Commodity sales system, commodity registration device, and program

Abstract

To improve reliability related to transfer of commodity registration information.SOLUTION: A commodity sales system according to an embodiment includes a shopping basket, a registration unit, an adjustment unit, and an exit gate. The shopping basket has a wireless tag attached thereto. The registration unit acquires commodity information about a commodity for one transaction to perform commodity registration and writes payment information related to settlement of the commodity for the one transaction into the wireless tag. The adjustment unit reads out the payment information from the wireless tag, settles the commodity for the one transaction based on the read-out payment information, and when settlement of the commodity for the one transaction is completed, rewrites the payment information that it is adjusted. The exit gate reads out the payment information from the wireless tag and when the read-out payment information is in the adjusted state, allows a customer to pass therethrough.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a product sales system, a product registration device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a product sales system that processes sales data, including a registration process for registering product information, such as products and services, related to a transaction, and a settlement process for making a payment for the transaction. In such a product sales system, a product registration device that performs the registration process and a product checkout device that performs the settlement process are sometimes installed in different locations. In a product sales system in which the product registration device and the product checkout device are independently installed, for example, a product purchased by a customer in a transaction is registered in the product registration device by the customer or a store clerk, and then the customer moves to the product checkout device and pays for the product. Therefore, the product information registered in the product registration device needs to be transmitted from the product registration device to the product checkout device.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which customer identification information and product registration information are transmitted from a product registration device to a server, and the customer identification information written in an IC chip by the product registration device is read by a product checkout device, thereby calling up the product registration information transmitted to the server to the product checkout device and carrying out checkout for the registered products. However, when the product registration information is transmitted from the product registration device to the product checkout device via a server, a server must be installed, and communication via the server may be affected by server errors or line problems, leaving room for improvement in terms of reliability. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the reliability of the transmission of product registration information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A product sales system according to an embodiment includes a shopping cart, a registration unit, a checkout unit, and an exit gate. The shopping cart is equipped with a wireless tag. The registration unit acquires product information for a product related to a transaction, registers the product, and writes payment information related to the payment of the product related to the transaction to the wireless tag. The checkout unit reads the payment information from the wireless tag, performs payment for the product related to the transaction based on the read payment information, and rewrites the payment information to indicate that payment has been completed when payment for the product related to the transaction is completed. The exit gate reads the payment information from the wireless tag, and allows passage if the read payment information indicates that payment has been completed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration of a product sales system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the shopping cart of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the product registration device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the commodity checkout device of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the exit gate of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing related to one transaction executed in the product sales system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the product registration device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the commodity checkout device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the exit gate according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Below, with reference to the drawings, we will explain the product sales system (product sales data processing system, product registration information transmission system), product registration device, product settlement device (accounting device), gate device, program, and recording medium (Computer Program Product) on which the program is recorded, relating to the embodiments.

[0008] The embodiment described below is one embodiment of the product sales system, product registration device, product checkout device, gate device, program, and recording medium according to the present disclosure, and does not limit the configuration, specifications, etc. The embodiment described below is an example of application to a POS (Point Of Sales) system installed in a store such as a supermarket.

[0009] Specifically, the product sales system according to the present disclosure is a system configured to perform transaction processing in a store, such as a supermarket, that has installed a self-service or semi-self-service checkout system. Here, a self-service checkout system is a checkout system in which a customer registers product information about products, services, etc. using a product registration device, and then checks out (accounts) for the registered products using a product checkout device. A semi-self-service checkout system is a checkout system in which a store clerk performs the registration process using the product registration device. Transaction processing refers to processing related to the transaction of products for one transaction, including a registration process related to the registration process and a checkout process related to the checkout process. In the following embodiments, the product sales system according to the present disclosure will be described using a self-service checkout system as an example.

[0010] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a product sales system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the product sales system 1 includes a shopping cart 2, a product registration device 4, a product checkout device 5, and an exit gate 7.

[0011] In the product sales system 1, the product registration device 4, the product checkout device 5, and the exit gate 7 are each configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with the shopping cart 2, for example, using short-range wireless communication. Note that this wireless communication may be via the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, or the like.

[0012] In the product sales system 1, the product registration device 4, the product checkout device 5, and the exit gate 7 may be configured to be able to communicate with each other. At least one of the product registration device 4, the product checkout device 5, and the exit gate 7 may be configured to be able to communicate with other devices. The product sales system 1 may also include a store server (not shown) that is communicatively connected to each of the product registration device 4, the product checkout device 5, and the exit gate 7 via any communication line, either directly or via any other device. These communication lines may include the Internet, VPN, LAN, public communication network, mobile communication network, etc., and may be used alone or in combination as appropriate. The store server is at least one server device installed, for example, in the backroom of a store. For example, the store server is installed and operated by an administrator who manages the store where it is installed. The store server need not necessarily be installed in the store, but may also be configured as a cloud server installed on the cloud. In other words, communication between the store server and each of the product registration device 4, product checkout device 5, and exit gate 7 according to the present embodiment does not necessarily have to be performed for each registration process or checkout process for a single transaction. This communication may be performed at predetermined times, such as every hour or at closing time, or may be performed when there are sufficient communication resources and the environment (communication conditions) based on the processing load of each device, communication bandwidth congestion, communication speed, etc. In other words, each device of the product sales system 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to determine the communication conditions based on predetermined communication conditions, such as processing load and communication speed, and communicate with the store server when the communication conditions satisfy the predetermined conditions.

[0013] 1 illustrates a product sales system 1 installed in a store 8. The store 8 includes a product display area 801 and a self-checkout area 803.

[0014] The product display area 801 is an area where products sold in the store 8 are displayed, and is an area where customers shop around in the store 8. For example, a customer P moves around the product display area 801 while carrying a shopping basket 2, and adds products to the shopping basket 2 as needed.

