Measuring device, measuring label printer, and price calculation method

Abstract

To provide a device capable of simply providing a desired amount of products.SOLUTION: A weighing label printer 1 has a weighing unit 21 that weighs an object to be weighed, and a first calculation processing unit that calculates a third measurement value by subtracting a second measurement value related to a measurement result of the object to be weighed after taking a part or all of the object to be weighed from a first measurement value related to a measurement result of the object to be weighed before taking a part or all of the object to be weighed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for providing any quantity of goods to a customer. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a system is known that weighs and sells items such as merchandise. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication No. 6-50740 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the operation of weighing and removing items from a device in which the products are stored requires many steps, which is a burden for customers and is prone to weighing errors.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can easily provide a desired amount of a product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the weighing device of the present invention has a weighing unit that weighs the weight of the object to be weighed, and a first calculation processing unit that subtracts a second weighing value relating to the weighing result of the object to be weighed after some or all of the object has been taken from a first weighing value relating to the weighing result of the object to be weighed before some or all of the object is taken, to calculate a third weighing value. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view showing a weighing label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2]1A and 1B are external perspective views showing the structure of a weighing label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which the top cover is closed, and FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is an external perspective view showing the structure of a weighing device constituting a weighing label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a weighing label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the weighing label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a product information storage unit constituting the measurement label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram showing the flow of a series of processes executed by the measurement label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram showing the flow of a weighing process executed by the weighing label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 13 shows an example of a standby screen displayed on a display unit constituting the weighing label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 shows an example of a product selection screen that is displayed on a display unit constituting the weighing label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 13 shows an example of a screen displayed on a display unit constituting a weighing label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, the screen displaying a weighing value and a selling price. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a label printed by a weighed label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing (a) when a customer does not purchase a container, and (b) when a customer purchases a container. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the weighing label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram showing the flow of a series of processes executed by the measurement label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are external perspective views showing the structure of a weighing label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which the top cover is closed, and FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a weighing label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the weighing label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams for explaining the function of a displacement sensor that constitutes a weighing label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and show (a) the operation detection unit in a horizontal position, (b) the operation detection unit inclined at a predetermined angle a, and (c) the operation detection unit inclined at a predetermined angle a+b. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram showing the flow of a series of processes executed by the measurement label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1 is an external perspective view partially illustrating the structure of a housing in which a weighing label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed. [Figure 21] 1A and 1B are examples of screens displayed on the display of an electronic shelf label, showing (a) an available for sale state and (b) a sold-out state. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of settlement information displayed on a display touch panel of the measurement label printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Overview DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A weighing label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention and a price calculation method using the weighing label printer will be described below with reference to the drawings. The measurement label printer 1 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a device for selling a commodity, which is an object to be weighed, by weight in response to an operation by a customer. In this embodiment, the product is, for example, food such as dried fruits, nuts, and beans. However, the product is not limited to these products as long as it is suitable for selling by weight. Furthermore, the weighing label printer 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to cases where such food products are provided to customers as products, but can also be used when a store receives a supply of a specified amount of a product.

[0009] This weighing label printer 1 comprises a weighing unit U made up of a plurality of weighing devices 2 that provide any amount of product to a customer, and a label printer 3. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the weighing devices 2 are arranged side by side vertically and horizontally in a shelf-like housing T, and the label printer 3 is installed on the upper shelf. All of the multiple weighing devices 2 have similar functions and structures, and are provided for each type of product to be provided to customers.

[0010] The weighing device 2 holds the products to be provided to the customer, and measures the weight of the products before and after the customer takes them out. The label printer 3 receives data relating to the weight of the product from the weighing device 2, and issues a payment label according to the data.

[0011] The weighing device 2 may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the label printer 3. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the weighing device 2 and the label printer 3 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a specific network, but they may also be configured as an integrated device.

[0012] Additionally, a store terminal is installed separately within the store, which executes payment processing for products based on the settlement label printed by the weighing label printer 1. This store terminal is, for example, a POS terminal operated by a store clerk or a customer, who inputs information related to the product sales price printed on the settlement label into the store terminal and executes a payment operation according to a predetermined payment method.

[0013] In addition, an electronic shelf label 10 is attached to the weighing label printer 1 for each weighing device 2. The electronic shelf label 10 is an electronic device that displays on a display the contents of the products in the weighing device 2, and by referring to the electronic shelf label 10, customers can know the products that can be provided by each weighing device 2. An example of the configuration of the electronic shelf label 10 will be described in detail later.

[0014] In the price calculation method according to this embodiment, the selling price (sales price) is calculated based on the weight of the product provided to the customer and the unit price of the product. Here, the measurement label printer 1 measures the weight of the product before and after providing it to the customer, and the difference between the weight value before providing the product to the customer and the weight value after providing the product to the customer, i.e., the weight subtracted from the total weight, is regarded as the provided weight of the product. EXAMPLES

[0015] ● Structure of weighing device 2 FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of the weighing device 2. The weighing device 2 has a holder 20 that stores and holds the product therein, a weighing unit 21 that weighs the weight of the product to be weighed, and also has a display unit 26 and an operation unit 27 (see Figure 4) at designated locations. 3, in this embodiment, the holder 20 is placed on a placement surface 21a that constitutes the upper surface of the weighing unit 21, and the weighing unit 21 weighs the weight of the product together with the holder 20. However, in carrying out the present invention, the weighing unit 21 may be configured integrally with the holder 20.

[0016] The holder 20 is a hollow container capable of storing items inside. The holder 20 is made of, for example, a transparent resin material, and the type of product and the amount stored therein can be visually confirmed from the outside. In addition, the holder 20 is provided with a top cover 22 that can be opened and closed freely to remove items from inside, and a storage section 25 for storing a scoop 23. The scoop 23 for scooping up goods is also attached via a connecting section 24 for connecting the scoop 23 to the holder 20.

[0017] Top lid 22 constitutes a part of holder 20, and opens and closes so that products can be removed from holder 20 or products can be filled into holder 20. In this embodiment, top lid 22 can be flipped up using one end as a fulcrum, and when top lid 22 is flipped up, opening 22a appears, and products can be scooped up from opening 22a with scoop 23.

[0018] The scoop 23 is a member for scooping up products from within the holder 20, and a connecting part 24 for connecting the scoop 23 to the holder 20 is connected to the handle.

[0019] The connecting part 24 is, for example, a stretchable curl cord, one end of which is connected to the scoop 23 and the other end of which is connected to the holder 20. This connecting part 24 can prevent the scoop 23 from being lost. In addition, because the connecting part 24 can stretch, the customer can easily handle the scoop 23 and scoop up products.

[0020] The storage section 25 is a recess into which the scoop 23 can be inserted. The storage section 25 is provided above the top lid 22, and when the scoop 23 is stored in the storage section 25, the handle of the scoop 23 protrudes outward. When the handle of the scoop 23 protrudes outward, the handle of the scoop 23 prevents the top lid 22 from being opened, and the top lid 22 cannot be completely opened. In this embodiment, the holder 20 is constituted by a hollow container, but regardless of this, it is sufficient if it is able to hold the product on the weighing section 21, and it may be, for example, a plate-shaped object on which the product can be placed.

