Data processing apparatus and data processing method

Abstract

To make it possible to inhibit a movement of eyes or a body in a data processor that registers data by utilizing a wireless tag.SOLUTION: A data processing apparatus includes a placement base, a wireless tag reader, and an operator console. The placement base has a positioning mark, which marks an area where an article or a container storing an article should be placed in order to read a wireless tag appended to the article, in the center of a placement surface. The wireless tag reader reads data concerning an article from a wireless tag appended to the article placed on the placement surface of the placement base. The operator console has an operation surface disposed on the placement base in the vicinity of the positioning mark in at least one of a first direction relative to the area where an article or container should be placed and a second direction opposite to the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to a data processing device and a data processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Self-service checkout systems, in which shoppers register and pay for products they wish to purchase (hereinafter referred to as "purchased products"), are becoming increasingly popular. In these checkout systems, shoppers use a scanner included in a data processing device, such as a registration device, to scan a barcode attached to a product, which then reads the barcode data. The data processing device then retrieves and registers product data related to the product, such as the product name, product number, and price, that correspond to the read barcode data, from a product master database. This product data is presented to shoppers by being displayed on a display included in the data processing device.

[0003] In recent years, data processing devices have begun to be used that register purchased products by attaching wireless tags such as RFID tags that record product data related to the product, such as the product name, product number, and price, to merchandise (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With such data processing devices that use wireless tags, it is only necessary to place the product or a container such as a shopping basket that contains the product in the receiving area of ​​a reader that reads the wireless tag, eliminating the need to scan each product one by one.

[0004] In such data processing devices that use wireless tags, the operation unit operated by the shopper as the operator is located at a position separate from the placement unit on which the products or containers are placed, and in some cases, not only is it located at a different position but also facing in a different direction. Therefore, shoppers who are using this type of data processing device for the first time, i.e., who are unfamiliar with it, may not know where to look or operate next after placing the products or containers on the placement unit. Even if they know where to look or operate, the shopper must move their body to perform the operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-228139 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to make it possible to suppress eye movement and body movement in a data processing device that registers data using a wireless tag. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the data processing device includes a mounting table, a wireless tag reader, and an operating unit. The mounting table has a positioning mark at the center of its mounting surface indicating an area where an item or a container containing the item should be placed in order to read a wireless tag attached to the item. The wireless tag reader reads data related to the item from the wireless tag attached to the item placed on the mounting surface of the mounting table. The operating unit has an operating surface disposed on the mounting table in proximity to the positioning mark in at least one of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the area where the item or container should be placed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a checkout area in a checkout system including a registration device to which a data processing device according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the checkout system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a registration device to which a data processing device according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the appearance of the registration device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship of the main parts of the registration device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the proximity distance. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of operation buttons included in the operation unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another example of the appearance of the registration device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement of the operation unit in the registration device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement of the operation unit in the registration device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement of the operation unit in the registration device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement of the operation unit in the registration device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a main procedure of a valid touch panel determination process by a processor of the registration device in the example of the arrangement of the operation units shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a registration device to which a data processing device according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship of the main parts of the registration device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the positional relationship of the main parts of the registration device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a main procedure of a process for determining a valid operation part by a processor of the registration device. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a registration and settlement device to which a data processing device according to the third embodiment is applied. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a registration and settlement device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] The data processing device according to the first embodiment is an example applied to a registration device in which a customer, who is a shopper, registers products to be purchased.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a checkout area CA in a checkout system equipped with a registration device 10 to which a data processing device according to the first embodiment is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, two registration devices 10 and two settlement devices AD are arranged in the checkout area CA provided in a store. Note that while FIG. 1 shows an example in which two registration devices 10 and two settlement devices AD are installed in the checkout area CA, the number of registration devices 10 and settlement devices AD installed in the checkout area CA is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the number of registration devices 10 and the number of settlement devices AD do not need to be the same and may be different from each other.

[0011] The registration device 10 is a device that allows a customer CS, who is a shopper, to register purchased items. The checkout device AD ​​is a device that allows a customer CS to carry out the checkout process for the items they have purchased. As shown in FIG. 1, the checkout device AD ​​is installed at a position along the path of traffic from the registration device 10 to the checkout stand ST. The checkout device can also be referred to as an accounting machine, payment terminal, accounting device, accounting terminal, etc.

[0012] 2 is a block diagram of the checkout system. In the checkout system, multiple registration devices 10 and multiple settlement devices AD are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a combination of wired and wireless LANs.

[0013] Here, an example of how the checkout system is used in the checkout area CA will be described. A customer CS enters the store through the entrance, heads to a product sales area (not shown in FIG. 1 ), and places the products they wish to purchase in their shopping basket. After placing all the products they wish to purchase in their shopping basket, the customer CS heads to the store's checkout area CA and lines up behind other customers CS who are waiting in a waiting lane for product registration. When it is their turn, the customer CS places their shopping basket on a platform (not shown) of the registration device 10 and performs a predetermined operation to instruct the registration device 10 to start scanning. For example, the registration device 10 includes a touch panel (described later) composed of a display device and an operation device. The customer CS touches the position of a start button displayed on the display screen of the display device to instruct the registration device 10 to start scanning. In response to this touch operation, the registration device 10 reads the wireless tags attached to the purchased products in the shopping basket and acquires product data for each purchased product. The registration device 10 displays the acquired product data on the display screen of the display device.