[0015] The self-checkout area 803 is provided with a product registration device 4 and a product checkout device 5, and is an area where a customer P can carry out the transaction of products related to one purchase at the store 8. The self-checkout area 803 is provided, for example, adjacent to the product display area 801, and is separated from the product display area 801 by a fence, a wall, or the like. In the self-checkout area 803, the product registration device 4 and the product checkout device 5 are configured as independent devices and are provided at positions separated from each other, as shown in FIG. 1. Here, the self-checkout area 803 is an example of a checkout area.

[0016] The self-checkout area 803 is provided with an entrance gate 6 that allows customers P and store staff to enter and exit between the area and the product display area 801. An exit gate 7 for exiting the self-checkout area is provided on the store exit 807 side of the self-checkout area 803. A basket storage area 805 is provided in the area between the exit gate 7 and the store exit 807 to place shopping baskets 2 returned by customers P.

[0017] Although FIG. 1 illustrates four shopping baskets 2 (2-1, 2-2, 2-3, and 2-4), the number of shopping baskets 2 is not limited to this. Furthermore, FIG. 1 illustrates two product registration devices 4-1 and 4-2 as the product registration device 4, but the number of product checkout devices 5 is not limited to this. Furthermore, FIG. 1 illustrates two product checkout devices 5-1 and 5-2 as the product checkout device 5, but the number of shopping baskets 2, product registration devices 4, and product checkout devices 5 is arbitrary and may be determined appropriately depending on the expected number of customers P, the size of the store 8, and other factors. Furthermore, FIG. 1 illustrates one entrance gate 6, one exit gate 7, one basket storage area 805, and one store exit 807, but the number of entrance gates 6, one exit gate 7, one basket storage area 805, and one store exit 807 is not limited to this. Furthermore, the number of entrance gates 6, one exit gate 7, one basket storage area 805, and one store exit 807 is arbitrary and may be determined appropriately depending on the expected number of customers P, the size of the store 8, and other factors.

[0018] In a store 8 equipped with a product sales system 1 according to the present disclosure, for example, a customer P moves through a product display area 801 with a shopping cart 2 and adds items to the shopping cart 2 as needed. Then, the customer P moves through the entrance gate 6 with the shopping cart 2 containing the items and enters the self-checkout area 803. The customer P then places the shopping cart 2 on the placement section 401 of a product registration device 4 and performs registration work to register the items at any product registration device 4. FIG. 1 illustrates customers Pa and Pb performing registration work at product registration devices 4-1 and 4-2, respectively. After completing the registration work, the customer P moves through a product checkout device 5 with the shopping cart 2 containing the registered items, places the shopping cart 2 on the placement section 501 of the destination product checkout device 5, and performs checkout work. FIG. 1 illustrates customers Pc and Pd performing registration work at product checkout devices 5-1 and 5-2, respectively. Thereafter, customer P exits self-checkout area 803 through exit gate 7 with shopping basket 2 in hand, and returns shopping basket 2 to basket storage 805 located outside self-checkout area 803.

[0019] After completing either the registration or payment process, customer P can return to product display area 801 via entrance gate 6 to continue shopping. Customer P who exits self-checkout area 803 via exit gate 7 can also return to product display area 801 to continue shopping. In this case, customer P who exits self-checkout area 803 via exit gate 7 can continue using the same shopping basket 2, or can use a different shopping basket 2 in addition to or instead of the same shopping basket 2.

[0020] As described above, in the product sales system 1 according to the present disclosure, the product registration device 4 and the product checkout device 5 are installed as independent devices at separate locations. This configuration allows for an improvement in the turnover rate of transactions in a fully self-service checkout system, such that even if a customer takes time to complete the registration process, other customers can proceed with the subsequent checkout process. Furthermore, in the product sales system 1 according to the present disclosure, no communication is performed between the product registration device 4 and the product checkout device 5 to transmit payment information (product registration information) based on the registration process. Here, in the present disclosure, payment information refers to information including product information, unit price, and quantity for each of at least one registered product, and the total payment amount.

[0021] When the product sales system 1 is configured as a self-service checkout system, the number of product registration devices 4 is preferably greater than the number of product checkout devices 5. Generally, in a full-self-service checkout system, customers perform both registration and checkout, and registration often takes more time than checkout. In this situation, the above configuration makes it possible to perform more registration tasks in parallel, thereby preventing customers from staying behind due to registration tasks at the product registration devices 4 and improving the efficiency of transaction tasks.

[0022] When the product sales system 1 is configured as a semi-self-service checkout system, the number of product checkout devices 5 is preferably greater than the number of product registration devices 4. Generally, in semi-self-service checkout systems, the checkout process is performed by the customer, which often takes more time than the registration process performed by a store clerk. In this situation, the above configuration makes it possible to perform more checkout processes in parallel, thereby preventing customers from staying at the product checkout devices 5 while they are checking out, and improving the efficiency of transactions.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the shopping cart 2 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the shopping cart 2 has a rewritable wireless tag 21 such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. Here, the shopping cart 2 according to the embodiment is an example of a transaction medium.

[0024] The wireless tag 21 holds (stores) payment information (described later) in a manner that allows it to be read and written externally using, for example, short-range wireless communication. The wireless tag 21 is attached, for example, to a side surface 23 of the shopping basket 2. Note that, while FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the wireless tag 21 is attached to side surface 23-1, this is not limitative. The wireless tag 21 may be attached to any of the four side surfaces 23-1, 23-2, 23-3, and 23-4 of the shopping basket 2. Furthermore, the wireless tag 21 may be attached not only to the side surface 23 of the shopping basket 2, but also to the bottom surface 25 or handle 27.

[0025] In this embodiment, the accounting medium is formed as a shopping basket 2 equipped with a wireless tag 21, but is not limited to this. As an example, the accounting medium may be formed in a shape that is easy for customers to carry, such as a key chain or neck strap. As an example, the accounting medium may be formed in a shape that is detachable from the shopping basket 2 or shopping cart. As an example, the accounting medium may be a shopping cart with a built-in wireless tag 21.