[0021] ●Hardware configuration of weighing label printer 1 As shown in FIG. 4, the weighing label printer 1 is composed of a weighing device 2 and a label printer 3. The weighing device 2 and label printer 3 have the functional units shown in the same figure as hardware resources for weighing products and issuing payment labels.

[0022] The weighing device 2 includes an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing information processing, storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), a weighing unit 21, a display unit 26, an operation unit 27, and a communication unit 28.

[0023] The weighing device 2 measures the weight of the product within the holder 20 for each holder 20 placed on the placement surface 21a by a weight detection method using a load cell.

[0024] Here, the weighing unit 21 that performs weighing in the weighing device 2 is composed of a weight detection unit 211 and an AD converter 212. The weight detection unit 211 is realized by a load cell, and the AD converter 212 converts the analog signal input from the weight detection unit 211 into a digital signal. In converting to a digital signal, a range in which the weight value can be appropriately acquired is set, and the zero point and the maximum weighing value are recorded. The value converted into digital data is displayed as a weighing value (weight) on the display unit 26 and the touch panel display 31 of the label printer 3.

[0025] The weighing unit 21 may be configured integrally with the weighing device 2, or may be configured as a separate device connected by a dedicated communication cable.

[0026] The display unit 26 is realized by a display or the like that displays various information, for example, the weight of a product. The operation unit 27 is realized by physical keys, a touch panel, or the like, and enables operations such as setting the weighing device 2 to be performed.

[0027] The label printer 3 is a printer device that obtains information related to an item provided to a customer, and issues a payment label on which information for selling the item provided to the customer is printed in response to the information. The label printer 3 includes a touch panel display 31 and a communication unit 32. In addition, an issuing unit 33 that issues settlement labels is connected to the label printer 3 via a dedicated cable.

[0028] The touch panel display 31 constitutes a display unit that displays various information such as weighing results to the customer, and also constitutes an operation unit that accepts various types of operation information.

[0029] The communication unit 32 is realized by one or more communication means that realizes a connection with each terminal or device. For example, the interconnection with the issuing unit 33 is realized by a predetermined dedicated cable. Also, the interconnection with the weighing device 2 is realized by a wired or wireless LAN.

[0030] The issuing unit 33 prints print data generated by the information processing unit 207 (described later) on a predetermined medium to generate a payment label, and ejects the payment label from the label issuing port 3a shown in FIG. The payment label may be a paper receipt or a sticker that can be attached to a container for storing a product.

[0031] In addition, the measurement label printer 1 may also include a scanner unit, a voice output unit, and the like, depending on the sales style of the product and appropriate specifications.

[0032] The scanner unit is a functional unit that optically reads various types of information, and reads one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes in which predetermined information is encoded. This makes it possible, for example, to encode product identification information and payment information that can identify the product into a two-dimensional code, and obtain the information by reading the encoded information.

[0033] The audio output unit outputs predetermined information by voice, for example, audio guidance, error sounds, and operation sounds.

[0034] ● Software configuration of the weighing label printer 1 As shown in FIG. 5, with regard to the software resources of the weighing label printer 1, the weighing device 2 includes a product information storage unit 2A, a weighing information storage unit 2B, an extraction processing unit 201, an input / output processing unit 202, a judgment processing unit 203, a comparison processing unit 204, a notification processing unit 205, a calculation processing unit 206, an information processing unit 207, and a communication processing unit 208. The label printer 3 also includes an input / output processing unit 301 and a communication processing unit 302 , and the communication processing unit 302 establishes communication with an issuance processing unit 303 . These functional units can be provided in hardware resources different from those in this embodiment through appropriate design.

[0035] The product information storage unit 2A is a storage unit that stores basic information such as the name and price of a product, and constitutes a weighed object information storage unit that stores information on a product that is an object to be weighed. Data items stored in this product information storage unit 2A include, for example, product identification information, product name, measurement category, unit price, and unit weight, as shown in FIG. The information stored in the product information storage unit 2A may be received from a management device installed in the store or a cloud server located outside the store.

[0036] Here, the measurement category is a category related to measurement. Measurement category "0" is the measurement category that corresponds to "unfixed weight." Unfixed weight is a sales method in which the selling price is determined based on a preset unit price per unit weight ("100g" in this embodiment) and the weight (measured value) to be sold. For items with a measurement category of "0 (unfixed weight)," the weight to be sold is required to determine the selling price.

[0037] When the measurement category is "0 (unfixed weight)", the unit price field stores the unit price per unit weight, and the unit weight field stores the unit weight. For example, for a product with product identification information "SH001" (product name "AAA"), it is stored that the unit price per 100g is 250 yen. Therefore, for an product with product name "AAA", if the measurement value is 50g, the selling price will be 125 yen, and if the measurement value is 200g, the selling price will be 500 yen.

[0038] Measurement category "1" is the measurement category that corresponds to "fixed weight." Fixed weight is a sales method in which the selling price is determined based on a preset unit price ("1 piece" in this embodiment) and the sales quantity converted from the unit weight. For products in measurement category "1 (fixed weight)," the quantity of the product is calculated (estimated) from the unit weight of the product (the weight of one piece, which is the unit quantity; already stored) and the measurement value, and the selling price is determined from the calculated quantity of the product and the unit price per unit quantity, so weighing using the weighing device 2 is necessary. Incidentally, the weight error of each individual may be corrected by using an accuracy correction function provided in the counting scale or the like.

[0039] When the measurement category is "1 (fixed weight)", the unit price column stores the unit price per unit weight (i.e. quantity 1), and the unit weight column stores the unit weight equivalent to quantity 1. For example, in the case of a product (product name "ABC") with product identification information "SH103", it is stored that the unit price per unit (weight 80g) is 90. Therefore, for an item with the product name "ABC", if the weight is around 85g, the selling price will be 90 yen for one unit, and if the weight is around 150g, the selling price will be 180 yen for two units.

[0040] The weighing information storage unit 2B is a storage unit that stores weighing values ​​related to the weighing results of the products obtained by the weighing unit 21. Here, the weighing values ​​by the weighing unit 21 include a first weighing value relating to the weighing result of the product before all or part of the product is removed from the holder 20, a second weighing value relating to the weighing result of the product after all or part of the product is removed from the holder 20, and a third weighing value obtained by subtracting the second weighing value from the first weighing value. In this embodiment, at least in consecutive weighing operations, the second weighing value, which is the measurement result at the end of one weighing operation, is stored so as to be comparable with the first weighing value, which is the weighing value at the start of a weighing operation following that one weighing operation.

[0041] The extraction processing unit 201 executes a process of extracting information required for executing a predetermined process from each storage unit. For example, the extraction processing unit 201 refers to the product information storage unit 2A based on the product identification information, and extracts product information such as the product name and the product unit price.

