Weighing apparatus and program

Abstract

To improve the relation between the quantity and sales price of merchandise so that it can be easily understood.SOLUTION: The system includes a weighing means for weighing the weight of the article placed on the placing part, a display means capable of displaying a first weight weighed by the weighing means as the weight of the article placed on the placing part before purchase, a second weight weighed by the weighing means as the weight of the article still placed on the placing part after subtracting the purchase amount, a unit price of the article, a purchase weight which is the weight of the article of the purchase amount calculated from the first weight and the second weight, and a selling price of the article calculated from the unit price and the purchase weight, and a transmission means for transmitting at least the purchase weight after the second weight is displayed by the display means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a weighing device, a system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a system for selling products by weighing them is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 6-50740 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional systems such as that shown in Patent Document 1, it was difficult to understand the relationship between the quantity of goods and the selling price before the actual weighing (i.e., it was difficult to imagine how much weight (price) would result), and there was room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that improves the relationship between product quantity and sales price in an easily understandable manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the weighing device of the present invention is a weighing device characterized by comprising: a weighing means for weighing the weight of an item placed on a loading section; a first weight measured by the weighing means as the weight of the item placed on the loading section before purchase; a second weight measured by the weighing means as the weight of the item still placed on the loading section after deducting the purchased amount; a display means capable of displaying the unit price of the item; a purchase weight which is the weight of the purchased item calculated from the first weight and the second weight; and a sales price of the purchased item calculated from the unit price and the purchase weight; and a transmission means for transmitting at least the purchase weight after the second weight is displayed by the display means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an example of a network configuration of a sales processing system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an example of the appearance of a weighing device. [Figure 3] 1 is an example of the configuration of a weighing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation mode of the weighing device. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of information stored in a weighing device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the weighing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display etc. of the weighing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a status indicator. [Figure 9] 10 is a display example of a status indicator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 1 shows an example of a network configuration of a sales processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sales processing system 1 is installed in a store (such as a supermarket) that handles merchandise that is sold by weighing.

[0009] The sales processing system 1 includes a plurality of weighing devices 10 (weighing device 10-1, weighing device 10-2, weighing device 10-3, ...) and a display / printer 20. Each weighing device 10 and each display / printer 20 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, each weighing device 10 and each display / printer 20 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other, for example, using a multi-drop method (chain connection) using RS-485. Note that the connection topology is not limited to the multi-drop method shown in FIG. 1. For example, it may be a star topology (type) centered on the display / printer 20, or a ring topology (type) including the display / printer 20. Wireless communication may also be used.

[0010] (Overview of the weighing device 10) The weighing device 10 weighs merchandise sold by weight (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as merchandise). After weighing the merchandise, the weighing device 10 transmits to the display printing device 20 information necessary for the display printing device 20 to print and issue a merchandise label (a label with a price). The weighing device 10 has multiple operating modes (details will be described later).

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the weighing device 10. Specifically, FIG. 2(A) is an example of the external appearance (perspective view) of the weighing device 10. FIG. 2(B) shows products displayed on the weighing device 10. FIG. 3 is an example of the configuration of the weighing device 10. In FIGS. 2(A), 2(C), and 3, identical parts are assigned the same reference numerals. Below, the configuration of the weighing device 10 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B).

[0012] The weighing device 10 includes a CPU 11 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a weighing unit 14, a display unit 15, an operation unit 16, and a communication unit 17. These are connected to each other via a bus 19.

[0013] The CPU 11 controls the operation of the weighing device 10 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 12.

[0014] The ROM 12 is a read-only memory, and stores various information used by the CPU 11, including programs, for example.

[0015] The RAM 13 is a read / write memory, and stores various information such as information read from the ROM 12, information acquired via the communication unit 17, and information processed (calculated, etc.) by the CPU 11.

[0016] The weighing unit 14 weighs items. For example, the weighing unit 14 weighs products (e.g., products S placed on a platter (silver tray) P) displayed on a platform 14a (see FIG. 2(A)) using a weight detection method using a load cell, as shown in FIG. 2(B).

[0017] The display unit 15 displays the selling price and the like to the operator. For example, the display unit 15 may be a liquid crystal panel. In this embodiment, the display unit 15 includes three displays (display unit 15a, display unit 15b, and display unit 15c) as shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B).

[0018] The operation unit 16 accepts operations by the operator. In this embodiment, the operation unit 16 is one or more hard buttons (push buttons) arranged on the housing, but it may also be one or more soft buttons (touch buttons) that are displayed in an operable manner. In other words, the display unit 15 may be a touch panel that displays the selling price and the like to the operator and accepts operations by the operator.

[0019] The communication unit 17 transmits and receives information to and from other devices. For example, the communication unit 17 transmits to the display printing device 20 information required for printing and issuing product labels.

[0020] Although not shown, the weighing device 10 may also include a hard disk. The hard disk may store various information such as information read from the ROM 12 instead of the RAM 13, information acquired via the communication unit 17, and information processed (e.g., calculated) by the CPU 11. The weighing device 10 may also include an SSD (Solid State Drive) instead of a hard disk.

[0021] The weighing device 10 may also be equipped with a timing unit (timing function). For example, the weighing device 10 may be able to manage the current time, the time remaining until a certain time, or the time elapsed since a certain state was reached using the timing unit. The weighing device 10 may also be equipped with a human presence sensor. For example, the weighing device 10 may use the human presence sensor to determine whether an operator is present in the vicinity (for example, in front of the weighing device 10).

[0022] (Display printing device 20) Although not shown in the figures, the display / printing device 20 includes, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, a display unit, a printing unit, an operation unit, and a communication unit. These components are connected to each other via a bus. The display / printing device 20 prints and issues product labels for products weighed by the weighing device 10. Specifically, the display / printing device 20 prints and issues product labels based on information transmitted by the weighing device 10 and operations (print instruction operations) by the operator. Furthermore, when printing and issuing product labels for products weighed by the weighing device 10, the display / printing device 20 displays information about the products (which may be information about the weighing of the products or information about the product labels). The display unit included in the display / printing device 20 may be a touch panel that displays information about the products to the operator and receives operations (e.g., print instruction operations) from the operator.

[0023] (A mode, B mode) Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation modes of the weighing device 10. As shown in Figure 4(A), the weighing device 10 has two operation modes: mode A and mode B. Figure 4(B) will be described later.

[0024] The operating mode setting change (also referred to as changing the operating mode or switching the operating mode) is performed by a store clerk through a mode change operation via the operation unit 16 (for example, a predetermined operation known only to the store clerk). In other words, the weighing device 10 switches its operating mode when a mode change operation is performed on the operation unit 16. The operating mode may also be changed by a store clerk through a mode change operation via a dip switch (not shown). The operating mode may also be changed by a store clerk through a mode change operation on another device (for example, the operation unit of the display / printer 20) instead of or in addition to the mode change operation on the weighing device 10 (via the operation unit 16 or dip switch) as described above (the operating mode may be changed remotely from another device). In other words, the weighing device 10 may switch its operating mode when it receives a mode change command from another device instead of or in addition to a mode change operation on the weighing device 10.

[0025] (1st unit weight, 1st unit price, 2nd unit weight, 2nd unit price, differential weight) The first unit weight is a weight (mass) in a common unit (for example, CGS unit). The first unit price is a unit price based on the first unit weight. For example, it is the price per 1g or the price per 100g. The second unit weight is a weight (mass) in a unit (for example, one spoonful) different from the first unit weight. The second unit price is a unit price based on the second unit weight. For example, it is the price of one spoonful. The differential weight is the weight difference between the first measured weight (reference weight) which is the weight measured by the measuring unit 14 and serves as a reference, and the second measured weight which is the weight measured by the measuring unit 14 and is different from the first measured weight.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2(B), in the case where the items to be purchased are removed from the weighing device 10 (platform 14a) while they are placed (displayed) (i.e., the purchased weight is the amount of the removed items), the weight of the items before the items to be purchased are removed is the first measured weight, and the weight after the items to be purchased are removed is the second measured weight. Before the items to be purchased are removed, the second measured weight does not exist.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2(A), in the case where the weighing device 10 (platform 14a) is empty and then the amount of merchandise to be purchased is placed on it (i.e., the amount of merchandise placed is the purchase weight), the weight before the amount of merchandise to be purchased is placed on it is the first measured weight (essentially zero), and the weight after the amount of merchandise to be purchased is placed on it is the second measured weight. Before the amount of merchandise to be purchased is placed on it, the second measured weight does not exist.

[0028] The weighing device 10 can display the unit price, purchase weight, and sales price (total) on the display unit 15.

[0029] (Display in A mode) As shown in FIG. 4(A), when the weighing device 10 is in the A-mode operation, the display unit 15 displays the second unit price when displaying the unit price, the display unit 15 displays the converted amount obtained by converting the differential weight into the second unit weight when displaying the purchase weight, and the display unit 15 displays the calculated amount based on the first unit price and the differential weight when displaying the selling price. Note that when displaying the selling price on the display unit 15, the weighing device 10 may display the calculated amount based on the second unit price and the converted amount instead of the calculated amount based on the first unit price and the differential weight. Since the A-mode uses the differential weight, for example, in a case where the purchase weight is determined by the reduction in the amount of the placed product, the weighing device 10 is operated in the A-mode.

[0030] (Display in B mode) As shown in Fig. 4(A), when the weighing device 10 is in operation mode B, it displays the first unit price when displaying the unit price on the display unit 15, displays the measured weight when displaying the purchase weight on the display unit 15, and displays the calculated amount based on the first unit price and the measured weight when displaying the selling price on the display unit 15. Since mode B does not use the differential weight, for example, in a case where the amount of the product placed on the display unit 15 is the purchase weight, the weighing device 10 is operated in mode B.

[0031] Figure 5 shows an example of information stored in the weighing device 10. The weighing device 10 (for example, weighing device 10-1; the same applies in the description of Figure 5) stores in a memory unit (ROM 12, RAM 13, hard disk, SSD) the weighing device identification information, current operating mode, first measured weight (reference weight), second measured weight, warning weight, first unit weight, first unit price, second unit weight (one spoonful), and second unit price (one spoonful), as shown in Figure 5.

[0032] The weighing device identification information is information that identifies each weighing device 10 in the sales processing system 1. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the weighing device 10 stores "K001" as the weighing device identification information. The current operating mode is information that indicates the currently set operating mode. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the weighing device 10 stores "A," which indicates A mode, as the current operating mode. The first weighed weight is the reference weight, as described above. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the weighing device 10 stores "2040 (g)" as the first weighed weight. The second weighed weight is a weighed weight that is different from the first weighed weight, as described above. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the weighing device 10 does not store the second weighed weight. In other words, this is the situation before the customer has picked up the items to be purchased. The warning weight is a predetermined weight that is compared with the first weighed weight (or the second weighed weight). In a mode in which the reduction in the number of placed products is counted as the purchase weight, a warning is issued when the number of placed products decreases, and the warning weight is the weight that serves as the basis for the warning. In the example shown in Figure 5, the weighing device 10 stores "200 (g)" as the warning weight. Note that different warning weights may be set for different types of products placed on the platform 14a.