[0014] The customer CS checks the displayed content and touches a predetermined button displayed on the display screen to perform payment. In response to this touch operation, the registration device 10 calculates the total price of the products registered in one transaction corresponding to the customer CS, and generates registration information including this calculation and information such as the device number of the registration device 10. The registration device 10 also identifies one of the payment devices AD that is not in use. The registration device 10 then displays the device number and other information of the identified payment device AD ​​on the display screen. The customer CS then takes the shopping basket containing the registered purchased products and moves to the location where the displayed payment device AD ​​is installed to perform payment. Once the customer CS has arrived at the location where the identified payment device AD ​​is installed, they use that payment device AD ​​to perform payment processing.

[0015] In response to a start operation from the customer CS or detection of the customer CS by a sensor or the like, the checkout device AD ​​displays a checkout guide or other information based on the registration information transmitted from the registration device 10 via a LAN. The customer CS follows the displayed guide to deposit cash corresponding to the payment amount, or to pay the payment amount using an electronic commerce (EC) method such as credit card payment, electronic money payment, point payment, or code payment. Code payment, also known as mobile payment or smartphone payment, can be used by, for example, linking a code to a credit card or electronic money in advance in a product purchase app installed on the customer CS's information terminal, such as a smartphone. When the checkout device AD ​​issues a receipt, the customer CS receives the issued receipt. After completing the checkout, the customer CS moves to, for example, a checkout stand ST with the purchased items in the shopping basket and can use the checkout stand ST to transfer the items from the shopping basket to a shopping bag or the like. After transferring the items into the shopping bag, the customer exits the checkout area CA through the exit of the checkout area CA (not shown) and then exits the store.

[0016] 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a registration device 10 to which the data processing device according to the first embodiment is applied, i.e., into which the data processing device is incorporated. As shown in FIG. 3, the registration device 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a LAN interface 14, an RFID reader 15, an input / output interface 16, and a system transmission path 17. The system transmission path 17 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The system transmission path 17 interconnects the processor 11 with the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the LAN interface 14, the RFID reader 15, and the input / output interface 16. The processor 11, the main memory 12, and the auxiliary storage device 13 are connected via the system transmission path 17 to form a computer of the registration device 10.

[0017] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the registration device 10 and the data processing device according to this embodiment in accordance with an operating system or a control program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 may be, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an SoC (System on a Chip), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 11 may be a combination of two or more of these.

[0018] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 11 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0019] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 11, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0020] The application programs stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 include a registration program that describes information processing executed by the registration device 10. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the registration program in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The registration program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or can be distributed by communication via a network and installed in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device.

[0021] The LAN interface 14 is a communication device for communicating with the settlement device AD ​​via a LAN.

[0022] An antenna 151 is connected to the RFID reader 15. The RFID reader 15 reads an RFID tag attached to a product via this antenna 151. The RFID reader 15 outputs product data stored in the RFID tag read from the RFID tag to the processor 11. The RFID tag is an example of a wireless tag. A product is an example of an article to which a wireless tag is attached. The RFID reader 15 is an example of a wireless tag reader that reads data related to the article from the wireless tag attached to the article.

[0023] The input / output interface 16 is connected to the display panel 181 and the transparent touch key matrix 182. The display panel 181 and the transparent touch key matrix 182 constitute a touch panel that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel displays information to the customer CS, who is the operator of the registration device 10, and accepts operation inputs from the customer CS under the control of the processor 11. The display panel 181 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays information about the operating status of the registration device 10 using images and text. The displayed information may include product data read by the RFID reader 15, images of various operation buttons, etc. Thus, the display panel 181 is an example of a display device that displays operation buttons on its display surface. The transparent touch key matrix 182 is layered on the display surface of the display panel 181 so that its operation surface is flush with the mounting surface of the mounting base 19, and outputs information based on the position touched by the customer CS to the processor 11. Thus, the transparent touch key matrix 182 is an example of a transparent touch input device that is disposed on the display surface of the display device and has an operation surface that is flush with the mounting surface. The touch panel, which is made up of the display panel 181 and the transparent touch key matrix 182, is an example of an operation unit operated by the customer CS, who is the operator. The touch panel has an operation surface that is flush with the placement surface, and can also be said to be an example of a touch input device that displays operation buttons and detects touch operations on the operation buttons by the customer CS, who is the user.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the appearance of the registration device 10. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship of the main parts of the registration device 10. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the registration device 10 includes a platform 19 for placing purchased items or a shopping basket BK containing purchased items. The shopping basket BK is an example of a container for containing items. In FIG. 4, the bottom of the drawing is the front position where the customer CS stands. The left-right direction of the customer CS standing in this front position is the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of the registration device 10, the direction in which the customer CS faces is the depth direction (Y-axis direction), and the direction perpendicular to these is the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) of the registration device 10.

[0025] Although not shown, the registration device 10 is placed so that its back is against a wall. Alternatively, by placing a restricting member on the back of the registration device 10 and at least a part of the side surface facing the back, the customer CS may be restricted to standing in front of the registration device 10 when performing the registration work.

[0026] The placement table 19 of the registration device 10 is provided with guide marks 20 that indicate the position where a product or a shopping basket BK should be placed. As shown in FIG. 4, the guide mark 20 is provided in the center of the placement table 19. As shown in FIG. 5, an antenna 151 for the RFID reader 15 is disposed below the guide mark 20. As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 5, the antenna 151 has a cover area where radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a certain value can be obtained, and this cover area is the reading area 152 of the RFID reader 15. The guide mark 20 indicates a reading range on the placement table 19 that corresponds to the reading area 152 of the RFID reader 15. In other words, the reading range, which is the area of ​​the placement surface surrounded by the guide mark 20, is determined to correspond to the reading area 152 of the RFID reader 15. This reading range is a range within which the RFID reader 15 can reliably read the product data stored in the RFID tag when a product or a shopping basket BK is placed therein. Conversely, to ensure that the data on the RFID tag can be read, the product must be placed within this reading range. Therefore, the guide mark 20 is an example of a positioning mark that indicates the position where the product or a container containing the product should be placed in order to read the wireless tag attached to the product.