[0042] The input / output processing unit 202 displays various data on the display unit 26 and receives input of various data via the operation unit 27 . In this embodiment, the input / output processing unit 202 displays, on the display unit 26, product information such as the name of the product, information relating to the first measurement value, the second measurement value, and the third measurement value, and the selling price of the product corresponding to each of these first to third measurement values.

[0043] The determination processing unit 203 determines whether or not the weight value of the product measured by the weighing unit 21 has stabilized. For example, if the weight value of the product measured by the weighing unit 21 indicates a value within a predetermined threshold value for a predetermined short period of time, it is determined that the weight value has stabilized, and the weight value is regarded as the measured value of the product.

[0044] In successive weighing operations, the comparison processing unit 204 refers to the weighing information storage unit 2B at the start of a new weighing operation, and compares the first weighing value in the current weighing operation with the second weighing value in the previous weighing operation. Normally, the second measurement value in the previous weighing operation should match the first measurement value in the current weighing operation or fall within a range of slight deviation. The comparison processing unit 204 sets a value that is acceptable for this slight deviation as a predetermined threshold, compares the second measurement value in the previous weighing operation with the first measurement value in the current weighing operation, and determines whether the difference exceeds the predetermined threshold. If the difference exceeds the predetermined threshold, it can be inferred that some inappropriate operation, accident, or the like has occurred.

[0045] The notification processing unit 205 notifies an error when the difference between the second measurement value in the previous weighing operation and the first measurement value in the current weighing operation exceeds a predetermined threshold as a result of processing by the comparison processing unit 204. For example, the error may be notified by displaying a message notifying the error on the display unit 26 or by turning on a separately provided warning light or the like. The error may also be notified to an administrator terminal or the like used by an administrator, or the weighing operation may be interrupted. Furthermore, error information may be sent to the label printer 3, and the error may be notified on the label printer 3.

[0046] The calculation processing unit 206 calculates a third measurement value by subtracting the second measurement value relating to the weighing result of the product after some or all of the product has been removed from the holder 20 from the first measurement value relating to the weighing result of the product before some or all of the product has been removed from the holder 20. Here, the first measurement value and the second measurement value are the weight values ​​of the holder 20 and the product before and after the product is provided to the customer, and the third measurement value, which is the difference between these values, can be regarded as the weight of the product provided to the customer.

[0047] The calculation processing unit 206 also refers to the product information storage unit 2A and calculates the selling price of the product corresponding to each of the first measurement value, the second measurement value, and the third measurement value based on the unit price of the product provided to the customer. Among these, the selling price of the product corresponding to the third measurement value is the selling price of the product that is finally presented to the customer. In addition, if a customer purchases a container when the product is provided, the purchase cost of the container is included in the calculation of the sales price.

[0048] The information processing unit 207 generates print information related to the content to be printed on the settlement label. The information printed on the settlement label includes at least information related to the sales price of the product provided to the customer, as well as information such as the product name stored in the product information storage unit 2A, information related to the weighing result of the product by the weighing unit 21, etc. The print information generated by the information processing unit 207 is sent to the label printer 3 and supplied to the printing processing unit 303 . The information regarding the selling price of the product may be coded, for example, into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code.

[0049] The communications processing unit 208 executes data communications with the label printer 3 via the communications unit 28, and can transmit, for example, information relating to the weighing result by the weighing unit 21.

[0050] In addition to the functional units described above, the weighing device 2 also includes a temporary storage area for temporarily storing the first to third weighing values, a button setting file for buttons operably displayed on the display unit 26, and the like.

[0051] The weighing device 2 may also have a timing function. A weighing device 2 with a timing function can manage, for example, the current time, the remaining time until a certain time, the elapsed time since a certain state was reached, etc. Information obtained by this timing function may also be supplied to the label printer 3.

[0052] The weighing device 2 may also have a communication processor that transmits and receives data to and from higher-level devices, and may be configured to realize data communication via, for example, a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Furthermore, the weighing device 2 may have a function for connecting to a network such as the Internet and enabling data communication with an external server.

[0053] The input / output processing unit 301 controls the touch panel display 31 to input and output various types of information. The communication processing unit 302 transmits and receives data to and from the issuance processing unit 303 and transmits and receives data to and from the weighing device 2 . The label printer 3 may further include a communication processing unit that transmits and receives data to and from a higher-level device, and may be configured to realize data communication via, for example, a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0054] The printing processing unit 303 controls the printing unit 33 to print the print information generated by the information processing unit 207 on a predetermined medium and to print a payment label.

[0055] ●Processing flow Hereinafter, the flow of processing executed when a customer receives a product by the measurement label printer 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The weighing device 2 and label printer 3 that make up the weighing label printer 1 are configured to be able to communicate with each other, and can be configured so that information can be displayed to the customer and information can be input by the customer from either the weighing device 2 or the label printer 3. In the following example, a case will be described in which a customer operates the weighing device 2 to receive a product, but in other examples, the customer can also operate the label printer 3 to receive a product.

[0056] If necessary, the customer may purchase a container to put the product in and register information related to the purchase from operation unit 27 or touch panel display 31. In this case, for example, containers of multiple sizes available for sale by the store are displayed on display unit 26 or touch panel display 31 so that the customer can select a container based on this, and the selected container is registered as a purchased item. The price of the container is added to the sales price when the product is paid for. Alternatively, the container may be selected after the customer has removed the product. For example, after the customer removes the product from a predetermined weighing device 2 and the weighing result of the product is displayed on the display unit 26 or the touch panel display 31, a container selection screen may be displayed to accept the customer's selection of a container.

[0057] First, the measurement label printer 1 displays the standby screen shown in FIG. 9 on the display unit 26, and waits for an operation by the customer to be accepted. The customer starts the operation by following the message displayed on the standby screen saying "Place the product or touch the screen to start," and inputs the product code, which is the encoded product identification information of the desired product, using the operation unit 27. In response, the weighing device 2 accepts the input of the product code (S101). The input of a product code is one example of a customer specifying or selecting a product, and a product may be specified or selected by reading a barcode corresponding to the product with a specified scanner, or by pressing a preset key for each product displayed on the display unit 26. Also, a product may be identified by reading an IC tag attached to the weighing device 2 with a specified reader, or by capturing an image of the product itself or a specified identification mark with a camera and performing image recognition.

[0058] FIG. 10 shows an example of a product selection screen displayed on the display unit 26. This selection screen has an area at the top that displays the measurement value, unit weight, and price. A virtual keyboard and virtual numeric keypad are displayed at the bottom of the selection screen. An area (product button area) that displays product buttons is provided in the center of the product selection screen.

[0059] Furthermore, on the selection screen, the product buttons displayed in the button area can be switched using tabs. The tabs "FRUIT", "VEG (Vegetables)", and "VEG (Vegetables)" are tabs related to the respective products. When the tab "FRUIT" is selected, the product button area displays a list of product buttons for all products in the fruit category, as shown in FIG. 10. The same is true when the tab "Veg" is selected.

