Sales systems, information terminals, and programs

Abstract

To suitably respond to various assumed scenes in weighing sale.SOLUTION: Provided is a selling system that includes a weighing device and a display device, the weighing device comprising weighing means for weighing the weight of an article and output means for outputting article purchase information that includes a purchased weight value based on the weighed value by the weighing means, the display device comprising reception means for receiving the article purchase information and display means for displaying an article selection region that includes an article name and a purchased weight value, on the basis of the article purchase information received by the reception means. When the article purchase information of the same article as the article for which the article selection region is being displayed is received by the reception means, the display means is capable of displaying one instance of the article selection region that includes a total purchased weight value derived by adding up the purchased weight value of the article included in the article selection region being displayed and the purchased weight value of the article included in the article purchase information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sales system and an information terminal and program and relates thereto.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a system for selling products by weighing is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional system as shown in Patent Document 1 does not sufficiently cope with various scenarios assumed in weighing sales, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to provide a technology that suitably copes with various scenarios assumed in weighing sales.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of a sales system is a sales system including a weighing device and a display device, wherein the weighing device comprises a weighing means for weighing an item and an output means for outputting item purchase information including a purchase weight value based on the weighing value by the weighing means, and the display device comprises a receiving means for receiving the item purchase information and a display means for displaying an item selection area including the item name and purchase weight value based on the item purchase information received by the receiving means, and the display means is capable of displaying one item selection area including a combined purchase weight value obtained by adding the purchase weight value of the item included in the displayed item selection area and the purchase weight value of the item included in the item purchase information when the item purchase information for the same item as the item currently being displayed in the item selection area is received by the receiving means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an example of the network configuration of the sales processing system 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an example of the appearance of sales unit 2 with sales processing system 1 installed. [Figure 3] This is an example of the configuration of the weighing device 10. [Figure 4] This is an example of the appearance of the weighing device 10. [Figure 5A] This diagram shows the state of the weighing device 10, etc., when goods are being dispensed from the goods supply device 100 into the container 120 (a state in which the weighed weight is not yet stable). [Figure 5B] This diagram shows the state of the weighing device 10, etc., after the goods have been removed from the goods supply device 100 into the container 120 (when the weighed weight has stabilized). [Figure 6] This is an example of the appearance of the weighing device 20. [Figure 7A] This diagram shows the state of the weighing device 20, etc., when dispensing goods from the goods supply device 200 into the container 220 (a state in which the weighed weight is not stable). [Figure 7B]This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the weighing device 20, etc., after the goods have finished being dispensed from the goods supply device 200 into the container 220 (when the weighed weight has stabilized). [Figure 8] This is an example of the appearance of the weighing device 30. [Figure 9A] This diagram shows the state of the weighing device 30, etc., when goods are being released from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30 (a state in which the weighed weight is not stable). [Figure 9B] This diagram shows the state of the weighing device 30, etc., after the goods have finished being dispensed from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30 (when the weighed weight has stabilized). [Figure 9C] This diagram shows the state of the weighing device 30, etc., when dispensing an item from the weighing device 30 into the container 320 (a state in which the weighed weight is not stable). [Figure 10A] This is a side view of the guide body 38 side when the weighing device 30 is disassembled into the main body 30A side and the guide body 38 side, showing it in the closed state. [Figure 10B] This is a side view of the guide body 38 side when the weighing device 30 is disassembled into the main body 30A side and the guide body 38 side, showing it in the open state. [Figure 10C] This is a side view showing the internal structure of the main body 30A side when the weighing device 30 is disassembled into the main body 30A side and the guide body 38 side. [Figure 10D] This is a side view showing the internal structure of the weighing device 30, in the closed state. [Figure 10E] This is a side view showing the internal structure of the weighing device 30, in the open state. [Figure 11] This is an example of the appearance of the display printing device 40. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the changes in the reference weight, weighed weight, and purchased weight in the weighing device 10. [Figure 13A] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 10. [Figure 13B] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 10. [Figure 13C]It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the measuring device 10. [Figure 14A] It is an example of the display on the display unit 15 of the measuring device 10. [Figure 14B] It is an example of the display on the display unit 15 of the measuring device 10. [Figure 14C] It is an example of the display on the display unit 15 of the measuring device 10. [Figure 14D] It is an example of the display on the display unit 15 of the measuring device 10. [Figure 14E] It is an example of the display on the display unit 15 of the measuring device 10. [Figure 14F] It is an example of the display on the display unit 15 of the measuring device 10. [Figure 14G] It is an example of the display on the display unit 15 of the measuring device 10. [Figure 14H] It is an example of the display on the display unit 15 of the measuring device 10. [Figure 15A] It is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Figure 15B] It is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Figure 15C] It is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Figure 15D] It is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Figure 16A] It is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Figure 16B] It is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Figure 16C] It is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Figure 16D] It is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Figure 17A] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the display printing device 40. [Figure 17B] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the display printing device 40. [Figure 18] It is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Figure 19A] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the measured weight and the like in the measuring device 30. [Figure 19B] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the changes in weighed weight in the weighing device 30. [Figure 20] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the changes in weighed weight in the weighing device 30. [Figure 21A] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the changes in weighed weight in the weighing device 30. [Figure 21B] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the changes in weighed weight in the weighing device 30. [Figure 22] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the changes in weighed weight in the weighing device 30. [Figure 23A] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 30. [Figure 23B] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 30. [Figure 23C] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 30. [Figure 23D] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 30. [Figure 23E] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 30. [Figure 23F] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 30. [Figure 24A] This is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Figure 24B] This is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Figure 24C] This is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Figure 24D] This is an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Figure 1 shows an example of the network configuration of a sales processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sales processing system 1 includes a weighing device 10, a weighing device 20, a weighing device 30, and a display and printing device 40. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the sales processing system 1 includes six weighing devices 10 (weighing device 10-1, weighing device 10-2, ..., weighing device 10-6), four weighing devices 20 (weighing device 20-1, weighing device 20-2, ..., weighing device 20-4), ten weighing devices 30 (weighing device 30-1, weighing device 30-2, ..., weighing device 30-10), and one display and printing device 40. Note that the number of devices shown is just an example. In other words, the number of weighing devices 10 can be one or more. The same applies to the number of weighing devices 20, weighing devices 30, and display and printing devices 40.

[0009] Each device within the sales processing system 1 is connected in a communicative manner. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, each device is connected in a communicative manner, for example, by a multi-drop (chain) connection using RS-485. Note that the connection configuration is not limited to the multi-drop configuration. For example, it may be a star configuration centered on the display printing device 40, or a ring configuration including the display printing device 40. Wireless communication may also be used. Power supply and communication may be performed using a common cable or the like.

[0010] Each device constituting the sales processing system 1 (weighing device 10, weighing device 20, weighing device 30, display printing device 40) is operated by the customer themselves when purchasing goods that are weighed and sold. In other words, normal processing (transactions) at each device is performed by the customer themselves. On the other hand, specific processing at each device (various setting processes, processing after calling a store clerk, processing after an error occurs, etc.) is performed by the store clerk.

[0011] Figure 2 shows an example of the appearance of a sales unit 2 including a sales processing system 1. The sales processing system 1 is installed in stores (e.g., supermarkets, etc.) that handle goods sold by weight (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as goods or merchandise). For example, the sales processing system 1 is installed in a store as a sales unit 2 as shown in Figure 2.

[0012] (Sales Unit 2) Sales unit 2 consists of a shelf 3, a first weighing unit 4A, a second weighing unit 4B, a third weighing unit 4C, and a display printing device 40.

[0013] (First weighing unit 4A) The first weighing unit 4A consists of six weighing devices 10 and six item supply devices 100. Each weighing device 10 is fitted with one item supply device 100. In other words, the first weighing unit 4A has six sets of one weighing device 10 and one item supply device 100. A scoop (not shown) used to remove items from the item supply device 100 is installed near each weighing device 10 (or item supply device 100).

[0014] The article supply device 100 comprises a storage section 101, an input section 102A (see Figure 5A), an output section 102B (see Figure 5A), and a lid section 103. The storage section 101 stores articles (individual items). The input section 102A is an input opening for inserting articles to be stored in the storage section 101. The output section 102B is an output opening for removing articles stored in the storage section 101. The lid section 103 is operated (opened) when removing articles stored in the storage section 101 from the output section 102B.

[0015] The goods supply device 100 is installed such that the weight of the goods supply device 100 and the weight of the goods contained in the goods supply device 100 are measured by the weighing device 10. In other words, the weighing device 10 measures the weight of the goods supply device 100 and the goods contained in the goods supply device 100 when it is waiting for a customer (non-transaction state; standby state). That is, the weighing device 10 determines the decrease in measured weight before and after the customer takes out the goods as the purchase weight (sales weight) of the goods by that customer.

[0016] The weighing device 10 calculates the decrease in weighed weight before and after the customer takes out the item as the purchase weight of the item by the customer. Based on the customer's operation (operation of the operation unit 16 described later), the weighing device 10 transmits information used for issuing labels (also referred to as item labels, product labels, or price labels) (for example, the device identification information of the weighing device 10, the purchase weight) to the display and printing device 40. The device identification information is identification information for identifying each device in the sales processing system 1 (weighing device 10-1, weighing device 10-2, ..., weighing device 20-1, weighing device 20-2, ..., weighing device 30-1, weighing device 30-2, ..., display and printing device 40). The device identification information only needs to be information that can identify each device at least within the sales processing system 1. The device identification information may be an IP address (Internet Protocol address), a MAC address (Media Access Control address), or identification information agreed upon within the sales processing system 1.

[0017] The store clerk places the items to be sold into the item supply device 100. In other words, the store clerk puts the items in from the input section 102A.

[0018] The customer places the desired amount of items stored in the item supply device 100 into a takeaway container (for example, the container 120 shown in Figures 5A and 5B). Specifically, the customer opens the lid 103 and uses a scoop to place the desired amount of items stored in the storage compartment 101 into the takeaway container. The weighing device 10 calculates the decrease in weighed weight before and after the customer removes the items. Subsequently, the customer closes the lid 103 and operates the weighing device 10 (operating unit 16). As described above, the weighing device 10 transmits information regarding the purchase (weighing) of items (also referred to as item purchase information or item weighing information) to the display and printing device 40 based on the operation of the operating unit 16. The item purchase information (item weighing information) is also used to display item buttons (described later), so it may be called item button display information, or it is also used to print and issue labels, so it may be called label issuance information. Next, the customer moves to the display printing device 40 and operates the display printing device 40 to have it print a label.

[0019] (Second weighing unit 4B) The second weighing unit 4B consists of four weighing devices 20 and four item supply devices 200. Each weighing device 20 is fitted with one item supply device 200. In other words, the second weighing unit 4B has four sets of one weighing device 20 and one item supply device 200.

[0020] The article supply device 200 comprises a storage section 201 (not shown), an input section 202A (not shown), a discharge section 202B, and an article discharge operation section 203. The storage section 201 stores articles (liquid). The input section 202A is an input port for inputting articles to be stored in the storage section 201. The discharge section 202B is a discharge port for discharging articles stored in the storage section 201. The article discharge operation section 203 is operated when discharging articles stored in the storage section 201 from the discharge section 202B.

[0021] The item supply device 200 is installed such that the weight of the item supply device 200 and the weight of the items contained in the item supply device 200 are measured by the weighing device 20. In other words, the weighing device 20 measures the weight of the item supply device 200 and the items contained in the item supply device 200 while waiting for a customer. That is, the weighing device 20 determines the decrease in measured weight before and after the customer dispenses the items as the purchase weight of the items by that customer. The item dispensing operation unit 203 is configured to continue dispensing items as long as the operation is maintained and to stop dispensing when the operation is stopped (for example, a push-button). However, the item dispensing operation unit 203 may also be configured to start dispensing items based on a start operation and stop dispensing items based on a stop operation (for example, a lever or a handle).

[0022] The weighing device 20 calculates the decrease in weighed weight before and after the customer releases the item as the purchase weight of the item by the customer. Based on the customer's operation (operation of the operation unit 26 described later), the weighing device 20 transmits the item purchase information (for example, the device identification information of the weighing device 20 and the purchase weight) to the display and printing device 40.

[0023] The store clerk places the items to be sold into the item supply device 200. In other words, the store clerk puts the items in from the input section 202A.

[0024] The customer places the desired amount of items stored in the item supply device 200 into a takeaway container (for example, the container 220 shown in Figures 7A and 7B). Specifically, the customer operates the item release operation unit 203 to release the desired amount of items stored in the storage unit 201 from the release unit 202B and place them into the takeaway container. The weighing device 20 calculates the decrease in weighed weight before and after the customer takes out the items. Next, the customer operates the weighing device 20 (operation unit 26). As described above, the weighing device 20 transmits the item purchase information to the display and printing device 40 based on the operation of the operation unit 26. Subsequently, the customer moves to the display and printing device 40 and operates the display and printing device 40 to issue a label.

[0025] (Third weighing unit 4C) The third weighing unit 4C consists of 10 weighing devices 30 and 10 item supply devices 300. Each weighing device 30 is fitted with one item supply device 300. In other words, the third weighing unit 4C has 10 sets, each consisting of one weighing device 30 and one item supply device 300.

[0026] The article supply device 300 comprises a storage section 301, an input section 302A, a discharge section 302B, and an article discharge operation section 303. The storage section 301 stores articles (individual items). The input section 302A is an input port for inputting articles to be stored in the storage section 301. The discharge section 302B is a discharge port for discharging articles stored in the storage section 301. The article discharge operation section 303 is configured to start discharging articles based on a start operation and stop discharging based on a stop operation (e.g., a handle, a lever). However, the article discharge operation section 303 may also be configured to continue discharging articles while the operation is maintained and stop discharging when the operation is stopped (e.g., a push-button).

[0027] The weighing device 30 collects the items dispensed from the item supply device 300 (discharge unit 302B). The weighing device 30 weighs the collected items. Based on the operation of the item discharge operation unit 36, the weighing device 30 dispenses the items whose weight has been measured. When the weighing device 30 has dispensed all the items whose weight has been measured, it transmits the item purchase information (for example, the device identification information of the weighing device 30 and the purchased weight) to the display and printing device 40.

[0028] The store clerk places the items to be sold into the item supply device 300. In other words, the store clerk puts the items in from the input section 302A.

[0029] The customer moves the desired quantity of items stored in the item supply device 300 to the weighing device 30. Specifically, the customer operates the item release operation unit 303 to release the desired quantity of items stored in the storage unit 301 from the release unit 302B and stores them in the weighing device 30. The weighing device 30 weighs the stored items (the desired quantity of items). Subsequently, the customer moves all the items stored in the weighing device 30 (the items whose weight has been measured) into a takeaway container (for example, the container 320 shown in Figure 9C). Specifically, the customer operates the item release operation unit 36 ​​to release all the items from the weighing device 30 into the takeaway container. As described above, the weighing device 30 transmits the item purchase information to the display and printing device 40 based on the fact that all items have been released into the takeaway container. Next, the customer moves to the display printing device 40 and operates the display printing device 40 to have it print a label.

[0030] (Measuring device 10) Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the weighing device 10. Figure 4 shows an example of the appearance of the weighing device 10. Figure 5A shows the weighing device 10 and other components in the state when goods are being dispensed from the goods supply device 100 into the container 120 (a state in which the weighing weight is not yet stable). Figure 5B is an explanatory diagram showing the weighing device 10 and other components after the goods have been dispensed from the goods supply device 100 into the container 120 (a state in which the weighing weight is stable). In Figures 3, 4, 5A, and 5B, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The weighing device 10 will be described below with reference to Figures 3, 4, 5A, and 5B.

[0031] The weighing device 10 comprises a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a weighing unit 14, a display unit 15, an operation unit 16, and a communication unit 17. These are connected to each other via a bus.

[0032] The CPU 11 controls the operation of the weighing device 10 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 12. For example, the CPU 11 calculates the decrease in weighing weight before and after a customer takes out an item (an item stored in the item supply device 100) as the purchase weight of the item by that customer.

[0033] ROM12 is a read-only memory that stores various information used by the CPU11, such as programs. RAM13 is a read / write memory that stores various information, such as information read from ROM12, information processed (calculated, generated, updated, etc.) by the CPU11, information referenced by the CPU11 in the above processing, information obtained via the communication unit 17, and information obtained by the weighing unit 14. For example, RAM13 stores the base weight for calculating the decrease in weighed weight (the combined weight of the goods supply device 100 and the goods contained in the goods supply device 100 before the start of trading), the warning weight for notifying about replenishing or replacing goods contained in the goods supply device 100, and the unit price of goods (a set of goods contained in the goods supply device 100) obtained via the communication unit 17.

[0034] The weighing unit 14 weighs the weight of the items placed on the platform 14a. The weighing unit 14 weighs the weight of the items using, for example, a load cell weight detection method. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the weighing unit 14 weighs the combined weight of the item supply device 100 and the items contained in the item supply device 100.

[0035] The display unit 15 displays the purchase weight, etc., to the customer. The display unit 15 consists of five displays (display 15a, display 15b, display 15c, display 15d, and display 15e). The display unit 15 (displays 15a to 15e) may be, for example, liquid crystal panels.

