Quantitative data processing system and program

Abstract

To improve weighing and selling of a commodity.SOLUTION: Provided is a commodity sales data processing system including a plurality of detection devices and an information processing device. The detection devices each include detection means for detecting a fact that an article is taken out of a container, and output means for, when the fact that the article is taken out of the container is detected by the detection means, outputting article specifying information for specifying the article taken out of the container. The information processing device includes specifying means for specifying the article taken out of the container based on the article specifying information output by the output means, and display means for displaying, on a screen, an operator for designating an individual article specified by the specifying means. The display means deletes the operator from the screen based on a lapse of time, and when a predetermined operation is performed, displays the operator deleted from the screen again on the screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a metering data processing system and program and pertains to it.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a system for weighing and selling goods 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, there was room for improvement in the sales in the weighing and selling system as shown in Patent Document 1.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to provide a technology for improving the weighing and selling of goods.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a product sales data processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing system comprising a plurality of detection devices and an information processing device, wherein the detection device comprises detection means for detecting when an article has been removed from a container, and output means for outputting article identification information for identifying the article removed from the container when the detection means detects that an article has been removed from the container, and the information processing device comprises identification means for identifying the article removed from the container based on the article identification information output by the output means, and display means for displaying operators on a screen for specifying each individual article identified by the identification means, wherein the display means erases the operators from the screen based on the passage of time, and redisplays the operators that have been erased from the screen on the screen when a predetermined operation is performed. [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 explanatory diagram illustrating the detection of tilt using a detection device. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the detection of tilt using a detection device. [Figure 4] This is an example of the configuration of a detection device. [Figure 5] This is an example of the function of a detection device. [Figure 6] This is an example of the appearance of a weighing device. [Figure 7] This is an example of the configuration of a weighing device. [Figure 8] This is an example of a display on a weighing device. [Figure 9] This is an example of various types of information. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 20. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 20. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 20. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram describing the control of product buttons. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram describing the control of product buttons. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram describing the control of product buttons. [Figure 16] This is an explanatory diagram describing the control of product buttons. [Figure 17] This is an example of a display on a weighing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of the network configuration of a sales processing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention (the same applies to other embodiments). The sales processing system 1 is installed in stores (for example, supermarkets, etc.) that handle products that are sold after being weighed.

[0009] The sales processing system 1 includes multiple detection devices 10 and weighing devices 20. Each detection device 10 and each weighing device 20 are connected in a communication manner. In this example, considering the appearance when installed, a wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi (Local Area Network), Bluetooth®, etc.) is described, but a wired connection may also be used for communication.

[0010] The detection device 10 is a device capable of detecting tilting (rotation). The detection device 10 is installed in a container (referred to as a "display container") that holds goods that are sold by weight (sometimes simply called "goods," or "goods sold by weight," "goods sold individually," "goods priced by weight," or "goods sold by weight"), and detects the tilting (rotation) motion of the display container. Examples of goods include nuts, chocolate, and dried fruit. The weighing device 20 is a device that weighs and prices the goods.

[0011] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the detection of inclination by the detection device 10. FIG. 2 shows the state of the detection device 10 installed in the display container 300. The display container 300 is a display container for storing the product S. The display container 300 has an upper lid portion 310. FIG. 2(A) shows a state where the upper lid portion 310 is not lifted (a state where the product S cannot be taken out. A closed state). FIG. 2(B) shows a state where the upper lid portion 310 is lifted (a state where the product S can be taken out. An open state).

[0012] The detection device 10 is installed on the upper lid portion 310. When the upper lid portion 310 is lifted, the detection device 10 detects the tilting operation (rotation angle) of the upper lid portion 310. For example, the detection device 10 detects the tilting operation from a state where the upper lid portion 310 is not lifted.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows the state of the detection device 10 installed in the display container 400. The display container 400 is a display container for storing the product S. The display container 400 has a pressing portion 410. FIG. 3(A) shows a state where the pressing portion 410 is not pushed down (a state where the product S is not discharged from the discharge portion 420. A closed state). FIG. 3(B) shows a state where the pressing portion 410 is pushed down (information where the product S is discharged from the discharge portion 420. An open state).

[0014] The detection device 10 is installed on the pressing portion 410. When the pressing portion 410 is pushed down, the detection device 10 detects the tilting operation (rotation angle) of the pressing portion 410. For example, the detection device 10 detects the tilting operation from a state where the pressing portion 410 is not pushed down.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an example of the configuration of the detection device 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the detection device 10 includes an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 11, an inclination detection unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0016] The MCU11 is a microprocessor that controls the detection device 10. The MCU11 is equipped with a processing unit as well as a memory unit. The MCU11 controls the operation of the detection device 10 by reading and executing a program (a control program for the detection device 10) stored inside it. The tilt detection unit 12 is a tilt sensor that detects the tilt (rotation) of the detection device 10. For example, when the detection device 10 tilts (rotates) in a certain direction, the tilt detection unit 12 detects the tilt angle (rotation angle) in that tilting (rotation) operation. The communication unit 13 sends and receives information with other devices wirelessly (for example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth®, etc.).

[0017] Figure 5 shows an example of the function of the detection device 10. In Figure 5, the same parts as in Figure 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0018] As shown in Figure 5, the MCU 11 of the detection device 10 functions as a storage unit 100 and a determination unit 102. The storage unit 100 stores an angle (determination angle) for determining whether or not the display container on which the detection device 10 is installed is open. The determination angle is a value (angle) corresponding to the type of display container on which the detection device 10 is installed. The storage unit 100 also stores product identification information (product number) that identifies the product contained in the container on which the detection device 10 is installed. The information in the storage unit 100 may be rewritable.

[0019] The tilt detection unit 12 detects the tilt (rotation) of the detection device 10 and outputs information indicating the tilt angle (rotation angle) to the determination unit 102.

[0020] The determination unit 102 determines whether the display container on which the detection device 10 is installed has become open. Specifically, the determination unit 102 determines that the display container on which the detection device 10 is installed has become open if the tilt angle input from the tilt detection unit 12 is greater than or equal to the determination angle stored in the storage unit 100. If the determination unit 102 determines that the display container on which the detection device 10 is installed has become open (i.e., if the tilt angle input from the tilt detection unit 12 is greater than or equal to the determination angle stored in the storage unit 100), it notifies the communication unit 13 of the product number stored in the storage unit 100 and controls the communication unit 13 to transmit the product number to the weighing device 20.

[0021] The communication unit 13 transmits the product number to the weighing device 20 in accordance with the control of the determination unit 102. In other words, when the detection device 10 detects that the display container on which the detection device 10 is installed has become open, it transmits the product number of the product contained in the display container to the weighing device 20.

[0022] The detection device 10 may also have an operating unit (button, etc.). If the operating unit is operated, the detection device 10 may transmit the product number of the product contained in the display container to the weighing device 20, similar to when it detects that the display container has become open.

[0023] Although Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a configuration in which the detection device 10 includes an MCU 11, the detection device 10 may also be configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM, and RAM instead of the MCU 11.

[0024] Figure 6 shows an example of the external appearance of the weighing device 20. Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the weighing device 20. In Figures 6 and 7, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0025] The weighing device 20 includes a CPU 21 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a scanner unit 24, a weighing unit 25, a touch display 26, an audio output unit 27, a printing unit 28, and a communication unit 29.

[0026] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the weighing device 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 22. For example, the CPU 21 identifies the product taken out of the display container based on the product number transmitted from the detection device 10. The CPU 21 also controls the display of product buttons (described later) on the touch display 26.

[0027] ROM22 is read-only memory and stores various information used by the CPU21, such as programs.

[0028] RAM23 is a read / write memory that stores various types of information, such as information read from ROM22 and information obtained via the communication unit29. Further details will be described later.

[0029] The scanner unit 24 optically reads various types of information. For example, the scanner unit 24 reads various codes (barcodes, 2D codes, etc.).

[0030] The weighing unit 25 weighs the object (product, container, etc.) placed on the platform 25a, for example, using a weight detection method with a load cell.

[0031] The touch display 26 displays various information to the operator and also has a touch panel, thus functioning as an operating unit.

[0032] The audio output unit 27 outputs sound. For example, the audio output unit 27 outputs voice guidance, etc.

[0033] The printing unit 28 is a printer device that prints and issues media. For example, after the weighing and pricing of the goods, the printing unit 28 prints product labels (sometimes referred to as "price labels") and issues (discharges) them from the label output port 28a.

[0034] The product label will have information printed on it, such as the date and time, the name of the product (product name), the net weight of the product, the unit price by weight, and the selling price. The weighing device 20 (for example, the printing unit 28) may also have a function to detect when the discharged product label has been removed from the label discharge port 28a.

[0035] The communication unit 29 transmits and receives information with other devices wirelessly (for example, via Wi-Fi (Local Area Network), Bluetooth®, etc.). For example, the communication unit 29 receives the product number transmitted from the detection device 10.

[0036] Furthermore, although not shown in the illustration, the weighing device 20 is equipped with a timing unit (timing function). The timing unit of the weighing device 20 allows for the management of the current time, the remaining time until a certain time, and the elapsed time since a certain state was reached.

