Weighing sales system and weighing device

Abstract

To provide a weighing sales system capable of providing an arbitrary quantity of articles.SOLUTION: A weighing sales system 1 includes a plurality of weighing devices 3 for weighing articles and an information terminal 4. The weighing devices 3 each include a detection processing unit 301 for detecting weight of an article and a communication processing unit 303 for transmitting the detected weight of the article and predetermined identification information. The information terminal 4 includes a communication processing unit 406 for receiving the weight of the article and the predetermined identification information, and an extraction processing unit 402 for acquiring article information from an article information storage unit 4A based on the predetermined identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for supplying any quantity of an article. [Background technology]

[0002] Due to the problem of food waste, there is a growing trend to encourage sales by weight, where customers purchase only the amount they need. As a result, self-service weighing services, where customers purchase products themselves, are also being reconsidered, and further improvements in operability are being sought. In this regard, as shown in Patent Document 1, a system is known in which an item such as a commodity is weighed to calculate the price. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-317990 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above system is not easy to operate, and there is a demand for a metered sales system that is easy for customers to operate and that offers a high degree of freedom in operation.

[0005] Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a volumetric sales system that can provide any amount of goods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the weighing sales system of the present invention is a weighing sales system comprising a plurality of weighing devices for weighing goods and an information terminal, wherein the weighing devices comprise a detection processing means for detecting the weight of the goods and a first communication processing means for transmitting the detected weight of the goods and predetermined identification information, and the information terminal comprises a second communication processing means for receiving the weight of the goods and the predetermined identification information, and a goods information acquisition means for acquiring goods information from a predetermined storage means based on the predetermined identification information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a metered sales system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a first unit constituting a metered sales system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is an external perspective view showing a weighing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are side views showing the internal structure of the weighing device, in (a) a closed state and (b) an open state. [Figure 5] A diagram explaining the process of providing goods to customers using the first unit, showing (a) a state in which goods are being supplied from the goods supply device to the weighing device, (b) a state in which goods have been supplied to the weighing device, and (c) a state in which goods are being provided to customers from the weighing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the metered sales system. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the metered sales system. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in an article information storage unit. [Figure 9] 3 is a process flow diagram showing the flow of the process executed by the weighing device among the processes executed by the weigh-by-volume sales system. FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram showing a flow of a process according to the first embodiment that is executed by the information terminal, among the processes that are executed by the metered sales system. [Figure 11] This figure shows the screens displayed on the information terminal and their transitions in the processing related to Example 1 above, showing (a) a state in which the first information display area is displayed selectable, (b) a state in which the first information display area is selected, and (c) a state in which a label is issued. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram showing a flow of a process according to a second embodiment, which is executed by the information terminal, among the processes executed by the metered-volume vending system. [Figure 13] This figure shows the screens displayed on an information terminal and their transitions in the processing related to Example 2 above, and shows (a) a state in which the first information display area is displayed selectably, (b) a state in which one first information display area is selected, (c) a state in which multiple first information display areas are selected, and (d) a state in which a label is issued. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram showing a flow of a process according to a third embodiment, which is executed by the information terminal, among the processes executed by the metered-volume vending system. [Figure 15] This figure shows the screens displayed on an information terminal and their transitions in the processing related to Example 3 above, and shows (a) a state in which the first information display area is displayed selectably, (b) a state in which one first information display area is selected, (c) a state in which multiple first information display areas are selected, and (d) a state in which a label is issued. [Figure 16] 10 is an example of a screen when a symbol code for settlement is displayed on the display unit of an information terminal in the metered sales system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is an example of a screen in which the position of an article supplying device that supplies articles to be mixed is displayed schematically on the display unit of an information terminal in the metered sales system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a weighing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19]3A and 3B are side views showing the internal structure of the weighing device, in (a) a closed state and (b) an open state. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of a status display displayed on the second display unit of the weighing device, showing (a) a standby state, (b) a state in which an item is added and the weight fluctuates, (c) a state in which the weight of the added item has stabilized, (d) a state in which the operation unit is being operated, and (e) a state in which an item is supplied to a customer's container by operating the operation unit 74 and the weighing value becomes "0". DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Overview DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A metered-volume sales system and a metering device constituting the metered-volume sales system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The measure-by-volume sales system 1 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a device for selling goods by weight in response to customer operations. In this embodiment, the goods are products provided to customers in a store, more specifically, foods such as dried fruits, nuts, and beans. However, the goods are not limited to these, as long as they are suitable for selling by weight. The weigh-out sales system 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to cases where such food products are provided to customers as goods, but can also be used when a store receives a supply of goods in a predetermined amount. Therefore, the weigh-out sales system 1 according to this embodiment will be described as providing predetermined goods including merchandise.

[0009] ●Configuration of metered sales system 1 The metered-volume sales system 1 comprises a first unit U1, a second unit U2, a third unit U3, and an information terminal 4. 1, the weigh-in sales system 1 can also be configured with a first unit U1 and an information terminal 4. Furthermore, there is no particular limit to the number of item supply devices 2a and weighing devices 3 that make up the first unit U1, item supply devices 2b that make up the second unit U2, and item supply devices 5 that make up the third unit U3.

[0010] In this embodiment, the first unit U1, the second unit U2, the third unit U3, and the information terminal 4 are arranged on a shelf 6, as shown in FIG. The shelf 6 is composed of a pair of side panels 66 and 67, a plurality of shelves 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65 suspended between them, and a back panel 68.

[0011] Shelf board 61 is provided on the top shelf, and article supply devices 2a and 2b are arranged on this shelf board 61. Furthermore, unlike the other shelf boards 63, 64, and 65 that protrude to the front, shelf board 61 has a shallow depth, and the top of shelf board 61 is open, allowing tall article supply device 2a to be arranged thereon. The shelf board 62 is located below the shelf board 61 and is provided below the article supply device 2a that constitutes the first unit U1, and the weighing device 3 is disposed on this shelf board 62. The shelf board 63 is provided below the shelf boards 61 and 62, at a position approximately in the middle of the shelf 6, and the information terminal 4 is disposed on this shelf board 63. The space between the shelf boards 62 and 63 is relatively wide, but the space below the second unit U2 is taller because the shelf board 62 is not provided, and the information terminal 4 is disposed in this position. The empty space next to the information terminal 4, which is disposed towards one end in the width direction, is provided as a work space. Shelf boards 64 and 65 are provided further below shelf board 63, and article supply device 5 is disposed on shelf boards 64 and 65. In the example of Fig. 1, article supply device 5 is disposed in two stages by two shelf boards 64 and 65, but it may also be disposed in one stage or three or more stages.

[0012] Here, the configurations of the first unit U1, the second unit U2, the third unit U3, and the information terminal 4 will be outlined. The first unit U1 is composed of one or more goods supply devices 2a that provide any quantity of goods to customers, and a weighing device 3 provided for each goods supply device 2a for weighing any quantity of goods supplied from the goods supply device 2a.

[0013] Regardless of this embodiment, the number of article supply devices 2a and weighing devices 3 does not have to be one-to-one. That is, multiple article supply devices 2a may share a smaller number of weighing devices 3 than the multiple article supply devices 2a, or conversely, multiple weighing devices 3 may correspond to a smaller number of article supply devices 2a than the multiple weighing devices 3. In this case, for example, rails or the like provided on the shelves 6 may be used to allow the article supply devices 2a or weighing devices 3 to be moved in the juxtaposition direction (left and right direction in the figure), or relay pipes may be provided to connect the article supply devices 2a and weighing devices 3 so that the relay destination can be switched as appropriate. Also, the position of the article supply devices 2a and weighing devices 3 may be manually changed so that the desired article supply device 2a can be connected to the weighing device 3.

[0014] The item supply device 2a stores and holds items internally, and supplies any amount of items to the weighing device 3 in accordance with a predetermined operation. When items are supplied from the item supply device 2a to the weighing device 3 in accordance with a predetermined operation, the weighing device 3 transmits the weight of the items and device identification information of the weighing device 3 to the information terminal 4. The weighing device 3 then provides the weighed items to the customer. The information terminal 4 calculates the sales price based on the unit price and weight of the items associated with the device identification information.

[0015] The second unit U2 is composed of one or more article supply devices 2b that provide a fixed amount of articles to a customer in each operation. The item supply device 2b stores and holds items internally, and provides a fixed amount of items to a customer for each predetermined operation. When an item is supplied from the item supply device 2b to a customer's container or the like in response to an operation by the operation unit, the item supply device 2b transmits device identification information identifying the item supply device 2b that supplied the item and information related to the number of times the item has been provided to the information terminal 4. The information terminal 4 calculates the sales price based on the unit price of the item and the number of times the item has been provided, which are associated with the device identification information.

[0016] The third unit U3 comprises one or more goods supply devices 5 for providing any quantity of goods to customers. The item supply device 5 includes a holder that stores and holds items inside, a mechanism for removing any amount of items from the holder, and a weighing unit that weighs the items in the holder. When an item is removed from the item supply device 5 using a scoop provided in advance, the item supply device 5 transmits to the information terminal 4 the weight of the items in the holder after the items have been removed and the device identification information of the item supply device 5. The information terminal 4 calculates the selling price based on the unit price of the item associated with the device identification information and the weight of the item before and after removal.

[0017] Note that information regarding the weight of the item in the holder after the item is removed is recorded, and in the next subsequent operation, the weight before the item was removed is considered to be the weight. Also, if there is a change in weight during the next operation, an error occurs, and data is output to force a store clerk to intervene. Note that weight changes due to replenishment can be reset by a store clerk, so no error occurs. Similarly, if a weight change occurs but no purchase or maintenance operation is performed on the information terminal 4, an error occurs, and data is output to force a store clerk to intervene.

[0018] The information terminal 4 receives specified information regarding the provision of goods from the first unit U1, the second unit U2, and the third unit U3, issues labels and receipts according to the specified information, and outputs transaction data (e.g., purchase history, points, etc.) linked to the customer's membership code, etc. This information terminal 4 has a memory unit that associates items with the device identification information of the weighing device 3 that constitutes the first unit U1, the device identification information of the item supply device 2b that constitutes the second unit U2, and the device identification information of the item supply device 5 that constitutes the third unit U3. This allows the information terminal 4 to identify the items supplied by the weighing device 3, item supply device 2b, or item supply device 5, calculate the sales price based on the weight of the item and the number of times it has been supplied, issue a payment label or receipt, and output transaction data.

[0019] It is up to the customer to decide which of the first unit U1, the second unit U2, and the third unit U3 to use. Therefore, the information terminal 4 is disposed near the middle of the shelf 6 so that it is easy for the customer to access and operate without bending over, regardless of which of the first unit U1, the second unit U2, and the third unit U3 is used. Furthermore, the information terminal 4 is disposed below the first unit U1 and the second unit U2, close to one end in the width direction (the side where the second unit U2 is provided), and the empty space next to the information terminal 4 is provided as a work space.

[0020] ●First unit U1 The first unit U1 is a so-called unit for bulk sales, and provides any amount of goods to a customer. As shown in Figure 2, the first unit U1 has multiple item supply devices 2a and a weighing device 3 provided for each item supply device 2a. The multiple item supply devices 2a and the weighing devices 3 each have similar functions and structures, and are provided for each type of item to be provided.

