies the product button of the product determined as described above by referring to the product button file. Then, the weighing device 20 redisplays the identified product button in the product button display area 221. Note that if the redisplay control timer value is not stored in the product button redisplay control file, the weighing device 20 does not redisplay the product button on the product selection screen (product button display area 221).

[0076] If a command to redisplay is given while product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen (product button display area 221), the weighing device 20 does not erase the product buttons displayed at the time of the command to redisplay, but redisplays (additionally displays) the product buttons based on the command to redisplay. In other words, the product buttons displayed on the product selection screen (product button display area 221) after the command to redisplay are the product buttons for products whose display control timer values ​​are stored in the product button display control file at the time of the command to redisplay, and the product buttons for products whose redisplay control timer values ​​are stored in the product button redisplay control file.

[0077] Step S6: The weighing device 20 controls the display of product buttons on the displayed product selection screen. Then, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0078] In the process of step S6, similar to the process of step S2, the weighing device 20 refers to a product button display control file, etc., and controls the display of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221). Then, the process returns to step S3. Note that since the process of step S5 includes the process of step S6, the process may proceed to step S7 following step S5.

[0079] Step S7: The weighing device 20 displays a label production instruction screen instead of the product selection screen, and then proceeds to step S8.

[0080] Step S8: If a timer exists, the weighing device 20 stops the timer. If a timer exists, the weighing device 20 operates (counts down) the timer except for the timer stop period (after execution of this step S8 to before execution of step S13). Then, proceed to step S9.

[0081] Step S9: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not an instruction to print and issue a label has been given. If the print button 241 has been operated, the weighing device 20 determines that an instruction to print and issue a label has been given. If an instruction to print and issue a label has been given (step S9: YES), the weighing device 20 proceeds to step S10. If an instruction to print and issue a label has not been given (step S9: NO), the weighing device 20 returns to step S9 (i.e., waits until an instruction is given).

[0082] Step S10: The weighing device 20 displays a label issuance completion screen instead of the label issuance instruction screen. Then, proceed to step S11. Note that the weighing device 20 prints and issues a product label before (or after) displaying the label issuance instruction screen.

[0083] Step S11: The weighing device 20 judges whether or not the product label has been removed. If the label has been removed (Step S11: YES), the process proceeds to Step S12. If the label has not been removed (Step S11: NO), the process returns to Step S11 (i.e., waits until the label is removed).

[0084] Step S12: The weighing device 20 displays the initial screen instead of the label issuance completion screen, and then proceeds to step S13.

[0085] Step S13: If a timer exists, the weighing device 20 releases the timer from stopping. As described above, if a timer exists, the weighing device 20 operates (counts down) the timer except for the timer stop period (after execution of step S8 to before execution of this step S13). Then, this flow chart ends.

[0086] 11 and 12 are flow charts showing an example of the operation of the weighing device 20. The weighing device 20 executes other operations in addition to the operation shown in FIG. 10. For example, the weighing device 20 executes the operations of the respective flow charts of FIG. 11(A), FIG. 11(B), FIG. 12(A) and FIG. 12(B) in addition to the operation of the flow chart of FIG. 10. For example, the weighing device 20 executes the process of the flow chart of FIG. 10, the process of the flow chart of FIG. 11(A), the process of the flow chart of FIG. 11(B), the process of the flow chart of FIG. 12(A) and the process of the flow chart of FIG. 12(B) in parallel. For example, the weighing device 20 may realize each of the above processes by timer interrupt (multitasking).

[0087] (Flowchart of FIG. 11(A)) The flow chart in FIG. 11(A) shows the operation of the display control timer when a product number is received.

[0088] Step S20: The weighing device 20 judges whether or not the product number transmitted from the detection device 10 has been received. If the product number has been received (Step S20: YES), the process proceeds to Step S21. If the product number has not been received (Step S20: NO), the process ends.

[0089] Step S21: The weighing device 20 sets the display control timer for the product number. If the display control timer for the product number has already been set (if it is being set), the weighing device 20 resets it. The timer value to be set (or reset) is 600 seconds. Then, this flowchart ends.

[0090] In the process of step S21, for example, the weighing device 20 may operate as follows. The weighing device 20 refers to the product button display control file. If the display control timer value for the product number is not stored in the product button display control file, the weighing device 20 stores the product number and the display control timer value (600 seconds) in the product button display control file. If the display control timer value for the product number has already been stored in the product button display control file, the weighing device 20 updates (resets) the display control timer value (a timer value that is often less than 600 seconds) to 600 seconds.

[0091] (Flowchart of FIG. 11(B)) The flowchart in FIG. 11(B) shows the operations related to the display control timer and the re-display control timer during the operation period of the timers.

[0092] Step S30: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not the timer is in operation. The weighing device 20 determines that the timer is in operation during any period other than the timer stop period (the period from execution of step S8 to execution of step S13 in FIG. 10, i.e., the period from selection of a product to display of the initial screen). If the timer is in operation (step S30: YES), proceed to step S31. If the timer is not in operation (step S30: NO), this flowchart ends.

[0093] Step S31: The weighing device 20 judges whether or not at least one display control timer is set. In other words, the weighing device 20 judges whether or not at least one display control timer value is stored in the product button display control file. If it is set (step S31: YES), proceed to step S32. If it is not set (step S31: NO), proceed to step S35.

[0094] Step S32: The weighing device 20 counts down the values ​​of all the display control timers in the set (display control timer values), and then proceeds to step S33.

[0095] Step S33: If any display control timer has counted down to 0, the weighing device 20 erases the display control timer, and then proceeds to step S34.

[0096] Step S34: When the weighing device 20 erases the display control timer, it sets the re-display control timer for the product of the display control timer. The timer value to be set is 240 seconds. In other words, the process of step S34 is a process of making the product that was removed from the display subject a re-display subject. Then, proceed to step S35.

[0097] Step S35: The weighing device 20 judges whether or not at least one re-display control timer is set. In other words, the weighing device 20 judges whether or not at least one re-display control timer value is stored in the product button re-display control file. If it is set (step S35: YES), proceed to step S36. If it is not set (step S35: NO), this flow chart ends.

[0098] Step S36: The weighing device 20 counts down the values ​​of all the re-display control timers in the set (re-display control timer values), and then proceeds to step S37.

[0099] Step S37: If there is a re-display control timer whose value has reached 0 as a result of countdown, the weighing device 20 erases the re-display control timer, and then this flow chart ends.

[0100] In the flowchart of Fig. 11(B), the order of the process of step S33 and the process of step S34 may be reversed. In other words, when a display control timer has counted down to 0, the weighing device 20 may set a re-display control timer for the product of that display control timer, and then erase that display control timer.

[0101] (Flowchart of FIG. 12(A)) The flowchart in FIG. 12(A) shows the operations related to the display control timer and the re-display control timer when a product is selected.

[0102] Step S40: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not a product has been selected. If a product has been selected (Step S40: YES), the process proceeds to Step S41. If a product has not been selected (Step S40: NO), the process ends.

[0103] Step S41: The weighing device 20 clears the display control timer for the relevant product (selected product). That is, the process of step S41 is a process for removing the selected product from the display targets. Then, the process proceeds to step S42.

