Servers and Programs

Abstract

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a server and program that can identify potentially stolen goods at an early stage. [Solution] The server of the embodiment includes: a grasping means that receives tag information including individual item information that uniquely identifies the product from a wireless tag attached to the product and grasps individual items that have been taken out of the display shelf on which the product is displayed; a time-assigning means that stores the time at which the individual item was taken out of the display shelf attached to the individual item grasped by the grasping means; and an unaccounted determination means that determines that an individual item among the individual items stored by the time-assigning means that has not been accounted for in the sales data processing device and that a predetermined time has elapsed since the said time is an unaccounted individual item.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a server and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in stores such as supermarkets, discount stores, clothing stores, convenience stores, etc., RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags (hereinafter referred to as "wireless tags") are attached to products, and a POS (Point of Sales) terminal that acquires tag information from the wireless tags of products purchased by customers and performs accounting processing is available.

[0003] Such a POS terminal differentiates between accounted-for products and unaccounted products by writing accounted-for information indicating that accounting has been performed to the wireless tags of the products for which accounting has been performed, and checks products for which accounted-for information has not been written at the gate provided at the exit, thereby preventing theft of unaccounted products.

[0004] However, such a theft prevention system increases the burden of installation costs and maintenance costs. Also, for example, when there is an act such as peeling off a wireless tag from a product before accounting, it may be difficult to check unaccounted products at the gate, and there is a problem that it takes time to notice theft of products.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a server and a program capable of early grasping of products that may be stolen.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The server of the embodiment includes: a grasping means that receives tag information including individual item information that uniquely identifies the product from a wireless tag attached to the product, and grasps individual items that have been taken out of the display shelf on which the product is displayed; a time-assigning means that stores the time at which the individual item was taken out of the display shelf attached to the individual item grasped by the grasping means; and an unaccounted determination means that determines that an individual item among the individual items stored by the time-assigning means that has not been accounted for in the sales data processing device and that a predetermined time has elapsed since the said time is an unaccounted individual item. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the system within the store. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the tag reader. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the server's hardware configuration. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the tag management unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the previous information unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the information unit in this project. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a POS terminal. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the main processes of the tag reader, server, and POS terminal, as well as the transmission and reception of information between each device, in chronological order. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the control process flow of the tag reader. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of server control processing. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the control process flow of a POS terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, a POS terminal will be described as an example of a sales data processing device. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the system 10 according to this embodiment, installed in a store T such as a supermarket, mass retailer, clothing store, or convenience store. As shown in Figure 1, one or more display shelves C are installed in store T. The display shelves C are installed in the sales area of ​​the goods and are used to display or store goods. For example, if the goods are clothing, the display shelves C are shelves on which goods are displayed by stacking or hanging them. If the goods are food products, the display shelves C are shelves or display cases on which goods are arranged or stored. Hereafter, display and storage will be collectively referred to as display. Customers take the goods they wish to purchase from the goods displayed on the display shelves C.

[0010] Each item displayed on shelf C has a wireless tag attached (sometimes described as being "stickered"). Each wireless tag stores an individual item code (an example of individual item information) that uniquely identifies the item it is attached to (i.e., identifies each item of the same type individually). Hereafter, each item that is uniquely identified (an item uniquely identified by its individual item code) will be referred to as an individual item. The individual item code includes a product code that identifies the type of item in question. In other words, the individual item code identifies both the individual item and the product.

[0011] System 10 is installed inside store T. System 10 includes a tag reader 1, a camera 3, a server 5, a POS terminal 7, and an imaging unit 9. The tag reader 1, camera 3, server 5, POS terminal 7, and imaging unit 9 are connected to each other via a network (e.g., LAN (Local Area Network)) L, enabling them to communicate with each other (send and receive information).

[0012] The tag reader 1 is installed inside or near each display shelf C. The tag reader 1 receives tag information from wireless tags attached to products displayed on the display shelves C (sometimes referred to as reading tag information). Specifically, the tag reader 1 has an antenna 16 (see Figure 2) and transmits a carrier wave from the antenna 16 into the display shelves C. When each wireless tag attached to the numerous products displayed on the display shelves C receives the carrier wave, it transmits tag information (response wave) including the individual product code of the attached product stored in the wireless tag. The tag reader 1 receives the tag information transmitted from each wireless tag with the antenna 16.