[0021] ●Goods supply device 2a As shown in Figure 2, the item supply device 2a is composed of a storage section 21 located above, a supply section 22 located below the storage section 21, an operation section 23 for performing item supply operations, and a supply port section 24 for supplying items to the weighing device 3. The storage unit 21 and the supply unit 22 are connected, and the articles in the storage unit 21 are supplied from the supply unit 22 to the weighing device 3 via the supply port unit 24 .

[0022] The storage unit 21 and the supply unit 22 may be integrally configured, or may be detachably configured using a predetermined attachment mechanism. If they are detachably configured, the storage unit 21 storing the goods can be replaced to replenish goods to the goods supply device 2a. Furthermore, the expiration date of the goods may be managed in response to replacement of the storage unit 21. In this case, information such as the best-before / use-by date, best-before / use-by period, date, and replenishment amount is input into the information terminal 4. The input information may be printed on a label and attached to the storage unit 21 or to a management slip.

[0023] The storage section 21 is a hollow container that stores items. The storage unit 21 can store a certain amount of articles therein, and discharges the articles to the supply unit 22 from an opening provided below.

[0024] The supply unit 22 supplies the quantity of goods to the weighing device 3 according to the operation of the customer. This supply unit 22 is provided with a receiving port that communicates with an opening provided below the storage unit 21 and a storage unit that stores articles, and below the supply unit 22 is provided a supply port unit 24 for supplying articles to the weighing device 3. A supply port 24a provided below the supply port unit 24 opens and closes in response to operation by the operation unit 23.

[0025] The operating unit 23 is a part that operates the opening and closing mechanism of the supply port 24a provided in the supply port unit 24, and is operated by the customer. The operating unit 23 is, for example, a lever exposed to the outside, and the supply port 24a is opened in response to the lever operation, and the articles in the storage unit are supplied to the weighing device 3 from the supply port unit 24.

[0026] The supply port 24 is provided below the supply section 22 and in a position biased toward the front side of the article supply device 2a. This supply port 24 faces the receiving side opening 32a of the guide body 32 provided in the weighing device 3, and articles are fed from the supply port 24a into the guide body 32 through the receiving side opening 32a. The supply port 24 has a shape that narrows from the article supply device 2a toward the weighing device 3, so that articles are supplied to the weighing device 3 through the guide body 32 without leakage.

[0027] Here, with regard to the positional relationship between the article supply device 2a and the shelf board 61 on which the article supply device 2a is placed, the shelf board 61 is located at a position on the bottom surface of the supply unit 22 that avoids the supply opening 24 located on the front side, and supports the supply unit 22 on the rear side of the supply opening 24. As a result, the supply opening 24, which is located offset towards the front side of the supply unit 22, is located at a position that protrudes from the front end of the shelf board 61 in the depth direction of the shelf board 61. Furthermore, because the shelf board 61 that supports the supply unit 22 is shallow and is closer to the back panel 68, the front side of the article supply device 2a fits inside the shelf 61 without protruding beyond the front surface of the shelf 61.

[0028] ●Appearance of weighing device 3 The weighing device 3 is a device that temporarily stores and weighs the articles supplied from the article supply device 2a, and is provided below the article supply device 2a.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the weighing device 3 includes a main body 31, a guide member 32, a display unit 33, an operation unit , and a support unit .

[0030] The main body 31 is a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is provided with a guide member 32, a display unit 33, an operation unit 34, and a support unit 35 at predetermined locations. The main body 31 has a hollow portion that is open at the top and bottom, and a guide body 32 (described later) is fitted into the hollow portion through an opening 31a on the top surface that communicates with the hollow portion. 4, which shows the internal structure of weighing device 3, a pair of lids 341, 342 that open and close in response to the operation of operating unit 34, which will be described later, are provided on the bottom side of weighing device 3. The opening on the bottom side forms serving port 31b that opens and closes with the pair of lids 341, 342, and items stored in weighing device 3 can be discharged to the outside and served to a customer through serving port 31b.

[0031] Here, the opening 31a on the upper surface side is formed along the length direction of the main body 31, extending from the front side of the main body 31 through the central part to the rear. The openable and closable supply port 31b has a narrower opening width than the opening 31a and is provided on the front side of the main body 31, at least closer to the front than the support portion . Furthermore, the main body 31 is supported on the shelf 62 at a position on the bottom surface that avoids the provision opening 31b located on the front side, and is behind the provision opening 31b. As a result, the provision opening 31b, which is located offset toward the front side of the main body 31, is located at a position that protrudes from the front end of the shelf 62 in the depth direction of the shelf 62.

[0032] The guide body 32 is a funnel-shaped part that is fitted into the hollow portion of the main body 31 through the opening 31a, and also serves as a tare container. 4, guide body 32 has an engaging protrusion 321 on its side surface, which is detachably engaged with an engaging recess 371a provided in weighing section 37 of main body 31. This allows the weighing section 37 to measure the weight of the articles stored in guide body 32. Furthermore, by releasing the engagement between engaging protrusion 321 and engaging recess 371a, guide body 32 can be removed or replaced as needed for cleaning, etc.

[0033] Guide body 32 has receiving-side opening 32a and discharging-side opening 32b on the top and bottom surfaces, and when an article supplied from article supply device 2b is received through receiving-side opening 32a, it stores the article inside when lids 341, 342 are closed. When lids 341, 342 are opened, the article is discharged from discharge-side opening 32b through serving port 31b to the outside of weighing device 3, allowing the article to be provided to the customer. The opening width of the receiving side opening 32a is relatively wider than the opening width of the discharge side opening 32b, and is also wider than the opening width of the supply port 24a of the article supply device 2a. The guide body 32 is attached to the main body 31 so that the lower part of the discharge side opening 32b fits within the storage section of the main body 31. This allows the guide body 32 to receive the articles supplied from the article supply device 2a without any leakage.

[0034] The display unit 33 is realized by a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays the weight of the item weighed by the weighing unit 37 described later, the unit price of the item, and the selling price of the item according to the weight. This display unit 33 is composed of three display units 33-1, 33-2, and 33-3 arranged vertically. In this embodiment, display unit 33-1 displays the weight of the article supplied from article supply device 2a to weighing device 3, display unit 33-2 displays the unit price of the article, and display unit 33-3 displays the selling price. In the example shown in the figure, the unit price of the article displayed on display unit 33-2 is the unit price per 100g, but the unit weight is not particularly limited, and may be the unit price per 50g, for example.

[0035] In this way, the weighing device 3 displays the weight, unit price, and selling price of the item, so the customer can keep track of this information and operate the item supply device 2a to supply the item to the weighing device 3, and then stop the supply of items once they confirm that the desired amount of items has been reached in the weighing device 3.

[0036] The operating unit 34 is a part that operates the opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the dispensing port 31b. In this embodiment, the operating unit 34 is realized by a lever that can be operated from the front side, and the opening / closing mechanism is realized by a pair of lids 341, 342 that open and close the dispensing port 31b using the operating unit 34. Gears 34a, 341a, and 342a are provided on one end of the operating unit 34 and the lids 341, 342, respectively, and the gears 34a and 341a, and the gears 341a and 342a, are meshed with each other. When the operating unit 34 is raised upward, the pair of lids 341, 342 abut against each other to close the dispensing port 31b. When the operating unit 34 is pushed downward, the meshed gears 34a, 341a, and 342a move in tandem, separating the lids 341 and 342 and opening the dispensing port 31b. When the serving opening 31b is opened, the article in the guide body 32 is discharged from the serving opening 31b through the discharge side opening 32b, and the article is thereby provided to the customer.

[0037] Note that under normal circumstances, the lids 341 and 342 are lowered by their own weight to close the supply port 31b, and the operating unit 34 is raised accordingly. In this regard, a separate biasing means such as a spring may be provided in the operating unit 34 to bias it upward, so that it reliably rises upward and closes the supply port 31b when not pressed downward. When the supply port 31b is closed, the discharge of articles from the guide body 32 is restricted, and the articles remain contained within the guide body 32.

[0038] The opening / closing mechanism that is operated by the operating unit 34 to open and close the supply port 31b is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, it may be a mechanism in which a shutter-like shielding plate slides to open and close the supply port 31b, or a mechanism in which a lid-like shielding plate that covers the supply port 31b fits into and comes off the supply port 31b to open and close the supply port 31b. The opening and closing mechanism may also be one that opens and closes supply port 31b by electrical control.

[0039] The support parts 35 are legs that support the weighing device 3 on the shelf board 62, and four of them are provided on the bottom surface of the main body 31. 2 and 3, only two support portions 35-1 and 35-2 out of the four support portions 35 are shown, but support portions 35-3 and 35-4 are provided at symmetrical positions in the width direction of each support portion 35-1 and 35-2, respectively.

[0040] Each of the four support parts 35 is equipped with a height adjustment mechanism that allows the height to be adjusted independently, and by appropriately adjusting the height of each support part 35, the main body 31 can be supported horizontally on the shelf board 62. Such a height adjustment mechanism can be realized, for example, by a disk-shaped base with a female thread cut in the center and a rod-shaped shaft with a male thread that screws into the female thread of the disk-shaped base. The height of each support part 35 can be adjusted by placing the disk-shaped base on the shelf board 62 and screwing the rod-shaped shaft into the female thread to an appropriate depth.

[0041] Furthermore, the support parts 35 are provided on the bottom surface of the main body 31, biased towards the rear side. That is, of the four support parts 35, support part 35-1 and support part 35-3, which are provided side by side in the width direction, are provided approximately in the center of the length direction of the main body 31, and the other support parts 35-2 and support part 35-4, which are provided side by side in the width direction, are provided near the end part on the rear side of the main body 31. The positions of these support parts 35 are positions that do not cover the dispensing port 31b and that allow the weighing device 3 to be supported on the shelf board 62.

[0042] The height adjustment mechanism of the support part 35 may be electrically controlled. In this case, the weighing device 3 may be provided with a sensor that detects horizontality, such as a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor, and the height adjustment mechanism may be controlled based on the detection result of the sensor so that the weighing device 3 is horizontal.

[0043] - Provision of goods by first unit U1 Referring to FIG. 5, a process in which a customer operates the first unit U1 to receive an article will be described. When a customer wishes to receive an item from the first unit U1, the customer selects an item supply device 2b containing the desired item and places a container C, such as a cup, bag, or bottle, below the supply opening 31b provided on the bottom surface of the weighing device 3. Then, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the customer operates the operating unit 23 to open the supply opening 24a of the item supply device 2b. In response, the item stored in the storage unit 21 of the item supply device 2b is supplied into the guide body 32 of the weighing device 3.

[0044] When the customer has put the desired amount of goods into the weighing device 3, he or she operates the operating unit 23 to close the supply opening 24a as shown in FIG. 5(b). Furthermore, while goods are being fed from the goods supply device 2b into the weighing device 3, the display unit 33 displays the weight, unit price, and sales price of the goods fed into the weighing device 3, allowing the customer to operate the operation unit 23 while understanding the amount of goods being fed into the weighing device 3.