[0036] Display unit 15a displays the purchase weight. When the goods are being taken out of the goods supply device 100 into the container 120 (when the weighing weight is not stable), display unit 15a may display information indicating that it is being prepared for display (for example, a rectangle with dashed lines as shown in Figure 5A, dashed lines "- - -", etc.). Display unit 15b displays the unit price of the goods to be purchased (goods contained in the goods supply device 100). Display unit 15c displays the purchase price (purchase price, selling price, selling price) of the goods for the purchased weight. When the goods are being taken out of the goods supply device 100 into the container 120 (when the weighing weight is not stable), display unit 15c may display information indicating that it is being prepared for display, as shown in Figure 5A. Display unit 15d displays the weighing weight. In other words, display unit 15d displays the combined weight of the goods supply device 100 and the goods contained in the goods supply device 100.

[0037] The display unit 15e displays the status of the weighing device 10. For example, when the device is dispensing goods from the goods supply device 100 into the container 120 (when the weighing weight is not yet stable), the display unit 15e displays a mark (icon) as shown in Figure 5A. When the device has finished dispensing goods from the goods supply device 100 into the container 120 (when the weighing weight is stable), the display unit 15e displays a mark as shown in Figure 5B.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 5A, display unit 15a displays information indicating that display is being prepared, display unit 15b displays "500 (yen / 100g)", display unit 15c displays information indicating that display is being prepared, and display unit 15d displays "1100 (g)". In the example shown in Figure 5B, display unit 15a displays "150 (g)", display unit 15b displays "500 (yen / 100g)", display unit 15c displays "750 (yen)", and display unit 15d displays "1050 (g)".

[0039] The operation unit 16 accepts customer input. In this embodiment, the operation unit 16 is one or more hard buttons (push buttons) located on the housing, but it may also be one or more soft buttons (touch buttons) that are displayed in an operable manner. In other words, the display unit 15 may be a touch panel that displays the purchase weight to the customer or accepts customer input. The same applies to the display unit 25 (described later) and operation unit 26 (described later) of the weighing device 20.

[0040] The communication unit 17 transmits and receives information with other devices. For example, the communication unit 17 transmits item purchase information to the display and printing device 40 based on the operation of the operation unit 16.

[0041] Although not shown in the diagram, the weighing device 10 may be equipped with a hard disk. The hard disk may store various information in place of or in addition to the RAM 13. The same applies to the weighing devices 20, 30, and 40. Furthermore, the weighing device 10 may be equipped with an SSD (Solid State Drive) instead of a hard disk. The same applies to the weighing devices 20, 30, and 40.

[0042] Furthermore, the weighing device 10 may be equipped with a timing unit (timing function). For example, the weighing device 10 may be able to manage the current time, the remaining time until a certain time, or the elapsed time since a certain state was reached, using the timing unit. The same applies to the weighing device 20 and the display printing device 40. Furthermore, the weighing device 10 may be equipped with an audio output unit. For example, the weighing device 10 may output audio appropriate to the situation (for example, an error audio). The same applies to the weighing device 20, the weighing device 30, and the display printing device 40. Furthermore, the weighing device 10 may be equipped with a human presence sensor. For example, the weighing device 10 may use the human presence sensor to determine whether or not there is a person in the vicinity (for example, in front of the weighing device 10). The same applies to the weighing device 20, the weighing device 30, and the display printing device 40.

[0043] (Measuring device 20) Figure 6 shows an example of the appearance of the weighing device 20. Figure 7A shows the weighing device 20 and other components in the state when goods are being dispensed from the goods supply device 200 into the container 220 (before weighing). Figure 7B shows the weighing device 20 and other components in the state when all goods have been dispensed from the goods supply device 200 into the container 220 (when the weighing weight has stabilized). In Figures 6, 7A, and 7B, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The weighing device 20 will be described below with reference to Figures 6, 7A, and 7B.

[0044] Although the configuration diagram is omitted, the weighing device 20, like the weighing device 10, includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, weighing unit, display unit, operation unit, and communication unit. Hereinafter, the CPU, ROM, RAM, weighing unit, display unit, operation unit, and communication unit of the weighing device 20 will be referred to as CPU21, ROM22, RAM23, weighing unit24, display unit25, operation unit26, and communication unit27, respectively. The CPU21, ROM22, RAM23, weighing unit24, display unit25, operation unit26, and communication unit27 are connected to each other via a bus.

[0045] The CPU 21, like the CPU 11 of the weighing device 10, calculates, for example, the decrease in weighed weight before and after the release of goods (goods stored in the goods supply device 200) by the customer as the purchase weight of the goods by that customer.

[0046] ROM22, like ROM12 of the weighing device 10, stores various information used by the CPU21, such as programs. RAM23, like RAM13 of the weighing device 10, stores, for example, the reference weight for calculating the decrease in weighed weight (the combined weight of the goods supply device 200 and the goods contained in the goods supply device 200 before the start of trading), the warning weight for notifying about replenishing or replacing the goods contained in the goods supply device 200, and the unit price of goods (a set of goods contained in the goods supply device 200) obtained via the communication unit 27.

[0047] The weighing unit 24, like the weighing unit 14 of the weighing device 10, weighs the weight of the items using, for example, a weight detection method using a load cell. Specifically, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the weighing unit 24 weighs the combined weight of the item supply device 200 and the items contained within the item supply device 200.

[0048] The configuration of the display unit 25 is the same as that of the display unit 15 of the weighing device 10. For example, when the display unit 25 is discharging goods from the goods supply device 200 into the container 220 (when the weighed weight is not yet stable), it displays the respective information on each of the indicators (indicator 25a, indicator 25b, indicator 25c, indicator 25d, indicator 25e) as shown in Figure 7A. Also, when the display unit 25 has finished discharging goods from the goods supply device 200 into the container 220 (when the weighed weight is stable), it displays the respective information on each of the indicators as shown in Figure 7B.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 7A, display unit 25a displays information indicating that display is being prepared, display unit 25b displays "125 (yen / 100g)", display unit 25c displays information indicating that display is being prepared, and display unit 25d displays "3980 (g)". In the example shown in Figure 7B, display unit 25a displays "120 (g)", display unit 25b displays "125 (yen / 100g)", display unit 25c displays "150 (yen)", and display unit 25d displays "3880 (g)".

[0050] The operation unit 26, like the operation unit 16 of the weighing device 10, accepts customer input. The communication unit 27, like the communication unit 17 of the weighing device 10, sends and receives information with other devices. For example, the communication unit 27 transmits item purchase information to the display and printing device 40 based on the operation of the operation unit 26.

[0051] (Measuring device 30) Figure 8 shows an example of the appearance of the weighing device 30. Figure 9A shows the weighing device 30 and other components in the state where goods are being dispensed from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30 (the weighed weight is not yet stable). Figure 9B shows the weighing device 30 and other components in the state where goods have finished being dispensed from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30 (the weighed weight is stable). Figure 9C shows the weighing device 30 and other components in the state where goods are being dispensed from the weighing device 30 to the container 320 (the weighed weight is not yet stable). In Figures 8, 9A to 9C (and similarly in Figures 10A to 10E), the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The weighing device 30 will be described below with reference to Figures 8, 9A to 9C.

[0052] Although the configuration diagram is omitted, the weighing device 30 comprises a CPU, ROM, RAM, weighing unit, display unit, and communication unit. Hereinafter, the CPU, ROM, RAM, weighing unit, display unit, and communication unit of the weighing device 30 will be referred to as CPU31, ROM32, RAM33, weighing unit34, display unit25, and communication unit37, respectively. The CPU31, ROM32, RAM33, weighing unit34, display unit35, and communication unit37 are connected to each other via a bus. The weighing device 30 also includes a timing unit (timing function). Furthermore, the weighing device 30 includes an item dispensing operation unit 36, a guide body 38 (described later), a cover body 39 (described later), etc.

[0053] The CPU 31 controls the operation of the weighing device 30 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 32. For example, the CPU 31 calculates the weighed weight of the goods supplied from the goods supply device 300 as the purchase weight of the goods by the customer.

[0054] ROM32 is a read-only memory that stores various information used by the CPU31, such as programs. RAM33 is a read-write memory that stores various information, such as information read from ROM32, information processed (calculated, generated, updated, etc.) by the CPU31, information referenced by the CPU31 in the above processing, information obtained via the communication unit37, and information obtained by the weighing unit34. For example, RAM33 stores a judgment weight (sometimes called a judgment weight) for determining whether to increase or decrease the weighing weight (i.e., whether to release items from the item supply device300 to the weighing device30 or from the weighing device30 to the container320), and the unit price of items (items contained in the set of item supply devices300) obtained via the communication unit37.

[0055] The weighing unit 34 weighs the weight of the item guided (stored) in the guide body 38. The weighing unit 34 weighs the weight of the item, for example, using a weight detection method with a load cell.

[0056] The display unit 35 displays the purchase weight, etc., to the customer. The display unit 35 consists of four displays (display 35a, display 35b, display 35c, and display 35e). The display unit 35 (display 35a to 35c, and display 35e) may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel.

[0057] Display unit 35a displays the purchase weight (weighed weight). When the weighing device 30 is discharging goods into the container 320 (when the weighed weight is not stable), display unit 35a may display information indicating that it is being prepared for display, as shown in Figure 9C. Display unit 35b displays the unit price of the goods to be purchased (goods contained in the goods supply device 300). Display unit 35c displays the purchase price of the goods for the purchased weight. When the goods supply device 300 is discharging goods into the weighing device 30 (when the weighed weight is not stable), display unit 35c may display information indicating that it is being prepared for display, as shown in Figure 9A.

[0058] The display unit 35e displays the status of the weighing device 10. For example, when the display unit 35e is discharging goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30 (the weighing weight is not stable), it displays a mark as shown in Figure 9A. When the display unit 35e has finished discharging goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30 (the weighing weight is stable), it displays a mark as shown in Figure 9B. When the display unit 35e is discharging goods from the weighing device 30 to the container 320 (the weighing weight is not stable), it displays a mark as shown in Figure 9C.

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 9A, display unit 35a displays "50(g)", display unit 25b displays "400(yen / 100g)", and display unit 25c displays information indicating that display is being prepared. In the example shown in Figure 9B, display unit 35a displays "300(g)", display unit 25b displays "400(yen / 100g)", and display unit 25c displays "1200(yen)". In the example shown in Figure 9C, display unit 35a displays information indicating that display is being prepared, display unit 25b displays "400(yen / 100g)", and display unit 25c displays "1200(yen)".

[0060] The communication unit 37 transmits and receives information with other devices. For example, when all the weighed items have been released, the communication unit 37 transmits the item purchase information to the display and printing device 40.

[0061] (Storage and weighing of goods) Figure 10A is a side view of the guide body 38 side when the weighing device 30 is disassembled into the main body 30A side and the guide body 38 side, showing it in the closed state. Figure 10B is a side view of the guide body 38 side when the weighing device 30 is disassembled into the main body 30A side and the guide body 38 side, showing it in the open state. Figure 10C is a side view showing the internal structure of the main body 30A side when the weighing device 30 is disassembled into the main body 30A side and the guide body 38 side. Figure 10D is a side view showing the internal structure of the weighing device 30 when it is in the closed state. Figure 10E is a side view showing the internal structure of the weighing device 30 when it is in the open state.

[0062] As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the weighing device 30 comprises a guide body 38, an operation transmission mechanism 36C, and a cover 39. The guide body 38 has a receiving opening 38A on its upper side, a discharge opening 38B on its lower side, and engaging protrusions 38C on its side. In Figure 10A, the discharge opening 38B is not shown because it is covered by the cover 39. In Figures 10A and 10B, two engaging protrusions 38C are shown on one side (the side on which the operation transmission mechanism 36C is provided), but the guide body 38 also has two engaging protrusions 38C on the other side. The operation transmission mechanism 36C and the cover 39 are provided around the guide body 38.

[0063] As shown in Figure 10C, the front panel 30B of the main body 30A is provided with a display unit 35 and an item dispensing operation unit 36. The main body 30A has a hollow section 30C that opens vertically behind the front panel 30B. A weighing unit 34 is provided behind the hollow section 30C of the main body 30A. The weighing unit 34 has engaging recesses 34A on the side facing the hollow section 30C. In Figure 10C, two engaging recesses 34A are shown on one side, but the weighing unit 34 also has two engaging recesses 34A on the other side.

[0064] The receiving-side opening 38A of the guide body 38 is an opening that receives articles discharged from the article supply device 300. The discharge-side opening 38B of the guide body 38 is an opening that discharges the articles received by the receiving-side opening 38A into the container 320. The discharge-side opening 38B has a narrower opening width than the receiving-side opening 38A. In other words, the inside of the guide body 38 gradually narrows from the receiving-side opening 38A to the discharge-side opening 38B, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B.

[0065] The cover 39 operates in accordance with the operation of the operation transmission mechanism 36C, which operates in response to the operation of the article release operation unit 36. Specifically, when the operation transmission mechanism 36C is in the position shown in Figure 10A (the position where the tip is not pushed down; the initial position), the cover 39 is in a position that covers the release-side opening 38B (a position that prevents the release of articles from the release-side opening 38B), and when the operation transmission mechanism 36C is in the position shown in Figure 10B (the position where the tip is pushed down), the cover 39 is in a position that does not cover the release-side opening 38B (a position that does not prevent the release of articles from the release-side opening 38B), in accordance with the operation of the operation transmission mechanism 36C (i.e., the operation of the article release operation unit 36). In other words, the weighing device 30 has two states: one in which it is impossible to release an item from the guide body 38 (discharge-side opening 38B) (also referred to as the closed state or containment state), and another in which it is possible to release an item from the guide body 38 (discharge-side opening 38B) (also referred to as the open state or release state). Both states (closed state, open state) change according to the operation of the item release operation unit 36.

[0066] As shown in Figures 10D and 10E, the weighing device 30 is used with the guide body 38 and other components (guide body 38, operation transmission mechanism 36C, lid 39) fitted into the hollow portion 30C of the main body 30A such that the engagement recess 34A of the weighing unit 34 engages with the engagement projection 38C of the guide body 38. In the above state, the guide body 38 and other components are supported by the weighing unit 34 (engagement recess 34A) so that the total weight (including the weight of the items stored inside the guide body 38 if any items are stored inside) is weighed by the weighing unit 34. As a result, the weight of the items stored inside the guide body 38 is weighed by the weighing unit 34. The weighing device 30 may store the weight of the guide body 38 and other components as the tare weight, and when no items are stored inside the guide body 38, it may display zero as the purchase weight (weighed weight) on the display unit 35 (display 35a). Furthermore, the engagement between the engaging projection 38C and the engaging recess 34A can be released (the guide body 38, etc., can be detached from the main body 30A).

[0067] The article release operation unit 36 ​​is operated from one end (outside the front plate 30B) as shown in Figures 8 and 9A to 9C. The other end of the article release operation unit 36 ​​(towards the hollow section 30C) protrudes toward the hollow section 30C. The article release operation unit 36 ​​is biased upward by a spring 36B. When the article release operation unit 36 ​​is not pressed down (non-operated state; initial state), it does not contact the operation transmission mechanism 36C (does not press down the operation transmission mechanism 36C) as shown in Figure 10D. When the article release operation unit 36 ​​is pressed down (operated state), it contacts the operation transmission mechanism 36C and presses down the operation transmission mechanism 36C as shown in Figure 10E.

[0068] A sector gear 36D is formed at one end of the internal side of the operating transmission mechanism 36C. The cover 39 operates on the gear portion 39A as its axis, in accordance with the rotation of the gear portion 39A. The sector gear 36D and the gear portion 39A are meshed together. The cover 39 is also biased by a spring 39B to cover the discharge opening 38B (to prevent the discharge of articles from the discharge opening 38B).

[0069] As shown in Figure 10D, when the article release operation unit 36 ​​is not pressed down, the lid 39 does not receive rotational force from the operation transmission mechanism 36C (sector gear 36D), and therefore, due to the biasing force of the spring 39B, it assumes a position that covers the release-side opening 38B (preventing the release of articles from the release-side opening 38B). On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10E, when the article release operation unit 36 ​​is pressed down, the lid 39, due to the rotational force from the operation transmission mechanism 36C (sector gear 36D), acts against the biasing force of the spring 39B and assumes a position that does not cover the release-side opening 38B (preventing the release of articles from the release-side opening 38B). In other words, articles received from the receiving-side opening 38A are contained in the guide body 38 until the article release operation unit 36 ​​is operated, and are released from the release-side opening 38B in response to the operation of the article release operation unit 36.

[0070] (Display printing device 40) Figure 11 shows an example of the external appearance of the display and printing device 40. Although the configuration diagram is omitted, the display and printing device 40 comprises a CPU, ROM, RAM, a display unit, a communication unit, and a printing unit. Hereinafter, the CPU, ROM, RAM, display unit, communication unit, and printing unit of the display and printing device 40 will be referred to as CPU 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, display unit 45, communication unit 47, and printing unit 48, respectively. These are connected to each other via a bus.

[0071] The CPU 41 controls the operation of the display and printing device 40 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 42. For example, the CPU 41 controls the display by the display unit 45. The CPU 41 also controls the printing and issuance of labels by the printing unit 48.

[0072] ROM 42 is a read-only memory that stores various information used by the CPU 41, such as programs. RAM 43 is a read / write memory that stores various information, such as information read from ROM 42, information processed (calculated, generated, updated, etc.) by the CPU 41, information referenced by the CPU 41 in the above processing, information obtained via the communication unit 47, and the unit price of each item. For example, RAM 43 stores the item (item name), unit price, image, etc., of items weighed by each weighing device (items contained in the item supply device corresponding to each weighing device), associated with the device identification information of each weighing device.