[0013] Tag reader 1 repeatedly transmits a carrier wave at short predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 0.5 seconds). Each wireless tag that receives the carrier wave transmits tag information as a response wave each time it receives the carrier wave. Tag reader 1 receives the tag information transmitted from each wireless tag. Tag reader 1 transmits all the received tag information to server 5 each time it receives tag information (e.g., every 0.5 seconds). Therefore, when a product is taken from display shelf C, the tag information from that product that was included in the tag information received before the product was taken is not included in the tag information received after the product was taken. As a result, a difference occurs in the tag information transmitted to server 5.

[0014] In this embodiment, one tag reader 1 is provided for each display shelf C, but the number of tag readers 1 attached to each display shelf C is arbitrary. Alternatively, one tag reader 1 may be attached to multiple display shelves C.

[0015] In addition, a camera 3 is installed on each display shelf C. The camera 3 is always driven and images the products taken out from the display shelf C and the customers taking out products from the display shelf C. The camera 3 has a clock function and attaches the time of imaging to the captured image. The camera 3 transmits the captured image with the imaging time attached to the server 5. In the embodiment, one camera 3 is provided on each display shelf C. However, for example, one or a plurality of cameras 3 may be attached to the ceiling of the store T, and the camera 3 may image the products taken out from each display shelf C and the customers taking out products from the display shelf C.

[0016] The server 5 is a store server installed, for example, in the backyard of the store T. The server 5 manages the sales information of the products sold in the store T.

[0017] The server 5 also stores the tag information received from the tag reader 1 in the tag management unit 531 (see FIG. 3) separately for each individual product code. The tag management unit 531 has an information unit that stores at least two times of received tag information (exactly, the individual product codes included in each tag information) separately. That is, the server 5 stores the previously (last time) received tag information and the tag information received next (this time) separately.

[0018] As described above, when a certain product is taken out from the display shelf C, there is a difference between the individual product code included in the tag information before being taken out and the individual product code included in the tag information immediately after being taken out. Therefore, there is also a difference between the individual product code included in the tag information received by the server 5 before the product is taken out and the individual product code included in the tag information received after the product is taken out. Therefore, the server 5 compares the two tag information and takes the difference in the individual product code, so that among the individual product codes included in the tag information received before the product is taken out, the individual product codes not included in the tag information received after the product is taken out can be used to identify the individual product taken out from the display shelf C (that is, the individual product taken out from the display shelf C).

[0019] In addition, the server 5 attaches the reception time (specifically, the time stored in the time section 53121 of the information section 5312 this time) to each individual item code related to the tag information received from the tag reader 1, and stores it as differential information. When a product is taken out between the tag information received successively, in the embodiment, the tag reader 1 transmits tag information at short predetermined time intervals (for example, every 0.5 seconds), and the server 5 receives the tag information transmitted at the same predetermined time intervals. Therefore, the time when the server 5 receives the tag information substantially corresponds to the time when the product is taken out.

[0020] In addition, the server 5 stores the individual item code of the taken-out individual item together with the attached time (that is, the time when the tag information of the individual item is received, and the time when the individual item is taken out from the display shelf C) in the tag management unit​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0024] Server 5 stores the sales information received from the POS terminal 7 in the sales management unit 532 (see Figure 3). Server 5 also stores the individual item codes included in the sales information stored in the sales management unit 532 in the accounting tag information unit 5314. In other words, individual items with individual item codes stored in the differential information unit 5313 but not in the accounting tag information unit 5314 are items that have not yet been accounted for.

[0025] For example, if store T is a store where customers typically finish shopping in about one hour, the server 5 will determine that items with item codes that are still stored in the differential information unit 5313 but not in the accounting tag information unit 5314 after the elapsed time has elapsed are items that may have been stolen (unpaid items). Specifically, for items stored in the differential information unit 5313, the server 5 will determine that items that are not stored in the accounting tag information unit 5314 even after the elapsed time from the time assigned to each item code are items that may have been stolen (unpaid items).