[0045] After the customer has supplied the desired amount of goods to the weighing device 3, as shown in Figure 5(c), the customer operates the operating part 34 of the weighing device 3 to open the dispensing port 31b and discharge the goods contained in the weighing device 3 into container C. Through the above steps, the first unit U1 provides the product to the customer under the operation of the customer.

[0046] ●Hardware configuration of weighing device 3 As shown in Figure 6, the weighing device 3 is equipped with an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing information processing, and memory devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and is connected to the above-mentioned display unit 33, as well as a communication unit 36 ​​and a weighing unit 37 via an interface circuit.

[0047] The communication unit 36 ​​is realized by one or more communication means for realizing connection with each terminal or device. For example, the interconnection with the information terminal 4 is realized by a wired or wireless LAN. If the communication unit 36 ​​is implemented using a wired LAN, the power source for the weighing device 3 may be secured by PoE (Power over Ethernet) power supply from the information terminal 4 connected to an external power source. However, this does not prevent the weighing device 3 from being directly connected to an external power source or being powered by an internal battery.

[0048] The weighing unit 37 weighs the articles supplied from the article supply device 2a to the weighing device 3, for example, by a weight detection method using a load cell. As described above, the guide body 32 is detachably attached to this weighing unit 37, and this allows the weighing unit 37 to weigh the articles placed into the guide body 32. More specifically, the weighing unit 37 is composed of a weight detection unit 371 and an AD converter 372 . Weight detection unit 371 is realized by a load cell, and AD converter 372 converts the analog signal input from weight detection unit 371 into a digital signal. In converting to a digital signal, a range in which weight values ​​can be appropriately acquired is set, and then 0 and the maximum weighing value are recorded. The value converted into digital data is displayed on display unit 33 as weight (measured value).

[0049] In addition, the weighing device 3 may also be provided with a notification unit such as a speaker or a sign lamp. For example, when a customer is supplying goods from the goods supply device 2a to the weighing device 3 and the weight of the goods supplied to the weighing device 3 approaches a predetermined weight, the notification unit can emit sound or light to notify the customer of this. In this case, the sound or light may change as the weight of the goods approaches the predetermined weight. Alternatively, a voice message such as "You're almost at the designated weight" or "Please supply goods little by little" may be emitted. The designated weight must be set by the customer first, and can be set, for example, using a numeric keypad provided on the weighing device. That is, when a number is entered using the numeric keypad before the weight has been detected, the display unit 33-1 that displays the weight will display a different number from the detected value, such as blinking the number, and when the supply of goods begins, the display will switch to the actual weight. Also, when purchasing goods by specifying the goods and their weight on the information terminal 4, a similar notification can be realized on the information terminal 4 side by sending weight data from the weighing device 3 to the information terminal 4.

[0050] ● Software configuration of weighing device 3 As shown in FIG. 7, the weighing device 3 includes an identification information storage unit 3A, a detection processing unit 301, a display control unit 302, and a communication processing unit 303 as software resources.

[0051] The identification information storage unit 3A stores device identification information that can identify the weighing device 3. This device identification information is unique to each weighing device 3, and this device identification information allows a specific weighing device 3 to be uniquely identified from multiple weighing devices 3. The device identification information may be any information that can identify a specific weighing device 3, and may be, for example, converter identification information that is held by the AD converter 372 and can identify the AD converter 372. The device identification information may also be set by a DIP switch or the like that is separately provided on the weighing device 3. Furthermore, the identification information storage unit 3A may be provided in a relay located on the network between the weighing device 3 and the information terminal 4, and the relay may transmit the device identification information to the information terminal 4. Also, the item identification information (PLU code) can be input and stored directly in the weighing device 3. In this case, the item identification information is transmitted to the information terminal 4 together with the weight value instead of the device identification information.

[0052] The detection processing unit 301 detects the weight of the article put into the weighing device 3 from the article supply device 2a by the weighing unit 37, and also detects whether the weight is stable. This detection processing unit 301 detects the weight of the item in the weighing device 3, and when it detects that the weight has stabilized, it transmits the detected weight of the item and device identification information to the information terminal 4.

[0053] The display control unit 302 controls the display unit 33 to display various information on the display unit 33. In this embodiment, the information displayed on the display unit 33 includes the weight, unit price, and selling price of the item. The weight of the item is acquired by the display control unit 302 from the detection processing unit 301 and displayed on the display unit 33 . The unit price of the item may be stored in a storage unit separately provided in the weighing device 3 and displayed, or may be obtained from the information terminal 4 and displayed. The selling price is calculated based on the weight and unit price of the item, and the calculation process may be performed by the weighing device 3 or the information terminal 4, and the display control unit 302 displays the result performed by either the weighing device 3 or the information terminal 4 on the display unit 33.

[0054] Here, when the information terminal 4 is to have the weighing device 3 obtain the unit price of an item, for example, when the weighing-by-weight sales system 1 is started up, the weighing device 3 makes an inquiry to the information terminal 4, and the information terminal 4 sends information on the unit price of the item provided by each weighing device 3 to each weighing device 3. Also, not only when the weighing-by-weight sales system 1 is started up, item identification information can be specified by operation on the maintenance screen or on the weighing device 3, and the information terminal 4 can send the unit price of the item corresponding to that item identification information to a specific weighing device 3. This is convenient because the sales price can be known at the time the item is supplied from the item supply device 2a to the weighing device 3.

[0055] In addition, when a weight change is detected when the weighing device 3 does not hold information related to the unit price of the item, the weighing device 3 may request the information terminal 4 to obtain information related to the unit price of the item along with the device identification information. Furthermore, the weighing device 3 may request information on the unit price of the item from the information terminal 4 in response to the detection of a weight change, or the information terminal 4 may transmit information on the unit price of the item to the weighing device 3 at any time. Also, an update flag may be set on the information terminal 4 when the unit price of the item is changed, and then an update of the information may be requested when accessed from the weighing device 3, and information on the changed unit price of the item may be transmitted to the weighing device 3. This makes it possible to avoid selling items at an incorrect unit price.

[0056] The communication processing unit 303 is a functional unit that executes transmission and reception of data with the information terminal 4 and higher-level devices via the communication unit 36, and realizes data communication in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The weighing device 3 can use this communication processing unit 303 to transmit to the information terminal 4 information relating to the weight of the item supplied from the item supply device 2a as the weighing result by the weighing unit 37. At this time, the weighing device 3 can refer to the identification information storage unit 3A and transmit to the information terminal 4 the device identification information together with the weight of the item relating to the weighing result by the weighing unit 37. The timing at which the weighing device 3 transmits the weight of the item and the device identification information to the information terminal 4 can be, for example, when it detects that the weight has stabilized. Alternatively, in another example, it can be when the operation unit 34 of the weighing device 3 is operated and the item is actually provided to the customer.

[0057] The weighing device 3 may also have a timing function. A weighing device 3 with a timing function can manage, for example, the current time, the time remaining until a certain time, or the time elapsed since a certain state was reached. Furthermore, information acquired by this timing function may be provided to the information terminal 4. Furthermore, the weighing device 3 can be configured integrally with the article supply device 2a.

[0058] ●Hardware configuration of information terminal 4 The information terminal 4 is a device that inputs and outputs predetermined information and issues payment labels for the products. The information terminal 4 acquires information about the products provided to the customer from the first unit U1, the second unit U2, and the third unit U3, and issues a payment label on which information for selling the products provided to the customer is printed.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 6, the information terminal 4 includes a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing information processing, and storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and is connected to a display unit 41 and a communication unit 42 via an interface circuit. Furthermore, an issuing unit 43 that issues payment labels is connected via a dedicated cable. However, in other examples, the issuing unit 43 may be configured integrally with other hardware.

[0060] The display unit 41 is realized by a touch panel display or the like, and displays various information such as the weighing results of the items and the selling price to the customer. The display unit 41 can also accept various operations from the customer, and in this respect can be said to constitute an operation unit.

[0061] The communication unit 42 is realized by one or more communication means that realizes connection with each terminal or device. For example, interconnection with the issuing unit 43 is realized by a predetermined dedicated cable. Furthermore, interconnection with the weighing device 3 is realized by, for example, a wired or wireless LAN.

[0062] The issuing unit 43 prints print data generated by the information processing unit 405 (described later) on a predetermined medium to generate a payment label, and ejects the payment label from the label issuing port 4a shown in FIG. The payment label may be a paper receipt or a sticker that can be attached to a container or the like for storing goods.

[0063] In addition, the information terminal 4 may also include a scanner unit, a voice output unit, a tag reader / writer, etc., depending on the sales style of the product or appropriate specifications.

[0064] The scanner unit is a functional unit that optically reads various types of information, and reads one-dimensional codes or two-dimensional codes that encode predetermined information. This allows, for example, item identification information and payment information that can identify an item to be coded into a two-dimensional code, and the coded information can be read to obtain the information.

[0065] The audio output unit outputs predetermined information by voice, such as audio guidance, error sounds, and operation sounds.

[0066] The tag reader / writer reads and writes information from / to contactless IC tags. An example of a contactless IC tag is an RFID (radio frequency identifier) ​​tag, and the tag reader / writer reads and writes information between the tag and the contactless IC tag through short-range wireless communication using electromagnetic fields, radio waves, etc. For example, information about the weight of a container for placing an item or container identification information for identifying the container may be written to a contactless ID tag, and a label incorporating the contactless ID may be affixed to the container.The tag reader may then read the information about the weight of the container for placing an item or the container identification information for identifying the container, thereby obtaining the information required for the container settlement.

[0067] Furthermore, like the weighing device 3, the information terminal 4 may also provide notifications according to the supply status of goods from the goods supply device 2a to the weighing device 3 by displaying a message on the display unit 41 or by sound emitted from a separately provided sound output unit. That is, the information terminal 4 may receive information relating to the detected value of the weight of goods from the weighing device 3, and when the weight of goods supplied to the weighing device 3 approaches a pre-specified weight, may notify the fact by emitting sound or light or displaying a predetermined message.

[0068] ● Software configuration of information terminal 4 As shown in Figure 7, the information terminal 4 has, as software resources, an item information storage unit 4A, a setting information storage unit 4B, a specific processing unit 401, an extraction processing unit 402, a calculation processing unit 403, a display control unit 404, an information processing unit 405, and a communication processing unit 406, and the communication processing unit 406 further establishes communication with the issuance processing unit 407. Note that, at least, the functional parts required for the information terminal 4 to cooperate with the first unit U1 and provide goods by the first unit U1 are listed here, and other functional parts may be required when cooperating with the second unit U2 or the third unit U3.

[0069] The item information storage unit 4A is a storage unit that stores basic information about the items to be weighed, such as the item name and unit price. The data items stored in this product information storage unit 4A include, for example, product identification information, product name, measurement category, unit price, and unit weight, as shown in FIG. The information stored in the product information storage unit 4A may be received from a management device installed in the store or a cloud server located outside the store.

[0070] Here, the measurement category is a category related to measurement. The measurement category "0" is the measurement category corresponding to "unspecified weight." Unspecified weight is a sales method in which the selling price is determined based on a preset unit price per unit weight ("100g" in this embodiment) and the weight to be sold (measured value). For items in the measurement category "0 (unspecified weight)," the weight to be sold is required when determining the selling price. In this embodiment, at least in the first unit U1, items are provided at unspecified weight.

