Self-checkout apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide a self-checkout apparatus and program making it possible to minimize degradation in efficiency of operation.SOLUTION: A self-checkout apparatus includes commodity registration means, a bagging base, checkout measurement means that measures the weight of a commodity put in a bag placed on the bagging base, first memory means that stores a weight value measured by the checkout measurement means in a first memory unit, addition decision means that decides on whether a maneuver of adding a bag which is placed on the bagging base has been performed, second memory means that, when it is decided that the maneuver of adding a bag has been performed, adds the weight value stored in the first memory unit to data in a second memory unit and stores an outcome in the second memory unit, and taring processing means that, when a bag is added, performs taring processing of resetting the weight value stored in the first memory unit. The checkout measurement means measures the weight of a commodity put in a bag added after taring processing. The first memory means stores a weight value concerning an added bag, which is measured by the checkout measurement means, in the first memory unit in which a result of taring processing is stored.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a self-checkout device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, retail stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores use self-checkout machines that allow customers to register products and pay for their own purchases. For example, in a self-checkout machine where customers register products and pay for their own purchases, the customer places products or a basket containing products on a loading platform. The customer also places a shopping bag or personal bag (hereinafter referred to as a "bag") into which the registered products will be placed on a bagging platform. The customer then removes the products from the basket and performs a product registration operation, which involves reading the code symbols attached to the products with a scanner or the like. After the product registration operation is completed, the self-checkout machine performs product registration processing for the products. The customer then places the registered products into the bag. After completing the product registration process for all products in the basket, the customer performs the payment process for the registered products and completes the transaction for the products in the basket (purchased by the customer).

[0003] When purchasing a large number of items, the bag may become full with items during the product registration process. In such cases, subsequent registered items will not fit in the bag and will have to be placed directly on the bagging table. After the payment process, the items placed directly on the bag will have to be repacked. This can reduce the efficiency of operations at the self-checkout device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a self-checkout device and a program that can reduce the decrease in operational efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] a bagging table capable of holding multiple bags containing the registered products; a checkout weighing means for measuring the weight of the products contained in the bags set on the bagging table; a first storage means for storing the weight value measured by the checkout weighing means in a first storage unit; an addition determination means for determining whether an operation to add a bag to be set on the bagging table has been performed; a second storage means for adding and storing the weight value stored in the first storage unit in a second storage unit when it is determined that an operation to add a bag has been performed; and a tare processing means for performing tare processing to reset the weight value stored in the first storage unit when the bag has been added; wherein the checkout weighing means weighs the weight of the products contained in the bag added after the tare processing, and the first storage means stores the weight value of the added bag weighed by the checkout weighing means in the first storage unit that performed the tare processing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a self-checkout device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which one bag is attached to the bagging table, as viewed from above. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which bags have been added and attached to the bagging table, as viewed from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which a bag is added and placed directly on the bagging table, as viewed from above. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the self-checkout device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the self-checkout device. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the self-checkout device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An embodiment will be described below. A self-checkout device according to the embodiment is an example of a checkout device (POS (Point of Sales) terminal) installed in a store such as a supermarket, convenience store, or mass retailer. The self-checkout device is used for product registration and transaction processing of products sold in the store. At the self-checkout device, the customer himself performs product registration and transaction operations. When the customer performs the product registration operation, the self-checkout device performs the product registration process. When the customer performs the transaction operation, the self-checkout device performs the transaction process.

[0008] The product registration process refers to the process of acquiring product specification information related to the product to be sold, displaying the product name and price (i.e., product information) of the product on the display unit based on the acquired product specification information, and storing the product information in the product information unit 431 (see FIG. 5). The accounting process refers to the process of displaying the total amount related to the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 431 in conjunction with the product registration process, processing payment by media such as cash or credit card, calculating and displaying change based on the deposit in the case of cash payment, instructing the change dispenser to issue change, and issuing a receipt from the printing unit on which product information and accounting information (total amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) are printed.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a self-checkout apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The self-checkout apparatus 1 has a main body 2, a loading table 6, and a bagging table 7. The main body 2 has a display unit 32, a scanner 4, and a hand scanner 5 on its upper part. The scanner 4 and the hand scanner 5 are devices that read code symbols, such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes, attached to products optically or by imaging. The self-checkout apparatus 1 analyzes the read code symbol to obtain product identification information (such as a product code, hereinafter referred to as the "product code") that identifies the product. An operation unit 31 including various keys made up of a transparent touch panel is arranged on the surface of the display unit 32.

