Product sales data processing system, weighing device

Abstract

To provide a technology suitable for self-service sales.SOLUTION: A commodity sales data processing system includes a displacement detecting apparatus that detects displacement and a weighing instrument. The displacement detecting apparatus includes detecting means capable of detecting displacement of a host apparatus, storage means for storing identification information about the host apparatus, and output means for outputting the identification information stored in the storage means. The weighing instrument includes input means for accepting input of the identification information about the displacement detecting apparatus output from the output means, and display means for displaying commodity information associated with the identification information about the displacement detecting apparatus input by the input means. The displacement detecting apparatus is provided in a place to be changed in position when a container of a commodity is opened / closed, and when a predetermined displacement value is detected by the detecting means, outputs the identification information from the output means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing system. , weighing device Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a system is known in which, when a tray is pulled out of a showcase, an IC tag attached to the tray is detected by an antenna located on the frame of the showcase, and the product is identified from the detection results of the IC tag (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-18809 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a problem that this method is not suitable for self-service sales, as it requires the tray to be pulled out so that it can be detected by the antenna.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique suitable for self-service sales. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing system comprising a displacement detection device that detects displacement and a weighing device, wherein the displacement detection device comprises a detection means capable of detecting the displacement of the device itself, a memory means that stores identification information of the device itself, and an output means that outputs the identification information stored in the memory means, and the weighing device comprises an input means that inputs the identification information of the displacement detection device output by the output means, and a display means that displays product information associated with the identification information of the displacement detection device input by the input means, and the displacement detection device is placed in a location where its position changes when a product container is opened or closed, and when the detection means detects a predetermined displacement value, the output means outputs the identification information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an example of a network configuration of a sales processing system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the appearance of a tilt detection device 10. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a tilt detection device 10. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the function of the tilt detection device 10. FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating detection of tilt. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating detection of tilt. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating detection of tilt. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the appearance of a weighing device 20. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a weighing device 20. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of information stored in the weighing device 20. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of information stored in the weighing device 20. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of information stored in the weighing device 20. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of information stored in the weighing device 20. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a store to which the sales processing system 1 is applied. [Figure 13A] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the tilt detection device 10 installed in a container 300. FIG. [Figure 13B] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the tilt detection device 10 installed in a container 300. FIG. [Figure 14A] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the tilt detection device 10 installed in the container 400. FIG. [Figure 14B] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the tilt detection device 10 installed in the container 400. FIG. [Figure 15A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram outlining display control of product buttons. [Figure 15B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram outlining display control of product buttons; [Figure 15C] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram outlining display control of product buttons; [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart relating to display control of product buttons. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart relating to display control of product buttons. [Figure 18A] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display of product buttons on the weighing device 20. FIG. [Figure 18B] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display of product buttons on the weighing device 20. FIG. [Figure 18C] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display of product buttons on the weighing device 20. FIG. [Figure 18D] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display of product buttons on the weighing device 20. FIG. [Figure 19A] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display of product buttons on the weighing device 20. FIG. [Figure 19B] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display of product buttons on the weighing device 20. FIG. [Figure 19C] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display of product buttons on the weighing device 20. FIG. [Figure 19D]10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display of product buttons on the weighing device 20. FIG. [Figure 20A] 10 is an example of a display screen of the weighing device 20. [Figure 20B] 10 is an example of a display screen of the weighing device 20. [Figure 20C] 10 is an example of a display screen of the weighing device 20. [Figure 20D] 10 is an example of a display screen of the weighing device 20. [Figure 20E] 10 is an example of a display screen of the weighing device 20. [Figure 20F] 10 is an example of a display screen of the weighing device 20. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0009] The sales processing system 1 includes a plurality of tilt detection devices 10 and a weighing device 20. Each tilt detection device 10 and weighing device 20 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. In this example, taking into consideration the appearance when installed, an example is described in which the devices are connected wirelessly (for example, via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.), but they may also be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a wired connection.

[0010] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the appearance of the tilt detection device 10. The tilt detection device 10 is a sensor capable of detecting tilt (rotation). The tilt detection device 10 is installed (mounted) on an object whose tilt is to be detected (such as a food container in this embodiment) and detects tilting (rotation) of the object (or a part of the object). As shown in FIG. 2, the tilt detection device 10 has, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0011] The tilt detection device 10 has an operation unit 13 (buttons) on its top surface. The operation unit 13 is not intended to be operated by shoppers, but by persons other than shoppers (such as store clerks or maintenance personnel who provide the sales processing system 1). Because the operation unit 13 is intended to be operated by persons other than shoppers, the presence of the operation unit 13 itself is designed to be inconspicuous. Although the tilt detection device 10 shown in FIG. 2 has a cylindrical shape, the tilt detection device 10 may have other shapes. In other words, the shape of the tilt detection device 10 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the tilt (rotation) of an object.

[0012] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the tilt detection device 10. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the function of the tilt detection device 10. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram explaining the detection of tilt (rotation). In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, the tilt detection device 10 includes an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 11, a tilt detection unit 12, an operation unit 13, and a communication unit 14.

[0014] The MCU 11 is a microprocessor that controls the tilt detection device 10. The MCU 11 includes a processing unit and a storage unit (memory) etc. The MCU 11 controls the operation of the tilt detection device 10 by reading and executing a program (a program for controlling the tilt detection device 10) stored therein.

[0015] The tilt detection unit 12 is a tilt sensor that detects the tilt (rotation) of the tilt detection device 10. The tilt detection unit 12 detects the tilt angle (rotation angle) of the tilt detection device 10. For example, when the tilt detection device 10 tilts (rotates) in a certain direction, the tilt detection unit 12 can detect the tilt angle (rotation angle) of the tilting operation (rotation operation).

[0016] As described above, the operation unit 13 is a button, which is basically intended to be pressed by someone other than a shopper (such as a store clerk or a maintenance worker who provides the sales processing system 1).

[0017] The communication unit 14 transmits and receives information to and from other devices. For example, the communication unit 14 transmits information for identifying the tilt detection device 10 (detection device identification information) to the weighing device 20 by wireless communication.

[0018] The tilt detection device 10 may also have a clock function (timekeeping function). If the tilt detection device 10 has a clock function, it can measure, for example, the remaining time until a certain time or the elapsed time since a certain state was reached.

[0019] Although the tilt detection device 10 is configured to include the MCU 11 in FIG. 3, the tilt detection device 10 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM, and a RAM instead of the MCU 11.

[0020] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the function of the tilt detection device 10. Figs. 5A, 5B, and 5C are explanatory diagrams for explaining the detection of tilt (rotation). In Figs. 2 to 4, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 4, the MCU 11 of the tilt detection device 10 functions as a setting storage unit 100, an angle determination unit 102, and an operation determination unit 104. The functions of the tilt detection device 10 will be described below with reference to Figs. 4, 5A, 5B, and 5C. Note that in the description using Fig. 4, some or all of the contents already described with reference to Fig. 3 etc. will be omitted.

[0022] The setting storage unit 100 stores a set angle used for determination by the angle determination unit 102. The set angle is a preset angle for determining whether an object (such as a food container) whose tilt (rotation) is to be detected has entered an open state (a state in which food can be removed from the container, a state in which food is being released from the container, etc.). The set angle is a value (angle) that corresponds to the object. That is, a set angle (e.g., angle 1) for determining whether object A has entered an open state is set in the tilt detection device 10 installed on object A, and a set angle (e.g., angle 2) for determining whether object B has entered an open state is set in the tilt detection device 10 installed on object B. Furthermore, the setting storage unit 100 stores detection device identification information for the tilt detection device 10.

[0023] The tilt detection unit 12 detects the tilt (rotation) of the tilt detection device 10 and outputs information indicating the tilt angle (rotation angle) to the angle determination unit 102. For example, when the tilt detection device 10 tilts (rotates) from the attitude shown in FIG. 5A to the attitude shown in FIG. 5B, the tilt detection unit 12 outputs a degree as the tilt amount (rotation amount) to the angle determination unit 102 (or outputs +a degrees, including the tilt direction, to the angle determination unit 102). When the tilt detection device 10 tilts (rotates) from the attitude shown in FIG. 5C to the attitude shown in FIG. 5B, the tilt detection unit 12 outputs b degrees as the tilt amount (rotation amount) to the angle determination unit 102 (or outputs −b degrees, including the tilt direction, to the angle determination unit 102).