[0026] The product registration device 4 is at least one sales data processing device (POS terminal) installed in the store 8. The product registration device 4 is configured to be able to execute at least one of the transaction processes for one transaction of a product purchased at the store 8, namely, the product registration process and the settlement process (payment process, accounting process). The product registration device 4 is provided with a placing unit 401 on which the shopping cart 2 is placed. The placing unit 401 is configured to determine the placing position of the shopping cart 2, for example, by its shape or markings. For example, the position and shape of the placing unit 401 are determined so that the shopping cart 2 is placed so that the wireless tag 21 attached to the placed shopping cart 2 can communicate with the product registration device 4. Therefore, the position and shape of the placing unit 401 can be designed appropriately based on the performance and arrangement of the wireless tag 21 and the wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 48 of the product registration device 4, the size of the shopping cart 2, etc. For example, the product registration device 4 can detect that a shopping basket 2 has been placed on the placement unit 401 based on the recognition of the wireless tag 21. The product registration device 4 may also have a sensor, such as a weight sensor or an optical sensor, that detects that the shopping basket 2 has been placed on the placement unit 401. Here, the product registration device 4 according to the embodiment is an example of a registration unit.

[0027] Here, the product registration process is a process of reading and registering product information (product name, product price, etc.) of products identified by package recognition process etc. from the product master. The settlement process is a process of displaying the total price and tax amount of the products related to one registered transaction, calculating and displaying the change based on the deposit received from the customer, and issuing a receipt with product information and payment information (total price, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) printed on it.

[0028] The merchandise registration device 4 may be configured such that a store clerk performs operations (registration work) related to the registration process. The merchandise registration device 4 may be configured integrally with the store server.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the product registration device 4 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the product registration device 4 has a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a controller 43, a communication unit 44, an operation unit 45, a display unit 46, a product reading unit 47, and a wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 48. The control unit 41, the storage unit 42, the controller 43, and the communication unit 44 are communicably connected, for example, via a bus 49. The operation unit 45, the display unit 46, the product reading unit 47, and the wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 48 are each communicably connected to the controller 43.

[0030] The control unit 41 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is configured similarly to a general computer. For example, the control unit 41 is configured to load various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM or the storage unit 42 into the RAM of the memory, and to implement each function of the product registration device 4, including the registration control unit 411 and the read / rewrite control unit 412, by having the processor execute the various loaded programs.

[0031] The registration control unit 411 controls the product reading unit 47 to obtain product identification information that identifies the product to be read. The registration control unit 411 performs product registration processing (new product registration processing, additional product registration processing) to register the product based on the read product identification information of the product. The registration control unit 411 may also obtain product identification information of the product read by a product reading terminal such as an external scanner or smartphone from the terminal. In other words, the product reading unit 47 is not an essential component of the product registration device 4, and may not be provided. In the registration processing, the registration control unit 411 determines payment information for the product related to one transaction for each transaction. Here, the registration control unit 411 according to the embodiment is an example of a registration unit of the product registration device.

[0032] The read / rewrite control unit 412 controls the wireless tag read / rewrite unit 48, and executes, for example, a read process for reading tag information from the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2 placed on the placement unit 401 by a customer, and a rewrite process for rewriting the tag information of the wireless tag 21. Here, the read / rewrite control unit 412 according to the embodiment is an example of a management unit of the product registration device.

[0033] As an example, the reading / rewriting control unit 412 of the merchandise registration device 4 executes a reading process to read and acquire identification information (tag information) for uniquely identifying the shopping cart 2 (wireless tag 21) from the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2. As an example, the reading / rewriting control unit 412 of the merchandise registration device 4 executes a reading process to read and acquire payment information (tag information) from the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2. The identification information and payment information may be acquired together or separately.

[0034] As an example, the reading / rewriting control unit 412 of the product registration device 4 executes a writing process to rewrite the payment information (tag information) of the wireless tag 21 by writing payment information (unsettled payment information) related to the settlement of the products related to one transaction confirmed by the registration control unit 411 to the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2. In other words, the reading / rewriting control unit 412 of the product registration device 4 issues a shopping cart 2 in which payment information for the settlement of the registered products is written to the wireless tag 21. The reading / rewriting control unit 412 of the product registration device 4 may link the payment information written to the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2 to the identification number of the wireless tag 21 and transmit it to a store server or the like.

[0035] It should be noted that, for example, after a customer has performed a registration process on the product registration device 4, the shopping cart 2 may be moved by the customer to the product display area 801 via the entrance gate 6, and products may be added to the shopping cart 2. For this reason, the reading / rewriting control unit 412 of the product registration device 4 controls the wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 48 to check whether payment information showing an unsettled state (with unpaid balance) is recorded in the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2, prior to the write process of registering the product and writing the payment information. If unsettled payment information remains, the reading / rewriting control unit 412 of the product registration device 4 then executes a write process of writing additional payment information (unsettled payment information) related to the transaction confirmed by the registration control unit 411.

[0036] Note that, instead of or in addition to the CPU, another processor may be provided as the processor of the control unit 41 according to the embodiment. As the other processor, various processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a dedicated arithmetic circuit realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be appropriately used.

[0037] As the memory of the control unit 41, in addition to ROM and RAM, non-volatile recording media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and a flash memory can be used as appropriate.

[0038] The storage unit 42 is a storage device equipped with a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD, SSD, flash memory, etc. The storage unit 42 stores various programs and data related to the operation of the product registration device 4, device drivers for devices connected to the product registration device 4 via the controller 43, etc.

[0039] As an example, the storage unit 42 stores a control program 421 and a product master 422. For example, the control program 421 includes at least one program for implementing each functional unit of the product registration device 4. The product master 422 stores product information for each product in association with product identification information that identifies the product. Here, the product identification information is, for example, a product code that indicates the product, but it need not be a product code as long as it is information that identifies the product.