[0037] Furthermore, the weighing device 20 may be equipped with a wireless tag reader capable of reading and writing contactless IC tags. The wireless tag reader reads information stored in the memory of the contactless IC tag and writes the information to the memory of the contactless IC tag using short-range wireless communication such as electromagnetic fields or radio waves. An example of a contactless IC tag is an RFID (radio frequency identifier) ​​tag. Contactless IC tags may be passive tags, active tags, or semi-active tags (activated active tags) that combine both. In the following description, contactless IC tags may be referred to as wireless tags, wireless IC tags, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, the weighing device 20 may be equipped with a detection unit (human presence sensor) capable of detecting the presence of a person in the vicinity (mainly in front) of the weighing device 20. The weighing device 20 may also be equipped with one or more imaging units (cameras). For example, it may be equipped with an imaging unit for imaging the operator of the weighing device 20, or an imaging unit for imaging the object placed on the platform 25a. The weighing device 20 may also be equipped with a notification unit (sign pole) having a light-emitting unit. Furthermore, the weighing device 20 may be equipped with a key operation unit consisting of one or more mechanical keys (hard buttons).

[0039] Furthermore, although Figure 7 illustrates a configuration in which the weighing device 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, and a RAM 23, the weighing device 20 may also be configured to include an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) instead of these components.

[0040] Figure 8 shows an example of the display of the weighing device 20. Figure 8(A) is an example of the initial screen (start screen). When the weighing device 20 is in standby mode (standby state; waiting for customers), it displays an initial screen such as the one shown in Figure 8(A). The initial screen shown in Figure 8(A) is provided with a numerical display area 200 and a weighing guidance display area 210.

[0041] Numerical display area 200 is the area for displaying weight and price. Numerical display area 200 includes a tare display area 201, a net weight / weighed value display area 202, a unit price display area 203, and a selling price display area 204. Tare display area 201 is the area for displaying the tare weight. Net weight / weighed value display area 202 is the area for displaying the weight of the tare and the product, or the weight of the product (net weight). Unit price display area 203 is the area for displaying the unit price of the product by weight. Selling price display area 204 is the area for displaying the selling price (including the price of the tare if there is a charge for tare).

[0042] The weighing guidance display area 210 is an area that guides the weighing of the product. The weighing guidance display area 210 displays a message ("Place product and start") indicating that the product should be placed on the weighing platform 25a, and an image showing the product being placed on the weighing platform 25a.

[0043] Figure 8(B) shows an example of a product selection screen (product specification screen) for selecting (specifying) a product. When a product is placed on the weighing platform 25a while the initial screen is being displayed, the weighing device 20 displays the product selection screen shown in Figure 8(B). The product selection screen shown in Figure 8(B) is provided with a numerical display area 200, a first product selection area 220, and a second product selection area 230.

[0044] The first product selection area 220 is the area where users select products by operating product buttons (buttons corresponding to individual products). The first product selection area 220 includes a product button display area 221. The product button display area 221 is the area where product buttons are displayed. In the example shown in Figure 8(B), the product button display area 221 displays product buttons for raw cashews, mixed nuts, and almonds. The first product selection area 220 also has a redisplay button 222. The redisplay button 222 is a button used to redisplay product buttons on the product selection screen. The redisplay button 222 is displayed when there are product buttons to be redisplayed (when the redisplay control timer value is stored in the product button redisplay control file). The product button redisplay control file and the redisplay control timer value will be described later.

[0045] If the number of product buttons is large and it is not possible to display all product buttons at once in the product button display area 221 (on one page), the weighing device 20 will display all product buttons across multiple pages. Furthermore, when displaying all product buttons across multiple pages, a page switching operation component (e.g., a scroll bar, buttons) for switching to the next or previous page may be placed in the first product selection area 220 (e.g., below the product button display area 221). In the example shown in Figure 8(B), since the number of product buttons is not large and all product buttons can be displayed at once in the product button display area 221, the weighing device 20 displays the page switching operation component in an inoperable state (shown as a dashed line in the figure). If the number of product buttons is not large and all product buttons can be displayed at once in the product button display area 221, the weighing device 20 may hide the page switching operation component.

[0046] When there are many product buttons, the weighing device 20 may reduce the number of pages by making the display size of the product buttons smaller than the normal size, or it may display them all at once.

[0047] The second product selection area 230 is an area where the user selects a product by entering the product number (operating the number buttons). The second product selection area 230 includes a product number display area 231. The product number display area 231 is an area that displays the product number entered using the number buttons (shown below). The product number display area 231 also contains number buttons from 0 to 9, a clear button, and a confirm button.

[0048] In addition, the net weight / weighed value display field 202 of the numerical display area 200 of the product selection screen shown in Figure 8(B) displays the weighed value, which is the tare weight (free paper bag) and the weight of the product, "164 (g)".

[0049] Figure 8(C) is an example of a label printing instruction screen that instructs the printing and issuance of product labels. When a product is selected on the product selection screen, the weighing device 20 displays a label printing instruction screen as shown in Figure 8(C). The label printing instruction screen shown in Figure 8(C) is provided with a numerical display area 200 and a print guidance display area 240.

[0050] The print guidance display area 240 is an area that guides the user through the printing and issuance of product labels. A print button 241 that instructs the user to print and issuance of product labels is located in the print guidance display area 240. In addition, the icon 242 of the product selected on the product selection screen is displayed in the print guidance display area 240.

[0051] In addition, in the numerical display area 200 of the label printing instruction screen shown in Figure 8(C), the tare weight field 201 displays the weight of the tare (free paper bag) as "10 (g)". The net weight / weighed value display field 202 displays the weight (net weight) of the product (mixed nuts) as "154 (g)". The unit price display field 203 displays the unit price of the product by weight as "400 (yen / g)". The selling price display field 204 displays the selling price as "616 (yen)". The same applies to the label printing completion screen shown in Figure 8(D).

[0052] Figure 8(D) is an example of a label issuance completion screen that notifies the completion of product label issuance. When the weighing device 20 receives an instruction to print and issue product labels on the label issuance instruction screen, it starts printing and issuing product labels. When the printing and issuance of product labels is complete, the weighing device 20 displays a label issuance completion screen as shown in Figure 8(D). Note that the weighing device 20 may also display the label issuance completion screen before the printing and issuance of product labels is complete, if the instruction to print and issue product labels is received on the label issuance instruction screen. The label issuance completion screen shown in Figure 8(D) is provided with a numerical display area 200 and an attachment guidance display area 250.

[0053] The labeling guidance display area 250 is an area that guides users on how to attach the product label to the tare bag. The labeling guidance display area 250 displays an image showing how to attach the product label to the tare bag.

[0054] The weighing device 20 refers to the product file (see Figure 9(A)) and obtains the unit price by weight of the product selected on the product selection screen. The weighing device 20 displays the unit price by weight of the product obtained from the product file on the label issuance instruction screen.

[0055] Furthermore, the weighing device 20 displays the tare weight as follows, for example: (1) In operations using one type of tare bag (and similarly in operations using multiple types of tare bags with the same weight), the weight of the tare bag is displayed by referring to the weight information of the tare bag. The weight information of the tare bag is stored, for example, in RAM 23. Since there is only one type of tare bag weight, the weighing device 20 can display the weight of the tare bag at any time. (2) In operations using multiple types of tare bags with different weights, the weight of the tare bag selected by the operator is displayed. Specifically, for example, weight information for each type of tare bag is stored (for example, in RAM 23). The weighing device 20 displays an option (selection button, etc.) for selecting the type of tare bag, and displays the weight of the tare bag selected by the operator by referring to the weight information of the tare bag selected by the operator. Since there are two or more types of tare bag weights, the weighing device 20 can display the weight of the tare bag after the operator has made their selection. The timing of the operator's selection of the tare bag may be before or after the selection of the product. (3) In operations using multiple types of tare bags with different weights, a code (barcode, 2D code) encoding the weight information of the tare bag may be attached to the tare bag, and the weighing device 20 may display the weight of the tare bag by having the scanner unit 24 read the code. Alternatively, a wireless tag storing the weight information of the tare bag may be attached to the tare bag, and the weighing device 20 may display the weight of the tare bag by having the wireless tag reader unit read the weight information of the wireless tag. The operator may, for example, have the scanner unit 24 or wireless tag reader unit read the code or wireless tag attached to the tare bag before placing the tare bag (tare bag containing the goods) on the platform 25a, or the scanner unit 24 or wireless tag reader unit may be configured to automatically read the code or wireless tag attached to the tare bag once the tare bag is placed on the platform 25a.

[0056] While (1) to (3) above described the weight of the tare, the same applies to the selling price of the tare. For example, in operations using multiple tare bags with different selling prices, the weighing device 20 may display the selling price of the tare bag selected by the operator, or it may display the selling price of the tare bag read from the code or wireless tag.

[0057] Figure 9 shows an example of various types of information. Figure 9(A) is an example of a product file (also called a product master). As shown in Figure 9(A), the product file stores the product name and unit price by weight, associated with the product number. The product file is stored in RAM 23, for example. The weighing device 20 may also receive product files from other devices (for example, a management device installed in the store (not shown), a headquarters server installed at headquarters (not shown), or a cloud server on the internet (not shown)) and store them in RAM 23. The same applies to other files described later.

[0058] Figure 9(B) shows an example of a product button file. As shown in Figure 9(B), the product button file stores product buttons associated with product numbers. Specifically, the product button file stores image data of product buttons associated with product numbers. The product button file may also store the image name (data name, file name) of the product button image data, either in addition to or instead of the image data itself. The product button file may also store the storage location of the product button image data, either in addition to or instead of the above. In short, the product button file only needs to be such that the weighing device 20 can identify which product button corresponds to which product (product number).