[0033] As described above, the first unit weight is a weight in a general unit (e.g., CGS unit). In the example shown in FIG. 5, the weighing device 10 stores "100 (g)" as the first unit weight. Note that the weighing device 10 may also store "1 (g)" as the first unit weight. The first unit price is a unit price based on the first unit weight, as described above. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the weighing device 10 stores "500 (yen / 100g)", which is the unit price per 100g, as the first unit price. Note that the weighing device 10 may also store "5 (yen / 1g)", which is the unit price per 1g, as the first unit price.

[0034] As described above, the second unit weight is a weight in a unit different from the first unit weight. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the weighing device 10 stores "20 (g / cup)", which is the weight of one spoonful, as the second unit weight. The second unit weight is stored according to the tool used to take out the product. The second unit price is a unit price based on the second unit weight, as described above. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the weighing device 10 stores "100 (yen / cup)", which is the unit price of one spoonful, as the second unit price.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the weighing device 10. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 6 shows an example of the operation of the weighing device 10 operating in mode A. Note that products are displayed on the weighing device 10 (i.e., the reduction in the products placed on the device is considered the purchase weight), and the flowchart in Fig. 6 starts when an operator (e.g., customer C) removes the products they wish to purchase (i.e., the measured weight (measured value) of the weighing unit 14 changes).

[0036] Step S1: The weighing device 10 determines whether the weighed weight has stabilized (i.e., whether fluctuations have ended). If the weighed weight has not stabilized (Step S1: NO), Step S1 is repeated. If the weighed weight has stabilized (Step S1: YES), the weighing device 10 proceeds to Step S2.

[0037] Step S2: The weighing device 10 stores the measured weight as a second measured weight, and then proceeds to step S3. Step S3: The weighing device 10 calculates the difference weight between the reference weight (first weighed weight) and the second weighed weight, and then proceeds to step S4. Step S4: The weighing device 10 calculates the converted amount by converting the difference weight by the second unit weight. Specifically, the weighing device 10 obtains the converted amount by dividing the difference weight by the second unit weight. Then, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0038] Step S5: The weighing device 10 calculates the selling price based on the first unit price and the weight difference. Alternatively, the weighing device 10 may calculate the selling price based on the second unit price and the converted amount. Then, the process proceeds to step S6. Step S6: The weighing device 10 displays the converted amount calculated in step S4 as the purchase weight. The weighing device 10 also displays the sales price calculated in step S5 as the sales price (total). The weighing device 10 has been displaying the second unit price as the unit price since before the start of this flowchart. The process then proceeds to step S7.

[0039] Step S7: The weighing device 10 determines whether a confirmation operation (an operation to confirm the purchase via the operation unit 16) has been performed. If a confirmation operation has been performed (Step S7: YES), the process proceeds to Step S9. If a confirmation operation has not been performed (Step S7: NO), the process proceeds to Step S8. Step S8: The weighing device 10 determines whether the weighed weight has changed. That is, the weighing device 10 determines whether an additional product has been taken (or whether a product that has already been taken has been returned). If the weighed weight has changed (Step S8: YES), the process returns to Step S1. If the weighed weight has not changed (Step S8: NO), the process returns to Step S7.

[0040] In other words, customer C confirms the amount and performs a confirmation operation if they wish to purchase the current amount, but they can also increase or decrease the purchase amount without performing a confirmation operation. If a confirmation operation is performed (step S7: YES), the weighing device 10 executes the processing from step S9 onwards, which will be described later. If the purchase amount is increased or decreased without a confirmation operation (step S8: YES), the weighing device 10 executes the processing from step S1 onwards, which has been described above, again. In addition, in mode A, the unit price (second unit price) for one spoonful of the actual product is displayed, so the time required to reach the budgeted amount is shortened, and there are fewer cases where an amount significantly exceeding the budget is measured. In other words, the desired amount of product can be measured in a short time, and there are fewer cases where the product is returned after being measured.

[0041] Step S9: The weighing device 10 transmits the device identification information, the second unit price, the converted amount calculated in step S4, and the selling price calculated in step S5 to the display printing device 20. Then, the process proceeds to step S10. The display printing device 20 stores the device identification information and the product (product identification information) in association with each other (or references a table or the like that associates device identification information and products (product identification information) stored in another device), identifies the product from the device identification information received from the weighing device 10, and prints and issues a product label.

[0042] Step S10: The weighing device 10 erases the converted amount and sales price displayed in step S6. Note that the weighing device 10 does not need to erase the second unit price. Then, the process proceeds to step S11. Step S11: The weighing device 10 stores the second measured weight stored in step S2 as a reference weight. That is, the weighing device 10 stores the weight after purchase (after reduction) as a new reference weight. Then, the process proceeds to step S12. Step S12: The weighing device 10 initializes (deletes) the second weighing weight stored in step S2, and then proceeds to step S13.

[0043] Step S13: The weighing device 10 determines whether the reference weight is equal to or less than the warning weight. If the reference weight is equal to or less than the warning weight (Step S13: YES), the process proceeds to Step S14. If the reference weight is not equal to or less than the warning weight (Step S13: NO), the process ends. Step S14: The weighing device 10 notifies the user that there are few products on the platform 14a. Specifically, the weighing device 10 sends information indicating that there are few products on the platform 14a to the display / printer 20. This flowchart then ends.

[0044] In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the weighing device 10 proceeds to step S9 (confirms the purchase) based on a predetermined operation (confirmation operation) (step S7 (YES)), but may proceed to step S9 based on other conditions. (1) Time has passed Instead of or in addition to a predetermined operation, the process may proceed to step S9 based on the passage of time. For example, the process may proceed to step S9 when the time counted from the start of displaying the latest selling price, etc. (the time counted up by the execution of the last step S6 and cleared by step S8 (YES)) exceeds a predetermined time. (2) Human presence sensor Instead of or in addition to a predetermined operation or the passage of time, the process may proceed to step S9 based on the disappearance of an operator who was in front of the weighing device 10. For example, the process may proceed to step S9 when the human presence sensor continues to detect the presence of a person for a predetermined period of time (for example, a period of time that assumes a purchase rather than just passing by) and then no longer detects the presence of a person.

[0045] 6, the weighing device 10 transmits the device identification information, second unit price, converted amount, and selling price to the display printing device 20 (step S9). However, the information transmitted to the display printing device 20 is not limited to the device identification information, second unit price, converted amount, and selling price, and may be any information necessary for the display printing device 20 to print, issue, etc., product labels. For example, if the weighing device 10 stores product identification information that identifies products instead of or in addition to the device identification information, the weighing device 10 may transmit the product identification information, second unit price, converted amount, and selling price to the display printing device 20. If the display printing device 20 stores the second unit price for each product, the weighing device 10 may transmit the device identification information (or product identification information), converted amount, and selling price to the display printing device 20.

[0046] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the display etc. of the weighing device 10. The display etc. of the weighing device 10 will be explained according to the flowchart of Figure 6. It is assumed that at the start of the flowchart of Figure 6, the weighing device 10 has stored the various information shown in Figure 5.

[0047] 7(A) shows the stored contents of the first weighed weight (reference weight), the stored contents of the second weighed weight, and the display contents of the display unit 15 (display 15a, display 15b, display 15c) at the time when customer C approaches the weighing device 10 (i.e., when no products have been taken from the weighing device 10). Note that display 15d, indicated by a two-dot chain line, is the content related to a "modified example (described later)," and in this explanation, display 15d is not considered to exist.

[0048] When customer C approaches the weighing device 10, no products have been taken from the weighing device 10 (i.e., the flowchart of FIG. 6 has not yet started), so the second weighed weight has not been stored. Also, as described above, the weighing device 10 has been displaying the second unit price "100 yen (yen / cup)" on the display unit 15 (display 15b) since before the flowchart of FIG. 6 started.

[0049] 7(B) shows the stored contents of the first weighed weight, the stored contents of the second weighed weight, and the display contents of the display unit 15 after customer C subsequently takes one spoonful of product (assuming it is exactly 20 g) from the weighing device 10. Specifically, it shows the stored contents and the displayed contents during the loop of steps S7 and S8 (the loop of steps S7 (NO) to S8 (NO)) after taking one spoonful of product.

[0050] The second weighed weight "2020 (g)" in FIG. 7(B) is the weighed weight stored in step S2. The purchase weight "1.0 (cups)" in FIG. 7(B) is the converted amount calculated in step S4 and displayed in step S6. That is, weighing device 10 calculates the converted amount "1.0 (cups)" by converting the differential weight "20 (g)" by the second unit weight "20 (g / cup)" in step S4, and displays this on display unit 15 (display 15a) in step S6. The total (selling price) "100 (yen)" in FIG. 7(B) is the converted amount calculated in step S5 and displayed in step S6. In other words, in step S5, the weighing device 10 calculates the selling price of "100 (yen)" based on the first unit price of "500 (yen / 100g)" and the differential weight of "20 (g)", and displays it on the display unit 15 (display 15b) in step S6.

[0051] In addition, in step S5, instead of calculating the sales price of "100 (yen)" based on the first unit price of "500 (yen / 100g)" and the differential weight of "20 (g)", the weighing device 10 may calculate the sales price of "100 (yen)" based on the second unit price of "100 (yen / cup)" and the equivalent amount of "1.0 (cup)".

[0052] 7(C) shows the stored contents of the first weighed weight, the stored contents of the second weighed weight, and the display contents of the display unit 15 after customer C subsequently takes another half-spoonful (assuming it is exactly 10 g) of product from the weighing device 10. Specifically, it shows the stored contents and the displayed contents during the loop of steps S7 and S8 after the half-spoonful of product has been taken.

[0053] The second weighed weight "2010 (g)" in FIG. 7(C) is the weighed weight stored in step S2 the second time. The purchase weight "1.5 (cups)" in FIG. 7(C) is the converted amount calculated in step S4 the second time and displayed in step S6 the second time. That is, in step S4 the weighing device 10 calculates the converted amount "1.5 (cups)" by converting the differential weight "30 (g)" by the second unit weight "20 (g / cup)" and displays this on the display unit 15 (display 15a) in step S6 the second time. The total "150 (yen)" in FIG. 7(C) is the converted amount calculated in step S5 the second time and displayed in step S6 the second time. In other words, in the second step S5, the weighing device 10 calculates the selling price of "150 (yen)" based on the first unit price of "500 (yen / 100g)" and the differential weight of "30 (g)", and displays it on the display unit 15 (display 15b) in step S6.