[0040] The controller 43 is an input / output interface that connects devices to the product registration device 4. In the example of Fig. 3, an operation unit 45, a display unit 46, a product reading unit 47, and a wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 48 are connected to the controller 43.

[0041] The communication unit 44 is a communication interface for communicating with the outside of the product registration device 4. The communication unit 44 includes either a communication circuit for wired communication or a communication circuit for wireless communication, and is connected to a communication line via the communication circuit.

[0042] The operation unit 45 is an input interface that accepts operation inputs from users such as store clerks. The operation unit 45 is, for example, a touch panel that is arranged on the display surface (screen) of the display unit 46 and detects touch operations by the operator and outputs signals to the control unit 41. As an example, the operation unit 45 is configured to be able to accept operation inputs by the operator to an operation screen displayed on the display unit 46. Note that the operation unit 45 is not limited to a touch panel, and various input devices such as a keyboard, switches, and buttons may be provided as appropriate.

[0043] The display unit 46 is configured to be able to display various generated screens under the control of the control unit 41. As the display unit 46, various display devices such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display can be used as appropriate.

[0044] The commodity reading unit 47 is a device for acquiring commodity identification information related to a commodity to be read. As an example, the commodity reading unit 47 may be an imaging device (camera) for acquiring commodity identification information for identifying a corresponding commodity by capturing and analyzing a symbol such as a barcode or two-dimensional code attached to the commodity, or by package recognition for identifying a commodity by recognizing the commodity based on the shape or appearance of the captured commodity. As an example, the commodity reading unit 47 may be a wireless tag reading device for acquiring commodity identification information for identifying a corresponding commodity by reading tag information from a wireless tag such as an RFID tag attached to the commodity using near-field wireless communication. As an example, the commodity reading unit 47 may be a scanner for optically reading a symbol such as a barcode or two-dimensional code attached to the commodity and acquiring commodity identification information for identifying the corresponding commodity.

[0045] The wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 48 is a wireless tag reading device that uses short-range wireless communication to read tag information (identification information and payment information) from the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping cart 2. The wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 48 is also a wireless tag writing device that writes tag information (payment information) to the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping cart 2 using short-range wireless communication.

[0046] The product checkout device 5 is at least one checkout device installed in a store. The product checkout device 5 is configured to be able to execute, for example, a checkout process, which is part of the transaction process for one transaction of products purchased at the store. The product checkout device 5 is provided with a placement unit 501 on which a shopping basket 2 is placed. The placement unit 501 is configured to determine the placement position of the shopping basket 2, for example, by its shape or markings. For example, the position and shape of the placement unit 501 are determined so that the shopping basket 2 is placed so that the wireless tag 21 attached to the placed shopping basket 2 can communicate with the product checkout device 5. Therefore, the position and shape of the placement unit 501 can be appropriately designed based on the performance and arrangement of the wireless tag 21 and the wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 58 of the product checkout device 5, the size of the shopping basket 2, and the like. For example, the product checkout device 5 can detect that a shopping basket 2 has been placed on the placement unit 501 based on recognition of the wireless tag 21. The product checkout device 5 may have a sensor, such as a weight sensor or an optical sensor, that detects the placement of the shopping basket 2 on the placement unit 501. Here, the product checkout device 5 according to the embodiment is an example of a checkout unit.

[0047] The product checkout device 5 may be configured so that a store clerk performs operations related to the checkout process (checkout work). The product checkout device 5 may be configured integrally with the store server.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the commodity checkout device 5 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the commodity checkout device 5 has a control unit 51, a memory unit 52, a controller 53, a communication unit 54, an operation unit 55, a display unit 56, and a wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 58. The control unit 51, the memory unit 52, the controller 53, and the communication unit 54 are communicatively connected, for example, via a bus 59. The operation unit 55, the display unit 56, and the wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 58 are each communicatively connected to the controller 53.

[0049] The control unit 51 has a processor such as a CPU and memories such as a ROM and a RAM, and is configured similarly to a general computer. For example, the control unit 51 is configured to implement each function of the commodity settlement device 5, including the settlement control unit 511 and the read / write control unit 512, by loading various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM or the storage unit 52 into the RAM of the memory and having the processor execute the various loaded programs.

[0050] The settlement control unit 511 reads payment information from the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2 and performs settlement processing for the payment of the products registered in the product registration device 4. In other words, the settlement control unit 511 performs settlement processing for one transaction based on the payment information read by the read / rewrite control unit 512 of the product settlement device 5, i.e., without performing communication such as an information request to the store server or the product registration device 4.

[0051] The settlement control unit 511 may transmit a settlement completion notification to the store server or the like, including identification information of the shopping cart 2 for which settlement has been processed, product information of the products for which payment has been completed (paid items), and payment information (i.e., sales information). Furthermore, the payment information does not need to be transmitted in order to reduce communication volume. Furthermore, when payment for all products has been completed, notification information indicating that payment for all products has been completed may be transmitted instead of the product information of the paid items. Alternatively, when payment for all products has been completed, only identification information of the shopping cart 2 for which settlement has been processed may be transmitted, and the product registration device 4 may recognize that payment for all products has been completed based on this information.

[0052] The read / rewrite control unit 512 controls the wireless tag read / rewrite unit 58, and executes, for example, a read process to read tag information from the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2 placed on the placement unit 501 by a customer, and a rewrite process to rewrite the tag information of the wireless tag 21. Here, the read / rewrite control unit 512 according to the embodiment is an example of a management unit of the product checkout device.

[0053] As one example, the reading / rewriting control unit 512 of the product checkout device 5 executes a reading process to read and acquire identification information (tag information) for uniquely identifying the shopping cart 2 (wireless tag 21) from the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2. As one example, the reading / rewriting control unit 512 of the product checkout device 5 executes a reading process to read and acquire payment information (tag information) from the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2. In other words, the reading / rewriting control unit 512 of the product checkout device 5 acquires information sufficient to complete the checkout process (information necessary for the checkout process), including the identification information of the shopping cart 2 (wireless tag 21) and payment information. The identification information and payment information may be acquired together or separately.