[0027] 4 and 5, the operation surface of the touch panel consisting of the display panel 181 and the transparent touch key matrix 182 is embedded and installed close to the outer periphery of the guide mark 20 provided on the mounting base 19 in the X-axis direction of the registration device 10, in front of the right side of the customer CS standing in front of the registration device 10. Note that in FIGS. 4 and 5, the transparent touch key matrix 182 is configured to cover only a partial area of ​​the display panel 181, but it goes without saying that it may be configured to cover the entire surface of the display panel 181.

[0028] Here, the proximity of the outer periphery of the guide mark 20 to the operation surface means that the product or shopping basket BK placed on the placement surface of the placement table 19 according to the guide mark 20 and the operation surface of the touch panel consisting of the display panel 181 and transparent touch key matrix 182 are within the same field of view of the customer CS. Alternatively, proximity means that the operation surface of the touch panel is within the field of view and reach of the customer CS who is standing in front of the registration device 10 and placing the product or shopping basket BK on the placement surface of the placement table 19 according to the guide mark 20. Proximity can also be expressed as the operation surface being within a range where the customer CS does not need to move from their standing position. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the distance of this proximity. Specifically, proximity means that the distance β from one end of the operation surface to the opposite end of the reading range surrounded by the guide mark 20 is shorter than the length α of the long side of the reading range surrounded by the guide mark 20, i.e., α≧β (where β≧0).

[0029] 7 is a diagram showing an example of operation buttons provided on an operation unit configured as a touch panel including a display panel 181 and a transparent touch key matrix 182. The processor 11 can provide various operation buttons to the customer CS by changing the display content displayed on the display panel 181. For example, in response to detection of the customer CS by a sensor or the like (not shown), the processor 11 displays, as an initial screen, an image of a start button 1821, which is a button for instructing the start of product registration, on the display panel 181, as shown in FIG. 7. The initial screen may include a stop button 1822 for instructing the end of a registration program, which is an application program for performing registration processing including such a display, and an end button 1823 for instructing the end of the operation of the computer of the registration device 10.

[0030] In this registration device 10, the customer CS places the purchased items or the shopping basket BK containing them in the reading range of the RFID reader 15, indicated by the guide mark 20, on the placing table 19, and touches the position of the start button 1821. Information based on the position touched by the customer CS, detected by the transparent touch key matrix 182, is then output to the processor 11. Based on this position-based information and the content displayed on the display panel 181, the processor 11 determines that the customer CS has touched the image of the start button 1821, and causes the RFID reader 15 to read the RFID tags attached to each purchased item and acquire the read item data. The processor 11 temporarily stores the item data for each purchased item in the main memory 12, and generates display data based on the item data and displays it on the display screen of the display panel 181.

[0031] The customer CS checks the displayed content and touches a predetermined key image, such as "Proceed to Checkout," displayed on the display panel 181 along with the display data to instruct the customer CS to begin checkout. The processor 11 detects this touch operation using the transparent touch key matrix 182, calculates the total amount based on the product data registered for one transaction corresponding to the customer CS and temporarily stored in the main memory 12, and generates registration information including this information and the device number of the registration device 10. The processor 11 also identifies one of the checkout devices AD that is not in use. The processor 11 then displays the device number of the identified checkout device AD ​​on the display panel 181. The customer CS then carries the shopping basket BK containing the registered purchased products to the location where the displayed checkout device AD ​​is installed to complete the checkout. Once the customer CS has arrived at the location where the identified checkout device AD ​​is installed, the customer CS will use that checkout device AD ​​to complete the checkout process.

[0032] It should be noted that the arrangement of the operation surface of the touch panel consisting of the display panel 181 and the transparent touch key matrix 182 in the XY axis direction is not limited to this. The arrangement of the operation surface shown in Figures 4 and 5 does not pose a problem in terms of checking the display content of the display panel 181. However, the operation surface also functions as an operation unit for inputting instructions to the registration device 10. The arrangement shown in Figures 4 and 5 is easy to use for customers CS who are right-handed, i.e., right-handed, but is difficult to use for customers CS who are left-handed, i.e., left-handed, because the product basket BK gets in the way when operating the device.

[0033] Fig. 8 is a plan view showing another example of the appearance of the registration device 10. As shown in Fig. 8, for a left-handed customer CS, the operation surface of a touch panel consisting of a display panel 181 and a transparent touch key matrix 182 can be embedded and installed close to the outer periphery of the guide marks 20 provided on the placement table 19, on the left front side of the customer CS standing in front of the registration device 10. The right hand side of the customer CS standing in front of the registration device 10 is an example of a first direction with respect to the area where an item or container should be placed, and the left hand side of the customer CS standing in front of the registration device 10 is an example of a second direction with respect to the area where an item or container should be placed.