[0104] Step S42: The weighing device 20 sets a re-display control timer for the relevant product. The timer value to be set is 240 seconds. That is, the process of step S42 is a process of making the product that was removed from the display subject a re-display subject. Then, this flowchart ends.

[0105] As shown in the flowcharts of Figures 10 and 12(A), when a product is selected, the weighing device 20 displays a label issuance instruction screen (step S7 in Figure 10), clears the timer for controlling the display of the selected product, and sets a timer for controlling the re-display of the selected product (steps S41 and S42 in Figure 12(A)).

[0106] 12(A), the order of the process of step S41 and the process of step S42 may be reversed. That is, the weighing device 20 may set the re-display control timer for the selected product, and then erase the display control timer for the selected product.

[0107] (Flowchart of FIG. 12(B)) The flowchart in FIG. 12(B) shows the operations related to the display control timer and the re-display control timer when the product buttons are re-displayed.

[0108] Step S50: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not an instruction to redisplay the product buttons has been given. That is, the weighing device 20 determines whether or not the redisplay button 222 has been operated. If an instruction to redisplay the product buttons has been given (Step S50: YES), the process proceeds to Step S51. If an instruction to redisplay the product buttons has not been given (Step S50: NO), the process ends.

[0109] Step S51: If there is a product for which a re-display control timer exists, the weighing device 20 clears the re-display control timer, and then proceeds to step S52.

[0110] Step S52: When the re-display control timer is cleared, the weighing device 20 sets the display control timer for the product of the re-display control timer. The timer value to be set is 300 seconds. Then, this flowchart ends.

[0111] As shown in the flowcharts of Figures 10 and 12(B), when there is an instruction to re-display a product button and a re-display control timer exists, the weighing device 20 re-displays the product button of the product for which a re-display control timer exists (step S5 in Figure 10), erases the re-display control timer for the re-displayed product, and sets the display control timer for the re-displayed product (steps S51, S52 in Figure 12(B)).

[0112] In the flowchart of Fig. 12(B), the order of the process of step S51 and the process of step S52 may be reversed. In other words, when there is a product for which a re-display control timer exists, the weighing device 20 may set the display control timer for the product for which the re-display control timer exists, and then erase the re-display control timer.

[0113] Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the control of product buttons. Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 show the storage contents of a product button display control file and a product button re-display control file. Fig. 15 shows the display contents of product buttons in the product button display area 221 of the product selection screen.

[0114] 13 to 15, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that there are no other customers in the store other than Customer A and Customer B. Also, the time from when the detection device 10 transmits the product number until when the weighing device 20 receives it is ignored.

[0115] Furthermore, it is assumed that Customer A and Customer B acted as follows (1) to (7). (1) At a certain point, customer A took out cocoa sea salt (product number "S09") from a display container (such as display container 300). (2) 90 seconds after taking out the cocoa sea salt, Customer A took out some dried mangoes (product number "S11") from the display container. (3) Customer B took out raw cashew nuts (product number "S04") from a display container of raw cashew nuts 127 seconds after Customer A took out the dried mango. (4) 60 seconds after Customer B took out the raw cashew nuts, he took some mixed nuts (product number "S01") from the display container. (5) 123 seconds after taking out the mixed nuts, Customer B took almonds from a display container of almonds (product number "S02") (6) Customer A operated the weighing device 20 before customer B. (7) At the time that Customer B takes out the almonds, Customer A has not pressed either the cocoa sea salt or dried mango product buttons.

[0116] FIG. 13(A) is an example of the contents stored in the product button display control file and the product button re-display control file at the time when customer B removes almonds (product number "S02") from a display container.

[0117] The display control timer value is set by the process of step S21 in Fig. 11(A) and is subtracted (counted down) by the process of step S32 in Fig. 11(B). For example, the display control timer value for product number "S01" is set to "600 (seconds)" by the process of step S21, and is subtracted (123 seconds) by the process of step S32, becoming "477 (seconds)." Note that, at the time of Fig. 13(A), no re-display control timer value has been stored, and therefore it is set to "not stored."

[0118] Figure 13(B) is an example of the contents of the product button display control file and the product button re-display control file at a point in time just before customer B selects a product on the weighing device 20, following the scene in Figure 13(A).

[0119] For example, in the weighing device 20, the process proceeds as follows: (1) → (2) → (3). After the mixed nuts are weighed as shown in (3) (before the mixed nuts product button is operated on the product selection screen), the memory contents of the product button display control file and the product button re-display control file may become as shown in FIG. 13(B). (1) In response to customer A's operation, the weighing device 20 weighed the cocoa sea salt (product number "S09"), accepted the operation of the cocoa sea salt product button on the product selection screen after weighing, and printed and issued a product label for the cocoa sea salt. (2) In response to customer A's operation, the weighing device 20 weighed the dried mango (product number "S11"), accepted the operation of the dried mango product button on the product selection screen after weighing, and printed and issued a product label for the dried mango. (3) In response to customer B's operation, etc., the weighing device 20 weighed the mixed nuts (product number "S01").

[0120] The display control timer value is erased by the process of step S41 in Fig. 12(A). In Fig. 13(B), the display control timer values ​​of the product numbers "S09" and "S11" are erased by the process of step S41. The re-display control timer value is set by the process of step S42 in Fig. 12(A) and is subtracted (counted down) by the process of step S36 in Fig. 11(B). For example, the re-display control timer value of the product number "S11" is set to "240 (seconds)" by the process of step S42 and is subtracted (135 seconds) by the process of step S36, resulting in "105 (seconds)." Note that the timer has progressed 315 seconds between the scene in Fig. 13(A) and the scene in Fig. 13(B).

[0121] Fig. 15(A) shows the display contents of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221) when the product button display control timer is stored in the product button display control file as shown in Fig. 13(B). That is, when customer B moves to the weighing device 20 with three products (raw cashew nuts, mixed nuts, and almonds) taken out of their respective display containers and weighs one of the three products (mixed nuts in this example) as the first weighing, the product buttons of the three products are displayed on the product selection screen after weighing as shown in Fig. 15(A). Therefore, customer B can operate the product button of the weighed product (mixed nuts).

[0122] When multiple product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen, the weighing device 20 displays the multiple product buttons in an order based on the respective display control timer values. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 13(B) and Fig. 15(A), the weighing device 20 displays three product buttons from left to right in order of the lowest display control timer values ​​(i.e., in order of the shortest time until they are erased if not operated).

[0123] Figure 13 (C) is an example of the contents of the product button display control file and the product button re-display control file at the time when customer B selects a product (mixed nuts with product number "S01") following the scene in Figure 13 (B).

[0124] In Fig. 13(C), the display control timer value for the product number "S01" is erased by the process of step S41 in Fig. 12(A). Also, in Fig. 13(C), the re-display control timer value for the product number "S01" is set by the process of step S42 in Fig. 12(A). Note that the timer has progressed 10 seconds between the scene in Fig. 13(B) and the scene in Fig. 13(C).

[0125] Figure 13(D) is an example of the contents of the product button display control file and the product button re-display control file at the point in time when customer B weighs the next product (almonds with product number "S02") on the weighing device 20, following the scene in Figure 13(C), and the weighing of the product is completed (before the product button for that product is operated on the product selection screen).

