Checkout device and program

Abstract

To provide a checkout device and a program that enable the time for register processing required per customer to be shortened.SOLUTION: A self-checkout device of an embodiment includes: a first antenna that is movable within a prescribed distance and reads tag information from a wireless tag attached to a commodity; first processing means for, when receiving a trigger signal, moving the first antenna and performing commodity registration processing for the commodity based on the read tag information; and second processing means for performing another type of processing related to an operation in parallel to the commodity registration processing performed by the first processing means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a checkout device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, retail stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores use checkout machines where a store clerk or a customer performs the sales registration operation and the checkout operation themselves. For example, at a self-checkout machine where a customer performs the sales registration operation and the checkout operation themselves, the customer places an item or a basket containing items on a loading platform. The customer then performs an operation related to the item. For example, the customer may perform an operation to start the self-checkout machine, an operation to determine whether a shopping bag is required, an operation to select a payment method, etc. The self-checkout machine performs the corresponding processing when these operations are performed. Furthermore, before and after these operations, the self-checkout machine reads tag information from a wireless tag attached to the item and performs a product registration process. Note that similar operations and processes are also performed at checkout machines operated by store clerks. The checkout machine then performs the checkout process for the registered items.

[0003] As described above, checkout devices perform various processes from the start of operation to the completion of transaction processing, as well as product registration processing (collectively referred to as "checkout processing"). This can result in a long checkout process time for each customer. In particular, with self-checkout devices, the customer performs all operations from start to finish, so the checkout process time for each customer tends to be long. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a checkout device and a program that can shorten the time required for checkout processing per customer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Embodiment Nochi The checkout device is movable within a predetermined distance and includes a first antenna for reading tag information from a wireless tag attached to the product; a second antenna provided near the stand on which the product is placed, and a signal indicating that the second antenna has read the tag information; and a first processing means for, upon receiving the tag information, moving the first antenna and performing product registration processing for the product based on the read tag information, and a second processing means for performing other processing related to the operation in parallel with the product registration processing performed by the first processing means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a self-checkout device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the reading device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the self-checkout device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the reading device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the self-checkout device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the reading device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the self-checkout device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the product registration process in the self-checkout device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing parallel processing of product registration processing and other processing in a self-checkout device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a self-checkout device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the reading device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the self-checkout device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a reading device in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the self-checkout device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the self-checkout device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] (First embodiment) A first embodiment will be described below. The self-checkout device according to the first embodiment is an example of a checkout device (POS (Point of Sales) terminal) installed in a store such as a supermarket, convenience store, or mass retailer. The self-checkout device is used for product registration and transaction processing of products sold in the store. At the self-checkout device, the customer himself performs product registration and transaction operations. When the customer performs the product registration operation, the self-checkout device performs the product registration process. When the customer performs the transaction operation, the self-checkout device performs the transaction process.

[0008] The product registration process refers to the process of acquiring product specification information related to the product to be sold, displaying the product name and price (product information) of the product acquired based on the acquired product specification information on the display unit, and storing the product information in the product information unit 431 (see FIG. 3). The accounting process refers to the process of displaying the total amount related to the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 431 in connection with the product registration process, processing payment by means of cash, credit card, etc., calculating and displaying change based on the deposit in the case of cash payment, instructing the change dispenser to issue change, and issuing a receipt from the printing unit on which product information and accounting information (total amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) are printed.

[0009] Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a self-checkout apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. A main body 2 of the self-checkout apparatus 1 is provided with a display unit 3b, a scanner 4, and a hand scanner 5 at the top. The scanner 4 and the hand scanner 5 are devices that optically or by imaging read code symbols containing product-specific information, such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes, that are attached to products to which wireless tags, described below, cannot be attached. An operation unit 3a consisting of a touch panel, is disposed on the surface of the display unit 3b.

[0010] The display unit 3b is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 3b displays a guide screen to inform the customer how to operate the self-checkout device 1. The display unit 3b also displays product information for products that have been registered. The operation unit 3a is a keyboard that functions as various keys when positions corresponding to the images of the keys displayed on the display unit 3b are touched (operated).

[0011] The main body 2 of the self-checkout device 1 is also provided with a card insertion slot 10 for inserting a customer's point card, credit card, or other card when paying. A credit card stores customer identification information and is inserted when card payment is selected as the payment type. The main body 2 is also provided with a receipt issuing slot 19 for issuing receipts. The main body 2 is further provided with a bill deposit / withdrawal slot 120 for depositing bills for payment and receiving change. The main body 2 is also provided with a coin insertion slot 130 for inserting coins when paying, a coin withdrawal slot 140 for receiving change, and the like. Furthermore, a pole is provided on the top surface of the main body 2. A warning light 15 is provided at the top of the pole, which lights up if there is an abnormality in the operation of the self-checkout device 1 or if a store clerk needs to be called.