[0059] Figure 9(C) shows an example of a product button display control file. As shown in Figure 9(C), the product button display control file stores a display control timer value associated with the product number. The product number stored in the product button display control file is the product number of the product to be displayed when the product button is shown. The display control timer value stored in the product button display control file is the validity period (e.g., in seconds) for the displayed item. The display control timer value is updated (counted down) after an initial value is set.

[0060] According to the product button display control file shown in Figure 9(C), the product buttons to be displayed are the product button (GA04) for product number "S04" (raw cashews), the product button (GA01) for product number "S01" (mixed nuts), and the product button (GA02) for product number "S02" (almonds). Furthermore, according to the product button display control file shown in Figure 9(C), the remaining validity period for displaying the product button (GA04) for product number "S04" (raw cashews) is 102 seconds, the remaining validity period for displaying the product button (GA01) for product number "S01" (mixed nuts) is 162 seconds, and the remaining validity period for displaying the product button (GA02) for product number "S02" (almonds) is 285 seconds. Details will be described later.

[0061] Figure 9(D) shows an example of a file for controlling the redisplay of product buttons. As shown in Figure 9(D), the product button redisplay control file stores a timer value for redisplay control associated with the product number. The product number stored in the product button redisplay control file is the product number of the product to be redisplayed when the product button is redisplayed. The timer value for redisplay control stored in the product button redisplay control file is the validity period (e.g., in seconds) for the product to be redisplayed. The timer value for redisplay control is updated (counted down) after an initial value is set.

[0062] According to the product button redisplay control file shown in Figure 9(D), the product buttons to be redisplayed are the product button (GA09) for product number "S09" (Cacao Sea Salt) and the product button (GA11) for product number "S11" (Dried Mango). Furthermore, according to the product button redisplay control file shown in Figure 9(D), the remaining validity period for the product button (GA09) for product number "S09" (Cacao Sea Salt) to be redisplayed is 44 seconds, and the remaining validity period for the product button (GA11) for product number "S11" (Dried Mango) to be redisplayed is 105 seconds. Details will be described later.

[0063] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 20. Specifically, the flowchart in Figure 10 shows the basic operation of the weighing device 20 from placement to printing and issuing the product label. At the start of the flowchart in Figure 10, the weighing device 20 is assumed to be displaying the initial screen (Figure 8(A)).

[0064] (Flowchart in Figure 10) Step S1: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not a weight has been placed on it (whether or not it has detected weight). If a weight has been placed on it (Step S1: YES), proceed to Step S2. If no weight has been placed on it (Step S1: NO), return to Step S1 (i.e., wait until a weight is placed on it).

[0065] Step S2: The weighing device 20 displays the product selection screen instead of the initial screen. Then proceed to step S3.

[0066] In step S2, the weighing device 20 refers to the product button display control file and the product button file to control the display of product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221). This will be explained in detail below.

[0067] First, the weighing device 20 determines which products will have product buttons displayed in the product button display area 221 by referring to the product button display control file. More specifically, the weighing device 20 determines which products will have product buttons displayed in the product button display area 221 if the product button display control file contains a display control timer value. The product button display control file shown in Figure 9(C) stores the display control timer value for raw cashews with product number "S04", the display control timer value for mixed nuts with product number "S01", and the display control timer value for almonds with product number "S02". Therefore, when the weighing device 20 refers to the product button display control file shown in Figure 9(C), it determines that raw cashews with product number "S04", mixed nuts with product number "S01", and almonds with product number "S02" will have product buttons displayed in the product button display area 221.

[0068] Next, the weighing device 20 identifies the product button for the product determined as described above by referring to the product button file. Then, the weighing device 20 displays the identified product button in the product button display area 221.

[0069] Therefore, when the weighing device 20 refers to the product button display control file shown in Figure 9(C), it displays a product selection screen as shown in Figure 8(B). The product selection screen shown in Figure 8(B) displays product buttons corresponding to product number "S04" (raw cashews), product number "S01" (mixed nuts), and product number "S02" (almonds). Note that if the display control timer value is not stored in the product button display control file, the weighing device 20 will not display product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221).

[0070] Step S3: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not a product has been selected. If a product has been selected (Step S3: YES), proceed to Step S7. If no product has been selected (Step S3: NO), proceed to Step S4.

[0071] Step S4: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not there was an instruction to redisplay the product button. If the redisplay button 222 is operated, the weighing device 20 determines that there was an instruction to redisplay the product button. If there was an instruction to redisplay the product button (Step S4: YES), proceed to Step S5. If there was no instruction to redisplay the product button (Step S4: NO), proceed to Step S6.

[0072] Step S5: The weighing device 20 controls the redisplay of the product buttons on the currently displayed product selection screen. Then proceed to step S6.

[0073] In step S5, the weighing device 20 refers to the product button redisplay control file and the product button file to control the redisplay of product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221). This will be explained in detail below.

[0074] First, the weighing device 20 determines which products will have their product buttons redisplayed in the product button display area 221 by referring to the product button redisplay control file. More specifically, the weighing device 20 determines which products will have their product buttons redisplayed in the product button display area 221 if the product button redisplay control timer value is stored in the product button redisplay control file. The product button redisplay control file shown in Figure 9(D) stores the redisplay control timer value for cocoa sea salt with product number "S09" and the redisplay control timer value for dried mango with product number "S11". Therefore, when the weighing device 20 refers to the product button redisplay control file shown in Figure 9(D), it determines that cocoa sea salt with product number "S09" and dried mango with product number "S11" will have their product buttons redisplayed in the product button display area 221.

[0075] Next, the weighing device 20 identifies the product button for the product determined as described above by referring to the product button file. Then, the weighing device 20 redisplays the identified product button in the product button display area 221. However, if the product button redisplay control timer value is not stored in the product button redisplay control file, the weighing device 20 will not redisplay the product button on the product selection screen (product button display area 221).

[0076] Furthermore, if a redisplay instruction is given while product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen (product button display area 221), the weighing device 20 will not erase the product buttons that were displayed at the time of the redisplay instruction, but will redisplay (additionally display) the product buttons based on the redisplay instruction. In other words, the product buttons displayed on the product selection screen (product button display area 221) after the redisplay instruction are the product buttons for products for which the display control timer value is stored in the product button display control file at the time of the redisplay instruction, and the product buttons for products for which the redisplay control timer value is stored in the product button redisplay control file.

[0077] Step S6: The weighing device 20 controls the display of product buttons on the currently displayed product selection screen. Then proceed to step S6.

[0078] In step S6, similar to step S2, the weighing device 20 refers to a file for controlling the display of product buttons, etc., and controls the display of product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221). Then, the process returns to step S3. Note that since the process in step S5 includes the process in step S6, the process may proceed directly from step S5 to step S7.

[0079] Step S7: The weighing device 20 displays a label printing instruction screen instead of the product selection screen. Then proceed to step S8.

[0080] Step S8: If a timer exists, the weighing device 20 stops the timer. However, if a timer exists, the weighing device 20 operates (counts down) the timer except during the timer's stop period (after the execution of step S8 to before the execution of step S13). The device then proceeds to step S9.

[0081] Step S9: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to print and issue a label. If the print button 241 has been operated, the weighing device 20 determines that there has been an instruction to print and issue a label. If there has been an instruction to print and issue a label (Step S9: YES), proceed to Step S10. If there has not been an instruction to print and issue a label (Step S9: NO), return to Step S9 (i.e., wait until an instruction is given).

[0082] Step S10: The weighing device 20 displays a label issuance completion screen instead of a label issuance instruction screen. Then proceed to step S11. Note that the weighing device 20 prints and issues the product label before (or after) the display of the label issuance instruction screen.

[0083] Step S11: The weighing device 20 determines whether the product label has been removed or not. If the label has been removed (Step S11: YES), proceed to Step S12. If the label has not been removed (Step S11: NO), return to Step S11 (i.e., wait until the label is removed).

[0084] Step S12: The weighing device 20 displays the initial screen instead of the label issuance completion screen. Then proceed to step S13.

[0085] Step S13: If a timer exists, the weighing device 20 releases the timer's stop. As described above, if a timer exists, the weighing device 20 operates (counts down) the timer, except during the timer's stop period (after the execution of step S8 to before the execution of this step S13). This flowchart then ends.

[0086] Figures 11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the operation of the weighing device 20. In addition to the operation shown in Figure 10, the weighing device 20 also performs other operations. For example, in addition to the operation in the flowchart of Figure 10, the weighing device 20 also performs the operations in the flowcharts of Figures 11(A), 11(B), 12(A), and 12(B). For example, the weighing device 20 executes the processes in the flowchart of Figure 10, the flowchart of Figure 11(A), the flowchart of Figure 11(B), the flowchart of Figure 12(A), and the flowchart of Figure 12(B) in parallel. For example, the weighing device 20 may implement each of the above processes using timer interrupts (multitasking).

[0087] (Flowchart in Figure 11(A)) The flowchart in Figure 11(A) shows the operation of the display control timer when the product number is received.

[0088] Step S20: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not it has received the product number transmitted from the detection device 10. If the product number has been received (Step S20: YES), proceed to Step S21. If the product number has not been received (Step S20: NO), this flowchart ends.