[0126] The re-display control timer value is subtracted by the process of step S36 in Fig. 11(B) and erased by the process of step S37. In Fig. 13(D), the re-display control timer value for product number "S09" is erased by the process of step S37. Note that the timer has progressed 40 seconds between the scene in Fig. 13(C) and the scene in Fig. 13(D).

[0127] Fig. 15(B) shows the display contents of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221) when a product button display control timer is stored in the product button display control file as shown in Fig. 13(D). That is, when customer B weighs one product (almonds in this example) of the two products (raw cashew nuts and almonds) remaining for the next weighing, the product selection screen after weighing displays product buttons for each of the two products as shown in Fig. 15(B). Therefore, customer B can operate the product button for the weighed product (almonds).

[0128] Figure 13(E) is an example of the contents stored in the product button display control file and the product button re-display control file at the time when customer B selects the weighed product (almonds with product number "S02") following the scene in Figure 13(D).

[0129] In Fig. 13(E), the display control timer value for product number "S02" is erased by the process of step S41 in Fig. 12(A). Also, in Fig. 13(E), the re-display control timer value for product number "S02" is set by the process of step S42 in Fig. 12(A). Note that the timer has progressed 15 seconds between the scene in Fig. 13(D) and the scene in Fig. 13(E).

[0130] Figure 14(A) is an example of the contents of the product button display control file and the product button re-display control file at a point in time following the scene in Figure 13(E) when customer B weighs the next product (raw cashew nuts with product number "S04") on the weighing device 20 and before the weighing of the product is completed.

[0131] The display control timer value is erased by the process of step S33 in FIG. 11(B). In FIG. 14(A), the display control timer value of product number "S04" is erased by the process of step S33. At the time of FIG. 14(A) (as well as the time of FIG. 14(B)), no display control timer value is stored, so it is marked as "not stored." In addition, the re-display control timer value is set by the process of step S34 in FIG. 11(A). In FIG. 14(A), the re-display control timer value of product number "S04" is set by the process of step S34. Note that the timer has progressed 37 seconds between the scene in FIG. 13(E) and the scene in FIG. 14(A).

[0132] Figure 14 (B) is an example of the stored contents of the product button display control file and the product button re-display control file at the point in time when the product selection screen is displayed (before the operation of raw cashew nuts is accepted on the product selection screen) at a point in time following the scene in Figure 14 (A) when the weighing of a product (raw cashew nuts with product number "S04") has been completed and before the operation of the product button for that product is accepted on the product selection screen.

[0133] In Fig. 14(B), the re-display control timer value for the product number "S11" is erased by the process of step S37 in Fig. 11(B). Note that the timer has progressed 3 seconds between the scene in Fig. 14(A) and the scene in Fig. 14(B).

[0134] Fig. 15(C) shows the display contents of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221) when the product button display control timer is not stored in the product button display control file as shown in Fig. 14(B). Since the product buttons are not displayed on the product selection screen, customer B cannot operate the product button for the relevant product (raw cashew nuts).

[0135] Fig. 14(C) is an example of the contents stored in the product button display control file and the product button re-display control file at the time when customer B operates the re-display button 222, following the scene in Fig. 14(B). Note that customer B operates the re-display button 222 before the timer has progressed 145 seconds from the time in Fig. 14(B).

[0136] The re-display control timer value is erased by the process of step S51 in FIG. 12(B). In FIG. 14(C), the re-display control timer values ​​of the product numbers "S01", "S02", and "S04" are erased by the process of step S51. At the time of FIG. 14(C) (as well as the time of FIG. 14(D)), no re-display control timer value is stored, so it is marked "not stored". In addition, the display control timer value is set by the process of step S52 in FIG. 12(A). In FIG. 14(C), the display control timer values ​​of the product numbers "S01", "S02", and "S04" are set by the process of step S52.

[0137] Fig. 15(D) shows the display contents of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221) when the product button display control timer is stored in the product button display control file as shown in Fig. 14(C). Since product buttons for three products (raw cashew nuts, mixed nuts, and almonds) are displayed on the product selection screen, customer B can operate the product button for the product (raw cashew nuts).

[0138] Fig. 14(D) is another example. Fig. 14(D) is an example of the contents stored in the product button display control file and the product button re-display control file at the time when the customer B operates the re-display button 222, for example, following the scene in Fig. 13(D).

[0139] Fig. 15(E) shows the display contents of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221) when the product button display control timer is stored in the product button display control file as shown in Fig. 14(D). In other words, when the redisplay button 222 is operated while the display is as shown in Fig. 15(B), the display becomes as shown in Fig. 15(E).

[0140] After the redisplay button 222 is operated, the product buttons redisplayed by the operation of the redisplay button 222 (the dried mango product button and the mixed nuts product button in FIG. 15(E)) may be displayed in a distinguished manner (displayed in a different display mode) from the product buttons already displayed before the operation of the redisplay button 222 (the raw cashew nut product button and the almond product button in FIG. 15(E)). For example, the redisplayed product buttons may be displayed in a more eye-catching display mode (eye-catching color, thicker frame, etc.) than the product buttons already displayed.

[0141] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) In the above, it has been described that the redisplay button 222 is displayed when there is a product button to be redisplayed (when a redisplay control timer value is stored in the product button redisplay control file), but it may also be displayed when there is a product button to be redisplayed. For example, the weighing device 20 may display the redisplay button 222 in a different display mode depending on whether or not there is a product button to be redisplayed. Specifically, the weighing device 20 may display the redisplay button 222 in an operable display mode when there is a product button to be redisplayed, and may display the redisplay button 222 in an inoperable display mode (for example, grayed-down display) when there is no product button to be redisplayed. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to displaying the redisplay button 222 in different display modes depending on whether or not there is a product button to be redisplayed, the weighing device 20 may display the product button to be redisplayed in response to operation of the redisplay button 222 when there is a product button to be redisplayed, and may display a message to the effect that there is no product button to be redisplayed in response to operation of the redisplay button 222 when there is no product button to be redisplayed. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0142] (Modification 2 of the first embodiment) In the above, an example has been described in which the timer stop period is the period from after the product button is operated (after the label issuance instruction screen is displayed) to when the product label is removed (the initial screen is displayed), but the timer stop period is not limited to the above period. For example, the timer stop period may be the period from after the product selection screen is displayed to when the product label is removed. In other words, the timer may be stopped while the product selection screen is displayed. Also, for example, the timer stop period may be the period from after weight detection to when the product label is removed. In other words, the timer may be stopped while weight is being detected. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0143] (Third Modification of the First Embodiment) In the above, an example was described in which the timer has a stop period, but the timer does not have to have a stop period. In other words, the timer may run while the initial screen, the product selection screen, the label issuance instruction screen, or the label issuance completion screen is displayed. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0144] (Fourth Modification of the First Embodiment) In the above, a new product button (e.g., a product button for a different product picked up by another customer) may be displayed while the product selection screen is displayed (step S21 in FIG. 11(A), step S6 in FIG. 10), but the new product button may not be displayed while the product selection screen is displayed. As an example, the timing for referencing the product button display control file (displaying a new product button) may be limited to the timing of switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen (the product button display control file may not be referenced while the product selection screen is displayed). In other words, the processing of step S2 in FIG. 10 is executed, but the processing of step S6 in FIG. 10 may be omitted. The same is true in other embodiments.