[0071] When the measurement category is "0 (unfixed weight)," the unit price column stores the unit price per unit weight, and the unit weight column stores the unit weight. For example, for an item with item identification information "SH001" (item name "AAA"), it is stored that the unit price per 100g is 250 yen. Therefore, for an item with item name "AAA," if the weighing value is 50g, the selling price will be 125 yen, and if the weighing value is 200g, the selling price will be 500 yen.

[0072] Measurement category "1" is the measurement category corresponding to "fixed weight." Fixed weight is a sales method in which the sales price is determined based on a preset unit price per unit quantity ("1" in this embodiment) and the sales quantity converted from the unit weight. For items in the measurement category "1 (fixed weight)", the quantity of the item is calculated or estimated from the unit weight of the item (the weight of one unit quantity) and the measurement value, and the sales price is determined from the calculated or estimated quantity of the item and the unit price per unit quantity, so it is necessary to weigh the item. In this embodiment, the second unit U2 provides items in fixed weight. Furthermore, weight errors of individual items may be corrected using an accuracy correction function provided in a counting scale or the like.

[0073] When the measurement category is "1 (fixed weight)," the unit price field stores the unit price per unit weight (i.e., quantity "1"), and the unit weight field stores the unit weight corresponding to quantity "1." For example, for a product (product name "ABC") with product identification information "SH103," it is stored that the unit price per unit (weight 80g) is 90 yen. Therefore, for an item with product name "ABC," if the weight is about 85g, the selling price will be 90 yen for one unit, and if the weight is about 150g, the selling price will be 180 yen for two units.

[0074] The setting information storage unit 4B stores setting information that associates device identification information that can identify the weighing device 3 with item identification information of the item provided by the weighing device 3. By referring to this setting information storage unit 4B, the product provided to the customer by the predetermined weighing device 3 can be identified. As mentioned above, the device identification information that can identify the weighing device 3 can also be replaced with converter identification information that can identify the AD converter 372 equipped in the weighing device 3, in which case the converter identification information is associated with the item identification information.

[0075] When the identification processing unit 401 receives device identification information along with the weight of an item from the weighing device 3, it refers to the setting information storage unit 4B based on the device identification information to identify the item identification information associated with the device identification information.

[0076] The extraction processing unit 402 executes a process of extracting information required for executing a predetermined process from each storage unit. For example, the extraction processing unit 402 refers to the product information storage unit 4A and extracts product information related to the product name, unit price, etc., for the product identified by the identification processing unit 401. In this respect, the extraction processing unit 402 constitutes a product information acquisition means that acquires product information from the product information storage unit 4A.

[0077] The calculation processing unit 403 executes a process of calculating a predetermined value based on various kinds of numerical data. The calculation processing unit 403 calculates the sales price of the item provided to the customer based on, for example, the weight of the item received from the weighing device 3 and the unit price of the item extracted by the extraction processing unit 402. If a container for which a fee is required is provided to the customer when providing the item, the purchase cost of the container can be added to the calculation of the sales price.

[0078] Furthermore, when multiple items are provided to a customer, the calculation processing unit 403 can calculate the total sales price of the multiple items.

[0079] Furthermore, when multiple items are provided to a customer, the calculation processing unit 403 can calculate the weight ratio of the multiple items. That is, the proportions of the multiple items provided to the customer can be expressed as ratios. This calculation process is useful when the items are blended in a predetermined ratio, such as when the items are coffee beans or nuts.

[0080] The display control unit 404 causes various types of information to be displayed on the display unit 41. The information to be displayed includes information extracted from the item information storage unit 4A by the extraction processing unit 402 and information related to the selling price of the item calculated by the calculation processing unit 403. The display control unit 404 also causes the display unit 41 to display information that has been appropriately processed and edited and configured as selectable information (a first information display area, described below), as well as an operator that accepts the completion of item registration and, thereby, a request to issue a settlement label.

[0081] The information processing unit 405 generates print information related to the content to be printed on the settlement label. The generated print information includes at least information related to the selling price of the item calculated by the calculation processing unit 403, as well as settlement information necessary for settling the item, such as information on the item name stored in the item information storage unit 4A, information on the weighing results of the item by the weighing device 3, etc. The print information generated by the information processing unit 405 is sent to the issuance processing unit 407 . The printed information or the payment information contained in the printed information can be coded into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code.

[0082] The communication processing unit 406 transmits and receives data to and from the issuance processing unit 407 and the weighing device 3 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The information terminal 4 can use the communication processing unit 406 to receive information relating to the weight of an item along with device identification information from the weighing device 3 and to send print information to the issuance processing unit 407 . The communication processing unit 406 may further transmit and receive data to and from a higher-level device via a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. It may also transmit and receive data to and from an external server via a network such as the Internet.

[0083] The issuance processing unit 407 controls the issuing unit 43 to print the print information generated by the information processing unit 405 on a predetermined medium and issue a payment label.

[0084] In addition to these functional units, the information terminal 4 also includes a setting file relating to the layout of the GUI displayed on the display unit 41, etc.

[0085] In addition, the software resources possessed by the information terminal 4 described above can be distributed or consolidated into any of the hardware resources by appropriate design, and the hardware resources can also be configured as a physically integrated device or as separate devices.

[0086] For example, in the above-described embodiment, each weighing device 3 may be provided with an item information storage unit 4A and a calculation processing unit 403 instead of or together with the information terminal 4. In this case, the weighing device 3 may transmit the unit price information of the item along with the device identification information and the weight information of the item to the information terminal 4, or the weighing device 3 may calculate the sales price of the item to be offered to the customer from the unit price and weight of the item and transmit the calculated sales price to the information terminal 4. [Example]

[0087] ●Processing flow In the metered-volume sales system 1 according to the present embodiment, a process according to Example 1 that is executed when the first unit U1 provides an article to a customer will be described with reference to FIGS. Before using the weighing sales system 1, the store associates each weighing device 3 with the item identification information of the item provided to the customer via that weighing device 3 and stores the information in the setting information memory unit 4B.

[0088] Furthermore, when a customer is provided with a paid container, the purchase operation for the paid container is accepted from the customer on the information terminal 4. For example, a container selection screen by size is displayed on the display unit 41, allowing the customer to select, and the selected container is registered as a commodity. Furthermore, an IC tag attached in advance to the actual container is read by a separately provided tag reading unit, or a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code attached to or printed on the actual container is read by a separately provided scanner, and the identified container is registered as a commodity.

[0089] As shown in Figure 9, when a customer selects an item supply device 2b containing the desired item and operates the operation unit 23, and the item is supplied from the item supply device 2b to the weighing device 3 (S101), the detection processing unit 301 detects the weight of the item supplied to the weighing device 3 using the weighing unit 37 (S102).

[0090] When the customer finishes supplying the items from the item supply device 2b to the weighing device 3, the detection processing unit 301 detects that the weight of the items inserted into the weighing device 3 has stabilized (S103). In response, the weighing device 3 transmits the weight of the items and the device identification information of the weighing device 3 stored in the identification information storage unit 3A to the information terminal 4 (S104).

[0091] When the customer has finished supplying the desired amount of goods to the weighing device 3, he or she operates the weighing device 3 to put the desired amount of goods into a container (S105). The customer repeats the operation until all desired items are provided (S106).

[0092] In the above example, the process executed by the weighing device 3 in response to the customer's operation of the weighing device 3 is assumed to be such that when the detection processing unit 301 detects that the weight of the item has stabilized, the weighing device 3 transmits the weight of the item and the device identification information of the weighing device 3 to the information terminal 4. In contrast, in another example, when the weight has stabilized, the customer may press a predetermined completion button to finalize the weight of the item and store data related to the weight in memory. In this case, after the weight of the item has been finalized, the customer operates the operation unit 23, and the item is provided to the customer in response, and the weighing device 3 transmits the weight of the item and the device identification information of the weighing device 3 to the information terminal 4. Until the operation unit 23 is operated, additional items can be supplied to the weighing device 3. When the customer presses the predetermined completion button again, the weight of the item is updated and the data related to the updated weight is overwritten in memory. Furthermore, when the customer operates the operation unit 23, the weight of the items and device identification information are sent to the information terminal 4, and when the operation unit 23 returns to its original state, the weighing device 3 automatically performs a zero reset. At this time, if the weight of the items remaining in the weighing device 3 is equal to or exceeds a specified value, an error may be reported. The state of the operation unit 23 at the start of or during operation can be determined, for example, by providing a predetermined completion button and a switch on the operation unit 23.

[0093] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 10, when the information terminal 4 receives the device identification information and information related to the weight of the item from the weighing device 3 (S201), it calculates the selling price of the item provided to the customer (S202). Here, the process of calculating the selling price of an item will be described in detail. First, based on the device identification information received from the weighing device 3, the identification processing unit 401 refers to the setting information storage unit 4B to identify the item associated with the device identification information. For the identified item, the extraction processing unit 402 extracts information related to the unit price of the item from the item information storage unit 4A, and the calculation processing unit 403 calculates the selling price of the item based on the unit price of the item and the weight of the item received from the weighing device 3. Note that if a container is provided to the customer at the time of purchase, the purchase cost of the container is added to the calculation of the selling price.

[0094] In addition, the information terminal 4 stores information regarding the weight of the item received from the weighing device 3 and information regarding the calculated selling price in a temporary memory area, etc., but even if information regarding the weight of the item is received or the selling price is calculated multiple times, the accuracy of the information will not be compromised as long as the information is overwritten and registered each time.

[0095] When the selling price of the item is calculated, a first information display area corresponding to the item for which the selling price has been calculated is displayed on display unit 41 (S203). As will be described in detail later, the first information display area is a button (preset key) that can accept a selection operation to complete the registration of the item as a payment target and to make it a target for issuing a payment label, and displays information such as the weight and selling price of the provided item. When the customer has received all of the desired items, first information display areas corresponding to all of the items are displayed on display unit 41. From among these, the customer selects the first information display area corresponding to the item for which they wish to complete registration as a purchase target and request the issuance of a payment label (S204).

[0096] When a specified first information display area is selected by a customer, the information terminal 4 completes the registration of the item corresponding to the specified first information display area and displays an operator on the display unit 41 to accept a request to issue a checkout label for the item (S205). When the operator is pressed and a request to issue a payment label is accepted (S206), the information processing unit 405 generates print information relating to the content to be printed on the payment label (S207). The generated print information includes information about the item corresponding to the selected first information display area and information about the selling price of the item.

[0097] The print information generated by the information processing unit 405 is sent to the issuance processing unit 407, which controls the issuance unit 43 to issue a payment label (S208). The payment label issued at this time displays information about the product corresponding to the selected first information display area and the selling price of the product in an appropriately coded form.

[0098] The customer performs a selection operation in the first information display area for each provided item and requests the issuance of a payment label, and payment labels are issued for all the provided items (S209). When a customer receives the payment label ejected from the label issuing port 4a, they input information such as the sales price of the item printed on the payment label into a store terminal or the like prepared for payment, and perform the payment operation according to the specified payment method. Through the above process, the customer can receive the desired amount of goods.

[0099] In addition, to prevent forgetting to take the payment label, a sensor may be installed to prevent forgetting to take the payment label and to notify the user that the label has been left behind. Furthermore, the payment process for an item using a payment label may be carried out by a store clerk receiving the payment label from a customer.

