Reading device, program, and system

Abstract

To provide a reading device and a program capable of exhibiting the advantages of both a fixed-type reading device and a handy reading device with a single reading device.SOLUTION: The reading device for reading item information of an embodiment is provided with: determination means for determining whether the reading device is in a first state mounted on a holding stand or a second state removed from the holding stand; reading control means for changing an output magnitude for reading item information depending on whether it is determined to be the first state or the second state; and output means for outputting at the changed output magnitude.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to a reading device, a program, and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, reading devices as optical scanners that optically read symbols such as barcodes attached to products for sale have been available in stores such as clothing stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and mass retailers.In addition, these stores also have reading devices as wireless tag readers that read information from wireless tags attached to products using, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.

[0003] These reading devices include fixed reading devices that are fixed to a holder and read normal products, and handheld reading devices that can be held and operated by hand to read products that are heavy or large, for example. For example, in the case of an optical reading device, the power (output) of the fixed reading device can be small because the symbol attached to the product is read by bringing it close to the fixed reading device, but in the case of a handheld reading device, the symbol of a product that is placed a little far away, such as on the bottom shelf of a shopping cart, may be read by bringing the reading device close, so the power of the handheld reading device needs to be large.

[0004] Furthermore, in the case of a radio tag reading device, since the device reads the radio tags attached to multiple items placed in a basket all at once, a fixed reading device needs to have high power, while a handheld reading device needs to be operated by hand, making its directionality unstable, so it needs to have low power to avoid misreading surrounding items.

[0005] For this reason, conventionally, a fixed reading device and a handheld reading device have been provided to enable identification of the respective devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a reading device and a program that can provide the advantages of both a fixed reading device and a handheld reading device in one reading device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The reading device of the embodiment is a reading device that reads information about an article, and is equipped with a judgment means for judging whether the reading device is in a first state where it is attached to a holding stand or a second state where it is detached from the holding stand, a reading control means for changing the size of the output for reading the information about the article when it is judged to be in the first state or when it is judged to be in the second state, and an output means for outputting the changed size. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship between a wireless tag reader and a POS terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the wireless tag reader. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the wireless tag reader attached to the holder. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the state storage unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a memory map showing an example of the memory configuration of the RAM. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the main processes and information flows between the wireless tag, the wireless tag reader, and the POS terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the wireless tag reading device. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control process of the wireless tag reader. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control process of the wireless tag reader. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of a wireless tag reader. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the support table. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a wireless tag reader and a holder in a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the control process of the support table in the modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control process of a wireless tag reader in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a wireless tag reading device will be described as an example of a reading device. Also, products sold in stores will be described as an example of goods. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0010] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a wireless tag reader according to an embodiment and a POS terminal connected to the wireless tag reader. Fig. 1 shows one or more POS terminals 3 installed in a store such as a clothing store, supermarket, convenience store, or mass retailer, and a wireless tag reader 1 connected to each POS terminal 3.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the wireless tag reading device 1 is a device that reads information about a product M by wirelessly communicating with a wireless tag 6 attached to the product M and receiving tag information including an individual product code that uniquely identifies the product M, which is stored in the wireless tag 6. The wireless tag reading device 1 is also connected to a POS (Point of Sales) terminal 3 installed in the checkout area of ​​the store via a connection line L so that they can communicate with each other. Details of the wireless tag reading device 1 will be described later with reference to Figs. 2 and 3.

[0012] The POS terminal 3 performs product registration processing and payment processing for the product M based on the individual product code received from the wireless tag reading device 1. The product registration processing refers to processing of retrieving product information for the product M from a product master (not shown) based on the received individual product code, and displaying the product name and price of the product M. The payment processing refers to processing of displaying the total amount for the product M for which product registration processing has been performed, and performing payment for the transaction using a specified medium.

[0013] The wireless tag reading device 1 receives tag information related to the product M from the wireless tag 6 attached to the product M purchased by the customer. The wireless tag reading device 1 then transmits the individual product code included in the received tag information to the POS terminal 3. The POS terminal 3 executes product registration of the product M based on the received individual product code and executes payment processing related to the transaction.

[0014] Next, the configuration of the radio tag reading device 1 will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the radio tag reading device 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the radio tag reading device 1 attached to a holder 4. As shown in Fig. 2, the radio tag reading device 1 comprises a holding part 11 and a main body part 12 provided on the upper part of the holding part 11. The holding part 11 is a part for holding the radio tag reading device 1. The main body part 12 also transmits radio waves to the radio tag 6 and reads tag information transmitted from the radio tag 6.

[0015] A switch 5 is attached to the grip portion 11. The switch 5 can be operated, for example, with the hand (for example, the index finger) holding the grip portion 11, and is a switch that turns on when gripped firmly and turns off when gripped loosely (a switch that operates between on and off).

[0016] An antenna 33 is attached to the tip 14 of the main body 12. The antenna 33 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular planar shape. The antenna 33 transmits radio waves from the tip 14 to the outside. The antenna 33 also receives radio waves (response waves containing tag information) transmitted by the radio tag 6. FIG. 2 shows the radio tag reading device 1 removed from the holder 4, which will be described later, and when the switch 5 is turned on, the radio tag reading device 1 transmits radio waves from the antenna 33.