[0073] The display unit 45 is, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel. The display unit 45 displays various information to the customer and accepts operations from the customer. For example, the display unit 45 displays an item selection screen (product selection screen) with item buttons (product buttons) for selecting (specifying) items to print and issue labels, or a label issuance instruction screen that accepts instructions to print and issue labels.

[0074] The communication unit 47 transmits and receives information between the device and other devices. For example, the communication unit 47 receives item purchase information from each weighing device. The printing unit 48 prints and issues labels based on customer operations (for example, operations on the label issuance instruction screen). Figure 11 shows the label issuing slot 48a.

[0075] The display and printing device 40 is equipped with a sensor that detects when a label printed and issued by the printing unit 48 has been removed from the label issuing slot 48a (i.e., when a customer has received a label from the label issuing slot 48a).

[0076] (Operation of the weighing device, which uses the reduction in weighed weight as the purchase weight) The weighing device 10 of the first weighing unit 4A calculates the decrease in weighed weight as the purchase weight of the goods. A transaction in the first weighing unit 4A begins when goods are taken from the goods supply device 100 into the container 120 while the unit is waiting for a customer, and ends when the operating unit 16 of the weighing device 10 is operated. The weighing device 10 calculates the purchase weight by subtracting the weighed weight at the end of the transaction (stable weighed weight at the time of operation of the operating unit 16) from the weighed weight before the start of the transaction (reference weight).

[0077] Normally, a transaction in the first weighing unit 4A begins when goods are taken from the goods supply device 100 into the container 120 while the unit is waiting for a customer. Therefore, the weight measured by the weighing device 10 decreases from the base weight (weight measured before the start of the transaction) (becomes less than the base weight). However, if goods are put into the goods supply device 100 (returned) while the unit is waiting for a customer, the weight measured by the weighing device 10 increases from the base weight (becomes more than the base weight).

[0078] If the weight measured by the weighing device 10 increases from the standard weight, the purchase weight calculated by the weighing device 10 will be a negative value, making it impossible to calculate the actual purchase price. For example, in a scenario where customer A returns an item to the item supply device 100 and leaves, and then the next customer B takes an item from the item supply device 100, if the weight of the item taken by customer B is less than the weight of the item returned by customer A, customer B's purchase price will be negative. If the weight of the item taken by customer B is equal to the weight of the item returned by customer A, customer B's purchase price will be zero. Even if the weight of the item taken by customer B is greater than the weight of the item returned by customer A, customer B's purchase price will be reduced by the weight of the item returned by customer A.

[0079] Therefore, in the first weighing unit 4A, an increase in weighed weight from the waiting state is considered an abnormal state, and the abnormal state is notified to the store staff, who are then instructed to resolve the abnormal state.

[0080] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the changes in the reference weight, weighed weight, and purchased weight in the weighing device 10. In Figure 12, the horizontal axis represents the passage of time (time). In the same figure, the vertical axis represents weight (weight value). In the same figure, the thick solid line L1 represents the reference weight, the thin solid line L2 represents the weighed weight, and the dashed line L3 represents the purchased weight. The weight is indicated numerically above each line (thick solid line L1, thin solid line L2, dashed line L3) as appropriate. For convenience, the diagonal parts of each line (parts where the value increases or decreases) are shown as straight lines. The status of the weighing device 10 as displayed by the display unit 15e is also illustrated in the same figure.

[0081] Each time is as follows: Time Ta0~Ta1: Waiting for customers Time Ta1~Ta3: Trading in progress (normal conditions) Time Ta3~Ta4: Waiting for customers Time Ta4~Ta8: Trading in progress (normal conditions) Time Ta8~Ta9: Waiting for customers Time Ta9~Ta11: Trading in progress (abnormal condition) Time Ta11~Ta12: Waiting for customers

[0082] The reference weight, weighing weight, purchase weight, etc., for each time period within a normal transaction will be explained using transactions Ta4 to Ta8 as an example. From time Ta4 to Ta5, the weighed weight decreases and the purchased weight increases as the goods are removed from the goods supply device 100 into the container 120. The base weight does not change from time Ta4 to Ta5. Therefore, from time Ta4 to Ta5, the weighed weight is less than the base weight. Time Ta5-Ta6: After the goods have been removed from the goods supply device 100 into the container 120, the weighed weight and purchased weight are stable. The reference weight does not change during time Ta5-Ta6. Therefore, during time Ta5-Ta6, the weighed weight is less than the reference weight. From time Ta6 to Ta7, the weighed weight decreases and the purchased weight increases as the goods are removed from the goods supply device 100 to the container 120. The reference weight does not change from time Ta6 to Ta7. Therefore, from time Ta6 to Ta7, the weighed weight is less than the reference weight. Time Ta7-Ta8: This is after the goods have been removed from the goods supply device 100 into the container 120, and the weighed weight and purchased weight are stable. The reference weight does not change during time Ta7-Ta8. Therefore, during time Ta7-Ta8, the weighed weight is less than the reference weight. At time Ta8, the reference weight is updated (reference weight ← measured weight) by operation of the control unit 16. As the reference weight is updated (reference weight ← measured weight), the reference weight and the measured weight are now equal, and therefore the purchase weight is zero.

[0083] The reference weight, weighed weight, and purchase weight for each time point within a transaction during an abnormal period will be explained using transactions Ta9 to Ta11 as an example. From time Ta9 to Ta10, the weighed weight increases and the purchased weight decreases as goods are fed into the goods supply device 100. The base weight does not change from time Ta9 to Ta10. Therefore, from time Ta9 to Ta10, the weighed weight is greater than the base weight. Time Ta10-Ta11: After the goods have been loaded into the goods supply device 100, the weighed weight and purchased weight are stable. The reference weight does not change during time Ta10-Ta11. Therefore, during time Ta10-Ta11, the weighed weight is greater than the reference weight. Time Ta11: The base weight has been updated (base weight ← weighed weight) due to an operation performed by a store employee to resolve the abnormal condition (the purchase weight reset operation described later). As the base weight and the weighed weight have become equal due to the update of the base weight (base weight ← weighed weight), the purchase weight is zero.

[0084] Figures 13A to 13C are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the weighing device 10. When the weighing device 10 is in a customer waiting state, it executes the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 13A. Note that when the weighing device 10 is in a customer waiting state, it does not display anything as a status indicator (display on the display unit 15e), as shown in Figure 12 (times Ta0 to Ta1).

[0085] (Flowchart in Figure 13A) Step S1: The weighing device 10 determines whether the weighed weight has changed. If the weighed weight has changed, proceed to step S2. Step S2: The weighing device 10 displays information indicating that it is preparing to display the purchase weight, and also displays information indicating that it is preparing to display the purchase amount. The process then proceeds to step S3.

[0086] Step S3: The weighing device 10 determines whether the weighed weight is less than the reference weight. In other words, the weighing device 10 determines whether an item has been taken out of the item supply device 100 or an item has been put into the item supply device 100. If the weighed weight is less than the reference weight (an item has been taken out of the item supply device 100), the process proceeds to step S4. If the weighed weight is greater than the reference weight (an item has been put into the item supply device 100), the process proceeds to step S44.

[0087] Furthermore, if it is determined that the weighing weight has changed from the waiting state (step S1 (YES)), the decision in step S3 is performed following the display in step S2. However, the decision process in step S3 may be performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined in step S1 that the weighing weight has changed. The predetermined time may be about one-tenth to one-half of the average time required from the change in weighing weight to the stabilization of the weighing weight, where X is assumed to be the average time required. The same applies when it is determined in step S24 of Figure 13B that the weighing weight has changed (step S24 (YES)), and the decision in step S3 is performed again.

[0088] The processing from step S4 onwards is the normal process. The processing from step S44 onwards is the process for abnormal situations.

[0089] (Normal processing) Step S4: The weighing device 10 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 10 displays a mark on the display unit 15e as shown in Figure 5A. Then proceed to step S7. Step S7: The weighing device 10 displays the weighed weight on the display unit 15d. Then proceed to step S8. Step S8: The weighing device 10 calculates the purchase weight by subtracting the weighed weight from the standard weight. The purchase weight calculated in step S8 will be a positive value. The process then proceeds to step S9. Step S9: The weighing device 10 determines whether the weighed weight is stable or not. If the weighed weight is stable, proceed to step S10. If the weighed weight is not stable, return to step S7. Step S10: The weighing device 10 displays the purchase weight on the display unit 15a. That is, the weighing device 10 displays the purchase weight calculated in the last step, S8. The process then proceeds to step S11. Step S11: The weighing device 10 calculates the purchase price based on the unit price and the purchase weight, and displays it on the display unit 15c. The purchase price calculated in step S11 will be a positive value. Next, proceed to step S20 in Figure 13B.

[0090] (Flowchart in Figure 13B) Step S20: The weighing device 10 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 10 displays a mark on the display unit 15e as shown in Figure 5B. Then proceed to step S22. Step S22: The weighing device 10 determines whether a confirmation operation has been performed. Specifically, the weighing device 10 determines whether the operation unit 16 has been operated (normally pressed). The customer checks the purchased weight and purchase amount, and if there are no problems, operates the operation unit 16 as a confirmation operation. If a confirmation operation has been performed, proceed to step S26. If no confirmation operation has been performed, proceed to step S23. Step S23: The weighing device 10 determines whether or not a purchase weight reset operation has been performed. A purchase weight reset operation is an operation performed by a store employee in case of an abnormality (when the determination in step S3 is NO). In case of an abnormality, the store employee performs a special operation on the operation unit 16 (for example, by operating a hidden button) as a purchase weight reset operation. Since the situation in step S23 is not an abnormality, the device proceeds to step S24 regardless of whether or not a purchase weight reset has been performed. In other words, the weighing device 10 ignores the purchase weight reset operation. Step S24: The weighing device 10 determines whether the weighed weight has changed. If the weighed weight has changed, it returns to step S2 in Figure 13A. If the weighed weight has not changed, it returns to step S22.

[0091] Step S26: The weighing device 10 transmits the item purchase information (device identification information of the weighing device 10, purchase weight) to the display and printing device 40. The process then proceeds to step S27. Step S27: The weighing device 10 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 10 displays a mark on the display unit 15e indicating that the item purchase information has been sent to the display printing device 40 (the check marks shown at times Ta3 and Ta8 in Figure 12). The process then proceeds to step S28. Step S28: The weighing device 10 updates the reference weight. Specifically, the weighing device 10 stores the measured weight as the reference weight. In other words, the weighing device 10 stores the stable weight after the transaction in the memory unit (RAM 13) as a new reference weight for the next transaction. The process then proceeds to step S29.

[0092] Step S29: The weighing device 10 displays zero as the purchase weight on the display unit 15a and zero as the purchase amount on the display unit 15c. The process then proceeds to step S30. Alternatively, the weighing device 10 may calculate the purchase weight by subtracting the weighed weight from the base weight and display it on the display unit 15a, similar to step S8 in Figure 13A. However, since the base weight and the weighed weight are equal due to the process in step S28, the calculation is omitted. Similarly, the weighing device 10 may calculate the purchase amount based on the unit price and the purchase weight and display it on the display unit 15c, similar to step S11 in Figure 13A. However, since the base weight and the weighed weight are equal due to the process in step S28, the calculation is omitted. The same applies to step S89 in Figure 13C. Step S30: The weighing device 10 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 10 updates the display on the indicator 15e to a customer waiting status mark, that is, it displays nothing, as shown in the times Ta3~Ta4 and Ta8~Ta9 in Figure 12. The process then proceeds to step S31.

[0093] Step S31: The weighing device 10 determines whether the standard weight (or weighed weight) is less than a predetermined warning weight. In other words, the weighing device 10 determines whether the weight (remaining amount) of the items contained in the item supply device 100 has become low enough to warrant a warning. If it is less than the warning weight, proceed to step S32. If it is not less than the warning weight, this flowchart ends (return to step S1 in Figure 13A).

[0094] Step S32: The weighing device 10 outputs a message indicating that the remaining quantity of the item is low. For example, the weighing device 10 sends warning information (device identification information of the weighing device 10, code information indicating that the remaining quantity of the item is low) to a terminal used by a store employee (for example, a POS terminal used by a store employee, a smartphone used by a store employee, a tablet terminal, etc.; hereinafter sometimes referred to as the employee terminal). The weighing device 10 may, in addition to or instead of sending the above warning information to the employee terminal, send it to the display and printing device 40. Then, this flowchart ends (returning to step S1 in Figure 13A).

[0095] In addition, in step S32, the weighing device 10 may output a warning voice from its voice output unit indicating that the remaining amount of goods is low, instead of or in addition to transmitting the above-mentioned warning information to the employee terminal or display printing device 40. The weighing device 10 stops outputting the warning voice when goods are replenished in the goods supply device 100 and the standard weight is no longer below the warning weight.

[0096] (Handling of abnormal situations) Step S44: The weighing device 10 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 10 displays a mark on the display unit 15e as shown in Figure 12 at times Ta9 to Ta11 (a mark as shown in Figure 14G). Then proceed to step S47. Step S47: The weighing device 10 displays the weighed weight on the display unit 15d. Then proceed to step S48. Step S48: The weighing device 10 calculates the purchase weight by subtracting the weighed weight from the standard weight. Note that the purchase weight calculated in step S48 will be a negative value. The process then proceeds to step S49. Step S49: The weighing device 10 determines whether the weighed weight is stable or not. If the weighed weight is stable, proceed to step S50. If the weighed weight is not stable, return to step S47. Step S50: The weighing device 10 displays the purchase weight on the display unit 15a. That is, the weighing device 10 displays the purchase weight calculated in the last executed step S48. The process then proceeds to step S51. Step S51: The weighing device 10 calculates the purchase amount based on the unit price and the purchase weight, and displays it on the display unit 15c. Note that the purchase amount calculated in step S51 will be a negative value. Next, proceed to step S62 in Figure 13C.

[0097] (Flowchart in Figure 13C) Step S62: The weighing device 10 determines whether or not a confirmation operation has been performed. A confirmation operation is an operation performed under normal circumstances. Since the situation in step S62 is not a normal situation, the device proceeds to step S63 regardless of whether or not a confirmation operation has been performed. In other words, the weighing device 10 ignores the confirmation operation. Step S63: The weighing device 10 determines whether or not a purchase weight reset operation has been performed. If a purchase weight reset operation has been performed, proceed to step S88. If a purchase weight reset operation has not been performed, proceed to step S64. Step S64: The weighing device 10 determines whether the weighed weight has changed. If the weighed weight has changed, proceed to step S72. If the weighed weight has not changed, return to step S62.

[0098] If, after a customer has placed an item into the item supply device 100 and before the purchase weight reset operation is performed, that customer or another customer who appears after that customer has left places an item into the item supply device 100, or if, after a customer has placed an item into the item supply device 100 and before the purchase weight reset operation is performed, that customer or another customer who appears after that customer has left removes an item from the item supply device 100, the process proceeds to step S72.

[0099] Step S72: The weighing device 10 displays information indicating that it is preparing to display the purchase weight, and also displays information indicating that it is preparing to display the purchase amount. The process then proceeds to step S77. Step S77: The weighing device 10 displays the weighed weight on the display unit 15d. Then proceed to step S78. Step S78: The weighing device 10 calculates the purchase weight by subtracting the weighed weight from the standard weight. Then proceed to step S79. Step S79: The weighing device 10 determines whether the weighed weight is stable or not. If the weighed weight is stable, proceed to step S80. If the weighed weight is not stable, return to step S77. Step S80: The weighing device 10 displays the purchase weight on the display unit 15a. That is, the weighing device 10 displays the purchase weight calculated in the last step, S78. The process then proceeds to step S81. Step S81: The weighing device 10 calculates the purchase price based on the unit price and the purchase weight, and displays it on the display unit 15c. Then, the process returns to step S62.

[0100] Note that the processing in steps S72 to S81 from step S64 (YES) onward is part of the processing for abnormal situations, so no determination is made as to whether the weighed weight is less than the standard weight (similar determination as in step S3 in Figure 13A), nor is the status updated (similar status change as in step S4 in Figure 13A). If the process proceeds to step S72 due to the removal of an item from the item supply device 100, the weighed weight may be less than the standard weight, but even if the weighed weight is less than the standard weight, the process continues as an abnormal situation (returning to step S62), so there is no longer any need to determine whether the weighed weight is less than the standard weight or to update the status.

[0101] Step S88: The weighing device 10 updates the reference weight. Specifically, the weighing device 10 stores the measured weight as the reference weight in the memory unit (RAM 13). The process then proceeds to step S89.

[0102] Step S89: The weighing device 10 displays zero as the purchase weight on display 15a and zero as the purchase amount on display 15c. The process then proceeds to step S90. Step S90: The weighing device 10 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 10 updates the display on the indicator 15e to a customer waiting status mark, that is, it displays nothing as shown in Figure 12 at times Ta11 to Ta12. The process then proceeds to step S91.

[0103] Step S91: The weighing device 10 transmits unit price acquisition request information (for example, the device identification information of the weighing device 10, and code information indicating that it is requesting the transmission of the unit price to itself) to the display and printing device 40. Upon receiving the unit price acquisition request information, the display and printing device 40 refers to its storage unit (RAM 43), identifies the unit price stored in association with the device identification information, and transmits response information including the identified unit price to the requesting weighing device 10.