[0089] Step S21: The weighing device 20 sets the timer for displaying the product number. If the timer for displaying the product number is already set (or being set), the weighing device 20 resets it. The timer value to be set (or reset) is 600 seconds. This flowchart then ends.

[0090] In step S21, for example, the weighing device 20 may operate as follows: The weighing device 20 refers to the product button display control file. If the display control timer value for the product number is not stored in the product button display control file, the weighing device 20 stores the product number and the display control timer value (600 seconds) in the product button display control file. If the display control timer value for the product number is already stored in the product button display control file, the weighing device 20 updates (resets) the display control timer value (which is often less than 600 seconds) to 600 seconds.

[0091] (Flowchart in Figure 11(B)) The flowchart in Figure 11(B) shows the operation of the display control timer and the re-display control timer during the timer's operating period.

[0092] Step S30: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not it is within the timer's operating period. The weighing device 20 determines that any period other than the timer's stop period (the period from after the execution of step S8 in Figure 10 to before the execution of step S13, i.e., the period from after product selection to before the display of the initial screen) is within the timer's operating period. If it is within the timer's operating period (step S30: YES), proceed to step S31. If it is not within the timer's operating period (step S30: NO), this flowchart ends.

[0093] Step S31: The weighing device 20 determines whether at least one display control timer is set. That is, the weighing device 20 determines whether at least one display control timer value is stored in the product button display control file. If it is set (Step S31: YES), proceed to step S32. If it is not set (Step S31: NO), proceed to step S35.

[0094] Step S32: The weighing device 20 counts down the values ​​of all the display control timers in the set (display control timer values). Then proceed to step S33.

[0095] Step S33: If there is a display control timer whose value has become 0 due to the countdown, the weighing device 20 clears the display control timer. Then proceed to step S34.

[0096] Step S34: If the display control timer is cleared, the weighing device 20 sets a re-display control timer for the product for which the display control timer was set. The timer value to be set is 240 seconds. In other words, the process in step S34 is to re-add products that have been removed from the display target to the display target. The process then proceeds to step S35.

[0097] Step S35: The weighing device 20 determines whether at least one redisplay control timer is set. That is, the weighing device 20 determines whether at least one redisplay control timer value is stored in the product button redisplay control file. If it is set (Step S35: YES), proceed to step S36. If it is not set (Step S35: NO), this flowchart ends.

[0098] Step S36: The weighing device 20 counts down the values ​​of all the re-display control timers currently set (re-display control timer values). Then proceed to step S37.

[0099] Step S37: If there is a re-display control timer whose value has become 0 due to the countdown, the weighing device 20 clears the re-display control timer. Then this flowchart ends.

[0100] Note that in the flowchart of Figure 11(B), the order of the processes in step S33 and step S34 may be reversed. In other words, if there is a display control timer whose value has become 0 due to the countdown, the weighing device 20 may set a re-display control timer for the product for which the display control timer is set, and then erase the display control timer.

[0101] (Flowchart in Figure 12(A)) The flowchart in Figure 12(A) shows the operation of the display control timer and the re-display control timer when a product is selected.

[0102] Step S40: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not a product has been selected. If a product has been selected (Step S40: YES), proceed to Step S41. If no product has been selected (Step S40: NO), this flowchart ends.

[0103] Step S41: The weighing device 20 clears the timer for display control of the selected product. In other words, the process in step S41 removes the selected product from the display target. The process then proceeds to step S42.

[0104] Step S42: The weighing device 20 sets a timer for re-display control for the product in question. The timer value to be set is 240 seconds. In other words, the process in step S42 is to re-add the product that was removed from the display list to the display list. This flowchart then ends.

[0105] As shown in the flowcharts in Figures 10 and 12(A), when a product is selected, the weighing device 20 displays a label issuance instruction screen (step S7 in Figure 10), clears the timer for controlling the display of the selected product, and sets a timer for controlling the re-display of the selected product (steps S41 and S42 in Figure 12(A)).

[0106] Note that in the flowchart of Figure 12(A), the order of the processes in step S41 and step S42 may be reversed. In other words, the weighing device 20 may set the re-display control timer for the selected product, and then clear the display control timer for the selected product.

[0107] (Flowchart in Figure 12(B)) The flowchart in Figure 12(B) shows the operation of the display control timer and the redisplay control timer when the product button is redisplayed.

[0108] Step S50: The weighing device 20 determines whether or not there was an instruction to redisplay the product button. In other words, the weighing device 20 determines whether or not the redisplay button 222 was operated. If there was an instruction to redisplay the product button (Step S50: YES), proceed to Step S51. If there was no instruction to redisplay the product button (Step S50: NO), this flowchart ends.

[0109] Step S51: If there is a product for which a re-display control timer exists, the weighing device 20 clears the re-display control timer. Then proceed to step S52.

[0110] Step S52: If the re-display control timer is cleared, the weighing device 20 sets the display control timer for the product for which the re-display control timer was set. The timer value to be set is 300 seconds. This flowchart then ends.

[0111] As shown in the flowcharts in Figures 10 and 12(B), when the weighing device 20 receives an instruction to redisplay the product button and a redisplay control timer exists, it redisplays the product button for the product for which a redisplay control timer exists (step S5 in Figure 10), erases the redisplay control timer for the redisplayed product, and sets the display control timer for the redisplayed product (steps S51 and S52 in Figure 12(B)).

[0112] Note that in the flowchart of Figure 12(B), the order of the processes in step S51 and step S52 may be reversed. In other words, if there is a product for which a re-display control timer exists, the weighing device 20 may set the display control timer for the product for which the re-display control timer exists, and then erase the re-display control timer.

[0113] Figures 13 to 15 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the control of product buttons. Figures 13 and 14 show the contents of the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file. Figure 15 shows the display contents of the product buttons in the product button display area 221 of the product selection screen.

[0114] For the purposes of explaining Figures 13 to 15, it will be assumed that, for simplicity, there are no other customers in the store besides customer A and customer B. Also, the time between the detection device 10 transmitting the product number and the weighing device 20 receiving it will be ignored.

[0115] Furthermore, assume that customers A and B acted as follows (1) to (7). (1) At a certain time, customer A took out the cocoa sea salt (product number "S09") from the display container (display container 300, etc.). (2) 90 seconds after customer A took out the cocoa sea salt, he took out the dried mango (product number "S11") from the display container for dried mango. (3) Customer B took out raw cashews (product number "S04") from the display container of raw cashews 127 seconds after Customer A took out the dried mango. (4) Sixty seconds after customer B took out the raw cashews, he took out the mixed nuts (product number "S01") from the display container. (5) 123 seconds after customer B took out the mixed nuts, he took out almonds from the almond display container (product number "S02"). (6) Customer A operated the weighing device 20 before customer B. (7) At the time customer B took out the almonds, customer A had not pressed the product button for either the cocoa sea salt or the dried mango.

[0116] Figure 13(A) shows an example of the contents stored in the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file at the moment when customer B takes out an almond (product number "S02") from the display container.

[0117] The timer value for display control is set by the process in step S21 of Figure 11(A) and subtracted (counted down) by the process in step S32 of Figure 11(B). For example, the timer value for display control for product number "S01" is set to "600 (seconds)" by the process in step S21 and subtracted (123 seconds) by the process in step S32, resulting in "477 (seconds)". Note that at the point shown in Figure 13(A), no timer values ​​for re-display control are stored, so it is shown as "Not stored".

[0118] Figure 13(B) shows an example of the contents of the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file at the time before customer B selects a product on the weighing device 20, following the scene in Figure 13(A).

[0119] For example, in the weighing device 20, the process proceeds as follows: (1) → (2) → (3). At the point after weighing the mixed nuts as shown in (3) (before the product button for mixed nuts is pressed on the product selection screen), the contents of the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file may be as shown in Figure 13(B). (1) In response to customer A's actions, the weighing device 20 weighed the cocoa sea salt (product number "S09"), accepted the customer's input on the product selection screen after weighing by pressing the cocoa sea salt product button, and printed and issued a cocoa sea salt product label. (2) In response to customer A's actions, the weighing device 20 weighed the dried mango (product number "S11"), accepted the operation of the dried mango product button on the product selection screen after weighing, and printed and issued the dried mango product label. (3) In response to customer B's actions, the weighing device 20 weighed the mixed nuts (product number "S01").

[0120] The timer value for display control is cleared by the process in step S41 of Figure 12(A). In Figure 13(B), the timer values ​​for display control for product numbers "S09" and "S11" have been cleared by the process in step S41. The timer value for re-display control is set by the process in step S42 of Figure 12(A) and subtracted (counted down) by the process in step S36 of Figure 11(B). For example, the timer value for re-display control of product number "S11" is set to "240 (seconds)" by the process in step S42 and subtracted (135 seconds) by the process in step S36, resulting in "105 (seconds)". Note that 315 seconds have passed between the scene in Figure 13(A) and the scene in Figure 13(B).

[0121] Figure 15(A) shows the display content of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221) when a timer for controlling the display of product buttons is stored in the product button display control file, as shown in Figure 13(B). In other words, when customer B takes three products (raw cashews, mixed nuts, and almonds) from their respective display containers and moves to the weighing device 20, and weighs one of the three products (mixed nuts in this example) as the first weighing, the product selection screen after weighing will display the product buttons for the three products, as shown in Figure 15(A). Therefore, customer B can operate the product button for the weighed product (mixed nuts).