[0024] The operation unit 13 can detect whether or not the operation unit 13 has been operated. When the operation unit 13 has been operated, the operation unit 13 outputs to the operation determination unit 104 a message indicating that the operation has been performed (information indicating that the operation has been performed).

[0025] The angle determination unit 102 receives the tilt angle (rotation angle) from the tilt detection unit 12. When the angle determination unit 102 receives the tilt angle from the tilt detection unit 12, it determines whether the tilt angle received from the tilt detection unit 12 is equal to or greater than the set angle stored in the setting storage unit 100. When the tilt angle received from the tilt detection unit 12 is equal to or greater than the set angle stored in the setting storage unit 100, the angle determination unit 102 notifies the communication unit 14 of the detection device identification information stored in the setting storage unit 100, and controls the communication unit 14 to transmit the detection device identification information of the tilt detection device 10 to the weighing device 20.

[0026] If the tilt angle input from tilt detection unit 12 is equal to or greater than the set angle stored in setting storage unit 100, it can be inferred that food has been removed from the container (FIGS. 13B and 14B). Therefore, angle determination unit 102 can also be said to be an estimation means for inferring that food has been removed from a container. In other words, tilt detection device 10 equipped with angle determination unit 102 can also be said to be an estimation device for inferring that food has been removed from a container.

[0027] The operation determination unit 104 receives an input of information indicating that an operation has been performed from the operation unit 13. When the operation determination unit 104 receives an input of information indicating that an operation has been performed from the tilt detection unit 12, the operation determination unit 104 controls the communication unit 14 to transmit the detection device identification information of the tilt detection device 10 to the weighing device 20.

[0028] The communication unit 14 transmits the detection device identification information of the tilt detection device 10 to the weighing device 20 under the control of the angle determination unit 102 (or the operation determination unit 104).

[0029] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the appearance of the weighing device 20. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the weighing device 20. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. The configuration of the weighing device 20 shown in FIG. 7 will be described below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0030] The weighing device 20 includes a CPU 21 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a scanner unit 24, a weighing unit 25, a touch display 26, an audio output unit 27, a printing unit 28, and a communication unit 29.

[0031] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the weighing device 20 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 22 .

[0032] The ROM 22 is a read-only memory, and stores various information used by the CPU 21, including programs, for example.

[0033] RAM23 is a read / write memory that stores various information, such as information read from ROM22, information received from an external device (such as a management device not shown in FIG. 1), and information (registration data) generated during the registration process for registering a product.

[0034] The scanner unit 24 optically reads various types of information. For example, the scanner unit 24 reads various codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.). Note that the scanner unit 24 is not shown in Figures 12, 20A, etc.

[0035] The weighing unit 25 weighs the product to be weighed placed on the platform 25d using a weight detection method using a load cell, for example.

[0036] The touch display 26 displays various information to customers and also has a touch panel, functioning as an operation unit.

[0037] The audio output unit 27 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs audio guidance and the like.

[0038] The printing unit 28 is a printer device that issues media. For example, the printing unit 28 generates (prints) a printed matter (hereinafter also referred to as a "label") on which information about the product to be weighed (such as a barcode indicating the price) is printed, and discharges (issues) the printed matter from the label discharge port 28a.

[0039] The communication unit 29 transmits and receives information to and from other devices. For example, the communication unit 29 receives information transmitted by the tilt detection device 10. The communication unit 29 also transmits and receives information to and from external devices (for example, a management device not shown in FIG. 1).

[0040] The weighing device 20 also has a clock function (timekeeping function), so the weighing device 20 can measure, for example, the remaining time until a certain time or the elapsed time since a certain state was reached.

[0041] Although the weighing device 20 is configured to include a CPU 21, a ROM 22, and a RAM 22 in FIG. 7, the weighing device 20 may be configured to include an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) instead.

[0042] 8 to 12 show examples of information stored in the weighing device 20. The weighing device 20 stores a product file (also called a product master) that holds basic product information (product name, price, etc.). For example, the weighing device 20 stores a product file (also called a product master) such as that shown in FIG. 8. For example, the weighing device 20 receives a product file such as that shown in FIG. 8 from an external device (such as a management device not shown in FIG. 1) and stores it in RAM 23.

[0043] The product file shown in Figure 8 includes data items such as product identification information, product name, measurement category, unit price, and unit weight. Product identification information is identification information that identifies each product. Product name is the name of the product.

[0044] The measurement category is a category related to measurement. Measurement category "0" is the measurement category corresponding to "unspecified weight." Unspecified weight is a sales method in which the selling price is determined based on a preset unit price per unit weight ("100g" in this embodiment) and the weight to be sold (measured value). For products in measurement category "0 (unspecified weight)," the weight to be sold is required to determine the selling price, so weighing using the weighing device 20 is required.

[0045] When the measurement category is "0 (unfixed weight)," the unit price column stores the unit price per unit weight, and the unit weight column stores the unit weight. For example, for a product with product identification information "SH001" (product name "AAA"), the unit price per 100g is stored as 250 yen. Therefore, for a product with the product name "AAA," if the weight is 50g, the selling price will be 125 yen, and if the weight is 200g, the selling price will be 500 yen.

[0046] Measurement category "1" is the measurement category corresponding to "fixed weight." Fixed weight is a sales method in which the selling price is determined based on a preset unit price per unit quantity ("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 sales price is determined from the calculated quantity of the product and the unit price per unit quantity, so weighing using weighing device 20 is necessary. Note that weight errors of individual items may be corrected using an accuracy correction function provided in counting scales, etc.

[0047] 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, for a product with product identification information "SH103" (product name "ABC"), it is stored that the unit price per unit (weight 80g) is 90. Therefore, for a product with product name "ABC", if the weight is about 85g, the selling price will be 90 yen for one unit, and if the weight is about 150g, the selling price will be 180 yen for two units.

[0048] Measurement category "2" is the measurement category corresponding to "fixed price." Fixed price is a sales method in which the sales price is determined based on a preset unit price per unit quantity ("1 unit" in this embodiment) and the sales quantity entered as the number of units placed. For products in measurement category "2 (fixed price)," the sales quantity is determined by the number of units placed, regardless of weight, so weighing using the weighing device 20 is not required.

[0049] When the measurement category is "2 (fixed price)", the unit price column stores the unit price per quantity (nothing is stored in the unit weight column). For example, for a product with product identification information "SH150" (product name "AAAA"), the unit price per unit is stored as 120. Therefore, for a product with product name "AAAA", if the quantity input value is 1, the sales price will be 120 yen for one unit, and if the quantity input value is 2, the sales price will be 240 yen for two units.

[0050] The weighing device 20 also stores a setting file for buttons (product buttons) corresponding to each product that are operably displayed on the touch display 26. For example, the weighing device 20 stores a product button setting file such as that shown in Fig. 9 in the RAM 22. The weighing device 20 may also receive a product button setting file such as that shown in Fig. 9 from an external device (for example, a management device not shown in Fig. 1) and store it in the RAM 23.

[0051] The message displayed on the screen of the weighing device 20 varies depending on the type of product. For example, for products in weighing category "0" and weighing category "1," a message such as "Please load the product" is displayed, and for products in weighing category "2," a message such as "Please enter the quantity" is displayed.

[0052] The product button setting file shown in FIG. 9 includes the following data items: product identification information, product button identification information, and button image. Product identification information is identification information that identifies an individual product. Product button identification information is identification information that identifies a product button. Button image is image data of a product button. In other words, the product button setting file shown in FIG. 9 stores the relationship between a product and a product button. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the button image field stores the actual button image (the file name of the button image), but a uniform resource identifier (URI) indicating the location of the button image may also be stored. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18A etc., the button image is displayed as a product button on the touch display 26 of the weighing device 20, but if the corresponding button image (button image file) does not exist (is not stored or cannot be found), the product name may be displayed instead.