[0017] A magnetic sensor 39 is also built into the bottom of the grip part 11. The magnetic sensor 39 outputs a signal when a magnet is present nearby. That is, when a magnet is present within a predetermined distance, the magnetic sensor 39 outputs a signal indicating the presence of a magnet.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows the state in which the RFID tag reader 1 is mounted on the holder 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the holder 4 has a base 41 and a support 42. The base 41 is a flat, plate-like member having a substantially rectangular shape. The pair of support 42 are substantially rectangular parallelepiped columns extending upward from the base 41. The pair of support 42 are erected with a gap between them that allows the RFID tag reader 1 to be mounted between them. In addition, a flat magnet 43 is embedded in the base 41.

[0019] The support column 42 supports the RFID tag reader 1 so that it can be attached to and detached from the holder 4. The RFID tag reader 1 is fixedly attached to the holder 4 by being supported by the support column 42. When the RFID tag reader 1 is fixedly attached to the holder 4, the antenna 33 is fixed so that it always faces in one direction (always the same direction). When the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4, the antenna 33 is fixed so that it faces, for example, in the direction of the basket placement section (not shown).

[0020] Furthermore, with the RFID tag reader 1 attached to the holder 4, the magnet 43 embedded in the base 41 and the magnetic sensor 39 embedded in the bottom of the grip 11 come closest to each other, and the magnetic sensor 39 outputs a signal indicating that the magnet 43 is nearby (that the magnet 43 has been detected). That is, when the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4, the magnetic sensor 39 comes within a predetermined distance of the magnet 43, and therefore outputs a signal indicating that the magnet 43 is nearby. The control unit 30 (see FIG. 4) receives this signal and determines that the RFID tag reader 1 has been attached to the holder 4.

[0021] Furthermore, when the wireless tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4 (first state), it transmits radio waves to the wireless tags 6 of the products M placed in the baskets placed in the basket placement section some distance away, and increases the power (output) of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 33 so that it can read the tag information from the wireless tags 6 (so that the radio waves can reach the wireless tags 6 attached to the products M placed in the baskets placed in the basket placement section). Furthermore, the wireless tag reader 1 increases the transmission speed of information transmitted by the radio waves (e.g., 160 kbps) to read the wireless tags 6 of the multiple products M placed in the basket placement section (i.e., stored in the baskets). By increasing the information transmission speed, it is possible to receive tag information from many wireless tags 6 at once in a short period of time (incidentally, the transmission speed for receiving tag information from the wireless tags 6 is, for example, 320 kbps). The wireless tag reader 1 attached to the holder 4 is a fixed reader.

[0022] Furthermore, the RFID tag reader 1 attached to the holder 4 can be removed from the holder 4. When the RFID tag reader 1 is removed from the holder 4, the magnetic sensor 39 moves a predetermined distance or more away from the magnet 43. In this state, the magnetic sensor 39 outputs a signal indicating that the magnet 43 is not present in the vicinity (that the magnet is not being detected). Therefore, the control unit 30 determines that the RFID tag reader 1 has been removed from the holder 4. The RFID tag reader 1 removed from the holder 4 is a handheld reader.

[0023] When the RFID tag reader 1 is removed from the holder 4 (second state), the operator grasps the handle 11 of the RFID tag reader 1, brings the RFID tag reader 1 (specifically, the antenna 33) close to the RFID tag 6 attached to a commodity M (e.g., a commodity M placed on the lower shelf of a cart), and presses the switch 5 to turn on the switch 5, transmitting radio waves to the RFID tag 6 and receiving tag information transmitted from the RFID tag 6. In this way, the RFID tag reader 1 reads tag information from the RFID tag 6 attached to the commodity M that has been brought close. When the operator releases the switch 5, the switch 5 turns off and the transmission of radio waves from the antenna 33 stops. In other words, the RFID tag reader 1 removed from the holder 4 transmits radio waves from the antenna 33 only while the switch 5 is turned on. When the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4 (when the magnetic sensor 39 is outputting a signal indicating that the magnet 43 has been detected), the antenna 33 transmits radio waves regardless of the operation of the switch 5. For example, when it is detected that a basket has been placed on the basket placement section, the wireless tag reading device 1 may be configured to transmit radio waves from the antenna 33 to the holder 4. Also, for example, while the magnetic sensor 39 is outputting a signal indicating that the magnet 43 has been detected, the antenna 33 may be configured to transmit radio waves at all times.