[0104] Step S92: The weighing device 10 determines whether or not it has received the unit price (response information). If the unit price has been received, the process proceeds to step S93. If the unit price has not been received, the process in step S92 is repeated. Step S93: The weighing device 10 stores the unit price in its memory unit. This flowchart then ends (returning to step S1 in Figure 13A).

[0105] Furthermore, in the case of abnormal processing (processing from step S44 onwards in step S3(NO)) when it is determined that the weighed weight has exceeded the standard weight, the weighing device 10 may send warning information (device identification information of the weighing device 10, code information indicating that the above abnormal state has occurred) to the store clerk's terminal indicating that an abnormal state has occurred (a state in which the weighed weight has exceeded the standard weight). For example, the weighing device 10 may send the above warning information to the store clerk's terminal when it is determined that the weighed weight has exceeded the standard weight (step S3(NO)). The weighing device 10 may send the above warning information to the store clerk's terminal when the weighed weight exceeding the standard weight has stabilized (step S49(YES)). The weighing device 10 may send the above warning information to the store clerk's terminal when a confirmation operation is performed when the weighed weight (weighed weight exceeding the standard weight) has stabilized (step S62(YES)).

[0106] In normal processing (processing from step S4 onwards when it is determined that the weighed weight does not exceed the standard weight (step S3 (YES))), if the weighing device 10 performs a purchase weight reset operation when the weighed weight (weighed weight that does not exceed the standard weight) stabilizes (step S23 (YES)), it may send warning information (device identification information of the weighing device 10, code information indicating the above) to the store clerk's terminal indicating that an inappropriate operation (purchase weight reset operation when the weighed weight that does not exceed the standard weight stabilizes).

[0107] The weighing device 10 may accept a purchase weight reset operation while in a customer waiting state (a state in which step S1 (NO) is repeatedly executed). If a purchase weight reset operation is performed while in a customer waiting state, the weighing device 10 may execute the processes in steps S88 to S93, similar to when a purchase weight reset operation is performed when the weighed weight (weighed weight exceeding the standard weight) has stabilized (step S63 (YES)). However, since the situation does not change before and after the processing of steps S88 to S90, the execution of steps S88 to S90 may be omitted and steps S91 to S93 may be executed. This allows the weighing device 10 to request and obtain unit price information based on the operation of the store clerk while in a customer waiting state. The weighing device 10 may also execute the processes in steps S91 to S93 without the operation of the store clerk (for example, when the power is turned on).

[0108] Furthermore, according to the flowcharts in Figures 13A to 13C, if a customer takes an item from the item supply device 100 and then returns some of the items to the item supply device 100, the normal processing continues (step S24 (YES) in Figure 13B → step S3 (YES) in Figure 13A → step S4, ...). However, if a customer takes an item from the item supply device 100 and then returns all of the items to the item supply device 100, the processing may be terminated (returning to step S1), although this is omitted in the flowchart above.

[0109] Furthermore, in the weighing device 10, the store clerk may perform a zero reset operation, which is a different operation from the purchase weight reset operation. The zero reset operation is a predetermined special operation (for example, pressing a button located deep inside a small hole (about 3 mm) provided in the casing with a thin rod (needle, etc.)). The zero reset operation is performed after the item supply device 100 is removed from the weighing device 10. When the item supply device 100 is removed from the weighing device 10, the purchase weight becomes a large positive value including the weight of the item supply device 100, and the purchase price also becomes a large positive value. In this state, if the zero reset operation is performed, the weighing device 10 resets the purchase weight, purchase price, and base weight to zero. Subsequently, when the store clerk places the item supply device 100 (for example, an item supply device 100 with new items, or an item supply device 100 with replenished items) on the weighing device 10, the purchase weight becomes a large negative value including the weight of the item supply device 100, and the purchase price also becomes a large negative value. This situation is the same as the abnormal situation described above. Therefore, if the store clerk performs the purchase weight reset operation in this situation, the purchase weight and purchase amount will be reset to zero, and the base weight will be the original weight (the weighed weight of the item supply device 100 with the new items added, and the weighed weight of the item supply device 100 with the items replenished).

[0110] The zero reset operation and the purchase weight reset operation are very simple settings operations when changing items. Furthermore, since the purchase weight reset operation obtains the unit price from the display printer 40, there is no need to set a new unit price for the changed item when changing items, and the problem of forgetting to set the unit price for the changed item does not occur.

[0111] In addition, although the flowchart above explains that the weighing device 10 calculates the purchase weight in steps S8, S48, and S78, and that it may also calculate the purchase weight when displaying the result in step S29 (step S89), the weighing device 10 may also calculate the purchase weight at other times as appropriate.

[0112] Figures 14A to 14H show examples of the display on the display unit 15 of the weighing device 10. Figure 14A shows an example of the display on the display unit 15 at times Ta0 to Ta1 in Figure 12. During times Ta0 to Ta1, the weighing device 10 repeatedly executes step S1(NO) in Figure 13A. Figure 14B shows an example of the display on the display unit 15 at times Ta2 to Ta3. During times Ta2 to Ta3, the weighing device 10 repeatedly executes steps S22 to S24 in Figure 13B. Figure 14C shows an example of the display on the display unit 15 at times Ta3 to Ta4. During times Ta3 to Ta4, the weighing device 10 repeatedly executes step S1(NO) in Figure 13A. Figure 14D shows an example of the display on the display unit 15 at times Ta5 to Ta6. During times Ta5 to Ta6, the weighing device 10 repeatedly executes steps S22 to S24 in Figure 13B. Figure 14E shows an example of the display unit 15 at times Ta7 to Ta8. During times Ta7 to Ta8, the weighing device 10 repeatedly executes steps S22 to S24 in Figure 13B. Figure 14F shows an example of the display unit 15 at times Ta8 to Ta9. During times Ta8 to Ta9, the weighing device 10 repeatedly executes step S1(NO) in Figure 13A. Figure 14G shows an example of the display unit 15 at times Ta10 to Ta11. During times Ta10 to Ta11, the weighing device 10 repeatedly executes steps S62 to S64 in Figure 13C. Figure 14H shows an example of the display unit 15 at times Ta11 to Ta12. During times Ta11 to Ta12, the weighing device 10 repeatedly executes step S1(NO) in Figure 13A.

[0113] The above explanation described the operation of a weighing device that uses the decrease in weighed weight as the purchase weight, using the first weighing unit 4A as an example. The same applies to the second weighing unit 4B. However, in the case of the second weighing unit 4B, it is difficult to return the goods (liquid) to the goods supply device 200 (see Figure 1). Therefore, the situations in which the weighed weight measured by the weighing device 20 in the second weighing unit 4B increases from the reference weight are less frequent than the situations in which the weighed weight measured by the weighing device 10 increases from the reference weight in the first weighing unit 4A.

[0114] (Operation of display and printing device 40) The display and printing device 40 receives item purchase information (device identification information, purchase weight) transmitted from the weighing devices (weighing device 10, weighing device 20, weighing device 30). When the display and printing device 40 receives the above information from a weighing device, it displays the item button for the item weighed by that weighing device on the display unit 45. When a customer selects an item button and instructs the display and printing device 40 to issue a label, it prints and issues a label corresponding to that item button. In other words, a customer who has finished weighing an item at a weighing device moves to the display and printing device 40, selects the item button for that item at the display and printing device 40, and receives the label for that item printed and issued by the display and printing device 40.

[0115] If a customer makes multiple transactions at the same weighing device, the display printer 40 will display multiple item buttons for the same item. For example, if a customer finishes a transaction at a weighing device 10 (after operating the operation unit 16), but then feels that the amount purchased is insufficient and makes another transaction at the same weighing device 10 to purchase additional items without moving to the display printer 40, the display printer 40 will display two item buttons for the same item. The same applies when making additional purchases at weighing device 20 or weighing device 30. Furthermore, because weighing device 30 has an upper limit on the amount of goods that can be weighed in a single transaction due to issues such as the capacity of the guide body 38, multiple transactions are necessary when purchasing a large quantity of goods stored in the goods supply device 300. In such cases as well, the display printer 40 will display multiple item buttons for the same item. As described above, if the display printer 40 displays multiple item buttons for the same item, the customer must operate each item button for the same item on the display printer 40.

[0116] Therefore, the display and printing device 40 is configured to group the item buttons for the same item into a single item button as appropriate.

[0117] Figures 15A to 16D show examples of displays on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. In the explanation of Figures 15A to 16D (and similarly for Figure 18), weighing device 10-1 weighs snack A (unit price 500 yen / 100g), and weighing device 10-2 weighs snack B (unit price 400 yen / 100g).

[0118] When the display and printing device 40 receives device identification information and purchase weight (80g) as item purchase information from weighing device 10-1, and device identification information and purchase weight (120g) as item purchase information from weighing device 10-2, it displays an item selection screen as shown in Figure 15A. The item selection screen shown in Figure 15A displays item button B1 based on the information received from weighing device 10-1 and item button B2 based on the information received from weighing device 10-2. Item button B1 displays the product image, item name "Snack A", unit price (500 yen / 100g), purchase weight (80g), and price (400 yen). Item button B2 displays the product image, item name "Snack B", unit price (400 yen / 100g), purchase weight (120g), and price (480 yen). Note that the purchase price is simply displayed as "amount" on the item buttons.

[0119] As described above, the display and printing device 40 stores the item (item name), unit price, and image in association with the device identification information. Therefore, for example, the display and printing device 40 identifies the item name (snack A), unit price (500 yen / 100g), and image of the item weighed by the weighing device 10-1 based on the device identification information transmitted from the weighing device 10-1. The display and printing device 40 also calculates the purchase price (400 yen) from the unit price (500 yen / 100g) identified as described above and the purchase weight (80g) transmitted from the weighing device 10-1. The display and printing device 40 then displays the item name (snack A), unit price (500 yen / 100g), image identified as described above, the purchase weight (80g) transmitted from the weighing device 10-1, and the purchase price calculated as described above on the item button B1.

[0120] Furthermore, the item buttons display information (image, purchase price) that is different from the information (device identification information, purchase weight) transmitted from the weighing device as item purchase information. In other words, the display printer 40 displays item buttons based on the item purchase information (device identification information, purchase weight) transmitted from the weighing device, but displays something different (image, etc.) on the item buttons from the information (device identification information, purchase weight) transmitted from the weighing device. In addition, the item buttons do not display the device identification information transmitted from the weighing device as item purchase information. In other words, the display printer 40 displays item buttons based on the item purchase information (device identification information, purchase weight) transmitted from the weighing device, but does not display some of the information (device identification information) transmitted from the weighing device.

[0121] Furthermore, the item selection screen displays a staff call button B9, which is used to summon a staff member. When the staff call button B9 is pressed, the display and printing device 40 transmits staff call information (device identification information of the display and printing device 40, and code information indicating that it is a staff call) to the staff member's terminal.

[0122] When the item button B1 is operated (selected) on the item selection screen shown in Figure 15A, the display and printing device 40 displays a label issuance instruction screen as shown in Figure 15B. The label issuance instruction screen shown in Figure 15B displays label information I1 related to the label to be printed and issued, and a print button B8. The label information I1 displays the same information as the information displayed on the item button (item button B1) that was operated on the item selection screen.

[0123] When the print button B8 is pressed on the label issuance instruction screen shown in Figure 15B, the display and printing device 40 prints and issues labels for snack A equal to the purchase weight (80g), and also displays a label receipt waiting screen as shown in Figure 15C.

[0124] When the display and printing device 40 receives a label from the scene shown in Figure 15C, it displays an item selection screen as shown in Figure 15D. The item selection screen shown in Figure 15D displays the item button B2 for snack B, which is not yet selected.

[0125] Next, we will explain the operation when combining item buttons for the same item into a single item button. When the display printing device 40 is displaying the item selection screen shown in Figure 15A, and receives new device identification information and purchase weight (40g) from the weighing device 10-2, it displays item button B3 based on the newly received information from the weighing device 10-2, in addition to item buttons B1 and B2, as shown in Figure 16A. Item button B3 displays the product image, item name "Snack B", unit price (400 yen / 100g), purchase weight (40g), and price (160 yen). The display printing device 40 also displays a consolidation necessity confirmation screen W1 in front of the item selection screen to confirm whether or not to consolidate item buttons (item buttons B2 and B3) for the same item (confirm whether consolidation is necessary), and highlights the item buttons for the same item (highlighted with a thick border in the illustrated example).

[0126] The aggregation requirement confirmation screen W1 shown in Figure 16A is a pop-up screen that appears in front of the item selection screen. The aggregation requirement confirmation screen W1 displays a message to confirm whether aggregation is necessary, an aggregation instruction button B10 to indicate whether aggregation is to be performed, and a non-aggregation instruction button B11 to indicate whether aggregation is not to be performed. The aggregation requirement confirmation screen W1 may also display the aggregated information (purchase weight, purchase amount) if aggregation is to be performed (if the aggregation instruction button B10 is pressed).

[0127] In this example, the aggregation requirement confirmation screen W1 is displayed as a pop-up screen in front of the item selection screen, but the same information may be displayed on the item selection screen. The same applies to notification screens W2 to W4.

[0128] If the non-combination instruction button B11 is operated (selected) on the summation requirement confirmation screen W1 shown in Figure 16A, the display printing device 40 will clear the summation requirement confirmation screen W1 and remove the highlighting on item buttons B2 and B3, as shown in Figure 16B.

[0129] When the summing instruction button B10 is operated (selected) on the summing requirement confirmation screen W1 shown in Figure 16A, the display and printing device 40 clears the summing requirement confirmation screen W1 as shown in Figure 16C, and instead of item buttons B2 and B3, displays an item button (summed item button) B4 which is the sum of the contents of item button B2 and item button B3. The display and printing device 40 also displays a message M1 indicating that the summing has been performed for "Snack B" as shown in Figure 16C.

[0130] Item button B4 displays the item name "Snack B", unit price (400 yen / 100g), purchase weight (160g), and price (640 yen). The purchase weight (160g) for item button B4 is the sum of the purchase weight of item button B2 (120g) and the purchase weight of item button B3 (40g). The purchase price (640 yen) for item button B4 is the sum of the purchase price of item button B2 (480 yen) and the purchase price of item button B3 (160 yen). In other words, the display printing device 40 displays the combined item button with the combined purchase weight of each item button before summarization, and the combined purchase price of each item button before summarization. The display printing device 40 may also display the combined item button (combined item button) and the uncombined item button in a way that makes them visually distinguishable. For example, the display printing device 40 may indicate that the combined item button is a combined item button, or it may display the combined item button in a different way than the item button that has not been combined.

[0131] When item button B4 is operated (selected) on the item selection screen shown in Figure 16C, the display and printing device 40 displays a label issuance instruction screen as shown in Figure 16D. The label issuance instruction screen shown in Figure 16D displays label information I4 related to the label to be printed and issued, and a print button B8. Label information I4 displays the same information as the information displayed on the item button (item button B4) that was operated on the item selection screen. In addition, the display and printing device 40 displays a message M2 indicating that "Snack B" has been added to the total, as shown in Figure 16D.

[0132] In the above explanation, when the summing instruction button B10 in Figure 16A is operated, the system transitions to the item selection screen shown in Figure 16C. However, it may also transition to the label printing instruction screen shown in Figure 16D. In other words, after the summing instruction button B10 is operated, the display and printing device 40 may either temporarily display the "Summarized Item" button on the item selection screen, or it may display the label printing instruction screen with the "Summarized Item" button selected without temporarily displaying the "Summarized Item" button on the item selection screen.

[0133] Furthermore, while the above description explains an example where the summation confirmation screen W1 shown in Figure 16A is displayed when the item selection screen shown in Figure 15A is displayed and the weighing device 10-2 newly receives device identification information and purchase weight, the item selection screen shown in Figure 16C may also be displayed. In other words, when the display printing device 40 receives device identification information and purchase weight, if it is displaying the item button for the item related to the received information (the item identified based on the device identification information), it may ask the customer whether or not to sum the item buttons, or it may display the summed item button on the item selection screen without confirmation.

[0134] Furthermore, the display and printing device 40 may control the summation of item buttons based on the passage of time. For example, when the display and printing device 40 receives device identification information and purchase weight from the weighing device 10-2 and displays the item buttons for the weighing device 10-2, if the device identification information and purchase weight are newly received from the weighing device 10-2, the display and printing device 40 may display the summation item buttons without displaying the summation requirement confirmation screen W1 if the time between the initial reception and the new reception is short (the new reception occurs before the first hour has elapsed since the initial reception), the display and printing device 40 may display the summation requirement confirmation screen W1 without displaying the summation requirement confirmation screen W1. Furthermore, the control that displays the combined item buttons without displaying the combined item confirmation screen W1 may be called automatic combined display control, the control that displays the combined item confirmation screen W1 may be called combined confirmation control, and the control that displays the individual item buttons without displaying the combined item confirmation screen W1 may be called automatic individual display control.

[0135] Figures 17A and 17B are flowcharts illustrating an example of the operation of the display and printing device 40. It is assumed that time 1 < time 2.

[0136] (Flowchart in Figure 17A) Step S400: The display printing device 40 receives device identification information and purchase weight from the weighing device. The process then proceeds to step S401. Step S401: The display and printing device 40 identifies the item (the item related to the receipt) based on the device identification information. The process then proceeds to step S402. Step S402: The display printing device 40 stores the identified item (the item related to the receipt) in association with the time of receipt. The process then proceeds to step S403. Note that when the display printing device 40 prints and issues a label for the item related to the receipt, it erases the time of receipt corresponding to the item. Step S403: The display printer 40 determines whether it is displaying an item button for the same item as the received item. If it is displaying an item button, proceed to step S410. If it is not displaying an item button, proceed to step S404. Step S404: The display printer 40 displays the item button for the item that was received. Then, this flowchart ends (return to step S400 in Figure 17A).