[0145] (Fifth Modification of the First Embodiment) In the above, the product button re-display control timer is set both when the product button is operated and when the product button is not operated for a predetermined time (step S42 in FIG. 12(A), step S34 in FIG. 11(B)), and the set time is the same (240 seconds), but the product button re-display control timer may be set to different times depending on whether the product button is operated or not. This is also true for other embodiments.

[0146] (Sixth Modification of the First Embodiment) In the above, the product button re-display control timer is set both when the product button is operated and when it is not operated for a predetermined time (step S42 in FIG. 12(A) and step S34 in FIG. 11(B)), but it is also possible to set the product button re-display control timer when the product button is operated, but not to set the product button re-display control timer when the product button is not operated for a predetermined time, or to set the product button re-display control timer when the product button is not operated for a predetermined time, but not to set the product button re-display control timer when the product button is operated. The same is true for other embodiments.

[0147] (Seventh Modification of the First Embodiment) In the above, an example was described in which, when a redisplay instruction is given in a state in which product buttons are displayed in the product button display area 221, the product buttons displayed at the time of the redisplay instruction are not erased, and the product buttons based on the redisplay instruction are redisplayed. However, the product buttons displayed at the time of the redisplay instruction may be erased and the product buttons based on the redisplay instruction may be redisplayed. In other words, in the above, an example was described in which, when the redisplay button 222 is operated while product buttons are being displayed, the display of the currently displayed product buttons is maintained and the product buttons to be redisplayed are additionally displayed. However, when the redisplay button 222 is operated while product buttons are being displayed, the currently displayed product buttons may be erased and the product buttons to be redisplayed may be displayed. In other words, when the redisplay button 222 is operated while product buttons are being displayed, the weighing device 20 displays the product buttons to be redisplayed instead of or in addition to the currently displayed product buttons. In a mode in which the redisplay button 222 is operated while a product button is being displayed and the product button to be redisplayed is displayed instead of the displayed product button (the displayed product button is erased), based on the operation of a button after the operation of the redisplay button 222 (for example, the redisplay button 222 displayed to return to the original state after the operation), the product button erased by the operation of the redisplay button 222 may be displayed instead of or in addition to the product button displayed by the operation of the redisplay button 222 (the erased product button may be restored). The same applies to other embodiments.

[0148] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the parts other than the parts described as the contents of the second embodiment are common to the parts described as the contents of the first embodiment. As for the contents of the second embodiment, the explanation of the parts common to the contents of the first embodiment will be omitted in whole or in part.

[0149] The second embodiment is an aspect in which two or more display control timer values ​​are stored for one product. That is, in the first embodiment, one display control timer value is stored for one product, but in the second embodiment, two or more display control timer values ​​are stored for one product, which is different.

[0150] Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the control of product buttons. In the first embodiment, when the display control timers for product numbers "S03 (macadamia nuts)" and "S05 (raw hazelnuts)" have already been set and macadamia nuts (product number "S03") are taken out (step S20 (YES) in Fig. 11 (A)), the weighing device 20 resets the display control timer for product number "S03" as shown in Fig. 16 (A). On the other hand, in the second embodiment, in the above case, the display control timer for product number "S03" is further set as shown in Fig. 16 (B).

[0151] In the second embodiment, the weighing device 20 displays one product button for a certain product number when the display control timer for that product number is set to 1 or more. In other words, the weighing device 20 displays one product button for that product number even when two or more display control timers for that product number are stored.

[0152] In the second embodiment, when two or more display control timers for a certain product number are set and a product button for that product number is operated, the weighing device 20 erases one of the display control timers for that product number. For example, when two or more display control timers for a certain product number are set and a product button for that product number is operated, the weighing device 20 erases the one with the shortest remaining time among the two or more display control timers for that product number.

[0153] That is, in the second embodiment, even if a product button for a certain product number is operated when the display control timer for that product number is set to 2 or more, there is at least one display control timer for that product number. Therefore, if the product number of the product selected on the first product selection screen is not received during the transition from product selection screen → label issuance instruction screen → label issuance completion screen → initial screen → label issuance instruction screen → product selection screen, in the first embodiment, the product button for the product selected on the first product selection screen is not displayed on the next product selection screen, but in the second embodiment, the product button for the product selected on the first product selection screen may be displayed on the next product selection screen. Specifically, if the display control timer for the product number of that product is set to 2 or more when the product button is selected, one or more timers remain even after the selection, so that product button is displayed on the next product selection screen.

[0154] In the second embodiment, when there are no display control timers for a certain product number, the weighing device 20 sets a re-display control timer for that product number. In other words, when there are two or more display control timers for a certain product number and one is deleted, the weighing device 20 does not set a re-display control timer for that product number.

[0155] In the second embodiment, the weighing device 20 may notify that there are two or more display control timers for a certain product number. For example, when there are two display control timers for macadamia nuts (product number "S03"), the weighing device 20 may attach an icon 223 corresponding to the number of display control timers (i.e., the number of times macadamia nuts have been taken out) to the product button for macadamia nuts, as shown in FIG. 16(C). The example shown in FIG. 16(C) is a mode in which if the number of display control timers is two, an icon 223 informing the number of two is attached, and if the number of display control timers is three, an icon 223 informing the number of three is attached. In other words, the example shown in FIG. 16(C) is a mode in which the number is notified when there are multiple pieces. Instead of notifying the number when there are several pieces, the weighing device 20 may simply notify that there are multiple pieces.

[0156] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, the parts other than the parts described as the contents of the third embodiment are common to the parts described as the contents of the other embodiments (the first embodiment or the second embodiment). As for the contents of the third embodiment, the explanation of the parts common to the contents of the other embodiments will be omitted in whole or in part.

[0157] The third embodiment is an aspect in which confirmation is made to the customer as to whether or not to continue processing. Specifically, in the first embodiment (as in the second embodiment), the process of placing, printing and issuing a product label is performed for each product, and confirmation is not made to the customer as to whether or not the product is the last product during the process of placing, printing and issuing a product label for each product, but the third embodiment differs in that confirmation is made to the customer as to whether or not the product is the last product during the process of placing, printing and issuing a product label for each product.

[0158] FIG. 17 is an example of the display of the weighing device 20. In the third embodiment, when printing and issuing a product label, the weighing device 20 confirms with the customer whether or not it is the last product. For example, when an instruction to print and issue a product label is given on the label issuing instruction screen (when the print button 241 is operated), the weighing device 20 displays a small screen 260 in front of the label issuing completion screen as shown in FIG. 17(A). The small screen 260 is a screen for confirming with the customer whether or not it is the last product. The small screen 260 shown in FIG. 17(A) displays a message "Is this the last product?" to confirm with the customer whether or not it is the last product, and has a Yes button 261 and a No button 262 arranged thereon. The Yes button 261 is a button that is operated when it is the last product (i.e. when there is no product left to be weighed). The No button 262 is a button that is operated when it is not the last product (i.e. when there is a product left to be weighed).