[0060] Following this, the customer takes the desired amount of product from the weighing device 2 in which the desired product is stored. In parallel with such operations by the customer, the weighing device 2 weighs the weight of the product.

[0061] Here, measurement of the weight of a product will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in parallel with the weighing process described below, information on the weighed value and information on the selling price calculated based on the weighed value are displayed on the display unit 26 and the touch panel display 31. First, when a change in weight is detected in the weighing unit 21 from the standby state (S111), the judgment processing unit 203 determines whether the weight value of the product weighed by the weighing unit 21 is stable or not (S112), and when the weight value is stable, the weight value is acquired as a first weighing value and stored in a temporary memory area (S113).

[0062] The comparison processing unit 204 refers to the measurement information storage unit 2B and compares the first measurement value in the current measurement operation with the second measurement value in the previous measurement operation (S114). As a result, if the difference between the second weighing value in the previous weighing operation and the first weighing value in the current weighing operation exceeds a predetermined threshold, error processing is executed (S115). For example, the error processing may involve issuing a message to the customer, such as "Please remove your hands from the container (holder 20)," by the notification processing unit 205, waiting for the weight to stabilize for a few seconds before making a comparison again. If the error is not resolved by this, for example, the error state may be notified to a store clerk, who may then check the weighing label printer 1. On the other hand, if the difference between the second weight value in the previous weighing operation and the first weight value in the current weighing operation does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the processing continues as is.

[0063] Regardless of the processing result by the comparison processing unit 204, information related to the previous second weight value may be displayed on the display unit 26 when a new weighing operation is started or when a first weight value is obtained.

[0064] When a customer removes the desired product from the weighing device 2 containing it and transfers it to a container or the like (S116), the determination processing unit 203 judges again whether the weight value of the product weighed by the weighing unit 21 is stable or not (S117). When the weight value is stable and a weight value different from the first weight value is obtained, the weight value is acquired as a second weight value and stored in a temporary memory area (S118). The calculation processing unit 206 subtracts the second measurement value from the first measurement value based on the first measurement value and the second measurement value stored in the temporary storage area to calculate a third measurement value related to the weight of the product provided to the customer (S119).

[0065] When the customer has obtained the desired amount of product, he / she presses a confirmation button or the like on display unit 26 to indicate that fact (S120), whereas when the desired amount is not reached, the customer again removes the product from weighing device 2. When the product is removed again, the weight is measured, and this measurement result is updated as a second weight value. Since the weight value and selling price of the product are always displayed on display unit 26, the customer can increase or decrease the amount of product to be purchased while checking the weight value and selling price of the product on display unit 26.

[0066] In the measurement label printer 1, in parallel with measuring the weight of the product, as shown in FIG. 7, the extraction processing unit 201 refers to the product information storage unit 2A and extracts product information of the product selected by the customer (S102). The calculation processing unit 206 calculates the selling price of the product corresponding to each of the first to third measurement values ​​based on the unit price of the product included in the product information (S103). In addition, when calculating the selling price of the product, if a container is purchased separately, the price of the container may be included in the calculation.

[0067] Here, the selling price of the product calculated by the calculation processing unit 206 is displayed on the display unit 26 by the input / output processing unit 202 together with information such as the first measurement value, the second measurement value, the third measurement value, and the name of the product. An example of a screen displayed on the display unit 26 is shown in FIG. The screen provides an information display field G11 showing information based on the third measurement value, an information display field G12 showing information based on the first measurement value, an information display field G13 showing information based on the second measurement value, a cancel button G14 for canceling the purchase of the product, and an issue button G15 for confirming the measurement and requesting the issuance of a payment label.

[0068] The information display field G11 displays information corresponding to the third measurement value, such as the product's part number, tare weight, the third measurement value which is the weight of the product provided to the customer, the unit price per 100 g of the product, and the price based on the third measurement value. The information display field G12 displays information corresponding to the first measurement value, such as the product's part number, tare weight, the first measurement value which is the weight of the product before it is provided to the customer, the unit price, and the price based on the first measurement value. The information display field G13 displays information corresponding to the second measurement value, such as the product's part number, tare weight, the second measurement value which is the weight of the product after it has been provided to the customer, the unit price, and the price based on the second measurement value. By referring to these information display fields G11, G12, and G13, the customer can ascertain the weight of the product he or she has taken out, as well as the sales price of the product according to that weight. Furthermore, the numerical value displayed as the product weight on this screen is at least 10 mm in size, which complies with the requirements of the Weights and Measures Act and is easy to read.

[0069] The customer checks the information display fields G11, G12, and G13, and if there are no problems, presses the print button G15 to print the payment label. On the other hand, if the customer wishes to cancel the purchase of the product, he or she presses the cancel button G14.

[0070] 7, in response to the customer's confirmation operation, the weighing label printer 1 generates print information related to the content to be printed on the payment label by the information processing unit 207 (S106). The issuance processing unit 303 controls the issuance unit 33 to print a payment label based on the print information (S107). The weighing confirmation operation is not limited to the customer actively pressing a confirmation key or the like, but may be deemed to be confirmed when a certain period of no operation has passed after weighing.

[0071] An example of the payment label issued by the issuing unit 33 is shown in FIG. Figure 12(a) shows an example of a billing label that is issued when a customer does not purchase a container. The 90 yen on the billing label in Figure 12(a) is the amount for the net amount (92 g) of (dried fruit mix) with a unit price (yen / 100 g) of 98 yen. In addition, the checkout label displays a third measurement as NET, which is the amount of the product provided, as well as a first measurement, which is the measurement before weighing, and a second measurement, which is the measurement after weighing. Although not printed in the example of Fig. 12(a), a statement that the customer will not purchase a container or will use a container that the customer brings may be printed. Also, in the case where the customer will not purchase a container or will use a container that the customer brings, a predetermined discount may be set and the amount of the predetermined discount may be printed. Also, the barcode on the payment label in FIG. 12(a) is, for example, a coded version of the amount (90 yen).

[0072] FIG. 12(b) is an example of a payment label issued when a customer purchases a container from a store. On the payment label in FIG. 12(b), "Container A" is printed to indicate the container purchased from the store. In this example, the price of container A is 30 yen, so 30 yen is printed. The 120 yen on the payment label in FIG. 12(b) is the amount obtained by adding the 30 yen price of container A to the 90 yen explained in FIG. 12(a). The barcode on the payment label in FIG. 12(b) is, for example, a coded version of the amount (120 yen).

[0073] Regardless of this example, information related to the sales price of the product corresponding to each of the first to third measurement values ​​may be printed on the settlement label. In addition, the numerical value displayed as the product weight on the payment label is at least 2 mm in size, which complies with the requirements of the Weights and Measures Act and is easy to read.