[0122] Furthermore, when the weighing device 20 displays multiple product buttons on the product selection screen, it displays these product buttons in an order based on their respective display control timer values. For example, in the examples shown in Figures 13(B) and 15(A), the weighing device 20 displays three product buttons in order from left to right, in descending order of their respective display control timer values ​​(i.e., in descending order of the time until they are erased if not operated).

[0123] Figure 13(C) shows an example of the contents of the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file at the moment when customer B selects a product (mixed nuts, product number "S01"), following the scene in Figure 13(B).

[0124] In Figure 13(C), the timer value for controlling the display of product number "S01" is cleared by the process in step S41 of Figure 12(A). Also in Figure 13(C), the timer value for controlling the redisplay of product number "S01" is set by the process in step S42 of Figure 12(A). Note that the timer advances by 10 seconds between the scene in Figure 13(B) and the scene in Figure 13(C).

[0125] Figure 13(D) shows an example of the contents of the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file at the point when customer B weighs the next product (almonds with product number "S02") using the weighing device 20, following the scene at the time shown in Figure 13(C), and the weighing of the product is completed (before the product button for that product is pressed on the product selection screen).

[0126] The timer value for redisplay control is subtracted by the process in step S36 of Figure 11(B) and cleared by the process in step S37. In Figure 13(D), the timer value for redisplay control of product number "S09" has been cleared by the process in step S37. Note that 40 seconds have passed between the scene in Figure 13(C) and the scene in Figure 13(D).

[0127] Figure 15(B) shows the display content of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221) when a timer for controlling the display of product buttons is stored in the product button display control file, as shown in Figure 13(D). In other words, when customer B weighs one of the remaining two products (raw cashews and almonds) for the next weighing (in this example, almonds), the product selection screen after weighing will display the respective product buttons for the two products, as shown in Figure 15(B). Therefore, customer B can operate the product button for the weighed product (almonds).

[0128] Figure 13(E) shows an example of the contents of the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file at the moment when customer B selects the weighed product (almonds, product number "S02"), following the scene in Figure 13(D).

[0129] In Figure 13(E), the timer value for controlling the display of product number "S02" is cleared by the process in step S41 of Figure 12(A). Also in Figure 13(E), the timer value for controlling the redisplay of product number "S02" is set by the process in step S42 of Figure 12(A). Note that 15 seconds have passed between the scene in Figure 13(D) and the scene in Figure 13(E).

[0130] Figure 14(A) shows an example of the contents of the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file at the point before the weighing of the next product (raw cashew nuts with product number "S04") is completed, following the scene in Figure 13(E).

[0131] The timer value for display control is cleared by the process in step S33 of Figure 11(B). In Figure 14(A), the timer value for display control for product number "S04" has been cleared by the process in step S33. At the time shown in Figure 14(A) (and similarly at the time shown in Figure 14(B)), no timer values ​​for display control are stored, so it is displayed as "Not stored". The timer value for re-display control is set by the process in step S34 of Figure 11(A). In Figure 14(A), the timer value for re-display control for product number "S04" has been set by the process in step S34. Note that 37 seconds have passed between the scene in Figure 13(E) and the scene in Figure 14(A).

[0132] Figure 14(B) shows an example of the contents of the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file at the time when the product selection screen is displayed (before the user is prompted to select "raw cashews"), following the scene in Figure 14(A), after the weighing of the product (raw cashews, product number "S04") has been completed, and before the user is prompted to select the product button for that product.

[0133] In Figure 14(B), the timer value for controlling the redisplay of product number "S11" has been cleared by the process in step S37 of Figure 11(B). Note that the timer has advanced by 3 seconds between the scene in Figure 14(A) and the scene in Figure 14(B).

[0134] Figure 15(C) shows the display content of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221) when the product button display control timer is not stored in the product button display control file, as shown in Figure 14(B). Since no product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen, customer B cannot operate the product button for that product (raw cashews).

[0135] Figure 14(C) shows an example of the contents of the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file at the time when customer B operates the redisplay button 222, following the scene in Figure 14(B). Note that customer B operates the redisplay button 222 before 145 seconds have passed since the time in Figure 14(B).

[0136] The timer values ​​for redisplay control are cleared by the process in step S51 of Figure 12(B). In Figure 14(C), the timer values ​​for redisplay control for product numbers "S01", "S02", and "S04" have been cleared by the process in step S51. At the time of Figure 14(C) (and similarly at the time of Figure 14(D)), no timer values ​​for redisplay control are stored, so it is displayed as "Not stored". The timer values ​​for display control are set by the process in step S52 of Figure 12(A). In Figure 14(C), the timer values ​​for display control for product numbers "S01", "S02", and "S04" have been set by the process in step S52.

[0137] Figure 15(D) shows the display content of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221) when a timer for controlling the display of product buttons is stored in the product button display control file, as shown in Figure 14(C). Since product buttons for three products (raw cashews, mixed nuts, and almonds) are displayed on the product selection screen, customer B can operate the product button for the relevant product (raw cashews).

[0138] Figure 14(D) is an example. Figure 14(D) shows, for example, the contents of the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file at the point when customer B operates the redisplay button 222, following the scene in Figure 13(D).

[0139] Figure 15(E) shows the display content of the product buttons on the product selection screen (product button display area 221) when the product button display control timer is stored in the product button display control file, as shown in Figure 14(D). In other words, when the display is as shown in Figure 15(B), the display changes to that shown in Figure 15(E) when the redisplay button 222 is operated.

[0140] Furthermore, after operating the redisplay button 222, the product buttons that were redisplayed by operating the redisplay button 222 (the dried mango product button and the mixed nuts product button in Figure 15(E)) may be distinguished from the product buttons that were already displayed before operating the redisplay button 222 (the raw cashew nut product button and the almond product button in Figure 15(E)) and displayed in a different manner. For example, the redisplayed product buttons may be displayed in a more prominent manner (a more prominent color, a thicker border, etc.) than the product buttons that were already displayed.

[0141] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) As explained above, the redisplay button 222 is displayed when there is a product button to be redisplayed (when a timer value for redisplay control is stored in the product button redisplay control file). However, it may also be displayed even when there is a product button to be redisplayed. For example, the weighing device 20 may display the redisplay button 222 in different display modes depending on whether there is a product button to be redisplayed or not. Specifically, the weighing device 20 may display the redisplay button 222 in an operable display mode when there is a product button to be redisplayed, and display the redisplay button 222 in an inoperable display mode (for example, grayed out) when there is no product button to be redisplayed. Furthermore, instead of displaying the redisplay button 222 in different display modes depending on whether or not there are product buttons to be redisplayed, the weighing device 20 may, when there are product buttons to be redisplayed, display the product buttons to be redisplayed in response to the operation of the redisplay button 222, and when there are no product buttons to be redisplayed, display a message indicating that there are no product buttons to be redisplayed in response to the operation of the redisplay button 222. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0142] (Modification 2 of the first embodiment) The above example describes a timer stop period from the time after the product button is pressed (after the label issuance instruction screen is displayed) to the time after the product label is removed (when the initial screen is displayed). However, the timer stop period is not limited to the above period. For example, the timer stop period may be from the time after the product selection screen is displayed to the time after the product label is removed. In other words, the timer may be stopped while the product selection screen is displayed. Alternatively, the timer stop period may be from the time after weight detection to the time after the product label is removed. In other words, the timer may be stopped while weight detection is in progress. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0143] (Modification 3 of the first embodiment) The above describes an example where a timer pause period exists, but it is not necessary to include a timer pause period. In other words, the timer may run even while the initial screen is displayed, the product selection screen is displayed, the label issuance instruction screen is displayed, or the label issuance completion screen is displayed. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0144] (Modification 4 of the first embodiment) In the above, new product buttons (for example, product buttons for other products picked up by other customers) may be displayed while the product selection screen is being displayed (step S21 in Figure 11(A), step S6 in Figure 10). However, new product buttons may not be displayed while the product selection screen is being displayed. For example, the timing of referencing the product button display control file (to display new product buttons) may be limited to the timing of switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen (the product button display control file may not be referenced while the product selection screen is being displayed). In other words, the process in step S2 in Figure 10 is executed, but the process in step S6 in Figure 10 may be omitted. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0145] (Modification 5 of the first embodiment) In the above, the timer for controlling the redisplay of the product button is set whether the product button is operated or not for a predetermined time (step S42 in Figure 12(A), step S34 in Figure 11(B)), and the time set is the same (240 seconds). However, different times may be set for the timer for controlling the redisplay of the product button depending on whether the product button is operated or not for a predetermined time. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0146] (Modification 6 of the first embodiment) In the above, the timer for controlling the redisplay of the product button is set whether the product button is operated or not for a predetermined period of time (step S42 in Figure 12(A), step S34 in Figure 11(B)). However, if the product button is operated, the timer for controlling the redisplay of the product button is set, but if the product button is not operated for a predetermined period of time, the timer for controlling the redisplay of the product button is not set. Conversely, if the product button is not operated for a predetermined period of time, the timer for controlling the redisplay of the product button is set, but if the product button is operated, the timer for controlling the redisplay of the product button is not set. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0147] (Modification 7 of the first embodiment) In the above example, when a redisplay instruction is given while product buttons are displayed in the product button display area 221, the product buttons that were displayed at the time of the redisplay instruction are not erased, and the product buttons based on the redisplay instruction are redisplayed. However, the product buttons that were displayed at the time of the redisplay instruction may be erased, and the product buttons based on the redisplay instruction may be redisplayed. In other words, in the above example, when the redisplay button 222 is operated while product buttons are displayed, the display of the currently displayed product buttons is maintained, and the product buttons to be redisplayed are additionally displayed. However, when the redisplay button 222 is operated while product buttons are displayed, the currently displayed product buttons may be erased, and the product buttons to be redisplayed are displayed. To put it another way, when the redisplay button 222 is operated while product buttons are displayed, the weighing device 20 displays the product buttons to be redisplayed in place of or in addition to the currently displayed product buttons. In an embodiment in which, when the redisplay button 222 is operated while product buttons are displayed, the product button to be redisplayed is displayed in place of the currently displayed product button (by erasing the currently displayed product button), the product button erased by the operation of the redisplay button 222 may be displayed in place of or in addition to the product button displayed by the operation of the redisplay button 222, based on the operation of a button (for example, the redisplay button 222 displayed as "Restore after operation") after the operation of the redisplay button 222 (the erased product button may also be restored). The same applies to other embodiments.