[0053] The weighing device 20 also stores a setting file related to the tilt detection device 10. For example, the weighing device 20 stores a detection device setting file such as that shown in Fig. 10 in the RAM 22. The weighing device 20 may receive a detection device setting file such as that shown in Fig. 10 from an external device (for example, a management device not shown in Fig. 1) and store it in the RAM 23.

[0054] The detection device setting file shown in Fig. 10 includes detection device identification information and product button identification information as data items. The detection device identification information is information for identifying the tilt detection device 10. The product button identification information is identification information for identifying the product buttons. In other words, the detection device setting file shown in Fig. 10 stores the relationship between the tilt detection device 10 and the product buttons.

[0055] The weighing device 20 also stores a control table for controlling the display of product buttons. For example, the weighing device 20 stores a product button display control table such as that shown in Fig. 11 in the RAM 22. Each piece of data stored in the product button display control table is also referred to as product button display control information.

[0056] As will be described in detail later, the weighing device 20 generates product button display control information based on receiving detection device identification information from the tilt detection device 10. The weighing device 20 also erases the product button display control information based on the product button being operated (touched) or based on the passage of a predetermined time from the time of generation.

[0057] The product button display control table (product button display control information) shown in FIG. 11 includes the following data items: reception time, detection device identification information, product button identification information, and automatic deletion time. The reception time is the time when the detection device identification information is received from the tilt detection device 10. In other words, the reception time is the time when the product button display control information is generated. The detection device identification information is information that identifies the tilt detection device 10, and more specifically, is the detection device identification information received from the tilt detection device 10. The product button identification information is identification information that identifies the product button, and more specifically, is the product button identification information corresponding to the detection device identification information received from the tilt detection device 10. The automatic deletion time is the time when the product button display control information is automatically deleted (i.e., without operating the product button).

[0058] Note that the product button display control table (product button display control information) shown in Figure 11 includes both detection device identification information and product button identification information, but since the correspondence between the detection device identification information and the product button identification information (the correspondence between the tilt detection device 10 and the product buttons) is understood from other information (specifically, the detection device setting file shown in Figure 10), the product button display control table (product button display control information) may include either the detection device identification information or the product button identification information.

[0059] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a store to which the sales processing system 1 is applied. FIG. 12 shows the interior of the store. The back right side of the screen is a display area for products (products sold by weight, such as dried fruits, nuts, and seeds). The front left side of the screen is a weighing area.

[0060] In the display area, containers 300 are arranged by type of dried fruit. Each container 300 has a top lid 310. A tilt detector 10 is installed on the top lid 310. Specifically, the tilt detector 10 is fixedly installed on the top lid 310 so that when the top lid 310 is tilted, the tilt detector 10 also tilts in accordance with the tilt of the top lid 310. A customer lifts the top lid 310 of the container 300 to remove the desired dried fruit (contents contained in the container 300) from the container 300. When the customer lifts the top lid 310 of the container 300, the tilt detector 10 can detect the tilt angle (rotation angle) of the top lid 310 (i.e., the tilt detector 10).

[0061] In the display area, containers 400 are also arranged by type of nuts or beans. Each container 400 has a push-down section 410. A tilt detection device 10 (not shown) is installed in the push-down section 410. Specifically, the tilt detection device 10 is fixedly installed in the push-down section 410 so that when the push-down section 410 tilts, the tilt detection device 10 also tilts in accordance with the tilt of the push-down section 410. A customer pushes down the push-down section 410 of a container 400 to remove the desired nuts or beans (contents contained in the container 400) from the container 400. When a customer pushes down the push-down section 410 of a container 400, the tilt detection device 10 can detect the tilt angle (rotation angle) of the push-down section 410 (i.e., the tilt detection device 10).

[0062] The weighing area is equipped with a weighing device 20. After a customer picks up a desired product from the display area, they move to the weighing area with the product and have it weighed using the weighing device 20.

[0063] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing the state of the tilt detection device 10 installed in the container 300. FIG. 13A shows a state in which the top lid 310 is not lifted (a state in which products cannot be removed; closed state). FIG. 13B shows a state in which the top lid 310 is lifted (a state in which products can be removed; open state). When the top lid 310 is lifted from the state shown in FIG. 13A to the state shown in FIG. 13B, the tilt detection device 10 detects the angle of tilt (angle of rotation) from the state shown in FIG. 13A to the state shown in FIG. 13B.

[0064] 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams showing the state of the tilt detection device 10 installed in the container 400. FIG. 14A shows a state in which the push-down portion 410 is not pushed down (a state in which products are not released from the release port 420; closed state). FIG. 14B shows a state in which the push-down portion 410 is pushed down (a state in which products are released from the release port 420; open state). When the push-down portion 410 is pushed down from the state in FIG. 14A to the state in FIG. 14B, the tilt detection device 10 detects the angle of tilt (angle of rotation) of the container from the state in FIG. 14A to the state in FIG. 14B.

[0065] 15A, 15B, and 15C are explanatory diagrams outlining the product button display control. Specifically, Fig. 15A explains that when the tilt detection device 10 detects a tilt (rotation) equal to or greater than a set angle, the product button display control table for controlling the display of product buttons in the weighing device 20 is updated.

[0066] Step S10: The tilt detection device 10 detects a tilt (rotation) equal to or greater than the set angle. In other words, the tilt detection device 10 determines that the detected tilt angle (rotation angle) is equal to or greater than the set angle. More specifically, the tilt detection unit 12 of the tilt detection device 10 detects the tilt (rotation), and the angle determination unit 102 of the tilt detection device 10 references the set angle stored in the setting storage unit 100 and determines that the tilt angle (rotation angle) is equal to or greater than the set angle.

[0067] For example, if the tilt detection device 10 installed on the container 300 is set to a tilt amount of 70 degrees as the set angle for determining whether the container 300 is in an open state, the tilt detection device 10 (the tilt detection device 10 installed on the container 300) determines that the tilt angle (rotation angle) is 70 degrees or more (step S10). Also, if the tilt detection device 10 installed on the container 400 is set to a tilt amount of 50 degrees as the set angle for determining whether the container 400 is in an open state, the tilt detection device 10 (the tilt detection device 10 installed on the container 400) determines that the tilt angle (rotation angle) is 50 degrees or more (step S10). In other words, step S10 indicates that a tilt angle (rotation angle) equal to or greater than the set angle for each container has been detected.

[0068] Step S11: The tilt detection device 10 that has detected a tilt (rotation) equal to or greater than a set angle transmits the detection device identification information of the tilt detection device 10 to the weighing device 20.

[0069] Step S20: The weighing device 20 receives the detection device identification information transmitted from the tilt detection device 10.

[0070] Step S21: The weighing device 20 updates the product button display control table. Specifically, the weighing device 20 adds one item of product button display control information including the detection device identification information to the product button display control table.

[0071] Step S22: The weighing device 20 controls the display of the product buttons based on the product button display control table, as will be described in detail later.

[0072] 15A shows the operation of the tilt detection device 10 and the weighing device 20 when the tilt detection device 10 detects a tilt (rotation) equal to or greater than a set angle, but the same applies when the operation unit 13 of the tilt detection device 10 is operated. In other words, when the tilt detection device 10 detects a tilt equal to or greater than a set angle (step SS10), the flow is the same as the flow described above (steps S11, S20, S21, S22), but when the tilt detection device 10 detects an operation of the operation unit 13, the same flow (steps S11, S20, S21, S22) also occurs.

[0073] FIG. 15B illustrates that the product button display control table related to the display control of product buttons on the weighing device 20 is updated in relation to the operation (touch) of a product button displayed on the weighing device 20.

[0074] Step S23: The weighing device 20 detects a touch on a product button displayed on the touch display 26.

[0075] Step S24: The weighing device 20 updates the product button display control table. Specifically, the weighing device 20 deletes one item of product button display control information, including the product button identification information that identifies the product button on which the touch was detected, from the product button display control table.

[0076] Step S25: The weighing device 20 controls the display of the product buttons based on the product button display control table, as will be described in detail later.