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, when the detected value of the weight of the item in the weighing device 3 becomes stable, the weighing device 3 transmits the weight of the item and device identification information to the information terminal 4, but this timing can also be when the operation unit 34 of the weighing device 3 is operated and the item is actually provided to the customer. In addition, if the detected value of the weight of the item on the weighing device 3 is not stable and the operation unit 34 of the weighing device 3 is operated, the weighing sales system 1 may detect this as an unauthorized operation and output an alert.

[0101] Furthermore, the weighing device 3 may be configured to automatically reset the detected weight value to zero (processing in which the weighed value at that time is set as the zero reference) after the operation unit 34 is operated and an item is provided to the customer. In this case, if an item remains in the weighing device 3, a message such as "item remains" may be displayed on the display unit 41 to alert the customer. This allows the customer to receive the item without leaving even a small amount behind. On the other hand, if there are no items remaining in the weighing device 3, or if the amount is so small that a zero reset is acceptable, the zero reset may be performed without issuing a notification. This ensures that the detected weight value is reset to zero every time without the customer being required to perform a zero reset, and an accurate weight value is detected.

[0102] ●Screen example An example of the screens displayed on the information terminal 4 and their transitions during the process of providing an article to a customer in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11(a) shows a screen displaying information about an item provided to a customer. A first information display area G11 is displayed on this screen, generated for each item provided to the customer. The first information display area G11 displays the item's name, unit price, weight, and sales price, as well as an image of the item. The first information display area G11 also functions as a button that can be pressed on the screen. By pressing the button, the item can be registered as a payment target and a payment label can be issued. Note that in the example of Figure 11(a), the information displayed in the first information display area G11 is just one example, and other information about the item may be displayed, or different information from this example or less information may be displayed.

[0103] FIG. 11(b) shows a screen when one first information display area G11-1 is selected by a customer from the screen shown in FIG. 11(a). On this screen, the content corresponding to the selected first information display area G11-1 is enlarged and displayed in the center, and below that is displayed an operator G12 that accepts a request to complete registration and issue a settlement label for the item indicated by the selected first information display area G11-1. Also, at the top of the screen is displayed a message saying "Please issue a label," prompting the user to press the operator G12.

[0104] FIG. 11(c) shows the screen and the state of the information terminal 4 when the operator G12 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 11(b). From the label issuing port 4a of the information terminal 4, a checkout label R for the item corresponding to the first information display area G11-1 is dispensed in response to pressing of the operating button G12. A message "Please collect your label" appears at the top of the screen, prompting the customer to collect the payment label R.

[0105] When the customer pulls out the payment label R from the label issuing port 4a, a screen appears that allows the customer to select the remaining first information display areas G11-2 and G11-3, and the customer performs the same operations on the first information display areas G11-2 and G11-3 as they did on the first information display area G11-1.

[0106] The metered sales system 1 does not prevent multiple customers from operating it at the same time. Therefore, under an operation that allows multiple customers to operate the metered sales system 1 at the same time, first information display areas G11 generated in response to operations by multiple customers are displayed on the display unit 41 of the information terminal 4. However, because the payment label R is issued in response to the selection of the first information display area G11 and the subsequent pressing of the operator G12 after selection, the customer can select only the first information display area G11 that corresponds to the item they have received, without accidentally selecting a first information display area G11 that has been displayed in response to the operation of another customer, and can receive the payment label R.

[0107] Furthermore, in the case where the operation is completed for each item as in this embodiment, under the operation where one customer exclusively operates the weighing sales system 1, a settlement label R may be automatically issued for each item in accordance with the operation of the weighing device 3, without displaying the first information display area G11 on the screen of the information terminal 4. [Example]

[0108] ●Processing flow In the first embodiment, a payment label is issued for each item provided to a customer, but in the second embodiment, a payment label is issued for multiple items at once. The process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The operations and processes executed by the weighing device 3 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the following describes the processes in the information terminal 4. Some of the processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the example of FIG.

[0109] First, as in Example 1, when the information terminal 4 receives device identification information and information related to the weight of the item from the weighing device 3 (S201), it calculates the sales price of the item provided to the customer (S202) and displays the first information display area corresponding to the item for which the sales price has been calculated on the display unit 41 (S203).

[0110] Once the customer has received all of the desired items, first information display areas corresponding to all of the items will be displayed on the display unit 41, and the customer can complete registration and select the first information display area corresponding to the item for which they wish to request the issuance of a payment label (S301).

[0111] Here, if multiple first information display areas are selected (S302), the calculation processing unit 403 adds up the sales prices of the items corresponding to the selected multiple first information display areas and displays the added up sales price (S303). On the other hand, if one first information display area is selected, the display unit 41 displays the selling price of the product corresponding to the selected one first information display area.

[0112] In addition, in accordance with the customer's selection operation, the registration of the item corresponding to the first information display area selected by the customer is completed and an operator for accepting a request to issue a payment label for the item is displayed on the display unit 41 (S304).

[0113] When the operator is pressed and a request to register the item corresponding to the selected first information display area and to issue a payment label is accepted (S305), the information processing unit 405 generates print information related to the content to be printed on the payment label (S306). The print information generated at this time includes information about the item corresponding to the selected first information display area and information related to the selling price of the item. Furthermore, if multiple first information display areas are selected, the print information includes information about the items corresponding to the multiple first information display areas and information related to the combined selling price of the multiple items.

[0114] The print information generated by the information processing unit 405 is sent to the issuance processing unit 407, which controls the issuance unit 43 to issue a payment label (S307). The payment label issued at this time displays information about the item corresponding to the selected first information display area, the total sales price of the items, and other information appropriately coded, and information about multiple items is summarized on a single payment label.

[0115] The customer performs a selection operation in the first information display area for all the provided items and requests the issuance of a payment label, and payment labels are issued for all the provided items (S308). When a customer receives the payment label ejected from the label issuing port 4a, they input the information about the sales price of the item printed on the payment label into a store terminal or the like prepared for payment, and perform the payment operation according to the specified payment method.

[0116] By performing the above process, a payment label is issued for all items selected by the customer, which reduces the amount of work required compared to issuing a payment label for each item individually.

[0117] In this embodiment, the operator is displayed when the first information display area is selected, but regardless of this, the operator may be always displayed on the display unit 41, and the operator may be enabled so that it can be pressed when the first information display area is displayed on the display unit 41 or when the displayed first information display area is selected. Furthermore, when only one first information display area is displayed on display unit 41, the operators may be displayed and pressed regardless of the selection operation of the first information display area. In this case, when a state in which only one first information display area is displayed changes to a state in which another first information display area is displayed, resulting in multiple first information display areas, the operators may be temporarily disabled, and then enabled when any one of the first information display areas is selected.

[0118] ●Screen example An example of the screens displayed on the information terminal 4 and their transitions during the process of providing an article to a customer in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13(a) shows a screen displaying information about the items provided to the customer. A first information display area G21 is displayed on this screen, generated for each item provided to the customer. Similar to the first information display area G11 described above, the first information display area G21 displays predetermined information and also functions as a button that can be pressed on the screen. By pressing the button, the user can register the item as eligible for payment and select the item for which a payment label will be issued.

[0119] In addition, a second information display area G22 is provided at the bottom of the screen, which displays the number of items corresponding to the selected first information display area G21 and the combined sales price of the items corresponding to the selected first information display area. In FIG. 13(a), the first information display area G21 has not yet been selected, so the number of items displayed in the second information display area G22 is "0" and the selling price is "0 yen."

[0120] Also, at the top of the screen, there is provided a "Call a clerk" button G24 for calling a clerk. When the "Call a clerk" button G24 is pressed, a notification that a call has been made is sent to the terminal used by the clerk, and the clerk who confirms this goes to the information terminal 4 that made the call. The "Call a clerk" button G24 can also be configured as a mechanical key. The "Call a Store Attendant" button G24 is pressed when a malfunction occurs in the device or when the customer has difficulty operating it. For example, it is pressed when the customer accidentally supplies more than the desired amount of goods from the goods supply device 2a to the weighing device 3 due to an operational error. Even if more goods than the desired amount are supplied to the weighing device 3 in this way, the goods can be returned by a called store attendant as long as the goods are still in the weighing device 3, i.e., before being placed in the customer's container, etc. The "Call a Staff Member" button G24 may be displayed on the screen at all times, or may be displayed only when a situation may arise in which staff intervention is necessary. Also, if it is determined that staff intervention is definitely necessary, such as in the case of a malfunction of the device, a staff member may be called automatically even if the customer does not press the "Call a Staff Member" button G24.

[0121] FIG. 13(b) shows a screen when one first information display area G21-1 is selected from the screen shown in FIG. 13(a). On this screen, the selected first information display area G21-1 is displayed with a thick frame to distinguish it from the other unselected first information display areas G21-2, G21-3. Furthermore, in the second information display area G22 at the bottom of the screen, the quantity of the item is displayed as "1" and the selling price as "537 yen" according to the first information display area G21-1 selected by the customer. Furthermore, at the bottom of the screen, next to the second information display area G22, an operator G23 is displayed that completes registration of the item corresponding to the selected first information display area G21-1 and accepts a request to issue a settlement label.

[0122] Figure 13(c) shows the screen when the first information display area G21-2 is further selected from the screen shown in Figure 13(b), thereby selecting multiple first information display areas G21 (G21-1, G21-2). On this screen, the selected first information display areas G21-1 and G21-2 are displayed with a thick frame and are distinguished from the other unselected first information display areas G21-3 by a different display mode. Furthermore, in the second information display area G22 at the bottom of the screen, the number of items is displayed as "2" and the sales price is displayed as "1,689 yen" (the total sales price of the selected items) according to the first information display areas G21-1 and G21-2 selected by the customer. Furthermore, at the bottom of the screen, unchanged from the state in FIG. 13(b), an operator G23 is displayed that not only completes registration for the items corresponding to the selected first information display areas G21-1 and G21-2, but also accepts a request to issue a payment label.

[0123] Furthermore, on the screen, the first information display area G21 corresponding to an item for which registration has been completed can be displayed separately from the first information display area G21 corresponding to an item for which registration has not been completed, thereby preventing the customer from missing out on any operations regarding the item provided to them. Furthermore, once the first information display area G21 corresponding to an item provided to a specific customer is displayed, the first information display area G21 corresponding to an item provided to another customer may not be displayed until the processing for that specific customer is completed. In this case, if a first information display area G21 is displayed on the screen but remains unselected, an error may be displayed. Furthermore, if processing for another customer is not performed until processing for one customer is completed, the selection of the first information display area G21 may be unnecessary. However, it is preferable for the customer to select the first information display area G21 for final confirmation. Furthermore, if the customer realizes an error at this point, they will need to have a store clerk perform an operation such as canceling the transaction. Therefore, the customer presses the "Call Store Clerk" button G24 (or, if provided as a mechanical key for "Call Store Clerk"), to call a store clerk. While the customer may be able to perform the cancel operation, it is preferable to have a store clerk intervene to prevent fraud. However, the customer's membership rank may be determined, and customers of a certain membership rank or higher may be able to perform the "cancel operation." In this case, it is advisable to provide the customer with a guidance message such as "Please bring the product (item) you wish to return to a store clerk."