[0159] In the third embodiment, the weighing device 20 confirms with the customer whether or not to continue the process (whether this is the last item), and changes the screen depending on the confirmation result (response). For example, if there is a response to not continue the process (if the Yes button 261 on the small screen 260 is operated), the weighing device 20 erases the small screen 260 and displays the initial screen after the product label is removed on the label issuance completion screen. If there is a response to continue the process (if the No button 262 on the small screen 260 is operated), the weighing device 20 erases the small screen 260 and displays the product selection screen after the product label is removed on the label issuance completion screen.

[0160] In the third embodiment, when there is a response to continue the process (when the No button 262 is operated), the weighing guide is displayed on a product selection screen (the product selection screen that switches from the label issuance completion screen). For example, when there is a response to continue the process, the weighing device 20 may display a small screen 270 in front of the product selection screen, as shown in FIG. 17(B). The small screen 270 shown in FIG. 17(B) displays information similar to that displayed in the weighing guide display area 210 of the initial screen. When the product is placed on the platform 25a, the weighing device 20 erases the small screen 270.

[0161] In the third embodiment, if there is a response not to continue the process (if the Yes button 261 on the small screen 260 is operated), a new product button (for example, a product button for another product taken out by another customer) is displayed, and if there is a response to continue the process (if the No button 262 on the small screen 260 is operated), the new product button is not displayed. For example, when the No button 262 on the small screen 260 is operated, the weighing device 20 may set a prohibition flag to prohibit the display of a new product button, and may not display a new product button while the prohibition flag is set. The weighing device 20 may clear the prohibition flag when the Yes button 261 is operated on a subsequent small screen 260 (a small screen 260 displayed after the Print button 241, which instructs printing and issuing product labels for subsequent products) or when a predetermined time has passed since the prohibition flag was set.

[0162] If combined with the fourth modified example of the first embodiment, control can be performed so that new product buttons are not displayed without using a prohibition flag. That is, in the fourth modified example of the first embodiment, the product button display control file is referenced (a new product button is displayed) only at the timing when the initial screen is switched to the product selection screen, but in the third embodiment, if there is a response to continue processing, the initial screen does not switch to the product selection screen (because the screen switches from the label issuance completion screen to the product selection screen), so that control can be performed so that new product buttons are not displayed when there is a response to continue processing, even without using a prohibition flag.

[0163] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the description of the fourth embodiment, the parts other than the parts described as the contents of the fourth embodiment are common to the parts described as the contents of the other embodiments (the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment). As for the contents of the fourth embodiment, the explanation of the parts common to the contents of the other embodiments will be omitted in whole or in part.

[0164] The fourth embodiment is an aspect in which a delete button for deleting product buttons is arranged. Specifically, in the first embodiment (as in the second and third embodiments), a button for redisplaying product buttons (redisplay button 222) is displayed on the product selection screen, but the fourth embodiment is different in that a delete button for deleting product buttons is further arranged.

[0165] In the fourth embodiment, a delete button is displayed when product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen (product button display area 221). For example, when product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen, the weighing device 20 may display a delete button 224 as shown in FIG. 17(C).

[0166] The weighing device 20 erases the product buttons displayed on the product selection screen when the erase button 224 is operated. When multiple product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen and the erase button 224 is operated, the weighing device 20 erases all product buttons displayed on the product selection screen.

[0167] When a product button is erased based on the operation of the erase button 224, the weighing device 20 erases the display control timer for that product (the product corresponding to the erased product button) and sets a re-display control timer for that product. In other words, when a product button is erased by operating the erase button 224, the weighing device 20 erases the display control timer for that product and sets a re-display control timer for that product, just as in the case where a product button is erased by selecting a product (FIG. 12(A)).

[0168] When multiple display control timers exist for a certain product (as in the case of the second embodiment), if the delete button 224 is operated, the weighing device 20 deletes all display control timers for that product.

[0169] (Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment) In the above, it has been described that the delete button 224 is displayed when the product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen, but the delete button 224 may be hidden even when the product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen. For example, the weighing device 20 may display the delete button 224 when the product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen and a store clerk is operating the weighing device 20, and may hide the delete button 224 when the product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen and a customer is operating the weighing device 20. The weighing device 20 may determine whether a store clerk is operating the weighing device 20 based on whether the store clerk is logged in or not, or may determine whether a specific operation (hidden operation) recognized by the store clerk is performed or not. Instead of hiding the delete button 224, the weighing device may display the delete button 224 in an inoperable display mode (for example, a grayed-down display), or may display a message indicating that the operation is invalid after the delete button 224 is operated.

[0170] (Modification 2 of the fourth embodiment) In the above, it has been explained that when the Delete button 224 is operated while multiple product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen, all of the product buttons displayed on the product selection screen are deleted, but it is also possible to delete only some of the buttons displayed on the product selection screen. For example, the weighing device 20 may delete the product buttons one by one (for example, starting with the button closest to zero in the display control timer value) each time the Delete button 224 is operated.

[0171] The product button to be deleted may be selectable. As an example, the weighing device 20 may display a delete selection button 225 and a delete execution button 226 instead of the delete button 224, as shown in FIG. 17(D). In the case where the delete selection button 225 and the delete execution button 226 are displayed, the weighing device 20 operates as follows. The weighing device 20 accepts the selection of one or more product buttons as product buttons to be deleted after the delete selection button 225 is operated. The weighing device 20 displays the product buttons selected as the product buttons to be deleted in a display mode indicating that they are to be deleted (for example, by adding a delete mark). After accepting the selection of the product buttons to be deleted, if the delete execution button 226 is operated, the weighing device 20 deletes the product buttons to be deleted.

[0172] (Modification 3 of the fourth embodiment) In the above, it has been explained that when a product button is erased based on the operation of the erase button 224, the re-display control timer for that product (the product corresponding to the erased product button) is set, but the re-display control timer does not have to be set when a product button is erased based on the operation of the erase button 224. In other words, the product button erased based on the operation of the erase button 224 may be excluded from the targets for re-display based on the operation of the re-display button 222.

[0173] It may be possible to select whether or not to redisplay (whether or not to set a redisplay control timer) for a product button that has been erased based on the operation of the erase button 224. For example, the weighing device 20 may display a small screen that can accept an operation for whether or not to redisplay the product button after the erase button 224 (or the erase execution button 226) is operated.

[0174] Fifth embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the description of the fifth embodiment, the parts other than the parts described as the contents of the fifth embodiment are common to the parts described as the contents of the other embodiments (first to fourth embodiments). As for the contents of the fifth embodiment, the description of the parts common to the contents of the other embodiments will be omitted in whole or in part.

[0175] The fifth embodiment is an aspect in which the display of the product button is controlled based on the judgment of whether or not the operator is the same. Specifically, for example, in the first embodiment, a new product button may be displayed when switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen (step S2 in FIG. 10, step S21 in FIG. 11(A)), but the fifth embodiment is different in that, if it is judged that the operator is the same, a new product button is not displayed when switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen.