[0077] FIG. 15C illustrates that the product button display control table, which is related to the display control of product buttons in the weighing device 20, is updated in relation to the passage of a predetermined time since the generation of the button display control information.

[0078] Step S26: The weighing device 20 detects button display control information that is subject to automatic deletion (button display control information for which a predetermined time has passed since its creation). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11, the button display control information sets the automatic deletion time as the predetermined time after the reception time (five minutes after the reception time in the example of Fig. 11), so the weighing device 20 detects button display control information in the button display control table that has reached the automatic deletion time.

[0079] Step S27: The weighing device 20 updates the product button display control table. Specifically, the weighing device 20 deletes from the product button display control table any product button display control information that has been generated for a predetermined time.

[0080] Step S28: The weighing device 20 controls the display of the product buttons based on the product button display control table, as will be described in detail later.

[0081] Figures 16 and 17 are flowcharts relating to the display control of product buttons. The display control of product buttons in the weighing device 20 shown in Figures 15A, 15B, and 15C will be explained in more detail using Figures 16 and 17. The flowchart in Figure 16 is repeatedly executed, for example, when the power is on. The flowchart in Figure 17 is a continuation of the flowchart in Figure 16.

[0082] 16, step S100: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not it has received the detection device identification information. If it determines that it has received the detection device identification information (step S100: YES), it proceeds to step S101. If it determines that it has not received the detection device identification information (step S100: NO), it proceeds to step S110.

[0083] When the tilt detection device 10 detects a tilt (rotation) equal to or greater than the set angle, it transmits the detection device identification information of the tilt detection device 10 to the weighing device 20 (see step S10 in FIG. 15A). As described above, when the operation unit 13 is operated, the tilt detection device 10 also transmits the detection device identification information of the tilt detection device 10 to the weighing device 20, just as when the tilt detection device 10 detects a tilt (rotation) equal to or greater than the set angle.

[0084] Step S101: The weighing device 20 updates the product button display control table. Specifically, the weighing device 20 adds one item of product button display control information including the detection device identification information to the product button display control table. More specifically, the weighing device 20 adds one item of product button display control information to the product button display control table, setting the current time as the information in the "Receipt Time" field, setting the detection device identification information as the information in the "Detection Device Identification Information" field, setting product button identification information corresponding to the detection device identification information obtained by referencing the detection device settings file as the information in the "Product Button Identification Information" field, and setting a predetermined time (e.g., five minutes) after the reception time (current time) as the information in the "Automatic Deletion Time" field. Then, the weighing device 20 proceeds to step S124 in FIG. 17.

[0085] Step S110: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not a product button displayed on the touch display 26 has been touched. If it determines that a product button has been touched (Step S110: YES), the process proceeds to Step S111. If it determines that a product button has not been touched (Step S110: NO), the process proceeds to Step S120 in FIG. 17.

[0086] Step S111: The weighing device 20 determines whether there are multiple pieces of product button display control information (product button display control information corresponding to the product button) including product button identification information that identifies the product button in question in the product button display control table. If it is determined that there are multiple pieces of product button display control information (step S111: YES), the process proceeds to step S113. If it is determined that there are not multiple pieces of product button display control information (step S111: NO), the process proceeds to step S112.

[0087] As will be described later, in this example, the weighing device 20 displays a single product button for a product button for which there is one or more pieces of product button display control information including product button identification information that identifies the product button in the product button display control table, and does not display a product button for which there is no product button display control information including product button identification information that identifies the product button. Therefore, when a product button is touched (step S110: YES), it means that there is at least one piece of product button display control information corresponding to the touched product button in the product button display control table.

[0088] Step S112: The weighing device 20 updates the product button display control table. Specifically, the weighing device 20 deletes one item of product button display control information that includes the product button identification information that identifies the product button in question from the product button display control table. In other words, although there is only one item of product button display control information that includes the product button identification information that identifies the product button in question (the touched product button) in the product button display control table (Step S111: NO), the weighing device 20 deletes this one item of product button display control information from the product button display control table. Therefore, after the update (deletion) in Step S112, the product button display control table will no longer contain any product button display control information that includes the product button identification information that identifies the product button in question. Then, proceed to Step S124 in FIG. 17.

[0089] Step S113: The weighing device 20 updates the product button display control table. Specifically, the weighing device 20 deletes the oldest received item from the product button display control table among the multiple items of product button display control information that include product button identification information that identifies the product button. In other words, although the product button display control table contains multiple items of product button display control information that include product button identification information that identifies the product button (the touched product button) (Step S111: YES), the weighing device 20 deletes the oldest item from the product button display control table. Therefore, after the update (deletion) in Step S113, the product button display control table still contains one or more items of product button display control information that include product button identification information that identifies the product button. Then, the process proceeds to Step S124 in FIG. 17.

[0090] In step S120 of FIG. 17, the weighing device 20 determines whether the execution waiting time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed for the process (step S121) of determining whether there is button display control information to be automatically deleted (button display control information for which a predetermined time has elapsed since its creation (five minutes in the example of FIG. 11)). That is, the weighing device 20 is designed to automatically delete button display control information for which a predetermined time has elapsed since its creation without requiring touching of a product button (step S122), but in consideration of the load, an execution waiting time (e.g., 5 seconds) is set for the process (step S121) of determining whether there is relevant button display control information (button display control information for which a predetermined time has elapsed since its creation). The execution waiting time may be measured, for example, using a timer. If it is determined that the execution waiting time has elapsed (step S120: YES), the process proceeds to step S121. If it is determined that the execution waiting time has not elapsed (step S120: NO), the process proceeds to step S124.

[0091] Step S121: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not there is button display control information to be automatically deleted. If it is determined that there is button display control information to be automatically deleted (Step S121: YES), the process proceeds to Step S122. If it is determined that there is no button display control information to be automatically deleted (Step S121: NO), the process proceeds to Step S123.

[0092] Step S122: The weighing device 20 updates the product button display control table. Specifically, the weighing device 20 deletes all button display control information that has reached the automatic deletion time from the product button display control table. Then, the process proceeds to step S123.

[0093] Step S123: The weighing device 20 initializes the timer (the timer that measures the execution waiting time) used in the process of step S121, and then proceeds to step S124.

[0094] Step S124: The weighing device 20 determines whether the screen currently displayed on the touch display 26 is a screen capable of displaying product buttons. A screen capable of displaying product buttons is a screen on which the user can select (specify) the product to be weighed (for example, the screens shown in Figures 20B and 20C). If it is determined that the screen is capable of displaying product buttons (Step S124: YES), the process proceeds to Step S130. If it is determined that the screen is not capable of displaying product buttons (Step S124: NO), the process ends.

[0095] Step S130: The weighing device 20 controls the display of product buttons based on the product button display control table. Specifically, for product buttons for which there is one or more pieces of product button display control information including product button identification information that identifies the product button in the product button display control table, the weighing device 20 displays the product button, and for product buttons for which there is no product button display control information including product button identification information that identifies the product button, the weighing device 20 does not display the product button. Relatedly, the product button for a certain product is displayed on the condition that there is one or more pieces of product button display control information including product button identification information that identifies the product in the product button display control table.

[0096] 18A to 19D are explanatory diagrams illustrating the display of product buttons on the weighing device 20. The right side of FIG. 18A (and other figures) schematically illustrates the storage status of product button display control information (detection device identification information and product button identification information excerpted) in the product button display control table. The left side of FIG. 18A (and other figures) schematically illustrates the display status of product buttons on (a part of) the touch display 26 corresponding to the right side. The storage status of the product button display control information and the display status of the product buttons transition as follows: FIG. 18A → FIG. 18B → FIG. 18C → FIG. 18D → FIG. 19A → FIG. 19B → FIG. 19C → FIG. 19D.

[0097] Figure 18A shows the situation after the tilt detection device 10 (detection device identification information "K001") detects a tilt (rotation) greater than the set angle (or detects operation of the operation unit 13) and sends the detection device identification information "K001" to the weighing device 20, starting from a situation where no product button display control information is stored in the product button display control table (the situation shown in Figure 19D).