[0054] In addition, in the second step S5, instead of calculating the sales price of "150 (yen)" based on the first unit price of "500 (yen / 100g)" and the differential weight of "30 (g)", the weighing device 10 may calculate the sales price of "150 (yen)" based on the second unit price of "100 (yen / cup)" and the equivalent amount of "1.5 (cups)".

[0055] 7(D) shows the stored contents of the first weighed weight, the stored contents of the second weighed weight, and the display contents of the display unit 15 after customer C performs a confirmation operation. Specifically, it shows the stored contents and the displayed contents at the end of the processing of step S12 after the confirmation operation (also at the end of the flowchart).

[0056] The purchase weight "0 (cups)" in FIG. 7(D) is the result of the purchase weight "1.5 (cups)" in FIG. 7(C) being deleted in step S10. The total "0 (yen)" in FIG. 7(D) is the result of the total "150 (yen)" in FIG. 7(C) being deleted in step S10. The first measured weight "2010 (g)" in FIG. 7(D) is the result of the second measured weight "2010 (g)" being stored as the first measured weight in step S11. The second measured weight "-" in FIG. 7(D) is the result of the second measured weight "2010 (g)" being initialized in step S12.

[0057] The weighing device 10 according to the embodiment has been described above. The weighing device 10 makes it easy to understand the relationship between the quantity of a product and the selling price. In other words, the use of the intuitively understandable second unit price makes the relationship between the quantity of a product and the selling price easy to understand. Furthermore, because the weighing device 10 has multiple operating modes, it can select the appropriate operating mode depending on the sales method for the weighed product (a mode in which the amount of the product reduced by being placed is considered the purchase weight, or a mode in which the amount of the product placed is considered the purchase weight), and weigh and sell the weighed product. In other words, the weighing device 10 can weigh and sell weighed products using any unit weight (e.g., first unit weight, second unit weight) depending on the situation in which it is used.

[0058] Although the embodiments have been described above, the above embodiments are merely examples, and the specific configurations are not limited to the above embodiments, and designs within the scope of the gist of the invention are also included. For example, the following (1) to (10) may be used. Furthermore, the following (1) to (10) may be combined as appropriate.

[0059] (1) In the above embodiment, the weighing device 10 has been described as calculating the converted amount by the second unit weight (dividing the differential weight by the second unit weight), but the manner in which the weighing device 10 obtains the converted amount is not limited to the method of calculating the converted amount by calculation.

[0060] For example, the weighing device 10 may obtain the converted amount by referring to a conversion table that associates the differential weight with the second unit weight. The weighing device 10 may store a conversion table internally and obtain the converted amount by referring to the conversion table stored therein, or the weighing device 10 may obtain the converted amount by referring to a conversion table stored in another device (for example, the display / printer 20).

[0061] The weighing device 10 may also obtain the converted amount by inquiring of another device (for example, the display / printing device 20). Specifically, the weighing device 10 may transmit the differential weight to another device and receive the converted amount from the other device. The other device may obtain the converted amount by calculation, or may obtain the converted amount by referring to the conversion table described above.

[0062] The conversion table described above may be, for example, one in which the range of differential weight corresponds to the conversion amount, as shown below. Difference in weight: "1.9g or more but less than 2.1g" → "0.1 (cups)" … Weight difference: "19g or more but less than 21g" → spoon: "1.0 (cup)" Difference in weight: "21g or more but less than 23g" → ​​"1.1 (cups)" …

[0063] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the weighing device 10 stores various pieces of information (FIG. 5) necessary for operation within the device itself. However, as with the conversion table described above, some or all of the various pieces of information necessary for operation may be stored in another device.

[0064] (3) In the above embodiment, the weighing device 10 pre-stores the information required for operation (FIG. 5), but the information may be derived (calculated) rather than pre-stored. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the weighing device 10 may pre-store (in its own device or in another device) the first unit price "500 yen / 100g" and the second unit weight "20 (g / cup)", and derive the second unit price "100 yen / 20g" from the first unit price "500 yen / 100g" and the second unit weight "20 (g / cup)".

[0065] (4) In the above embodiment, the weighing device 10 has been described as having two operation modes, A mode and B mode (FIG. 4(A)). However, the operation modes of the weighing device 10 are not limited to A mode and B mode.

[0066] For example, the weighing device 10 may have a D-mode as shown in Fig. 4(B) instead of or in addition to the A-mode shown in Fig. 4(A). For example, in a case where the purchase weight is determined by the reduction in the amount of placed products, the weighing device 10 may operate in D-mode instead of A-mode. When the weighing device 10 is in D-mode, as shown in Fig. 4(B), it displays the first unit price when displaying the unit price on the display unit 15, the differential weight when displaying the purchase weight on the display unit 15, and the calculated amount based on the first unit price and the differential weight when displaying the selling price on the display unit 15.

[0067] (Overview of D mode operation) When the weighing device 10 is in operation mode D and the reduction in the amount of the placed product is considered the purchase weight, the operation of the weighing device 10 (the operation up to the display of the selling price, etc. on the display unit 15) is as follows: The weighing device 10 stores the weighed weight as the second weighed weight. Next, the weighing device 10 calculates the difference in weight between the reference weight and the second weighed weight. Next, the weighing device 10 calculates the selling price based on the first unit price and the difference in weight. Next, the weighing device 10 displays the difference in weight and the selling price.

[0068] (A mode operation overview) The operation of the weighing device 10 when the operation mode is mode A in which the reduction in the amount of the placed product is counted as the purchase weight is as described with reference to FIGS.

[0069] Furthermore, the weighing device 10 may have a C-mode as shown in FIG. 4(B) instead of or in addition to the B-mode shown in FIG. 4(A). For example, in a case where the purchased weight is the amount of goods placed on the display, the weighing device 10 may operate in the C-mode instead of the B-mode. When the weighing device 10 is in the C-mode, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the weighing device 10 displays the second unit price when displaying the unit price on the display unit 15, the converted amount obtained by converting the measured weight to the second unit weight when displaying the purchased weight on the display unit 15, and the calculated amount based on the first unit price and the measured weight when displaying the selling price on the display unit 15. Note that the weighing device 10 may also display the calculated amount based on the second unit price and the converted amount when displaying the selling price on the display unit 15, instead of the calculated amount based on the first unit price and the measured weight.

[0070] (Overview of C mode operation) When the weighing device 10 is in operation mode C and the purchased weight is the amount of the product placed on the counter, the weighing device 10 operates as follows (operations up to displaying the selling price, etc. on the display unit 15). The weighing device 10 calculates the converted amount by converting the measured weight into the second unit weight. Next, the weighing device 10 calculates the selling price based on the first unit price and the measured weight (or based on the second unit price and the converted amount). Next, the weighing device 10 displays the converted amount and selling price.

[0071] (B-mode operation overview) When the weighing device 10 is in operation mode B and the purchased weight is the amount of goods placed on the shelf, the weighing device 10 operates as follows (operations up to displaying the selling price, etc. on the display unit 15). The weighing device 10 calculates the selling price based on the first unit price and the weighed weight. The weighing device 10 then displays the weighed weight and selling price.

[0072] (5) This is also related to (4) above, but in the above embodiment, the weighing device 10 has been described as having multiple operating modes, but the weighing device 10 does not have to have multiple operating modes. For example, the weighing device 10 may always operate in the same manner as in any one of the operating modes A, C, and D.

[0073] (6) In the above embodiment, the display unit 15 is described as having three displays (display unit 15a, display unit 15b, and display unit 15c), but each display may also be referred to as a display unit 15. In other words, it may be said that the weighing device 10 has three display units 15. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which the display unit 15 has three displays (in other words, an example in which the weighing device 10 has three display units 15) is described, but the display unit 15 may have one, two, or four or more display units (in other words, the weighing device 10 may have one, two, or four or more display units 15). As an example, when the display unit 15 has one display unit (when the weighing device 10 has one display unit 15), the unit price, purchase weight, and sales price (total) are displayed on the one display unit (display unit 15). As another example, if the display unit 15 has four displays (if the weighing device 10 has four display units 15), the fourth display unit (display unit 15) may display the weighed weight (first weighed weight, second weighed weight) in a mode in which the reduction in the amount of the placed product is considered to be the purchase weight.

[0074] (The fourth display shows the first weighing weight.) The following describes an example in which the weighing device 10 displays the first weighed weight on the fourth display. As shown in Fig. 7, the weighing device 10 includes display 15d, indicated by a two-dot chain line, as a fourth display, in addition to display 15a, display 15b, and display 15c.

[0075] (Display in A mode) For example, if you first take one spoonful (20g) from the product (2040g) placed on the platform 14a, then take half a spoonful (10g), and then purchase a total of 1.5 spoonfuls (30g), the displays 15a to 15d will show as follows. <Before taking one spoonful> Display on display 15a: Purchase weight (equivalent amount converted from differential weight) "0 (cups)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (second unit price) "100 (yen / cup)" Display on display 15c: Total "0 (yen)" Display 15d shows: First weighing weight "2040(g)" <Before taking one spoonful> Display on display 15a: Purchase weight (equivalent amount converted from differential weight) "1.0 (cups)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (second unit price) "100 (yen / cup)" Display on display 15c: Total "100 (yen)" Display 15d shows: Second weighing weight "2020(g)" <After taking half a spoonful> Display on display 15a: Purchase weight (equivalent amount converted from differential weight) "1.5 (cups)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (second unit price) "100 (yen / cup)" Display on display 15c: Total "150 (yen)" Display 15d shows: Second weighing weight "2010(g)" <After the transaction is completed> Display on display 15a: Purchase weight (equivalent amount converted from differential weight) "0 (cups)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (second unit price) "100 (yen / cup)" Display on display 15c: Total "0 (yen)" Display on display 15d: First weighing weight "2010(g)"

[0076] (Display in D mode) For example, when 20g is first taken from the 2040g of merchandise placed on the platform 14a, followed by 10g, and then 30g is purchased, the displays 15a to 15d will be as follows: <Before taking 20g> Display 15a shows: Purchase weight (difference weight) "0 (g)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (first unit price) "500 (yen / 100g)" Display on display 15c: Total "0 (yen)" Display 15d shows: First weighing weight "2040(g)" <After taking 20g> Display 15a shows: Purchase weight (difference weight) "20 (g)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (first unit price) "500 (yen / 100g)" Display on display 15c: Total "100 (yen)" Display 15d shows: Second weighing weight "2020(g)" <After taking 10g> Display 15a shows: Purchase weight (difference weight) "30 (g)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (first unit price) "500 (yen / 100g)" Display on display 15c: Total "150 (yen)" Display 15d shows: Second weighing weight "2010(g)" <After the transaction is completed> Display 15a shows: Purchase weight (difference weight) "0 (g)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (first unit price) "500 (yen / 100g)" Display on display 15c: Total "0 (yen)" Display on display 15d: First weighing weight "2010(g)"