[0176] In the fifth embodiment, the weighing device 20 constantly uses a human presence sensor to detect the presence of a person in front of the weighing device 20. If the non-detection time during which the weighing device 20 does not detect a person does not exceed a predetermined time, the weighing device 20 determines that the operator of the weighing device 20 is the same, and if the non-detection time exceeds the predetermined time, the weighing device 20 determines that the operator of the weighing device 20 has been changed. If a new display control timer value was set before switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen and the weighing device 20 determines that the operator has changed, the weighing device 20 displays a new product button when switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen. On the other hand, if a new display control timer value was set before switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen but the weighing device 20 determines that the operator is the same, the weighing device 20 does not display a new product button when switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen.

[0177] Furthermore, in the first embodiment (excluding variant 4 of the first embodiment), the weighing device 20 may display a new product button while the product selection screen is displayed (step S6 in FIG. 10, step S21 in FIG. 11(A)), but in the fifth embodiment, if the weighing device 20 determines that the operator is the same, it does not display a new product button while the product selection screen is displayed.

[0178] In the fifth embodiment, whether or not the timer is stopped may be different between a state where a person is detected and a state where a person is not detected. For example, in the fifth embodiment, the timer may be allowed to proceed when a person is not detected even during a period in which the timer is stopped as described in the first embodiment. Also, in the fifth embodiment, the timer may be stopped when a person is detected even during a period in which the timer is allowed to proceed as described in the first embodiment.

[0179] (Modification of the fifth embodiment) In the above, the weighing device 20 detects the presence of a person at the weighing device 20 using a human presence sensor, but the method of detecting the presence of a person is not limited to this. For example, the weighing device 20 may detect the presence of a person by an image captured by an imaging unit (camera) (image recognition) instead of or in addition to the human presence sensor. Note that the image captured by the imaging unit included in the weighing device 20 may be used, or an image captured by another imaging unit (a camera installed in a store) capable of capturing an image of the periphery (front, etc.) of the weighing device 20 may be used (or both may be used).

[0180] Although each embodiment has been described above, the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples, and the specific configuration is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the invention. For example, the following (1) to (20) may be adopted. In addition, the following (1) to (20) may be appropriately combined.

[0181] (1) In the first embodiment (as well as in the other embodiments), an example has been described in which the weighing device 20 determines the selling price of a product based on the net amount of the product and the unit price by weight (price per unit weight), but the method of determining the selling price of a product is not limited to this. For example, instead of or in addition to the method of determining the selling price of a product based on the net amount of the product and the unit price by weight of the product, the weighing device 20 may determine the selling price of a product based on the net amount of the product, the unit weight of the product (weight per quantity), and the unit price (price per quantity). For example, the selling price of product A may be calculated as 603 yen based on the net amount of product A (201 g) and the unit price by weight of product A (300 yen / 100 g), or the selling price of product A may be calculated as 600 yen (calculated by rounding off the number of pieces (4) and multiplying by 150) based on the net amount of product A (201 g), the unit weight of product A (50 g per piece), and the unit price of product A (150 yen per piece).

[0182] (2) In the first embodiment (and other embodiments), the weighing device 20 has been described as storing the product file in its own device (RAM 23), but the storage location of the product file is not limited to within the weighing device 20, and may be any location that the weighing device 20 can refer to. For example, the product file may be stored in a storage unit of another device that can communicate with the communication unit 29 of the weighing device 20 (e.g., a management device (not shown) installed in a store, a headquarters server (not shown) installed in the headquarters, or a cloud server (not shown) on the Internet). The same applies to the product button file, the product button display control file, the product button redisplay control file, and the detection device file (described later).

[0183] (3) In relation to (2) above, when the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file are stored in another device (e.g., device B), the weighing device 20 and device B may transmit and receive information related to timer control through communication. The following (a) to (e) are examples. (a) When the weighing device 20 receives an item number (step S20 (YES) in FIG. 11(A)), it transmits an item number reception notification including the item number to device B. Device B that receives the item number reception notification operates as in step S21 in FIG. 11(A). (b) When the weighing device 20 receives a product button operation (step S3 (YES) in FIG. 10, step S40 (YES) in FIG. 12(A)), it displays a label issuance instruction screen (step S7 in FIG. 10) and also sends a button operation notification including the product number of the product button to device B. Device B that receives the button operation notification operates as in steps S41 and S42 in FIG. 12(A). (c) When the weighing device 20 receives an operation of the redisplay button 222 (step S4 (YES) in FIG. 10, step S50 (YES) in FIG. 12(B)), it controls the redisplay of the product buttons (step S5 in FIG. 10) and also sends a redisplay operation notification to device B. Device B that has received the redisplay operation notification operates as in steps S51 and S52 in FIG. 12(B). (d) When it is time to stop the timer (for example, in step S8 in FIG. 10), the weighing device 20 transmits a timer stop command. Upon receiving the timer stop command, device B stops the progress of the display control timer value and the re-display control timer value. (e) When it is time to advance the timer (for example, in step S13 in FIG. 10), the weighing device 20 transmits a timer stop release command. In addition, upon receiving the timer stop release command, the device B resumes the advancement of the stopped display control timer value and re-display control timer value.

[0184] (4) In the first embodiment (and the other embodiments as well), an example has been described in which the detection device 10 transmits an item number (item identification information) after detecting tilt, but the information transmitted after tilt detection is not limited to the item number. In other words, it is sufficient that the weighing device 20 can recognize which item has been removed from the display container (i.e., which item is to be weighed). For example, the detection device 10 may transmit the detection device number of the detection device 10 (detection device identification information for identifying the detection device 10) after detecting tilt. In an embodiment in which the detection device 10 transmits the detection device number, a detection device file that associates the detection device number with the item number is stored. When the weighing device 20 receives the detection device number transmitted from the detection device 10, the weighing device 20 may refer to the detection device file to determine which item has been removed.

[0185] (5) In the first embodiment (as in the other embodiments), when multiple product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen, the multiple product buttons are displayed in an order based on the respective display control timer values. Instead of or in addition to displaying multiple product buttons in an order based on the respective display control timer values, information based on the respective display control timer values ​​may be displayed. For example, the weighing device 20 may notify that the product with the shortest remaining time based on the display control timer value will be deleted first. Also, the weighing device 20 may notify that each product whose remaining time based on the display control timer value falls below a predetermined time will soon be deleted. The manner of notification is not particularly limited. For example, the weighing device 20 may notify by attaching an icon to the corresponding product button, may notify by making the display mode of the corresponding product button different from that of non-corresponding product buttons, or may notify by a message such as "The product button for XX (the product name of the corresponding product) will soon be deleted."

[0186] (6) In the first embodiment (other embodiments are similar, except for the third modification of the first embodiment), the timer countdown is stopped during the specific period as a method for excluding the specific period from the period for which the timer counts down, but the method for excluding the specific period from the period for which the timer counts down is not limited to this. For example, a separate timer that counts the specific period may be prepared, and the specific period that has been counted may be deducted. In other words, the method may be a method of stopping the clock as in a basketball game, or a method of counting overtime as in a soccer game.