[0024] The orientation of the RFID tag reader 1 removed from the holder 4 is not fixed and unstable. Therefore, the antenna 33 may not always point in one direction. In this state, depending on the orientation of the RFID tag reader 1, there is a risk that the RFID tag reader 1 may mistakenly read (misread) the RFID tags 6 attached to surrounding products other than the targeted product M. Furthermore, since the RFID tag reader 1 removed from the holder 4 reads the RFID tag 6 of a single targeted product M, it is sufficient for the radio waves to reach the RFID tag 6 attached to that product M. Therefore, the power (output) of the radio waves emitted from the antenna 33 is made smaller than when the RFID tag reader 1 is fixed to the holder 4. Furthermore, since the RFID tag reader 1 removed from the holder 4 reads the RFID tag 6 of a specific product M, the transmission speed of information by the emitted radio waves is made slower (for example, 40 kbps) than when the RFID tag reader 1 is fixed to the holder 4. Even if the information transmission speed is slowed down, tag information can be received sufficiently because there is only one wireless tag 6 to read (incidentally, the transmission speed for receiving tag information from the wireless tag 6 is, for example, 25 kbps).

[0025] The frequency band used can be narrowed by slowing down the information transmission speed when the wireless tag reader 1 is removed from the holder 4. Therefore, when there are similar wireless tag readers 1 nearby (for example, when there are multiple cart POSs equipped with wireless tag readers 1 in a store), it is possible to secure many channels to prevent interference with other wireless tag readers 1.

[0026] In the embodiment, the wireless tag reader 1 is provided with the magnetic sensor 39 and the holder 4 is provided with the magnet 43, but the wireless tag reader 1 may be provided with the magnet 43 and the holder 4 may be provided with the magnetic sensor 39. Also, a sensor other than the magnetic sensor 39 and the magnet 43 (for example, an optical sensor or a mechanical sensor) may be used to detect the attachment and detachment of the wireless tag reader 1 to the holder 4. Furthermore, such a wireless tag reader 1 and holder 4 may be installed together with the POS terminal 3 installed in the checkout area of ​​the store, or may be mounted on a cart POS.

[0027] Next, the hardware configuration of the RFID tag reader 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the RFID tag reader 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the RFID tag reader 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 36, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 37, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 38, and a memory unit 31 (comprised of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory). The CPU 36 is the main controller. The ROM 37 stores various programs. The RAM 38 loads programs and various data. The non-volatile memory unit 31 stores various programs. The CPU 36, the ROM 37, the RAM 38, and the memory unit 31 are connected to one another via a bus (not shown). The CPU 36, the ROM 37, and the RAM 38 constitute a control unit 30. That is, the control unit 30 executes control processing related to the RFID tag reader 1, which will be described later, by the CPU 36 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 37 and the memory unit 31 and loaded in the RAM 38.

[0028] The control unit 30 is connected to the display unit 21, the operation unit 22, the wireless unit 32, the communication I / F 35, and the magnetic sensor 39. The control unit 30 is also connected to an A / D converter 34 that A / D converts the output (analog value) of the switch 5. When the control unit 30 determines that the RFID tag reader 1 has been removed from the holder 4, and receives an ON signal as a result of the switch 5 being turned ON, the control unit 30 causes the antenna 33 to emit radio waves for collecting information stored in the RFID tag 6. When the control unit 30 determines that the RFID tag reader 1 has been removed from the holder 4, and receives an OFF signal as a result of the switch 5 being turned OFF (the hand being removed from the switch 5), the control unit 30 stops the radio waves that have been emitted from the antenna 33.

[0029] The radio unit 32 includes a D / A converter 32a, a radiation circuit 32b, a receiving circuit 32c, an A / D converter 32d, and a transmission / reception switch 32e. The D / A converter 32a converts radiation data and control data from the control unit 30 into analog data using separate systems, and supplies the converted data to the radiation circuit 32b.

[0030] The emission circuit 32b performs predetermined modulation on the input emission data and adjusts or changes the output power. The emission circuit 32b also outputs the modulated signal with the adjusted or changed output to the antenna 33 via a transmission / reception switch 32e, which switches between emission and reception. Meanwhile, a response signal (including tag information) from the wireless tag 6 received by the antenna 33 is supplied to the reception circuit 32c via the transmission / reception switch 32e. The reception circuit 32c then demodulates the response signal, and the demodulated response signal is A / D converted by an A / D converter 32d and passed to the control unit 30.

[0031] The communication I / F 35 is connected to the POS terminal 3 via a connection line L, transmits the received tag information to the POS terminal 3, and receives information from the POS terminal 3.

[0032] Next, the state storage unit 311 stored in the memory unit 31 will be described. Fig. 5 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the state storage unit 311. The state storage unit 311 stores the power (output) of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 33 (i.e., the power output by the radiation circuit 32b to the antenna 33) and the transmission rate of information (i.e., the transmission rate of information output by the radiation circuit 32b to the antenna 33) when the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4 and when it is detached from the holder 4. The state storage unit 311 has a state unit 3111, a power unit 3112, and a transmission rate unit 3113. The state unit 3111 stores the state of the RFID tag reader 1 (when it is attached to the holder 4 and when it is detached from the holder 4). The power unit 3112 stores the value of the power (output) of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 33 (i.e., the power output from the radiation circuit 32b to the antenna 33) corresponding to each state of the RFID tag reader 1. For example, corresponding to the state stored in the state unit 3111 where the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4, the power unit 3112 stores the value of the power (100 mW) of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 33 in that state. Also, corresponding to the state stored in the state unit 3111 where the RFID tag reader 1 is detached from the holder 4, the power unit 3112 stores the value of the power (10 mW) of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 33 in that state.