[0077] (Display in B mode) For example, when 20 g is first placed on the platform 14a, then 10 g is placed on the platform 14a, and 30 g is purchased in total, the displays 15a to 15d will show the following. <Before adding 20g> Display on display 15a: Purchase weight (measured weight) "0 (g)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (first unit price) "500 (yen / 100g)" Display on display 15c: Total "0 (yen)" Display on display 15d: First weighing weight "0 (g)" <After adding 20g> Display 15a shows: Purchase weight (measured weight) "20 (g)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (first unit price) "500 (yen / 100g)" Display on display 15c: Total "100 (yen)" Display on display 15d: Second weighing weight "20(g)" <After placing 10g> Display 15a shows: Purchase weight (weighed weight) "30 (g)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (first unit price) "500 (yen / 100g)" Display on display 15c: Total "150 (yen)" Display on display 15d: Second weighing weight "30 (g)" <After the transaction is completed> Display on display 15a: Purchase weight (measured weight) "0 (g)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (first unit price) "500 (yen / 100g)" Display on display 15c: Total "0 (yen)" Display on display 15d: First weighing weight "0 (g)"

[0078] (Display in C mode) For example, if you first place one spoonful (20g) on ​​the platform 14a, then place half a spoonful (10g) on ​​the platform 14a, and then purchase 1.5 spoonfuls (30g), the displays 15a to 15d will show as follows. <Before adding one spoonful> Display on display 15a: Purchase weight (equivalent amount converted from measured weight) "0 (cups)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (second unit price) "100 (yen / cup)" Display on display 15c: Total "0 (yen)" Display on display 15d: First weighing weight "0 (g)" <After adding one spoonful> Display on display 15a: Purchase weight (equivalent amount converted from measured weight) "1.0 (cups)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (second unit price) "100 (yen / cup)" Display on display 15c: Total "100 (yen)" Display on display 15d: Second weighing weight "20(g)" <After adding half a spoonful> Display 15a shows: Purchase weight (equivalent to measured weight) "1.5 (cups)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (second unit price) "100 (yen / cup)" Display on display 15c: Total "150 (yen)" Display on display 15d: Second weighing weight "30 (g)" <After the transaction is completed> Display on display 15a: Purchase weight (equivalent amount converted from measured weight) "0 (cups)" Display on display 15b: Unit price (second unit price) "100 (yen / cup)" Display on display 15c: Total "0 (yen)" Display on display 15d: First weighing weight "0 (g)"

[0079] (7) Although not explained in the above embodiment, the weighing device 10 may notify the user of its current operating mode. For example, as also related to (6) above, the weighing device 10 may display the current operating mode on the fourth or fifth display (display unit 15). The weighing device 10 may also transmit information indicating the current operating mode to other devices (e.g., the display / printer 20, a management device (not shown)). The other devices that receive the information indicating the current operating mode will display the current operating mode of the respective weighing device 10.

[0080] (8) Although not described in the above embodiment, the sales processing system 1 may manage an operation history (operation history). For example, the weighing device 10 may store the number of weighings in one transaction as history information. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, a counting process may be performed immediately after steps S1 (YES) to S6 (immediately before step S7), and the counted number of times (number of increases and decreases in the purchase amount) in the counting process may be stored in the memory unit from step S8 (YES) onward. The type of product and the number of increases and decreases in the purchase amount may be analyzed, and the size of the tool, etc., may be appropriately changed for each type of product to reduce the number of increases and decreases in the purchase amount. Furthermore, by storing the weight before the increase or decrease in the purchase amount (before the weighing weight fluctuates) and comparing the weight before and after the increase or decrease, it may be possible to determine whether the increase or decrease in the purchase amount is an increase or decrease in the purchase amount, and the size of the tool, etc., may be appropriately changed for each type of product to reduce the number of decreases in the purchase amount, in particular the number of decreases in the purchase amount.

[0081] (9) In the above embodiment, the weighing device 10 does not have a printing unit, but the weighing device 10 may have a printing unit (similar to the printing unit provided in the display printing device 20) that prints and issues product labels. If the weighing device 10 has a printing unit, the display printing device 20 does not need to be installed.

[0082] (10) In the above embodiment, the sales processing system 1 is described as having a plurality of weighing devices 10, but the weighing device 10 may be one.

[0083] Although the above (1) to (10) have been explained, the following (11) to (19) may also be adopted: Furthermore, the above (1) to the following (19) may also be combined as appropriate.

[0084] (11) In the above embodiment, the weighing device 10 transmits necessary information (information necessary for the display printing device 20 to print, issue, etc., a product label) to the display printing device 20, and immediately proceeds to the next process (process to erase the selling price, etc.) after transmission (step S9 → step S10 in FIG. 6). However, the relationship between the process to transmit necessary information to the display printing device 20 and the process to erase the selling price, etc. is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6.

[0085] For example, the weighing device 10 may erase the selling price, etc., on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the customer (operator) operation (step S7 in FIG. 6). The weighing device 10 transmits the necessary information to the display / printing device 20 before the predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, as in the example shown in FIG. 6, the order is to transmit the necessary information to the display / printing device 20 and then erase the selling price, etc. However, instead of erasing the selling price, etc., on the condition that the necessary information has been sent to the display / printing device 20, the selling price, etc. may be erased on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the customer operation. Furthermore, for example, the weighing device 10 may erase the selling price, etc., on the condition that it has received response information (any of the response information described below) from the display / printing device 20 after transmitting the necessary information to the display / printing device 20.

[0086] When the display printing device 20 receives the necessary information from the weighing device 10 (i.e., when preparations for printing and issuing product labels for the products purchased by the customer are complete), it sends (replies to) the weighing device 10 response information indicating that preparations for printing and issuing product labels are complete. Note that the display printing device 20 may send response information indicating that printing and issuing of product labels will begin to the weighing device 10 when starting to print and issue product labels, instead of or in addition to the response information indicating that preparations for printing and issuing product labels are complete or the response information indicating that printing and issuing of product labels will begin, when printing and issuing of product labels is complete, the display printing device 20 may send response information indicating that printing and issuing of product labels is complete to the weighing device 10.

[0087] (12) In the above embodiment, the display / printing device 20 is described as printing and issuing product labels based on the information transmitted by the weighing device 10 (information necessary for the display / printing device 20 to print, issue, etc. product labels) in response to customer operations. However, for example, the display / printing device 20 may display a standby screen before receiving the information transmitted by the weighing device 10, and may maintain the standby screen display even after receiving the information transmitted by the weighing device 10 until a customer operates the standby screen (for example, touches any area on the standby screen or a predetermined area), switch the display from the standby screen to a product confirmation screen based on the customer's operation on the standby screen, and print and issue a product label based on the customer's operation on the product confirmation screen (operation of the print button located on the product confirmation screen).

[0088] Alternatively, for example, the display / printing device 20 may display a product selection screen instead of the product confirmation screen, allowing the user to select products (products awaiting product label printing / issuance). The display / printing device 20 may print or issue product labels based on a customer's operation on the product selection screen (e.g., operation of a product button displayed on the product selection screen, or an additional operation of a print button). When displaying the product selection screen, the standby screen may not be displayed, or may be displayed. In the latter case, the display / printing device 20 may switch from the standby screen to the product selection screen based on receiving information transmitted by the weighing device 10, or may switch from the standby screen to the product selection screen based on a customer's operation after receiving information transmitted by the weighing device 10 (e.g., touching any area on the standby screen or a specific area).

[0089] (13) In a configuration different from that described in (12) above, the display / printing device 20 may print and issue product labels based on information sent from the weighing device 10, without any customer operation (even without customer operation). When there are only a few weighing devices 10 (for example, when there is only one weighing device 10, as described in (10) above), the display / printing device 20 may print and issue product labels without any customer operation. Note that, although it was described in (11) above that response information informing the weighing device 10 that product label printing and issuance has begun or that product label printing and issuance has been completed may be sent to the weighing device 10, for example, when printing and issuing product labels without customer operation, the display / printing device 20 may send response information informing the weighing device 10 that product label printing and issuance has begun or that product label printing and issuance has been completed.

[0090] (14) Although not described in the above embodiment, the weighing device 10 may display its operating state (operating condition, hereinafter sometimes referred to as a status). For example, the weighing device 10 may be provided with a display (sometimes referred to as a status display) that displays the current status, and the current status may be displayed on the status display. Note that, depending on whether or not the weighing device 10 is provided with a display (display 15d in FIG. 7, sometimes referred to as a weighing weight display) that displays the weighed weight (first weighed weight, second weighed weight) described in (6) above and a display (not shown, sometimes referred to as an operating mode display) that displays the current operating mode described in (7) above, the weighing device 10 will be provided with status displayers as its fourth to sixth display devices. That is, if the weighing device 10 does not have a weighing weight indicator or an operation mode indicator, it will have a status indicator as the fourth indicator, if it has either a weighing weight indicator or an operation mode indicator, it will have a status indicator as the fifth indicator, and if it has both a weighing weight indicator and an operation mode indicator, it will have a status indicator as the sixth indicator. Note that, as explained in (6) above, each of the indicators may be referred to as a display unit, and multiple indicators (display units) may be integrated into one.

[0091] (15) The status indicator (display 15e) of (14) above will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the status indicator. The weighing device 10 may have a status indicator (display 15e) on the top of the operation unit 16, as shown in FIG. 8. Note that FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration in which the weighing device 10 includes display 15d (a weighing weight indicator) in addition to display 15a, display 15b, display 15c, and display 15e. However, as explained in (14) above, when the weighing device 10 includes display 15e, it does not have to include display 15d, or it may include an operation mode indicator instead of or in addition to display 15d. Note that the sizes of the components (FIGS. 2 and 8) on which the display 15 and operation unit 16 are arranged are merely examples, and the size of the components may be determined according to the number and size of the indicators to be arranged.

[0092] 9 shows an example of the display of the status indicator (indicator 15e). The display of the indicator 15e is common to all operation modes. Since the display of the indicator 15e is common to all operation modes, the case of mode A will be explained as a representative example.