[0034] 9 and 10 are plan views showing another example of the arrangement of the operation unit configured as a touch panel including a display panel 181 and a transparent touch key matrix 182 in the registration device 10. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the display panel 181 and the transparent touch key matrix 182 may be installed so that the end of the operation surface of the touch panel facing the guide mark 20 is located near the periphery of the placement position of the product or product basket BK indicated by the guide mark 20 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. In other words, the operation surface of the touch panel may be located anywhere on the placement table 19 as long as it does not overlap the product registration position on the placement table 19 indicated by the guide mark 20 and at least a portion of it is located closer to the customer CS standing in front of the registration device 10 than the reading range of the placement surface surrounded by the guide mark 20. In addition, the front side of a customer CS standing in front of the registration device 10 is an example of a first direction regarding the area where an item or container should be placed, and the back side of the customer CS standing in front of the registration device 10 is an example of a second direction regarding the area where an item or container should be placed.

[0035] 5, the display panel 181 and the transparent touch key matrix 182 are positioned in a range in which there is no deviation from the focus of the eyes that are focused on an item placed on the placement surface, which is the upper surface of the placement table 19, or on an item contained in the shopping basket BK. More specifically, the operation surface of the operation unit, which is the surface of the operation unit in which the transparent touch key matrix 182 is layered on the display panel 181, is positioned in the same plane as the placement surface of the placement table 19.

[0036] 11 is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement of the operation unit in the registration device 10. The operation unit does not have to have a display panel 181, and may have only a transparent touch key matrix 182 as shown in FIG. 11. In this case, images of the operation keys may be provided on the surface of the mounting base 19 by printing or the like. The operation unit may also be ordinary mechanical buttons instead of the transparent touch key matrix 182.

[0037] Fig. 12 is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement of the operation unit configured as a touch panel in the registration device 10. As shown in Fig. 12, the registration device 10 may have operation surfaces configured as touch panels each consisting of a display panel 181 and a transparent touch key matrix 182 arranged near both the left and right sides of the reading range surrounded by the guide marks 20. This makes it possible to provide an operation unit that is easy to use for both right-handed and left-handed customers CS. In this case, as shown in Fig. 12, the position of the transparent touch key matrix 182 of the touch panel arranged on the left side of the reading range may be right-justified.

[0038] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the main steps of the valid touch panel determination process by the processor 11 of the registration device 10 when the operation unit is arranged as shown in FIG. 12. The valid touch panel determination process is part of the registration program, and is initiated in response to detection of a customer CS by a sensor (not shown) or the like. Unless otherwise specified, the processing operation of the processor 11 shown in FIG. 13 transitions from ACTn (n is a natural number) to ACT(n+1). The procedure shown in FIG. 13 is an example. The procedure is not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0039] 13, in ACT1, the processor 11 operates both operation units, i.e., both touch panels, located near both the left and right sides of the reading range surrounded by the guide marks 20. Specifically, the processor 11 controls each display panel 181 via the input / output interface 16 to display an initial screen including the start button 1821 and the like as shown in FIG. 7. Note that the display of the touch panel located on the left side of the reading range may be in a display form in which the positions of the start button 1821 and the like are reversed from those in FIG. 7.

[0040] In ACT2, processor 11 determines whether any of the touch panels has been touched. Specifically, processor 11 determines whether information based on the touch position has been sent from any of transparent touch key matrices 182 via input / output interface 16. If no touch operation has been performed on any of the touch panels, processor 11 determines NO in ACT2 and transitions to processing in ACT1. If any of the touch panels has been touched, processor 11 determines YES in ACT2 and transitions to processing in ACT3.

[0041] In ACT3, processor 11 determines the valid touch panel. Specifically, processor 11 determines the touch panel on which a touch operation has been performed as the valid touch panel, and the touch panel on which a touch operation has not been performed as the invalid touch panel.

[0042] In ACT4, the processor 11 stops the inactive touch panel. Specifically, the processor 11 turns off the display panel 181 of the inactive touch panel and stops the key scan operation of the transparent touch key matrix 182. This contributes to power saving.

[0043] Then, the processor 11 ends this valid touch panel determination process and starts other processes in the registration program. Specifically, the processor 11 starts processes corresponding to the operated button, such as a process of reading product data by the RFID reader 15 in response to the touch operation of the start button 1821.

[0044] As described above, the registration device 10 to which the data processing device of the first embodiment is applied comprises a placing table 19 having a guide mark 20 in the center of the placing surface indicating the area where the product or a shopping basket BK containing the product should be placed in order to read the RFID tag attached to the product, an RFID reader 15 that reads data about the product from the RFID tag attached to the product placed on the placing surface of the placing table 19, and a touch panel as an operation unit whose operation surface is arranged on the placing table 19 close to the guide mark 20 in at least one of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the area where the product or shopping basket BK should be placed. Therefore, according to the data processing device of the first embodiment, the product with an RFID tag attached and the operation unit operated by the customer CS are placed close to each other on the placing table 19, thereby suppressing the line of sight and physical movement of the customer CS.

[0045] In addition, in the registration device 10 to which the data processing device of the first embodiment is applied, the operation unit has an operation surface that is flush with the mounting surface of the mounting base 19, and is equipped with a touch panel which is a touch input device that displays operation buttons and detects user touch operations on the operation buttons. This prevents the merchandise basket BK from colliding with the touch input device when the merchandise basket BK is to be placed on the placing table 19 or when the merchandise basket BK is to be lifted from the placing table 19 and moved, and also makes the design aesthetically pleasing.

[0046] In addition, in the registration device 10 to which the data processing device of the first embodiment is applied, the touch panel, which is an example of a touch input device, includes a display panel 181 that displays operation buttons such as a start button 1821 on the display surface, and a transparent touch key matrix 182 that is arranged on the display surface of the display panel 181 and has an operation surface that is flush with the placement surface. This makes it possible to provide the customer CS with various operation buttons that are required depending on the situation.