[0187] (7) In the second embodiment, when a display control timer for a certain product number is already set and a product with that product number is taken out, an example was described in which the display control timer for that product number is newly set. In the above case, however, a predetermined value (e.g., an amount equivalent to an initial value) may be added to the current display control timer value for that product number. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 16(B), when a display control timer for product number "S03" is already set and a product with product number "S03" is taken out of a display container, the weighing device 20 sets a second display control timer for product number "S03" (initial value is 300 seconds), but the weighing device 20 may add an amount equivalent to the initial value (300 seconds) to the already set display control timer value as shown in FIG. 16(D). In the aspect of adding an initial value (300 seconds) to an already set display control timer value, when a product button for a product to which a value has been added in the past is operated, the product control timer to which a value has been added in the past may not be erased. For example, the weighing device 20 may subtract a fixed value (e.g., an initial value or half of the initial value) from the display control timer value. This allows the management intended by the second embodiment (management when multiple customers take out the same product) to be relatively easily implemented as a relatively simple method even in the first embodiment, etc.

[0188] (8) In the first embodiment (other embodiments are similar), an example has been described in which a timer is used to control the timing of erasing a product button without a selection operation and the timing of excluding the product button from being subject to redisplay (in other words, the period during which the product button continues to be displayed when there is no selection operation and the period during which the product button is maintained as a subject for redisplay) but other methods of control (management) may be used instead of or in addition to the method using a timer. As an example, the timing of erasing a product button without a selection operation (the period during which the product button continues to be displayed when there is no selection operation) may be set based on the time when the product is taken out, and the product button may not be displayed when the timing has passed. The period corresponding to the above-mentioned lost time may be counted using a timer, and the timing of erasing the product button may be postponed by the counted period. The same applies to the timing of excluding the product button from being subject to redisplay (the period during which the product button is maintained as a subject for redisplay).

[0189] (9) In the first embodiment (and other embodiments as well), an example has been described in which the detection device 10 that detects tilt (rotation) is used to detect the removal of a product, but any device that detects that a product has been removed (or taken) from a display container for purchase may be used. For example, instead of or in addition to tilt (rotation), a change in one or more of vibration, pressure, heat, sound, voltage, current, light, acceleration, or captured image may be detected to detect that a product has been removed (or taken) from a display container.

[0190] (10) In relation to (9) above, it may be possible to recognize that a product has been dispensed (taken) by a method other than that using the detection device 10. For example, electronic product tags (product tags having a detection function for detecting vibrations caused by touching and a communication function for the weighing device 20) may be placed near each product, and when a product is dispensed (taken), the product tag near the product may be touched, and when each product tag detects vibrations caused by touching, it may transmit, for example, the product number of the product (or identification information for identifying the product tag) to the weighing device 20.

[0191] (11) In the first embodiment (and the other embodiments as well), the weighing device 20 has been described as an example in which a product is selected (designated) by a product button. However, any button that can actually select (designate) a product may be used, and may not be externally indicated as a button. For example, if a certain area (product designation area) on the display screen can be touched to select (designate) a product corresponding to that area, the product designation area corresponds to an area that can actually select (designate) a product. The product designation area may display a product name, image, etc. In addition, the product designation area may be distinguishable from areas other than the product designation area (such as the background) (for example, distinguishable by a frame or color). Note that the product button and product designation area are sometimes referred to as "operators" with the word "child" added, since they are operated when designating (selecting) a product.

[0192] (12) In the first embodiment (as well as the other embodiments), the weighing device 20 has been described as accepting an operation to redisplay the product buttons via the touch display 26 (the redisplay button 222 is arranged), but the manner in which the operation to redisplay the product buttons is accepted is not limited thereto. For example, instead of or in addition to accepting an operation to redisplay the product buttons via the touch display 26, the weighing device 20 may accept an operation to redisplay the product buttons via a key operation unit. As with the redisplay button 222 being displayed in an inoperable display mode or displaying a message indicating that there are no product buttons to be redisplayed after the operation, the operation of the key operation unit to redisplay the product buttons may be invalid (no response) or a message indicating that there are no product buttons to be redisplayed after the operation may be displayed. The same applies to the erase button 224, the erase selection button 225, and the erase execution button 226 of the fourth embodiment.

[0193] (13) In the first embodiment (and the other embodiments as well), an example has been described in which the weighing device 20 receives an operation to redisplay the product buttons. However, instead of or in addition to the weighing device 20, another device (such as a management device (not shown) installed in the store, a smartphone or tablet terminal used by a store clerk, or a headquarters server (not shown) installed at the headquarters) may receive an operation to redisplay the product buttons. For example, the other device may send a command to the weighing device 20 to instruct the redisplay of the product buttons based on the operation to redisplay the product buttons. The weighing device 20 that receives the command may operate in the same manner as when the redisplay button 222 is operated.

[0194] (14) In the first embodiment (as well as other embodiments), an example has been described in which a single information processing device (weighing device 20) displays / redisplays the product button, weighs the product, etc., displays the weighing value, selling price, etc., and prints / issues the product label. However, all of these functions do not have to be performed by a single information processing device. For example, instead of the weighing device 20, an information processing device A that displays / redisplays the product button, and an information processing device B that weighs the product, etc., displays the weighing value, selling price, etc., and prints / issues the product label may be installed. In an aspect in which the information processing devices A and B are installed, for example, the information processing device A receives the product number, etc., and displays / redisplays the product button. The information processing device B displays the selling price, etc., and prints / issues the product label based on the weighing value that it weighed and the information acquired from the information processing device A (the product selection result such as the product number). Also, for example, instead of the above, an information processing device C that displays / redisplays the product button, displays the selling price, etc., and prints / issues the product label, and an information processing device D that weighs the product, etc. may be installed. In a mode in which information processing devices C and D are installed, for example, information processing device C receives product numbers, etc. and displays / redisplays product buttons. Furthermore, information processing device C displays sales prices, etc. based on information (weight values, etc.) acquired from information processing device D and the product selection results using product buttons, etc., and prints and issues product labels. Note that information processing device D may display sales prices, etc. instead of or in addition to information processing device C (in other words, information processing device C does not have to display sales prices, etc.).

[0195] (15) In the first embodiment (as in the other embodiments), the transmission of information from the detection device 10 to the weighing device 20 is performed wirelessly, but as described above, it may be wired. Note that a method using sound (e.g., ultrasonic communication) or light / electromagnetic waves (e.g., optical wireless communication) may also be used. In other words, it is sufficient that information is output from the detection device 10 and the output information can be input to the weighing device 20. The output information from the detection device 10 may be input to the weighing device 20 via one or more other devices, or may be input to the weighing device 20 without passing through any other devices.

[0196] (16) In the first embodiment (as in the other embodiments), the time until the product button is erased may be set for each product. Also, instead of or in addition to each product, the time until the product button is erased may be set for each period (month, day of the week, time period). The same applies to the time until the redisplay of the erased product button is permitted.

[0197] (17) In the first embodiment (as in the other embodiments), the product buttons are described as being displayed / erased / redisplayed (disappearing), but they do not necessarily have to disappear. For example, the product buttons may be displayed in an easy-to-specify mode or in a difficult-to-specify mode. That is, the weighing device 20 may display a product button that was displayed in an easy-to-specify display mode (for example, a size in which six buttons are arranged in the product button display area 221 as shown in FIG. 8(B)) in a difficult-to-specify display mode (for example, in a corner as shown in FIG. 8(B)) based on the passage of time, and when a predetermined operation is performed, the product button that was displayed in the difficult-to-specify display mode may be displayed in an easy-to-specify display mode. Note that when a product button displayed in the difficult-to-specify display mode is specified, the device may operate in the same way as when a display button displayed in the easy-to-specify display mode is specified, or may be unresponsive or cause an error.