[0148] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, parts other than those described as belonging to the second embodiment are common to the parts described as belonging to the first embodiment. For parts of the second embodiment that are common to the first embodiment, all or part of the description will be omitted.

[0149] The second embodiment is a configuration in which two or more display control timer values ​​are stored for a single product. In other words, the first embodiment stores one display control timer value for a single product, while the second embodiment differs in that two or more display control timer values ​​are stored for a single product.

[0150] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the control of the product buttons. In the first embodiment, if, for example, the timers for displaying product numbers "S03 (macadamia nuts)" and "S05 (raw hazelnuts)" are already set, and a macadamia nut (product number "S03") is dispensed (step S20 (YES) in Figure 11(A)), the weighing device 20 resets the timer for displaying product number "S03" as shown in Figure 16(A). On the other hand, in the second embodiment, in the above case, the timer for displaying product number "S03" is further set as shown in Figure 16(B).

[0151] In the second embodiment, the weighing device 20 displays one product button for a product number if there is one or more timers for displaying a product number. In other words, the weighing device 20 displays one product button for a product number even if there are two or more timers for displaying a product number stored.

[0152] In the second embodiment, when the product button for a product number is operated while two or more display control timers for a product number are active, the weighing device 20 clears one of the display control timers for that product number. For example, when the product button for a product number is operated while two or more display control timers for a product number are active, the weighing device 20 clears the one with the shortest remaining time among the two or more display control timers for that product number.

[0153] In other words, in the second embodiment, even if the product button for a product number is operated while two or more timers for controlling the display of a product number are active, at least one timer for controlling the display of that product number remains active. Therefore, if the product number of the product selected on the first product selection screen is not received during the transition from the product selection screen → label issuance instruction screen → label issuance completion screen → initial screen → label issuance instruction screen → product selection screen, in the first embodiment, the product button for the product selected on the first product selection screen will not be displayed on the next product selection screen. However, in the second embodiment, the product button for the product selected on the first product selection screen may be displayed on the next product selection screen. Specifically, if two or more timers for controlling the display of the product number of a product are active when the product button is selected, one or more will remain active after selection, and therefore the product button will be displayed on the next product selection screen.

[0154] In the second embodiment, the weighing device 20 sets a timer for redisplaying a product number when there are no longer any timers for displaying a product number. In other words, the weighing device 20 does not set a timer for redisplaying a product number when it has removed one timer from a state where there are two or more timers for displaying a product number.

[0155] In the second embodiment, the weighing device 20 may notify that there are two or more display control timers for a particular product number. For example, if there are two display control timers for macadamia nuts (product number "S03"), the weighing device 20 may, as shown in Figure 16(C), attach an icon 223 to the macadamia nut product button that corresponds to the number of display control timers (i.e., the number of times macadamia nuts are dispensed). In the example shown in Figure 16(C), if there are two display control timers, an icon 223 indicating a quantity of 2 is attached, and if there are three display control timers, an icon 223 indicating a quantity of 3 is attached. In other words, the example shown in Figure 16(C) is a mode for notifying the quantity when there are multiple items. If there are only a few items, the weighing device 20 may simply notify that there are multiple items instead of notifying the quantity.

[0156] (Third embodiment) Next, the third embodiment will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, parts other than those described as content of the third embodiment are common to parts described as content of the other embodiments (first embodiment or second embodiment). For parts of the content of the third embodiment that are common to content of the other embodiments, all or part of the description will be omitted.

[0157] The third embodiment is a method of confirming with the customer whether or not to continue processing. Specifically, in the first embodiment (and the second embodiment as well), the process of placing the product, printing the product label, and issuing the product is performed for each product, and the customer is not asked whether or not it is the last product between placing the product and printing the product label and issuing the product. However, in the third embodiment, the customer is asked whether or not it is the last product between placing the product and printing the product label and issuing the product.

[0158] Figure 17 shows an example of the display of the weighing device 20. In the third embodiment, at the timing of printing and issuing the product label, the customer is asked whether it is the last product. For example, when the weighing device 20 receives an instruction to print and issue a product label on the label issuance instruction screen (when the print button 241 is operated), it displays a small screen 260 in front of the label issuance completion screen, as shown in Figure 17(A). The small screen 260 is a screen that asks the customer whether it is the last product. The small screen 260 shown in Figure 17(A) displays the message "Is this the last product?" to ask the customer whether it is the last product, and has a yes button 261 and a no button 262. The yes button 261 is operated when it is the last product (i.e., when there are no products left to weigh). The no button 262 is operated when it is not the last product (i.e., when there are products left to weigh).

[0159] In the third embodiment, the system confirms with the customer whether or not to continue processing (whether or not it is the last item), and the screen transitions are made different depending on the confirmation result (response). For example, if the weighing device 20 receives a response indicating that it will not continue processing (if the "yes" button 261 on the small screen 260 is pressed), it clears the small screen 260 and displays the initial screen after the product label has been removed from the label issuance completion screen. If the weighing device 20 receives a response indicating that it will continue processing (if the "no" button 262 on the small screen 260 is pressed), it clears the small screen 260 and displays the product selection screen after the product label has been removed from the label issuance completion screen.

[0160] In the third embodiment, when a response indicating that processing should be continued is received (when the No button 262 is pressed), the weighing of the product is guided on the product selection screen (the product selection screen that is switched to from the label issuance completion screen). For example, when a response indicating that processing should be continued is received, the weighing device 20 may display a small screen 270 in front of the product selection screen, as shown in Figure 17(B). The small screen 270 shown in Figure 17(B) displays the same information as the weighing guidance display area 210 on the initial screen. The weighing device 20 clears the small screen 270 when the product is placed on the weighing platform 25a.

[0161] In the third embodiment, if a response is received indicating that processing should not be continued (when the Yes button 261 on the small screen 260 is operated), a new product button (for example, a product button for another product picked up by another customer) is displayed, and if a response is received indicating that processing should be continued (when the No button 262 on the small screen 260 is operated), a new product button is not displayed. For example, if the No button 262 is operated on the small screen 260, the weighing device 20 may set a prohibition flag to prohibit the display of a new product button, and while the prohibition flag is set, it may not display a new product button. The weighing device 20 may clear the prohibition flag if the Yes button 261 is operated on a subsequent small screen 260 (a small screen 260 displayed after the operation of the Print button 241 which instructs printing and issuing product labels for subsequent products) or if a predetermined time has elapsed since the prohibition flag was set.

[0162] Furthermore, by combining this with Modification 4 of the First Embodiment, it is possible to control the display of new product buttons without using a prohibit flag. Specifically, in Modification 4 of the First Embodiment, the product button display control file is referenced (to display new product buttons) only at the timing when switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen. However, in the Third Embodiment, if there is a response indicating that processing should continue, the system does not switch from the initial screen to the product selection screen (it switches from the label issuance completion screen to the product selection screen). Therefore, even without using a prohibit flag, it is possible to control the display of new product buttons when there is a response indicating that processing should continue.

[0163] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. In the description of the fourth embodiment, parts other than those described as belonging to the fourth embodiment are common to the parts described as belonging to the other embodiments (the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment). For parts of the fourth embodiment that are common to the contents of the other embodiments, all or part of the description will be omitted.

[0164] The fourth embodiment is a configuration in which a delete button is provided for deleting the product buttons. Specifically, in the first embodiment (and similarly in the second and third embodiments), a button (redisplay button 222) for redisplaying the product buttons is displayed on the product selection screen, but the fourth embodiment differs in that it also provides a delete button for deleting the product buttons.

[0165] In the fourth embodiment, the erase button is displayed when a product button is displayed on the product selection screen (product button display area 221). For example, when the weighing device 20 is displaying a product button on the product selection screen, the erase button 224 may be displayed as shown in Figure 17(C).

[0166] When the erase button 224 is pressed, the weighing device 20 erases the product buttons displayed on the product selection screen. If multiple product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen and the erase button 224 is pressed, the weighing device 20 erases all product buttons displayed on the product selection screen.

[0167] When the weighing device 20 erases a product button based on the operation of the erase button 224, it erases the display control timer for the product (the product corresponding to the erased product button) and sets the re-display control timer for the product. In other words, when the weighing device 20 erases a product button by operating the erase button 224, it erases the display control timer for the product and sets the re-display control timer for the product, just as when the product button is erased by selecting a product (Figure 12(A)).