[0033] Furthermore, the transmission speed unit 3113 stores the value of the transmission speed of the information transmitted over the radio waves from the antenna 33 (i.e., the transmission speed of the information output from the radiation circuit 32b to the antenna 33) corresponding to each state of the RFID tag reader 1. For example, corresponding to the state stored in the state unit 3111 where the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4, the transmission speed unit 3113 stores the value of the transmission speed (160 kbps) of the information transmitted over the radio waves from the antenna 33 in that state. Furthermore, corresponding to the state stored in the state unit 3111 where the RFID tag reader 1 is detached from the holder 4, the transmission speed unit 3113 stores the value of the transmission speed (40 kbps) of the information transmitted over the radio waves from the antenna 33 in that state.

[0034] Next, information stored in the RAM 38 will be described. FIG. 6 is a memory map showing an example of the configuration of the RAM 38. As shown in FIG. 6, the RAM 38 has a status flag section 381, a setting information section 382, ​​and a reception information section 383. The status flag section 381 stores a status flag (flag information) indicating whether the RF tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4 (first state) or detached from the holder 4 (second state). When the RF tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4 (first state) (specifically, when the control unit 30 determines that the magnetic sensor 39 is outputting a signal indicating that the magnet 43 has been detected), the status flag section 381 stores a flag "1" as the status flag. When the RF tag reader 1 is detached from the holder 4 (second state) (specifically, when the control unit 30 determines that the magnetic sensor 39 is outputting a signal indicating that the magnet 43 has not been detected), the status flag section 381 stores a flag "0" as the status flag.

[0035] The setting information unit 382 stores the power value extracted from the power unit 3112 and the transmission rate extracted from the transmission rate unit 3113 (i.e., the power and transmission rate output by the radiation circuit 32b to the antenna 33) according to the status flag stored in the status flag unit 381. Specifically, when the status flag unit 381 stores a status flag of "1", the setting information unit 382 stores a power value that increases the power of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 33 from the power unit 3112 and stores it, and also stores a faster transmission rate from the transmission rate unit 3113. On the other hand, when the status flag unit 381 stores a status flag of "0", the setting information unit 382 stores a power value that decreases the power of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 33 compared to when the flag is "1" from the power unit 3112 and stores it, and also stores a transmission rate that is slower than when the flag is "1" from the transmission rate unit 3113.

[0036] Next, we will explain the main processes and the flow of information transmission between the wireless tag 6, the wireless tag reader 1, and the POS terminal 3. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the main processes and the flow of information transmission and reception between the wireless tag 6, the wireless tag reader 1, and the POS terminal 3. As shown in Fig. 7, the wireless tag reader 1 determines whether it is attached to the holder 4 (first state) or detached from the holder 4 (second state) based on the output from the magnetic sensor 39 (T1). The RFID tag reader 1 then reads out the power value appropriate for the state (output (voltage) of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 33) from the power section 3112 and stores it in the setting information section 382 (T2), and reads out the information transmission rate appropriate for the state from the transmission rate section 3113 and stores it in the setting information section 382 (T2). The RFID tag reader 1 then stores a state flag indicating whether the state is the first state or the second state in the state flag section 381 (T3). The RFID tag reader 1 then transmits radio waves from the antenna 33 using the power and information transmission rate stored in the setting information section 382 (T4).

[0037] The wireless tag 6 attached to the product M receives the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 33 (T5). Then, the wireless tag 6 transmits a response wave (including tag information stored in the wireless tag 6) in response to the received radio waves (T6).

[0038] The wireless tag reading device 1 receives the reply wave containing the tag information transmitted by the wireless tag 6 (T7). Then, the wireless tag reading device 1 stores the received tag information in the received information unit 383 (T8). Then, the wireless tag reading device 1 transmits the tag information stored in the received information unit 383 to the POS terminal 3 (T9).

[0039] The POS terminal 3 receives the tag information transmitted from the wireless tag reader 1 (T10). Then, the POS terminal 3 executes a product registration process for the product M based on the individual product code included in the received tag information (specifically, the product code that identifies the type of the product M included in the individual product code) (T11).

[0040] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the wireless tag reading device 1. Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the wireless tag reading device 1. The control unit 30 functions as a determination means 301, a reading control means 302, an output means 303, and a transmission means 304 by following various programs including a control program stored in the ROM 37 and the memory unit 31.

[0041] The determination means 301 determines whether the RFID tag reader 1 is in a first state where it is attached to the holder 4 or a second state where it is detached from the holder 4. In the embodiment, the determination means 301 determines whether the RFID tag reader 1 is in the first state where it is attached to the holder 4 or the second state where it is detached from the holder 4 based on the output from the magnetic sensor 39. Specifically, when the magnetic sensor 39 outputs a signal indicating that it has detected the magnet 43, the determination means 301 determines that the RFID tag reader 1 is in the first state where it is attached to the holder 4. On the other hand, when the magnetic sensor 39 outputs a signal indicating that it has not detected the magnet 43, the determination means 301 determines that the RFID tag reader 1 is in the second state where it is detached from the holder 4.