[0010] The display unit 32 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 32 displays a guidance screen to inform the customer how to operate the self-checkout device 1. The display unit 32 also displays product information for products that have been registered. The operation unit 31 is a keyboard that functions as various keys when positions corresponding to the images of the keys displayed on the display unit 32 are touched (operated).

[0011] The main body 2 is also provided with a card insertion slot 10 for inserting a customer's point card, credit card, or other card when paying. A credit card stores customer identification information and is inserted when card payment is selected as the payment type. The main body 2 is also provided with a receipt issuing slot 19 for issuing receipts. The main body 2 is also provided with a bill deposit / withdrawal slot 120 for depositing bills for payment and dispensing bills as change. The main body 2 is also provided with a coin insertion slot 130 for inserting coins for payment and a coin withdrawal slot 140 for dispensing coins as change. Furthermore, the rear of the main body 2 is provided with a pole that extends upward. A warning light 15 is provided at the top of the pole, which lights up if there is an abnormality in the operation of the self-checkout device 1 or if a store clerk needs to be called.

[0012] The main body 2 is fitted with a platform 6 for placing baskets containing unpaid (unregistered) products to be purchased by customers. A basket is a container for placing products that a customer wishes to purchase from among the products displayed in the store; customers receive a basket when entering the store and place the products they wish to purchase into the basket. The platform 6 is provided on the side of the main body 2 on the upstream side of the product flow (in this embodiment, the right side of the main body 2). The platform 6 has a substantially flat, rectangular upper surface 61. The basket is placed on the platform 6 by placing it on the upper surface 61.

[0013] A check-in scale 62 is also provided inside the platform 6. The check-in scale 62 is a weighing scale that weighs the weight of the products placed on the upper surface 61 of the platform 6. The check-in scale 62 actually weighs the total weight of the basket and the weight of the products contained in the basket, but because all baskets have a constant weight, it can also weigh the weight of the products contained in the basket (total weight of the products only), which is the total weight minus the basket weight. The self-checkout equipment 1 stores the weight of the products weighed by the check-in scale 62 in the check-in weight unit 432 (see FIG. 5).

[0014] A customer performs an operation (product registration operation) of removing an item from a basket placed on the table 6 and passing it in front of the scanner 4 to have the scanner 4 read the code symbol attached to the item. Alternatively, a customer performs an operation (product registration operation) of removing an item from a basket placed on the table 6 and bringing the hand scanner 5 close to the item to have the hand scanner 5 read the code symbol attached to the item. Self-checkout device 1 performs product registration processing for the item based on the product code acquired from the code symbol read by scanner 4 and hand scanner 5.

[0015] Furthermore, a bagging table 7 is provided on the side of the main body 2 opposite to the side on which the placement table 6 is attached. The bagging table 7 is a table on which products are placed after product registration operations have been performed. The bagging table 7 is a table on which bags are set to contain products after product registration operations have been performed. The bagging table 7 is capable of setting multiple bags at the same time. The bagging table 7 has a substantially flat, rectangular top surface 71. The bagging table 7 also has a support pillar extending upward from the rear of the top surface 71, and a temporary placement table 9 is attached to the top of this support pillar. The temporary placement table 9 has a flat surface and is a table on which products are temporarily placed.

[0016] Furthermore, two rod-shaped support parts 8 extend forward (towards the customer) from the temporary storage table 9. The support parts 8 are support parts onto which bags containing products that have been registered (products that have been registered by the customer) are set (for example, attached by hooking the handle of the bag). A pair of support parts 8 extend from the temporary storage table 9 in approximately parallel relation. Therefore, the bag can be set onto the support parts 8 with its entrance open. The support parts 8 can hold one or multiple bags at a time (simultaneously).

[0017] Here, a bag is a container for storing products that have been registered, and includes, for example, a customer's own bag or basket that they bring with them when shopping, a plastic bag that they bring with them or a plastic bag they purchase at a store, etc., and the bag can be any of these.