[0098] 18A shows a situation in which one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K001" and the product button identification information "B001" is stored in the product button display control table. In other words, the weighing device 20 has received the detection device identification information "K001" from the tilt detection device 10 (detection device identification information "K001"), and therefore stores product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K001" and the product button identification information "B001" corresponding to the detection device identification information "K001" in the product button display control table.

[0099] 18A shows a situation in which a product button (button image Button-AAA) corresponding to product AAA (product name "AAA") is displayed on the touch display 26. That is, the weighing device 20 stores one piece of product button display control information, including product button identification information "B001" that identifies product AAA, in the product button display control table, and therefore displays the product button for product AAA on the touch display 26.

[0100] Figure 18B shows the situation after the tilt detection device 10 (detection device identification information "K004") detects a tilt (rotation) greater than the set angle (or detects operation of the operating unit 13) from the situation shown in Figure 18A and transmits the detection device identification information "K004" to the weighing device 20.

[0101] 18B shows a situation in which one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K001" and the product button identification information "B001" and one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K004" and the product button identification information "B020" are stored in the product button display control table. In other words, since the weighing device 20 received the detection device identification information "K004" from the tilt detection device 10 (detection device identification information "K004"), the weighing device 20 stores in the product button display control table product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K004" and the product button identification information "B020" corresponding to the detection device identification information "K004."

[0102] 18B shows a situation in which a product button corresponding to product AAA and a product button (button image Button-DDD) corresponding to product DDD (product name "DDD") are displayed on the touch display 26. In other words, the weighing device 20 stores, in the product button display control table, one piece of product button display control information including product button identification information "B001" that identifies product AAA, and one piece of product button display control information including product button identification information "B020" that identifies product DDD, and therefore displays a product button for product AAA and a product button for product DDD on the touch display 26.

[0103] Figure 18C shows the situation after the tilt detection device 10 (detection device identification information "K001") detects a tilt (rotation) greater than the set angle (or detects operation of the operating unit 13) from the situation shown in Figure 18B and transmits the detection device identification information "K001" to the weighing device 20.

[0104] 18C shows a situation in which two pieces of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K001" and the product button identification information "B001" and one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K004" and the product button identification information "B020" are stored in the product button display control table. In other words, since the weighing device 20 received the detection device identification information "K001" from the tilt detection device 10 (detection device identification information "K001"), the weighing device 20 stores in the product button display control table the product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K001" and the product button identification information "B001" corresponding to the detection device identification information "K001."

[0105] 18C shows a situation in which a product button corresponding to product AAA and a product button corresponding to product DDD are displayed on the touch display 26. In other words, the weighing device 20 stores, in the product button display control table, two pieces of product button display control information including the product button identification information "B001" that identifies product AAA, and one piece of product button display control information including the product button identification information "B020" that identifies product DDD, and therefore displays a product button for product AAA and a product button for product DDD on the touch display 26.

[0106] Figure 18D shows the situation after the tilt detection device 10 (detection device identification information "K003") detects a tilt (rotation) greater than the set angle (or detects operation of the operating unit 13) from the situation shown in Figure 18C and transmits the detection device identification information "K003" to the weighing device 20.

[0107] 18D shows a situation in which the product button display control table stores two pieces of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K001" and the product button identification information "B001," one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K004" and the product button identification information "B020," and one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K003" and the product button identification information "B008." In other words, since the weighing device 20 received the detection device identification information "K003" from the tilt detection device 10 (the detection device identification information is "K003"), the weighing device 20 stores in the product button display control table product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K003" and the product button identification information "B008" corresponding to the detection device identification information "K003."

[0108] 18D shows a situation in which a product button corresponding to product AAA, a product button corresponding to product DDD, and a product button (button image Button-CCC) corresponding to product CCC (product name "CCC") are displayed on the touch display 26. In other words, the weighing device 20 stores, in the product button display control table, two pieces of product button display control information each containing the product button identification information "B001" that identifies product AAA, one piece of product button display control information each containing the product button identification information "B020" that identifies product DDD, and one piece of product button display control information each containing the product button identification information "B008" that identifies product CCC, and therefore displays the product buttons for product AAA, product DDD, and product CCC on the touch display 26.

[0109] FIG. 19A shows the situation after the product button for product AAA (button image Button-AAA) is touched in the situation shown in FIG. 18D.

[0110] 19A shows a situation in which the product button display control table stores one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K004" and the product button identification information "B020," one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K001" and the product button identification information "B001," and one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K003" and the product button identification information "B008." In other words, because the product button for product AAA was touched, the weighing device 20 erases one (the oldest) of the two pieces of product button display control information stored in the product button display control table that include the product button identification information "B001" of the product button for product AAA.

[0111] 19A shows a situation in which a product button corresponding to product AAA, a product button corresponding to product DDD, and a product button corresponding to product CCC are displayed on the touch display 26. In other words, the weighing device 20 stores, in the product button display control table, one piece of product button display control information including product button identification information "B020" that identifies product DDD, one piece of product button display control information including product button identification information "B001" that identifies product AAA, and one piece of product button display control information including product button identification information "B008" that identifies product CCC, and therefore displays product buttons for product DDD, product AAA, and product CCC on the touch display 26.

[0112] FIG. 19B shows a state after the product button (button image Button-DDD) of product DDD is touched in the state shown in FIG. 19A.

[0113] 19B shows a situation in which one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K001" and the product button identification information "B001" and one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K003" and the product button identification information "B008" are stored in the product button display control table. In other words, because the product button of product DDD was touched, the weighing device 20 erases the product button display control information including the product button identification information "B020" of the product button of product DDD that is stored in the product button display control table.

[0114] 19B shows a situation in which a product button corresponding to product AAA and a product button corresponding to product CCC are displayed on the touch display 26. In other words, the weighing device 20 stores, in the product button display control table, one piece of product button display control information including the product button identification information "B001" that identifies product AAA, and one piece of product button display control information including the product button identification information "B008" that identifies product CCC, and therefore displays a product button for product AAA and a product button for product CCC on the touch display 26.

[0115] FIG. 19C shows the situation after the product button for product AAA (button image Button-AAA) is touched in the situation shown in FIG. 19B.

[0116] The right part of Fig. 19C shows a situation in which one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information "K003" and the product button identification information "B008" is stored in the product button display control table. In other words, because the product button for product AAA was touched, the weighing device 20 erases the product button display control information including the product button identification information "B001" of the product button for product AAA that is stored in the product button display control table.

[0117] 19C shows a situation in which a product button corresponding to product CCC is displayed on the touch display 26. That is, the weighing device 20 stores one piece of product button display control information, including product button identification information "B008" that identifies product CCC, in the product button display control table, and therefore displays the product button for product CCC on the touch display 26.

[0118] Figure 19D shows the situation after one piece of product button display control information including product button identification information "B008" that identifies product CCC has been automatically erased (without operating the product button of product CCC) from the situation shown in Figure 19C.

[0119] The right part of Fig. 19D shows a situation where no product button display control information is stored in the product button display control table, and the left part of Fig. 19D shows a situation where no product buttons are displayed on the touch display 26.

[0120] 20A to 20F are examples of display screens on the weighing device 20. FIG. 20A is an example of the initial screen of the weighing device 20. FIGS. 20B and 20C are examples of product selection screens for selecting (specifying) and searching for products to be weighed. Note that FIG. 20B is a product selection screen that does not display product buttons. FIG. 20C is a product selection screen that displays product buttons. FIG. 20D is an example of a label issuance screen after the products have been weighed. FIGS. 20E and 20F are examples of announcement screens after the labels have been issued.

[0121] Among the products sold by weight, there are products sold by weight that use the tilt detection device 10 (products sold by weight that are contained in containers 300, 400, etc. in which the tilt detection device 10 is installed, such as nuts), and products sold by weight that do not use the tilt detection device 10 (products sold by weight that are not contained in containers, such as large products such as watermelons).

[0122] When the weighing device 20 is not being operated, the weighing device 20 displays the initial screen of Fig. 20A. When the start button is touched on the initial screen of Fig. 20A, the weighing device 20 displays the product selection screen of Fig. 20B or Fig. 20C.