[0047] For example, in the registration device 10 to which the data processing device according to the first embodiment is applied, the touch panel includes a start button 1821 that accepts an operation to instruct the RFID reader 15 to start reading data. For example, a configuration in which a sensor or other device is used to detect the placement of a product or shopping basket BK on the platform 19 and initiate reading by the RFID reader 15 is also possible. However, this would result in reading being initiated even if the product is not within the reading range surrounded by the guide mark 20. Also, a configuration in which a sensor or other device is used to detect the placement of a product or shopping basket BK within the reading range and initiate reading by the RFID reader 15 is also possible. However, this would prevent additional products from being added. For example, even if a customer CS places a shopping basket BK within the reading range of the platform 19 and waits for another customer CS shopping with the customer CS to pick up additional products, this would be impossible if the configuration in which reading is initiated when the basket is placed is triggered by the placement of the basket. Once reading begins, the registration device 10 reads and registers multiple product data at once. Therefore, to register additional products, all registered items must be removed from the platform 19 and then placed back on the platform 19 along with the products to be added, in order to cancel all registrations. The registration device 10 to which the data processing device according to the first embodiment is applied allows the customer CS to explicitly instruct the start of reading. Therefore, the registration device 10 does not start reading with the RFID reader 15 until it receives an explicit instruction to start reading, eliminating the need for such a hassle.

[0048] In addition, in the registration device 10 to which the data processing device according to the first embodiment is applied, the reading range of the placement surface surrounded by the guide marks 20 corresponds to the reading area 152 of the RFID reader 15. Therefore, the RFID tag can be read reliably by placing the product or shopping basket BK within the range defined by the guide mark 20. Furthermore, the customer CS can easily determine the position where the product should be placed when registering the purchased product.

[0049] Furthermore, in the registration device 10 to which the data processing device of the first embodiment is applied, the touch panel, which is an example of an operation unit, can be placed on both the left and right sides of the reading range of the placement surface surrounded by the guide mark 20. This makes it possible to provide a registration device 10 that is easy to use for both right-handed and left-handed customers CS.

[0050] Furthermore, in the registration device 10 to which the data processing device of the first embodiment is applied, a valid operation unit to be enabled from among two operation units is determined based on the user's actions, and the operation of the non-valid operation unit is stopped. This stops the operation of the operating part on the side of the customer CS's non-dominant hand, thereby saving power.

[0051] The user's action used to determine the valid operation part can be determined by determining which operation part is operated by the customer CS. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the dominant hand of the customer CS and control the operations of the two operation units.

[0052] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for the same configurations and operations as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] As described in the first embodiment, the reading range, which is the area of ​​the placement surface surrounded by the guide mark 20, is determined to correspond to the reading area 152 of the RFID reader 15. However, customers CS do not necessarily place products or shopping baskets BK so that they do not extend beyond the reading range surrounded by the guide mark 20. Therefore, a margin must be provided. To address this issue, various measures are taken, such as reducing the area surrounded by the guide mark 20 or, conversely, increasing the size, power, or directivity of the antenna 151 to make the reading area 152 larger than the reading range. However, in such a configuration, the touch panel used as the operation unit, which is composed of a display panel 181 and a transparent touch key matrix 182, is positioned near the area surrounded by the guide mark 20 and therefore extends into the reading area 152. Touch panels typically contain a large amount of metal. Because metal reflects radio waves, the presence of the touch panel within the reading area 152 leads to a deterioration in reading accuracy.

[0054] Therefore, in the second embodiment, the operation unit does not use a touch panel. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a registration device 10 to which a data processing device according to the second embodiment is applied, and Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship of the main parts of the registration device 10.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 14, in the registration device 10 of this embodiment, a projector 183 and a camera 184 are connected to the input / output interface 16 instead of the display panel 181 and transparent touch key matrix 182 of the first embodiment. Also, as shown in Fig. 15, the registration device 10 is provided with a mirror 185 that reflects the projected image of the projector 183. The mounting surface of the mounting base 19 is made of a transparent glass member. As shown in Fig. 15, the projector 183 and the camera 184 are housed inside the housing of the registration device 10, which is on the back side of the mounting surface.

[0056] The projector 183 projects a projection image from the rear side of the placement surface, thereby using the placement surface as a screen to project a variety of projection screens 186 including a start button 1821 and the like. In this way, the projector 183 is an example of a projection device that projects an operation screen including operation buttons such as the start button 1821 onto the placement surface from the rear side of the placement surface formed of a transparent member. The projection screen 186 is an example of an operation screen. The camera 184 photographs the projection screen 186 from below. The camera 184 is an example of an imaging device that photographs the projection screen 186 from the rear side of the placement surface. Since the camera 184 is disposed between the projector 183 and the projection screen 186, the projection image of the projector 183 is reflected in the direction of the placement surface by a mirror 185 disposed within the housing of the registration device 10, so that the projection screen 186 is formed on the placement surface.

[0057] The camera 184 photographs the hand movements of the customer CS relative to the projection screen 186 through the placement surface of the placement table 19, i.e., through the projection screen 186. The processor 11 acquires the images photographed by the camera 184 via the input / output interface 16 and detects the touch operations of the customer CS on various buttons, such as the start button 1821, included on the projection screen 186 based on the images photographed by the camera 184. In this way, the processor 11 is an example of a detection unit that detects the user's touch operations on the operation buttons based on the images photographed by the camera 184. Therefore, the touch input device provided in the operation unit in this embodiment can be configured by the projector 183, the camera 184, and the processor 11.