[0026] Server 5 stores the captured images, each with its own timestamp, transmitted from camera 3 in the imaging unit 9. Therefore, by specifying a desired time, it is possible to view captured images from around that time. Furthermore, for items determined to be unpaid, it is possible to view captured images from around the time associated with the item's code. Based on these captured images, it becomes possible to identify the customer who took the item at that time. Server 5 may also read captured images from the imaging unit 9 from around the time associated with the item's code for items determined to be unpaid, and store them together with the item's code.

[0027] The hardware configuration of tag reader 1 will now be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of tag reader 1. As shown in Figure 2, tag reader 1 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, which is an example of a processor, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, etc. The CPU 11 is the main control unit for tag reader 1. ROM 12 stores the OS (Operating System) and various programs. Note that ROM 12 may be replaced with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). RAM 13 is memory for storing programs and various data. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus 14. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 constitute the control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes the control processing of tag reader 1, which will be described later, by operating according to the control program stored in ROM 12 and loaded into RAM 13 by the CPU 11.

[0028] The ROM 12 has a control program unit 121 that stores a control program for operating the tag reader 1.

[0029] RAM13 has a tag information unit 131. The tag information unit 131 stores tag information transmitted by each wireless tag attached to the products displayed on the display shelf C, and received by the antenna 16, in response to a carrier wave transmitted from the antenna 16.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to the antenna 16 via the bus 14 and the controller 15. The antenna 16 repeatedly transmits a carrier wave towards multiple products displayed on the display shelf C at predetermined time intervals. The antenna 16 also receives tag information, including individual product codes, transmitted from wireless tags that receive the transmitted carrier wave.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected via bus 14 to a communication unit 17, which has the function of a communication interface. The communication unit 17 is connected via network L to the server 5 and the POS terminal 7, enabling the sending and receiving of information.

[0032] Next, the hardware configuration of server 5 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 5. As shown in Figure 3, server 5 is equipped with a CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, etc., which are examples of processors. The CPU 51 is the main control unit for server 5. ROM 52 stores the OS and various programs. Note that ROM 52 may be replaced with an HDD or SSD. RAM 53 is memory for storing programs and various data. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 are connected to each other via a bus 54. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 constitute the control unit 500. That is, the control unit 500 executes the control processing of server 5, which will be described later, by operating according to the control program stored in ROM 52 and loaded into RAM 53 by the CPU 51.

[0033] The ROM 52 has a control program unit 521 and an elapsed time unit 522. The control program unit 521 stores a control program for driving the server 5. The elapsed time unit 522 stores the elapsed time (a predetermined time). The elapsed time stored in the elapsed time unit 522 can be arbitrarily set and changed according to the size and business model of the store T.

[0034] RAM53 has a tag management unit 531 and a sales management unit 532. The tag management unit 531 manages individual item codes included in tag information received from tag reader 1 and individual item codes included in sales information received from POS terminal 7. The tag management unit 531 will be described later in Figures 4 to 6. The sales management unit 532 cumulatively stores sales information received from POS terminal 7.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 500 is connected to the operation unit 56 and the display unit 57 via the bus 54 and the controller 55. The operation unit 56 is, for example, a keyboard or touch panel, and is operated by the operator of the server 5. The display unit 57 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the operator operating the server 5.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 500 is connected via bus 54 to a communication unit 58, which has a communication interface function. The communication unit 58 is connected via network L to the tag reader 1, POS terminal 7, and imaging unit 9, enabling the transmission and reception of information.

[0037] Furthermore, the control unit 500 connects to a clock 59 via a bus 54. The clock 59 keeps track of the time, and in doing so, it records the time when tag information is received from the tag reader 1.

[0038] Next, the tag management unit 531 will be described. Figure 4 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the tag management unit 531. The tag management unit 531 includes a previous information unit 5311, a current information unit 5312, a difference information unit 5313, an accounting tag information unit 5314, and an unaccounted information unit 5315.