[0074] When the customer receives the payment label ejected from the label issuing port 3a, he or she hands the payment label to a store clerk, who then executes the payment process using a store terminal. The payment process may be carried out in any manner, including by the customer themselves at the store. In addition, in order to prevent customers from forgetting to take the payment label, a sensor may be installed to prevent this and to notify customers that the label has been left behind. In addition, if a certain period of time passes without any operation after the customer has started to weigh the product, the measurement label printer 1 can assume that the customer's operation has ended and can carry out processes subsequent to issuing the payment label. Furthermore, together with or instead of issuing the payment label, a QR code (registered trademark) encoding the information required for payment may be displayed on the display unit 26 and read by a smart device such as a smartphone carried by the customer, or may be transferred to a smart device such as a smartphone carried by the customer via short-range wireless communication. Such an embodiment is useful when a system that allows payment on a smart device is in operation.

[0075] Upon completion of the series of weighing operations, the measurement label printer 1 stores the second weight value in the measurement information storage unit 2B (S108) and waits to accept the next weighing operation.

[0076] According to the weighing label printer 1 of the present embodiment, the difference between before and after serving the product is regarded as the weight of the product served, so there is no need to subtract the tare weight, and the operational burden on the customer is reduced. As a result, the time required to serve the product to the customer is shortened, and there is less waiting time. In addition, because the operational burden is reduced, weighing errors caused by the operation can be reduced. EXAMPLES

[0077] ●Weight Label Printer 4 Configuration FIG. 13 shows the software configuration of the measurement label printer 4 according to the second embodiment. The measurement label printer 4 according to this embodiment detects a change in weight in response to a customer's operation using a weighing device 5, and identifies the weighing device 5 that provides a product to the customer, and further identifies the product provided by the weighing device 5. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, functional units, processes, etc. that are assigned the same symbols as those assigned to the functional units, processes, etc. described above are assumed to be configured in the same way as the functional units, processes, etc. described above, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0078] The weighing label printer 4 has the same structure and hardware configuration as the weighing label printer 1 according to the first embodiment described above. Meanwhile, in terms of its software configuration, the weighing device 5 has an identification information storage unit 5A and a detection processing unit 501 in addition to the input / output processing unit 202 and communication processing unit 208 described above. The label printer 6 has a setting information storage unit 6A and a specification processing unit 601 in addition to the product information storage unit 2A, weighing information storage unit 2B, extraction processing unit 201, judgment processing unit 203, comparison processing unit 204, notification processing unit 205, calculation processing unit 206, information processing unit 207, and the communication processing unit 302 described above that are provided in the weighing device 2 described above. The communication processing unit 302 is connected to the issuance processing unit 303.

[0079] In this embodiment, multiple weighing devices 5 are connected to the label printer 6 via a repeater 41. The repeater 41 is a so-called junction box, which aggregates dedicated communication cables connected to multiple weighing devices 5 and connects them to the label printer 6.

[0080] In this embodiment, the weighing unit 21 included in the weighing device 5 also functions as a weight sensor that detects a change in weight.

[0081] The identification information storage unit 5A stores device identification information capable of identifying the weighing device 5. This device identification information is unique to each weighing device 5, and a specific weighing device 5 is uniquely identified from among the multiple weighing devices 5 included in the weighing unit U by the device identification information. The device identification information may be any information capable of identifying a specific weighing device 5, and may be configured, for example, by converter identification information capable of identifying the AD converter 212. The device identification information may also be configured to identify the weighing unit 21. Furthermore, the identification information storage unit 5A may be provided in the repeater 41, and the repeater 41 may transmit the device identification information to the label printer 6.

[0082] The detection processing unit 501 detects a weight change exceeding a predetermined threshold based on the weighing value provided by the weighing unit 21. When the weighing label printer 4, which is on standby and ready to accept a weighing operation by a customer, detects a weight change exceeding a predetermined threshold with the detection processing unit 501, it considers that the weighing operation of the product has started in the weighing device 5 where the weight change was detected. This is a logical conclusion based on the fact that when the customer starts the weighing operation of the product, a weight change occurs when the customer opens the top cover 22 of the weighing device 5 or picks up the scoop 23. When the detection processing unit 501 detects a change in weight, the communication processing unit 208 transmits to the label printer 6 information indicating that a change in weight has been detected, together with device identification information.

[0083] The setting information storage unit 6A stores setting information in which device identification information capable of identifying the weighing device 5 is associated with product identification information of the products stored in the weighing device 5. By referring to this setting information storage unit 6A, it is possible to identify the product that is stored in a specific weighing device 5 and that can be provided to a customer by that specific weighing device 5. Regardless of this embodiment, instead of device identification information capable of identifying the weighing device 5, converter identification information capable of identifying the AD converter 212 can be stored in the AD converter 212, and the weighing device 5 can be identified by the converter identification information.

[0084] When the identification processing unit 601 receives device identification information from the weighing device 5 along with information that a weight change has been detected, the identification processing unit 601 refers to the setting information storage unit 6A based on the device identification information to identify the product identification information associated with the device identification information.

[0085] In this embodiment, the detection processing unit 501 is provided in the weighing device 5, and when the weighing device 5 detects a weight change, the device identification information is sent to the label printer 6 along with information that a weight change has been detected. Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the detection processing unit 501 may be provided in the label printer 6, and the label printer 6 may detect a weight change in the weighing device 5 based on information related to the weighing value provided by the weighing device 5. In this case, when the label printer 6 detects a weight change exceeding a predetermined threshold in a specific weighing device 5, it requests the specific weighing device 5 to obtain device identification information. When the label printer 6 obtains the device identification information from the specific weighing device 5, it can refer to the setting information storage unit 6A and identify the product stored in the weighing device 5 associated with the device identification information.

[0086] ●Processing flow Next, the flow of processing executed when a customer receives an article by the measurement label printer 4 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Before using the weighing label printer 4, the store associates the device identification information of each weighing device 5 with the product identification information of the product provided by that weighing device 5 and registers them in the setting information storage unit 6A.

[0087] In order to receive a desired product from the weighing device 5 holding the desired product, the customer opens the top cover 22 of the weighing device 5 holding the desired product and picks up the scoop 23. In response to this, the detection processing unit 501 detects a change in weight exceeding a predetermined threshold value associated with, for example, the opening of the top lid 22 by the customer, based on the weighing value supplied from the weighing unit 21 (S201). When the detection processing unit 501 detects a weight change exceeding a predetermined threshold, it is deemed that a weighing operation of the product has started in the weighing device 5 where the weight change was detected. In response, the communications processing unit 208 transmits device identification information to the label printer 6 together with information that a weight change has been detected, and the label printer 6 receives this (S202).

[0088] At this time, the detection information of the weight change is transmitted from the weighing device 5 to the label printer 6, and if one weighing device 5 can be identified (S203), the process proceeds to the next step S205. On the other hand, if weight change detection information is sent from multiple weighing devices 5 to the label printer 6, a message such as "Do not touch other containers (holders 20)" is output to the touch panel display 31 to resolve the error (S204). As a result, once the weight has stabilized, device identification information is sent to the label printer 6 again, and if one weighing device 5 is identified, the process proceeds to the next step S205.

