Wireless tag reader

Abstract

To provide a wireless tag reader device which makes it easier for a radio wave transmitted from antenna to reach wireless tags.SOLUTION: A wireless tag reader device according to an embodiment comprises a product placement unit for placing products, an antenna provided near the product placement unit and configured to transmit a radio wave toward wireless tags attached to the placed products, and an antenna moving mechanism for moving the antenna along a concave curve trajectory.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wireless tag reader.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, in stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and clothing stores, when a customer places a basket containing purchased goods on a checkout position, a POS terminal that reads a wireless tag attached to the goods and performs goods registration processing or payment processing in response to an operation by a store clerk or the customer has become widespread.

[0003] Such a POS terminal had the following problems in reading a wireless tag. That is, if there is a shield (for example, metal or water droplets) that does not allow or makes it difficult for radio waves to pass between the wireless tag and the antenna that reads the wireless tag, there are problems such as radio waves transmitted from the antenna not reaching the wireless tag and radio waves (tag information) transmitted from the wireless tag not reaching the antenna.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a wireless tag reader that makes it easier for radio waves transmitted from an antenna to reach a wireless tag.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The wireless tag reader according to the embodiment includes a product placement unit on which products are placed, an antenna provided near the product placement unit that transmits radio waves toward a wireless tag attached to the placed product, and an antenna movement mechanism that moves the antenna along a concave curve in the shape of and is provided with , the antenna moving mechanism includes a guide portion formed in the concave curve shape toward the product placement portion, and a rail formed in the guide portion. The antenna has rollers, and the rollers engage with the rail and rotate, so that the antenna is moved in the concave curve shape by the guide portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, for example, a POS terminal installed in a store such as a supermarket, a home center, a clothing store, or a convenience store will be described as a wireless tag reader. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described below.

[0008] A customer receives a basket for storing products at the entrance of the store. The customer places the products to be purchased in the basket (stores them in the basket) inside the store. All products in the store are attached with a wireless tag (for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag). The wireless tag reader is operated by an operator such as the customer himself or a store clerk. When the customer places the basket containing the products on the product placement section and operates the start key, the wireless tag reader emits radio waves from the antenna to the wireless tag attached to the products stored in the basket, receives a response wave (radio wave) containing information for identifying the products from the wireless tag, and acquires a product code (product identification information for identifying the products).

[0009] The wireless tag reader is a device that performs product registration processing related to the product based on the acquired product code and also performs settlement processing related to the transaction.

[0010] Product registration processing includes, for the product to be purchased, calling up product information such as the product name and price of the product based on the acquired product code from the product master and displaying it on the display unit, and storing it in the product information unit. Settlement processing means displaying the total amount and change amount related to the transaction with the customer (hereinafter referred to as "settlement information") based on the product information of the product for which product registration processing has been performed, and performing settlement using, for example, a credit card or application software installed on a mobile terminal. Settlement processing includes issuing a receipt on which the product information and settlement information of the settled product 42 are printed.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the wireless tag reader according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the product placement unit of the wireless tag reader. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless tag reader 10 includes a product placement unit 14. The product placement unit 14 is a table on which a basket 20 containing the product 42 to be purchased (see FIG. 5) is placed. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the basket 20 is placed on the product placement unit 14. The product placement unit 14 includes a bottom surface portion 141, a left side surface portion 144, and a right side surface portion 146. The bottom surface portion 141 is a substantially flat surface that constitutes the bottom surface of the product placement unit 14. The bottom surface portion 141 has the basket 20 placed thereon.

[0012] The left side surface portion 144 is a surface that constitutes the left side surface of the product placement unit 14. The left side surface portion 144 stands up substantially at a right angle from the left end portion of the bottom surface portion 141. A light emitting portion 147 is provided at the upper end portion of the left side surface portion 144. The light emitting portion 147 is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and emits light upward. The light emitting portion 147 lights up blue when the information of all the wireless tags 43 (see FIG. 5) has been read. The light emitting portion 147 lights up red when the reading of the information of the wireless tag 43 fails.