[0039] The previous information unit 5311 stores the tag information received from the tag reader 1 at predetermined time intervals, specifically the tag information received previously (0.5 seconds before the current time). Figure 5 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the previous information unit 5311. The previous information unit 5311 has a time unit 53111 and an individual item information unit 53112. The time unit 53111 stores the time when the server 5 received the previous tag information from the tag reader 1. The individual item information unit 53112 individually stores the individual item codes included in the tag information previously received by the server 5 from the tag reader 1. In the example in Figure 5, it stores the individual item codes included in the tag information received previously, including the individual item codes for individual items A, B, C, and D.

[0040] The current information unit 5312 stores the tag information received this time (0.5 seconds after the previous time) from the tag information received from the tag reader 1 at predetermined time intervals. Figure 6 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the current information unit 5312. The current information unit 5312 has a time unit 53121 and an individual item information unit 53122. The time unit 53121 stores the time when the server 5 received the current tag information from the tag reader 1. The individual item information unit 53122 individually stores the individual item codes included in the tag information received this time by the server 5 from the tag reader 1. In the example in Figure 6, it stores the individual item codes included in the tag information received this time, including the individual item codes of individual item A, individual item B, and individual item D.

[0041] The difference information unit 5313 stores the individual item codes extracted as the difference between the individual item codes stored in the individual item information unit 53112 of the previous information unit 5311 and the individual item codes stored in the individual item information unit 53122 of the current information unit 5312. Specifically, the difference information unit 5313 individually stores individual item codes that are stored in the individual item information unit 53112 but not in the individual item information unit 53122. For example, in Figure 5, the individual item information unit 53112 stores the individual item codes included in the tag information received last time, including the individual item codes for individual items A, B, C, and D, while the individual item information unit 53122 stores the individual item codes included in the tag information received this time, including the individual item codes for individual items A, B, and D. Comparing the two, the individual item information unit 53112 stores the individual item code for individual item C, but the individual item information unit 53122 does not store the individual item code for individual item C. Taking the difference between the two, it can be seen that the individual item information unit 53122 does not store the individual item code for individual item C. The difference information unit 5313 compares the individual item code stored in the individual item information unit 53112 with the individual item code stored in the individual item information unit 53122 and stores the difference in individual item code (in this embodiment, the individual item code for individual item C). If the difference results in the individual item codes of multiple individual items being extracted, the difference information unit 5313 stores each individual item code individually. The individual item identified by the individual item code stored in the difference information unit 5313 is the individual item taken from display shelf C. The individual item codes stored in the differential information unit 5313 are associated with the time when each individual item was removed from the display shelf C, which is stored in the time unit 53121 (the time when the server 5 received the tag information for that individual item, as stored in the time unit 53121).

[0042] When differential information (information with the time added to the individual item code) is stored in the differential information unit 5313, all information stored in the previous information unit 5311 is erased, all information stored in the current information unit 5312 is moved to the previous information unit 5311, and the information stored in the current information unit 5312 is erased. In this state, after 0.5 seconds, each piece of information related to the next received tag information is stored in the current information unit 5312, compared in the same way, and the differential information is stored in the differential information unit 5313. Server 5 repeats this process.

[0043] The accounting tag information unit 5314 stores the item code of each item processed at the POS terminal 7. Specifically, the accounting tag information unit 5314 stores the item code included in the sales information related to each item processed at the POS terminal 7.

[0044] The unaccounted information unit 5315 stores the item codes of items that have been taken from shelf C and have not been accounted for even after a predetermined time has elapsed. Specifically, the unaccounted information unit 5315 stores item codes that are stored in the difference information unit 5313 but are not stored in the accounting tag information unit 5314, and for which a predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, items with item codes stored in the unaccounted information unit 5315 are products that have been taken from shelf C and have not been accounted for even after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the server 5 determines that these are products that may have been stolen.