[0054] As an example, the reading / rewriting control unit 512 of the product checkout device 5 executes a rewriting process to rewrite the payment information of a product (checkout-completed item) for which payment has been completed by the checkout control unit 511 in the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2 to indicate that there is no outstanding balance (checkout completed). In other words, when the checkout process is completed, the reading / rewriting control unit 512 of the product checkout device 5 writes the rewriting information in the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2 to rewrite the payment information for that transaction to indicate that there is no outstanding balance (checkout completed).

[0055] As the processor of the control unit 51 according to the embodiment, various processors such as GPU and DSP, or dedicated arithmetic circuits realized by ASIC and FPGA can be used as appropriate instead of or in addition to the CPU.

[0056] The storage unit 52 is a storage device equipped with a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD, SSD, flash memory, etc. The storage unit 52 stores various programs and data related to the operation of the commodity checkout device 5, device drivers for devices connected to the commodity checkout device 5 via the controller 53, etc.

[0057] As an example, the storage unit 52 stores a control program 521. For example, the control program 521 includes at least one program for realizing each functional unit of the product checkout device 5. Note that the storage unit 52 may also store a product master.

[0058] The controller 53 is an input / output interface that connects devices to the commodity checkout apparatus 5. In the example of Fig. 4, an operation unit 55, a display unit 56, and a wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 58 are connected to the controller 53.

[0059] The communication unit 54 is a communication interface for communicating with the outside of the commodity checkout device 5. The communication unit 54 includes either a communication circuit for wired communication or a communication circuit for wireless communication, and is connected to a communication line via the communication circuit.

[0060] The operation unit 55 is an input interface that accepts operation inputs from users such as customers. The operation unit 55 is, for example, a touch panel that is arranged on the display surface (screen) of the display unit 56 and detects touch operations by the operator and outputs signals to the control unit 51. As an example, the operation unit 55 is configured to be able to accept operation inputs by the operator on an operation screen displayed on the display unit 56. Note that the operation unit 55 is not limited to a touch panel, and various input devices such as a keyboard, switches, and buttons may be provided as appropriate.

[0061] The display unit 56 is configured to be able to display various generated screens under the control of the control unit 51. As the display unit 56, various display devices such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display can be used as appropriate.

[0062] The wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 58 is a wireless tag reading device that reads tag information from the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping cart 2 using short-range wireless communication. The wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 58 is also a wireless tag writing device that writes tag information to the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping cart 2 using short-range wireless communication.

[0063] The exit gate 7 is a gate device provided between the self-checkout area 803 and the store exit 807 on the route along which customers travel from inside the store 8 to outside the store 8. The exit gate 7 is a gate device through which customers can pass if the payment information read from the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping cart 2 indicates that the transaction has been settled.

[0064] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the exit gate 7 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the exit gate 7 has a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, a controller 73, a communication unit 74, an opening / closing unit 75, an alarm unit 76, and a wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 78. The control unit 71, the storage unit 72, the controller 73, and the communication unit 74 are communicatively connected, for example, via a bus 79. The opening / closing unit 75, the alarm unit 76, and the wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 78 are each communicatively connected to the controller 73.

[0065] The control unit 71 has a processor such as a CPU and memories such as a ROM and a RAM, and is configured similarly to a general computer. For example, the control unit 71 is configured to realize each function of the exit gate 7, including the payment status confirmation unit 711, the read / rewrite control unit 712, the opening / closing control unit 713, and the notification control unit 714, by loading various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM or in the storage unit 72 into the RAM of the memory and having the processor execute the various loaded programs.

[0066] The payment status confirmation unit 711 executes a confirmation process based on the payment information read by the reading / rewriting control unit 712 from the wireless tag 21 to confirm whether there is any outstanding balance (payment has been settled), i.e., whether there is payment information for products for which payment has not been completed.

[0067] The reading / rewriting control unit 712 controls the wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 78, and performs a reading process to read tag information from a wireless tag 21 attached to a shopping cart 2 held by a customer passing through the exit gate 7, for example, and a rewriting process to rewrite the tag information of the wireless tag 21.

[0068] As an example, the read / write control unit 712 of the exit gate 7 acquires information necessary for the payment status confirmation process by reading tag information from the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping cart 2 using short-range wireless communication. The information necessary for the payment status confirmation process includes the identification information and payment information of the shopping cart 2, and is information sufficient to determine whether there is any unpaid payment information. The identification information and payment information may be acquired together or separately.

[0069] As an example, the reading / rewriting control unit 712 of the exit gate 7 executes an erasure process to erase (delete) the payment information of products for which payment has been completed (paid items) from the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2. In other words, when payment has been completed for all registered products, the reading / rewriting control unit 712 of the exit gate 7 writes erasure information to the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2, thereby deleting the payment information for that transaction.

[0070] The opening / closing control unit 713 controls the opening / closing unit 75 and switches whether or not the exit gate 7 is passable. As an example, the opening / closing control unit 713 executes a gate opening process to open the opening / closing unit 75 when the read payment information indicates that the transaction has been settled. Here, opening the opening / closing unit 75 refers to transitioning the exit gate 7 to a state where the customer can pass through. In other words, opening the opening / closing unit 75 may involve operating a movable part, such as a door, of the opening / closing unit 75 using power from a motor or the like, or may involve releasing a lock that holds (temporarily fixes) the movable part, such as a door. In addition, the opening / closing control unit 713 executes a gate closing process to close the opening / closing unit 75 when a predetermined time has passed since the opening of the opening / closing unit 75, or when it recognizes the approach or passage of the next shopping cart 2, such as when reading of another wireless tag 21 is started.