[0042] The reading control means 302 changes the magnitude (strength) of the output for reading the information of the product M depending on whether it is determined to be in the first state or the second state. In this embodiment, when the RFID tag reader 1 is in the first state, the reading control means 302 sets the output of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 33 to the RF tag 6 to be large, and when the RFID tag reader 1 is in the second state, the reading control means 302 sets the output of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 33 to the RF tag 6 to be small compared to the first state. Specifically, when the RFID tag reader 1 is in the first state, the reading control means 302 sets the power output by the radiation circuit 32b to the antenna 33 to be large, and when the RFID tag reader 1 is in the second state, the reading control means 302 sets the power output by the radiation circuit 32b to the antenna 33 to be small compared to the first state.

[0043] Furthermore, the reading control means 302 sets the transmission rate of the information contained in the output radio waves to high when the RF tag reader 1 is in the first state, and sets the transmission rate of the information contained in the output radio waves to low when the RF tag reader 1 is in the second state. Specifically, the reading control means 302 sets the transmission rate of the information output by the radiation circuit 32b to the antenna 33 to high when the RF tag reader 1 is in the first state, and sets the transmission rate of the information output by the radiation circuit 32b to the antenna 33 to low when the RF tag reader 1 is in the second state.

[0044] The output means 303 outputs the signal at the size changed by the reading control means 302. In this embodiment, the output means 303 outputs radio waves at the size (strength) set by the reading control means 302 from the antenna 33. The output means 303 also outputs information from the antenna 33 at the transmission rate set by the reading control means 302.

[0045] The transmitting means 304 transmits information about the product M received by the antenna 33 in the first state and the second state to the POS terminal 3. In the embodiment, the transmitting means 304 transmits the individual product code received by the antenna 33 to the POS terminal 3 when the wireless tag reading device 1 is in the first state and the second state.

[0046] Next, the control of the RFID tag reader 1 will be described. FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the control process of the RFID tag reader 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the determination means 301 of the RFID tag reader 1 determines whether the RFID tag reader 1 is in a first state in which it is attached to the holder 4 or in a second state in which it is detached from the holder 4, based on the output B of the magnetic sensor 39 (S11). If it is determined that the RFID tag reader 1 is in the first state (first state in S11), the reading control means 302 retrieves information on a power (output) value with a large output value from the power section 3112 corresponding to the first state stored in the state section 3111, and stores the information in the setting information section 382 (S12). The reading control means 302 also retrieves information on a high transmission speed from the transmission speed section 3113 corresponding to the first state stored in the state section 3111, and stores the information in the setting information section 382 (S12). Then, the control unit 30 stores the flag information "1" in the status flag unit 381 (S13), and the control unit 30 returns to S11.

[0047] Furthermore, when it is determined that the RFID tag reader 1 is in the second state (second state in S11), the reading control means 302 retrieves information on a power (output) value whose output value is smaller than that of the first state from the power section 3112 corresponding to the second state stored in the state section 3111, and stores the information in the setting information section 382 (S14). The reading control means 302 also retrieves information on a transmission speed slower than that of the first state from the transmission speed section 3113 corresponding to the second state stored in the state section 3111, and stores the information in the setting information section 382 (S14). Then, the control section 30 stores flag information "0" in the state flag section 381 (S15). Then, the control section 30 returns to S11.

[0048] 10, the control unit 30 determines whether flag information "1" is stored in the status flag unit 381 (S21). If it is determined that flag information "1" is stored (Yes in S21), the control unit 30 determines whether a basket containing product M is placed in the basket placement section (S22). For example, a basket sensor (not shown) that detects the presence or absence of a basket is provided in the basket placement section, and if the basket sensor detects a basket, the control unit 30 determines that a basket is placed therein. If it is determined that a basket containing product M is not placed in the basket placement section (No in S22), the control unit 30 returns to S21. If it is determined that a basket containing product M is placed in the basket placement section (Yes in S22), the output means 303 drives the radiation circuit 32b to transmit radio waves from the antenna 33 at the high power output and high transmission speed stored in the setting information unit 382 (S23).

[0049] Furthermore, if it is determined that the flag information "0" is stored (No in S21), the control unit 30 determines whether the switch 5 is on (S24). If it is determined that the switch 5 is off, the process returns to S21 (No in S24), and if it is determined that the switch 5 is on (Yes in S24), the output means 303 drives the radiation circuit 32b to transmit radio waves from the antenna 33 at the low power output and slow transmission rate stored in the setting information unit 382 (S25).

[0050] When the process of S23 or S25 is completed, the control unit 30 determines whether a response wave containing tag information transmitted from the wireless tag 6 has been received from the antenna 33 (S26). The control unit 30 waits until a response wave containing tag information has been received (No in S26), and if it determines that a response wave containing tag information has been received (Yes in S26), the control unit 30 stores the received tag information (including the individual item code) in the received information unit 383 (S27). That is, the received information unit 383 stores all tag information received by the antenna 33 in response to the radio waves transmitted in the process of S23 or S25. The transmitting means 304 then transmits the individual item code stored in the received information unit 383 to the POS terminal 3 (S28). The control unit 30 then returns to S21.