[0137] Step S410: The display and printing device 40 determines whether one hour has elapsed since the receipt of the same item as the item in question. If one hour has elapsed, proceed to step S420 in Figure 17B. If one hour has not elapsed, proceed to step S421.

[0138] Step S411: The display printer 40 adds the received information to the item button for the same item as the received item. For example, if the display printer 40 is displaying the item selection screen shown in Figure 15A, and receives new device identification information and purchase weight (40g) from the weighing device 10-2 before the first hour has elapsed since the initial reception for item button B2, it will display item button B4 instead of item button B2, as shown in Figure 16C. In other words, because a new reception occurred before the first hour had elapsed since the initial reception, the display printer 40 uses automatic summation display control to add the newly received information to the currently displayed item button. This flowchart then ends (returning to step S400 in Figure 17A).

[0139] (Flowchart in Figure 17B) Step S420: The display and printing device 40 determines whether two hours have elapsed since the receipt of the same item as the item in question. If two hours have elapsed, proceed to step S431. If two hours have not elapsed, proceed to step S441.

[0140] Step S431: The display printer 40 displays an item button for the received item, separate from the item button for the same item as the received item. For example, when the display printer 40 is displaying the item selection screen shown in Figure 15A, if it receives new device identification information and purchase weight (40g) from the weighing device 10-2 two hours after the initial reception of item button B2, it displays item button B4 in addition to item button B2, as shown in Figure 16B. In other words, because a new reception occurred two hours after the initial reception, the display printer 40 uses automatic individual display control to display an item button corresponding to the newly received information, separate from the currently displayed item button. This flowchart then ends (returning to step S400 in Figure 17A).

[0141] Step S441: The display printer 40 displays an item button for the received item, separate from the item button for the same item as the received item. The display printer 40 also highlights both buttons. The process then proceeds to step S442. Step S442: The display printer 40 displays the aggregation requirement confirmation screen W1. For example, when the display printer 40 is displaying the item selection screen shown in Figure 15A, if it receives new device identification information and purchase weight (40g) from the weighing device 10-2 after the first time has elapsed since the reception related to item button B2 but before the second time has elapsed, it displays the aggregation requirement confirmation screen W1 as shown in Figure 16A. In other words, because the display printer 40 received new information after the first time has elapsed but before the second time has elapsed, it displays the aggregation requirement confirmation screen W1 through aggregation confirmation control. The process then proceeds to step S443.

[0142] Step S443: The display and printing device 40 determines whether or not an operation to not perform aggregation (operation of the non-aggregation instruction button B11) was performed on the aggregation requirement confirmation screen W1. If an operation to not perform aggregation was performed, the device proceeds to step S455. If no operation to not perform aggregation was performed, the device proceeds to step S444. Step S444: The display and printing device 40 determines whether an operation to perform a summation (operation of the summation instruction button B10) has been performed on the summation necessity confirmation screen W1. If an operation to perform a summation has been performed, the device proceeds to step S445. If no operation to perform a summation has been performed, the device returns to step S443.

[0143] Step S445: The display and printing device 40 clears the summation requirement confirmation screen W1. Then proceed to step S451. Step S451: The display printing device 40 displays an item button for the same item as the received item, and, instead of the item button for the received item, an item button that is the sum of the item button for the same item as the received item and the item button for the received item (summed item button). Then, this flowchart ends (return to step S400 in Figure 17A).

[0144] Step S455: The display and printing device 40 clears the summation requirement confirmation screen W1. Then proceed to step S461. Step S461: The display printer 40 de-highlights both buttons. Then, this flowchart ends (return to step S400 in Figure 17A).

[0145] In other words, if it is before the first time has elapsed (step S410 (NO)), the display printing device 40 adds the received information to the currently displayed item button without displaying the summation requirement confirmation screen W1, because it is highly likely that the item button belongs to the same customer (step S411). If it is after the second time has elapsed (step S420 (NO)), it is unlikely that the item button belongs to the same customer, so it displays the item button separately from the currently displayed item button (step S431). If it is after the first time has elapsed but before the second time has elapsed (step S420 (YES)), it displays the summation requirement confirmation screen W1 and, based on the customer's instruction to sum (step S444 (YES)), sums the item buttons (step S451).

[0146] Although it was explained that the likelihood of the item button belonging to the same customer is low after two hours have elapsed, it is still possible that the previous customer (the customer who should have operated the displayed item button) has left the display printer 40. Therefore, if two hours have elapsed (step S420(NO)), the display printer 40 may display an item button separately from the currently displayed item button (step S431) and send warning information (terminal identification information of the display printer 40, and code information indicating that the item may have been left unprocessed) to the store clerk's terminal.

[0147] Figure 18 shows an example of the display on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. In the above explanation, as a sum confirmation control, the display printing device 40 displays the sum confirmation screen W1 based on the information it has received from the weighing device. However, the display printing device 40 may also display the sum confirmation screen W1 based on the customer's operation. For example, when the display printing device 40 is displaying the item selection screen shown in Figure 15A, if it newly receives device identification information and purchase weight (40g) from the weighing device 10-2, it may display item buttons B1 and B2, as well as item button B3 based on the newly received information from the weighing device 10-2, and the sum button B7, as shown in Figure 18. Furthermore, if the sum button B7 is operated on the item selection screen shown in Figure 18, the display printing device 40 may display the sum confirmation screen W1 as shown in Figure 16A.

[0148] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, the display and printing device 40 may highlight the item buttons to be combined (item button B2, item button B3) on the item selection screen. In other words, when the display and printing device 40 displays the combined button B7, it may highlight the item buttons to be combined.

[0149] Furthermore, if the summing button B7 is operated on the item selection screen shown in Figure 18, the display and printing device 40 may display the summed item button (item button B4) as shown in Figure 16C, instead of displaying the summing requirement confirmation screen W1.

[0150] A time limit may be imposed on the display of the sum button B7. For example, if the display printing device 40 determines that one hour has not elapsed since the receipt of the same item as the item in question (step S410(NO) in Figure 17A), it may execute the process in step S411 without displaying the sum button B7. If it determines that one hour has elapsed but two hours have not elapsed since the receipt of the same item as the item in question (step S420(NO) in Figure 17B), it may display the sum button B7. If it determines that two hours have elapsed since the receipt of the same item as the item in question (step S420(YES) in Figure 17B), it may execute the process in step S431 without displaying the sum button B7.

[0151] The combined item buttons may be separable. For example, when the combined item buttons are displayed, the display printer 40 may display a separable button (not shown). When the separable button is operated, the display printer 40 erases the combined item buttons and displays the item buttons before combining.

[0152] (Operation of a weighing device that uses the measured weight as the purchase weight) The weighing device 30 of the third weighing unit 4C calculates the weighed weight as the purchase weight of the goods. Transactions in the third weighing unit 4C begin when the item discharge operation unit 303 of the item supply device 300 is operated while the unit is waiting for customers, and goods are discharged from the item supply device 300 to the weighing device 30. Transactions end when the item discharge operation unit 36 ​​of the weighing device 30 is operated, and all goods are discharged from the weighing device 30 into the container 320.

[0153] When all items in the weighing device 30 are released by the operation of the item release operation unit 36, the weighing device 30 transmits the item purchase information to the display and printing device 40. In other words, if the item release operation unit 36 ​​is not operated (i.e., no items are released from the weighing device 30), or if the item release operation unit 36 ​​is operated but some items remain in the weighing device 30, the weighing device 30 does not transmit the item purchase information to the display and printing device 40. Furthermore, if some items remain in the weighing device 30 after the item release operation unit 36 ​​has been operated and items are released from the item supply device 300 to the weighing device 30, the calculation of the purchase weight becomes complicated, which could lead to misunderstandings with the customer and unnecessary trouble.

[0154] Therefore, the third weighing unit 4C monitors whether any part or all of the items remain stored in the weighing device 30 for a predetermined period of time. Furthermore, the third weighing unit 4C monitors the operation of the item release operation unit 36, which causes the above-mentioned problems if items are released from the item supply device 300 to the weighing device 30 while some items remain in the weighing device 30, as an abnormal operation (illegal operation). This operation involves releasing items from the item supply device 300 to the weighing device 30 while some items remain in the weighing device 30 after the operation of the item release operation unit 36 ​​(i.e., an operation that decreases the weighing weight (to any value other than zero) and then increases it).

[0155] Figures 19A to 22 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the changes in weighed weight in the weighing device 30. In each of Figures 19A to 22, the horizontal axis represents the passage of time (time). In each of the same figures, the vertical axis represents weight (weight value). In each of the same figures, the solid line L4 represents the weighed weight. The weight is shown numerically above the solid line L4 where appropriate. For convenience, the diagonal portion of the solid line L4 (the portion where the value increases or decreases) is shown as a straight line. In addition, the status of the weighing device 30 as displayed by the display unit 35e is also illustrated in each of the same figures.

[0156] (Weighing data for each time point in Figure 19A) From time Tb0 to Tb1, the system is in a waiting state for customers. Time Tb1~Tb2: The weighed weight increases due to the release of goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30. Time Tb2~Tb3: After the release of the goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30, the weighed weight is stable. Time Tb3~Tb4: The weighed weight decreases due to the release of the items from the weighing device 30 into the container 320. Time Tb4~: The release of the goods from the weighing device 30 to the container 320 is complete, and the weighed weight is stable at zero.

[0157] (Weighing data for each time point in Figure 19B) Time Tc0~Tc1: Waiting for customers. Time Tc1~Tc2: The weighed weight increases due to the release of goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30. Time Tc2~Tc3: After the release of the goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30, the weighed weight is stable. Time Tc3~Tc4: The weighed weight increases due to the release of goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30. Time Tc4~Tc5: After the release of the articles from the article supply device 300 to the weighing device 30, the weighed weight is stable. Time Tc5~Tc6: The weighed weight decreases due to the release of the items from the weighing device 30 into the container 320. Time Tc6~: The release of the goods from the weighing device 30 to the container 320 is complete, and the weighed weight is stable at zero.

[0158] (Weighing data for each time period in Figure 20) From time Td0 to Td1, the system is in a waiting state for customers. From time Td1 to Td2, the weighed weight increases due to the release of goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30. Time Td2~Td3: After the release of the goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30, the weighed weight is stable. At time Td3, an output indicating that items have been left unattended is displayed. In other words, because the predetermined time (times Td2 to Td3) has elapsed without any items being released from the weighing device 30 to the container 320, an output indicating that all of the items (all of the weighed items) have been left unattended inside the weighing device 30 is displayed.

[0159] (Weighing data for each time point in Figure 21A) From time Te0 to Te1, the system is in a waiting state for customers. From time Te1 to Te2, the weighed weight increases due to the release of goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30. Time Te2~Te3: After the release of the articles from the article supply device 300 to the weighing device 30, the weighed weight is stable. From time Te3 to Te4, the weighed weight decreases due to the release of the items from the weighing device 30 into the container 320. Time Te4~Te5: After the release of the article from the weighing device 30 into the container 320, the weighed weight has stabilized at a non-zero value. At time Te5, an output indicating that some items remain is displayed. In other words, after some of the items were released from the weighing device 30 into the container 320, a predetermined time (times Te4 to Te5) has elapsed, and the output indicates that some items (a portion of the weighed items) remain inside the weighing device 30.

[0160] (Weighing data for each time point in Figure 21B) Time Te0 to Te5: This is the same as time Te0 to Te5 in Figure 21A. Time Te5~Te6: There are items left behind. Time Te6~Te7: The weighed weight decreases due to the release of the items from the weighing device 30 into the container 120. Time Te7: The release of the goods from the weighing device 30 to the container 320 is complete, and the weighed weight is stable at zero.

[0161] In Figure 21A, "leaving items unattended" means that all of the purchased weight of items remains in the weighing device 30. In Figure 21B, "partially remaining items" means that a portion of the purchased weight of items remains in the weighing device 30. Both "leaving items unattended" and "partially remaining items" have in common that the items are not completely released into the container 320.

[0162] (Weighing data for each time period in Figure 22) From time Tf0 to Tf1, the system is in a waiting state for customers. From time Tf1 to Tf2, the weighed weight increases due to the release of goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30. Time Tf2~Tf3: After the release of the articles from the article supply device 300 to the weighing device 30, the weighed weight is stable. Time Tf3~Tf4: The weighed weight decreases due to the release of the items from the weighing device 30 into the container 320. Time Tf4~Tf5: After the release of the article from the weighing device 30 into the container 320, the weighed weight has stabilized at a value other than zero. Time Tf5~Tf6: The weighed weight increases due to the release of goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30. At time Tf5, an output indicating that an abnormal operation (false operation) has occurred is displayed. In other words, because goods were released from the weighing device 30 to the container 320, and goods were supplied from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30 while some of the goods remained in the weighing device 30, an output indicating an abnormal operation is displayed. Also, at time Tf5~Tf6, a status indicating an abnormality (a mark as shown in Figure 14G) is displayed on the display unit 35e. Time Tf6 onwards: After the release of goods from the goods supply device 300 to the weighing device 30, the weighed weight is stable. After time Tf6, the display unit 35e continues to show an abnormal status.

[0163] Figures 23A to 23F are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the weighing device 30. When the weighing device 30 is in a customer waiting state, it executes the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 23A. Note that when the weighing device 30 is in a customer waiting state, it does not display anything as a status indicator (display on the display unit 35e), as shown in Figure 19A (time Tb0 to Tb1).

[0164] (Flowchart in Figure 23A) Step S301: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight has changed. That is, the weighing device 30 determines whether an item has been released from the item supply device 300 to the weighing device 30. If the weighed weight has changed, the process proceeds to step S302. Step S302: The weighing device 30 displays information indicating that it is preparing to display the purchase amount. The process then proceeds to step S303. Step S303: The weighing device 30 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 30 displays a mark on the display unit 35e as shown in Figure 9A. Then proceed to step S304. Step S304: The weighing device 30 displays the weighed weight as the purchase weight. Then proceed to step S305. Step S305: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight is stable or not. If the weighed weight is stable, proceed to step S306. If the weighed weight is not stable, return to step S304.

[0165] Step S306: The weighing device 30 stores the purchase weight. Specifically, the weighing device 30 stores the measured weight as the purchase weight. The process then proceeds to step S307. Step S307: The weighing device 30 calculates the purchase price based on the unit price and the purchase weight, and displays it on the display unit 35c. The process then proceeds to step S311.

[0166] Step S311: The weighing device 30 stores the weight for judgment. Specifically, the weighing device 30 stores the measured weight as the weight for judgment. The process then proceeds to step S312. Step S312: The weighing device 30 stores the weight stabilization time. Specifically, the weighing device 30 stores the current time as the weight stabilization time. The process then proceeds to step S313. Step S313: The weighing device 30 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 30 displays a mark on the display unit 35e as shown in Figure 9B. Then proceed to step S314.

[0167] Step S314: The weighing device 30 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed after the weight has stabilized. That is, the weighing device 30 compares the weight stabilization time stored in step S312 with the current time and determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S350 in Figure 23D. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S315. Step S315: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight has changed. If the weighed weight has changed, proceed to step S316. If the weighed weight has not changed, return to step S314.

[0168] Step S316: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight is greater than the judgment weight. That is, the weighing device 30 determines whether the article has been released from the article supply device 300 to the weighing device 30, or whether the article has been released from the weighing device 30 to the container 320. If the weighed weight is greater than the judgment weight, the process returns to step S302. If the weighed weight is not greater than the judgment weight, the process proceeds to step S320 in Figure 23B. That is, if the article has been released from the article supply device 300 to the weighing device 30, the process returns to step S302. On the other hand, if the article has been released from the weighing device 30 to the container 320, the process proceeds to step S320 in Figure 23B.

[0169] (Flowchart in Figure 23B) Step S320: The weighing device 30 displays information indicating that it is preparing to display the purchase weight. The process then proceeds to step S321. Step S321: The weighing device 30 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 30 displays a mark on the display unit 35e as shown in Figure 9C. Then proceed to step S322.

[0170] Step S322: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight has stabilized. If the weighed weight has stabilized, proceed to step S323. Step S323: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight is zero or not. That is, the weighing device 30 determines whether all the items in the weighing device 30 have been released into the container 320. If the weighed weight is zero (i.e., all the items in the weighing device 30 have been released into the container 320), proceed to step S330. If the weighed weight is not zero (i.e., some of the items in the weighing device 30 remain in the weighing device 30 without being released into the container 320), proceed to step S341 in Figure 23C.

[0171] Step S330: The weighing device 30 transmits the item purchase information (device identification information of the weighing device 30, purchase weight) to the display and printing device 40. The process then proceeds to step S331. Step S331: The weighing device 30 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 13 displays a mark on the display unit 35e indicating that the item purchase information has been sent to the display printing device 40 (the check mark shown at time Tb4 in Figure 19A). The process then proceeds to step S332. Step S332: The weighing device 30 initializes the purchase weight. Then proceed to step S333. Step S333: The weighing device 30 initializes the purchase amount. Then proceed to step S334. Step S334: The weighing device 30 displays zero as the purchase weight on display 35a and zero as the purchase amount on display 35c. The process then proceeds to step S335.