[0093] When the weighing weight (weighing value) is fluctuating (also referred to as a fluctuating weight value state), the weighing device 10 notifies the user of the fluctuating weight value state on the display 15e. For example, the weighing device 10 displays (lights up or flashes; the same applies below) an image (mark or illustration) such as that shown in FIG. 9(A) on the display 15e. When the weighing weight (weighing value) is stable (also referred to as a stable weight value state), the weighing device 10 notifies the user of the stable weight value state on the display 15e. For example, the weighing device 10 displays an image such as that shown in FIG. 9(B) on the display 15e. When the customer has performed a confirmation operation (also referred to as a post-confirmation operation state), the weighing device 10 notifies the user of the post-confirmation operation state on the display 15e. For example, the weighing device 10 displays an image such as that shown in FIG. 9(C) on the display 15e. The post-confirmation state continues, for example, until the selling price or the like is deleted (for example, ends when the selling price or the like is deleted).

[0094] The weighing device 10 displays nothing on the display 15e (or displays only the background color on the display 15e) in any state other than the weighing value fluctuation state, the weighing value stable state, and the state after confirmation operation. For example, in the state before the weighing weight (weighing value) changes (also called the pre-transaction state or standby state) or in the state where preparations for the next transaction (such as erasing the selling price) are being made (also called the pre-transaction state), the weighing device 10 displays nothing on the display 15e (or displays only the background color on the display 15e).

[0095] The above-mentioned states (state before transaction start, state of fluctuation in weighing value, state of stable weighing value, state after confirmation operation, state before transaction end) will be explained using the flowchart in FIG. 6. The state before transaction start is the state before "start" in the flowchart in FIG. 6. The state of fluctuation in weighing value is the state after "start" (or after step S8 (NO)), in which "step S1 → step S1 (NO) → step S1 → ..." is repeated. The state of stable weighing value is the state of "steps S2 to S6 (immediately before step S7)" after step S1 (YES), or the state after step S6, in which "step S7 → step S7 (NO) → step S8 → step 8 (NO) → step S7 → ..." is repeated. The state after confirmation operation is the state of step S9 (immediately before step S10) after step S7 (YES). As explained in (11) above, there is also a mode in which step S9 does not immediately proceed to step S10. The state before the transaction is completed is the state from step S10 to "END".

[0096] 6 starts, the weighing device 10 may display, for example, only the background color on the display 15e, and upon start of the flowchart (execution of step S1), the weighing device 10 may display the image of FIG. 9(A) on the display 15e instead of only the background color, and upon execution of step S2 (or before or after execution of step S2), the weighing device 10 may display the image of FIG. 9(B) on the display 15e instead of the image of FIG. 9(A), and upon execution of step S9 (or before or after execution of step S9), the weighing device 10 may display the image of FIG. 9(C) on the display 15e instead of the image of FIG. 9(B), and upon execution of step S10 (or before or after execution of step S10), the weighing device 10 may display only the background color on the display 15e instead of the image of FIG. 9(C). Note that, before the transaction is completed, the weighing device 10 may notify the display 15e that there are fewer products on the platform 14a (by displaying an image (not shown) indicating that there are fewer products).

[0097] Here, the operation of D mode will be explained. The operation of D mode has already been explained in various places, but since the explanation mainly focused on the operation up to the display of the selling price, etc. (see, for example, "Outline of D mode operation"), the overall operation of D mode will be explained again (for confirmation). Specifically, the operation of the weighing device 10 operating in D mode will be explained following the flowchart of Figure 6, which shows the operation of the weighing device 10 operating in A mode.

[0098] (Operation of the weighing device 10 operating in D mode) Step S1: The weighing device 10 determines whether the weighed weight is stable. If the weighed weight is not stable (Step S1: NO), Step S1 is repeated. If the weighed weight is stable (Step S1: YES), the process proceeds to Step S2.

[0099] Step S2: The weighing device 10 stores the measured weight as a second measured weight, and then proceeds to step S3. Step S3: The weighing device 10 calculates the difference weight between the reference weight (first weighed weight) and the second weighed weight. Then, the process proceeds to step S5. That is, when the weighing device 10 operates in mode D, the process of step S4 is not executed. Step S5: The weighing device 10 calculates the selling price based on the first unit price and the weight difference, and then proceeds to step S6. Step S6: The weighing device 10 displays the difference weight calculated in step S3 as the purchase weight. That is, when operating in mode A, the weighing device 10 displays the converted amount as the purchase amount, but when operating in mode D, it displays the difference weight as the purchase amount. The weighing device 10 also displays the sales price calculated in step S5 as the sales price (total). The weighing device 10 may also display the second weighed weight. For example, as described above as the display on display 15d, the weighing device 10 may display the second weighed weight on display 15d. Note that the weighing device 10 has been displaying the first unit price as the unit price since before the start of this flowchart. Next, proceed to step S7.

[0100] Step S7: The weighing device 10 determines whether or not a confirmation operation has been performed. If a confirmation operation has been performed (Step S7: YES), the process proceeds to Step S9. If a confirmation operation has not been performed (Step S7: NO), the process proceeds to Step S8. Step S8: The weighing device 10 determines whether the weighed weight has changed. If the weighed weight has changed (Step S8: YES), the process returns to Step S1. If the weighed weight has not changed (Step S8: NO), the process returns to Step S7.

[0101] If the weighed weight fluctuates (step S8: YES), the process returns to step S1. If the weighed weight stabilizes (step S1: YES), the weighing device 10 executes step S2 and subsequent steps again. If the weighing device 10 also displays the second weighed weight in step S6, the second weighed weight displayed by the weighing device 10 in re-executing step S6 is the weight that stabilizes again after the stable weighed weight fluctuates again, i.e., the current weight (the weight of the item currently placed on the platform 14a). In other words, the weighing device 10 displays the first weighed weight or the second weighed weight on the display 15d (see "Display in D mode"), but both the first weighed weight and the second weighed weight displayed on the display 15d are the current weights at the respective times.

[0102] Step S9: The weighing device 10 transmits the device identification information, the first unit price, the differential weight calculated in step S3, and the selling price calculated in step S5 to the display printing device 20. That is, the weighing device 10 transmits the second unit price as the unit price when operating in A mode, but transmits the first unit price as the unit price when operating in D mode. Also, the weighing device 10 transmits the converted amount as the purchase amount when operating in A mode, but transmits the differential weight as the purchase amount when operating in D mode. Next, proceed to step S10.

[0103] Step S10: The weighing device 10 erases the differential weight and sales price displayed in step S6. That is, when operating in mode A, the weighing device 10 erases the converted amount displayed as the purchase amount, but when operating in mode D, it erases the differential weight displayed as the purchase amount. An example of erasure is to set the value to zero as shown in FIG. 7(D), but it may also be hidden. The weighing device 10 does not need to erase the first unit price. Next, proceed to step S11. Step S11: The weighing device 10 stores the second measured weight stored in step S2 as a reference weight, and then proceeds to step S12. Step S12: The weighing device 10 initializes the second weighing weight stored in step S2, and then proceeds to step S13.

[0104] Step S13: The weighing device 10 determines whether the reference weight is equal to or less than the warning weight. If the reference weight is equal to or less than the warning weight (Step S13: YES), the process proceeds to Step S14. If the reference weight is not equal to or less than the warning weight (Step S13: NO), the process ends. Step S14: The weighing device 10 notifies the display printer 20 that there are fewer products on the platform 14a. Specifically, the weighing device 10 sends information to the display printer 20 indicating that there are fewer products on the platform 14a.

[0105] In the case of mode D, the weighing device 10 proceeds to step S9 based on a predetermined operation (a confirmation operation) (step S7 (YES)), but may proceed to step S9 based on other conditions (such as the passage of time), as in the case of mode A. The same applies to modes B and C.

[0106] Furthermore, in mode D, the weighing device 10 transmits the device identification information, first unit price, differential weight, and sales price to the display printing device 20 (step S9). As in mode A, the information transmitted to the display printing device 20 may be information necessary for the display printing device 20 to print, issue, etc., the product label. For example, the weighing device 10 may transmit at least the differential weight.

[0107] (16) Although not explained in the above embodiment, the loading process and reloading process of the weighing device 10 in modes (A mode, D mode) in which the purchase weight is calculated by the reduction in the amount of the loaded product will be explained below. The loading process is a process performed when a product (a container containing the product) is loaded onto a weighing device 10 that does not have a product (a container containing the product, such as a platter) loaded onto it. The reloading process is a process performed when a product (a container containing the product) is placed onto a weighing device 10 that already has a product (a container containing the product) loaded onto it.

[0108] As a placement process, the weighing device 10 may, for example, operate as follows (action 2 → action 3 → action 4) based on the following operations by the store clerk (action 2 → action 3 → action 4): Furthermore, as a re-placement process, the weighing device 10 may, for example, operate as follows (action 1 → action 2 → action 3 → action 4) based on the following operations by the store clerk (action 1 → action 2 → action 3 → action 4):

[0109] (Operation 1) The store clerk removes the container containing the product (or the empty container if the product has been sold out) from the weighing device 10 (platform 14a). If there is any residue on the platform 14a or if the platform 14a is dirty, the store clerk removes it. (Operation 1) Operation 1 triggers the weighing device 10 to start weighing and display the weighed value (stable weighed value) after weighing is completed. Note that since there is nothing on the weighing device 10 (platform 14a), the stable weighed value is basically zero, but in rare cases it may not be zero. For example, if there was something on the weighing device 10 last time and the value was not zero, but a zero reset (operation 2 below) was performed, then this time, the something will be removed and the stable weighed value will become negative. (Operation 2) The store clerk operates (presses) the operation unit 16 of the weighing device 10. The store clerk operates the operation unit 16 after the weight value has stabilized. (Operation 2) Operation 2 triggers the weighing device 10 to initialize (reset to zero) the stored reference weight and erase (clear) the stored unit price. (Operation 3) The store clerk places the container containing the product on the weighing device 10 (platform 14a). Note that in the case of reloading, the product placed in the container placed in Operation 3 may be the same or different from the product placed in the container removed in Operation 1. The former is a reloading of the same product, while the latter is a reloading of a new product. In the case of a reloading of a new product, the store clerk changes the association between the weighing device 10 and the product. For example, if the display / printing device 20 stores device identification information and product identification information in association with each other, and also stores product identification information and unit prices (first unit price, second unit price) in association with each other, the store clerk changes the product identification information associated with the device identification information of the weighing device 10 to the product identification information of the new product. (Operation 3) Operation 3 triggers the weighing device 10 to start weighing and display a stable weighed value. (Operation 4) The store clerk operates the operation unit 16 of the weighing device 10. The store clerk may operate the operation unit 16 after the weight value has stabilized, or may operate the operation unit 16 before the weight value has stabilized. (Operation 4) Upon receiving Operation 4 (or upon the stabilization of the weight value), the weighing device 10 stores (sets) the weight value (the stable weight value) as a reference weight, transmits information request information (including device identification information) to the display / printing device 20, and receives and stores (sets) the unit price transmitted from the display / printing device 20. In other words, if the store clerk operates the operation unit 16 after the weight value has stabilized, the weighing device 10 stores the weight value as a reference weight upon the operation of the operation unit 16, and if the weight value has stabilized after the store clerk operates the operation unit 16, the weighing device 10 stores the weight value as a reference weight upon the stabilization of the weight value. When the display / printing device 20 receives information request information, it identifies the product identification information from the device identification information contained in the information request information, identifies the unit price from the product identification information, and transmits the unit price to the weighing device 10.