[0051] In such an embodiment, the radio tag reading device 1 determines whether it is in a first state in which it is attached to the holding base 4, or a second state in which it is detached from the holding base 4. In the first state, since the radio tag reading device 1 is attached to the holding base 4, the power of the radio waves (transmission output) emitted from the antenna 33 is increased and the information transmission speed is increased to an output capable of reading the radio tag 6 attached to the product M placed in a basket placed in a basket mounting section a short distance from the radio tag reading device 1, and in the second state, since the radio tag reading device 1 is detached from the holding base 4 (i.e., held by a human hand), the power of the radio waves (transmission output) emitted from the antenna 33 is decreased compared to the first state and the information transmission speed is slower compared to the first state to an output capable of reading only the radio tag 6 attached to the targeted product M. When the wireless tag reader 1 having such a configuration is attached to the holder 4, it can collectively and quickly read tag information transmitted from the wireless tags 6 attached to multiple products M placed in a basket placed on a mounting table some distance away, and when it is detached from the holder 4, it can read the tag information of the targeted product M by bringing the wireless tag reader 1 closer to the targeted product M, while reducing the risk of misreading the tag information of unintended surrounding products M. In other words, the wireless tag reader 1 of the embodiment can demonstrate the advantages of both a fixed reader and a handheld reader. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide both a fixed wireless tag reader 1 and a handheld wireless tag reader 1 separately, the space required for providing the wireless tag reader 1 can be saved.

[0052] Next, a modified example of the embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the radio tag reading device 1. In the following description of the modified example, the same components as those in the embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and the description may be omitted or simplified. The radio tag reading device 1 of the modified example does not have a magnetic sensor 39. Instead, it has a light-blocking plate 13 that blocks light at the bottom of the gripping part 11. Furthermore, the holding base 4 of the modified example does not have a magnet 43. Instead, it has a transmission-type optical sensor 46. The optical sensor 46 has a light-emitting part 461 that emits light and a light-receiving part 462 that receives the light emitted by the light-emitting part 461.

[0053] In the second state in which the RFID tag reader 1 is detached from the holder 4, the light receiving unit 462 receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 461. On the other hand, when the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4, the light shielding plate 13 is positioned in the light passage. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 461 is blocked (shielded) by the light shielding plate 13, and the light receiving unit 462 does not receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit 461. The optical sensor 46 outputs different signals depending on whether or not the light receiving unit 462 receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 461. In other words, the optical sensor 46 outputs a signal that can detect whether or not the light receiving unit 462 receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 461.

[0054] In a modified example, the same effect can be achieved by attaching the optical sensor 46 to the radio tag reading device 1 and the light-shielding plate 13 to the holding base 4; however, if the optical sensor 46 is attached to the holding portion 11 of the radio tag reading device 1, the hand holding the holding portion 11 may block the light emitted from the optical sensor 46, which could lead to the radio tag reading device 1 being mistakenly recognized as being attached to the holding base 4. Therefore, a configuration in which the light-shielding plate 13 is attached to the radio tag reading device 1 and the optical sensor 46 is attached to the holding base 4 is preferable.

[0055] Next, the hardware configuration of the support stand 4 according to the modified example will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the support stand 4. As shown in FIG. 12, the support stand 4 includes a CPU 71, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a memory unit 74, and the like. The CPU 71 is the main controller. The ROM 72 stores various programs. The RAM 73 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 74 stores various programs. The CPU 71, ROM 72, RAM 73, and memory unit 74 are connected to one another via a bus 75. The CPU 71, ROM 72, and RAM 73 constitute a control unit 700. That is, the control unit 700 executes control processing related to the support stand 4, which will be described later, by the CPU 71 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 72 or memory unit 74 and loaded in the RAM 73.

[0056] The optical sensor 46 is connected to the control unit 700. The optical sensor 46 has a light-emitting unit 461 and a light-receiving unit 462, and outputs different signals depending on whether the light-receiving unit 462 receives light emitted from the light-emitting unit 461 or not. When the light-receiving unit 462 receives light emitted from the light-emitting unit 461, the optical sensor 46 outputs a signal (e.g., an H signal) indicating that the light-receiving unit 462 has received the light. When the light-receiving unit 462 does not receive the light, the optical sensor 462 outputs a signal (e.g., an L signal) indicating that the light-receiving unit 462 has not received the light. When the output from the optical sensor 46 is H, the control unit 700 detects that the RFID tag reader 1 has been removed from the holder 4, and when the output from the optical sensor 46 is L (i.e., when light is blocked by the light-shielding plate 13), the control unit 700 detects that the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4.

[0057] The control unit 700 is also connected to a communication unit 79 via a bus 75. The communication unit 79 is connected to the wireless tag reading device 1 via a communication line (wireless communication line) not shown, and transmits information related to the output of the optical sensor 46 to the wireless tag reading device 1.