[0198] (18) There may be two or more weighing devices 20 in the sales processing system 1. In other words, two or more weighing devices 20 may be installed in the same store. When two or more weighing devices 20 are installed in the same store, for example, as related to (3) above, the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file may be stored in another device (device B), and each weighing device 20 and device B may transmit and receive information related to timer control via communication. Note that each of the two or more weighing devices 20 may store a product button display control file and a product button redisplay control file, and the respective information may be synchronized.

[0199] (19) In the sales processing system 1, history information may be managed. For example, the weighing device 20 may store operation history information and processing history information. Specifically, the weighing device 20 may store operation history information of an operator, history information on display / deletion / redisplay of product buttons, and history information on the generation (setting) / deletion of product button display control information (display control timer, redisplay control timer, etc.). This makes it possible to analyze and evaluate the display of product buttons, for example, which can lead to daily improvements (for example, optimizing the initial value of the timer, etc.).

[0200] (20) In each embodiment, part of the processing performed by the weighing device 20 may be executed by another device (for example, a cloud server (not shown) on the Internet). As one of the above-mentioned aspects, the display of the weighing device 20 in each embodiment may be a browsing of what is generated by another device. For example, the weighing device 20 transmits information acquired by the own device (weight information from the weighing unit, operation information of the operator, sensor information including captured images, etc.) to another device. The other device generates screen information based on the information transmitted from the weighing device 20 and transmits (replies) it to the weighing device 20. The weighing device 20 displays the image information transmitted from the other device. The weighing device 20 may display a screen according to the information acquired by the own device, as described above.

[0201] The embodiments will be summarized below. [Technical field] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing system and a weighing device. [Background technology] For example, a system is known that weighs and sells products (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-163995 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, there is room for improvement in sales in a weighing system such as that shown in Patent Document 1. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has an object to provide a technology for improving the weighing sales of products. [Means for solving the problem] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing system (e.g., sales processing system 1) including a plurality of detection devices (e.g., detection device 10) and information processing devices (e.g., weighing device 20, information processing device A, information processing device C), in which the detection devices include detection means (e.g., tilt detection unit 12) for detecting that an item (product) has been removed from a container (e.g., display container 300, 400), and output means (e.g., communication unit 13) for outputting product identification information (e.g., product number, detection device identification information) for identifying the product removed from the container when the detection means detects that the product has been removed from the container, and the information processing device outputs the previous information output by the output means. The product sales data processing system includes an identification means (e.g., CPU 21 executing the process of FIG. 11(A)) for identifying an item removed from a container based on the item identification information, and a display means (e.g., CPU 21 executing the process of FIG. 10) for displaying (e.g., see FIG. 8(B)) on a screen (e.g., touch display 26) operators (e.g., product buttons, product designation areas) for designating individual items identified by the identification means, wherein the display means erases the operators from the screen based on the passage of time (e.g., see FIG. 11(B)), and when a predetermined operation (e.g., operation of redisplay button 222) is performed, redisplays the operators that were erased from the screen on the screen (e.g., see FIG. 12(B)). According to (1), the sales of products by weight is improved. The operation buttons (product buttons) are suitably erased, and the erased operation buttons can be redisplayed as necessary. In other words, since it is inconvenient to display a large number of product buttons (displaying product buttons on multiple pages, displaying product buttons in a small size, etc.), the operation buttons can be erased as appropriate, and the erased product buttons can be easily redisplayed, making it easier to select products on the weighing device.

[0202] (2) The product sales data processing system described in (1) is characterized in that the display means re-displays the operator that was erased from the screen when the specified operation is performed within an allowable period during which re-display is permitted (for example, the 240 seconds shown in step S34 of Figure 11 (B)). According to (2), the sales of products by volume can be improved. It is possible to limit the redisplay of the control (product button) so that it is not displayed more than necessary.

[0203] (3) The display means is a product sales data processing system as described in (1) or (2), characterized in that it displays information about the designated product designated by the operator (e.g., the net quantity and weight unit price of the product displayed in the numerical display area 200 of Figures 8(B) to 8(D), the icon 242 of the product in Figure 8(C), etc.), and erases the operator from the screen based on the passage of time other than the period during which the information about the designated product is displayed on the screen (e.g., see Figures 10 and 11(B)). (3) The measure-based sales of products are improved. The time until deletion can be conveniently managed.

[0204] (4) The product sales data processing system according to (1) or (2), wherein the display means erases the operator from the screen based on the passage of time in a specific period. (4) The measure-based sales of products are improved. The time until deletion can be conveniently managed.

[0205] (5) A product sales data processing system as described in (4), characterized in that there are an unspecified item state in which no item is specified by the operator (for example, a state in which the initial screen of Figure 8(A) is displayed) and an item specified state in which an item is specified by the operator (for example, a state in which the product selection screen of Figure 8(B), the label issuance instruction screen of Figure 8(C), or the label issuance completion screen of Figure 8(D) is displayed), and the specific period is the period in which the item is unspecified. (5) The measure-based sales of products are improved. The time until deletion can be conveniently managed.

[0206] (6) A weighing device capable of communicating with a plurality of detection devices, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring item identification information for identifying an item from the detection device; an identification means for identifying an item removed from a container based on the item identification information acquired by the acquisition means; and a display means for displaying an operator for designating each item identified by the identification means in an easy-to-designate manner, wherein the display means makes the operator difficult to designate based on the passage of time, and when a predetermined operation is performed, makes the operator that was made difficult to designate easy to designate. According to (6), sales of products by weight will improve.

[0207] The program for implementing the above-described weighing device 20 and the like may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read into a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to storage devices that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The above-mentioned program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. The "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The above-mentioned program may also be for implementing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0208] 1...Sales processing system 10...Detection device 11...MCU 12...Tilt detection section 13...Communication section 20...Weighing device 21...CPU 22...ROM 23...RAM 24...Scanner section 25...Weighing section 26...Touch display 27...Audio output section 28...Printing section 29...Communication section 300, 400...Display container

Claims

1. A product sales data processing system including a plurality of detection devices and an information processing device, The detection device includes: A detection means for detecting when an article has been removed from the container; an output means for outputting, when the detection means detects that an article has been removed from the container, article identification information for identifying the article removed from the container; Equipped with The information processing device includes: an identification means for identifying an item removed from a container based on the item identification information output by the output means; a display means for displaying on a screen an operator for designating each of the items identified by the identifying means; Equipped with The display means includes: removing the control from the screen based on the passage of time; When a predetermined operation is performed, the operator that was erased from the screen is redisplayed on the screen. A product sales data processing system comprising:

2. The display means includes:

2. The product sales data processing system according to claim 1, wherein the operator that has been erased from the screen is redisplayed on the screen when the predetermined operation is performed within an allowable period during which redisplay is permitted.

3. The display means includes: displaying information about a specified item designated by said operator; The operator is erased from the screen based on the passage of time other than the period during which the information about the designated item is displayed on the screen.

3. The product sales data processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

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