[0110] Regarding the operation (operation 2) of the operating unit 16 after the product is unloaded, if the operation (operation 2) is performed before the weighing by operation 1 is completed (while the weight is fluctuating), the weighing device 10 will invalidate (for example, ignore) the operation (operation 2) and suspend operation 2. Furthermore, even if the operation (operation 2) is performed after the weighing by operation 1 is completed (after the weight has stabilized), the weighing device 10 may invalidate (for example, ignore) the operation (operation 2) and suspend operation 2 if the weighed value by operation 1 (the stable weighed value after the product is unloaded) is not within a predetermined range from zero (for example, if it is not approximately zero).

[0111] Furthermore, with regard to the operation (operation 4) of the operating unit 16 after placing the product, if the weighed value obtained by operation 3 (the stable weighed value after placing the product) is less than a predetermined weight (or equal to or less than the predetermined weight), the weighing device 10 may invalidate (e.g., ignore) the operation (operation 4) and suspend operation 4. For example, if the weighed value obtained by operation 3 is less than the weight of the container (the preset weight of the container) (i.e., operation 3 is not performed properly), the weighing device 10 may invalidate (e.g., ignore) the operation (operation 4) and suspend operation 4. For example, if the weighed value obtained by operation 3 is less than the weight of the container plus a predetermined weight (the preset minimum product loading weight) (i.e., the product contained in the container is less than the set minimum loading weight), the weighing device 10 may invalidate (e.g., ignore) the operation (operation 4) and suspend operation 4.

[0112] (17) In special cases, in modes (A mode, D mode) in which the purchase weight is calculated by subtracting the amount of the product placed from the total, the weighed value (second weighed weight) may exceed the reference weight (first weighed weight). For example, after a customer completes a transaction, if the customer returns the product to the container on the weighing device 10 (platform 14a), the weighed value may exceed the reference weight. If the weighed value exceeds the reference weight, the weighing device 10 may notify an abnormality. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the weighed weight stabilizes (step S1 (YES)), the weighed value may be compared with the reference weight (the weight after the previous transaction, stored in step S11 of the previous transaction), and if the weighed value exceeds the reference weight, an abnormality may be notified.

[0113] The manner of anomaly notification is not particularly limited. For example, the weighing device 10 may notify the user on the display 15e that the weighed value has exceeded the reference weight (by displaying an image (not shown) indicating that the weighed value has exceeded the reference weight), or instead of or in addition to the notification by the display 15e, the weighing device 10 may send a message to a terminal operated by a store clerk indicating that the weighed value has exceeded the reference weight. This also applies to (18) below. Furthermore, when the weighed value exceeds the reference weight, the weighing device 10 may stop processing instead of or in addition to notifying the user of anomaly. This also applies to (18) below. Furthermore, the store clerk may execute the reloading process described above in (16) for a weighing device 10 whose weighed value has exceeded the reference weight. This also applies to (18) below.

[0114] (18) In relation to (17) above, a situation may occur in which the weighed value (second weighed weight) at the time of the confirmation operation (step S8 (YES)) exceeds the reference weight (first weighed weight). For example, after customer A returns an item to the container on the weighing device 10 (platform 14a), another customer B (or customer A) starts a transaction, and if the amount taken by customer B is less than the amount returned by customer A, and customer B then performs the confirmation operation, a situation will occur in which the weighed value at the time of the confirmation operation exceeds the reference weight. If the weighed value at the time of the confirmation operation exceeds the reference weight, the weighing device 10 may issue an alarm, as in the case of (17) above.

[0115] (19) As already explained, the operation unit 16 accepts various operations. For example, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the operation unit 16 accepts a customer operation to confirm the purchase amount during a transaction (an operation that does not proceed to step S8). Also, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the operation unit 16 accepts a customer operation to send information to the display / printer 20 (an operation that proceeds to step S9). Also, as shown in (15) above, the display content of the status indicator changes according to the flowchart of FIG. 6, so it can also be said that the operation unit 16 accepts an operation to change the display content of the status indicator. Also, according to (16) above, the operation unit 16 accepts an operation to proceed with the placement process or re-placement process.

[0116] In other words, even if an operation is performed on the operating unit 16, which is a single component, the effect after the operation differs depending on the state of the weighing device 10. Also, different restrictions are imposed on the operation of the operating unit 16 depending on the state of the weighing device 10 (i.e., for each effect caused by the operation). For example, the following applies in the case of a re-loading process and a normal transaction.

[0117] (Scene after unloading the product during the reloading process) In this situation, when the operation unit 16 is operated (basically by a store clerk), the following occurs. Action 1: Reset the reference weight to zero Action 2: Clear unit price However, any operation before the weighing is completed after the load is removed (while the weight is fluctuating) is invalid. Also, even if an operation is performed after the weighing is completed (after the weight has stabilized), if the stable weighing is not within a predetermined range from zero, the operation may be invalid. (After placing the product in the re-loading process) When the operation unit 16 is operated in this situation, the following occurs. Action 1: Set the stable weight as the reference weight Action 2: Set unit price (obtained from display / printer 20 and set) The operation can be performed even when the weight is fluctuating, not just after the weight has stabilized. If the operation is performed after the weight has stabilized, the reference weight, etc. is set using the operation as a trigger, and if the operation is performed during weight fluctuation, the reference weight, etc. is set using the weight stabilization as a trigger. However, if the stable weight is less than the container weight (set weight) or is less than the container weight plus a small weight (set weight), the operation may be invalid. The operation unit 16 may be provided with a notification function (e.g., a light-emitting function) to notify the valid / invalid state of the operation (lighting up when the operation is valid, and turning off when the operation is invalid). The same applies to other situations (e.g., transaction situations, etc.).

[0118] (Trading scene) In this situation, when the operation unit 16 is operated (basically by the customer), the following occurs. Action 1: Determine purchase amount Action 2: Transmitting information to the display / printer 20 Note that any operation before the weighing after unloading is completed (during weight fluctuation) is invalid. In other words, if the weight is stable and an operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S9, but if the operation during fluctuation is changed to the weight being stable, the process does not proceed to step S9.

[0119] As described above, one operation unit 16 has various functions, but two or more buttons may be used to realize the various functions of the operation unit 16. For example, a button for confirming the purchase amount and a button for transmitting information to the display / printing device 20 may be installed (prepared) separately.

[0120] As already explained, the operation unit 16 may be a button that is displayed so as to be operable. For example, in FIG. 8, the displays 15a-15e and the operation unit 16 are arranged on a member, but this member may also be a display unit. In other words, the weighing device 10 may be provided with a display unit (touch panel) that displays display units (display areas) corresponding to the displays 15a-15e and operation buttons corresponding to the operation unit 16. When an operation is invalid, the operation buttons may be displayed in a manner indicating that the operation is invalid (for example, grayed out), or may be hidden.

[0121] Furthermore, the following (20) to (25) may be adopted: Furthermore, the above (1) to the following (25) may be combined as appropriate.

[0122] (20) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the weighing device 10 transmits device identification information (or product identification information), unit price, purchase weight, and selling price to the display printing device 20. For example, when operating in D mode, the weighing device 10 transmits the device identification information, first unit price, differential weight, and selling price as described in "Operation of the Weighing Device 10 Operating in D Mode." However, the weighing device 10 may transmit only part of the device identification information (or product identification information), unit price, purchase weight, and selling price to the display printing device 20. For example, the weighing device 10 may transmit the device identification information (or product identification information) and purchase weight (differential weight in the case of D mode) to the display printing device 20, but not the unit price (first unit price in the case of D mode) and selling price to the display printing device 20. In addition, the display printing device 20 may, for example, store the unit price of each product (above (2)), and when it receives device identification information (or product identification information) and purchase weight from the weighing device 10, it may identify the unit price from the device identification information (or product identification information) and calculate the sales price from the identified unit price and purchase weight.

[0123] As explained in (10) above, when there is only one weighing device 10, the display / printer 20 can determine the unit price even without device identification information (or product identification information). Therefore, the weighing device 10 does not need to send device identification information (or product identification information) to the display / printer 20. For example, a weighing device 10 operating in D mode only needs to send at least the differential weight (purchase weight) as explained in (15) above.

[0124] (21) In the above embodiment, the weighing device 10 transmits the purchase weight and other information to the display printing device 20 when the weighed weight stabilizes and a confirmation operation is performed. For example, when operating in D mode, as described in "Operation of the Weighing Device 10 Operating in D Mode," the weighing device 10 transmits the differential weight and other information to the display printing device 20 (step S9) when the weighed weight stabilizes (step S1 (YES)) and a confirmation operation is performed (step S7 (YES)). However, the weighing device 10 may transmit the purchase weight and other information to the display printing device 20 based on other conditions. For example, the weighing device 10 may transmit the purchase weight and other information to the display printing device 20 when the weighed weight stabilizes, even if a confirmation operation is not performed. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to transmitting the purchase weight (the weighed weight at a certain moment (or each moment) during the fluctuation) to the display printing device 20 when the weighed weight is fluctuating (before the weighed weight stabilizes), the weighing device 10 may transmit the purchase weight and other information to the display printing device 20 when the weighed weight is fluctuating (before the weighed weight stabilizes).

[0125] (22) In the above embodiment, the display printing device 20 was described as displaying information about the product (which may be information about the weighing of the product or information about the product label of the product). However, specifically, the display printing device 20 may display some or all of the information that the weighing device 10 was described as displaying on the display unit 15 in the above embodiment and each modified example (purchase weight (15a), unit price (15b), total (15c), weighed weight (15d), current operating mode (not shown), status (15e)).

[0126] For example, the display printing device 20 may display some or all of the purchase weight, unit price, and total. Also related to (12) and (21) above, when the display printing device 20 receives the purchase weight, etc. from the weighing device 10, it may switch the display from the standby screen to a product confirmation screen and display some or all of the purchase weight, unit price, and total on the product confirmation screen. The display printing device 20 may display the same information as the weighing device 10 on the product confirmation screen (for example, the displays in FIGS. 7(A) to 7(D) and 8) (and may also display the product name).