[0045] Next, the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 7 will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 7. As shown in Figure 7, the POS terminal 7 is equipped with a CPU 71, ROM 72, RAM 73, etc., which are examples of processors. The CPU 71 is the main control unit of the POS terminal 7. The ROM 72 stores the OS and various programs. Note that the ROM 72 may be replaced with an HDD or SSD. The RAM 73 is memory for storing programs and various data. The CPU 71, ROM 72, and RAM 73 are connected to each other via a bus 74. The CPU 71, ROM 72, and RAM 73 constitute the control unit 700. That is, the control unit 700 executes the control processing of the POS terminal 7, which will be described later, by operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 72 and loaded into the RAM 73 by the CPU 71.

[0046] ROM 72 has a control program unit 721 and a product master 722. The control program unit 721 stores a control program for driving the POS terminal 7. The product master 722 stores product information (product name, product price, etc.) for all products sold at store T, categorized by product code, which is product identification information for each product.

[0047] RAM73 has a product information unit 731 and a sales information unit 732. The product information unit 731 stores product information (including individual product codes) of products that have been processed for product registration. The sales information unit 732 stores sales information (including product information, payment information, and individual product codes) of products that have been accounted for in a single transaction.

[0048] The control unit 700 is connected to the operation unit 76, display unit 77, printing unit 78, antenna 79, and card R / W (reader / writer) 80 via the bus 74 and controller 75. The operation unit 76 is, for example, a keyboard or touch panel (provided on the display unit 77) and is operated by the operator of the POS terminal 7. The operation unit 76 includes an accounting key 761. The accounting key 761 is operated when the product registration process for the purchased items is completed and the transaction proceeds to checkout. The display unit 77 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays information to the operator of the POS terminal 7. The printing unit 78 is, for example, a thermal printer and issues a receipt with product information and payment information for the items that have been checked out. The antenna 79 reads the tag information of the wireless tag attached to the purchased items. The control unit 700 executes the product registration process for the items based on the individual item code (more precisely, the product code included in the individual item code) contained in the tag information read by the antenna 79. The Card R / W80 can, for example, read information from a customer's membership card. It can also read information from a payment medium used by the customer (such as a credit or debit card). Furthermore, the Card R / W80 can read points from the payment medium and write points generated during the payment process to the payment medium.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 700 is connected via bus 74 to a communication unit 81 which has a communication interface function. The communication unit 81 is connected via network L to the tag reader 1, server 5, and imaging unit 9, enabling the transmission and reception of information.

[0050] From here, we will explain the main processes of the tag reader 1, server 5, and POS terminal 7, and the transmission and reception of information between each device. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the main processes and transmission and reception of information of the tag reader 1, server 5, and POS terminal 7 in chronological order. As shown in Figure 8, the tag reader 1 transmits a carrier wave from the antenna 16 to the wireless tags attached to the numerous products displayed on the display shelf C (T1). The tag reader 1 then receives the tag information contained in the response wave from each wireless tag and stores it in the tag information unit 131 (T2). The tag reader 1 then transmits the stored tag information to the server 5 (T3). The tag reader 1 repeats the processes T1 to T3 at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 0.5 seconds).

[0051] Server 5 receives tag information transmitted from tag reader 1 each time (for example, every 0.5 seconds) (T4). Server 5 then erases the information stored in the previous information unit 5311 and moves the information stored in the current information unit 5312 to the previous information unit 5311 (T5). Server 5 then stores the received tag information, along with the time of receipt, in the current information unit 5312 (T6).

[0052] Next, server 5 compares the tag information (more precisely, the individual item code) stored in the previous information unit 5311 with the tag information (more precisely, the individual item code) stored in the current information unit 5312 (T7). Server 5 then stores the extracted individual item codes (individual item codes stored in the previous information unit 5311 but not stored in the current information unit 5312) in the difference information unit 5313, along with the time stored in the current information unit 5312 (T8).

[0053] POS terminal 7 performs product registration processing for the products purchased by the customer (T9). Then POS terminal 7 performs accounting processing for the registered products (T10). Finally POS terminal 7 sends sales information (including individual product codes) related to the accounted-for products to server 5 (T11).