[0013] The right side surface 146 constitutes the right side surface of the product placement section 14. The right side surface 146 stands upright from the right end of the bottom surface portion 141 at a substantially right angle. A light emitting portion 148 is provided at the upper end portion of the right side surface 146. The light emitting portion 148 is composed of, for example, an LED and emits light upward. The light emitting portion 148 lights up in blue when the information of all the wireless tags 43 is read. The light emitting portion 148 lights up in red when the reading of the information of the wireless tag 43 fails.

[0014] A support column 16 extending upward is attached to the rear of the product placement section 14. An arm 17 that can be telescopically extended and whose direction can be changed is attached to the support column 16. A display portion 161 is attached to the tip of the arm 17. The display position and the display direction of the display portion 161 can be freely changed by deforming the arm 17. The display portion 161 displays, for example, product information of the product 42 (the product stored in the basket 20 placed on the product placement section 14) that the customer purchases, based on the information received from the wireless tag 43. Further, the display portion 161 displays images corresponding to various keys (start key 1651, end key 1652, confirmation key 1653 (all refer to FIG. 6)) described later.

[0015] The operation portion 165 is, for example, a touch panel provided on the display portion 161. By operating the touch panel at a position corresponding to the image of the key displayed on the display portion 161, the operation portion 165 plays the role of the key.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, an opening portion 149 is provided at the central portion of the bottom surface portion 141. The opening portion 149 is a substantially rectangular hole formed in the bottom surface portion 141. The wireless tag reader 10 is provided below the bottom surface portion 141 at a position corresponding to the opening portion 149, and is equipped with an antenna 35 and an antenna moving mechanism 30. Note that the antenna moving mechanism 30 is not shown in FIG. 2 for the purpose of explanation in FIGS. 3 to 5, but in FIG. 2, the antenna moving mechanism 30 is provided below the antenna 35. In FIG. 2, the antenna 35 is normally located at the home position 156 which is the central portion, and can reciprocate in the direction of arrow 157 and the direction of arrow 158.

[0017] In FIG. 2, the opening 149 was described to disclose the antenna 35. However, the opening 149 is a theoretical opening for explaining the position of the antenna 35. In reality, the opening 149 is blocked by a plate-like member through which radio waves can pass so that the product 42 does not fall from the opening 149 (the same applies to FIG. 5). Alternatively, the opening 149 is not actually formed.

[0018] Next, the antenna 35 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the antenna 35. As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna 35 includes an antenna portion 351, a substrate portion 352, a base portion 353, a roller 354, and a guide rod 355 (see FIG. 5) to be described later.

[0019] The antenna portion 351 has a substantially planar surface 356 in which, for example, a linear metal antenna wire (not shown) is arranged in a spiral shape. The substrate portion 352 is a circuit board for transmitting radio waves from the antenna portion 351 or reading radio waves received from the wireless tag 43. The antenna 35 transmits the radio waves generated by the substrate portion 352 in a direction perpendicular to the surface 356 of the antenna portion 351. Also, the antenna 35 transmits the radio waves generated by the substrate portion 352 radially from the surface 356 forming the antenna portion 351. The radio waves transmitted from the antenna portion 351 have a stronger radio wave intensity than the radio waves transmitted perpendicular to the surface 356. The antenna 35 also receives the radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag 43 by the antenna portion 351.

[0020] The antenna 35 also has a base portion 353, and four rotatable rollers 354 are attached to the base portion 353. The roller 354 engages with a groove-shaped rail 33 (see FIG. 4) to be described later, and the rotation of the roller 354 within the rail 33 guides the antenna 35.

[0021] Next, the antenna moving mechanism 30 will be described. The antenna moving mechanism 30 is a mechanism for moving the antenna 35. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the antenna 35 and a part of the antenna moving mechanism 30. The antenna moving mechanism 30 has a base portion 31 and a guide portion 32. The base portion 31 is fixed at a position below the bottom surface portion 141 of the wireless tag reader 10 and facing the opening portion 149.

[0022] The antenna moving mechanism 30 has a guide portion 32 on the upper portion of the base portion 31. The guide portion 32 is formed in an upwardly concave arc shape (concave curve). The guide portion 32 is configured such that the vicinity of the central portion (home position 156) of the antenna moving mechanism 30 is the lowest, and gradually becomes higher toward both side portions. That is, the guide portion 32 has a concave arc shape toward the product placement portion 14.