[0058] In this embodiment, the position of the projection screen 186, which is an example of an operation surface, can also be arranged in various ways, similar to the arrangement of the touch panel shown in FIGS.

[0059] 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the positional relationship of the main parts of the registration device 10. In this way, by using two sets of projector 183, camera 184, and mirror 185, projection screen 186, which is an example of an operation surface, can be placed near both the left and right sides of the reading range surrounded by guide mark 20.

[0060] When projection screens 186 are placed near both the left and right sides of the reading range in this way, processor 11 can determine the active operation unit by determining whether the touch operation by customer CS was performed on the left or right operation surface based on images captured by both cameras 184, as described in the first embodiment with reference to Fig. 13. Then, processor 11 can achieve power saving by stopping the operation of projector 183 and camera 184, which constitute the inactive operation unit.

[0061] Furthermore, since the operation unit uses the camera 184, the processor 11 can determine the valid operation unit based on user actions other than touch operations. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the main steps of the process of determining the valid operation unit by the processor 11 of the registration device 10. In this case, too, the valid touch panel determination process is part of the registration program, and is started in response to detection of the customer CS by a sensor or the like (not shown). Note that the procedure shown in Fig. 17 is just an example. There are no particular limitations on the procedure as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0062] In ACT11, the processor 11 acquires images from both cameras 184 on both operation units disposed near the left and right sides of the reading range surrounded by the guide mark 20. Specifically, the processor 11 controls each camera 184 via the input / output interface 16 to start capturing images. At this time, the projector 183 has not yet started projecting images onto the projection screen 186.

[0063] In ACT12, the processor 11 determines whether or not a shopping basket BK has been placed on the placement table 19 based on the images captured by both cameras 184. If a shopping basket BK has not been placed, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT12 and transitions to processing in ACT11. If a shopping basket BK has been placed, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT12 and transitions to processing in ACT13.

[0064] In ACT13, the processor 11 determines the valid direction. Specifically, the processor 11 determines the valid direction based on, for example, the placement position of the shopping basket BK. The processor 11 determines the valid direction as the direction of the camera 184 that captured the image in which the shopping basket BK occupies the smaller area of ​​the images from both cameras 184. In other words, the direction in which the shopping basket BK does not interfere with viewing the projection screen 186 or operating the operation buttons is valid. Alternatively, the processor 11 may estimate the dominant hand of the customer CS based on which hand the customer CS used to place the shopping basket BK, and determine the dominant hand side as the valid direction. In this way, it is possible to distinguish between valid operation parts and non-valid operation parts based on the action of placing the shopping basket BK on the placement stand 19 by the customer CS, who is the user.

[0065] In ACT14, the processor 11 starts projection by the projector 183 in the valid direction. Specifically, the processor 11 supplies image data to be displayed as the projection screen 186 to the projector 183 of the operation unit in the direction determined to be the valid direction via the input / output interface 16, and causes the projector 183 to project the image data.

[0066] In ACT15, the processor 11 stops the camera 184 in the non-effective direction.

[0067] Then, the processor 11 ends the valid touch panel determination process and starts other processes in the registration program. Specifically, the processor 11 starts a process corresponding to the operated button, such as a process of reading product data by the RFID reader 15 in response to a touch operation of the start button 1821 displayed on the projection screen 186.

[0068] As described above, in the registration device 10 to which the data processing device of the second embodiment is applied, the mounting surface of the mounting stand 19 is formed of a transparent material, and the operation unit includes a projector 183 that projects a projection screen 186, which is an example of an operation surface including operation buttons such as a start button 1821, onto the mounting surface from the back side of the mounting surface, a camera 184 that takes an image of the projection screen 186 from the back side of the mounting surface, and a processor 11 that determines whether or not the user has touched the operation button based on the image taken by the camera 184. This makes it possible to provide the customer CS with various operation buttons that are required depending on the situation. Also, by employing such an operation unit, even if the reading area 152 is enlarged as shown in Fig. 15, no metal components are included within the reading area 152, so that the RFID reader 15 can read product data from the RFID tag attached to the product with high accuracy.

[0069] Furthermore, a projection screen 186 projected from a projector 183 is formed on the placement surface, which serves as a screen, by being reflected by a mirror 185 . Therefore, the possibility that the projected light from the projector 183 directly strikes the eyes of the customer CS is low, and the risk of giving the customer CS an unpleasant feeling of glare can be reduced.

[0070] In this embodiment, the camera 184 is placed on the back side of the projection screen 186, but the placement position is not particularly limited as long as it can capture the hand movements of the operating customer CS. Also, a ceiling camera separate from the camera 184 of the operation unit may be placed, for example, above the registration device 10 so as to capture the image of the mounting base 19, and the effective direction may be determined based on the image captured by this ceiling camera.

[0071] In addition, it is also possible to configure the touch operation of the operation button to be determined using means other than the camera 184, for example by placing infrared transmitters and receivers on opposing edges of the mounting base 19 and determining the touch position based on the position where the infrared light is blocked.

[0072] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Note that the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for the same configurations and operations as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a registration and settlement device 30 to which a data processing device according to the third embodiment is applied. Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the registration and settlement device 30.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 18, the registration and settlement device 30 includes an RFID reader 15 and an antenna 151 as described in the first embodiment, an input / output interface 16, a display panel 181, and a transparent touch key matrix 182. The registration and settlement device 30 also includes a processor 301, a main memory 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, a LAN interface 304, a depositing and dispensing device 305, a scanner 306, a printer 307, a card reader 308, a touch panel 309, a display 310, and a system transmission path 311. The system transmission path 311 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 311 interconnects the processor 301 with the main memory 302, the auxiliary storage device 303, the LAN interface 304, the depositing and dispensing device 305, the scanner 306, the printer 307, the card reader 308, the touch panel 309, the display 310, the RFID reader 15, and the input / output interface 16. The processor 301, main memory 302, and auxiliary storage device 303 are connected via a system transmission line 311 to form a computer of the registration and settlement device 30.