[0012] On the right side of the main body 2, there is provided a product placement table 6 for placing unpaid products in a basket (which may be a basket containing products). The product placement table 6 is provided with a reading device 30. The reading device 30 is a device that receives tag information (radio waves) transmitted from a wireless tag T (see FIG. 2) attached to a product placed on the upper surface 6a of the product placement table 6 (for example, a product stored in a basket (not shown) placed on the upper surface 6a). The tag information includes product identification information that identifies each product to which the wireless tag T is affixed. Hereinafter, when the reading device 30 receives tag information via its antenna, this is referred to as the reading device 30 reading the tag information. The display unit 3b displays product information that has been subjected to product registration processing for the product identified based on the read tag information.

[0013] Next, the configuration of the reading device 30, which is part of the self-checkout equipment 1, will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the reading device 30. The reading device 30 is installed inside the product placement table 6. The reading device 30 is installed in a position opposite the placement position of the product M placed on the upper surface 6a. The reading device 30 reads tag information transmitted by the wireless tag T attached to the product M placed on the upper surface 6a. Note that although the product M is placed directly on the upper surface 6a in FIG. 2, a basket containing the product M may also be placed on the upper surface 6a.

[0014] The reading device 30 reads tag information stored in a wireless tag T attached to a product M, particularly a wireless tag T that operates in the UHF band in this embodiment. The reading device 30 includes a first antenna 22 and a second antenna 23. As shown in FIG. 2, the first antenna 22 is embedded in the product placement table 6. The first antenna 22 is, for example, a planar patch antenna on the surface facing the upper surface 6a. The second antenna 23 is also embedded in the product placement table 6. The second antenna 23 is, for example, a planar patch antenna on the surface facing the upper surface 6a. The second antenna 23 is fixedly provided, for example, on the back side of the upper surface 6a of the product placement table 6, near the placement position of the product M.

[0015] The reader 30 emits radio waves from the first antenna 22 and the second antenna 23. The reader 30 also receives tag information transmitted from the RFID tag T via the first antenna 22 and the second antenna 23.

[0016] Specifically, the reading device 30 emits radio waves including information instructing the transmission of tag information via the first antenna 22 and the second antenna 23. The RFID tag T that receives this radio wave transmits its own pre-stored tag information (information including a tag ID that identifies the tag and product identification information that individually identifies the product M to which the RFID tag T is attached) to the reading device 30. The reading device 30 receives the tag information from the RFID tag T via the first antenna 22 and the second antenna 23 and stores the tag information received by the first antenna 22. The reading device 30 outputs a signal indicating that the tag information has been received at the timing when the second antenna 23 receives the tag information. The reading device 30 also outputs the tag information read and stored by the first antenna 22. The second antenna 23 has a weaker transmission power than the first antenna 22 and transmits continuously or intermittently.

[0017] The first antenna 22 is installed so as to be movable within the product placing table 6 in parallel with the upper surface 6a by a moving mechanism 24 (movable part) disposed inside the product placing table 6.

[0018] The moving mechanism 24 is a linear motion mechanism made up of a screw shaft 18, a bearing 16 for the screw shaft 18, a stepping motor 12, a coupling 14, and a moving stage 20. The stepping motor 12 is a rotational power source. The coupling 14 transmits the rotational power of the stepping motor 12 to the screw shaft 18. The moving stage 20 is integrally formed with a ball screw nut that is screwed onto the screw shaft 18. The first antenna 22 is fixedly provided on the moving stage 20.

[0019] The screw shaft 18 is supported horizontally at one end by a bearing 16 and at the other end by a coupling 14 so as to be axially rotatable. The output shaft 12a of the stepping motor 12 is connected to the screw shaft 18 at the coupling 14. With this configuration, the rotational power of the stepping motor 12 is transmitted from the output shaft 12a to the screw shaft 18 via the coupling 14.

[0020] The moving stage 20 has a through-hole in its main body, in which a ball screw nut for the screw shaft 18 is embedded. By threading the ball screw nut onto the screw shaft 18, the moving stage 20 is movable along the axial direction of the screw shaft 18 as the screw shaft 18 rotates, i.e., in the directions of arrows R1 and R2 in FIG. 2. The moving stage 20 is movable along the x-axis shown in FIG. 2 between x=0 and x=W (within a predetermined distance). In other words, the moving stage 20 is movable between a rightmost position 20a and a leftmost position 20b.

[0021] In this way, movement mechanism 24 converts the rotational motion of stepping motor 12 into linear motion using the ball screw mechanism described above, enabling movement of movement stage 20. Note that movement stage 20 slides with part of its body in contact with support plate 11 so that the body itself does not rotate with the rotation of screw shaft 18. This allows movement stage 20 to move in the directions of arrows R1 and R2 while maintaining a constant posture.