[0058] The functional configuration of the modified example will now be described. Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the RFID tag reading device 1 and the holder 4 in the modified example. A control unit 700 of the holder 4 functions as a detection unit 701 and a notification unit 702 by following various programs including a control program stored in a ROM 72 and a memory unit 74.

[0059] The detection means 701 detects whether the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4 or whether the RFID tag reader 1 has been removed from the holder 4 based on the output signal from the optical sensor 46. In the embodiment, the detection means 701 detects that the RFID tag reader 1 has been removed from the holder 4, for example, when the output signal from the optical sensor 46 is H, and detects that the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4, for example, when the output signal from the optical sensor 46 is L.

[0060] When the detection means 701 detects that the radio tag reading device 1 has been removed from the holder 4, the notification means 702 transmits information (second status information) indicating that the radio tag reading device 1 has been removed from the holder 4 to the radio tag reading device 1. Furthermore, when the detection means 701 detects that the radio tag reading device 1 is attached to the holder 4, the notification means 702 transmits information (first status information) indicating that the radio tag reading device 1 is attached to the holder 4 to the radio tag reading device 1.

[0061] Furthermore, the control unit 30 of the RFID tag reading device 1 according to the modified example functions as a determination unit 301, a reading control unit 302, an output unit 303, and a transmission unit 304 by following various programs including a control program stored in the ROM 37 and the memory unit 31. The functional configurations of the determination unit 301, the reading control unit 302, the output unit 303, and the transmission unit 304 are basically the same as the functions described in Fig. 8, so a description thereof will be omitted. However, the determination unit 301 determines whether the RFID tag reading device 1 is in a first state where it is attached to the holder 4 or in a second state where it is detached from the holder 4, based on information sent by the notification unit 702.

[0062] Next, the control of the holder 4 will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the control process of the holder 4. As shown in Fig. 14, the control unit 700 of the holder 4 determines whether the optical sensor 46 is shielded by the light-shielding plate 13 (whether an L signal is output from the optical sensor 46) or whether the optical sensor 46 is not shielded by the light-shielding plate 13 (whether an H signal is output from the optical sensor 46) (S31). If it is determined that the optical sensor 46 is shielded by the light-shielding plate 13 (Yes in S31), the detection means 701 detects that the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4 (S32). Then, the notification means 702 transmits first status information (status information) indicating that the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4 to the RFID tag reader 1 (S33). Then, the control unit 700 returns to S31.

[0063] Furthermore, if it is determined that the optical sensor 46 is not shielded by the light-shielding plate 13 (No in S31), the detection means 701 detects that the RFID tag reader 1 has been removed from the holder 4 (S34). Then, the notification means 702 transmits second status information (status information) indicating that the RFID tag reader 1 has been removed from the holder 4 to the RFID tag reader 1 (S35). Then, the control unit 700 returns to S31.

[0064] Next, the control of the radio tag reader 1 according to the modified example will be described. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the control process of the radio tag reader 1 according to the modified example. In the control of the radio tag reader 1 shown in Fig. 15, the same control as that shown in Fig. 9 is given the same reference numerals as in Fig. 9, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] 15, the determination means 301 determines whether or not the first status information has been received from the holding table 4 (S41). If it is determined that the first status information has been received (Yes in S41), the reading control means 302 executes the processes of S12 and S13 and returns to S41.

[0066] Furthermore, if it is determined that the first status information has not been received (No in S41), the determination means 301 determines whether second status information has been received from the holder 4 (S42). If it is determined that the second status information has been received (Yes in S42), the reading control means 302 executes the processes of S14 and S15 and returns to S41.

[0067] The radio tag reading device 1 in this modified example determines, based on a signal from the holding base 4, whether it is in a first state in which it is attached to the holding base 4, or a second state in which it is detached from the holding base 4. In the first state, since the radio tag reading device 1 is attached to the holding base 4, the power of the radio waves (transmission output) emitted from the antenna 33 is increased and the information transmission speed is increased to an output capable of reading the radio tags 6 attached to the products M in a basket placed in a basket mounting section a short distance from the radio tag reading device 1, and in the second state, since the radio tag reading device 1 is detached from the holding base 4 (i.e., held by a human hand), the power of the radio waves (transmission output) emitted from the antenna 33 is decreased compared to the first state and the information transmission speed is slower compared to the first state to an output capable of reading the radio tags 6 attached only to the targeted products M. When the wireless tag reader 1 having such a configuration is attached to the holder 4, it can collectively and quickly read tag information transmitted from the wireless tags 6 attached to multiple products M placed in a basket placed on a mounting table some distance away, and when it is detached from the holder 4, it can read the tag information of the targeted product M by bringing the wireless tag reader 1 closer to the targeted product M, while reducing the risk of misreading the tag information of unintended surrounding products M. In other words, the wireless tag reader 1 of the embodiment can demonstrate the advantages of both a fixed reader and a handheld reader. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide both a fixed wireless tag reader 1 and a handheld wireless tag reader 1 separately, the space required for providing the wireless tag reader 1 can be saved.