[0172] Step S335: The weighing device 30 initializes the weight for judgment. Then proceed to step S336. Step S336: The weighing device 30 clears the weight stabilization time. Then proceed to step S337. Step S337: The weighing device 30 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 30 updates the display on the indicator 35e to a customer waiting status mark, that is, it displays nothing as shown in the time Tb0~Tb1 in Figure 19A. Then this flowchart ends (returning to step S301 in Figure 23A).

[0173] (Flowchart in Figure 23C) Step S341: The weighing device 30 stores the weight for judgment. That is, the weighing device 30 stores the weight of some of the remaining items. Then proceed to step S342. Step S342: The weighing device 30 stores the weight stabilization time. Then proceed to step S343. Step S343: The weighing device 30 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 30 displays a mark on the display unit 35e as shown in Figure 9B. Then proceed to step S344.

[0174] Step S344: The weighing device 30 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed after the weight stabilizes. That is, the weighing device 30 compares the weight stabilization time stored in step S342 with the current time and determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., 15 seconds) has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S360 in Figure 23E. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S345. Step S345: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight has changed. If the weighed weight has changed, proceed to step S346. If the weighed weight has not changed, return to step S344.

[0175] Step S346: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight is less than the judgment weight. That is, the weighing device 30 determines whether the article has been released from the weighing device 30 to the container 320, or whether the article has been released from the article supply device 300 to the weighing device 30. If the weighed weight is less than the judgment weight, the process returns to step S321 in Figure 23B. If the weighed weight is not less than the judgment weight, the process proceeds to step S370 in Figure 23F. That is, if some of the article remains in the weighing device 30 and the remaining article is released to the container 320, the process returns to step S321 in Figure 23B. On the other hand, if some of the article remains in the weighing device 30 and the article is released from the article supply device 300 to the weighing device 30, the process proceeds to step S370 in Figure 23F.

[0176] (Flowchart in Figure 23D) Step S350: The weighing device 30 outputs a message indicating that an item has been left unattended. For example, the weighing device 30 may send warning information (device identification information of the weighing device 30, code information indicating that an item has been left unattended) to the store clerk's terminal. The weighing device 30 may also send the above warning information to the display and printing device 40 instead of or in addition to the store clerk's terminal. The process then proceeds to step S351. Step S351: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight has changed. If the weighed weight has changed, proceed to step S316 in Figure 23A.

[0177] In addition, in step S350, the weighing device 30 may output a warning voice from its voice output unit indicating that an item has been left unattended, instead of or in addition to transmitting the above-mentioned warning information to the employee terminal or the display printing device 40. The weighing device 30 may stop outputting the warning voice if the weighed weight changes (when proceeding from step S351 to step S316).

[0178] (Flowchart in Figure 23E) Step S360: The weighing device 30 outputs a message indicating that some items have been left behind. For example, the weighing device 30 sends warning information (device identification information of the weighing device 30, and code information indicating that some items have been left behind) to the display and printing device 40. The process then proceeds to step S361. Step S361: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight has changed. If the weighed weight has changed, proceed to step S346 in Figure 23C.

[0179] In addition, in step S360, the weighing device 30 may output a warning voice from its voice output unit indicating that an item has been left behind, instead of or in addition to transmitting the above-mentioned warning information to the display printing device 40 or the store clerk terminal. The weighing device 30 may stop outputting the warning voice if the weighed weight changes (when proceeding from step S361 to step S346).

[0180] (Flowchart in Figure 23F) Step S370: The weighing device 30 outputs a message indicating that an abnormal operation has occurred. For example, the weighing device 30 sends warning information (device identification information of the weighing device 30, and code information indicating that an abnormal operation has occurred) to the store clerk's terminal. The weighing device 30 may also send the above warning information to the display and printing device 40 instead of, or in addition to, the store clerk's terminal. The process then proceeds to step S371.

[0181] In addition, in step S370, the weighing device 30 may output a warning sound from its audio output unit indicating that an abnormal operation has occurred, instead of or in addition to transmitting the above-mentioned warning information to the store clerk terminal or the display printing device 40.

[0182] Step S371: The weighing device 30 displays information indicating that it is preparing to display the purchase amount. The process then proceeds to step S372. Step S372: The weighing device 30 changes the status display. Specifically, the weighing device 30 displays a mark on the display unit 35e as shown in Figure 21 at times Tf5 to Tf6 (a mark as shown in Figure 14G). The process then proceeds to step S373. Step S373: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight has stabilized. In other words, the weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight has stabilized after an abnormal operation. If the weighed weight has stabilized, proceed to step S374.

[0183] Step S374: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight has changed. That is, the weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight has changed again after stabilizing due to abnormal operation. If the weighed weight has changed, proceed to step S375.

[0184] Step S375: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight has stabilized. If the weighed weight has stabilized, proceed to step S376. Step S376: The weighing device 30 determines whether the weighed weight is zero or not. That is, the weighing device 30 determines whether all the items in the weighing device 30 have been released into the container 320. If the weighed weight is zero, proceed to step S380. If the weighed weight is not zero, return to step S374.

[0185] In step S374, the determination of whether or not the weighed weight has changed is similar to the determination of whether or not the weighed weight has changed in other stages of the transaction (for example, step S315 in Figure 23A, step S345 in Figure 23C, step S351 in Figure 23D, and step S361 in Figure 23E). In this case, the determination may be based on either a decrease in weighed weight (release of goods from the weighing device 30 to the container 320) or an increase in weighed weight (release of goods from the goods supply device 30 to the weighing device 30). If the store clerk, after confirming the warning information transmitted in step S370, releases the goods from the weighing device 30 (for example, releasing the goods into a container prepared by the store clerk), or if the customer releases the goods from the weighing device 30 into the container 320 before the store clerk releases them, the weighing device 30 will determine that the decrease in weighed weight is a change in weighed weight. On the other hand, if a customer releases an item from the item supply device 300 to the weighing device 30 before the store clerk releases it, the weighing device 30 will determine the increase in weighed weight as a change in weighed weight. Note that the situation in which the weighed weight increases from step S374 onwards is a situation in which an abnormal operation has been performed again, but since it has already been processed as an abnormal operation (processing in steps S370 and S372, etc.), the same processing is performed whether the weighed weight increases or decreases from step S374 onwards.

[0186] Step S380: The weighing device 30 outputs a message indicating that it has completed the handling of the abnormal operation. For example, the weighing device 30 sends completion information (device identification information of the weighing device 30, and code information indicating that it has completed the handling of the abnormal operation) to the store clerk's terminal. The weighing device 30 may also send the above completion information to the display and printing device 40 instead of to the store clerk's terminal. If the weighing device 30 has outputted a warning sound in step S370, it stops outputting the warning sound. The process then proceeds to step S332 in Figure 23B.

[0187] For example, at times Tb1 to Tb2 in Figure 19A, times Tc1 to Tc2 or Tc3 to Tc4 in Figure 19B, times Td1 to Td2 in Figure 20, times Te1 to Te2 in Figure 21A (Figure 21B), and times Tf1 to Tf2 in Figure 22, the weighing device 30 repeatedly executes step S305(NO) in Figure 23A. The display unit 35 in Figure 9A is an example of the display when step S305(NO) in Figure 23A is repeatedly executed.

[0188] At times Tb2-Tb3 in Figure 19A, Tc2-Tc3 or Tc4-Tc5 in Figure 19B, Td2-Td3 in Figure 20, Te2-Te3 in Figure 21A (Figure 21B), and Tf2-Tf3 in Figure 22, the weighing device 30 repeatedly executes step S315(NO) in Figure 23A. The display unit 35 in Figure 9B is an example of the display when step S315(NO) in Figure 23A is repeatedly executed.

[0189] At times Tb3-Tb4 in Figure 19A, Tc5-Tc6 in Figure 19B, Te3-Te4 in Figure 21A (Figure 21B), and Tf3-Tf4 in Figure 22, the weighing device 30 repeatedly executes step S322(NO) in Figure 23B. The display unit 35 in Figure 9C is an example of the display when step S322(NO) in Figure 23B is repeatedly executed.

[0190] Furthermore, the weighing device 30 may, for example, when powered up, transmit unit price acquisition request information (for example, the device identification information of the weighing device 30 and code information indicating that it is requesting the transmission of the unit price to itself) to the display and printing device 40, and store the unit price acquired from the display and printing device 40.

[0191] Furthermore, the weighing device 30 changes the status display to a mark as shown in Figure 14G when the weighed weight increases and stabilizes, then decreases to a value that is not zero, and then increases again from the decreased value (a value other than zero) (see Figure 22) (step S372). However, the status display may also be changed to a mark as shown in Figure 14G when the weighed weight increases and stabilizes for a predetermined time (see Figure 20), or when the weighed weight increases and stabilizes, then decreases to a value that is not zero, and remains at the decreased value for a predetermined time (see Figures 21A and 21B).

[0192] Furthermore, if the weighing weight decreases and then increases, the weighing device 30 sends warning information to the store clerk's terminal indicating that an abnormal operation has occurred (step S370), and changes the status display to a mark as shown in Figure 14G (step S372). The weighing device 30 may also send warning information to the store clerk's terminal and change the status display to a similar mark if an amount of goods overflowing from the guide body 38 (receiving side opening 38A) is released from the goods supply device 300. The warning information sent when the weighing weight decreases and then increases, and the warning information sent when an amount of goods overflowing from the guide body 38 is released from the goods supply device 300, may be distinguished on the receiving side (display printing device 40). For example, in the former case, the weighing device 30 may send warning information including code information indicating that an abnormal operation occurred in which the weighing weight decreased and then increased, and in the latter case, it may send warning information including code information indicating that an abnormal operation occurred in which goods overflowed from the guide body 38. Furthermore, the weighing device 30 may determine that an amount of goods overflowing from the guide body 38 has been released from the goods supply device 300 when the weighed weight reaches the limit weight (the maximum weight at which the goods do not overflow). The weighing device 30 may also request the limit weight of the goods from the display printing device 40, similar to the unit price of the goods, and store the limit weight obtained from the display printing device 40.

[0193] Figures 24A to 24D show examples of displays on the display unit 45 of the display printing device 40. In the explanation of Figures 24A to 24D, the weighing device 30-1 is used to weigh nuts C (unit price 400 yen / 100g).

[0194] When the weighing device 30-1 transmits the item purchase information (device identification information of the weighing device 30-1, purchase weight "300g") to the display and printing device 40 in step S330 of Figure 23B, the display and printing device 40 displays an item selection screen as shown in Figure 24A. The item selection screen shown in Figure 24A displays the item button B5 for nuts C.

[0195] If the weighing device 30-1 transmits warning information (device identification information of the weighing device 30-1 and code information indicating that items have been left unattended) to the display and printing device 40 in step S350 of Figure 23D, the display and printing device 40 displays a notification screen W2 in front of the item selection screen to notify the user about the items being left unattended, as shown in Figure 24B. The notification screen W2 informs the user that all of the items remain in the weighing device, that the user should return to the weighing device and transfer the remaining items to a container, and that the label will be issued after the items have been transferred to the container.

[0196] The display and printing device 40 may also display the device identification information of the target weighing device, the weight of the items remaining in the weighing device, and the amount corresponding to that weight on the notification screen W2. For example, in step S350, the weighing device 30 transmits warning information to the display and printing device 40, which includes the device identification information of the weighing device 30, code information indicating that items have been left unattended, the weighed weight (the weighed weight determined to be stable in step S305), and the purchase price (the purchase price calculated based on the unit price and the weighed weight determined to be stable in step S305; that is, the purchase price calculated in step S307). The display and printing device 40 may then display the device identification information included in the warning information as the device identification information of the target weighing device on the notification screen W2, the weighed weight included in the warning information as the weight of the items remaining in the weighing device, and the purchase price included in the warning information as the amount corresponding to that weight.

[0197] If the weighing device 30-1 subsequently transmits the item purchase information (device identification information of the weighing device 30-1, purchase weight "300g") to the display and printing device 40 in step S330 of Figure 23B, the display and printing device 40 clears the notification screen W2 and displays an item selection screen as shown in Figure 24A.

[0198] If the weighing device 30-1 transmits warning information (device identification information of the weighing device 30-1 and code information indicating that an item has been left behind) to the display and printing device 40 in step S360 of Figure 23E, the display and printing device 40 displays a notification screen W3 in front of the item selection screen to notify the user about the item being left behind, as shown in Figure 24C. The notification screen W3 informs the user that some of the item remains in the weighing device, that the user should return to the weighing device and transfer the remaining item to a container, and that the label will be issued after the item has been transferred to the container.

[0199] The display and printing device 40 may also display the device identification information of the target weighing device, the weight of the items remaining in the weighing device, and the amount corresponding to that weight on the notification screen W3. For example, in step S360, the weighing device 30 transmits warning information to the display and printing device 40, which includes the device identification information of the weighing device 30, code information indicating that there are items left behind, the weighed weight (the weighed weight determined to be stable in step S322), and the purchase price (the purchase price calculated based on the unit price and the weighed weight determined to be stable in step S322). The display and printing device 40 may then display the device identification information included in the warning information as the device identification information of the target weighing device on the notification screen W3, the weighed weight included in the warning information as the weight of the items remaining in the weighing device, and the purchase price included in the warning information as the amount corresponding to that weight.

[0200] If the weighing device 30-1 subsequently transmits the item purchase information (device identification information of the weighing device 30-1, purchase weight "300g") to the display and printing device 40 in step S330 of Figure 23B, the display and printing device 40 clears the notification screen W3 and displays an item selection screen as shown in Figure 24A.

[0201] If the weighing device 30-1 transmits warning information (device identification information of the weighing device 30 and code information indicating that an abnormal operation occurred) to the display and printing device 40 in step S370 of Figure 23F, the display and printing device 40 displays a notification screen W4 in front of the item selection screen to notify the user of the abnormal operation, as shown in Figure 24D. The notification screen W4 notifies the user that the operation of the weighing device for the item was incorrect and that a store employee has been called.

[0202] The display and printing device 40 may also display the device identification information of the target weighing device on the notification screen W4.

[0203] As described above, the sales processing system 1 according to this embodiment can suitably handle various situations that may arise in weighing and selling.

[0204] In the first weighing unit 4A (and the second weighing unit 4B), if an item is returned to the weighing device 10 (and the weighing device 20) that is in a waiting state (i.e., the weighed weight exceeds the standard weight), it is determined that an abnormal condition exists and the item purchase information is not transmitted to the display and printing device 40. In other words, the weighing device 10 (and the weighing device 20) executes the process in step S26 if the weighed weight is less than the standard weight (step S3 (YES)), and does not execute the process in step S26 if the weighed weight is not less than the standard weight (step S3 (NO)).

[0205] Furthermore, in the first weighing unit 4A (and similarly in the second weighing unit 4B), the abnormal condition is immediately resolved by an operation by the store clerk (an operation to reset the purchase weight). For example, this applies to the processing from step S63 (YES) onward in Figure 13C (especially the processing from steps S88 to S90). As described above, if the weighing device 10 (and similarly in the weighing device 20) enters an abnormal condition, it may send warning information to the store clerk's terminal to prompt an operation by the store clerk (an operation to reset the purchase weight).

[0206] In the display and printing device 40, multiple item buttons for a particular item may be displayed, and there may be situations where the label printing operation for that item must be performed multiple times. Therefore, the device simplifies the operation by appropriately (by performing processing according to the passage of time) consolidating the item buttons for the same item into a single item button.

[0207] The third weighing unit 4C appropriately handles situations such as abnormal operation (an operation in which items are released from the item supply device 300 to the weighing device 30 while some items remain in the weighing device 30 without releasing all of them) or when items remain in the weighing device 30 for a predetermined period of time (all items left unattended, some items left behind). For example, if the weighing device 30 detects an abnormal operation, it notifies the staff and has them resolve the abnormal situation. In other words, if the weighing device 30 determines that an abnormal operation has occurred (step S346 (NO) in Figure 23C), it outputs a message indicating that an abnormal operation has occurred (step S370 in Figure 23F), and if the staff releases all the items in the weighing device 30 (step S376 (YES) in Figure 23F), it performs post-processing to transition to a customer waiting state (step S380 in Figure 23F, steps S332 to S337 in Figure 23B). Furthermore, the weighing device 30 is configured not to transmit the item purchase information to the display and printing device 40 if an abnormal operation occurs. In other words, if the weighing device 30 determines that an abnormal operation has occurred (step S346 (NO) in Figure 23C), it does not execute the process in step S330 in Figure 23B.

[0208] Although embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples, and the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments. Designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included. For example, (1) to (20) below may be used. Furthermore, (1) to (20) below may be combined as appropriate.

[0209] (1) In the above embodiment, it was described that the weighing device (weighing device 10, weighing device 20, weighing device 30) transmits device identification information and the purchased weight to the display printing device 40 as the article purchase information. However, the weighing device may transmit article identification information for identifying the article to the display printing device 40 instead of or in addition to the device identification information.

[0210] (2) Also related to (1) above, the display printing device 40 may store article identification information, articles (article names), unit prices, and images in association with the device identification information. The weighing device (weighing device 10, weighing device 20, weighing device 30) may acquire and store the article identification information from the display printing device 40, similar to the unit price.