[0018] A checkout scale 72 is also provided inside the bagging table 7. The checkout scale 72 is a weighing scale that weighs the products placed on the upper surface 71 of the bagging table 7. Since the temporary placement table 9 and the support unit 8 are attached to the upper surface 71, the checkout scale 72 can weigh the weight of the products placed on the temporary placement table 9 and the weight of the products placed in a bag attached to the support unit 8. The bottom surface of the bag set on the support unit 8 may be in contact with the upper surface 71 or may be spaced apart from the upper surface 71.

[0019] The customer sets the bag on the support part 8. Figure 2 is a simplified diagram showing a state in which one bag has been set (attached) to the support part 8. As shown in Figure 2, the bagging table 7 has a flat upper surface 71. A temporary storage table 9 is attached to a support pole extending from the upper surface 71. A pair of support parts 8 extend substantially parallel to each other from approximately both ends of the temporary storage table 9 toward the customer. In Figure 2, the handle of bag B is attached in an open position at approximately the center of the pair of support parts 8.

[0020] The customer places the registered items into the open bag. The customer also temporarily places any fragile items among the registered items on temporary table 9. Checkout scale 72 weighs the weight of the items stored in the bag and the weight of the items placed on temporary table 9.

[0021] Here, we will explain what to do when the bag set on the support part 8 becomes full of products before the product registration process for all products is completed due to the large number of products placed in the basket placed on the mounting table 6.

[0022] If a bag set on support unit 8 becomes full of products midway through the process, the customer adds another bag to support unit 8 and sets it thereon without removing the full bag from support unit 8. Alternatively, the customer places (sets) another bag on top surface 71. Then, the customer registers the remaining products and places them in the added bag.

[0023] Figure 3 is a simplified diagram showing the bagging table 7 with an additional bag set (attached) to the support section 8. As shown in Figure 3, the full bag B (bag Ba) is moved to the rear while still set on the support section 8, and another bag B (bag Bb) is added and set on the support section 8.

[0024] Figure 4 is a simplified diagram showing a state in which an additional bag has been placed (set) directly on the upper surface 71 of the bagging table 7. As shown in Figure 4, the full bag B (bag Ba) is moved to the rear while still set on the support part 8, and another bag B (bag Bc) is placed directly on the upper surface 71 of the bagging table 7. In the case of Figure 4, for example, if the full bag B (bag Ba) is in a state where it is too bulging and it is difficult to attach the additional bag B to the support part 8, the additional bag is set as shown in Figure 4.

[0025] In this state, if another bag B is added and placed as shown in Figure 3 or 4, the added bag will have a certain weight, and the checkout scale 72 will measure the weight of the added bag in addition to the weight of the products contained in the bag. Therefore, to deal with the weight of the added bag, the customer can take the following measures.

[0026] When the customer's bag B (bag Ba) is full, the customer operates the add bag key 312 (see FIG. 5) on the operation unit 31. The self-checkout equipment 1 then adds the weight value measured by the checkout scale 72 (more precisely, the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 (see FIG. 5)) to the weight value measured by the checkout scale 72 in the checkout weight unit 434 (see FIG. 5) and stores the result. When an additional bag is set (attached or placed), the self-checkout equipment 1 performs a tare process on the weight value measured by the checkout scale 72 in that state (more precisely, the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 (see FIG. 5), which is the sum of the weight of the additional bag and the weight value previously added to the weighing unit 434). In other words, the self-checkout equipment 1 performs a tare process, resetting the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 to "0." The weighing value of the checkout scale 72 immediately after the tare process (the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433) is "0" even though a full bag has been set on the support unit 8 and an additional bag has been newly set.

[0027] When the registered product is placed in the added bag B after the tare process, the checkout scale 72 measures the weight of the product and stores the weight in the weighing unit 433. That is, the checkout scale 72 measures the weight of the product in the bag B after the tare process.

[0028] Furthermore, if additional bag B becomes full and more bags are needed, the add bag key 312 can be operated again to attach the required number of bags, such as a third bag, a fourth bag, and so on, to the support unit 8, and tare processing is performed each time. Each time the add bag key 312 is operated, the self-checkout device 1 adds the weight value measured up to that point to the checkout weight unit 434.