[0022] A first antenna 22 is fixed to the top surface of the main body of the moving stage 20 with its reading surface facing the top surface 6a. Here, the reading surface refers to the radiation surface from which the planar patch antenna radiates radio waves. With this arrangement, the first antenna 22 radiates radio waves from the front of the reading surface, i.e., from the top surface 6a, toward the RFID tags T attached to the products placed on the product placement table 6. The first antenna 22 moves integrally with the moving stage 20 along the screw shaft 18, along the x-axis, in the directions of arrows R1 and R2, between approximately x=0 and x=W.

[0023] The reading device 30 also includes a position sensor 58 (e.g., a microswitch or an optical sensor) and a position sensor 59 (e.g., a microswitch or an optical sensor) on the movement path of the moving stage 20. The position sensor 58 detects that the moving stage 20 (i.e., the first antenna 22) is located at the home position (the position where x = 0). The position sensor 58 outputs a signal when the moving stage 20 (i.e., the first antenna 22) is located at the home position. The home position is the position where the moving stage 20 (i.e., the first antenna 22) starts moving. The position sensor 59 detects that the moving stage 20 (i.e., the first antenna 22) is located at (the position where x = W). The position sensor 59 outputs a signal when the moving stage 20 (i.e., the first antenna 22) is located at the position where x = W. The moving stage 20 (i.e., the first antenna 22) starts moving in the R1 direction from the home position, and when the position sensor 59 detects the moving stage 20, the moving of the moving stage 20 in the R1 direction stops and the moving stage 20 moves in the R2 direction. When the position sensor 58 detects the moving stage 20, the moving of the moving stage 20 in the R2 direction stops and the moving stage 20 returns to the home position. The reader 30 performs a process of reading tag information while moving the first antenna 22. Note that in the embodiment, the moving range of the moving stage 20 is determined by the position sensors 58 and 59, but the moving range of the moving stage 20 may also be determined using, for example, a linear encoder that measures linear axis movement and outputs position information.

[0024] In this way, by reading tag information while moving the first antenna 22, it becomes easier to read tag information of a wireless tag T that is, for example, hidden by another product M and therefore difficult for radio waves to reach. Furthermore, by reading tag information while moving the first antenna 22, even if tag information of a wireless tag T that should not be read (for example, located far away) is read, it is not stored, and it is possible to store only the tag information of the wireless tag T attached to the product M placed on the product placement table 6 of the self-checkout device 1.

[0025] Here, a method for storing only the tag information of the RFID tag T attached to the product M placed on the product placement table 6 of the self-checkout device 1 will be described. As the first antenna 22 moves, the distance to the RFID tag T attached to the product M changes. When the distance between the first antenna 22 and the RFID tag T changes, the phase of the tag information read by the first antenna 22 changes. This characteristic is used to determine the amount of change in the phase of the tag information due to the movement of the first antenna 22. When the first antenna 22 moves the same distance, the distance to a nearby RFID tag changes significantly, while the distance to a distant RFID tag does not change much. Therefore, the amount of change in the phase of the tag information received from a nearby RFID tag is larger than the amount of change in the phase of the tag information received from a distant RFID tag. In other words, when the first antenna 22 moves the same distance, the RFID tag T with a larger amount of phase change is located closer to the first antenna 22, and the RFID tag T with a smaller amount of phase change is located farther from the first antenna 22.

[0026] The self-checkout terminal 1 then stores in advance in a threshold value information unit 542 (see FIG. 4 ) a boundary value between the amount of phase change in the tag information of the RFID tag T attached to the product M placed on the product tray 6 of its own self-checkout terminal 1 and the amount of phase change in the tag information of the RFID tag T attached to the product M placed on the product tray 6 of another self-checkout terminal 1 as a threshold value, and if the amount of phase change in the received tag information is greater than the threshold value, the tag information is determined to be received from the RFID tag T attached to the product M placed on the product tray 6 of its own self-checkout terminal 1, and the tag information is stored. On the other hand, if the amount of phase change in the received tag information is less than the threshold value, the tag information is determined to be received from the RFID tag T attached to the product M placed on the product tray 6 of a self-checkout terminal 1 other than its own, and the tag information is not stored. In this way, the self-checkout terminal 1 extracts the RFID tag T attached to the product M placed on the product tray 6 of its own terminal from the read tag information.