[0089] Based on the device identification information received from the weighing device 5, the identification processing unit 601 refers to the setting information storage unit 6A and identifies the commodity identification information associated with the device identification information (S205).

[0090] As a result, once the product for which the weighing operation has been started has been identified, the weighing process described with reference to Figure 8 is carried out in the weighing device 5, and the processes from S102 onwards described with reference to Figure 7 are carried out in the label printer 6, and a specified amount of the product is provided to the customer.

[0091] The weighing label printer 4 according to this embodiment is convenient for a customer because it is not necessary for the customer to specify or select a product, such as by inputting a product code, when receiving the product. EXAMPLES

[0092] ● Configuration of the weighing label printer 7 FIG. 15 shows the structure of the measurement label printer 7 according to the third embodiment, and FIG. A displacement sensor 71 is attached to the top cover 22 of the weighing device 8 that constitutes the measurement label printer 7 according to this embodiment. The measurement label printer 7 detects the displacement of the top cover 22 using this displacement sensor 71, and thereby identifies the weighing device 8 that provides a product to a customer, and further identifies the product provided by the weighing device 8. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, functional units, processes, etc. that are assigned the same symbols as those assigned to the functional units, processes, etc. described above are assumed to be configured in the same way as the functional units, processes, etc. described above, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0093] The displacement sensor 71 is, for example, a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor capable of detecting changes such as the inclination, rotation, and displacement of the member to which the displacement sensor 71 is attached. In addition, since the displacement sensor 71 is intended to identify the weighing device 8 that is the target of the weighing operation by the customer, it may be attached to a component or part other than the top cover 22 as long as it is a component or part that can detect displacement in response to the provision of the product, and may be attached to, for example, the scoop 23.

[0094] FIG. 17 shows the software configuration of the weighing label printer 7. The weighing device 8 comprises the above-mentioned input / output processing unit 202 and communication processing unit 208. The label printer 9 comprises the product information storage unit 2A, weighing information storage unit 2B, extraction processing unit 201, determination processing unit 203, comparison processing unit 204, notification processing unit 205, calculation processing unit 206, information processing unit 207, and the above-mentioned communication processing unit 302, which are provided in the above-mentioned weighing device 2, as well as a setting information storage unit 9A and a specific processing unit 901. The communication processing unit 302 is connected to the issuance processing unit 303. The displacement sensor 71 attached to the weighing device 2 includes an identification information storage unit 7A, a detection processing unit 701, and a communication processing unit 702.

[0095] The identification information storage unit 7A stores sensor identification information capable of identifying the displacement sensor 71. This sensor identification information is unique to each displacement sensor 71, and the sensor identification information uniquely identifies a specific weighing device 8 to which the displacement sensor 71 is attached, from among the multiple weighing devices 8 included in the weighing unit U.

[0096] The detection processing unit 701 can detect displacement based on an operation such as the opening of the top lid 22 by a customer. That is, when the top lid 22 is lifted from the state of Fig. 15(a) in which the weighing device 8 is ready to accept a weighing operation by a customer to the state of Fig. 15(b), the detection processing unit 701 detects a change in the inclination angle of the top lid 22. This indicates that the weighing device 8 with the top lid 22 open has started serving products.

[0097] The detection processing unit 701 may use the inclination angle or displacement of the top cover 22 to which the displacement sensor 71 is attached as an input value and determine whether the input value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the input value exceeds the predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the product has been provided to the customer.

[0098] Here, in the case where the input value is a tilt angle, when the displacement sensor 71 tilts (rotates) from the attitude shown in Fig. 18(a) to the attitude shown in Fig. 18(b), as shown in Fig. 18, the input value is a degree (or, including the tilt direction, it becomes +a degrees). When the displacement sensor 71 tilts (rotates) from the attitude shown in Fig. 18(c) to the attitude shown in Fig. 18(b), the input value is b degrees (or, including the tilt direction, it becomes -b degrees).

[0099] In this way, when the input values ​​such as the inclination angle or displacement of the top cover 22 to which the displacement sensor 71 is attached are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, it can be presumed that the product has been provided to the customer, and therefore the detection processing unit 701 can also be said to be an estimation means for presuming the provision of the product.

[0100] In addition, by comparing the amount of displacement of the top lid 22 acquired by the displacement sensor 71 with a predetermined threshold value, it is possible to distinguish between the opening of the top lid 22 and the closing of the top lid 22, and when the top lid 22 is closed, it is possible to determine that the weighing operation has been confirmed and to move on to the process of issuing a payment label.

[0101] The communication processing unit 702 is a processing unit that realizes data communication with the label printer 9, and specifically, is capable of communication via wired or wireless LAN, as well as Bluetooth (registered trademark), IrDA, Zigbee (registered trademark), specific low power radio, etc.

[0102] The setting information storage unit 9A stores setting information that associates sensor identification information capable of identifying the displacement sensor 71 with product identification information of a product stored in the weighing device 8 to which the displacement sensor 71 is attached. By referring to this setting information storage unit 9A, it is possible to identify the product that is stored in a specific weighing device 8 and that can be provided to a customer by that specific weighing device 8.

[0103] When the identification processing unit 901 receives sensor identification information from the displacement sensor 71 together with information that a displacement of the component or part to which the displacement sensor 71 is attached has been detected, the identification processing unit 901 refers to the setting information memory unit 9A based on the sensor identification information to identify the product identification information associated with the sensor identification information.

[0104] In this embodiment, the detection processing unit 701 is provided in the displacement sensor 71, and when the displacement sensor 71 detects the displacement of a predetermined member or part, the sensor identification information is sent to the label printer 9 together with information indicating that the displacement has been detected. Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the detection processing unit 701 may be provided in the label printer 9, and the label printer 9 may detect the displacement of the displacement sensor 71 based on information related to the displacement of the predetermined member or part provided by the displacement sensor 71. In this case, when the label printer 9 detects a displacement exceeding a predetermined threshold in a predetermined displacement sensor 71, it requests the predetermined displacement sensor 71 to acquire sensor identification information. When the label printer 9 acquires the sensor identification information from the predetermined displacement sensor 71, it can refer to the setting information storage unit 9A and identify a product held in the weighing device 8 to which the displacement sensor 71 associated with the sensor identification information is attached.

[0105] ●Processing flow Next, the flow of processing executed when a customer receives an article by the measurement label printer 7 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Before using the weighing label printer 4, the store associates the sensor identification information of each displacement sensor 71 with the product identification information of the product provided by the weighing device 8 to which the displacement sensor 71 is attached, and registers them in the setting information storage unit 9A.