[0023] Further, groove-shaped rails 33 are formed at both end portions of the guide portion 32. The rails 33 have the same curve as the arc shape of the guide portion 32. The roller 354 of the antenna 35 is engaged with the guide portion 32. Therefore, as the roller 354 moves along the rail 33, the antenna 35 is guided along the guide portion 32. Since the guide portion 32 has an arc shape, the surface 356 of the antenna portion 351 moves along the guide portion 32 in a concave arc-shaped locus.

[0024] Further, as the antenna portion 351 moves in the direction of arrow 155 along the guide portion 32, the angle with respect to the product placement portion 14 (that is, the angle of the surface 356) is changed. Specifically, the surface 356 of the antenna portion 351 changes the angle so as to always face the product placement portion 14 while moving in the direction of arrow 155.

[0025] Next, a configuration in which the antenna moving mechanism 30 moves the antenna 35 to transmit radio waves to the radio tag 43 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configurations of the antenna 35 and the antenna moving mechanism 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the radio tag reader 10 includes the antenna moving mechanism 30 at the bottom below the bottom surface portion 141. That is, the antenna moving mechanism 30 is provided below the lower part of the merchandise 42 stored in the basket 20 placed on the merchandise placement portion 14.

[0026] The antenna moving mechanism 30 includes a belt conveyor 151 constituted by an endless belt. The belt conveyor 151 is reciprocally driven by a motor 167 (see FIG. 6). On the upper surface of the belt conveyor 151, one rod-shaped guide member 152 is erected and attached from the belt conveyor 151. Along with the rotation of the belt conveyor 151, the guide member 152 reciprocates in the rotation direction of the belt conveyor 151 (the direction of arrow 155) together with the belt conveyor 151.

[0027] The guide member 152 has a long hole 153. The long hole 153 is a hole formed with its longitudinal direction in the standing direction of the guide member 152 (a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the guide member 152 (the direction of arrow 155)).

[0028] Further, the guide portion 32 provided on the base portion 31 is an arc-shaped guide (a guide for guiding the antenna 35) formed between the position 171 and the position 172. The center portion of the guide portion 32, which is substantially the middle position between the position 171 and the position 172, is the home position 156. The guide portion 32 has an arc-shaped locus from the position 171 through the home position 156 to the position 172. That is, the home position 156 is located at the lowest position in the base portion 31, and the positions 171 and 172 are located at positions higher than the home position 156 in the base portion 31.

[0029] Note that the base portion 31, the guide portion 32, the rail 33, the long hole 153, the belt conveyor 151, the motor 167, etc. constitute the antenna moving mechanism 30.

[0030] Antenna 35 has a substantially cylindrical guide rod 355 at its base 353. The guide rod 355 is inserted into the long hole 153. The guide rod 355 can move freely in the longitudinal direction of the long hole 153 within the long hole 153.

[0031] Since the guide rod 355 is inserted into the long hole 153, it moves in the same direction as the guide member 152 moves. When the guide rod 355 moves, the antenna 35 moves along the guide portion 32.

[0032] When the guide member 152 is located at the home position 156, the antenna 35 is located at the home position 156. When the antenna 35 is located at the home position 156, the antenna portion 351 (i.e., the surface 356) faces straight up. That is, the surface 356 faces the direction of the product 42.

[0033] On the product placement part 14, there are products 421 and 422 stored in the basket 20 (collectively referred to as product 42). A wireless tag 431 is attached to the product 421. A wireless tag 432 is attached to the product 422 (collectively referred to as wireless tag 43). Also, there is a shielding object 41, for example, made of metal, below the product 422.

[0034] The antenna 35 emits radio waves in a direction perpendicular to the surface 356. Also, the antenna 35 emits radio waves radially from the surface 356. That is, the antenna 35 emits radio waves within the range of the arrow a. The emitted radio waves reach the wireless tag 431. Therefore, the antenna 35 (specifically, the antenna portion 351) receives the response radio waves emitted from the wireless tag 431. The antenna 35 can read the information of the wireless tag 431. However, due to the shielding object 41, the emitted radio waves do not reach the wireless tag 432. Therefore, no response radio waves are emitted from the wireless tag 432. Thus, the antenna 35 cannot read the information of the wireless tag 432.