[0127] The display printing device 20 can display part or all of the purchase weight, unit price, and total amount even before the confirmation operation is performed. In other words, as explained in (21) above, the weighing device 10 transmits the purchase weight, etc. to the display printing device 20 before the confirmation operation is performed (when the weighed weight has stabilized or when the weighed weight is fluctuating), and the display printing device 20 displays part or all of the purchase weight, unit price, and total amount based on the purchase weight, etc. received from the weighing device 10.

[0128] The display printing device 20 may erase the information being displayed (e.g., some or all of the purchase weight, unit price, and total) when a confirmation operation is performed (for example, when a confirmation operation is performed, the weighing device 10 sends information to the display printing device 20 indicating that a confirmation operation has been performed, and the display printing device 20 receives the information indicating that a confirmation operation has been performed).The display printing device 20 may erase the information being displayed not when a confirmation operation is performed, but when a predetermined time has passed since the confirmation operation, when preparations for printing and issuing product labels have been completed, or when printing and issuing of product labels has been completed, which is also related to (11) above.

[0129] Also related to (20) above, the weighing device 10 may transmit part of the information displayed by the display / printing device 20. The weighing device 10 may also transmit information not displayed by the display / printing device 20 (for example, information for calculating other information) to the display / printing device 20. For example, the weighing device 10 may transmit device identification information and purchase weight to the display / printing device 20, and the display / printing device 20 may identify the unit price from the device identification information, calculate a total from the unit price and purchase weight, and display the purchase weight, unit price, and total. In this example, the weighing device 10 transmits to the display / printing device 20 part (purchase weight) of the information displayed by the display / printing device 20 (purchase weight, unit price, total) and information not displayed by the display / printing device 20 (device identification information for identifying the unit price).

[0130] (23) In the above embodiment, the weighing device 10 is described as displaying various information (purchase weight (15a), unit price (15b), total (15c), weighed weight (15d), current operating mode (not shown), status (15e)) on the display unit 15. However, some of the information may not be displayed. For example, the weighing device 10 may not display some or all of the purchase weight, unit price, and total.

[0131] (24) In relation to (22) and (23) above, certain information may be displayed only by the weighing device 10 (and not by the display / printing device 20), or may be displayed only by the display / printing device 20 (and not by the weighing device 10), or may be displayed by both the weighing device 10 and the display / printing device.

[0132] (Example 1) The weighing device 10 displays the purchased weight and the weighed weight. The display printing device 20 displays the unit price and the total. The weighing device 10 may display either or both of the unit price and the total in addition to the purchased weight and the weighed weight. The display printing device 20 may display either or both of the purchased weight and the weighed weight in addition to the unit price and the total. (Example 2) The weighing device 10 displays the unit price, total, and weighed weight. The display printing device 20 displays the purchase weight. The weighing device 10 may display the purchase weight in addition to the unit price, total, and weighed weight. The display printing device 20 does not have to display some or all of the unit price, total, and weighed weight in addition to the purchase weight. (Example 3) The weighing device 10 displays the purchase weight, unit price, and weighed weight. The display printing device 20 displays the total. The weighing device 10 may display the total in addition to the purchase weight, unit price, and weighed weight. The display printing device 20 does not have to display some or all of the purchase weight, unit price, and weighed weight in addition to the total.

[0133] (25) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the weighing device 10 accepted the confirmation operation, but the display / printing device 20 may accept the confirmation operation instead of or in addition to the weighing device 10. When the display / printing device 20 accepts the confirmation operation, it may send information to the weighing device 10 indicating that the confirmation operation has been performed.

[0134] The embodiments will be summarized below. [Technical field] The present invention relates to a weighing device. [Background technology] For example, a system for selling products by weighing them is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Publication No. 6-50740 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, in the conventional system shown in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to understand the relationship between the quantity of a product and the selling price before the actual weighing (i.e., it is difficult to imagine how much a product will weigh (value)), and there is room for improvement. The present invention has been made in light of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that improves the relationship between the quantity of a product and the selling price, making it easier to understand. Furthermore, due to the difficulty in understanding the relationship between product quantity and sales price, situations arise where customers weigh small amounts of product to avoid taking too much, where customers take too much and have to put some of the weighed product back, or where the sales price displayed after weighing exceeds the estimated price before weighing and all of the weighed product is put back. In other words, when the relationship between product quantity and sales price is difficult to understand, problems such as unnecessary effort and time are likely to arise. Furthermore, when it comes to putting weighed products back, in addition to the problem of the product display being unattractive after being put back, hygiene issues may also arise. Furthermore, even if customers weigh products themselves, if a store clerk is required to put the weighed products back, the store clerk must be called every time a weighed product is put back, which places a significant burden on the store clerk.

[0135] [Means for solving the problem] (A1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a weighing device comprising: weighing means (e.g., weighing unit 14) for weighing an item; selling price calculation means for calculating a sales price (e.g., 150 yen) based on the weight (e.g., 30 g) measured by the weighing means and a first unit price (e.g., 500 yen / 100 g) based on a first unit weight, or based on the weight measured by the weighing means and a second unit price (e.g., 100 yen / 1 cup) based on a second unit weight (e.g., 20 g, equivalent to one spoonful) different from the first unit weight; and display means (e.g., display unit 15) for displaying the second unit price based on the second unit weight different from the first unit weight, information based on the conversion result of converting the weight measured by the weighing means to a quantity based on the second unit weight (e.g., 1.5 cups), and the selling price calculated by the selling price calculation means. According to (A1), the relationship between the quantity of the product and the selling price becomes easy to understand. In other words, because the second unit price, which is easy to understand intuitively, is used, the relationship between the quantity of the product and the selling price becomes easy to understand.

[0136] (A2) The weighing device according to (A1) is characterized by comprising a conversion means for converting the weight measured by the weighing means into a quantity based on the second unit weight. According to (A2), the quantity based on the second unit weight can be easily obtained.

[0137] (A3) The weighing device described in (A1) or (A2) is characterized in that the display means erases information based on the conversion result and the sales price calculated by the sales price calculation means based on predetermined conditions (e.g., after a predetermined operation, after a predetermined time has passed, etc.). According to (A3), information is suitably deleted, so unnecessary confusion can be avoided.

[0138] (A4) The weighing device according to any one of (A1) to (A3), wherein the display means displays the weight measured by the weighing means while displaying the second unit price. According to (A4), the weight measured can also be confirmed along with the second unit price.

[0139] (A5) A weighing device as described in any of (A1) to (A4), characterized in that it has a plurality of changeable operating modes, and the display means, when in a first operating mode (e.g., mode C shown in Figure 4(B)), displays the second unit price, information based on the conversion result, and the selling price, and when in a second operating mode different from the first operating mode (e.g., mode B shown in Figure 4(A)), displays the first unit price instead of the second unit price and displays the weight measured by the weighing means instead of the information based on the conversion result. According to (A5), a suitable operation mode can be selected and measured.

[0140] (A6) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer of a weighing device having a weighing means for weighing an item to function as a selling price calculation means that calculates a sales amount based on the weight measured by the weighing means and a first unit price based on a first unit weight, or based on the weight measured by the weighing means and a second unit price based on a second unit weight different from the first unit weight, and as display means that displays the second unit price based on the second unit weight different from the first unit weight, information based on the conversion result of converting the weight measured by the weighing means to a quantity based on the second unit weight, and the selling price calculated by the selling price calculation means. According to (A6), the relationship between the quantity of goods and the selling price becomes easier to understand.

[0141] (B1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, one aspect of the present invention includes a weighing unit (e.g., weighing unit 14) that weighs a commodity placed on a placing unit (e.g., platform 14a), a differential weight calculation unit that calculates a differential weight (e.g., 30 g) between a first measured weight (e.g., 2040 g) that is a reference weight measured by the weighing unit and a second measured weight (e.g., 2010 g) that is different from the first measured weight measured by the weighing unit, and a first unit price (e.g., 100 g) that is calculated by the differential weight calculation unit and a first unit weight. The weighing device is characterized by comprising a selling price calculation means for calculating a sales amount (e.g., 150 yen) based on a second unit price (e.g., 100 yen / 1 cup) based on the differential weight and a second unit weight (e.g., 500 yen / 100 g) different from the first unit weight (e.g., 100 yen / 1 cup), and a display means (e.g., display unit 15) for displaying the second unit price, information based on the result of converting the differential weight into a quantity based on the second unit weight (e.g., 1.5 cups), and the selling price calculated by the selling price calculation means. According to (B1), the relationship between the quantity of the product and the selling price becomes easy to understand. In other words, because the second unit price, which is easy to understand intuitively, is used, the relationship between the quantity of the product and the selling price becomes easy to understand.

[0142] (B2) The weighing device according to (B1) is characterized by comprising a conversion means for converting the differential weight into a quantity based on the second unit weight. According to (B2), the quantity based on the second unit weight can be easily obtained.

[0143] (B3) The weighing device described in (B1) or (B2) is characterized in that the display means erases information based on the conversion result and the sales price calculated by the sales price calculation means based on predetermined conditions (e.g., after a predetermined operation, after a predetermined time has passed, etc.). According to (B3), information is suitably deleted, so unnecessary confusion can be avoided.

[0144] (B4) The weighing device according to any one of (B1) to (B3), wherein the display means displays the weight measured by the weighing means while displaying the second unit price. According to (B4), the weight measured can also be confirmed along with the second unit price.

[0145] (B5) A weighing device according to any one of (B1) to (B4), characterized in that it is provided with a memory means for storing the second weighed weight as the first weighed weight based on a predetermined condition (for example, after a predetermined operation, the passage of a predetermined time, etc.). According to (B5), the next transaction (customer) can be processed in the same way as the current transaction (customer).

[0146] (B6) A weighing device according to any one of (B1) to (B5) is provided with a communication means (e.g., communication unit 17) for transmitting identification information (e.g., weighing device identification information, product identification information) for identifying a product placed on the placement section to another device (e.g., display / printing device 20), and the communication means transmits at least the selling price calculated by the selling price calculation means together with the identification information to the other device. According to (B6), for example, product labels can be printed and issued in other devices.

[0147] (B7) A weighing device according to any one of (B1) to (B6), characterized in that it is provided with an alarm means for issuing an alarm when the first weighing weight or the second weighing weight reaches a predetermined weight (for example, a warning weight). According to (B7), the status (remaining quantity) of the product can be notified to the store clerk.

[0148] (B8) A weighing device according to any one of (B1) to (B7), characterized in that it has a plurality of changeable operating modes, and the display means displays the second unit price, information based on the conversion result, and the selling price when in a first operating mode (e.g., A mode shown in FIG. 4(A) or C mode shown in FIG. 4(B)), and displays the first unit price instead of the second unit price when in a second operating mode different from the first operating mode (e.g., D mode shown in FIG. 4(B) or B mode shown in FIG. 4(A)), and displays the differential weight or the weight measured by the weighing means instead of the information based on the conversion result. According to (B8), a suitable operation mode can be selected and measured.