[0054] Server 5 stores the item codes included in the sales information received from the POS terminal 7 in the accounting tag information unit 5314 (T12). Server 5 then determines whether there are any item codes (unpaid items) that are stored in the differential information unit 5313 but not in the accounting tag information unit 5314 and for which a predetermined time has elapsed (T13). In other words, Server 5 determines whether there are any items that may have been stolen (T13). If Server 5 determines that there are unpaid items, Server 5 stores the item codes (including the item code of the unpaid item and the time it was assigned) in the unpaid information unit 5315 (T14).

[0055] Server 5 displays information about individual items with individual item codes stored in the unpaid information unit 5315, or transmits such information to the mobile terminals of store employees, etc. Server 5 may also search the imaging unit 9 based on the time when the individual item with the individual item code stored in the unpaid information unit 5315 was taken out, extract an image taken around that time, and store it in the unpaid information unit 5315 along with the individual item code stored in the unpaid information unit 5315.

[0056] The control of tag reader 1 will now be explained. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of tag reader 1. As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 100 of tag reader 1 determines whether a predetermined time interval (a timer not shown measures the predetermined time interval) has elapsed for transmitting a carrier wave from antenna 16 (i.e., whether 0.5 seconds have elapsed) (S11). It waits until the time has elapsed (No in S11), and if it determines that the time has elapsed (Yes in S11), the control unit 100 transmits a carrier wave towards the wireless tag attached to the product displayed on display shelf C (S12). The control unit 100 then receives the tag information (including the individual product code) contained in the response wave transmitted from the wireless tag that received the carrier wave (S13). The control unit 100 then stores the received tag information in the tag information unit 131 (S14). The control unit 100 then transmits the tag information stored in the tag information unit 131 to server 5 (S15). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

[0057] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of server 5. Figure 10 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of server 5. The control unit 500 of server 5 functions as a recognition means 501, a time assignment means 502, an unaccounted determination means 503, and an image acquisition means 504, according to the control program stored in the control program unit 521 of ROM 52.

[0058] The identification means 501 receives tag information, including an individual item code that uniquely identifies the product, from a wireless tag attached to the product, and identifies the individual item taken out from the display shelf C where the product is displayed. Specifically, the identification means 501 compares the previous tag information received from the tag reader 1 with the current tag information and identifies the individual item codes that were included in the previous tag information but are not included in the current tag information. More specifically, the identification means 501 compares the individual item codes stored in the previous information unit 5311 with the individual item codes stored in the current information unit 5312 and identifies the individual item codes that were stored in the previous information unit 5311 but are not stored in the current information unit 5312.

[0059] The time assignment means 502 stores the time at which the item with the item code was taken from the display shelf C, along with the item code acquired by the recognition means 501. Specifically, the time assignment means 502 stores the time at which the item code was received from the tag reader 1, along with the item code acquired by the recognition means 501. More specifically, the time assignment means 502 stores the time stored in the time unit 53121, along with the item code acquired by the recognition means 501.

[0060] The unaccounted determination means 503 determines that items for which a predetermined time has elapsed from the time assigned by the time assignment means 502 are unaccounted items. Specifically, the unaccounted determination means 503 determines that items with item codes stored by the time assignment means 502 are unaccounted items if a predetermined time has elapsed from the time assigned.

[0061] The image acquisition means 504 acquires images from the images taken near the display shelf C, specifically images taken around the time when an unpaid item was taken out.

[0062] Next, we will explain the control of Server 5. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of Server 5. As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 500 of Server 5 determines whether it has received tag information from Tag Reader 1 (S21). If it determines that tag information has been received (Yes in S21), the control unit 500 stores the item code and time currently stored in the information unit 5312 in the previous information unit 5311 (S22). Specifically, the control unit 500 stores (moves) the time stored in the time unit 53121 to the time unit 53111, and stores (moves) the item code stored in the item information unit 53122 to the item information unit 53112. Then, the control unit 500 stores the item codes included in the received tag information in the current information unit 5312 (S23). Specifically, the control unit 500 stores the individual item code included in the received tag information in the information unit 5322, and stores the time the tag information was received, as time has elapsed according to the clock 59, in the time unit 53121 (S23).