[0035] When the guide member 152 moves from the home position 156 in the direction of arrow 157, the antenna 35 moves from the home position 156 in the direction of arrow 157 while being guided by the rail 33 and the guide part 32. At this time, since the antenna 35 moves in the direction of position 171 along the upwardly concave arc-shaped guide part 32, the antenna part 351 gradually tilts to the left from the directly upward direction. When the antenna part 351 gradually tilts from the directly upward direction, the surface 356 faces the direction of the wireless tag 43 attached to the product 42 stored in the basket 20 placed on the product placement part 14.

[0036] When the guide member 152 is located at position 171, the antenna 35 is located at position 171. When the antenna 35 is located at position 171, the antenna part 351 (that is, the surface 356) is an inclined surface that slopes downward from the right side to the left side in FIG. 5. In this state, the antenna part 351 (that is, the surface 356) faces the direction of the product 42 stored in the basket 20 placed on the product placement part 14. Also, in this state, there is no shielding object 41 between the antenna 35 and the wireless tag 432.

[0037] The antenna 35 emits radio waves in a direction perpendicular to the surface 356. Also, the antenna 35 emits radio waves radially from the surface 356. That is, the antenna 35 emits radio waves within the range of arrow b at position 171. The emitted radio waves reach the wireless tag 431. Therefore, the antenna 35 (precisely, the antenna part 351) receives the response radio waves emitted from the wireless tag 431. The antenna 35 can read the information of the wireless tag 431. Also, the emitted radio waves reach the wireless tag 432. Therefore, the antenna 35 (precisely, the antenna part 351) receives the response radio waves emitted from the wireless tag 432. The antenna 35 can read the information of the wireless tag 432.

[0038] When the guide member 152 moves from the home position 156 in the direction of arrow 158, the antenna 35 moves from the home position 156 in the direction of arrow 158 while being guided by the rail 33 and the guide portion 32. At this time, since the antenna 35 moves in the direction of position 172 along the upwardly concave arc-shaped guide portion 32, the antenna portion 351 gradually tilts to the right from the directly upward direction. When the antenna portion 351 gradually tilts from the directly upward direction, the surface 356 faces the direction of the product 42 stored in the basket 20 placed on the product placement portion 14.

[0039] When the guide member 152 is located at position 172, the antenna 35 is located at position 172. When the antenna 35 is located at position 172, the antenna portion 351 (that is, the surface 356) is an inclined surface that slopes downward from the left side to the right side in FIG. 5. In this state, the antenna portion 351 (that is, the surface 356) faces the direction of the product 42 stored in the basket 20 placed on the product placement portion 14. Also, in this state, there is no shielding object 41 between the antenna 35 and the wireless tag 432.

[0040] The antenna 35 transmits radio waves in a direction perpendicular to the surface 356. Also, the antenna 35 transmits radio waves radially from the surface 356. That is, the antenna 35 transmits radio waves within the range of arrow c at position 172. The transmitted radio waves reach the wireless tag 431. Therefore, the antenna 35 (specifically, the antenna portion 351) receives the response radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag 431. The antenna 35 can read the information of the wireless tag 431. Also, the transmitted radio waves reach the wireless tag 432. Therefore, the antenna 35 (specifically, the antenna portion 351) receives the response radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag 432. The antenna 35 can read the information of the wireless tag 432.

[0041] Antenna 35 is located at the home position 156 as its initial position. When the reading of the wireless tag 43 is instructed in this state, the transmission of radio waves from antenna 35 is started. Also, when the reading of the wireless tag 43 is instructed, the belt conveyor 151 rotates, and the antenna 35 reciprocates within the range of the arrow 155. Specifically, when the belt conveyor 151 rotates, the guide member 152 moves toward the position 171. Then, the antenna 35 moves in the direction of the arrow 157 from the home position 156 toward the position 171 while transmitting radio waves. When the antenna 35 reaches the position 171, the belt conveyor 151 reverses. Then, the guide member 152 moves toward the home position 156. Then, the antenna 35 moves in the direction of the arrow 157 from the position 171 toward the home position 156 while transmitting radio waves.