[0149] (B9) In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer of a weighing device having a weighing means for weighing an item to function as: a weighing means for weighing the weight of a commodity placed on a placement section; a differential weight calculation means for calculating a differential weight between a first weighing weight measured by the weighing means and serving as a reference; and a second weighing weight measured by the weighing means and different from the first weighing weight; a selling price calculation means for calculating a selling amount based on the differential weight calculated by the differential weight calculation means and a first unit price based on the first unit weight, or based on the differential weight and a second unit price based on a second unit weight different from the first unit weight; and a display means for displaying the second unit price, information based on the conversion result of the differential weight into a quantity based on the second unit weight, and the selling price calculated by the selling price calculation means. According to (B9), the relationship between the quantity of goods and the selling price becomes easier to understand.

[0150] (C1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a system for measuring the weight of an item (e.g., a container containing a product) placed on a placement section (e.g., a platform 14a), and a first weight (e.g., a first measured weight (reference weight)) measured by the weighing means as the weight of the item placed on the placement section before purchase, a second weight (e.g., a second measured weight) measured by the weighing means as the weight of the item still placed on the placement section after subtracting the purchased amount (i.e., the amount of product reduced from the placement section 14a), and a unit price of the item (e.g., a first reference weight) and a second reference weight. The weighing device is characterized by comprising a display means (e.g., display unit 15) capable of displaying (e.g., see "Display in D mode") the first weight (unit price), the purchase weight (e.g., differential weight) which is the weight of the purchased item calculated from the first weight and the second weight, and the selling price of the purchased item calculated from the unit price and the purchase weight (see, for example, "Display in D mode"); and a transmission means (e.g., communication unit 17) which transmits at least the purchase weight (e.g., executes the transmission in step S9 of FIG. 6) after the second weight is displayed by the display means (e.g., after displaying step S6 of FIG. 6). According to (C1), the relationship between the quantity of the product and the selling price becomes easy to understand. For example, since the second weight is clearly displayed at least before transmission (before proceeding to the printing process), the relationship between the quantity of the product and the selling price becomes easy to understand.

[0151] (C2) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a system for measuring the weight of an item (e.g., a container containing a product) placed on a placement section (e.g., a platform 14a), and a first weight (e.g., a first measured weight (reference weight)) measured by the weighing means as the weight of the item placed on the placement section before purchase, a second weight (e.g., a second measured weight) measured by the weighing means as the weight of the item still placed on the placement section after subtracting the purchased amount (i.e., the amount of product reduced from the placement section 14a), and a unit price of the item (e.g., a price of the first item). The weighing device is characterized by comprising a display means (e.g., display unit 15) capable of displaying (e.g., see "Display in D mode") the first weight (unit price), the purchase weight (e.g., differential weight) which is the weight of the purchased item calculated from the first weight and the second weight, and the selling price of the purchased item calculated from the unit price and the purchase weight (see, for example, "Display in D mode"); and a transmission means (e.g., communication unit 17) which transmits at least the purchase weight (e.g., executes the transmission in step S9 of FIG. 6) after the purchase weight is displayed by the display means (e.g., after displaying step S6 of FIG. 6). According to (C2), the relationship between the quantity of the product and the selling price becomes easy to understand. For example, the purchase weight is clearly displayed at least before transmission (before proceeding to the printing process), making it easy to understand the relationship between the quantity of the product and the selling price.

[0152] (C3) The weighing device according to (C1) or (C2) is characterized in that the display means erases (e.g., executes the erasure in step S10 of FIG. 6) or changes to zero at least the display of the purchase weight and the selling price after transmission by the transmission means (e.g., after executing the transmission in step S9 of FIG. 6). According to (C3), unnecessary information is deleted as appropriate, thereby preventing unnecessary confusion.

[0153] (C4) A weighing device according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that it comprises an operating means (e.g., operating unit 16), the operating means being operable when the display means is displaying the second weight (e.g., after the display of step S6 in Figure 6), and when the operating means is operated when the display means is displaying the second weight (i.e., when the measurement of the second weight is stable), the purchase weight is confirmed, and the transmission means transmits at least the confirmed purchase weight (e.g., executes the transmission of step S9 in Figure 6). According to (C4), processing can proceed after the weight has stabilized.

[0154] (C5) A weighing device according to any of (C1) to (C3), comprising an operating means and a zero reset means for resetting the first weight to zero, wherein the operating means can be operated when no item is placed on the storage section, or when the storage section has changed from a state where no item is placed on it to a state where an item is placed on it, and when the operating means is operated when no item is placed on the storage section, the zero reset means resets the first weight to zero based on the operation, and when the operating means is operated when the storage section has changed from a state where no item is placed on it to a state where an item is placed on it and before the weighing by the weighing means has stabilized, the transmitting means transmits information requesting the unit price of the item based on the stabilization of the weighing by the weighing means, and when the operating means is operated when the storage section has changed from a state where no item is placed on it to a state where an item is placed on it and after the weighing by the weighing means has stabilized, the transmitting means resets the first weight to zero based on the operation. According to (C5), the re-placing process can be preferably executed.

[0155] The program for implementing the above-described weighing device 10 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and loaded into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain the program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage medium to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. The term "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium capable of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be used to implement some of the functions described above. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1...Sales processing system 10...Weighing device 11...CPU 12...ROM 13...RAM 14...Weighing section 15...Display section 16...Operation section 17...Communication section 20...Display and printing device

Claims

1. a weighing means for measuring the weight of the article placed on the placement section; a display means having a display area for displaying a first weight measured by the weighing means as the weight of the items placed on the placement section before purchase, or a second weight measured by the weighing means as the weight of the items still placed on the placement section after subtracting the purchased amount, the unit price of the items, a purchase weight which is the weight of the purchased items calculated from the first weight and the second weight, a sales price of the purchased items calculated from the unit price and the purchase weight, and the status of the weighing device; an operation means capable of accepting a confirmation operation; a transmitting means for transmitting at least the purchase weight; Equipped with The display means The display area can distinguishably display a stable weighing state, which is a state in which the weighing by the weighing means is stable, a fluctuating weighing state, which is a state in which the weighing by the weighing means is fluctuating, and a post-confirmation state, which is a state after a confirmation operation by the operating means has been accepted, The transmitting means When the operation means receives a confirmation operation while the weighing device is in the stable weighing state, the purchase weight and the identification information stored in the weighing device are transmitted. A weighing device characterized by:

2. The display means The purchase weight and the selling price are deleted based on the confirmation operation received by the operation means.

2. The weighing device according to claim 1.

3. A program that causes a computer to function as a weighing device having a weighing unit that weighs an item placed on a placement unit and an operation unit that can accept a confirmation operation, The computer a display control means for controlling the display of a display area that displays a first weight measured by the weighing unit as the weight of the items placed on the placement section before purchase, or a second weight measured by the weighing unit as the weight of the items still placed on the placement section after subtracting the purchased amount, the unit price of the items, a purchase weight that is the weight of the purchased items calculated from the first weight and the second weight, a sales price of the purchased items calculated from the unit price and the purchase weight, and the status of the weighing device; a transmitting means for transmitting at least the purchase weight; It functions as The display control means The display area can be controlled to distinguishably display a stable weighing state, which is a state in which weighing by the weighing unit is stable, a fluctuating weighing state, which is a state in which weighing by the weighing unit is fluctuating, and a post-confirmation state, which is a state after a confirmation operation by the operation unit has been accepted, The transmitting means When the operation unit receives a confirmation operation while the weighing device is in the stable weighing state, the purchase weight and the identification information stored in the weighing device are transmitted. A program characterized by:

4. 1. A system including a printing device and a plurality of metering devices, The metering device is a weighing means for measuring the weight of the article placed on the placement section; a display means having a display area for displaying a first weight measured by the weighing means as the weight of the items placed on the placement section before purchase, or a second weight measured by the weighing means as the weight of the items still placed on the placement section after subtracting the purchased amount, the unit price of the items, a purchase weight which is the weight of the purchased items calculated from the first weight and the second weight, a sales price of the purchased items calculated from the unit price and the purchase weight, and the status of the weighing device; an operation means capable of accepting a confirmation operation; a transmitting means for transmitting at least the purchase weight; Equipped with The display means The display area can distinguishably display a stable weighing state, which is a state in which the weighing by the weighing means is stable, a fluctuating weighing state, which is a state in which the weighing by the weighing means is fluctuating, and a post-confirmation state, which is a state after a confirmation operation by the operating means has been accepted, The transmitting means When the operation means receives a confirmation operation while the weighing device is in the stable weighing state, the purchase weight and identification information stored in the weighing device are transmitted; The printing device a receiving means for receiving the purchase weight and the identification information; an item identification means for identifying an item from the identification information received by the receiving means; a printing means for printing a label of the item identified by the item identification means; A system comprising:

5. The printing device a display means for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming the item identified by the item identification means; an operation means capable of accepting an operation on the confirmation screen; Equipped with The printing means When the operation on the confirmation screen is accepted, the label is printed.

5. The system of claim 4.

6. In a system including a plurality of weighing devices each having a weighing unit that weighs an item placed on a placement unit and an operation unit that can receive a confirmation operation, and a printing device having a printing unit that prints labels on the items, a program for causing the weighing devices to function as a first computer and the printing device to function as a second computer, comprising: The first computer a display control means for controlling the display of a display area that displays a first weight measured by the weighing unit as the weight of the items placed on the placement section before purchase, or a second weight measured by the weighing unit as the weight of the items still placed on the placement section after subtracting the purchased amount, the unit price of the items, a purchase weight that is the weight of the purchased items calculated from the first weight and the second weight, a sales price of the purchased items calculated from the unit price and the purchase weight, and the status of the weighing device; a transmitting means for transmitting at least the purchase weight; It functions as The display control means The display area can be controlled to distinguishably display a stable weighing state, which is a state in which weighing by the weighing unit is stable, a fluctuating weighing state, which is a state in which weighing by the weighing unit is fluctuating, and a post-confirmation state, which is a state after a confirmation operation by the operation unit has been accepted, The transmitting means When the operation unit receives a confirmation operation while the weighing device is in the stable weighing state, the purchase weight and identification information stored in the weighing device are transmitted; The second computer a receiving means for receiving the purchase weight and the identification information; an item identification means for identifying an item from the identification information received by the receiving means; a printing control means for controlling the printing unit; It functions as The printing control means Controlling the printing unit to print a label for the item identified by the item identifying means. A program characterized by:

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