[0168] If there are multiple display control timers for a particular product (in the case of the second embodiment), and the erase button 224 is operated, the weighing device 20 erases all of the display control timers for that product.

[0169] (Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment) The above explains that the erase button 224 is displayed when product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen, but the erase button 224 may be hidden even when product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen. For example, the weighing device 20 may display the erase button 224 when product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen and a store employee is operating it, but may hide the erase button 224 when product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen but a customer is operating it. The weighing device 20 may determine whether a store employee is operating it by whether or not a store employee is logged in, or by whether or not a specific operation (hidden operation) recognized by the store employee has been performed. Alternatively, instead of hiding the erase button 224, the weighing device may display the erase button 224 in a way that makes it inoperable (for example, grayed out), or it may display a message indicating that the operation is invalid after the erase button 224 has been operated.

[0170] (Modification 2 of the fourth embodiment) In the above explanation, if the erase button 224 is operated while multiple product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen, all product buttons displayed on the product selection screen will be erased. However, it is also possible to erase only some of the buttons displayed on the product selection screen. For example, the weighing device 20 may erase one product button at a time each time the erase button 224 is operated (for example, in order from those whose display control timer value is closest to zero).

[0171] The weighing device 20 may make it possible to select the product buttons to be erased. For example, as shown in Figure 17(D), the weighing device 20 may display an erase selection button 225 and an erase execution button 226 instead of an erase button 224. In the case where the erase selection button 225 and the erase execution button 226 are displayed, the weighing device 20 operates as follows: After the erase selection button 225 is operated, the weighing device 20 accepts the selection of one or more product buttons to be erased. The weighing device 20 displays the product buttons selected as to be erased in a manner that indicates they are to be erased (for example, by adding an erase mark). After accepting the selection of product buttons to be erased, if the erase execution button 226 is operated, the weighing device 20 erases the product buttons to be erased.

[0172] (Modification 3 of the fourth embodiment) In the above explanation, when a product button is erased based on the operation of the erase button 224, a timer for controlling the redisplay of that product (the product corresponding to the erased product button) is set. However, when a product button is erased based on the operation of the erase button 224, it is not necessary to set the redisplay control timer. In other words, product buttons erased based on the operation of the erase button 224 may be excluded from being redisplayed based on the operation of the redisplay button 222.

[0173] The system may allow users to select whether or not to redisplay product buttons that have been erased based on the operation of the erase button 224 (i.e., whether or not to set a timer for redisplay control). For example, the weighing device 20 may display a small screen that accepts the user's request to redisplay the product buttons after the operation of the erase button 224 (or the erase execution button 226).

[0174] (Fifth embodiment) Next, the fifth embodiment will be described. In the description of the fifth embodiment, parts other than those described as belonging to the fifth embodiment will be the same as the parts described as belonging to the other embodiments (first to fourth embodiments). For parts of the fifth embodiment that are the same as those of the other embodiments, all or part of the description will be omitted.

[0175] The fifth embodiment controls the display of product buttons based on whether or not the user is the same person. Specifically, for example, in the first embodiment, a new product button may be displayed when switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen (step S2 in Figure 10, step S21 in Figure 11(A)), but in the fifth embodiment, if it is determined that the user is the same person, a new product button is not displayed when switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen.

[0176] In the fifth embodiment, the weighing device 20 constantly detects the presence of a person in front of it using a motion sensor. The weighing device 20 determines that the operator of the weighing device 20 is the same if the period of no detection does not exceed a predetermined time, and determines that the operator of the weighing device 20 has changed if the period of no detection exceeds the predetermined time. If a new timer value for display control has been set before the weighing device 20 switches from the initial screen to the product selection screen, and the device determines that the operator has changed, the weighing device 20 will display a new product button when switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen. On the other hand, even if a new timer value for display control has been set before the weighing device 20 switches from the initial screen to the product selection screen, if the device determines that the operator is the same, the weighing device 20 will not display a new product button when switching from the initial screen to the product selection screen.

[0177] Furthermore, in the first embodiment (excluding modification 4 of the first embodiment), the weighing device 20 may display a new product button while the product selection screen is being displayed (step S6 in Figure 10, step S21 in Figure 11(A)), but in the fifth embodiment, the weighing device 20 does not display a new product button while the product selection screen is being displayed if it determines that the operator is the same.

[0178] In the fifth embodiment, the behavior of stopping the timer may differ depending on whether a person is detected or not. For example, in the fifth embodiment, even during the period in which the timer was stopped as described in the first embodiment, the timer may be advanced when no person is detected. Also, in the fifth embodiment, even during the period in which the timer was advanced as described in the first embodiment, the timer may be stopped when a person is detected.

[0179] (Modified version of the fifth embodiment) In the above description, the weighing device 20 detected the presence of a person using a human presence sensor, but the method of detecting the presence of a person is not limited to this. For example, the weighing device 20 may detect the presence of a person by using an image captured by an imaging unit (camera) (image recognition) instead of or in addition to the human presence sensor. The image captured by the imaging unit of the weighing device 20 may be used, or the image captured by another imaging unit (a camera installed in the store) capable of capturing the area around the weighing device 20 (for example, in front of it) may be used (both may be used).

[0180] Although each embodiment has been described above, the above embodiments are merely examples, and the specific configuration is not limited to the above embodiments. Designs and the like that do not depart from the gist 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.

[0181] (1) In the first embodiment (and in other embodiments as well), an example was described in which the weighing device 20 determines the selling price of a product based on the net weight of the product and the unit price of the product (price per unit weight). However, the method of determining the selling price of a product is not limited to this. For example, the weighing device 20 may, in lieu of or in addition to the method of determining the selling price of a product based on the net weight of the product and the unit price of the product, determine the selling price of a product based on the net weight of the product, the unit weight of the product (weight per unit), and the unit price (price per unit). For example, the selling price of product A may be calculated as 603 yen based on the net weight of product A, which is 201g, and the unit price of product A (300 yen / 100g). Alternatively, the selling price of product A may be calculated as 600 yen (calculated by rounding to the nearest whole number of units, which is 4, and then multiplying by 150) based on the net weight of product A, which is 201g, the unit weight of product A (50g per unit), and the unit price of product A (150 yen per unit).

[0182] (2) In the first embodiment (and the same applies to other embodiments), it was explained that the weighing device 20 stores product files within itself (RAM 23). However, the storage location of the product files is not limited to within itself, as long as it is a location accessible to the weighing device 20. For example, product files may be stored in the storage unit of another device that can communicate with the weighing device 20 via the communication unit 29 (for example, a management device installed in a store (not shown), a headquarters server installed at headquarters (not shown), or a cloud server on the internet (not shown)). The same applies to product button files, product button display control files, product button redisplay control files, and detection device files (described later).

[0183] (3) In relation to (2) above, if the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file are stored in another device (for example, referred to as device B), the weighing device 20 and device B may communicate to send and receive information regarding timer control. The following (a) to (e) are examples. (a) When the weighing device 20 receives a product number (step S20(YES) in Figure 11(A)), it sends a product number reception notification containing the product number to device B. Upon receiving the product number reception notification, device B operates as shown in step S21 in Figure 11(A). (b) When the weighing device 20 receives an operation of a product button (step S3 (YES) in Figure 10, step S40 (YES) in Figure 12(A)), it displays a label issuance instruction screen (step S7 in Figure 10) and also sends a button operation notification including the product number of the product button to device B. Upon receiving the button operation notification, device B operates as shown in steps S41 and S42 in Figure 12(A). (c) When the weighing device 20 receives an operation of the redisplay button 222 (step S4 (YES) in Figure 10, step S50 (YES) in Figure 12(B)), it controls the redisplay of the product button (step S5 in Figure 10) and also sends a redisplay operation notification to device B. Upon receiving the redisplay operation notification, device B operates as shown in steps S51 and S52 in Figure 12(B). (d) When it is time to stop the timer, the weighing device 20 sends a timer stop command. Upon receiving the timer stop command, device B stops the progress of the timer value for display control and the timer value for redisplay control. (e) When it is time to advance the timer, the weighing device 20 sends a timer stop release command. Upon receiving the timer stop release command, device B resumes the advancement of the display control timer value and the re-display control timer value that were stopped.

[0184] (4) In the first embodiment (and the same applies to other embodiments), an example was described in which the detection device 10 transmits the product number (product identification information) after detecting tilt, but the information transmitted after detecting tilt is not limited to the product number. In other words, it is sufficient for the weighing device 20 to be able to recognize which product has been taken out of the display container (i.e., which product will be weighed). For example, the detection device 10 may transmit the detection device number of the detection device 10 (detection device identification information that identifies the detection device 10) after detecting tilt. In an embodiment in which the detection device 10 transmits the detection device number, a detection device file that associates the detection device number with the product number is stored. When the weighing device 20 receives the detection device number transmitted from the detection device 10, it may refer to the detection device file and determine which product has been taken out.

[0185] (5) In the first embodiment (and the same applies to other embodiments), when multiple product buttons are displayed on the product selection screen, the multiple product buttons are displayed in an order based on their respective display control timer values. However, instead of or in addition to displaying the multiple product buttons in an order based on their respective display control timer values, information based on each display control timer value may be displayed. For example, the weighing device 20 may notify that the product with the shortest remaining time according to the display control timer value will be the first to be deleted. The weighing device 20 may also notify that each product whose remaining time according to the display control timer value falls below a predetermined time will soon be deleted. The manner of notification is not particularly limited. For example, the weighing device 20 may notify by attaching an icon to the relevant product button, by making the display manner of the relevant product button different from that of the non-relevant product buttons, or by providing a message such as "The product button for XX (product name of the relevant product) will soon be deleted."