[0027] The self-checkout terminal 1 may extract the RFID tag T attached to the product M placed on its own product placement table 6 from the read tag information using machine learning technology as described below. That is, by collecting data related to the distance traveled by the first antenna 22 and the amount of phase change in the tag information of the read RFID tag T, machine learning is performed to determine whether the RFID tag T is the RFID tag T associated with the product M placed on its own product placement table 6 based on the amount of phase change in the read tag information. The more data collected, the more accurate the machine learning becomes, and a learning model is generated for determining whether the RFID tag T is the RFID tag T associated with the product M placed on its own product placement table 6. The generated learning model is then stored in the threshold information unit 542. Using this learning model, the self-checkout terminal 1 extracts the RFID tag T attached to the product M placed on its own product placement table 6 from the read tag information.

[0028] Next, the hardware configuration of the self-checkout device 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the self-checkout device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the self-checkout device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, a memory unit 44, etc. The CPU 41 is the main controller of the self-checkout device 1. The ROM 42 stores various programs. The RAM 43 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 44 stores various programs. The CPU 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, and memory unit 44 are connected to one another via a bus 45. The CPU 41, ROM 42, and RAM 43 constitute a control unit 400. That is, the control unit 400 executes control processing of the self-checkout device 1, which will be described later, by the CPU 41 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 42 and the memory unit 44 and loaded in the RAM 43.

[0029] The RAM 43 includes a product information section 431, a member information section 432, a bag information section 433, and a payment information section 434. The product information section 431 stores product information (product name, product price, etc.) of the product M for which product registration processing has been performed, acquired from a product master 442 based on product identification information stored in the read tag information, etc. The member information section 432 stores customer identification information read by a card reader 70, which will be described later. The bag information section 433 stores bag information (information indicating the size and number of bags) of the bag into which the product M is to be placed when a bag key 3a2, which will be described later, is operated. The payment information section 434 stores payment information indicating the selected payment method (for example, information such as cash payment, credit card payment, or prepaid card payment).

[0030] The memory unit 44 is configured with a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and includes a control program unit 441 that stores a control program, and a product master 442. The product master 442 stores product information of each product M in association with product identification information that identifies the product.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 400 is connected to the operation unit 3 a, the display unit 3 b, the printing unit 110, the scanner 4, the hand scanner 5, the card reader 70, and the reading device 30 via the bus 45 and the controller 46.

[0032] The operation unit 3a has a checkout key 3a1, a bag key 3a2, and a payment selection key 3a3. The checkout key 3a1 is a key that a customer operates when proceeding to checkout processing at the self-checkout device 1. The bag key 3a2 is a key that a customer operates when purchasing bags to put the purchased products M in. When the bag key 3a2 is operated, a screen is displayed that allows the customer to select the size and number of bags to purchase, so the customer selects the size of the bags required and enters a number indicating the number. The payment selection key 3a3 is a key that selects the means of payment (cash, credit card, prepaid card, etc.). When the payment selection key 3a3 is operated, a screen is displayed that allows the customer to select the means of payment (cash, credit card, prepaid card, etc.) for performing the checkout processing. The customer selects the means of payment from the displayed means and operates it.

[0033] The display unit 3b displays images of the various keys to be operated, product information for the product M for which product registration has been processed, transaction information for which transaction processing has been performed, etc. The printing unit 110 issues receipts on which product information, transaction information, etc. are printed from the receipt issuing slot 19. The scanner 4 and hand scanner 5 read code symbols attached to products to which no RFID tag T is attached (for example, heavy products or products for which it is physically difficult to attach a RFID tag T). The card reader 70 magnetically or electrically reads information from various cards inserted through the card insertion slot 10. The controller 46 receives instructions from the control unit 400 and controls the operation unit 3a, display unit 3b, printing unit 110, scanner 4, hand scanner 5, card reader 70, and reading device 30. However, for convenience of explanation, the control performed by the controller 46 will be described as being performed by the control unit 400.

[0034] The control unit 400 is also connected to a communication unit 47 via a bus 45. The communication unit 47 is electrically connected to other self-checkout devices 1 via communication lines.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the reading device 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the reading device 30 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a memory unit 54, etc. The CPU 51 is the main controller of the reading device 30. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 54 stores various programs. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, and the memory unit 54 are connected to one another via a bus 55. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, and the RAM 53 constitute a control unit 500. That is, the control unit 500 executes the control processing of the reading device 30, which will be described later, by the CPU 51 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 52 or the memory unit 54 and loaded in the RAM 53.

[0036] The RAM 53 includes a tag information section 531. The tag information section 531 stores tag information read from the RFID tag T by the first antenna 22.

[0037] The memory unit 54 is configured with a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and includes a control program unit 541 that stores a control program, and a threshold information unit 542. The threshold information unit 542 stores a threshold value for the amount of phase change in the tag information to identify whether the tag information is a RFID tag T attached to a product M placed on the product stand 6 of the device itself or a RFID tag T attached to a product M located elsewhere than on the product stand 6 of a device other than the device itself. If the amount of phase change in the read tag information is greater than the amount of phase change stored in the threshold information unit 542, the control unit 500 determines that the RFID tag T of the tag information is a RFID tag T attached to a product M placed on the product stand 6 of the device itself. If the amount of phase change in the read tag information is smaller than the amount of phase change stored in the threshold information unit 542, the control unit 500 determines that the RFID tag T of the tag information is a RFID tag T attached to a product M located elsewhere than on the product stand 6 of the device itself.