[0029] Once the product registration process for all products has been completed and all products have been placed in bag B, the customer performs the checkout operation by operating the checkout key 313 (see FIG. 5). When the checkout key 313 is operated, the self-checkout terminal 1 adds the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 to the weight value stored in the checkout weight unit 434. The self-checkout terminal 1 then compares the weight value stored in the check-in weight unit 432 with the weight value stored in the checkout weight unit 434 to determine whether they match. If they match, the self-checkout terminal 1 executes the checkout process for the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 431.

[0030] In the self-checkout terminal 1 of this embodiment, if a bag B becomes full during product registration, another bag B can be added and set without removing the full bag B. Furthermore, when another bag B is added, the weight of only the products subsequently registered can be measured, without being affected by the weight of the other bag added. Furthermore, whether the other bag B to be added is attached to the support portion 8 or placed directly on the upper surface 71, the weight of only the products subsequently registered can be measured.

[0031] Next, the hardware configuration of the self-checkout device 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the self-checkout device 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the self-checkout device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, which is an example of a microprocessor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, a memory unit 44, etc. The CPU 41 is the main controller of the self-checkout device 1. The ROM 42 stores various programs. The RAM 43 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 44 stores various programs. The CPU 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, and memory unit 44 are connected to one another via a bus 45. The CPU 41, ROM 42, and RAM 43 constitute a control unit 400. That is, the control unit 400 executes control processing of the self-checkout device 1, which will be described later, by the CPU 41 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 42 or the memory unit 44 and loaded in the RAM 43.

[0032] The RAM 43 includes a product information section 431, a check-in weight section 432, a weighing section 433, a checkout weight section 434, and an accounting information section 435. The product information section 431 stores product information (product name, product price, etc.) of products that have been registered and that is obtained from a product master 442 based on the obtained product code. The check-in weight section 432 stores the weight value measured by the check-in scale 62 (i.e., the total weight of the products contained in the basket placed on the platform 6). The weighing weight section 433 stores the weight value currently being measured by the checkout scale 72 (real-time weight).

[0033] When the add bag key 312 is operated, the checkout weight unit 434 adds and stores the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433. When the checkout key 313 is operated, the checkout weight unit 434 also adds and stores the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433. In other words, when the checkout key 313 is operated, the checkout weight unit 434 stores the total weight of the products that have been registered. The transaction information unit 435 stores product information and transaction information related to the products that have been processed for transaction.

[0034] The memory unit 44 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and includes a control program unit 441 that stores control programs, and a product master 442. The product master 442 stores product information for each product in association with a product code that identifies the product.

[0035] In addition, the control unit 400 is connected to the operation unit 31, display unit 32, printing unit 33, scanner 4, hand scanner 5, card reader 70, check-in scale 62, and check-out scale 72 via a bus 45 and a controller 46.

[0036] The operation unit 31 has a start key 311, an add bag key 312, and an accounting key 313. The start key 311 is a key that a customer operates when starting a product registration operation. When the start key 311 is operated, product registration processing becomes possible for products stored in a basket placed on the placing table 6. The add bag key 312 is a key that is operated when adding and setting another bag B. When the add bag key 312 is operated, it becomes possible to add another bag B. The accounting key 313 is a key that is operated when processing the accounting for products that have been registered. When the accounting key 313 is operated, it becomes possible to process the accounting for products that have been registered.

[0037] The display unit 32 displays images of the various keys operated by the customer, product information for registered products, transaction information for processed products, etc. The printing unit 33 issues receipts with product information, transaction information, etc. printed on them from the receipt issuing slot 19. The scanner 4 and hand scanner 5 read code symbols attached to products. For example, in the case of heavy products, the hand scanner 5 is brought close to the product to read the code symbol. The card reader 70 magnetically or electrically reads information from various cards inserted through the card insertion slot 10. The check-in scale 62 weighs the weight of products stored in the basket placed on the placing table 6. The checkout scale 72 weighs the weight of products stored in bag B and any additional bag B, as well as the weight of products placed on the temporary placing table 9. Note that products placed on the temporary placing table 9 can actually be considered products placed in bag B, and the checkout scale 72 weighs the products placed on the temporary placing table 9 as products placed in bag B.