[0211] (3) In the above embodiment, it was described that the weighing device (weighing device 10, weighing device 20, weighing device 30) transmits device identification information and the purchased weight to the display printing device 40 as the article purchase information. However, the weighing device may transmit the purchase amount to the display printing device 40 instead of or in addition to the purchased weight, or may transmit the unit price to the display printing device 40, or may transmit the purchase amount and the unit price to the display printing device 40.

[0212] (4) In the above embodiment, when the measured weight decreases (when the measured weight does not exceed the reference weight), the weighing device 10 displays the purchased weight as a positive value on the display 15a (see, for example, the display 15a in FIG. 14B), and when the measured weight increases (when the measured weight exceeds the reference weight), the weighing device 10 displays the purchased weight as a negative value on the display 15a (see, for example, the display 15a in FIG. 14G). However, the display on the display 15a when the measured weight increases is not limited to this. For example, when the measured weight increases, the weighing device 10 may display information other than the purchased weight (e.g., "ERROR") on the display 15a. When the measured weight increases, the weighing device 10 may display information indicating that it is in the display preparation state. When the measured weight increases, the weighing device 10 may turn off the display on the display 15a. The same applies to the weighing device 20. That is, when the measured weight increases, the weighing device 20 may display information other than the purchased weight (e.g., "ERROR") on the display 25a, may display information indicating that it is in the display preparation state, or may turn off the display on the display 25a.

[0213] When the state where the measured weight of the weighing device 10 (weighing device 20) has increased continues for a predetermined time, the display on the display 15a (display 25a) may be changed to a display meaning zero (e.g., "0"). That is, the weighing device 10 (weighing device 20) may make the above change based on an operation of resetting the purchased weight, or may make the above change based on the passage of time instead of or in addition to the operation of resetting the purchased weight. Further, when making the above change (before or after the change), the weighing device 10 (weighing device 20) may output information requesting acquisition of the unit price (unit price acquisition request information).

[0214] (5) In the above embodiment, the weighing device 10 has described an example in which, when the weighed weight decreases (when the weighed weight does not exceed the standard weight), the purchase amount is displayed as a positive value on the display unit 15c (see, for example, display unit 15c in Figure 14B), and when the weighed weight increases (when the weighed weight exceeds the standard weight), the purchase amount is displayed as a negative value on the display unit 15c (see, for example, display unit 15c in Figure 14G). However, the display on the display unit 15c when the weighed weight increases is not limited to this. For example, when the weighed weight increases, the weighing device 10 may display information other than the purchase weight (for example, "ERROR") on the display unit 15c. When the weighed weight increases, the weighing device 10 may display information indicating that the display is being prepared. When the weighed weight increases, the weighing device 10 may hide the display on the display unit 15c. The same applies to the weighing device 20. In other words, if the weighing weight increases, the weighing device 20 may display information other than the purchase price (for example, "ERROR") on the display unit 25c, display information indicating that the display is being prepared, or hide the display on the display unit 25c.

[0215] The weighing device 10 (weighing device 20) may change the display on the indicator 15c (indicator 25c) to a display that means zero (for example, "0") if the weighed weight continues to increase for a predetermined period of time. In other words, the weighing device 10 (weighing device 20) may make the above change based on the purchase weight reset operation, or it may make the above change based on the passage of time, either in lieu of or in addition to the purchase weight reset operation. Furthermore, the weighing device 10 (weighing device 20) may output a message requesting the acquisition of the unit price (unit price acquisition request information) when making the above change (either before or after the change).

[0216] (6) As also related to (4) and (5) above, when the guide body 38 etc. is removed from the main body 30A, the weighing device 30 may display information other than weight (for example, "ERROR") on the display unit 35a, or display information indicating that display is being prepared, or hide the display unit 35a. Also, when the weighing device 30 removes the guide body 38 etc. from the main body 30A, the weighing device 30 may display information other than monetary value (for example, "ERROR") on the display unit 35c, or display information indicating that display is being prepared, or hide the display unit 35c. Note that since the weighing weight of the weighing device 30 is zero when no items are contained in the guide body 38, when the guide body 38 etc. is removed from the main body 30A, the weighing weight will be a negative value.

[0217] (7) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the weighing device 10 does not perform an abnormal operation to process the return of all or part of the articles taken from the article supply device 100 to the article supply device 100 after the articles have been taken from the article supply device 100. However, it is also possible to perform an abnormal operation to process the return. For example, the weighing device 10 may store a weight similar to the judgment weight stored by the weighing device 30 and determine whether all or part of the articles taken from the article supply device 100 have been returned to the article supply device 100 after the articles have been taken from the article supply device 100. Depending on the characteristics of the articles, it may also be possible to prohibit the return of the articles that have been taken. The same applies to the weighing device 20.

[0218] (8) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the weighing device 30 stores the current time after the weighed weight has stabilized as the weight stabilization time. However, instead of storing the current time after the weighed weight has stabilized as the weight stabilization time, the weighing device 30 may store the current time at the start of the fluctuation in the weighed weight as the weight fluctuation time. In other words, the weighing device 30 may determine whether an item has been left behind based on the elapsed time from the time when the weighed weight fluctuated (weight fluctuation time) after the item release operation unit 303 of the item supply device 300 was operated and the weighed weight fluctuated (increased), instead of the time when the weighed weight stabilized after it fluctuated (increased) (weight stabilization time). Alternatively, the weighing device 30 may determine whether an item has been left behind based on the elapsed time from the time when the weighed weight fluctuated (weight fluctuation time) after the item release operation unit 36 ​​of the weighing device 30 was operated and the weighed weight fluctuated (decreased), instead of the time when the weighed weight stabilized after it fluctuated (decreased) (weight stabilization time).

[0219] (9) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the display printing device 40 controls the sum of item buttons by comparing the elapsed time from the time of reception of the information relating to the displayed item buttons with two reference times (first time, second time). However, the display printing device 40 may also control the sum of item buttons by comparing the elapsed time with one reference time or three or more reference times. For example, the display printing device 40 may display the summed item buttons before the elapsed time of one reference time, and display the item buttons separately after the elapsed time of that reference time (in this example, the summing requirement confirmation screen W1 is not displayed whether the reference time has elapsed or not).

[0220] (10) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the display printing device 40 controls the sum of item buttons by comparing the elapsed time from the time of reception of information relating to the item buttons being displayed with two reference times (first time, second time). However, the display printing device 40 may also control the sum of item buttons by comparing the elapsed time from the start time of display of the item buttons being displayed with one or more reference times.

[0221] (11) In the above embodiment, the display printing device 40 was described as printing and issuing labels, but as is also related to (17) below, information similar to the information printed on the label (product name, purchase weight, purchase price, etc.) may be output to an electronic medium (IC card, etc.) or an electronic device (smartphone, wearable terminal, etc.).

[0222] (12) The display and printing device 40 may also be equipped with a payment function (such as credit card payment). After payment, it may print and issue a receipt containing the same information as that printed on the label. The receipt may also be an electronic receipt. In other words, the display and printing device 40 may output the same information as that printed on the label as part of the information on the electronic receipt.

[0223] (13) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the sales processing system 1 is equipped with a display and printing device 40 having a display function (display unit 45) for displaying item buttons and a printing function (printing unit 48) for printing and issuing labels. However, the sales processing system 1 may be equipped with a display device (referred to as a display device 80; for example, a display device, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal) that has a display function but does not have a printing function, instead of or in addition to the display and printing device 40. The display device 80 controls the summation of item buttons in the same way as the display and printing device 40. The display device 80 transmits information to other devices (such as a printer), and the other devices print and issue labels based on the information received from the display device 80.

[0224] (14) In the above embodiment, it was explained that if the weighing device 10 determines that the change in weighed weight from the waiting state exceeds the standard weight, that is, if it determines that the weighed weight has increased from the waiting state (step S3(NO) in Figure 13A), it will execute the abnormal processing (processing from step S44 onwards). However, in the first weighing unit 4A, when a customer transfers an item from the item supply device 100 to the container 120, the customer may stir or dig the item with a shovel. In such cases, the weighed weight may increase from the waiting state due to the weight of the shovel, vibration, pressure, etc. In other words, in addition to the situation where the weighed weight increases due to returning the item to the item supply device 100 from the waiting state, the weighing device 10 will also determine that the weighed weight has exceeded the standard weight and will execute the abnormal processing in the situation where the weighed weight increases due to the way the shovel is handled, etc. In connection with this, the weighing device 10 may operate as follows: (a) or (b).

[0225] (a) In the flowchart shown in Figure 13A, the weighing device 10 compares the weighed weight with the reference weight before determining whether the weighed weight is stable. However, the weighing device 10 may compare the weighed weight with the reference weight after determining that the weighed weight is stable. For example, the weighing device 10 may compare the weighed weight (stable weighed weight) with the reference weight immediately after determining that the weighed weight is stable, or it may compare the weighed weight (stable weighed weight) with the reference weight after a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed since determining that the weighed weight is stable.

[0226] (b) In the flowchart shown in Figure 13A, the weighing device 10 performs abnormal processing when the weighed weight at a certain time exceeds the standard weight. However, it may also perform abnormal processing when the weighed weight exceeds the standard weight for a predetermined period of time (for example, 3 seconds). For example, the weighing device 10 may perform abnormal processing if it determines that the weighed weight has fluctuated and the weighed weight after stabilization remains above the standard weight for a predetermined period of time (when the weighed weight exceeds the standard weight for a predetermined period of time), or it may perform abnormal processing if it determines that the weighed weight has stabilized and the weighed weight after stabilization remains above the standard weight for a predetermined period of time (when the weighed weight remains above the standard weight for a predetermined period of time).

[0227] In the cases of (a) and (b) above, it is not yet determined whether to perform normal processing or abnormal processing before the predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, naturally, the weighing device 10 does not transmit the item purchase information (step S26 in Figure 13B) or update the base weight (step S28 in Figure 13B, step S88 in Figure 13C) before the predetermined time has elapsed. For example, the weighing device 10 may ignore the confirmation operation or the purchase weight reset operation before the predetermined time has elapsed. This prevents the transmission of inaccurate purchase weights or inaccurate base weight updates caused by temporary increases in weighing weight that may occur, for example, when an item is dug up with a shovel.

[0228] The above describes the first weighing unit 4A, but the same applies to the second weighing unit 4B. In the case of the second weighing unit 4B, it is difficult for the customer to touch the items (liquid) inside the item supply device 200, but if the customer does touch the items inside the item supply device 200, the weighing weight measured by the weighing device 20 may increase, potentially exceeding the standard weight.

[0229] (15) In the above embodiment, the weighing device 30 is shown to output a message indicating that items have been left unattended when a predetermined time has elapsed with all items remaining (step S314 (YES) in Figure 23A) (step S350 in Figure 23D). However, the weighing device 30 does not have to output a message indicating that items have been left unattended, regardless of how much time has passed, as long as all items remain unattended.

[0230] Even if the weighing device 30 does not output a message indicating that items have been left unattended, no matter how much time has passed, it may output a message indicating that some items have been left behind if a predetermined time has elapsed with some items remaining (step S344 (YES) in Figure 23C) (step S360 in Figure 23D). In other words, if the weighing weight increases from the customer waiting state (items are released from the item supply device 300 to the weighing device 30 based on the operation of the item release operation unit 303), and there is no further increase or decrease in the weighing weight (no operation of either the item release operation unit 303 or the item release operation unit 36), the weighing device 30 will not output anything to the display printing device 40 no matter how much time has passed. However, if the weighing weight increases from the customer waiting state, and then decreases to a value other than zero (some items are released from the weighing device 30 to the container 320 based on the operation of the item release operation unit 36), and there is no further increase or decrease in the weighing weight, the weighing device 30 may output a message indicating that some items have been left behind after a predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, the display and printing device 40 displays information regarding items left behind (for example, notification screen W3 in Figure 24C), but does not have to display information regarding items left unattended (for example, notification screen W2 in Figure 24B).

[0231] Even if the weighing device 30 does not output a message indicating that items have been left unattended, even if a predetermined time has passed with all items remaining, it may display information indicating an error (for example, "ERROR") on the display unit 35 (one or more of the display units 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35e) when a predetermined time has passed with all items remaining. If a predetermined time has passed with some items remaining, the weighing device 30 may display information prompting the operation of the item release operation unit 36 ​​again (for example, "PUSH AGAIN") on the display unit 35 (one or more of the display units 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35e).

[0232] If the weighing weight decreases or increases after a predetermined time has elapsed with all items remaining and the display unit shows error information ("ERROR"), the weighing device 30 may erase the error information ("ERROR") displayed on the display unit 35. For example, if the weighing weight decreases, the weighing device 30 may display information as shown in Figure 9C on the display unit 35 instead of the error information, and if the weighing weight increases, it may display information as shown in Figure 9A on the display unit 35 instead of the error information. Alternatively, if the weighing device 30 increases after a predetermined time has elapsed with all items remaining and the display unit shows error information ("ERROR"), the weighing device 30 may maintain the display without erasing the error information. Similarly, if the weighing weight decreases, the weighing device 30 may maintain the display without erasing the error information.

[0233] When the weighing device 30 displays information ("PUSH AGAIN") prompting an operation of the article discharging operation unit 36 again on the display unit 35 after a predetermined time has elapsed with some articles remaining, if the weighed weight decreases or increases, the weighing device 30 may erase the information ("PUSH AGAIN") prompting the operation of the article discharging operation unit 36 displayed on the display unit 35. For example, when the weighed weight decreases, the weighing device 30 may display information as shown in FIG. 9C instead of the information prompting the operation of the article discharging operation unit 36. When the weighed weight increases, the weighing device 30 may display information indicating an error ("ERROR") instead of the information prompting the operation of the article discharging operation unit 36. Note that when the weighing device 30 displays information ("PUSH AGAIN") prompting an operation of the article discharging operation unit 36 on the display unit 35 after a predetermined time has elapsed with some articles remaining, even if the weighed weight decreases, the weighing device 30 may maintain the display without erasing the information ("PUSH AGAIN") prompting the operation of the article discharging operation unit 36 until it reaches zero.

[0234] (16) In the above embodiment, the sales processing system 1 has been described by taking an example in which the weighing device 10 having a display function (display unit 15) is provided. However, the sales processing system 1 may include a weighing device (referred to as weighing device 50) not having a display function and a display device (referred to as display device 51) having a display unit 15 instead of the weighing device 10. The display device 51 acquires information (such as the value of the weighed weight) from the weighing device 50 and controls the display of the display unit 15 in the same manner as the weighing device 10. Further, the sales processing system 1 may include a weighing device (referred to as weighing device 52) having a display (for example, a display 15d for displaying the weighed weight) and a display device (referred to as display device 53) having displays (for example, displays 15a, 15b, 15c, 15e). The display device 53 acquires information (such as the value of the weighed weight) from the weighing device 52 and controls the display of the displays it includes in the same manner as the weighing device 10. That is, the weighing device of the first weighing unit 4A does not necessarily have all the displays (displays 15a to 15e) by itself. The same applies to the weighing devices of the second weighing unit 4B and the third weighing unit 4C.

[0235] (17) The weighing devices (weighing device 10, weighing device 20, weighing device 30) may be equipped with a function for reading and writing RFID (radio frequency identifier) ​​tags (for example, IC (integrated circuit) tags) (reader / writer (R / W)). For example, the weighing device 10 may have the above R / W near the operation unit 16 or the display unit 15. The weighing device 10 may, for example, read customer IDs (User Identifiers) or store clerk IDs stored in electronic media (IC cards, etc.) or electronic devices (smartphones, wearable terminals, etc.) that have RFID tags embedded in them. The weighing device 10 may, in lieu of or in addition to the operation of the operation unit 16, output to the display / printing device 40 the identification information (device identification information or item identification information) stored in the weighing device 10, the calculated purchase weight, and the information read from the electronic media, etc. As a result, the display printing device 40 can obtain information about the operator of the weighing device 10 (whether the operator is a customer or a store employee, and information that identifies each individual operator). By linking with a customer management system (e.g., a points system), discounts or points can be added for each operator (customer). The weighing device 10 may perform a read / write operation before the operation unit 16 is operated, and the weighing device 10 may output the above information in response to the operation unit 16. Alternatively, the weighing device 10 may not require the operation unit 16 and may output the above information in response to the read / write information after the weighed weight has stabilized. In this case, only a reader (the R in R / W) may be used instead of a reader / writer.

[0236] The display and printing device 40 and the POS terminal may also be equipped with a reader / writer (R / W). Related to (11) above, the weighing device 10 may output the identification information stored in the weighing device 10 and the calculated purchase weight to an electronic medium or electronic device. The display and printing device 40 and the POS terminal can obtain information about the operator of the weighing device 10 (whether the operator is a customer or a store employee, and information that identifies each operator) by reading the electronic medium, etc., before printing and issuing labels or before settlement.

[0237] (18) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which information (warning information) is directly transmitted from the weighing device to the store clerk terminal when the item reaches the warning weight, when there is an abnormal operation, when the item is left unattended, or when an item is left behind. However, information may also be transmitted to the store clerk terminal via the display printing device (from the display printing device).

[0238] (19) A lamp (e.g., an LED) may be provided in the sales unit 2 to notify the store staff. For example, the lamp may be illuminated when the goods reach a warning weight, when there is an abnormal operation, when goods are left unattended, or when goods are left behind. The illumination pattern of the lamp may be different depending on the situation. The illumination of the lamp may be controlled by the weighing device or by the display printing device. One lamp may be provided for the entire shelf 3, one lamp may be provided for each unit (each of the first weighing unit 4A, the second weighing unit 4B, and the third weighing unit 4C), or one lamp may be provided for each weighing device (goods supply device).