[0042] When the antenna 35 returns to the home position 156, the guide member 152 moves toward the position 172. Then, the antenna 35 moves in the direction of the arrow 158 from the home position 156 toward the position 172 while transmitting radio waves. When the antenna 35 reaches the position 172, the belt conveyor 151 rotates forward. Then, the guide member 152 moves toward the home position 156. Then, the antenna 35 moves in the direction of the arrow 157 from the position 172 toward the home position 156 while transmitting radio waves.

[0043] In this way, when the antenna 35 moves from the home position 156 to the position 171 while transmitting radio waves, the surface 356 of the antenna 35 moves while gradually tilting to the left, so the surface 356 faces the direction of the product 42 stored in the basket 20 placed on the product placement section 14. Also, when the antenna 35 moves from the home position 156 to the position 172 while transmitting radio waves, the surface 356 of the antenna 35 moves while gradually tilting to the right, so the surface 356 faces the direction of the product 42 stored in the basket 20 placed on the product placement section 14.

[0044] Next, the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the wireless tag reader 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, a memory unit 54, and the like. The CPU 51 serves as the control main body. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 54 stores various programs. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, and the memory unit 54 are connected to each other via a bus 55. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, and the RAM 53 constitute a control unit 500. That is, the control unit 500 executes the control process of the wireless tag reader 10 described later by operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 52 and the memory unit 54 and expanded in the RAM 53 by the CPU 51.

[0045] The RAM 53 includes a product information unit 531. The product information unit 531 stores product information (product code, product name, product price, etc.) of the product 42 for which product registration processing has been performed.

[0046] The memory unit 54 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and stores a control program unit 541 that stores a control program for controlling the wireless tag reader 10 and a product master 542. The product master 542 stores product information of the product 42 in association with a product code for specifying the product 42.

[0047] In addition, the control unit 500 is connected to an operation unit 165, a display unit 161, a settlement terminal 164, a printer 166, a code reading unit 163, and a motor 167 via a bus 55 and a controller 56. The controller 56 controls the operation unit 165, the display unit 161, the settlement terminal 164, the printer 166, and the code reading unit 163 in response to instructions from the control unit 500. However, for convenience of explanation, it will be described as if the control unit 500 performs the control performed by the controller 56.

[0048] The operation unit 165 is a touch panel equipped with a keyboard such as a start key 1651, an end key 1652, and a confirmation key 1653, and is operated by an operator of the wireless tag reader 10. The start key 1651 is operated when starting the use of the wireless tag reader 10. The end key 1652 is operated when performing settlement with the wireless tag reader 10. The confirmation key 1653 is operated when confirming that the product information of all the products 42 stored in the basket 20 is displayed on the display unit 161.

[0049] The printer 166 issues a receipt on which product information and settlement information related to the settled product 42 are printed. The code reading unit 163 is a camera or an optical scanner that reads a code (for example, a two-dimensional code) displayed on a portable terminal (not shown) when performing application software settlement using the portable terminal. The settlement terminal 164 is a terminal operated when performing settlement using, for example, a credit card or an electronic money card. The motor 167 is a motor for reciprocally rotating the belt conveyor 151.

[0050] Also, the control unit 500 is connected to the communication unit 57 via the bus 55. The communication unit 57 is connected to a server installed in the store and another wireless tag reader 10 (both not shown) via a communication line (not shown). The communication unit 57 transmits and receives information to and from the server and another wireless tag reader 10 via the communication line L.

[0051] Next, the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 500 of the wireless tag reader 10 functions as a reading means 501, a settlement means 502, a moving means 503, and a moving stop means 504 by following the control program stored in the control program section 541 of the ROM 52 and the memory section 54.

[0052] The reading means 501 transmits radio waves that serve as the basis for the response wave from the wireless tag 43 from the antenna 35 while moving the antenna 35. Further, the reading means 501 reads, as a response wave to the transmitted radio wave, information for specifying the product 42 transmitted by the wireless tag 43 attached to the product 42 stored in the basket 20 placed on the product placement unit 14.