[0063] Next, the control unit 500 compares the individual item code stored in the information unit 5311 last time with the individual item code stored in the information unit 5312 this time (S24). Specifically, the control unit 500 compares the individual item code stored in the individual item information unit 53112 with the individual item code stored in the individual item information unit 53122 (S24). Then, the control unit 500 determines if there is a difference between the compared individual item codes (S25). Specifically, the control unit 500 determines if there is an individual item code that is stored in the individual item information unit 53112 but not in the individual item information unit 53122 (S25). If it is determined that there is no difference (No in S25), the system returns to S21. If it is determined that there is a difference (Yes in S25), the grasping means 501 stores the individual item code extracted as the difference (i.e., the individual item code stored in the individual item information unit 53112 but not in the individual item information unit 53122) in the difference information unit 5313 (S26). The time assignment means 502 then assigns the time stored in the time unit 53121 to the individual item code stored in the difference information unit 5313 (S27). In other words, the time assignment means 502 assigns the time of removal to the individual item removed from the display shelf C. The control unit 500 then returns to S21.

[0064] Furthermore, if it is determined that tag information has not been received (No in S21), the control unit 500 determines whether sales information has been received from the POS terminal 7 (S31). If it is determined that sales information has been received (Yes in S31), the individual item codes included in the sales information are stored in the accounting tag information unit 5314 (S32). Then the control unit 500 returns to S21.

[0065] Furthermore, if it is determined that the information received is not from the POS terminal 7 (No. in S31), the unaccounted item determination means 503 determines whether there are any item codes stored in the differential information unit 5313 that are not stored in the accounting tag information unit 5314, and for which a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the time assigned to each item code (item codes for unaccounted items) (S41). If it is determined that there are no item codes for unaccounted items (No. in S41), the system returns to S21. If it is determined that there are item codes for unaccounted items (Yes in S41), the control unit 500 stores the item code in the unaccounted item information unit 5315 along with the time it was assigned (S42). The image acquisition means 504 then stores the captured images from the image acquisition unit 9 around the time of the stored time (for example, before and after that time, or for example, for a certain amount of time from that time) in association with the item codes stored in the unaccounted item information unit 5315 (S43). Furthermore, the control unit 500 displays on the display unit 57 that there is a possible theft of an item, and / or sends information about the possible theft to a mobile terminal carried by the store clerk. Then the control unit 500 returns to S21.

[0066] According to the server 5 of this embodiment, if there are any items taken from the display shelf C that have not been paid for at the POS terminal 7, and more than a predetermined amount of time has passed since the item was taken, the server determines that there is a possibility of theft and contacts the store staff at store T. This makes it possible to identify potentially stolen items at an early stage.

[0067] Next, we will explain the control of the POS terminal 7. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process for the POS terminal 7. The control unit 700 of the POS terminal 7 determines whether the wireless tag has been read by the antenna 79 (S51). If it determines that it has been read (Yes in S51), the control unit 700 executes the product registration process for the product in question (S52). Then the control unit 700 returns to S51.

[0068] Furthermore, if it is determined that the wireless tag has not been read (No. in S51), the control unit 700 determines whether the accounting key 761 has been operated (S53). If it is determined that the accounting key 761 has not been operated (No. in S53), the control unit 700 returns to S51. If it is determined that the accounting key 761 has been operated (Yes in S53), the control unit 700 performs accounting processing for the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 731 (S54). The control unit 700 then stores the sales information of the accounted-for product in the sales information unit 732 (S55). The control unit 700 then transmits the sales information (including the individual product code) stored in the sales information unit 732 to the server 5 (S56). The control unit 700 then finishes processing for one transaction and returns to S51.