[0038] In response to instructions from the control unit 400, the controller 46 controls the operation unit 31, display unit 32, printing unit 33, scanner 4, hand scanner 5, card reader 70, check-in scale 62, and check-out scale 72. However, for the sake of convenience, the control performed by the controller 46 will be described as being performed by the control unit 400.

[0039] The control unit 400 is also connected to a communication unit 47 via a bus 45. The communication unit 47 is electrically connected to other self-checkout devices 1 and a store server (not shown) via a communication line, and transmits and receives information to and from these devices.

[0040] Next, the functional configuration of the self-checkout equipment 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the self-checkout equipment 1. The control unit 400 functions as an acquisition unit 401, an item registration unit 402, a checkout weighing unit 403, a first storage unit 404, an addition determination unit 405, a second storage unit 406, a tare processing unit 407, a check-in weighing unit 408, a third storage unit 409, a match determination unit 410, and a checkout unit 411 by following the control program stored in the ROM 42 or the control program unit 441 of the memory unit 44.

[0041] The acquiring unit 401 acquires product identification information that identifies a product. In this embodiment, the acquiring unit 401 acquires a product code that identifies the product by reading a code symbol attached to the product using the scanner 4 or the hand scanner 5.

[0042] The product registration means 402 performs product registration processing for the product based on the acquired product code. In the embodiment, the product registration means 402 searches the product master 442 based on the acquired product code and performs product registration processing for the product.

[0043] The checkout weighing means 403 uses the checkout scale 72 to weigh the weight of the items contained in bag B set on the bagging table 7. The checkout weighing means 403 also uses the checkout scale 72 to measure the weight of the items placed on the temporary storage table 9 as items contained in bag B, together with the weight of the items actually contained in bag B. In other words, measuring the weight of the items contained in bag B set on the bagging table 7 can be interpreted as measuring the total weight of the items contained in bag B set on the bagging table 7 and the items placed on the temporary storage table 9.

[0044] The first storage means 404 stores the weight value measured by the checkout weighing means 403 in the weighing unit 433 (first storage unit).

[0045] The addition determination means 405 determines whether an operation has been performed to add a bag B to be set on the bagging table 7. In this embodiment, the addition determination means 405 determines whether the add bag key 312 has been operated. Note that the addition determination means 405 is not limited to determining whether the add bag key 312 has been operated, but may determine whether an operation has been performed to add a bag B to be set on the bagging table 7 based on some kind of customer operation.

[0046] When the second storage means 406 determines that an operation to add a bag has been performed, it adds and stores the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 to the checkout weight unit 434 (second storage unit). Every time the addition determination means 405 determines that bag B has been added, the second storage means 406 adds and stores the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 to the checkout weight unit 434.

[0047] When bag B is added, tare processing means 407 performs tare processing to reset the weight value stored in weighing unit 433. In this embodiment, when bag B is added, tare processing means 407 performs tare processing to reset the weight value stored in weighing unit 433 to "0". Whether bag B has been added may be determined based on, for example, whether a customer operation indicating that bag B has been added (for example, operation of a key to be operated when bag B has been added), or, for example, a sensor may be provided to detect the added bag B and the determination may be based on the detection output of the sensor.

[0048] In addition, the checkout weighing means 403 weighs the weight of the product contained in the bag added after tare processing by the tare processing means 407, and the first memory means 404 stores the weight value of the weight of the product contained in the added bag B weighed by the checkout weighing means 403 in the tare-processed (reset) weighing and weighting unit 433.

[0049] The check-in weighing means 408 uses the check-in scale 62 to weigh the weight of the product placed on the platform 6. In this embodiment, the check-in weighing means 408 uses the check-in scale 62 to weigh the weight of the product stored in the basket placed on the platform 6.

[0050] The third storage means 409 stores the weight value measured by the check-in weighing means 408 in the check-in weight section 432 (third storage section).

[0051] The match determination means 410 determines whether the weight value stored in the checkout weight unit 434 matches the weight value stored in the check-in weight unit 432. In this embodiment, when the accounting key 313 is operated, the match determination means 410 determines whether the weight value stored in the checkout weight unit 434 matches the weight value stored in the check-in weight unit 432.