[0123] The top of the product selection screen has an area for displaying the measurement value, unit weight, and price. The bottom of the product selection screen has a virtual keyboard and virtual numeric keypad. The center of the product selection screen has an area for displaying product buttons (product button area). The product buttons displayed in the product button area can be switched using tabs. The tabs "Nuts," "Hot Items," "Fruits," and "Vegetables" are tabs related to the respective products. When the "Nuts" tab is selected, the product button area displays a list of product buttons for all products that include nuts. The same applies when the "Hot Items," "Fruits," or "Vegetables" tab is selected. The "Selected Items" tab is a tab related to the products selected by the customer. When the "Selected Items" tab is selected, the product button area displays the product buttons based on the detection results of the tilt detection device 10, that is, the product buttons for the products selected by the customer (a list is displayed if multiple products are selected). That is, the product buttons displayed by the tab "Selected Items" are a part of the product buttons for all products (product buttons displayed by any of the other tabs).

[0124] When the weighing device 20 is not being operated and at least one item of product button display control information is stored in the product button display control table, the weighing device 20 may display the product selection screen of Fig. 20C (a product selection screen with product buttons arranged) instead of the initial screen of Fig. 20A. In other words, when the weighing device 20 displays a product selection screen with product buttons arranged after the start button on the initial screen of Fig. 20A is touched, the weighing device 20 may display the product selection screen with product buttons arranged from the beginning.

[0125] A customer purchasing a bulk product (such as nuts) using the tilt detection device 10 touches a product button on the product selection screen (product selection screen in FIG. 20C) to select the product to be weighed. The customer then places the product (the product corresponding to the touched product button) on platform 25d. The weighing device 20 weighs the product placed on platform 25d and, referring to the product file (FIG. 8), calculates and displays the price based on the weight of the product (the product corresponding to the touched product button). The customer confirms the price and performs an operation to print a label (such as touching the print button in FIG. 20D). The weighing device 20 prints a label based on the operation to print the label. After printing the label, the weighing device 20 displays an announcement screen (FIGS. 20E and 20F). The customer removes the product from platform 25d and affixes the label printed by the weighing device 20 to the product (or its packaging).

[0126] As mentioned above, customers who purchase bulk merchandise using the tilt detection device 10 normally select a product button from the "Selected Items" tab, but if the product button for the relevant product is automatically deleted over time or if the product button for the relevant product is not displayed due to a malfunction of the tilt detection device 10, they can select the tab corresponding to the relevant product and then select the tab for the relevant product from the list of product buttons. In other words, product selection using the product button is possible even with the payment device 20 alone.

[0127] A customer purchasing a bulk product (such as a watermelon) that does not use a tilt detection device 10 searches for a product to be weighed on the product selection screen (product selection screen of FIG. 20B or FIG. 20C) using the virtual keyboard displayed at the bottom of the screen. The customer then places the product to be weighed (the searched product) on platform 25d. Weighing device 20 weighs the product placed on platform 25d and refers to the product file (FIG. 8) to calculate and display the price based on the weight of the product to be weighed (the searched product). The customer confirms the price and performs operations to issue a label. Weighing device 20 issues a label based on the operations to issue a label. After issuing the label, weighing device 20 displays an announcement screen (FIGS. 20E and 20F). The customer removes the product from platform 25d and affixes the label issued by weighing device 20 to the product (or its packaging).

[0128] The above describes the embodiments, but the above embodiments are merely examples and the specific configurations are not limited to the above embodiments, and also include designs within the scope of the invention that do not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0129] For example, although the tilt detector 10 shown in FIG. 2 etc. is cylindrical, the shape of the tilt detector 10 does not have to be cylindrical.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above, it has been explained that the set angle (set angle stored in the setting memory unit 100) used for judgment by the angle judgment unit 102 differs depending on the type of container in which the tilt detection device 10 is installed. In other words, it has been explained that the set angle is the same for tilt detection devices 10 installed on the same type of container, but even for tilt detection devices 10 installed on the same type of container, the set angle may differ depending on the type of contents (food) in the container.

[0131] 16 and 17, the weighing device 20 initializes the timer (the timer that measures the execution wait time) used for the process of step S121 when the execution wait time for the process of step S121 has elapsed, but does not initialize the timer used for the process of step S121 when the detection device identification information is received or the product button is touched. However, the weighing device 20 may initialize the timer used for the process of step S121 not only when the execution wait time for the process of step S121 has elapsed, but also when the detection device identification information is received or the product button is touched, or both. That is, in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the process proceeds to step S124 after step S101, but it may also proceed to step S123 after step S101. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 17, the process proceeds to step S124 after step S112 (and also step S113), but it may also proceed to step S123 after step S112 (and also step S113).

[0132] Furthermore, although it has been described above that the weighing device 20 displays one product button for each product button for which there is one or more pieces of product button display control information including product button identification information that identifies the product button in the product button display control table, the weighing device 20 may also display overlapping product buttons for each product button for which there are multiple pieces of product button display control information including product button identification information that identifies the product button in the product button display control table. For example, the product button corresponding to the product button display control information stored earliest in the product button display control table (the oldest product button display control information) may be displayed in the foreground, and the product button corresponding to the product button display control information stored latest (the newest product button display control information) may be displayed in the background. In addition, when there are multiple pieces of product button display control information in the product button display control table that include product button identification information that identifies the product button, displaying the product button in an overlapping manner means displaying the same product button in an overlapping manner, and therefore, in appearance, it is the same as displaying one product button in the product button display control table that includes one or more pieces of product button display control information that include product button identification information that identifies the product button.

[0133] In addition, in the above example, the weighing device 20 performs the same processing (processing of adding one piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information of the tilt detection device 10 to the product button display control table) without distinguishing between when the tilt detection device 10 detects a tilt of greater than the set angle (as determined by the angle determination unit 102) and when the operation unit 13 is operated, but the processing by the weighing device 20 may be different depending on whether the tilt detection device 10 detects a tilt of greater than the set angle or when the operation unit 13 is operated. For example, when transmitting the tilt detection device 10's detection device identification information to the weighing device 20, the tilt detection device 10 may transmit information that identifies whether tilt of a set angle or greater has been detected or whether the operation unit 13 has been operated (i.e., if tilt of a set angle or greater has been detected, the tilt detection device 10 transmits a value of "1" as transmission classification information along with the detection device identification information of the tilt detection device 10, and if the operation unit 13 has been operated, the tilt detection device 10 transmits a value of "2" as transmission classification information along with the detection device identification information of the tilt detection device 10). The weighing device 20 may then control the display of, for example, product buttons differently depending on the value of the identifiable information (transmission classification information). As one example, the weighing device 20 may change the display mode depending on the value of the transmission classification information (i.e., when tilt of a set angle or greater has been detected in the tilt detection device 10 and when the operation unit 13 of the tilt detection device 10 has been operated). As another example, the weighing device 20 may change the time until automatic deletion (i.e., the time the display remains on even if no operation is performed) depending on the value of the transmission classification information.

[0134] Furthermore, although the above describes an example in which the tilt detection device 10 is installed in the container 300 and an example in which the tilt detection device 10 is installed in the container 400, the installation location of the tilt detection device 10 is not limited to the container 300 or the container 400. For example, the tilt detection device 10 may be installed in a container (rotating part) from which contents (food, etc.) are released by rotating an operating part, such as a gacha (gacha) machine.