[0075] The processor 301 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The main memory 302 corresponds to the main storage part of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 303 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the computer. The processor 301, main memory 302, and auxiliary storage device 303 are similar to the processor 11, main memory 12, and auxiliary storage device 13 in the first embodiment. The LAN interface 304 is similar to the LAN interface 14 in the first embodiment.

[0076] 19, the registered settlement device 30 comprises a first housing 312 and a second housing 313. The first housing 312 comprises the depositing / dispensing device 305 and the scanner 306. The second housing 313 is placed on an upper surface 314 of the first housing 312, and comprises the printer 307, card reader 308, and touch panel 309.

[0077] Furthermore, a platform 19 for placing products or a shopping basket BK is installed, for example, on the right side of the front of the registration and settlement device 30. At least one of a product and a shopping basket BK is placed on the platform 19 when registering purchased products in the registration and settlement device 30. As in the first embodiment, an RFID reader 15, a display panel 181, a transparent touch key matrix 182, and guide marks 20 are arranged on the platform 19.

[0078] The depositing and dispensing device 305 includes a coin slot 315, a banknote slot 316, a banknote dispensing port 317, and a coin dispensing unit 318. The depositing and dispensing device 305 stores banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 316 in a banknote storage unit (not shown). The depositing and dispensing device 305 also stores coins inserted into the coin slot 315 in a coin storage unit (not shown). The depositing and dispensing device 305 then dispenses banknote change to the banknote dispensing port 317 in response to a change dispensing request from the processor 301. The depositing and dispensing device 305 also dispenses coin change to the coin dispensing unit 318 in response to a change dispensing request from the processor 301.

[0079] The scanner 306 is, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or an optical scanner as an imaging unit for reading a code symbol for code payment.

[0080] Printer 307 has a printing unit (not shown) built into second housing 313 and a receipt issuing port 320 provided on the front surface 319 of second housing 313. Printer 307 prints a receipt and issues it from receipt issuing port 320 under the control of processor 301.

[0081] Card reader 308 is disposed on top surface 314 of first housing 312, to the left of second housing 313. Card reader 308 reads and writes information from a credit card, membership card, or the like inserted through card insertion slot 321. Card reader 308 may also have a wireless communication function for wirelessly communicating with a credit card or smartphone equipped with a contactless IC chip or IC tag to enable contactless payment, also known as touch payment, contactless, or electronic money payment.

[0082] The touch panel 309 is a device that combines an input device and a display device, and is attached to the top of the second housing 313. The display device is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays information about the operating status of the registered settlement device 30 in the form of images and text. The input device outputs information to the processor 301 based on the position touched by the customer CS.

[0083] The registration and settlement device 30 also includes a cylindrical display pole 322 erected on the rear side of the upper surface 314 of the first housing 312. The display pole 322 has a light emitting unit 323 at its upper tip.

[0084] The light-emitting unit 323 is equipped with multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that emit blue light and multiple LEDs that emit red light. Note that the multiple LEDs are used to obtain sufficient light emission intensity, so a single LED of each color may be used as long as the intensity can be maintained with a single LED. The light-emitting unit 323 may use LEDs of colors other than blue and red, or other light-emitting elements. The light-emitting unit 323 is located at the top of the tall display pole 322, so it is easily visible not only to the customer CS who operates the registration and settlement device 30, but also to store staff such as attendants in the checkout area CA.

[0085] For example, when the registered settlement device 30 is available and waiting for a customer CS, the light emitting unit 323 emits light in a first light emitting state, for example, flashing blue, to indicate this. Furthermore, when an error occurs or when the customer CS operating the registered settlement device 30 touches a store clerk call button or the like on the touch panel 309, the light emitting unit 323 emits light in a second light emitting state, for example, flashing red, to notify the store clerk of a call.

[0086] The display pole 322 also has a display 310 below the light-emitting unit 323 that displays images and text. The display 310 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal panel. The display 310 displays, for example, the details of an error that has occurred in the registration and settlement device 30.

[0087] In this type of registration and settlement device 30, the customer CS places the purchased items or the shopping basket BK containing them in the reading range of the RFID reader 15, indicated by the guide mark 20, on the placing table 19, and touches the position of the start button 1821. Information based on the position touched by the customer CS, detected by the transparent touch key matrix 182, is then output to the processor 301. Based on this position-based information and the content displayed on the display panel 181, the processor 301 determines that the customer CS has touched the image of the start button 1821, and causes the RFID reader 15 to read the RFID tags attached to each purchased item and acquire the read product data. The processor 301 temporarily stores the product data for each purchased item in the main memory 302, and generates display data based on the product data and displays it on the display screen of the display panel 181.

[0088] The customer CS checks the displayed content and touches a predetermined key, such as "Proceed to Checkout," which is displayed together with the display data on the display panel 181 to instruct the start of checkout. The processor 301 detects this touch operation using the transparent touch key matrix 182, calculates the total amount, etc. based on the product data registered for one transaction corresponding to the customer CS that is temporarily stored in the main memory 302, and generates registration information including information such as the breakdown of the purchased products and the total amount for the transaction being processed. The processor 301 then displays a checkout guide including this registration information on the display screen of the display device of the touch panel 309.