[0052] The checkout means 411 executes checkout processing for the transaction when the match determination means 410 determines that the weight value stored in the checkout weight unit 434 matches the weight value stored in the check-in weight unit 432. When the addition determination means 405 determines that bag B has been added, the checkout means 411 executes checkout processing for the products stored in the original bag B and the products stored in the added bag B.

[0053] Next, the control of the self-checkout terminal 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the self-checkout terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 400 of the self-checkout terminal 1 determines whether a basket containing items to be purchased has been placed on the placement table 6 (S11). The control unit 400 determines that a basket containing items to be purchased has been placed on the placement table 6, for example, based on the output of a sensor that detects that a basket has been placed on the placement table 6. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 400 determines that a weight change (weight increase) has been detected from the check-in scale 62. The control unit 400 waits until it determines that a basket has been placed (No in S11). If it determines that a basket has been placed (Yes in S11), the check-in weighing unit 408 weighs the weight (total weight) of the items contained in the basket using the check-in scale 62 (S12). The third storage unit 409 then stores the measured weight value in the check-in weighing unit 432 (S13).

[0054] Next, the control unit 400 determines whether bag B has been set on the support unit 8 (S14). The determination of whether bag B has been set may be made, for example, based on whether a customer operation indicating that bag B has been set (for example, a key operation operated after setting bag B), or, for example, based on the detection output of a sensor that detects set bag B. If it is determined that bag B has been set on the support unit 8 (Yes in S14), the control unit 400 executes a tare process to set the weight value of the weighing unit 433 to "0" (S15).

[0055] Furthermore, if it is determined that bag B has not been set on support portion 8 (No in S14), control portion 400 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed and a timeout has occurred (S16). If the timeout has not occurred (No in S16), control portion 400 returns to S14, and if it is determined that a timeout has occurred (Yes in S16), control portion 400 executes error processing (S17) and ends the processing. In this case, in the error processing, control portion 400 displays a message such as, "Bag B has not been set, please start the operation over from the beginning." Note that, rather than ending the processing after executing the error processing in S17, the error processing may be canceled and then the processing may return to S14.

[0056] After executing the process of S15, the control unit 400 determines whether the start key 311 has been operated (S21). If it determines that the start key 311 has not been operated (No in S21), the control unit 400 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed and a timeout has occurred (S46). If the timeout has not occurred (No in S46), the control unit 400 returns to S21. If it determines that the timeout has occurred (Yes in S46), the control unit 400 executes error processing (S17) and ends the process. In this case, in the error processing, the control unit 400 displays a message such as, for example, "Start key 311 has not been operated, so please start the operation again from the beginning." Note that, instead of ending the process after executing the error processing of S17, the control unit 400 may cancel the error processing and then return to S21.

[0057] Furthermore, if it is determined that the start key 311 has been operated (Yes in S21), the control unit 400 then determines whether the scanner 4 or hand scanner 5 has read the code symbol attached to the product (S22). If it is determined that the code symbol has been read (Yes in S22), the acquisition unit 401 acquires a product code identifying the product based on the read code symbol (S23). The product registration unit 402 then executes product registration processing for the product based on the acquired product code (S24). The customer places the product for which product registration has been performed into bag B set in the support unit 8. The checkout weighing unit 403 weighs the product contained in bag B (S25). The first storage unit 404 then stores the weight value measured by the checkout weighing unit 403 (the total weight of the products contained in bag B) in the weighing unit 433 (S26). The control unit 400 then returns to S22. Every time the customer takes out a product from the basket and performs the product registration operation, the control unit 400 executes the determination and processing of S22 to S26.

[0058] If it is determined that the code symbol has not been read (No in S22), the addition determination means 405 determines whether the bag addition key 312 has been operated (i.e., whether an operation to add bag B has been performed) (S31). If it is determined that the bag addition key 312 has been operated (Yes in S31), the second storage means 406 adds the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 to the weight value stored in the checkout weighing unit 434 and stores the result (S32). Next, the control unit 400 determines whether another bag B has been added and set on the bagging table 7 (S33). The control unit 400 waits until it is added (No in S33), and if it is determined that another bag B has been added and set on the bagging table 7 (Yes in S33), the tare processing means 407 executes tare processing to reset the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 to "0" (S34). The control unit 400 then returns to S22.