[0135] Furthermore, although the above describes a configuration in which the tilt detection device 10 and the weighing device 20 are directly connected wirelessly (or wired), the tilt detection device 10 and the weighing device 20 may be indirectly connected wirelessly (or wired) via another device. For example, the two may be connected via a relay such as a hub or router, or via a computer such as a server.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above example, no information is added to the product buttons, but information may be added to the product buttons. For example, information indicating the passage of time may be displayed for each product button. Specifically, when the tilt detection device 10 installed on a container containing a certain product detects a tilt of a set angle or more, the product button for that product is displayed on the weighing device 20. A number indicating the passage of time may be displayed in association with the product button (for example, superimposed on a part of the product button or near the button). For example, a number indicating the remaining time until the automatic deletion time (for example, a number counting down in seconds) may be displayed. The countdown of the remaining time may be based on the time when the tilt is detected. Specifically, when a hidden product button is newly displayed (when one piece of product button display control information including the product button identification information of the product button is added to the product button display control table after there was no product button display control information including the product button identification information of the product button in the product button display control table), the countdown may be started with the time until the automatic deletion time (300 seconds) as the maximum value, and when a displayed product button continues to be displayed after the product button is touched (when there are multiple pieces of product button display control information including the product button identification information of the product button in the product button display control table and one piece of product button display control information including the product button identification information of the product button is deleted), the countdown may be started with the time until the automatic deletion time (300 seconds) as the maximum value minus the time elapsed until the touch. In other words, when a product button that was displayed behind other product buttons of the same type is displayed in the foreground, the countdown may be started from a number obtained by subtracting the time elapsed when the product button was displayed in the background. The countdown may start when the remaining time until the automatic deletion time falls below a predetermined time (or less). Also, instead of displaying in seconds, the countdown may be displayed in 5-second or 10-second increments. The remaining time may also be displayed using something like a meter.

[0137] In the above example, one item of product button display control information including the detection device identification information of the tilt detection device 10 is added to the product button display control table whenever the tilt detection device 10 is tilted by a set angle or more. That is, the example has been described in which the number of times the product button of the product corresponding to the tilt detection device 10 is displayed is counted up each time the tilt detection device 10 is tilted by a set angle or more. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that the number of times the product button of the product corresponding to the tilt detection device 10 is displayed is not counted up even when the tilt detection device 10 is tilted by a set angle or more. Possible implementation methods include control by the tilt detection device 10 and control by the weighing device 20, as described below.

[0138] (Example of control by tilt detector 10) The tilt detection device 10 is configured not to transmit the detection device identification information again within a predetermined time (e.g., about 10 seconds) after transmitting the detection device identification information. Specifically, the tilt detection device 10 may not transmit the detection device identification information within the predetermined time after transmitting the detection device identification information even if it determines that an inclination of equal to or greater than a set angle has been detected, or may not even determine whether an inclination of equal to or greater than a set angle has been detected. The above-mentioned predetermined time may be managed (stored) as a threshold value.

[0139] (Example of control by the weighing device 20) The weighing device 20 is configured to ignore any re-reception of the same detection device identification information within a predetermined time (e.g., about 10 seconds) after receiving the detection device identification information. Specifically, the weighing device 20 may not add any more product button display control information including the detection device identification information of the tilt detection device 10 to the product button display control table within a predetermined time after receiving detection device identification information from a tilt detection device 10 and adding a piece of product button display control information including the detection device identification information of the tilt detection device 10 to the product button display control table, even if the weighing device 20 receives detection device identification information from the tilt detection device 10 again. The above-mentioned predetermined time may be managed (stored) as a threshold value.

[0140] According to the above-described control, when a container is opened and closed multiple times in a short period of time, the number of times the product button for the product contained in the container is displayed can be prevented from being incremented more than necessary. In other words, when the detection interval is short and food is not actually removed from the container multiple times, the product button can be prevented from being displayed more than necessary. For example, when a user opens and closes the lid, but then immediately reopens the lid to purchase the food again, the count can be set to one instead of two. In addition, situations where a user adds or returns a product to adjust the weight (price) can be anticipated, and such a screen can be addressed by adjusting the predetermined time. The above-described predetermined time may be varied depending on the type of container. Furthermore, this control may be implemented for a specific container.

[0141] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the number of tilt detections, the transmission of the identification information may be controlled by the time the tilt is detected. For example, if the detection time during which tilt of a set angle or more (or tilts below the set angle) is detected is a predetermined time or more, it may be counted, and if the detection time is less than the predetermined time, it may not be counted. Specifically, the tilt detection device 10 may transmit the detection device identification information when the detection time reaches a predetermined time (when detection is continued for a predetermined time). This allows for cases where the user's hand slips or the user immediately decides to stop purchasing and puts the item back, to be counted as no count.

[0142] Furthermore, although the above describes a configuration in which the sales processing system 1 includes one weighing device 20, the sales processing system 1 may also be configured to include two or more weighing devices 20. When there are two or more weighing devices 20, it is sufficient to make sure that the product buttons are displayed in the same way on all of the weighing devices 20. In other words, when a weighing device 20 displays, for example, a product button for product AAA and a product button for product BBB, it is sufficient to make sure that the product buttons for product AAA and product BBB are also displayed on all of the other weighing devices 20. For example, the following three methods are possible as implementation methods.

[0143] (Implementation method 1) In implementation method 1, each weighing device 20 maintains a product button display control table and synchronizes the contents of each product button display control table. Specifically, the tilt detection device 10 transmits detection device identification information to each weighing device 20. Each weighing device 20 that receives the detection device identification information adds product button display control information to its own product button display control table. When a product button is touched on a certain weighing device 20, that weighing device 20 deletes the product button display control information corresponding to that product button from its own product button display control table and notifies all other weighing devices 20 that the product button was touched. Upon receiving the notification, each weighing device 20 deletes the product button display control information corresponding to that product button from its own product button display control table. Each weighing device 20 also deletes the button display control information that is subject to automatic deletion from its own product button display control table.

[0144] (Implementation method 2) In implementation method 2, one weighing device (hereinafter referred to as the representative weighing device) 20 among the multiple weighing devices 20 holds a product button display control table, and the other weighing devices 20 refer to the product button display control table held by the representative weighing device 20. In other words, the representative weighing device 20 and the other weighing devices 20 refer to the product button display control table held by the representative weighing device 20 to control the display of the product buttons on each device. Specifically, the tilt detection device 10 transmits detection device identification information to the representative weighing device 20. Upon receiving the detection device identification information, the representative weighing device 20 adds product button display control information to its own product button display control table. When a product button is touched on the representative weighing device 20, it deletes the product button display control information corresponding to that product button from its own product button display control table. When a product button is touched on the other weighing devices 20, it notifies the representative weighing device 20 that the product button has been touched. Upon receiving the notification, the representative weighing device 20 deletes the product button display control information corresponding to the product button from the product button display control table it holds. The representative weighing device 20 also deletes the button display control information that is subject to automatic deletion from the product button display control table.

[0145] (Implementation Method 3) In implementation method 3, a device other than the weighing devices 20 (e.g., a management device such as a server) maintains a product button display control table, and each weighing device 20 references the product button display control table maintained by the management device. In other words, each weighing device 20 references the product button display control table maintained by the management device and controls the display of its own product buttons. Specifically, the tilt detection device 10 transmits detection device identification information to the management device. Upon receiving the detection device identification information, the management device adds product button display control information to the product button display control table. When a product button is touched on a weighing device 20, the weighing device 20 notifies the management device that the product button has been touched. Upon receiving the notification, the management device deletes the product button display control information corresponding to the product button from the product button display control table. Furthermore, the management device deletes any button display control information that is subject to automatic deletion from the product button display control table.

[0146] Furthermore, in the above description, the sales processing system 1 includes a detection device (tilt detection device 10) that detects the tilt (rotation) of the device itself. However, the detection device included in the sales processing system 1 may be any device capable of detecting the displacement (change in position, including change in posture) of the device itself, and is not limited to a detection device that detects the tilt (rotation) of the device itself. For example, the sales processing system 1 may include a detection device that detects the acceleration of the device itself, or a detection device that detects the angular velocity of the device itself. That is, instead of or in addition to the detection device (tilt detection device 10) that includes a tilt sensor (tilt detection unit 12), a detection device that includes a sensor such as an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor may be used. This makes it possible to detect, for example, movements on a horizontal plane (rotation on a horizontal plane, linear movement on a horizontal plane) that do not move in the vertical direction (direction of gravity). That is, the detection device included in the sales processing system 1 may be any device capable of detecting the movement of removing food. Regardless of the type of movement of removing food, a detection device that corresponds to the movement may be provided.