[0038] The control unit 500 is also connected to the first antenna 22, the second antenna 23, the stepping motor 12, the position sensor 58, and the position sensor 59 via a bus 55 and a controller 56.

[0039] The control unit 500 is also connected to a communication unit 60 via a bus 55. The communication unit 60 is electrically connected to the controller 46 via a communication line.

[0040] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the self-checkout equipment 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the self-checkout equipment 1. The control unit 400 functions as a first processing means 401 and a second processing means 402 by following the control programs stored in the ROM 42 and the control program unit 441 of the memory unit 44.

[0041] Upon receiving the trigger signal, the first processing means 401 moves the first antenna 22 and performs product registration processing for the product M based on the read tag information. Specifically, upon receiving the trigger signal, the first processing means 401 moves the movable stage 20 on which the first antenna 22 is mounted in the reading device 30 between the rightmost position 20a and the leftmost position 20b and performs product registration processing for the product M based on the tag information read by the first antenna 22. The first processing means 401 performs product registration processing for the product M to which is attached a wireless tag T having tag information in which the amount of phase change is greater than the threshold stored in the threshold information unit 542, among the tag information read by the first antenna 22.

[0042] The first processing means 401 uses information indicating that the second antenna 23 has received tag information as a trigger signal to move the first antenna 22 and perform product registration processing for the product M based on the read tag information. When the product M is placed on the product placement table 6 of the device, the second antenna 23 reads the tag information, and the first processing means 401 treats the tag information read by the second antenna 23 as a trigger signal.

[0043] The second processing means 402 performs other processes related to the operation in parallel with the product registration process performed by the first processing means 401. Specifically, the second processing means 402 performs other processes related to the operation in parallel with the process of moving the first antenna 22 performed by the first processing means 401 and the product registration process based on the read RF tag T. In the first embodiment, in parallel with the process of moving the first antenna 22 performed by the first processing means 401 and the product registration process based on the read RF tag T, the second processing means 402 stores, as other processes related to the operation, a membership process of reading a membership card and storing customer identification information, a process of storing the size and number of bags to be purchased based on the input bag requirement information, and a process of storing the selected payment method.

[0044] Next, the control of the self-checkout terminal 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the reading device 30. As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 500 of the reading device 30 determines whether the second antenna 23 has read the tag information transmitted from the RFID tag T (S11). The control unit 500 waits until the tag information is read (No in S11), and if it is determined that the tag information has been read (Yes in S11), the control unit 500 transmits a trigger signal indicating that the tag information has been read to the controller 46 via the communication unit 60 (S12).

[0045] Next, the control unit 500 determines whether or not a drive signal has been received by the processing of S32 described below (S13). The control unit 500 waits until a drive signal is received (No in S13), and if it is determined that a drive signal has been received (Yes in S13), the first processing means 401 drives the stepping motor 12 to start moving the moving stage 20 (i.e., the first antenna 22) from the home position (i.e., x=0) in the direction of arrow R1 (S14). At the same time, the first processing means 401 emits radio waves from the first antenna 22 to start reading tag information transmitted from the RFID tag T by the first antenna 22 (S14).

[0046] Next, the control unit 500 determines whether the first antenna 22 has read the tag information (S15). The control unit 500 waits until the tag information is read (No in S15). If it is determined that the first antenna 22 has read the tag information (Yes in S15), the control unit 500 stores the read tag information in the tag information unit 531 (S16). If the tag information has already been stored in the tag information unit 531, the control unit 500 calculates the amount of phase change between the tag information and the stored tag information, and determines whether the amount of change is greater than the threshold value stored in the threshold information unit 542 (S17). If it is determined that the amount of change is greater than the threshold value stored in the threshold information unit 542 (Yes in S17), the control unit 500 transmits the stored tag information to the controller 46 via the communication unit 60 (S18). Furthermore, if it is determined that the amount of change is smaller than the threshold stored in the threshold information unit 542 (No in S17), the control unit 500 does not transmit the stored tag information to the controller 46 (does not execute the process of S18). Note that, if the amount of change is equal to the threshold stored in the threshold information unit 542, the control unit 500 determines that the amount of change is larger than the threshold stored in the threshold information unit 542.