[0106] In order to receive a desired product from the weighing device 8 holding the desired product, the customer opens the top cover 22 of the weighing device 5 holding the desired product. A displacement sensor 71 that detects the displacement of the top lid 22 is attached to the top lid 22, and a detection processing unit 701 detects a displacement exceeding a predetermined threshold value that accompanies the opening of the top lid 22 by a customer, etc. (S301). When the detection processing unit 701 detects a displacement exceeding a predetermined threshold, it is deemed that a weighing operation of the product has started in the weighing device 8 to which the displacement sensor 71 that detected the displacement is attached. In response, the communication processing unit 702 transmits sensor identification information together with information that the predetermined displacement has been detected to the label printer 9, and the label printer 9 receives this (S302).

[0107] At this time, the displacement detection information is transmitted from the displacement sensor 71 to the label printer 9, and if one of the displacement sensors 71 can be identified (S303), the process proceeds to the next step S305. On the other hand, if displacement detection information is sent from multiple displacement sensors 71 to the label printer 9, a message such as "Do not touch other containers (holders 20)" is output to the touch panel display 31 to resolve the error (S304). As a result, once the displacement has stabilized, sensor identification information is sent again to the label printer 9, and if one displacement sensor 71 is identified, the process proceeds to the next step S305.

[0108] The identification processing unit 901 refers to the setting information storage unit 9A based on the sensor identification information received from the displacement sensor 71, and identifies the product identification information associated with the sensor identification information (S305).

[0109] As a result, once the product for which the weighing operation has been started has been identified, the weighing process described with reference to Figure 8 is carried out in the weighing device 5, and the processes from S102 onwards described with reference to Figure 7 are carried out in the label printer 9, and a specified amount of product is provided to the customer.

[0110] The weighing label printer 7 according to this embodiment is also convenient for the customer because it eliminates the need for the customer to specify or select a product, such as inputting a product code, when receiving the product. EXAMPLES

[0111] In the measurement label printers 1, 4, and 7 of the above embodiments, the first measurement value is stored in a temporary memory area at the start of a measurement operation, and the third measurement value is calculated as the difference between the first and second measurement values. However, in successive measurement operations, the second measurement value in one measurement operation can also be treated as the first measurement value in the next measurement operation. In this case, there is no need to acquire a first measurement value and store it in a temporary memory area at the start of a specified weighing operation. When the calculation processing unit 206 calculates a third measurement value, the second measurement value from the previous weighing operation stored in the weighing information storage unit 2B is extracted, and the difference between this second measurement value and the second measurement value from the previous operation is calculated.

[0112] This type of processing is effective and reasonable as long as it is possible to guarantee that the product weight will not change between the end of the previous weighing operation and the next weighing operation. In particular, in the above-mentioned second and third embodiments, the first weight value is obtained by regarding the physical operation of the weighing device 5, 8 by the customer, such as opening the top cover 22, as the start of the weighing operation. Therefore, there is a possibility that the weighing device 5 may shake and not be able to detect the accurate weight, and therefore such processing is useful.

[0113] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the comparison processing unit 204 compares the first measurement value in the current weighing operation with the second measurement value in the previous weighing operation, and if the difference does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the first measurement value is regarded as accurate and subsequent processing is performed; however, in such a case, instead of the first measurement value, the second measurement value in the previous weighing operation can be regarded as the current measurement value and subsequent processing can be performed.

[0114] ●Case T FIG. 20 partially illustrates an example of the structure of the housing T. The weighing device 2 (the same applies to the weighing devices 5 and 8) is disposed in a housing T, and each weighing device 2 is supported on a frame-shaped support T1. The external dimensions of this support T1 are slightly larger than the vertical and horizontal widths of the weighing devices 2, and in the width direction, a convex stopper T11 is provided to separate the weighing devices 2 arranged side by side. When the supports T1 supporting the weighing devices 2 are arranged side by side, the stopper parts T11 come into contact with each other. In this state, the weighing devices 2 on the support T1 maintain a constant distance from the adjacent weighing devices 2 and do not come into contact with each other. As a result, the weighing devices 2 arranged side by side do not come into contact with each other, which would cause problems such as inaccurate weighing values, and accurate weighing values ​​can be obtained.

[0115] The support T1 may constitute a part of the housing T, or may be fixedly attached onto a shelf board of the housing T. Furthermore, since the support body T1 is intended to separate the weighing devices 2 arranged side by side, thereby obtaining accurate weighing values, the shape, etc. of the collision-stopping portion T11 is not limited to the other example in Figure 20, as long as such effect can be obtained. In addition, the collision stopper T11 may be provided not only on the side of the weighing device 2 arranged side by side, but also on the side where the back panel of the shelf-like housing T exists, thereby making it possible to separate the back panel and the weighing device 2.

[0116] ●Electronic shelf label 10 In the weighing label printer 1 according to the present embodiment described above (the same applies to the weighing label printers 4 and 7), an electronic shelf label 10 is attached to each weighing device 2, making it possible to keep track of the products provided by each weighing device 2. Such an electronic shelf label 10 may have a function of detecting the amount of product stored in the holder 20 and reporting this amount, in addition to the function of indicating the contents of the product. An example of an electronic shelf label 10 having such a function is described below.

[0117] The electronic shelf label 10 is equipped with a predetermined sensor that detects the amount of products stored in the holder 20 , as well as a display, an identification information storage unit, and a communication processing unit, and is attached to the holder 20 .

[0118] The sensor constitutes a storage amount detection unit that detects the amount of products in the holder 20 to which the electronic shelf label 10 is attached. This sensor is realized by, for example, an optical sensor, and is provided on the back side attached to the holder 20. The electronic shelf label 10 is attached below the holder 20, and a sensor attached to the back side of the electronic shelf label 10 irradiates detection light towards the holder 20. The storage situation within the holder 20 is grasped from changes in the amount of light reflected or blocked by the products in the holder 20. That is, when the number of products within the holder 20 decreases and the detection light from the sensor is no longer blocked by the products in the holder 20, it can be recognized that there is a shortage of products. The information from the sensor is provided to a higher-level terminal or the like by a communication processing unit together with identification information for identifying the electronic shelf label 10 .

[0119] The display electronically displays information relating to the products in the holder 20. The information relating to the products is provided from a higher-level terminal or the like via a network such as a LAN. FIG. 21 shows an example of the information displayed on the display. FIG. 21(a) shows that "Hazel Nuts" is being offered for $14.20 per 200 mL on the weighing label printer 1 to which the electronic shelf label 10 is attached. 21(b) shows that "Roasted salted Almonds," offered at $34.0 per kg, have been sold out on the weighing label printer 1 to which the electronic shelf label 10 is attached. In this example, to indicate that the item is sold out, "SOLD OUT" is displayed and the product name "Roasted salted Almonds" is crossed out.

[0120] The identification information storage unit stores identification information for identifying the electronic shelf label 10. In a higher-level terminal or the like, the identification information assigned to the electronic shelf label 10 is associated with a product and registered as setting information in advance, and the electronic shelf label 10 is managed based on the identification location information. As a result, for example, updated product information can be provided to the electronic shelf label 10, and the updated product information can be displayed on the display. More specifically, when it is determined from the sensor-based information that the stock amount of a product has fallen below a predetermined threshold, a display request for information indicating that the product is sold out is transmitted to the electronic shelf label 10, and the information is displayed on the display.