[0147] The following is a summary of the embodiments. [Technical field] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing system. [Background technology] For example, a system is known in which, when a tray is pulled out of a showcase, an IC tag attached to the tray is detected by an antenna located on the frame of the showcase, and the product is identified from the detection results of the IC tag (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-18809 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, there is a problem that this system is not suitable for self-service sales, such as the need to pull out the tray so that it can be detected by the antenna. In other words, while a trained store clerk may always pull out the tray properly so that it can be detected by the antenna when taking out products from the tray, it is unlikely that an untrained customer will always pull out the tray properly, and there is a risk that the product to be weighed will not be identified properly. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique suitable for self-service sales. [Means for solving the problem] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing system (sales processing system 1, etc.) that includes a displacement detection device (tilt detection device 10, etc.) that detects displacement and a weighing device (weighing device 20), wherein the displacement detection device includes a detection means (tilt detection unit 12, etc.) that can detect the displacement of the device itself, a storage means (setting storage unit 100, etc.) that stores identification information of the device itself (detection device identification information, etc.), and an output means (communication unit 14, etc.) that outputs the identification information stored in the storage means, and the weighing device includes a data processing system (sales processing system 1, etc.) that outputs the identification information output by the output means. and a display means (touch display 26, etc.) that displays product information (product buttons, etc.) associated with the identification information of the displacement detection device input by the input means, and the displacement detection device is placed in a location where its position changes when a product container (container 300, 400, etc.) is opened or closed (Figs. 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, etc.), and when the detection means detects a predetermined displacement value, the output means outputs the identification information (Fig. 15A, etc.). According to the product sales data processing system of (1) above, even in self-service sales, it is possible to properly identify the product to be weighed. For example, in the case of a system that pulls out a tray so that it can be detected by the antenna described above, there is a risk that the removal of a product will not be detected even when the product has actually been removed (the product will not be identified), but with this product sales data processing system, at least when the product has actually been removed, the removal of the product will be detected, so there will be no situation where the product cannot be identified even though it has been removed. (2) In the product sales data processing system of (1), the displacement detection device is characterized by having a timing means for timing the displacement detection time by the detection means, and when the displacement detection time reaches a predetermined time, the output means outputs the identification information. According to the product sales data processing system described above in (2), the product to be weighed can be appropriately identified. (3) In the product sales data processing system of (1) or (2), the weighing device is characterized in that when the identification information of the same displacement detection device is input multiple times within a predetermined period using the input means, the display means displays the product information associated with the identification information once. According to the product sales data processing system described above in (3), the product to be weighed can be appropriately identified. (4) Another aspect is a sales support system (sales processing system 1, etc.) that supports the sale of weighed food, comprising an estimation device (tilt detection device 10, etc.) that estimates the removal of food from a container (container 300, 400, etc.) and a weighing device (weighing device 20) that weighs the food removed from the container, wherein the container includes a rotating member (top lid portion 310, push-down portion 410, etc.), and food can be removed by rotating the rotating member, the estimation device comprises a detection means (tilt detection unit 12, etc.) attached to the rotating member and capable of detecting the rotation of the rotating member, and an estimation means (angle determination unit 102, etc.) that estimates the removal of food from the container based on the detection result of the detection means, and the weighing device comprises a weighing means (weighing unit 25, etc.) that weighs the food removed from the container, and a determination means (CPU 21, etc.) that determines the selling price of the food removed from the container based on the measurement value by the weighing means and the unit price by weight. According to the sales support system described in (4) above, even in self-service sales, it is possible to properly identify the product to be weighed. For example, in the case of a system that pulls out a tray so that it can be detected by the antenna described above, there is a risk that the removal of a product will not be detected even when the product has actually been removed (the product may not be identified), but with this sales support system, at least when the product has actually been removed, the removal of the product is detected, so there is no risk of the product not being identified even though it has been removed. (5) In the sales support system of (4), the estimation device is provided for each container, the weighing device further includes a display means for displaying a list of buttons (Figures 18A to 19D) corresponding to the food estimated by the estimation device to have been taken out of each container, and the weighing means is characterized in that it weighs the food selected by the button. According to the sales support system (5) above, it is possible to easily select (designate) the product to be weighed. In other words, since only the necessary buttons (the buttons that are expected to be touched as the buttons for the products to be weighed) are displayed, it is possible to select (designate) the product to be weighed without spending time. In addition, it is possible to reduce the possibility of making a mistake in selection (designation). (6) In the sales support system of (5), the estimating device is equipped with a transmitting means for transmitting identification information (e.g., detection device identification information) that can identify the device itself, the detecting means is capable of detecting the inclination of the device itself, the transmitting means transmits the identification information when the detecting means detects a predetermined inclination, the weighing device is equipped with a receiving means for receiving the identification information transmitted by the estimating device, and the display means displays a button (such as a product button) corresponding to the food item corresponding to the estimating device identified by the identification information received by the receiving means. According to the sales support system of (6) above, even in a self-service sales environment, it is possible to appropriately identify the product to be weighed. (7) In the sales support system of (6), the inferred device is provided with an operation means (such as an operation unit 13), and the transmission means transmits the identification information in response to an operation on the operation means. According to the sales support system of (7) above, the system can be operated according to the operation during an operational test or when a problem occurs. (8) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention comprises a storage means (such as a setting storage unit 100) that stores identification information (such as detection device identification information) that can identify the device itself, an operation means (such as an operation unit 13), a detection means (such as an inclination detection unit 12) that detects the inclination of the device itself, and an output means (such as a communication unit 14) that outputs the identification information, wherein the output means outputs the identification information when the detection means detects a predetermined inclination, and outputs the identification information in response to an operation on the operation means. The tilt detection device described above in (8) can appropriately identify the product to be weighed even in a self-service sales system.

[0148] The programs for implementing the above-described sales processing system 1, tilt detection device 10, weighing device 20, etc. may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and loaded into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage medium to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. The term "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium capable of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be used to implement some of the functions described above. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 1. Sales processing system 10...Tilt detection device 11...MCU 12...Tilt detection unit 13...Operation unit 14…Communications Department 20...Measuring device 21...CPU 22...ROM 23...RAM 24...Scanner section 25...Measuring part 26...Touch display 27...Audio output section 28…Printing Department 29…Communications Department 100...Settings memory section 102...Angle determination section 104...Operation judgment section 300…container 310...Top lid 400...container 410…Press section

Claims

1. A product sales data processing system including a displacement detection device that detects displacement and a plurality of weighing devices, The displacement detection device a detection means capable of detecting a displacement of the device itself; a storage means for storing identification information of the device itself; an output means for outputting the identification information stored in the storage means to the plurality of weighing devices when the detection means detects a predetermined displacement value; Equipped with The metering device is A measuring means; an input means for inputting the identification information of the displacement detection device output by the output means; a display means for displaying an operable product button associated with the identification information of the displacement detection device input by the input means; a determination means for determining a sales price of a commodity corresponding to one of the commodity buttons displayed on the display means based on a weighed value of the commodity measured by the weighing means and a unit price by weight of the commodity when the commodity button is operated; a notification means for, when one of the product buttons displayed on the display means is operated, notifying all other weighing devices that the product button has been operated; Equipped with The metering device is When a notification is received from another weighing device that one of the product buttons has been operated, the product button displayed on the display means is erased. A product sales data processing system characterized by:

2. A weighing device in a product sales data processing system including a displacement detection device that detects displacement and a plurality of weighing devices, A measuring means; an input means for inputting identification information of the displacement detection device output from the displacement detection device; a display means for displaying an operable product button associated with the identification information of the displacement detection device input by the input means; a determination means for determining a sales price of a commodity corresponding to one of the commodity buttons displayed on the display means based on a weighed value of the commodity measured by the weighing means and a unit price by weight of the commodity when the commodity button is operated; a notification means for, when one of the product buttons displayed on the display means is operated, notifying all other weighing devices that the product button has been operated; Equipped with When a notification is received from another weighing device that one of the product buttons has been operated, the product button displayed on the display means is erased. A weighing device characterized by:

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