[0047] Next, the control unit 500 determines whether the first antenna 22 has moved to the home position (the position where x=0) (S19). If it has determined that the first antenna 22 has not yet moved to the home position (No in S19), the control unit 500 returns to S15 and repeats the processes of S15 to S19. On the other hand, if it has determined that the first antenna 22 has moved to the home position (Yes in S19), the first processing means 401 stops driving the stepping motor 12 to end the movement of the moving stage 20 (i.e., the first antenna 22) (S20). At the same time, the first processing means 401 stops the emission of radio waves from the first antenna 22 to end the reading of tag information transmitted from the RFID tag T by the first antenna 22 (S20). Then, the control unit 500 transmits an end signal indicating that reading of tag information has ended to the controller 46 via the communication unit 60 (S21). Then, the control unit 500 ends the process.

[0048] Next, the control of the self-checkout terminal 1 will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the self-checkout terminal 1. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the product registration process in the self-checkout terminal 1. As shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 400 of the self-checkout terminal 1 determines whether it has received a trigger signal from the reading device 30 in the process of S12 (S31). It waits until it receives a trigger signal (No in S31), and if it determines that it has received a trigger signal (Yes in S31), it transmits a drive signal to the reading device 30 (S32). The control unit 400 then executes the product registration process shown in Fig. 8 as a subroutine (S33).

[0049] 8, the control unit 400 determines whether the tag information transmitted from the reading device 30 in the process of S18 has been received (S331). The control unit 400 waits until the tag information is received (No in S331), and if it is determined that the tag information has been received from the reading device 30 (Yes in S331), the first processing means 401 executes product registration processing for the product M based on the product identification information included in the received tag information (S332). The control unit 400 then displays product information of the product M for which the product registration processing has been performed (product name, price, etc. of the product M) on the display unit 3b (S333).

[0050] Next, the control unit 400 determines whether an end signal accompanying the processing of S21 has been received from the reading device 30 (S334). If it is determined that an end signal has not been received (No in S334), the control unit 400 returns to S331 and repeats the determinations and processing of S331 to S334. That is, the control unit 400 repeats the product registration processing based on tag information received thereafter. On the other hand, if it is determined that an end signal has been received from the reading device 30 (Yes in S334), the control unit 400 ends the product registration processing as a subroutine.

[0051] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7, next, the control unit 400 determines whether member information including customer identification information has been acquired by the card reader 70 reading member card data from a credit card, point card, etc. inserted through the card insertion slot 10 (S34). If it is determined that member information has been acquired (Yes in S34), the second processing means 402 stores the acquired member information in the member information unit 432 (S35). In the processing of S35, the control unit 400 displays the stored member information on the display unit 3b.

[0052] Furthermore, if it is determined that customer identification information has not been acquired (No in S34), or after the processing of S35 is completed, the control unit 400 determines whether the bag key 3a2 has been operated (S36). If it is determined that the bag key 3a2 has been operated (Yes in S36), the second processing means 402 stores the information on the size and number of bags entered in conjunction with the operation of the bag key 3a2 in the bag information unit 433 (S37). Note that in the processing of S37, the control unit 400 displays the stored information on the size and number of bags on the display unit 3b.

[0053] Furthermore, if it is determined that the bag key 3a2 has not been operated (No in S36), or after the processing of S37 is completed, the control unit 400 determines whether the payment selection key 3a3 has been operated (S38). If it is determined that the payment selection key 3a3 has been operated (Yes in S38), the second processing means 402 stores information about the payment method selected in response to the operation of the payment selection key 3a3 (information such as cash payment, credit card payment, prepaid card payment, etc.) in the payment information unit 434 (S39). In the processing of S39, the control unit 400 displays the stored payment information on the display unit 3b.

[0054] After the process of S39, or if it is determined that the payment selection key 3a3 has not been operated (No in S38), the control unit 400 determines whether or not an end signal accompanying the process of S21 has been received from the reading device 30 (S40). If it is determined that an end signal has not been received (No in S40), the control unit 400 returns to S34 and repeats the determinations and processes of S34 to S40.