[0121] The communications processing unit is realized, for example, by a wired or wireless LAN, and transmits and receives data to and from the label printer 3, a higher-level terminal, or another relay device.

[0122] The electronic shelf label 10 can also be configured as the displacement sensor 71 described above by attaching the electronic shelf label 10 to the top cover 22 and providing a function as a sensor capable of detecting displacement. Furthermore, by providing the electronic shelf label 10 on or near the holder 20, the display of the electronic shelf label 10 is easily visible to the customer operating the weighing device 2, and the customer is more likely to be conscious of the display. This also enables the customer to take out the product while checking the contents of the weighing label printer 1 to which the electronic shelf label 10 is attached, the supply amount of the product, and the like, on the display.

[0123] In the above embodiment, once the weight is determined, a label for payment is issued by the issuing unit 33. However, this is not limited to this. A symbol code encoding the information for payment may be displayed on the touch panel display 31, and the information may be acquired by a mobile terminal or the like carried by the customer. At this time, an example of the information displayed on the touch panel display 31 is as shown in Figure 22, and information related to the weight of the container and the weight of the product is displayed along with a symbol code that encodes the information for payment.

[0124] Furthermore, these software resources can be distributed or consolidated into any of the hardware resources through appropriate design, and the hardware resources can also be configured as a physically integrated device or as separate devices.

[0125] Summary of the implementation form

[0126] The present invention relates to a technique for providing any quantity of goods to a customer.

[0127] As shown in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-50740, a system is known that weighs and sells goods such as merchandise.

[0128] However, the operation of weighing and removing products from a device in which the products are stored requires many steps, which is a burden for customers and is prone to weighing errors. Such concerns become more pronounced when the device is operated as a self-service system in which customers operate it themselves.

[0129] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can easily provide a desired amount of a product.

[0130] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a weighing device according to one aspect of the present invention has a weighing unit that weighs the weight of the object to be weighed, and a first calculation processing unit that subtracts a second measurement value relating to the weighing result of the object to be weighed after some or all of the object has been taken from a first measurement value relating to the weighing result of the object to be weighed before some or all of the object has been taken, to calculate a third measurement value.

[0131] The weighing device may further include a weighed object information storage unit that stores the unit price of the weighed object, a second calculation processing unit that calculates prices corresponding to each of the first measurement value, the second measurement value, and the third measurement value based on the unit price of the weighed object, and a first display processing unit that displays prices corresponding to each of the first measurement value, the second measurement value, and the third measurement value.

[0132] The weighed object information memory unit may further store the name of the weighed object, and the first display processing unit may further display the name of the weighed object together with prices corresponding to the first weighing value, the second weighing value, and the third weighing value.

[0133] The weighing device may further include a memory means for storing information about the object to be weighed and identification information about the weighing units in association with each other, and an identification processing unit for identifying the object to be weighed by a specific weighing unit.

[0134] The device may further include a housing that supports the measuring units, and the housing may be provided with a stopper that separates the measuring units that are arranged side by side.

[0135] The device may further include a second display processing unit that displays the second measurement value in a previous measurement operation at the start of a new measurement operation in successive measurement operations.

[0136] A measurement label printer according to another aspect of the present invention is a measurement label printer equipped with a plurality of weighing units, and further equipped with a memory means for storing identification information of the plurality of weighing units and unit price information of the object to be weighed, and obtains the measurement value and identification information of the object to be weighed from a weighing unit among the plurality of weighing units that has experienced a weight change, and calculates the selling price of the object to be weighed based on the obtained measurement value and unit price information of the object to be weighed.

[0137] A price calculation method according to another aspect of the present invention executes the steps of identifying an object to be weighed, extracting the unit price of the identified object to be weighed by referring to a predetermined object to be weighed information storage unit, weighing the object to be weighed, storing a first measurement value related to the weighing result of the object to be weighed, detecting a change in weight of the object to be weighed, and when a change in weight of the object to be weighed is detected and a measurement value different from the first measurement value is obtained, storing the measurement value as a second measurement value, subtracting the second measurement value from the first measurement value to calculate a third measurement value, and calculating a price corresponding to the third measurement value based on the unit price.

[0138] According to the above-described weighing label printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the difference between the weight of the product before and after it is served is regarded as the weight of the product served, so there is no need to subtract the tare weight, and the operational burden on the customer is reduced. As a result, the time required to serve the product to the customer is shortened, and there is less waiting time. In addition, because the operational burden is reduced, it is possible to reduce weighing errors caused by the operation. Furthermore, when the customer starts a weighing operation, the weighing device and even the product held in the weighing device can be identified based on detection of a change in the weight of the product or a displacement of a predetermined member or part of the weighing label printer. This is convenient for the customer as it eliminates the need to specify or select a product by inputting a product code or other operation when receiving the product. In addition, in successive weighing operations, a second weighing value, which is the weight of the product after the previous weighing operation, is retained, and the previous second weighing value is referred to in the current weighing operation, thereby making it possible to check whether any problems have occurred at the start of the weighing operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1: Weighing label printer 2:Measuring device 20: Holding body 21:Measuring part 21a: Placement surface 211: Weight detection unit 212: AD converter 22:Top lid 23: Shovel 24:Connection part 25: Storage unit 26:Display section 27:Operation section 28: Communications Department 2A:Product information storage section 2B:Weighing information storage section 201: Extraction processing unit 202: Input / output processing section 203: Judgment processing unit 204: Comparison processing unit 205: Notification processing unit 206: Calculation processing unit 207: Information Processing Department 208: Communication processing unit 3: Label printer 31: Touch panel display 32: Communications Department 33: Publishing Department 301: Input / output processing section 302: Communication processing unit 303: Issuance processing unit 4: Weighing label printer 41: Repeater 5:Measuring device 5A:Identification information storage unit 501: Detection processing unit 6: Label printer 6A: Setting information storage section 601: Specific processing unit 7: Weighing label printer 71: Displacement sensor 7A:Identification information storage unit 701: Detection processing unit 702: Communication processing unit 8:Measuring device 9: Label printer 9A: Setting information storage section 901: Specific Processing Unit 10:Electronic shelf label T: Housing T1: Support T11:Block part U: Weighing unit

Claims

1. A weighing unit that measures the weight of an object to be weighed; a first calculation processing unit that calculates a third weight value by subtracting a second weight value related to a weighing result of the object after a part or all of the object is taken from a first weight value related to a weighing result of the object before a part or all of the object is taken; a housing for supporting the metering device; The housing is provided with an impact stopper that separates the weighing devices arranged side by side. Weighing device.

2. A storage means for storing information on the object to be weighed and identification information of the weighing unit in association with each other; and a specific processing unit that identifies the object to be weighed by a specific weighing unit.

2. The weighing device of claim 1.

3. and a second display processing unit for displaying the second weighing value in a previous weighing operation at the start of a new weighing operation in successive weighing operations. A weighing device according to claim 1 or 2.

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