[0124] In addition, if multiple customers are allowed to operate the system simultaneously, the first information display area G21 that is incorrectly displayed will be left as is, and therefore the first information display area G21 that is incorrectly displayed may be erased from the screen by timer control. However, in consideration of the possibility of unauthorized operation, it is advisable to record an operation log or prompt the store clerk to check the operation on a terminal used by the store clerk depending on the specific situation.

[0125] FIG. 13(d) shows the screen and the state of the information terminal 4 when the operator G23 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 13(c). In response to pressing of the operator G23, a checkout label R that lists the items corresponding to the first information display areas G21-1 and G21-2 selected by the customer is discharged from the label issuing port 4a of the information terminal 4. The message "Please collect your label" appears at the bottom of the screen, prompting you to collect the payment label R.

[0126] When the customer pulls out the payment label R from the label issuing port 4a, a screen showing the remaining first information display area G21-3 is displayed, and the customer performs the same operations on the first information display area G21-3 as they did on the first information display areas G21-1 and G21-2.

[0127] In this embodiment, a payment label R may be automatically issued for each item when weighing is completed. However, when a weighing operation for a specific item is being performed on one weighing device 3, i.e., when a weighing operation for another item is performed on another weighing device 3 before the item is provided to the customer by the first weighing device 3, the screen shown in Figure 13 may be displayed to prompt the customer to select the first information display area G21. In response, the customer can select the first information display area G21 corresponding to the item they have weighed and receive the payment label R. Furthermore, when multiple first information display areas G21 are displayed and some of the payment labels R are issued, and only one remains, the remaining payment label R may be issued automatically, or the payment label R may be issued in response to a selection in the first information display area G21, as in the previous operations.

[0128] Furthermore, the customer may be allowed to declare a bulk purchase of multiple items as in this embodiment when the customer starts the operation. That is, a button for declaring "bulk purchase" is provided on the initial operation screen, and pressing the button accepts an operation to issue a settlement label R for multiple items as in this embodiment. In this case, it is not necessary to control the display of the operator G23 on the screen that accepts a request to issue a settlement label R in response to the selection of the second first information display area G21 as described above; the operator G23 may be displayed from the beginning. Furthermore, if the operator G23 is displayed from the beginning in this way, if a customer who had planned to buy multiple items in bulk changes their mind to purchasing a single item during the operation, they can simply press the operator G23 displayed at that time to issue the settlement label R and end the operation. This operation of declaring a "bulk purchase" can also be applied to the operation of issuing a checkout label R indicating the weight ratio of multiple items, as in Example 3 described below. Also, if one customer is allowed to exclusively operate the measure-size sales system 1, the customer can conveniently make a bulk purchase and receive the corresponding checkout label R without selecting the first information display area G21. However, this does not prevent the system from being applied to simultaneous operations by multiple customers. [Example]

[0129] ●Processing flow In Example 2, a payment label was issued for multiple items at once, but in Example 3, the weight ratio of multiple items selected by a customer is calculated, and information related to the weight ratio is displayed on the screen when the payment label is issued and on the payment label itself. The processing related to Example 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. The operations and processes executed by the weighing device 3 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the following describes the processes in the information terminal 4. Some of the processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the example of FIG.

[0130] First, as in Example 1, when the information terminal 4 receives device identification information and information related to the weight of the item from the weighing device 3 (S201), it calculates the sales price of the item provided to the customer (S202) and displays the first information display area corresponding to the item for which the sales price has been calculated on the display unit 41 (S203).

[0131] Then, when the customer has received all of the desired items, first information display areas corresponding to all of the items are displayed on the display unit 41, and the customer selects from among them the first information display area corresponding to the item for which he or she requests the issuance of a payment label (S401).

[0132] If multiple first information display areas are selected (S402), the calculation processing unit 403 calculates the total sales price and weight ratio for the items corresponding to the selected multiple first information display areas (S403). The calculated total sales price and weight ratio are displayed on the display unit 41 (S404). The weight ratio of the items on the display unit 41 is displayed as, for example, "weight ratio 2:3 (item A / 160g:item B / 240g)." On the other hand, if one first information display area is selected, the selling price of the product corresponding to the selected one first information display area is displayed on the display unit 41.

[0133] In addition, in accordance with the customer's selection operation, registration of the item corresponding to the first information display area selected by the customer is completed and an operator for accepting a request to issue a checkout label for the item is displayed on the display unit 41 (S405). When the operator is pressed and a request to register the item corresponding to the selected first information display area and to issue a payment label is accepted (S406), the information processing unit 405 generates print information related to the content to be printed on the payment label (S407). The print information generated at this time includes information about the item corresponding to the selected first information display area and information about the selling price of the item. Furthermore, if multiple first information display areas are selected, the print information includes information about the items corresponding to the multiple first information display areas, the total selling price of the multiple items, and information about the weight ratio of the multiple items.

[0134] Furthermore, if multiple first information display areas are selected (S408), along with the generation of printed information, information relating to the weight ratio of the multiple items is registered as composition information in a predetermined composition information storage unit (S409).

[0135] The print information generated by the information processing unit 405 is sent to the issuance processing unit 407, which then controls the issuance unit 43 to print a checkout label (S410). The checkout label printed at this time displays information about the item corresponding to the selected first information display area, the total sales price of the items, and information about the weight ratio of the items, which are appropriately coded.

[0136] The customer performs a selection operation in the first information display area for all the provided items and requests the issuance of a payment label, and payment labels are issued for all the provided items (S411). When a customer receives the payment label ejected from the label issuing port 4a, they input the information about the sales price of the item printed on the payment label into a store terminal or the like prepared for payment, and perform the payment operation according to the specified payment method.

[0137] Through the above process, a checkout label showing the weight ratio of the items selected by the customer is issued. As a result, if the items are coffee beans or nuts, for example, the customer can refer to the weight ratio to purchase coffee beans or mixed nuts in a ratio that suits their preferences.

[0138] ●Screen example An example of the screens displayed on the information terminal 4 and their transitions during the process of providing an article to a customer according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15(a) shows a screen displaying information about the items provided to the customer. A first information display area G31 is displayed on this screen, generated for each item provided to the customer. Like the first information display area G11 described above, the first information display area G31 displays predetermined information and also functions as a button that can be pressed on the screen. By pressing the button, the user can register the item as eligible for payment and select the item for which a payment label will be issued.

[0139] In addition, a second information display area G32 is provided at the bottom of the screen, which displays the number of items corresponding to the selected first information display area and the combined sales price of the items corresponding to the selected first information display area. In FIG. 15(a), the first information display area G31 has not yet been selected, so the number of items displayed in the second information display area G32 is "0" and the selling price is "0 yen." Also, at the top of the screen, there is provided a "Call a store clerk" button G34 configured in the same manner as the "Call a store clerk" button G24 described in the second embodiment.

[0140] FIG. 15(b) shows a screen when one first information display area G31-1 is selected from the screen shown in FIG. 15(a). On this screen, the selected first information display area G31-1 is displayed with a thick frame to distinguish it from the other unselected first information display areas G31-2, G31-3. Furthermore, in the second information display area G32 at the bottom of the screen, the quantity of the item is displayed as "1" and the selling price as "537 yen" according to the first information display area G31-1 selected by the customer. Furthermore, at the bottom of the screen, next to the second information display area G32, an operator G33 is displayed that completes registration of the item corresponding to the selected first information display area G31-1 and accepts a request to issue a settlement label.

[0141] Figure 15(c) shows the screen when the first information display area G31-2 is further selected from the screen shown in Figure 15(b), thereby selecting multiple first information display areas G31 (G31-1, G31-2). On this screen, the selected first information display areas G31-1 and G31-2 are displayed with a thick frame to distinguish them from the other unselected first information display area G31-3. In addition, in the second information display area G32 at the bottom of the screen, the number of items is displayed as "2" and the sales price as "1,689 yen" (the combined sales price of the selected items) according to the first information display area G31-1, G31-2 selected by the customer.

[0142] Additionally, the second information display area G22 displays the weight ratio of the items corresponding to the first information display areas G31-1 and G31-2 selected by the customer. Furthermore, at the bottom of the screen, unchanged from the state in Figure 15(b), an operator G33 is displayed that completes registration of the items corresponding to the selected first information display areas G31-1 and G31-2 and accepts a request to issue a settlement label.

[0143] FIG. 15(d) shows the screen and the state of the information terminal 4 when the operator G33 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 15(c). A checkout label R that includes the items corresponding to the first information display areas G31-1 and G31-2 is discharged from the label issuing port 4a of the information terminal 4 in response to pressing of the operating button G33. A message "Please collect your label" appears at the bottom of the screen, prompting you to collect the payment label R.

[0144] When the customer pulls out the payment label R from the label issuing port 4a, a screen showing the remaining first information display area G31-3 is displayed, and the customer performs the same operations on the first information display area G31-3 as they did on the first information display areas G31-1 and G31-2.

[0145] According to the measure-sized sales system 1 of this embodiment, customers can receive the desired amount of goods with simple operation. Furthermore, the measure-sized sales system 1 offers a high degree of freedom in operability, allowing customers to issue individual or collective payment labels for multiple goods provided to them. Furthermore, by displaying information related to the weight ratio of multiple goods, customers can receive goods by mixing goods in any weight ratio.

[0146] Furthermore, the processing modes executed by the weighing system 1 according to this embodiment can be broadly divided into two modes. In one mode, in response to a customer's operation of the weighing device 3, the information terminal 4 obtains the weight of an item and device identification information from the weighing device 3, and then calculates the price based on the weight and information such as the unit price of the item. In the other mode, the information terminal 4 accepts the customer's specification of the item they want (it can also accept the desired weight), and when the customer operates the weighing device 3, the information terminal 4 obtains the weight of the item from the weighing device, and then calculates the price based on the weight and information such as the unit price of the item. In the latter case, one customer exclusively operates the weighing system 1, which prevents other customers from specifying items, allowing for smooth operation.

[0147] Additional functional configuration In the measure-based sales system 1 according to the present embodiment, when a customer is provided with a paid container, the information terminal 4 includes a container information storage unit necessary for selling the container to the customer. Data items stored in the container information storage unit include, for example, container identification information, container weight information, and container price information. The container identification information is information that can identify a container, such as a my-container (a container brought by the customer), a store container S (a small-size container provided by the store), a store container M (a medium-size container provided by the store), or a store container L (a large-size container provided by the store). Based on this information about the container, when the container is provided to the customer, a price according to the container can be included in the sales price.

[0148] In addition, when a container is provided to a customer, the container selection may be performed after the customer receives the item. For example, when an item is provided to a customer, the weighing device 3 transmits the weight of the item and device identification information to the information terminal 4, and after a first information display area is displayed on the display unit 41 of the information terminal 4, a container selection screen is displayed after a certain period of non-operation (for example, a few seconds) has elapsed, and the customer's container selection is accepted.

[0149] Furthermore, the information terminal 4 can output the information contained in the printed information, such as the product's selling price, weight, and product name, as payment information in various formats, instead of or in addition to the payment label. If the customer has been assigned a specific membership code, the payment information may be linked to the membership code and sent to the POS terminal used for payment processing. This allows the customer to enter the membership code into the POS terminal to access the payment information and perform payment operations.