[0055] On the other hand, if it determines that an end signal has been received from the reading device 30 (Yes in S40), the control unit 400 determines whether the billing key 3a1 has been operated (S41). The control unit 400 waits until the billing key 3a1 has been operated (No in S41), and if it determines that the billing key 3a1 has been operated (Yes in S41), the control unit 400 executes the billing process based on the product information stored in the product information unit 431 (S42). The control unit 400 then ends the process for that customer.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 9 , the self-checkout terminal 1 of the first embodiment performs product registration processing and processing related to the operation of the self-checkout terminal 1 in parallel. That is, when a product M or a basket containing the product M is placed on the product placement table 6 (processing (1) in FIG. 9 ), the second antenna 23 of the self-checkout terminal 1 receives tag information transmitted from the RFID tag T attached to the product M. The self-checkout terminal 1 then starts product registration processing based on the tag information read by the first antenna 22 (processing (2) in FIG. 9 ). Then, even during the product registration processing, if a card (credit card, point card, membership card, etc.) is inserted into the card insertion slot 10, the self-checkout terminal 1 performs membership processing to read and store customer identification information from the card (processing (3) in FIG. 9 ). Furthermore, even during the product registration processing, if the bag key 3 a 2 is operated, the self-checkout terminal 1 performs processing to store the size and number of bags to be purchased based on the input information on the size and number of bags (processing (4) in FIG. 9 ). Furthermore, even during the product registration process, if the payment selection key 3a3 is operated, the self-checkout terminal 1 performs a process to store the selected payment method (process (5) in FIG. 9). That is, processes (3), (4), and (5) are performed in parallel with process (2). Note that the process performed in parallel with process (2) may be at least one of processes (3), (4), and (5). Thereafter, the self-checkout terminal 1 performs the payment process (process (6) in FIG. 9).

[0057] As described above, the self-checkout device 1 of the first embodiment is movable within a predetermined distance and comprises a first antenna 22 that reads tag information from a wireless tag T attached to an item M, a first processing means 401 that, when receiving a trigger signal resulting from the second antenna 23 reading the tag information, moves the first antenna 22 and performs item registration processing for the item M based on the read tag information, and a second processing means 402 that performs other processing related to the operation in parallel with the first processing means 401.

[0058] In the self-checkout terminal 1 of the first embodiment, when a product M or a basket containing the product M is placed on the product placement table 6, the second antenna 23 reads the tag information and uses the information as a trigger signal to perform the product registration process (2) and at least one of the processes (3), (4), and (5) in parallel. This makes it possible to shorten the checkout process time required for each customer.

[0059] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0060] The second embodiment does not have the second antenna 23 shown in FIG. 2. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the operation unit 3a includes a start key 3a4. The start key 3a4 is operated by a customer to start operation at the self-checkout terminal 1. When the start key 3a4 is operated, a trigger signal indicating that the start key 3a4 has been operated is generated. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 500 of the reading device 30 does not execute the processes of S11 and S12 shown in FIG. 6. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 400 of the self-checkout terminal 1 determines whether the start key 3a4 has been operated (S51) as the process of S51. The control unit 400 waits until the start key 3a4 is operated (No in S51), and if it determines that the start key 3a4 has been operated (i.e., if it determines that the trigger signal has been received) (Yes in S51), the control unit 400 transmits a drive signal to the reading device 30 (S32).

[0061] As described above, the self-checkout device 1 of the second embodiment is movable within a predetermined distance and comprises a first antenna 22 that reads tag information from a wireless tag T attached to an item M, a first processing means 401 that, upon receiving a trigger signal due to operation of the start key 3a4, moves the first antenna 22 and performs item registration processing for the item M based on the read tag information, and a second processing means 402 that performs other processing related to the operation in parallel with the first processing means 401.

[0062] In the self-checkout terminal 1 of the second embodiment, when the start key 3a4 is operated, the control unit 400 performs in parallel the (2) product registration process and at least one of the (3), (4), and (5) processes shown in Fig. 9. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for the checkout process for one customer.

[0063] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0064] The third embodiment does not have the second antenna 23 in FIG. 2. Also, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a weight sensor 31 is provided. The weight sensor 31 detects the weight of the product M placed on the product placement table 6. The weight sensor 31 also detects the weight of the product M or a basket containing the product M on the product placement table 6, and outputs a trigger signal indicating that the product M or a basket containing the product M has been placed on the product placement table 6. Also, in the third embodiment, the reading device 30 executes the process of FIG. 11 in the same manner as the second embodiment. Also, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 400 of the self-checkout terminal 1 determines whether a signal indicating that the product M or the product M has been placed on the product placement table 6 and that the weight sensor 31 has detected the weight has been received, as the process of S53. The control unit 400 waits until a signal is received (No in S53), and if it determines that a signal indicating that the weight sensor 31 has detected weight has been received (i.e., if it determines that a trigger signal has been received) (Yes in S53), the control unit 400 sends a drive signal to the reading device 30 (S32).

[0065] As described above, the self-checkout device 1 of the third embodiment is movable within a predetermined distance and comprises a first antenna 22 that reads tag information from the wireless tag T attached to the product M, a first processing means 401 that, upon receiving a trigger signal due to the weight sensor 31 detecting the weight, moves the first antenna 22 and performs product registration processing for the product M based on the read tag information, and a second processing means 402 that performs other processing related to the operation in parallel with the first processing means 401.

[0066] In the self-checkout terminal 1 of the third embodiment, when the weight sensor 31 detects the weight of the product M or the basket containing the product M, the control unit 400 performs in parallel at least one of the processes (2) product registration process, (3), (4), and (5) shown in Fig. 9. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for the checkout process per customer.