[0071] The notification control unit 714 controls the notification unit 76 to perform notification processing, for example, to notify the customer when the shopping cart 2 held by the customer passing through the exit gate 7 has an outstanding balance. In other words, the notification control unit 714 issues a notification when the payment information on the wireless tag 21 indicates an outstanding balance when the shopping cart 2 passes through. This notification may be an alert issued by the notification unit 76. The alert may be an alarm sound or voice output, an indicator light lit in a warning color (e.g., red), a dedicated warning light, or a mobile device carried by a store clerk, security guard, or supervisor, or a combination of these. Furthermore, in the notification processing, if the shopping cart 2 has no outstanding balance (payment completed), the notification control unit 714 may not perform any processing, or may, for example, light an indicator light in a normal color (e.g., blue) to notify the customer that there is no outstanding balance. In the notification process, the notification control unit 714 may also notify the store server or the like of the identification number of the shopping cart 2 with an unpaid balance and the confirmation result of the payment status.

[0072] It is also possible that the customer may settle any outstanding payment information after leaving the store using a member's app (application program) installed on a mobile device such as a smartphone. For this reason, the notification at the exit gate 7 is not limited to a warning, but may also notify the customer and / or store staff whether payment has been made.

[0073] In addition, in the notification process, when a customer passes through the exit gate 7 but the payment information on the shopping cart 2 cannot be read, the notification control unit 714 may notify the customer and / or the store clerk.

[0074] As the processor of the control unit 71 according to the embodiment, various processors such as GPU and DSP, or dedicated arithmetic circuits realized by ASIC and FPGA can be used as appropriate instead of or in addition to the CPU.

[0075] The storage unit 72 is a storage device equipped with a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD, SSD, Flash memory, etc. The storage unit 72 stores various programs and data related to the operation of the exit gate 7, device drivers for devices connected to the exit gate 7 via the controller 73, etc.

[0076] As an example, the storage unit 72 stores a control program 721. For example, the control program 721 includes at least one program for realizing each functional unit of the exit gate 7.

[0077] The controller 73 is an input / output interface that connects devices to the exit gate 7. In the example of Fig. 5, the controller 73 is connected to an opening / closing unit 75, a notification unit 76, and a wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 78.

[0078] The communication unit 74 is a communication interface for communicating with the outside of the exit gate 7. The communication unit 74 includes either a communication circuit for wired communication or a communication circuit for wireless communication, and is connected to a communication line via the communication circuit.

[0079] The opening / closing unit 75 is provided between the entrance side and exit side of the exit gate 7, and is a gate that switches whether or not people can pass through the exit gate 7. The opening / closing unit 75 may be any structure such as a door or a shutter.

[0080] The notification unit 76 may be a speaker that outputs a warning sound or voice, an indicator light, or a combination of these. The indicator light may be one that lights up in a warning color (e.g., red) to notify when there is unpaid payment information. The indicator light may also be one that lights up in a normal color (e.g., blue) when there is no unpaid amount (payment has been settled). The indicator light may also be one that notifies by flashing or lighting up.

[0081] The wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 78 is a wireless tag reading device that reads tag information from the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping cart 2 using short-range wireless communication. The wireless tag reading / rewriting unit 78 is also a wireless tag writing device that writes tag information to the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping cart 2 using short-range wireless communication.

[0082] An example of the operation of the product sales system 1 having the above configuration will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0083] 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow for one transaction executed in the product sales system 1 according to the embodiment. Note that the processing content and processing order in FIG. 6 are merely an example, and steps can be added, deleted, and the order can be changed as desired.

[0084] First, a customer places the products for one transaction into a shopping cart 2 in the product display area 801 and enters the self-checkout area 803, and places the shopping cart 2 brought into the self-checkout area 803 on the placement section 401 of any product registration device 4.

[0085] At this time, the product registration device 4 acquires tag information from the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping basket 2 placed on the placement unit 401 (S1). If the acquired tag information indicates that the payment information has been deleted, the product registration device 4 executes a new product registration process to newly register the product related to the transaction and confirm the payment information (S2). On the other hand, if the acquired tag information indicates that the payment information has not been deleted, the product registration device 4 executes an additional product registration process to additionally register the product as a product related to the transaction and confirm (update) the payment information (S3). Then, the product registration device 4 executes a write process to write the unpaid payment information to the wireless tag 21 of the recognized shopping basket 2 (S4).

[0086] Next, after completing product registration at the product registration device 4, the customer takes the shopping basket 2 to any product checkout device 5 and places the shopping basket 2 on the placement section 501 of the product checkout device 5 to which the customer has been transferred.

[0087] At this time, the product settlement device 5 acquires payment information (tag information) from the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping basket 2 placed on the placement unit 501, and performs settlement processing for the products related to one transaction based on the payment information read from the shopping basket 2, i.e., without making an inquiry to the store server or the product registration device 4 (S5).The product settlement device 5 also performs a rewrite process to rewrite the payment information of the products for which payment has been completed (paid items) to a paid-for status by writing rewrite information to the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping basket 2 (S6).

[0088] Next, the customer who has completed payment at the product payment device 5 begins to pass through the exit gate 7 with the shopping basket 2 in order to exit the self-checkout area 803.

[0089] At this time, the exit gate 7 acquires payment information (tag information) from the wireless tag 21 attached to the passing shopping cart 2 and performs a payment status confirmation process based on the payment information read from the shopping cart 2 (S7). In the confirmation process, the exit gate 7 confirms whether the passing shopping cart 2 has no outstanding balance (payment completed). Based on the payment status confirmation process, the exit gate 7 also performs either a gate-opening process to open the gate or a notification process. If the payment information of the passing shopping cart 2 indicates that payment has been completed, the exit gate 7 performs an erasure process to erase the payment information of the paid-for items (paid items) by writing erasure information to the shopping cart 2 (S8). In other words, for transactions in which payment has been completed for all registered items, the payment information is deleted from the shopping cart 2 when the shopping cart 2 passes through the exit gate 7. If the payment information of the passing shopping cart 2 indicates that payment has been completed, the exit gate 7 performs a gate-opening process to open the opening / closing section 75 of the exit gate 7 (S9). On the other hand, if the payment information of the passing shopping cart 2 does not indicate that the payment has been settled, that is, if there is an outstanding balance, the exit gate 7 performs a notification process to notify the customer (S10).