[0150] Furthermore, if a dedicated application program stored on a customer terminal such as a smartphone carried by the customer enables the process from product registration to payment, it is also possible to connect the information terminal 4 and the smartphone via short-range communication to transmit payment information. Connection via short-range communication can be achieved, for example, by converting connection information with one-time information added into a symbol code and displaying the code in a symbol code display field G4 on the display unit 41 of the information terminal 4, as shown in Fig. 16, and then authenticating the customer by capturing a photograph of the symbol code with the camera of the customer terminal. Note that Fig. 16 shows an example of the case in which, in the first embodiment described above, one first information display area G11-1 is selected by the customer, and the symbol code display field G4 is provided on the screen displaying the operator G12 that accepts registration completion and a payment label issuance request. However, the symbol code can also be displayed in a similar manner in the other embodiments 2 and 3.

[0151] Furthermore, when the information terminal 4 provides a customer with multiple items in a predetermined weight ratio, the weight ratio may be assigned identification information and stored in a predetermined distribution information storage unit as information related to the product mix ratio, so that the information on the mix ratio can be output as needed. For example, once information related to the product mix ratio of multiple items provided to a customer is assigned identification information and registered. The identification information is presented to the customer by printing it directly or in code on a checkout label, writing it on a predetermined IC tag, or displaying it on the display unit 41. The customer can retrieve the information related to the product mix ratio by directly inputting the identification information into the information terminal 4 or by having the coded identification information read by a scanner or the like separately provided in the information terminal 4, and can then refer to the information on the product mix ratio to receive the products in the desired mix ratio.

[0152] In this case, information regarding the weight of the blended goods desired to be purchased from the customer may be received, and the weight of each item required to receive a predetermined weight of the blended goods may be calculated based on a predetermined blending ratio and presented to the customer. Also, instead of the weight of the blended goods, information regarding the sales price of the blended goods may be received, and the weight of each item required to receive the blended goods at a predetermined sales price may be calculated based on a predetermined blending ratio and the unit price of each item and presented to the customer.

[0153] Furthermore, the measure-based sales system 1 that has acquired the identification information linked to the blending ratio may assist the customer in receiving the goods at a predetermined blending ratio. Specifically, the type of goods and their target weight may be displayed on the screen of the information terminal 4, and an LED lamp or the like separately provided on the corresponding goods supply device 2a may be turned on or flashed, or the target weight may be flashed on the display unit 33-1 that displays the weight.

[0154] Furthermore, regardless of whether or not an item is provided to a customer, the store or the like that provides the item may register in advance the blending ratios of a plurality of items in a predetermined blending information storage unit, so that the customer can refer to or select from these as the recommended blending ratios of the store or the like. When various recommended blending ratios are provided to the customer so that they can be selected, each may be configured as a preset key and displayed on the display unit 41.

[0155] Furthermore, when information relating to the blending ratio of the items is registered in this manner, if identification information of a predetermined blending ratio is received from a customer, the display unit 41 may indicate the location of the item supply device 2a that will provide the items to be blended. For example, as shown in Fig. 17, a schematic diagram of the weigh-in sales system 1 is displayed on the display unit 41, and the location of the item supply device 2a that will provide the items to be blended is displayed on the schematic diagram. In the example of Fig. 17, the locations of the three items to be blended are indicated by numbers, and the weight to be provided for each item is displayed. This allows the customer to easily find the item supply device 2a that will provide the items needed for the blending. In particular, the customer will not be confused even if the location of the item supply device 2a that provides the desired item is changed. Furthermore, if the desired item is replaced or out of stock, an operator (store clerk call button) for calling a store clerk may be displayed or a store clerk may be automatically called. In addition, a message of apology may be displayed to the customer along with guidance to that effect, and alternative items may be introduced or a different blending ratio may be suggested. Note that when offering such alternative items or suggesting a different blending ratio, the customer's operations may be assisted in the same way as described above.

[0156] Additionally, a POS terminal is installed separately within the store, which executes payment processing for the items based on the payment label issued by the information terminal 4. This POS terminal is a store terminal operated by the store clerk or the customer themselves, who inputs information such as the sales price of the items printed on the payment label into the POS terminal and executes payment operations according to a predetermined payment method.

[0157] Furthermore, with regard to the above-described Examples 1 to 3, the measure-sized sales system 1 may be configured so that the operations corresponding to the processes of each of the above-described Examples 1 to 3 can be set as selectable operation modes. Furthermore, the setting of the operation mode may be changed arbitrarily by the customer during operation using a predetermined mode switching button or the like. As a result, for example, when multiple items are provided to a customer, if it is desired to display the weight ratio, the operation mode corresponding to Example 3 may be selected, and if it is not appropriate to display the weight ratio (when the items are not mixed), the operation mode corresponding to Example 3 may be selected.

[0158] Furthermore, when selling goods using the first unit U1, the desired weight and selling price of the goods may be specified by the customer, and the selling price corresponding to the desired weight may be calculated and displayed, or the weight corresponding to the desired selling price may be calculated and displayed. Also, the weight of the goods desired by the customer may be compared with the weight (measured value) of the goods supplied from the goods supply device 2a to the weighing device 3, and the remaining weight until the desired weight is reached may be displayed. Such a display may be made on the display unit 41 of the information terminal 4 or on the display unit 33 of the weighing device 3.

[0159] Furthermore, when selling goods by the first unit U1, the selection of goods can be accepted directly at the information terminal 4. In this case, it is not necessary to receive device identification information from the goods supply device 2a to identify the goods.

[0160] External configuration of the weighing device 7 according to another embodiment A weighing device 7 according to another embodiment of the weighing device 3 described above is shown in FIG. 18 (exploded perspective view) and FIG. The weighing device 7 includes a main body 71, a guide body 72, a first display unit 73, an operation unit 74, a support unit 75, and a second display unit 76.

[0161] The main body 71 is an approximately rectangular parallelepiped housing formed by combining a lid-shaped first member 711 and a box-shaped second member 712, and is provided with a guide body 72, a first display unit 73, an operation unit 74, a support unit 75, and a second display unit 76 at predetermined locations. The main body 71 has a hollow portion that is open at the top and bottom, and a guide body 72 (described later) is fitted into the hollow portion through an opening 71a on the top surface that communicates with the hollow portion. 19, which shows the internal structure of weighing device 7, a lid 741 is provided on the bottom side of weighing device 7, which opens and closes in response to the operation of operating unit 74, which will be described later. The opening on the bottom side forms serving port 71b, which opens and closes with lid 741, and the items stored in weighing device 7 can be discharged to the outside and served to the customer through serving port 71b.

[0162] Here, the opening 71a on the upper surface side is formed along the length direction of the main body 71, extending from the front side of the main body 71 through the central part to the rear. The openable and closable supply port 71b has a narrower opening width than the opening 71a and is provided on the front side of the main body 71, at least closer to the front than the support portion 75. Furthermore, the main body 71 is supported on the shelf 62 at a position on the bottom surface that avoids the provision opening 71b provided on the front side, and is rearward of the provision opening 71b. As a result, the provision opening 71b, which is provided biased toward the front side of the main body 71, is provided at a position that protrudes beyond the front end of the shelf 62 in the depth direction of the shelf 62.

[0163] The guide body 72 is a funnel-shaped part that is fitted into the hollow portion of the main body 71 through the opening 71a, and also serves as a tare container. 18 and 19, guide body 72 has an engaging protrusion 721 on its side surface, which is detachably engaged with an engaging recess 771a provided in weighing section 77 of main body 71. This allows weighing section 77 to measure the weight of the articles stored in guide body 72. Furthermore, by releasing the engagement between engaging protrusion 721 and engaging recess 771a, guide body 72 can be removed or replaced as needed for cleaning, etc.

[0164] Guide body 72 has a receiving-side opening 72a and a discharging-side opening 72b on the top and bottom surfaces, and when an article supplied from article supply device 2b is received through receiving-side opening 72a, it stores the article inside when lid body 741 is closed. When lid body 741 is opened, the article is discharged from discharge-side opening 72b through serving port 71b to the outside of weighing device 7, allowing the article to be provided to the customer. The opening width of the receiving side opening 72a is relatively wider than the opening width of the discharge side opening 72b, and is also wider than the opening width of the supply port 24a of the article supply device 2a. The guide body 72 is attached to the main body 71 so that the lower part of the discharge side opening 72b fits within the storage section of the main body 71. This allows the guide body 72 to receive all of the articles supplied from the article supply device 2a without leakage. In this embodiment, the receiving side opening 72a has a circular shape with an annular peripheral wall, but it can also be configured with a shape similar to that of the receiving side opening 72a of the weighing device 3 described above.

[0165] The first display unit 73 is realized by a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays the weight of the item weighed by the weighing unit 77 described later, the unit price of the item, and the selling price of the item according to the weight. This first display unit 73 is composed of three first display units 73-1, 73-2, and 73-3 arranged vertically. In this embodiment, for example, first display unit 73-1 displays the weight of the article supplied from article supply device 2a to weighing device 7, first display unit 73-2 displays the unit price of the article, and first display unit 73-3 displays the selling price.

[0166] In this way, the weighing device 7 displays the weight, unit price, and selling price of the item, so the customer can keep track of this information and operate the item supply device 2a to supply the item to the weighing device 7, and then stop the supply of items once they confirm that the desired amount of items has been stored in the weighing device 7.

[0167] The operating unit 74 is a part that operates the opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the serving port 71b. In this embodiment, the operating unit 74 is realized by a lever that can be operated from the front side, and the opening / closing mechanism is realized by a lid body 741 that opens and closes the serving port 71b with the operating unit 74. A gear part 74a and a gear part 741a are provided on one end of the operating unit 74 and the lid body 741, respectively, and the gear part 74a and the gear part 741a are meshed with each other. When the operating unit 74 is raised upward, the lid body 741 closes the serving port 71b. When the operating unit 74 is pushed downward, the meshing gear parts 74a and 741a work together, causing the lid body 741 to open the serving port 71b. When the serving port 71b is opened, the items in the guide body 72 are discharged from the serving port 71b through the discharge-side opening 72b, thereby providing the items to the customer.

[0168] The lid 741 is provided with a spring 741b as a biasing means, and this spring 741b biases the lid 741 so that the lid 741 moves downward. This ensures that the operating part 74 moves upward when not being pressed downward, and the provision opening 71b is closed. When the provision opening 71b is closed, the discharge of articles in the guide 72 is restricted, and the articles remain contained within the guide 72. The opening / closing mechanism may be one that opens and closes supply port 71b by electrical control. Also, cover 741 may normally move downward by its own weight to close supply port 71b, causing operating unit 74 to move upward in response.

[0169] The support parts 75 are legs that support the weighing device 7 on the shelf board 62, and are provided on the bottom surface of the main body 71. In this embodiment, the support parts 75 are composed of two support parts 75-1 (only one of which is shown in the figure) that are arranged side by side in the width direction, and one support part 75-2 that is provided behind the support parts 75-1, but the number of support parts is not particularly limited as long as the weighing device 7 can be installed stably.