[0067] As a modification of the third embodiment, an optical sensor may be provided instead of the weight sensor 31, and the optical sensor may output a trigger signal upon detecting that the product M or a basket containing the product M has been placed on the product placement table 6. In this case, the control unit 400 determines in S53 whether it has received a trigger signal output by the optical sensor upon detecting the product M or the basket.

[0068] Furthermore, as another modification of the third embodiment, instead of the weight sensor 31 or the optical sensor, a camera that captures an image of the product placement table 6 from above may be provided, and a trigger signal may be output when the camera captures an image of the product M or a basket containing the product M being placed on the product placement table 6. In this case, the control unit 400 determines in S53 whether it has received a trigger signal that is output when the camera captures an image of the product M or the basket.

[0069] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims.

[0070] For example, in the first embodiment, a trigger signal is output when the second antenna 23 reads tag information. However, this is not limiting, and a trigger signal may be output when the first antenna 22 reads tag information instead of the second antenna 23. In this case, the second antenna 23 is not necessary.

[0071] Furthermore, in each embodiment, a display is provided in each of S35, S37, S39, and S333. However, this is not limiting. For example, no display may be provided in S35, S37, S39, or S333, and if a Yes decision is made in S41, the displays in S35, S37, S39, and S333 may be provided all at once before S42. In this case, the status of the operation (for example, the presence, size, and number of bags) can be confirmed before processing the transaction.

[0072] In addition, in each of the first embodiments, the self-checkout terminal 1 has been described as an example of a checkout terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the checkout terminal may be a normal POS terminal operated by a store clerk.

[0073] Furthermore, in each embodiment, the first antenna 22 is configured to reciprocate between the position of x=0 and the position of x=W. However, this is not limiting, and the first antenna 22 may be configured to move, for example, from the position of x=0 to the position of x=W, or from the position of x=W to the position of x=0.

[0074] In each embodiment, other processes related to the operation performed by the second processing means include a member process for reading a member card and storing customer identification information, a process for storing the size and number of bags to be purchased based on the input bag requirement information, and a process for storing the selected payment method. However, these processes are only examples of other processes related to the operation, and other processes related to the operation may be performed.

[0075] Furthermore, in the modified examples of the first, second and third embodiments, a product or a basket containing product M is placed on the product placement table 6. However, this is not limiting, and a shopping cart containing products may be positioned at the position of the product placement table 6 without providing a product placement table 6. In this case, the reading device 30 is placed in a position where it can read tag information transmitted by wireless tags attached to products stored in the shopping cart (for example, a position adjacent to the shopping cart that is positioned).

[0076] The programs executed by the self-checkout device 1 in each embodiment are provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0077] The program executed by the self-checkout terminal 1 of each embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the self-checkout terminal 1 of each embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0078] Furthermore, the program executed by the self-checkout terminal 1 of each embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Self-checkout device 3a Operation section 3b Display section 6 Product placement table 6a Top side 10 Card slot 19 Receipt issuing port 20 Moving Stage 22 First Antenna 23 Second Antenna 30 Reading device 31 Weight sensor 3a1 Accounting Key 3a2 Bag key 3a3 Payment selection key 3a4 start key 58 Position Sensor 59 Position Sensor 70 Card Reader 400 control section 401 first processing means 402 second processing means 431 Product Information Department 432 Member Information Department 433 Bag Information Department 434 Payment Information Department 441 Control Program Section 442 Product Master 500 control section 531 Tag information section 541 Control Program Section 542 Threshold Information Section M product T wireless tag [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0080] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-053802

Claims

1. a first antenna that is movable within a predetermined distance and that reads tag information from a wireless tag attached to a product; a second antenna provided near a platform on which the product is placed; a first processing means for moving the first antenna when the second antenna receives a signal indicating that the tag information has been read, and for performing a product registration process for the product based on the read tag information; a second processing means for performing other processing related to the operation in parallel with the product registration processing performed by the first processing means; A checkout device comprising:

2. the checkout device is a self-checkout device that is operated by a customer himself, and the second processing means performs the other processing based on the operation of the customer. The checkout device according to claim 1 .

3. the second processing means performs at least one of the following other processes related to the operation: storing input customer identification information, storing input bag information, and storing a selected payment method.

3. The checkout device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a computer as a checkout device that is movable within a predetermined distance and includes a first antenna that reads tag information from a wireless tag attached to an item, and a second antenna located near a table on which the item is placed; a first processing means for moving the first antenna when the second antenna receives a signal indicating that the tag information has been read, and for performing a product registration process for the product based on the read tag information; a second processing means for performing other processing related to the operation in parallel with the product registration processing performed by the first processing means; A program to make it function as such.

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