[0089] The customer CS follows the displayed instructions and deposits cash corresponding to the payment amount, or pays the payment amount using an electronic commerce (EC) method such as credit card payment, electronic money payment, points payment, or code payment. Code payment, also known as mobile payment or smartphone payment, can be used by, for example, linking a code to a credit card or electronic money in advance in a product purchase app installed on an information terminal such as a smartphone owned by the customer CS. Upon completion of the payment, the processor 301 issues a receipt using the printer 307 according to the registration information. The registration information may include not only information such as the details of the purchased items and the total price, but also other information necessary for printing the receipt. For example, the registration information may include sales promotion information for printing the receipt. After the payment is completed, the processor 301 saves the registration information in the auxiliary storage device 303 as transaction history information, and then clears the information temporarily stored in the main memory 302 to prepare for the next transaction by the customer CS.

[0090] As described above, the registration and settlement device 30 to which the data processing device of the third embodiment is applied also includes, as in the first embodiment, a placing table 19 having a guide mark 20 in the center of the placing surface indicating the area where the product or a shopping basket BK containing the product should be placed in order to read the RFID tag attached to the product, an RFID reader 15 that reads data about the product from the RFID tag attached to the product placed on the placing surface of the placing table 19, and a touch panel consisting of a display panel 181 and a transparent touch key matrix 182 whose operation surface is arranged on the placing table 19, close to the guide mark 20, in at least one of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the area where the product or shopping basket BK should be placed. Therefore, according to the data processing device of the third embodiment, like the first embodiment, the placement table 19 can suppress the customer CS from moving his / her eyes or body.

[0091] Furthermore, it goes without saying that in the registration and settlement device 30 to which the data processing device of the third embodiment is applied, an operation unit including a projector 183 and a camera 184 can be applied instead of the display panel 181 and transparent touch key matrix 182, as in the second embodiment.

[0092] Although the embodiment of the data processing device has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0093] For example, in the first to third embodiments, the positioning marks indicating the reading range of the RFID reader 15 are guide marks 20 in the form of the four corners of the position where the product or product basket BK should be placed, but this is not limited to this form. The positioning marks may be rectangular guide frames indicating the entire range, or may be in the form of a rectangular area that is a different color from the placement base 19. Furthermore, they do not have to be rectangular.

[0094] Also, although the guide mark 20 has been described as being placed in the center of the mounting table 19, this is not limitative. The guide mark 20 may be positioned so that the customer side edge of the mounting table 19 coincides with the customer CS side edge of the guide mark 20, without providing a space between the guide mark 20 and the customer CS.

[0095] The operation unit may be configured by embedding an existing tablet terminal instead of forming a touch panel on the table 19 as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the operation unit may be a smartphone carried by the customer CS. The operation unit may also be provided on the outside of the table 19.

[0096] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10...registration device, 11,301...processor, 12,302...main memory, 13,303...auxiliary storage device, 14,304...LAN interface, 15...RFID reader, 151...antenna, 152...reading area, 16...input / output interface, 17,311...system transmission path, 181...display panel, 182...transparent touch key matrix, 1821...start button, 1822...stop button, 1823...end button, 183...projector, 184...camera, 185...mirror, 186...projection screen, 19...loading table, 20...guide mark, 30...registration settlement device, AD...payment device, BK...product basket, CA...checkout area, CS...customer, ST...soccer table.

Claims

1. a placement table having a positioning mark at the center of the placement surface indicating an area where an item or a container containing the item should be placed in order to read a wireless tag attached to the item; a wireless tag reader that reads data related to the item from the wireless tag attached to the item placed on the placement surface of the placement table; an operating unit having an operating surface disposed on the placement table in at least one of a first direction relative to the area where the article or the container is to be placed and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and adjacent to the positioning mark; A data processing device comprising:

2. The data processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit is disposed so that the placement surface and the operation surface of the operation unit are flush with each other.

3. The data processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the operation unit has the operation surface that is flush with the placement surface, and includes a touch input device that displays operation buttons and detects a user's touch operation on the operation buttons.

4. The touch input device a display device that displays the operation buttons on a display surface; a transparent touch input device disposed on the display surface of the display device and having an operation surface that is flush with the placement surface; The data processing apparatus of claim 3 , comprising:

5. the mounting surface is formed of a transparent material, The touch input device a projection device that projects and displays the operation screen including the operation buttons onto the placement surface from a rear side of the placement surface; an imaging device that captures an image of the operation surface from the back side of the placement surface; a detection unit that detects a touch operation by the user on the operation button based on an image captured by the imaging device; The data processing apparatus of claim 3 , comprising:

6. 6. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes an operation button that accepts an operation to instruct the wireless tag reader to start reading the data.

7. A data processing method for a data processing device comprising: a table on which an item or a container containing the item is placed; a wireless tag reader that reads data related to the item from a wireless tag attached to the item; and an operation unit having an operation surface disposed on the table, a positioning mark indicating an area where the article or the container should be placed is provided at the center of the placement surface of the placement table, and the placement table receives user operation on the operation unit disposed adjacent to the positioning mark in at least one of a first direction with respect to the area and a second direction opposite to the first direction; When the received user operation is an operation instructing to read data related to the item from the wireless tag, the wireless tag reader reads the data related to the item from the wireless tag. Data processing methods.

8. 8. The data processing method of claim 7, wherein when two operation units are arranged in the first direction and the second direction near the positioning mark, one of the two operation units is designated as the active operation unit and the operation of the other operation unit is stopped based on the user's action.

Images