[0053] The settlement means 502 executes a settlement process based on the information of the product 42 read by the reading means 501. Specifically, the settlement means 502 executes a settlement process for the product 42 whose product information is stored in the product information unit 5531 and for which product registration processing has been performed based on the information of the product 42 read by the reading means 501.

[0054] The moving means 503 drives the antenna moving mechanism 30 to move the antenna 35. Specifically, the moving means 503 moves the antenna 35 to the antenna moving mechanism 30 when the start key 1651 is operated.

[0055] The movement stop means 504 determines the stop of the moving antenna 35. Specifically, the movement stop means 504 determines whether it is possible to stop the movement of the moving antenna 35. When the antenna 35 that has started moving from the home position 156 makes a round trip via the positions 171 and 172 and returns to the home position 156, the movement stop means 504 determines to stop the movement of the antenna 35 and stops it. When it is determined that the antenna 35 that has started moving from the home position 156 has not yet made a round trip, the movement stop means 504 determines not to stop the movement of the antenna 35 yet and does not stop it. Further, when the confirmation key 1653 is operated while the antenna 35 is moving, the movement stop means 504 determines to stop the movement of the antenna 35 and returns it to the home position 156 and stops it.

[0056] Next, the control of the wireless tag reader 10 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control process of the wireless tag reader 10. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 500 of the wireless tag reader 10 determines whether the start key 1651 corresponding to the image of the start key displayed on the display unit 161 has been operated (S11). It waits until it is operated (No in S11). When it is determined that the start key 1651 has been operated (Yes in S11), the moving means 503 rotates the belt conveyor 151 to start moving the antenna 35 from the home position 156 to the position 171 (S12). Also, the reading means 501 starts transmitting radio waves to the wireless tag 43 by the antenna 35 (S12). Further, the reading means 501 starts receiving radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag 43 by the antenna 35 (S12). The reading means 501 reads the received radio waves, reads out the acquired product information (product code specifying the product 42, product name, product price, etc.) from the product master 542, and stores it in the product information unit 531. The moving means 503 moves the antenna 35 over a round-trip distance from the home position 156 to the position 171, then from the position 171 to the position 172, and then from the position 172 back to the home position 156, at most.

[0057] Next, the movement stop means 504 determines whether the antenna 35 has made a round-trip movement (S13). If it is determined that it has not made a round-trip movement (No in S13), the movement stop means 504 determines whether the confirmation key 1653 has been operated (S14). When it is determined that it has made a round-trip movement (Yes in S13), and when it is determined that the confirmation key 1653 has been operated (Yes in S14), the movement stop means 504 stops the rotation of the belt conveyor 151 and stops the movement of the antenna 35 (S15).

[0058] Next, the control unit 500 determines whether the end key 1652 has been operated (S16). It waits until it is operated (No in S16). When it is determined that the end key 1652 has been operated (Yes in S16), the settlement means 502 executes a settlement process based on the product information stored in the product information unit 531 (S17). Then, the control unit 500 ends the process and returns to S11.

[0059] In addition, in S14, when it is determined that the operation is not the confirmation key 1653 (No in S14), the control unit 500 returns to S12 and continues the movement of the antenna 35, the transmission of radio waves from the antenna 35, and the reception of radio waves from the wireless tag 43.

[0060] The wireless tag reader 10 according to such an embodiment includes a product placement unit 14 on which the product 42 is placed, an antenna 35 provided near the product placement unit 14 and transmitting radio waves toward the wireless tag 43 attached to the placed product 42, and an antenna moving mechanism 30 that moves the antenna 35 in a concave curve with respect to the wireless tag 43 while changing the angle so that the surface 356 of the antenna 35 transmitting radio waves faces the direction of the wireless tag 43 attached to the product 42 placed on the product placement unit 14.

[0061] In such a wireless tag reader 10, while the antenna 35 moves and transmits radio waves from the surface 356 to the wireless tag 43, the surface 356 always faces the direction of the wireless tag 43. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 35 to reach the wireless tag 43.

[0062] As described above, the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been explained. However, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

[0063] For example, in the embodiment, the basket 20 containing the product 42 is placed on the product placement unit 14. However, it is not limited to this, and the product 42 may be directly placed on the product placement unit 14. That is, the basket 20 is not essential.