[0059] If the add bag key 312 is operated again because the bag B has been added and is full, for example, the control unit 400 will execute the determination and processing of S31 to S34 again. That is, when the add bag key 312 is operated again, the second storage means 406 adds the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 to the weight value stored in the checkout weighing unit 434 and stores the result (S32). Next, the control unit 400 determines whether another bag B has been added and set on the bagging table 7 (S33). The control unit 400 waits until another bag B has been added (No in S33), and if it is determined that another bag B has been added to the bagging table 7 (Yes in S33), the tare processing means 407 executes tare processing to reset the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 to "0" (S34). The control unit 400 then returns to S22.

[0060] Furthermore, if it is determined that the bag addition key 312 was not operated (No in S31), the control unit 400 determines whether the accounting key 313 was operated (S41). If it is determined that the accounting key 313 was not operated (No in S41), the control unit 400 returns to S22, but if it is determined that the accounting key 313 was operated (Yes in S41), the control unit 400 adds the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 to the weight value stored in the checkout weight unit 434 and stores the result (S42).

[0061] Next, the match determination means 410 compares the weight value stored in the check-in weight unit 432 with the weight value stored in the check-out weight unit 434 to determine whether they match (S43). If it is determined that the weight value stored in the check-in weight unit 432 matches the weight value stored in the check-out weight unit 434 (Yes in S43), the checkout means 411 executes the checkout process for the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 431 (product information for the product for which product registration processing has been performed) (S44). The control unit 400 then ends processing and returns to S11.

[0062] On the other hand, if the match determination means 410 determines that the weight value stored in the check-in weight unit 432 does not match the weight value stored in the check-out weight unit 434 (No in S43), the control unit 400 executes error processing to cancel the transaction (S45), displays an error message, ends the processing, and returns to S11.

[0063] As described above, the self-checkout device 1 of the embodiment includes an acquisition means 401 that acquires a product code that identifies a product, a product registration means 402 that performs product registration processing for the product based on the acquired product code, a bagging table 7 on which multiple bags B for storing the registered products can be set, a checkout weighing means 403 that weighs the products contained in the bags B set on the bagging table 7, a first storage means 404 that stores the weight value measured by the checkout weighing means 403 in a weighing unit 433, and an additional storage means 404 that determines whether an operation has been performed to add a bag to be set on the bagging table 7. The system is equipped with an addition judgment means 405, a second memory means 406 that adds and stores the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 to the checkout weight unit 434 when it is judged that an operation to add a bag has been performed, and a tare processing means 407 that performs tare processing to reset the weight value stored in the weighing unit 433 when bag B is added, and the checkout weighing means 403 weighs the weight of the items contained in bag B that was added after tare processing, and the first memory means 404 stores the weight value of the added bag weighed by the checkout weighing means 403 in the tare processing-performed weighing unit 433.

[0064] With the self-checkout terminal 1 having such a configuration, if a bag B becomes full during product registration operation, another bag B can be added and set without removing the full bag B. This makes it possible to reduce the decrease in operational efficiency of the self-checkout terminal 1. Furthermore, when another bag B is added, it is possible to measure the weight of only the products that have been subsequently registered, without any effect from the weight of the added bag.

[0065] In addition, the self-checkout device 1 of this embodiment further includes a loading platform 6 on which a basket containing products is placed, a check-in weighing means 408 that weighs the products placed on the loading platform 6, a third memory means 409 that stores the weight value measured by the check-in weighing means 408 in a check-in weight unit 432, a match determination means 410 that determines whether the weight value stored in the check-out weight unit 434 matches the weight value stored in the check-in weight unit 432, and an accounting means 411 that performs accounting for the products that have been registered if the match is determined by the match determination means 410.

[0066] In a self-checkout device 1 having such a configuration, even if another bag B is added, the weight of the other bag is tare-measured, so that the determination by the match determination means 410 of whether the weight value stored in the checkout weight unit 434 matches the weight value stored in the check-in weight unit 432 is not affected.

[0067] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 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 inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims.