[0090] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the product registration device 4 according to the embodiment. Note that the processing content and processing order shown in FIG. 7 are merely an example, and steps can be added, deleted, and the order can be changed as desired.

[0091] First, the product registration device 4 reads tag information from the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping cart 2 (S101). The product registration device 4 also determines whether the payment information in the wireless tag 21 has been erased (S102). If the payment information in the wireless tag 21 has been erased (S102: Yes), the product registration device 4 starts a new product registration process (S103). On the other hand, if the payment information in the wireless tag 21 has not been erased (S102: No), the product registration device 4 starts an additional product registration process (S104). Then, the product registration device 4 performs a product registration process to register at least one product purchased by the customer (S105). Thereafter, the product registration device 4 determines whether to end the product registration (S106). If it is not determined to end the product registration (S106: No), the flow of FIG. 7 returns to S105, and the product registration for that transaction continues. On the other hand, if it is determined that the product registration is to be terminated (S106: Yes), the product registration device 4 determines the payment information for the transaction by referring to the product master 422 for the registered product, and performs a write process to write the payment information for the registered product, i.e., the unsettled payment information, to the wireless tag 21 (S107).

[0092] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the commodity checkout device 5 according to the embodiment. Note that the processing content and processing order shown in FIG. 8 are merely an example, and steps can be added, deleted, or the order changed as desired.

[0093] First, the product checkout device 5 reads tag information from the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping cart 2 (S201). The product checkout device 5 then determines whether the tag information was successfully read from the wireless tag 21 (S202). If the tag information was not successfully read from the wireless tag 21 (S202: No), the flow of FIG. 8 returns to S201. On the other hand, if the tag information was successfully read from the wireless tag 21 (S202: Yes), the product checkout device 5 accepts payment information included in the tag information from the wireless tag 21 (S203). The product checkout device 5 then performs a checkout process to settle the payment based on the unsettled payment information (S204). The product checkout device 5 also performs a rewrite process to rewrite the payment information in the wireless tag 21 of the shopping cart 2 to a settled state for products for which the checkout process has been completed (checkout-completed items) (S205).

[0094] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the exit gate 7 according to the embodiment. Note that the processing content and processing order shown in FIG. 9 are merely an example, and steps can be added, deleted, and the order can be changed as desired.

[0095] First, the exit gate 7 reads tag information from the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping cart 2 (S301). The exit gate 7 also performs a confirmation process to determine whether the payment information included in the tag information from the wireless tag 21 indicates that the payment has been settled (S302). If the payment information indicates that the payment has been settled (S302: Yes), the exit gate 7 performs an erasure process to erase the payment information included in the tag information from the wireless tag 21 (S303). The exit gate 7 also performs a gate opening process to open the opening / closing unit 75 of the exit gate 7 (S304). On the other hand, if the payment information indicates that the payment has not been settled (S302: No), the exit gate 7 performs an alarm process to notify the user that there is an unpaid balance, for example, by causing the alarm unit 76 to output an alarm sound or by turning on the indicator light in a warning color (for example, red) (S305).

[0096] In addition, when the payment information indicates that the payment has been settled, the exit gate 7 may perform an alarm process to notify the user that there is no outstanding balance, for example by having the alarm unit 76 output a notification sound or by turning on the indicator light in a normal color (for example, blue).

[0097] It should be noted that the exit gate 7 does not necessarily have to be provided with either the opening / closing unit 75 or the notification unit 76.

[0098] The exit gate 7 may be configured to perform a gate closing process to close the opening / closing unit 75 such as a door when the payment information indicates that the transaction has not been completed. In this case, the exit gate 7 may be maintained in a passable state under normal circumstances, that is, until it is determined that the payment information indicates that the transaction has not been completed.

[0099] In addition, the product sales system 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to perform the confirmation process for determining whether the payment information on the wireless tag 21 attached to the shopping cart 2 has been settled not only at the exit gate 7, but also at the cart storage area 805 or the entrance gate 6.

[0100] In this way, the product sales system 1 of the embodiment is configured to be able to transmit product registration information from the product registration device 4 to the product checkout device 5 using the shopping cart 2 in which payment information (product registration information) based on the registration process is stored, i.e., without communication between the product registration device 4 and the product checkout device 5 to transmit the payment information (product registration information).

[0101] With this configuration, the data necessary for the checkout process is recorded in the shopping cart 2, so checkout can be performed starting from the shopping cart 2 and based on the information stored in the shopping cart 2. Therefore, with the above configuration, there is no need to introduce a server, and the system is not affected by server errors or line problems, so a highly reliable product sales system can be provided.

[0102] Furthermore, because payment information is written into the shopping cart 2 through the customer's registration process, the store clerk does not need to use a mobile terminal or the like to read the items in the shopping cart 2 and register the item information on accounting media such as 2D codes or recording media. This reduces the effort required by the store clerk and improves the efficiency of the registration process in the product registration device 4.

[0103] Furthermore, because payment information is stored in the shopping cart 2, even if a store server is installed, the product checkout device 5 does not need to make inquiries to the store server or product registration device 4 during the checkout process, allowing for checkout similar to conventional self-service checkouts even in an offline environment, while also reducing the amount of data communication by the product checkout device 5 as communication is one-way from the product checkout device 5 to the master (store server). Reducing the amount of data communication by the product checkout device 5 not only reduces the load on the master side, but is also useful for wireless communication between the product checkout device 5 and the outside world.