[0170] The support part 75-1 is equipped with a height adjustment mechanism that allows the height to be adjusted, and by appropriately adjusting its height in relation to the support part 75-2, which has a fixed height, the main body 71 can be supported horizontally on the shelf board 62. Such a height adjustment mechanism can be realized, for example, by a disk-shaped base with a female thread cut in the center and a rod-shaped shaft with a male thread that screws into the female thread of the disk-shaped base. The height of support part 75 can be adjusted by placing the disk-shaped base on shelf board 62 and screwing the rod-shaped shaft into the female thread to an appropriate depth. In this embodiment, the support portion 75-2 does not have a height adjustment mechanism, but regardless, in other embodiments, the support portion 75-2 may also have a height adjustment mechanism.

[0171] Furthermore, support parts 75 are provided on the bottom surface of main body 71, biased towards the rear side. That is, two support parts 75-1 are provided in the width direction at approximately the center in the longitudinal direction of main body 71, and support part 75-2 is provided near the end part on the rear side of main body 71. The positions of such support parts 75 are positions that do not cover dispensing port 71b and are positions that allow weighing device 7 to be supported on shelf board 62.

[0172] The height adjustment mechanism of the support part 75 may be electrically controlled. In this case, the weighing device 7 may be provided with a sensor that detects horizontality, such as a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor, and the height adjustment mechanism may be controlled based on the detection result of the sensor so that the weighing device 7 is horizontal.

[0173] The second display unit 76 displays a status indicating the operating status of the weighing device 7. The second display unit 76 is provided below the operation unit 74, and is realized by a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0174] Here, FIG. 20 shows an example of the status display. 20(a) shows the state where the light is not lit, and the weighing device 7 is in a standby state. When an article is inserted into the guide body 72 from this state, the display shifts to the status display shown in FIG. 20(b).

[0175] Figure 20(b) shows a state in which an article is placed on the guide body 72 by operating the weighing device 7, and the weight fluctuates. This status display is displayed until the weight of the article stabilizes, and when the weight of the article stabilizes, the status display changes to that shown in Figure 20(c).

[0176] Figure 20(c) shows a state where the weight of the inserted items has stabilized. If an additional item is inserted, the status display returns to that shown in Figure 20(b). Furthermore, if the operation unit 74 is operated from this state, the status display changes to that shown in Figure 20(d). If the weight value stabilizes at a value other than "0 g," it is assumed that the customer has left the weighing device 7 during operation and left without purchasing an item, or has returned to the information terminal 4 without completely transferring the items to a container (i.e., before the screen of FIG. 20(e) appears). Either of these cases constitutes an error. In the former case, the weighing device 7 is left at the initial stable weight, so an error message may be displayed on the first display unit 73 or the second display unit 76. In the latter case, the weight stabilizes once, and the stable weight state continues for a predetermined time. Therefore, a notification such as "There is product remaining. Have you put it all into the container?" may be displayed by voice or on the screen of the information terminal 4. If the weighing device 7 has a display of a size or type capable of displaying a message, the message may be displayed on that display, either together with or separately from the display on the information terminal 4. Alternatively, a status message in a manner that can be distinguished from the initial stable weight message may be displayed on the second display unit 76. In addition, in this state, it is advisable to change the appearance of the button (preset key) on the display unit 41 of the information terminal 4 that can accept the selection operation to complete the registration of the item as a settlement target and to make it a target for the issuance of a settlement label, or not display it at all, so as not to proceed to label issuance.

[0177] Figure 20(d) shows the state in which the operation unit 74 of the weighing device 7 is being operated. This status display is displayed until the weighing value measured by the weighing unit 77 reaches "0" (a slight error may be tolerated). In this state, sales data (device identification information, selling price, net weight, etc.) is not being transmitted, and once the weighing value reaches "0", the status display changes to that shown in Figure 20(e). 20(d), since the items are being supplied from the guide 72 to the container, there is no problem with the weight value changing in the subtractive direction. However, if the weight value changes in the incremental direction midway, there is a possibility that an item has been intentionally or mistakenly added to the guide 72. Therefore, in such a case, an error status may be displayed and this may be notified on the information terminal 4. Furthermore, the status may be output to an external device outside the metered sales system 1 to notify a manager or the like.

[0178] Figure 20(e) shows the state in which an item is supplied to a customer's container by operating the operation unit 74, and the weighing value becomes "0". The weighing device 7 sends sales data to the information terminal 4 when the weighing value stabilizes at "0g". Once the weighing value stabilizes at "0g" and the status display in Figure 20(e) is displayed, the supply of the item is considered to be complete, and even if the actual weighing value fluctuates, the displayed weighing value is forcibly corrected to "0g", and the status display is maintained. Upon completion of transmission of the sales data or upon receiving a notification from the information terminal 4, the status display on the second display unit 76 returns to the status display shown in Fig. 20(a). In response to this, the weight of the item displayed on the first display unit 73-1 and the sales price displayed on the first display unit 73-3 are also reset to "0".

[0179] The weighing unit 77 has the same function as the weighing unit 37, and weighs the articles supplied from the article supply device 2a to the weighing device 7, for example, by a weight detection method using a load cell. As described above, the guide body 72 is removably attached to this weighing unit 77, and thereby the weighing unit 77 weighs the articles inserted into the guide body 72.

[0180] ● Overview of implementation The present invention relates to a technique for supplying any quantity of an article.

[0181] Due to the problem of food waste, there is a growing trend to encourage sales by weight, where customers purchase only the amount they need. As a result, self-service weighing services, where customers purchase products themselves, are also being reconsidered, and further improvements in operability are being sought. In this regard, a system is known in which an amount of money is calculated by weighing an item such as a commodity, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-317990.

[0182] However, the above system is not easy to operate, and there is a demand for a metered sales system that is easy for customers to operate and that offers a high degree of freedom in operation.

[0183] Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a volumetric sales system that can provide any amount of goods.

[0184] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the weighing sales system of the present invention is a weighing sales system comprising a plurality of weighing devices for weighing goods and an information terminal, wherein the weighing devices comprise a detection processing means for detecting the weight of the goods and a first communication processing means for transmitting the detected weight of the goods and predetermined identification information, and the information terminal comprises a second communication processing means for receiving the weight of the goods and the predetermined identification information, and a goods information acquisition means for acquiring goods information from a predetermined storage means based on the predetermined identification information.

[0185] The first communication processing means may transmit the detected weight of the item and the predetermined identification information when the detected value of the weight of the item becomes stable.

[0186] The weighing device may include a supply port for discharging the items stored in the device from the bottom, and an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the supply port.

[0187] The information terminal may also be equipped with a first display control means for displaying on a display unit, based on the item information, an operator for accepting completion of registration of the item, together with information relating to the weight of the item and the selling price according to the weight of the item.

[0188] The weighing device may also include a selectable information display area provided for each item weighed by the weighing device, and a second display control means that, when multiple information display areas are selected, causes the display unit to display the number of items corresponding to the selected information display area and the combined sales price of the items.

[0189] A measure-based sales system according to another aspect of the present invention displays on a display unit a first information display area provided for each of a plurality of items, which displays information relating to the weight of at least a predetermined item and can be selected; a second information display area which, when a plurality of first information display areas are selected, displays the number of items corresponding to the selected first information display area and the total sales price of the items; and an operator which accepts completion of registration of the item corresponding to the selected first information display area; and when the operator is pressed while a plurality of first information display areas are selected, the weight ratio of the items corresponding to the selected plurality of first information display areas is output.

[0190] A weighing device according to yet another aspect of the present invention comprises a main body for storing items, a weighing unit for weighing the items stored in the main body, a display unit for displaying the weight of the weighed items, a support unit provided on the bottom surface of the main body for supporting the main body horizontally, and an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the supply port for the items stored in the main body, wherein the main body is characterized by having an inlet provided on the top surface that opens from the front side through the central part to the rear, through which the items are inserted, and the supply port provided on the bottom surface further forward than the support unit.

[0191] According to the above-described measure-based sales system of the embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided that can provide any quantity of goods, is easy for customers to operate, and provides a high degree of freedom in operability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 1: Metered sales system 2a, 2b, 5: Goods supply device, 21: Storage section, 22: Supply section, 23: Operation section, 24: Supply port section, 24a: Supply port 3: weighing device, 31: main body, 31a: insertion port, 31b: supply port, 32: guide body, 33: display unit, 34: operation unit, 35: support unit, 36: communication unit, 37: weighing unit, 371: weight detection unit, 372: AD converter, 3A: identification information storage unit, 301: detection processing unit, 302: display control unit, 303: communication processing unit 4: Information terminal, 41: Display unit, 42: Communication unit, 43: Issuance unit, 4A: Article information storage unit, 4B: Setting information storage unit, 401: Identification processing unit, 402: Extraction processing unit, 403: Calculation processing unit, 404: Display control unit, 405: Information processing unit, 406: Communication processing unit, 407: Issuance processing unit 6: Shelf 7: weighing device, 71: main body, 71a: insertion port, 71b: supply port, 72: guide body, 73: first display unit, 74: operation unit, 75: support unit, 76: second display unit G11, G21, G31: First information display area G12, G23, G33: Controls G22, G32: Second information display area R: Payment label U1: First unit U2: Second unit U3: Third unit

Claims

1. A weighing system including a plurality of weighing devices for weighing items and an information terminal, The metering device is a detection processing means for detecting the weight of the article; a first communication processing means for transmitting the detected weight of the item and predetermined identification information; The information terminal a second communication processing means for receiving the weight of the item and the predetermined identification information; and an item information acquisition means for acquiring item information from a predetermined storage means based on the predetermined identification information. A volumetric sales system characterized by:

2. the first communication processing means transmits the detected weight of the item and the predetermined identification information when the detected value of the weight of the item becomes stable. The metered sales system according to claim 1.

3. The metering device is a supply port for discharging the items stored in the device from the bottom; An opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the supply port, 3. The metered sales system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The information terminal a first display control means for displaying, on a display unit, an operator for accepting completion of registration of the item together with information relating to the weight of the item and a selling price corresponding to the weight of the item, based on the item information; 4. A metered sales system according to claim 1.

5. a selectable information display area provided for each item weighed by the weighing device, and a second display control means that, when a plurality of the information display areas are selected, causes the display unit to display the number of items corresponding to the selected information display area and the total sales price of the items.

5. A metered sales system according to claim 1.

6. a first information display area provided for each of the plurality of articles, displaying information relating to at least the weight of a predetermined article, and being selectable; a second information display area that displays, when a plurality of the first information display areas are selected, the number of items corresponding to the selected first information display areas and the total selling price of the items; an operator for accepting completion of registration of the item corresponding to the selected first information display area on a display unit; When the operator is pressed while a plurality of the first information display areas are selected, a weight ratio of the articles corresponding to the selected plurality of first information display areas is output. A volumetric sales system characterized by:

7. a main body for accommodating articles; a weighing unit that measures the weight of the item contained in the main body; a display unit that displays the weight of the weighed item; a support portion provided on a bottom surface of the main body and configured to horizontally support the main body; an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing an opening for providing the article contained in the main body, The main body includes: an inlet provided on the top surface, opening from the front side through the central portion to the rear, through which the article is inserted; The supply port is provided on the bottom surface closer to the front side than the support portion. A weighing device characterized by:

Images