[0239] (20) Some or all of the functions (input / output, storage, processing (including judgment)) in each device (weighing devices 10, 20, 30, display / printing device 40, display device 80) may be implemented in a device other than the device described as the entity that executes the function. For example, the weighing device 10 (and the weighing device 20) may include a weighing unit, an operation unit, and a communication unit, and transmit weighing information and operation information to a cloud server, and the cloud server may control the operation of the weighing device 10 (weighing device 20) based on the information transmitted from the weighing device 10 (weighing device 20) (that is, control information that controls the operation of the weighing device 10 (weighing device 20) may be transmitted to the weighing device 10 (weighing device 20)). In addition, the weighing device 30 may include a weighing unit and a communication unit, and transmit weighing information to a cloud server, and the cloud server may control the operation of the weighing device 30 based on the information transmitted from the weighing device 30. Instead of a cloud server, the display and printing device 40 or the display device 80 may control the operation of the weighing devices (weighing devices 10, 20, and 30). The display and printing device 40 may also include a display unit, a communication unit, a printing unit, and a communication unit, and transmit information received from the weighing devices and operation information to the display unit to the cloud server, and the cloud server may control the operation of the display and printing device 40 based on the information transmitted from the display and printing device 40. The display and printing device 40 may also display a screen generated by the cloud server using a browsing function. The same applies to the display device 80.

[0240] The following is a summary of the embodiments. [Background technology] For example, a system for weighing and selling goods is known (see, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-50740).

[0241] [Problems the invention aims to solve] However, conventional systems such as the one shown in Patent Document 1 do not adequately address the various scenarios that may arise in weighing and selling, and there is room for improvement. The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can suitably address the various scenarios that may arise in weighing and selling.

[0242] [Means for solving the problem] (A1) A weighing device (e.g., weighing device 10, weighing device 20) comprising weighing means (e.g., weighing unit 14, weighing unit 24), a first display area (e.g., display 15d, display 25d) for displaying the weighed weight by the weighing means, a second display area (e.g., display 15a, display 25a) for displaying the decrease in the weighed weight as the purchase weight, a third display area (e.g., display 15b, display 25b) for displaying the unit price, and a fourth display area (e.g., display 15c, display 25c) for displaying the purchase amount based on the unit price and the purchase weight, wherein when the weighed weight decreases (when the value in the first display area decreases), the fourth display A weighing device characterized by comprising: a display control means that displays the purchase amount in a region, and when the weighed weight increases (when the value in the first display region increases), displays information other than the purchase amount (for example, "ERRER") as the display in the fourth display region, or hides the display in the fourth display region; and a changing means (for example, step S89 in Figure 13C) that changes the display of the fourth display region to a display meaning zero when the display control means has caused information other than the purchase amount (for example, "ERRER") to be displayed as the display in the fourth display region or when the display in the fourth display region is hidden. According to the configuration of A1, a weighing device (weighing device 10, weighing device 20) that uses the reduction in weighed weight as the purchase weight (sales weight) of an item can suitably respond to various anticipated scenarios (states, situations). For example, when information other than the purchase amount is displayed in the fourth display area, or when the display in the fourth display area is not displayed, the display in the fourth display area can be changed to a display that means zero.

[0243] (A2) The weighing device according to A1, characterized in that when the display of the fourth display area is changed to a display meaning zero by the changing means, the device is provided with output means (for example, communication unit 17, communication unit 27) that outputs a message requesting the acquisition of a unit price to be displayed in the third display area (for example, unit price acquisition request information) (for example, step S91 in Figure 13C). According to the configuration of A2, when changing the display in the fourth display area using the changing means, the latest unit price can be obtained.

[0244] (A3) The weighing device according to A1 or A2, characterized in that the changing means changes the display of the fourth display area to a display meaning zero when the state in which the weighed weight has increased continues for a predetermined time. According to the configuration of A3, the display can be suitably changed to mean zero as time passes.

[0245] (A4) A display device comprising: a first display area for displaying the measured weight; a second display area for displaying the decrease in the measured weight as the purchase weight; a third display area for displaying the unit price; and a fourth display area for displaying the purchase amount based on the unit price and the purchase weight, wherein the display control means displays the purchase amount in the fourth display area when the measured weight decreases, and displays information other than the purchase amount as the display in the fourth display area, or hides the display in the fourth display area when the measured weight increases; and a changing means for changing the display in the fourth display area to a display that means zero when the display control means has caused information other than the purchase amount to be displayed in the fourth display area or the display in the fourth display area to be hidden. (For example, display device 51, display device 53) With the A4 configuration, the same effect as A1 can be achieved.

[0246] (B1) A sales system (e.g., sales processing system 1) including weighing devices (e.g., weighing device 10, weighing device 20, weighing device 30) and display devices (e.g., display printing device 40, display device 80), wherein the weighing devices include weighing means (e.g., weighing unit 14, weighing unit 24, weighing unit 34) for weighing the weight of an item and output means (e.g., communication unit 17, communication unit 27, communication unit 37) for outputting item purchase information including the purchase weight value based on the weighing value by the weighing means, and the display device includes receiving means (e.g., communication unit 47) for receiving the item purchase information and... A sales system comprising a display means (e.g., display unit 45) that displays an item selection area (e.g., item button) including the item name and purchase weight value based on the item purchase information received, wherein the display means is capable of displaying one item selection area (e.g., item button B4 shown in Figure 16C) that includes the purchase weight value of the item included in the displayed item selection area and the combined purchase weight value obtained by adding the purchase weight value of the item included in the item purchase information, when the item purchase information for the same item as the item whose item selection area is currently displayed is received by the receiving means. According to the configuration of B1, the display and printing device (display and printing device 40, display device 80) that communicates with the weighing device can suitably respond to various anticipated situations (states). For example, in the above-mentioned display and printing device, multiple item buttons (item selection areas) for the same item may be displayed, making operation cumbersome. According to the configuration of B1, since the items are displayed together on a single item button, the display and printing device can be simplified.

[0247] (B2) The sales system according to B1, characterized in that the display means can display an image (for example, the aggregation requirement confirmation screen W1 shown in Figure 16A) to confirm whether aggregation is required when the receiving means receives purchase information for the same item as the item currently displayed in the item selection area. According to the B2 configuration, the items can be displayed together under a single item button depending on the verification result.

[0248] (B3) The sales system according to B1 or B2, characterized in that when the receiving means receives purchase information for the same item as the item currently being displayed in the item selection area, the display means displays one item selection area including the total purchase weight value if the elapsed time from the time of receiving past purchase information for the item corresponding to the displayed item selection area or from the time the displayed item selection area was displayed to the time of receiving the current purchase information for the item is less than a predetermined time (one reference time), and if the elapsed time is the same as or greater than the predetermined time, it displays an item selection area based on the item purchase information separately from the displayed item selection area. According to the B3 configuration, items can be grouped together and displayed on a single button based on elapsed time.

[0249] (B4) An information terminal (e.g., display printing device 40, display device 80) that can communicate with a weighing device for weighing items, comprising: receiving means for receiving item purchase information including weight values ​​output from the weighing device; and display means for displaying an item selection area including the item name and purchase weight value based on the item purchase information received by the receiving means, wherein the display means is capable of displaying one item selection area including the purchase weight value of the item included in the displayed item selection area and the combined purchase weight value obtained by adding the purchase weight value of the item included in the item purchase information, when the receiving means receives item purchase information for the same item as the item whose item selection area is currently being displayed. With the configuration of B4, the same effect as B1 can be obtained.

[0250] (C1) A weighing device (e.g., weighing device 30) comprising weighing means (e.g., weighing unit 34) for weighing the weight of an item, and output means (e.g., communication unit 37) for outputting item purchase information including a purchase weight value based on the weighing value by the weighing means, wherein the output means outputs item purchase information including the positive value as the purchase weight value when the weighing value by the weighing means increases from zero to a positive value and then decreases from the positive value to zero (e.g., step S330 in Figures 19A, 19B, and 23B), and the output means outputs information indicating that all of the weighed items remain (e.g., that items have been left unattended) when the weighing value increases from zero and then becomes a non-zero value without decreasing at any point, and the weighing value does not change from a non-zero value for a predetermined period of time (e.g., step S350 in Figures 20 and 23D). According to the configuration of C1, the weighing device (weighing device 30) can suitably respond to various anticipated scenarios (states, situations). For example, if the weighed value does not change from a value other than zero for a predetermined period of time, it can output information indicating that all of the weighed items remain. Furthermore, it can output information indicating that all of the weighed items remain without installing sensors or other devices in the item supply device or weighing device to detect the release operation of items.

[0251] (C2) A weighing device (e.g., weighing device 30) comprising weighing means (e.g., weighing unit 34) for weighing the weight of an item, and output means (e.g., communication unit 37) for outputting item purchase information including a purchase weight value based on the weighing value by the weighing means, wherein the output means outputs item purchase information including the positive value as the purchase weight value when the weighing value by the weighing means increases from zero to a positive value and then decreases from the positive value to zero (e.g., step S330 in Figures 19A, 19B, and 23B), and the output means outputs information indicating that a portion of the weighed item remains (e.g., that there is an item left behind) when the weighing value increases from zero and then decreases to a value other than zero, and the weighing value does not change from a value other than zero for a predetermined time (e.g., step S360 in Figures 21A, 21B, and 23E). According to the configuration of C2, the weighing device (weighing device 30) can suitably respond to various anticipated scenarios (states, situations). For example, if the weighed value increases from zero and then decreases to a value other than zero, and the weighed value does not change from a value other than zero for a predetermined period of time, information indicating that a portion of the weighed item remains can be output. Furthermore, information indicating that a portion of the weighed item remains can be output without providing sensors or other devices in the item supply device or weighing device to detect the release operation of the item.

[0252] (C3) A weighing device (e.g., weighing device 30) comprising weighing means (e.g., weighing unit 34) for weighing the weight of an item, and output means (e.g., communication unit 37) for outputting item purchase information including a purchase weight value based on the weighing value by the weighing means, wherein the output means outputs item purchase information including the positive value as the purchase weight value when the weighing value by the weighing means increases from zero to a positive value and then decreases from the positive value to zero (e.g., step S330 in Figures 19A, 19B, and 23B), and the output means outputs abnormal information indicating that an abnormal operation has occurred when the weighing value increases from zero and then decreases, and the weighing value increased before becoming zero (e.g., step S370 in Figures 22 and 23F). According to the configuration of C3, the weighing device (weighing device 30) can suitably respond to various anticipated scenarios (states, situations). For example, if the weighed value increases from zero and then decreases, but increases before the weighed value reaches zero, abnormal information indicating that an abnormal operation has occurred can be output. Furthermore, abnormal information indicating that an abnormal operation has occurred can be output without providing sensors or other devices in the item supply device or weighing device to detect the release operation of items.

[0253] (C4) A weighing device (e.g., weighing device 30) comprising weighing means (e.g., weighing unit 34) for weighing the weight of an item, and output means (e.g., communication unit 37) for outputting item purchase information including a purchase weight value based on the weighing value by the weighing means, wherein the output means outputs item purchase information including the positive value as the purchase weight value when the weighing value by the weighing means increases from zero to a positive value and then decreases from the positive value to zero, and the weighing value did not decrease at all during the process from zero to the positive value and did not increase at all during the process from the positive value to zero, based on the fact that the weighing value has become zero (e.g., step S330 in Figures 19A, 19B, and 23B). According to the configuration of C4, the weighing device (weighing device 30) can suitably respond to various anticipated scenarios (states, situations). For example, in the above weighing device, if the normal operation is performed, the weighed weight will increase from zero, decrease once, and then not increase again until it returns to zero. However, if an abnormal operation is performed, the weighed weight may decrease once and then increase until it returns to zero. According to the configuration of C4, item purchase information can be output based on normal operation. Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether the operation is normal or not and output item purchase information without installing sensors or the like in the item supply device or weighing device to detect the release operation of items.

[0254] (C5) A sales system (e.g., sales processing system 1) including a weighing device (e.g., weighing device 30) and a display device (e.g., display printing device 40, display device 80), wherein the weighing device comprises a weighing means (e.g., weighing unit 34) for weighing the weight of an item and an output means (e.g., communication unit 37) for outputting item purchase information including the purchase weight value based on the weighing value by the weighing means, and the display device comprises a receiving means (e.g., communication unit 47) and a display means (e.g., display unit 45), wherein the output means outputs abnormal information (warning information indicating an abnormal operation) indicating that an abnormal operation has occurred, instead of the item purchase information, when the weighing value has increased from zero and then decreased, and increased before the weighing value became zero. The sales system is characterized in that, when the receiving means receives the item purchase information, it displays an item selection area (for example, item button B5 shown in Figure 24A) including the item name and purchase weight value based on the item purchase information, and when the receiving means receives the abnormal information, it displays information indicating that an abnormal operation has occurred (for example, notification screen W4 shown in Figure 24D) based on the abnormal information. With the C5 configuration, the same effect as with C4 can be obtained.

[0255] Furthermore, the programs for implementing each of the above-described devices (weighing devices 10, 20, 30, 50, 52, material supply devices 100, 200, 300, display and printing device 40, display devices 51, 53, 80, etc.) may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory (RAM) inside computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from the computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication line) like a telephone line. Furthermore, the program described above may be intended to implement only a part of the functions mentioned above. Moreover, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0256] 1…Sales processing system 2…Sales Unit 3…Shelf 4A…First weighing unit 4B...Second weighing unit 4C…Third weighing unit 100, 200, 300…Goods supply device 10, 20, 30, 50, 52...Measuring device 40…Display printing device 51, 53, 80...Display device

Claims

1. A sales system including a weighing device and a display device, The aforementioned weighing device is A weighing device for measuring the weight of an item, An output means that outputs product purchase information including the purchase weight value based on the measurement value by the aforementioned weighing means. Equipped with, The aforementioned display device is Receiving means for receiving the aforementioned item purchase information, A display means that displays an item selection area including the item name and purchase weight based on the item purchase information received by the receiving means. Equipped with, The aforementioned display means is When the receiving means receives purchase information for the same item as the item currently displayed in the item selection area, depending on the passage of time, one item selection area may be displayed that includes the combined purchase weight value obtained by adding the purchase weight value of the item included in the currently displayed item selection area and the purchase weight value of the item included in the item purchase information, or an item selection area based on the item purchase information may be displayed separately from the currently displayed item selection area. A sales system characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned display means is When the receiving means receives purchase information for the same item as the item currently displayed in the item selection area, if the elapsed time from the time of receiving past purchase information for the item corresponding to the displayed item selection area, or from the time the displayed item selection area was displayed to the time of receiving the current purchase information for the item, is less than a predetermined time, one item selection area including the total purchase weight value is displayed; if the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the predetermined time, an item selection area based on the purchase information is displayed separately from the currently displayed item selection area. The sales system according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned display means is When the item purchase information for the same item as the item currently displayed in the item selection area is received by the receiving means, an image can be displayed to confirm whether or not the items need to be combined. The sales system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A weighing device for measuring the weight of an item and an information terminal capable of communication with it, A receiving means for receiving item purchase information including the weight value output from the weighing device, A display means that displays an item selection area including the item name and purchase weight based on the item purchase information received by the receiving means. Equipped with, The aforementioned display means is When the receiving means receives purchase information for the same item as the item currently displayed in the item selection area, depending on the passage of time, one item selection area may be displayed that includes the combined purchase weight value obtained by adding the purchase weight value of the item included in the currently displayed item selection area and the purchase weight value of the item included in the item purchase information, or an item selection area based on the item purchase information may be displayed separately from the currently displayed item selection area. An information terminal characterized by the following features.

5. A program for causing a weighing device to function as a first computer and a display device to function as a second computer in a sales system including a weighing device and a display device, The first computer, A weighing device for measuring the weight of an item. This means functions as an output means that outputs product purchase information including the purchase weight value based on the measurement value obtained by the aforementioned weighing means. The second computer described above, Receiving means for receiving the aforementioned item purchase information, Display means for displaying an item selection area including the item name and purchase weight based on the item purchase information received by the receiving means. To make it function as, The aforementioned display means is When the receiving means receives purchase information for the same item as the item currently displayed in the item selection area, depending on the passage of time, one item selection area may be displayed that includes the combined purchase weight value obtained by adding the purchase weight value of the item included in the currently displayed item selection area and the purchase weight value of the item included in the item purchase information, or an item selection area based on the item purchase information may be displayed separately from the currently displayed item selection area. A program characterized by the following features.

6. A program for causing an information terminal capable of communicating with a weighing device for weighing an article to function as a computer, The aforementioned computer, Receiving means for receiving item purchase information including weight values ​​output from the weighing device, Display means for displaying an item selection area including the item name and purchase weight based on the item purchase information received by the receiving means. To make it function as, The aforementioned display means is When the receiving means receives purchase information for the same item as the item currently displayed in the item selection area, depending on the passage of time, one item selection area may be displayed that includes the combined purchase weight value obtained by adding the purchase weight value of the item included in the currently displayed item selection area and the purchase weight value of the item included in the item purchase information, or an item selection area based on the item purchase information may be displayed separately from the currently displayed item selection area. A program characterized by the following features.

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