[0068] For example, in the embodiment, the check-in weighing means 408, the third storage means 409, and the match determination means 410 are provided. However, the check-in weighing means 408, the third storage means 409, and the match determination means 410 are not essential requirements. If the check-in weighing means 408, the third storage means 409, and the match determination means 410 are not provided, the accounting means 411 will perform accounting processing without requiring the match determination by the match determination means 410.

[0069] The programs executed by the self-checkout device 1 in each embodiment are provided as installable or executable files 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).

[0070] The program executed by the self-checkout terminal 1 of each embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the self-checkout terminal 1 of each embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0071] Furthermore, the program executed by the self-checkout terminal 1 of each embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 Self-checkout device 6 Mounting table 7. Packing Station 8 Support part 41 CPU 61 Top surface 62 Check-in scale 71 Top surface 72 Checkout Scale 311 Start Key 312 Bag Add-on Key 313 Accounting Key 400 control section 401 Acquisition method 402 Product Registration Method 403 Checkout weighing means 404 1st storage means 405 Additional Judgment Means 406 Second storage means 407 Tare processing means 408 Check-in weighing means 409 Third storage means 410 Match determination means 411 Accounting Instruments 432 Check-in Weight Section 433 Measuring weight part 434 Checkout Weight Section 435 Accounting Information Department B Bag [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0073] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-72542

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring product identification information that identifies a product; a product registration means for performing a product registration process for the product based on the acquired product specification information; a bagging table capable of setting a plurality of bags containing the registered products; a checkout weighing means for weighing the weight of the items contained in the bag set on the bagging table; a first storage means for storing the weight value measured by the checkout weighing means in a first storage unit; an addition determination means for determining whether an operation for adding a bag to be set on the bagging table has been performed; a second storage means for adding and storing the weight value stored in the first storage means in a second storage means when it is determined that an operation to add a bag has been performed; a tare processing means for performing tare processing to reset the weight value stored in the first storage unit when the bag is added; Equipped with The checkout weighing means weighs the weight of the product contained in the bag added after the tare processing, and the first storage means stores the weight value of the added bag weighed by the checkout weighing means in the first storage unit that performed the tare processing. Self-checkout machine.

2. The second storage means adds and stores the weight value stored in the first storage unit in the second storage unit every time the addition determination means determines that an operation to add a bag has been performed. The self-checkout device according to claim 1.

3. a platform on which a basket containing products is placed; a check-in weighing means for weighing the weight of the product placed on the platform; a third storage means for storing the weight value measured by the check-in weighing means in a third storage unit; a match determination means for determining whether the weight value stored in the second storage unit and the weight value stored in the third storage unit match; a checkout means for performing checkout for the registered product when the match determination means determines that the weight values ​​match; The self-checkout device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. It also has an accounting key. the match determination means determines whether the weight value stored in the second storage unit and the weight value stored in the third storage unit match when the accounting key is operated. The self-checkout device according to claim 3.

5. A computer as a self-checkout device having a bagging table on which a plurality of bags containing registered products can be set, an acquisition means for acquiring product identification information that identifies a product; a product registration means for performing a product registration process for the product based on the acquired product specification information; a bagging table capable of setting a plurality of bags containing the registered products; a checkout weighing means for weighing the weight of the items contained in the bag set on the bagging table; a first storage means for storing the weight value measured by the checkout weighing means in a first storage unit; an addition determination means for determining whether an operation for adding a bag to be set on the bagging table has been performed; a second storage means for adding and storing the weight value stored in the first storage means in a second storage means when it is determined that an operation to add a bag has been performed; a tare processing means for performing tare processing to reset the weight value stored in the first storage unit when the bag is added; and make it work, The checkout weighing means weighs the weight of the product contained in the bag added after the tare processing, and the first storage means stores the weight value of the added bag weighed by the checkout weighing means in the first storage unit that performed the tare processing. program.

6. The self-checkout device further includes a table on which a basket containing products is placed, a check-in weighing means for weighing the weight of the product placed on the platform; a third storage means for storing the weight value measured by the check-in weighing means in a third storage unit; a match determination means for determining whether the weight value stored in the second storage unit and the weight value stored in the third storage unit match; a checkout means for performing checkout for the registered product when the match determination means determines that the weight values ​​match; 6. The program according to claim 5, which can be further made to function as a program.

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