[0068] As described above, the radio tag reading device 1 of the embodiment and modified example is a radio tag reading device 1 that reads information about a product M, and is equipped with a judgment means 301 that judges whether the radio tag reading device 1 is in a first state where it is attached to the holding stand 4 or a second state where it is detached from the holding stand 4, a reading control means 302 that changes the size of the output for reading the information about the product M depending on whether it is judged to be in the first state or the second state, and an output means 303 that outputs the changed size.

[0069] The RFID tag reader 1 of such an embodiment and modification can provide the advantages of both a fixed type reader and a handheld type reader with a single RFID tag reader 1.

[0070] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims.

[0071] For example, in the embodiment, whether the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4 is detected using the magnetic sensor 39 and the magnet 43, and in the modified example, the detection is performed using the optical sensor 46 and the light-shielding plate 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a physical on / off switch that turns on (i.e., outputs a signal indicating that it is on) when the RFID tag reader 1 is attached to the holder 4 and turns off (i.e., outputs a signal indicating that it is off) when the RFID tag reader 1 is removed from the holder 4.

[0072] In the embodiment, the product M is described as an example of an article. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the article may be an article other than the product M.

[0073] In the embodiment, the RFID tag reader 1 has been described as an example of a reader. However, the reader is not limited to this, and may be an optical scanner that optically reads a symbol. In the case of an optical scanner, in the first state in which the optical scanner is attached to the holder 4, the operator removes each of the products M from the basket and brings them close to the optical scanner to optically read the symbol. When performing this operation, the distance at which the optical scanner can read the symbol (reading depth) does not need to be very far. Also, in the second state in which the optical scanner is detached from the holder 4, the operator may read the symbol attached to a product M (e.g., a large and heavy product such as rice or packaged beverage) loaded in the bottom shelf of a shopping cart from a certain distance away (e.g., over a counter). When performing this operation, the distance at which the optical scanner can read the symbol (reading depth) needs to be greater than in the first state. Therefore, when the optical scanner is in the first state, the intensity of the light emitted from the optical scanner or near the optical scanner (output for reading the symbol) is reduced, and when the optical scanner is in the second state, the intensity of the light emitted from the optical scanner or near the optical scanner (output for reading the symbol) is increased compared to the first state.

[0074] The programs executed by the wireless tag reading device 1 of the embodiment and modified examples are provided as files in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0075] The programs executed by the RFID tag reading device 1 of the embodiment and the modified example may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.The programs executed by the RFID tag reading device 1 of the embodiment and the modified example may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0076] Furthermore, the programs executed by the RFID tag reading device 1 of the embodiment and the modified example may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Radio tag reader 3. POS terminals 4 Holding stand 5 Switch 6. Wireless tags 11 Gripping part 12 Main body 13 Blackout screen 30 Control Unit 33 Antenna 36 CPU 39 Magnetic Sensor 41 Foundation 42 Pillar section 43 Magnet 46 Optical Sensor 71 CPU 75 Bus 79 Communications Department 301 Judgment means 302 Reading control means 303 Output Method 304 Transmission Method 311 State memory unit 381 Status Flags 382 Setting information section 383 Receiving Information Department 461 Light-emitting part 462 Light receiving part 700 control section 701 Detection means 702 Notification means 3111 Status Section 3112 Power section 3113 Transmission speed section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0078] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-35394

Claims

1. A reading device for reading information about an article, a determining means for determining whether the reading device is in a first state in which it is attached to a holder or in a second state in which it is detached from the holder; a read control means for changing the magnitude of an output for reading information about the article when the article is determined to be in the first state and when the article is determined to be in the second state; an output means for outputting the changed size; A reading device comprising:

2. The reader is a radio tag reader that emits radio waves to read tag information of a radio tag attached to an item, Equipped with an antenna, the reading control means sets the output of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna to the wireless tag to be large in the first state, and sets the output of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna to the wireless tag to be smaller in the second state than in the first state; The output means transmits the radio waves at a set output. The reading device according to claim 1 .

3. the reading control means sets a high transmission speed for the information included in the radio waves output in the first state, and sets a low transmission speed for the information included in the radio waves output in the second state; The reading device according to claim 2 .

4. the article is a commodity, the antenna simultaneously receives the tag information attached to a plurality of products placed at predetermined positions in the first state; 4. The reading device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. a transmitting means for transmitting, in the first state and the second state, information about the product received by the antenna to a sales data processing device; The reader of claim 4 further comprising:

6. A computer as a reading device that reads information about an item, a determining means for determining whether the reading device is in a first state in which it is attached to a holder or in a second state in which it is detached from the holder; a read control means for changing the magnitude of an output for reading information about the article when the article is determined to be in the first state and when the article is determined to be in the second state; an output means for outputting the changed size; A program that can function as a

7. A system including a reading device that reads information on an article and a holder on which the reading device can be mounted, a notification means for transmitting status information indicating whether the reading device is attached to the holding stand or detached from the holding stand; Equipped with The reading device is a determining means for determining whether the reading device is in a first state in which the reading device is attached to a holder or in a second state in which the reading device is detached from the holder, based on the state information; a read control means for changing the magnitude of an output for reading information about the article when the article is determined to be in the first state and when the article is determined to be in the second state; an output means for outputting the changed size; A system with.

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