[0104] Furthermore, since payment information is stored in shopping cart 2, even if shopping cart 2 is discovered at a later date, i.e., even if the information relating to the transaction has disappeared from the store server's master, the store can still grasp the payment information relating to the unsettled transaction.

[0105] Furthermore, since payment information is stored in shopping cart 2, even if there is fraud such as theft (non-payment), or if shopping cart 2 is discovered at a later date and no information remains on the store server, it is possible to determine what has been stolen.

[0106] Furthermore, because an alert is sent at the exit gate 7 based on the payment information in the shopping cart 2, store staff, security guards, and monitors only need to monitor for clearly abnormal customer behavior, such as customers leaving only the shopping cart 2 in the self-checkout area 803 and passing through the exit gate 7, thereby reducing the effort required to monitor for fraud.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the payment information is used to notify the customer of the presence of unpaid items (products), but this is not limiting. The shopping cart 2 may store flag information indicating whether there are unpaid products, and the exit gate 7 may control the gate or notify the customer based on this flag information.

[0108] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to improve the reliability of the transmission of product registration information.

[0109] In the above-mentioned embodiment, "determining whether it is A" may mean "determining whether it is A", "determining whether it is not A", or "determining whether it is A or not".

[0110] Each control program executed by each device in the product sales system 1 of this embodiment may be provided in advance as a program stored in a recording medium such as a ROM.

[0111] Each control program executed by each device of the product sales system 1 of this embodiment may be configured to be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0112] Furthermore, each control program executed by each device in the product sales system 1 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, each control program executed by each device in the product sales system 1 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0113] For example, the control program 421 executed by the product registration device 4 of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (registration control unit 411 and read / write control unit 412). The processor of the control unit 41 reads the control program 421 from the recording medium and loads the above-mentioned units into a main storage device such as a RAM of the control unit 41. As a result, the above-mentioned units are generated on the main storage device.

[0114] For example, the control program 521 executed by the commodity settlement device 5 of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (the settlement control unit 511 and the read / write control unit 512). The processor of the control unit 51 reads the control program 521 from the recording medium and loads the above-mentioned units into a main storage device such as a RAM of the control unit 51. As a result, the above-mentioned units are generated on the main storage device.

[0115] For example, the control program 721 executed at the exit gate 7 of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (payment status confirmation unit 711, read / rewrite control unit 712, opening / closing control unit 713, and notification control unit 714). The processor of the control unit 71 reads the control program 721 from the recording medium and loads the above-mentioned units into a main storage device such as RAM of the control unit 71. As a result, the above-mentioned units are generated on the main storage device.

[0116] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1 Product sales system 2. Shopping Cart 21 Radio tag 4. Product registration device (registration unit) 401 Placement section 41 Control Unit 411 Registration control section 412 Read / Write Control Unit 42 Storage section 421 Control Program 422 Product Master 43 Controller 44 Communications Department 45 Operation section 46 Display section 47 Product reading unit 48 Wireless tag reading / writing unit 49 Bus 5 Product clearing device (clearing department) 501 Placement section 51 Control section 511 Clearing Control Unit 512 Read / Write Control Unit 52 Storage section 521 Control Program 53 Controller 54 Communications Department 55 Operation section 56 Display section 58 Wireless tag reading / writing unit 59 Bus 6 Entrance Gate 7 Exit Gate 71 Control Unit 711 Payment Status Confirmation Department 712 Read / Write Control Unit 713 Opening and closing control section 714 Notification control unit 72 Memory section 721 Control Program 73 Controller 74 Communications Department 75 Opening and Closing Section 76 Information Department 78 Wireless tag reading / writing unit 79 Bus 8 stores 801 Product display area 803 Self-checkout area 805 Basket storage area 807 Store Exit P(Pa,Pb,Pc,Pd) Customer [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0118] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-132858

Claims

1. A shopping cart with a wireless tag attached, a registration unit that acquires product information of a product pertaining to one transaction, registers the product, and writes payment information regarding payment for the product pertaining to the one transaction into the wireless tag; a settlement unit that reads the payment information from the wireless tag, settles the payment for the merchandise related to the transaction based on the read payment information, and rewrites the payment information to indicate that the payment for the merchandise related to the transaction has been settled when the payment for the merchandise related to the transaction has been completed; an exit gate that reads the payment information from the wireless tag and allows the person to pass through if the read payment information indicates that the payment has been settled, Product sales system.

2. The registration unit and the settlement unit are configured as independent devices and are provided at locations separate from each other. The product sales system according to claim 1 .

3. the registration unit and the settlement unit do not communicate to transmit the payment information; 3. The product sales system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the registration unit determines whether the payment information has been erased from the wireless tag, and if the payment information has not been erased, performs a product additional registration process to additionally register the product, and further writes payment information related to the payment for the product registered in the product additional registration process to the wireless tag.

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

5. When the read payment information indicates that the payment has been settled, the exit gate erases the payment information from the wireless tag. The product sales system according to claim 4.

6. The exit gate issues a notification when the read payment information is not in a settled state.

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

7. the registration unit and the checkout unit are provided in a checkout area adjacent to a product display area in which products sold in the store are displayed, an entrance gate to the checkout area is provided between the checkout area and the product display area; The exit gate is provided on the exit side of the store in the checkout area.

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

8. a self-checkout system in which the registration unit accepts the product registration of the customer, and the settlement unit accepts the payment of the customer; 3. The product sales system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The payment information includes product information, unit price, and quantity for each of at least one registered product, and a total payment amount.

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

10. a registration unit that acquires product information of a product related to one transaction and registers the product; a management unit that writes payment information relating to the payment of the commodity in the one transaction into a wireless tag attached to the shopping cart, the registration unit determines whether the payment information has been erased from the wireless tag before the product registration. Product registration device.

11. Acquiring product information for a product related to one transaction and registering the product; writing payment information relating to the payment for the merchandise pertaining to the one transaction into a wireless tag attached to the shopping cart; determining whether the payment information has been erased from the wireless tag before the product registration. program.

Images