[0064] In addition, in the embodiment, the antenna 35 is moved to change the angle so that the surface 356 always faces the direction of the wireless tag 43, making it easier for the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 35 to reach the wireless tag 43 even when the shielding object 41 is interposed therebetween. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even when the shielding object 41 is not interposed therebetween, the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 35 can be made to reach the wireless tag 43 more easily.

[0065] In addition, in the embodiment, the antenna moving mechanism 30 is disposed below the bottom surface portion 141 of the product placing portion 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the antenna moving mechanism 30 may be provided, for example, on the side surface portion of the product placing portion 14.

[0066] In addition, in the embodiment, the antenna 35 is configured to move between the position 171 and the position 172 around the home position 156. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the antenna 35 may be moved so as to make one round around the wireless tag 43.

[0067] In addition, in the embodiment, around the home position 156, the antenna 35 is moved between the position 171 and the position 172 along an arc-shaped trajectory. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In short, while the antenna 35 moves from the home position 156 to the position 171, while moving from the position 171 to the position 172, and while moving from the position 172 to the home position 156, the antenna 35 may be moved so that the angle is changed so that the surface 356 always faces the direction of the wireless tag 43. For example, the antenna 35 may be moved along a trajectory in an elliptical shape (elliptical arc). When the antenna 35 is moved along an elliptical trajectory, at the beginning when the movement starts from the home position 156 to the position 171, the angle of the antenna 35 does not change much, and as it approaches the position 171, the angle of the antenna 35 changes rapidly. The same applies when the antenna 35 moves from the home position 156 to the position 172.

[0068] In the embodiment, a POS terminal that performs product registration processing and payment processing has been described as the wireless tag reader 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the wireless tag reader 10 may be a device that does not have the functions of performing product registration processing and payment processing.

[0069] Note that the program executed by the wireless tag reader 10 of the embodiment is provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in an installable format or an executable format file.

[0070] Alternatively, the program executed by the wireless tag reader 10 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Further, the program executed by the wireless tag reader 10 of the embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0071] Alternatively, the program executed by the wireless tag reader 10 of the embodiment may be configured to be provided by being pre-embedded in a ROM or the like, respectively.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 10 Wireless tag reader 14 Product placement section 20 Basket 30 Antenna movement mechanism 31 Base section 32 Guide section 33 Rail 35 Antenna 41 Shield 42 Product 141 Bottom surface section 147 Light-emitting section 148 Light-emitting section 149 Opening 151 Belt conveyor 152 Guide member 161 Display unit 165 Operation unit 167 Motor 168 Card reader 351 Antenna unit 352 Substrate unit 353 Base unit 354 Roller 355 Guide bar 356 Surface 431 Wireless tag 432 Wireless tag 500 Control unit 501 Reading means 502 Settlement means 503 Moving instruction signal output means 504 Moving stop means 531 Product information unit 1651 Start key 1652 End key 1653 Confirmation key

Prior art documents

Patent documents

[0073]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. A product placement section for placing products, An antenna provided near the product placement section for transmitting radio waves toward a wireless tag attached to the placed product, An antenna movement mechanism for moving the antenna in a concave curved shape, and comprising The antenna movement mechanism A guide section formed in the concave curved shape toward the product placement section, A rail formed on the guide section, and comprising The antenna has rollers, By engaging and rotating the rollers with the rail, the antenna is moved in the concave curved shape by the guide section, A wireless tag reader.

2. The concave curve is an arc, and the antenna movement mechanism moves the surface of the antenna in a concave arc-shaped locus with respect to the wireless tag as the antenna moves within the movable range of the antenna. The wireless tag reader according to claim 1.

3. The concave curve is an elliptical arc, and the antenna movement mechanism rapidly changes the angle of the surface of the antenna with respect to the wireless tag as the antenna moves in the vicinity of both ends rather than in the vicinity of the center of the movable range of the antenna. The wireless tag reader according to claim 1.

4. The antenna and the antenna movement mechanism are provided below the product placement section. The wireless tag reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Further comprising a control section for driving the antenna movement mechanism when a movement instruction signal of the antenna is output. The wireless tag reader according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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