[0069] As described above, the server 5 of the embodiment includes a grasping means 501 that receives tag information including an individual item code that uniquely identifies the product from a wireless tag attached to the product and grasps individual items that have been taken out of the display shelf C on which the product is displayed; a time-assigning means 502 that stores the time at which the individual item was taken out of the display shelf C on the individual item grasped by the grasping means 501; and an unaccounted determination means 503 that determines that an individual item among the individual items stored by the time-assigning means 502 that has not been processed for accounting at the POS terminal 7 and for which a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the time assigned by the time-assigning means 502 is an unaccounted individual item.

[0070] In this embodiment, the server 5 determines that an item is unpaid for if it has been removed from the display shelf C and has not been processed for payment at the POS terminal 7 for a predetermined period of time or longer. This makes it possible to identify potentially stolen items at an early stage.

[0071] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0072] For example, in the embodiment, the server 5 was described as a separate device from the POS terminal 7. However, the invention is not limited to this, and if the POS terminal 7 has the functions of a server, the server in this invention may be the POS terminal 7.

[0073] In another embodiment, the time assignment means 502 assigns the time stored in the time unit 53121 as the time when the individual item was removed from the display shelf. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the time stored in the time unit 53111 of the previous information unit 5311 may be assigned as the time when the individual item was removed from the display shelf.

[0074] In this embodiment, two information units, a previous information unit 5311 and a current information unit 5312, are provided to store the tag information received from the tag reader 1. However, the number of information units is not limited to two; any number of units, two or more, is acceptable.

[0075] The program executed on server 5 in this embodiment is provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0076] Furthermore, the program executed on the server 5 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network L such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network L. Alternatively, the program executed on the server 5 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network L such as the Internet.

[0077] Alternatively, the program to be executed on the server 5 of this embodiment may be pre-installed and provided in a ROM 32 or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1 Tag Leader 3 cameras 5 Servers 7 POS terminals 9. Imaging Unit 10 Systems 16 Antennas 76 Control section 77 Display section 78 Printing section 79 Antenna 100 Control Unit 131 Tag Information Department 500 Control Unit 501 Grasping means 502 Time assignment means 503 Unaccounted Determination Methods 504 Image acquisition method 522 Elapsed time section 531 Tag Management Department 532 Sales Management Department 700 Control Unit 5311 Previous Information Department 5312 Information Department 5313 Difference information section 5314 Accounting Tag Information Department 5315 Unaccounted Information Department 5322 Information Department 53111 Time section 53112 Individual Product Information Department 53121 Time section 53122 Individual Product Information Department [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0079] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-203974

Claims

1. A means for identifying individual products that have been taken out of display shelves from which products are displayed, by receiving tag information containing individual product information that uniquely identifies the product from a wireless tag attached to the product, A time-assigning means that assigns and stores the time at which the item was taken from the display shelf to the item grasped by the grasping means, An unaccounted item determination means determines that an item stored by the time assignment means is an unaccounted item if it has not been accounted for by the sales data processing device and a predetermined time has elapsed since the aforementioned time, A server equipped with [the following features].

2. The aforementioned tracking means receives the tag information read and transmitted at predetermined time intervals by a tag reader that reads the tag information of the products displayed on the display shelf, and identifies the individual items taken out of the display shelf based on the previous tag information and the current tag information. The server according to claim 1.

3. The grasping means grasps the individual item that has been taken out of the display shelf based on the individual item information that is in the tag information but not in the current tag information. The server according to claim 2.

4. The time assignment means stores the time at which the tag information relating to the individual item was received, along with the individual item information of the individual item that has been identified, as the time of retrieval. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The system further includes an image acquisition means that acquires an image taken from an image of the area near the display shelf, capturing an image taken around the time the unpaid individual item was removed. The server according to claim 1.

6. A computer as a server, A means for identifying individual products that have been taken out of display shelves from which products are displayed, by receiving tag information containing individual product information that uniquely identifies the product from a wireless tag attached to the product, A time-assigning means that assigns and stores the time at which the item was taken from the display shelf to the item grasped by the grasping means, An unaccounted determination means that determines that an item stored by the time assignment means has been overdue for a predetermined time or more since the aforementioned time, and A program that can be made to function.

Images