[0186] (6) In the first embodiment (and the other embodiments as well; except for Modification 3 of the first embodiment), the timer countdown is stopped during the specific period as a method of excluding the specific period from the period during which the timer counts down. However, the method of excluding the specific period from the period during which the timer counts down is not limited to this. For example, a separate timer may be prepared to count the specific period, and the amount of the specific period that has been counted may be deducted. In other words, the clock may be stopped as in a basketball game, or added time may be added as in a soccer game.

[0187] (7) In the second embodiment, an example was described in which, when a product with a certain product number is taken out while a timer for display control of that product number is already set, a timer for display control of that product number is newly set. However, in the above case, a predetermined value (for example, an amount equivalent to the initial value) may be added to the current timer value for that product number. For example, in the example shown in Figure 16(B), when a product with product number "S03" is taken out of the display container while a timer for display control of product number "S03" is already set, the weighing device 20 sets a second timer for display control of product number "S03" (initial value is 300 seconds). However, as shown in Figure 16(D), the weighing device 20 may add an amount equivalent to the initial value (300 seconds) to the already set timer value for display control. In the configuration in which an initial value equivalent (300 seconds) is added to an already set display control timer value, if the product button for a product whose value has been added in the past is operated, the product control timer whose value has been added in the past may not be erased. For example, the weighing device 20 may subtract a certain value (for example, an initial value equivalent, or half of the initial value equivalent) from the display control timer value. This makes it possible to implement the management intended by the second embodiment (management when multiple customers take out the same product) in the first embodiment and the like in a relatively simple manner and in a relatively easy way.

[0188] (8) In the first embodiment (and the same applies to other embodiments), an example was described in which a timer is used to control the timing of erasing product buttons without a selection operation or excluding them from being redisplayed (in other words, to manage the period during which they remain displayed when there is no selection operation or the period during which they are maintained as targets for redisplay). However, other methods may be used instead of or in addition to the timer method for control (management). For example, the timing of erasing product buttons without a selection operation (the period during which they remain displayed when there is no selection operation) may be set based on the time the product is taken out, and the product buttons may not be displayed after that timing has elapsed. The period equivalent to the loss time described above may be accounted for using a timer, and the timing of erasing product buttons may be postponed by the accounted-for period. The same applies to the timing of excluding them from being redisplayed (the period during which they are maintained as targets for redisplay).

[0189] (9) In the first embodiment (and the same applies to other embodiments), an example was described in which a detection device 10 that detects tilt (rotation) is used to detect when a product is removed from the display container. However, any device that detects when a product has been removed from the display container (or taken) for purchase is acceptable. For example, instead of or in addition to tilt (rotation), one or more changes among vibration, pressure, heat, sound, voltage, current, light, acceleration, or captured images may be detected to detect when a product has been removed from the display container (taken).

[0190] (10) In relation to (9) above, the system may recognize that an item has been taken out by a method other than the method using the detection device 10. For example, electronic product tags (product tags equipped with a detection function to detect vibration caused by touch and a communication function to the weighing device 20) may be placed near each item, and when taking out an item, the user may touch the product tag near that item, and each product tag may transmit, for example, the product number of the respective item (or identification information that identifies the product tag) to the weighing device 20 when it detects vibration caused by touch.

[0191] (11) In the first embodiment (and the same applies to other embodiments), an example was described in which the weighing device 20 allows the user to select (specify) a product using product buttons. However, it is sufficient to have something that allows the user to substantially select (specify) a product, and it does not need to be outwardly displayed as a so-called button. For example, if a product can be selected (specified) by touching a certain area on the display screen (product specification area), then that product specification area is considered to be something that allows the user to substantially select (specify) a product. The product specification area may display the name of the product, an image, etc. Furthermore, the product specification area may be distinguishable from other areas (background, etc.) (for example, by a frame or color). Note that product buttons and product specification areas are operated when specifying (selecting) a product, so they may be referred to as "operation elements" with the prefix "child".

[0192] (12) In the first embodiment (and the same applies to other embodiments), the weighing device 20 was described in a manner in which it accepts an operation to redisplay the product buttons via the touch display 26 (a manner in which a redisplay button 222 is provided), but the manner in which it accepts an operation to redisplay the product buttons is not limited to this. For example, instead of or in addition to accepting an operation to redisplay the product buttons via the touch display 26, the weighing device 20 may accept an operation to redisplay the product buttons via the key operation unit. Similar to how the redisplay button 222 may be displayed in an inoperable display manner or a message indicating that there are no product buttons to be redisplayed after the operation, the operation of the key operation unit to redisplay the product buttons may be disabled (unresponsive) or a message indicating that there are no product buttons to be redisplayed after the operation. The same applies to the erase button 224, erase selection button 225, and erase execution button 226 of the fourth embodiment.

[0193] (13) In the first embodiment (and the same applies to other embodiments), an example was described in which the weighing device 20 receives an operation to redisplay the product button. However, instead of or in addition to the weighing device 20, another device (such as a management device installed in the store (not shown), a smartphone or tablet terminal used by a store employee, or a headquarters server installed at headquarters (not shown)) may also receive an operation to redisplay the product button. For example, the other device may send a command to the weighing device 20 instructing it to redisplay the product button based on an operation to redisplay the product button. The weighing device 20 that receives the above command may operate in the same way as when the redisplay button 222 is operated.

[0194] (14) In the first embodiment (and the same applies to other embodiments), an example was described in which a single information processing device (weighing device 20) performs the display / redisplay of product buttons, weighing of products, display of weighed values ​​and sales prices, and printing and issuing of product labels. However, it is not necessary for a single information processing device to perform all of these tasks. For example, instead of the weighing device 20, an information processing device A that performs the display / redisplay of product buttons and an information processing device B that performs the weighing of products, display of weighed values ​​and sales prices, and printing and issuing of product labels may be installed. In an embodiment in which information processing devices A and B are installed, for example, information processing device A receives product numbers, etc., and performs the display / redisplay of product buttons. Information processing device B displays sales prices, etc., and prints and issues product labels based on the weighed values ​​it has measured and the information obtained from information processing device A (product selection results such as product numbers). Alternatively, for example, instead of the above, an information processing device C that performs the display / redisplay of product buttons, display of sales prices, etc., and printing and issuing of product labels, and an information processing device D that performs the weighing of products may be installed. In an configuration where information processing devices C and D are installed, for example, information processing device C receives product numbers, etc., and displays / redisplays product buttons. Furthermore, information processing device C displays sales prices, etc., based on information obtained from information processing device D (such as measured values) and the results of product selection using product buttons, etc., and prints and issues product labels. Information processing device D may display sales prices, etc., instead of or in addition to information processing device C (in other words, information processing device C does not have to display sales prices, etc.).

[0195] (15) In the first embodiment (and the same applies to other embodiments), information is transmitted wirelessly from the detection device 10 to the weighing device 20, but as described above, it may be done wirelessly. Alternatively, it may be done using sound (e.g., ultrasonic communication) or light / electromagnetic waves (e.g., optical wireless communication). In other words, it is sufficient that information is output from the detection device 10 and that the weighing device 20 can input the output information. The output information from the detection device 10 may be input to the weighing device 20 via one or more other devices, or it may be input to the weighing device 20 without going through other devices.

[0196] (16) In the first embodiment (and the same applies to other embodiments), a time limit may be set for each product until the product button is removed. Alternatively, a time limit may be set for each period (month, day of the week, time of day) until the product button is removed, either for each product or in addition to the other. The same applies to the time limit for allowing the removed product button to be displayed again.

[0197] (17) In the first embodiment (and the same applies to other embodiments), the product buttons were described as being displayed / erased / redisplayed (disappearing), but they do not necessarily have to disappear. For example, product buttons may be displayed in a manner that makes them easy to select, or in a manner that makes them difficult to select. In other words, the weighing device 20 may, based on the passage of time, display product buttons that were displayed in a manner that makes them easy to select (for example, a size such that six are arranged in the product button display area 221 as shown in Figure 8(B)) in a manner that makes them difficult to select (for example, a size such that it is about 1 / 16th the size of the product button as shown in Figure 8(B)) (for example, displayed in the corner), and if a predetermined operation is performed, the product buttons that were displayed in the difficult-to-select display manner may be displayed in a manner that makes them easy to select. When a product button displayed in the difficult-to-select display manner is selected, the device may operate in the same way as when a display button displayed in the easy-to-select display manner is selected, or it may be unresponsive or result in an error.

[0198] (18) There may be two or more weighing devices 20 in the sales processing system 1. In other words, two or more weighing devices 20 may be installed in the same store. When two or more weighing devices 20 are installed in the same store, for example, as related to (3) above, the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file may be stored in another device (device B), and each weighing device 20 and device B may communicate to send and receive information regarding timer control. In addition, each of the two or more weighing devices 20 may store the product button display control file and the product button redisplay control file and synchronize their respective information.

[0199] (19) The sales processing system 1 may manage history information. For example, the weighing device 20 may store operation history information and processing history information. Specifically, the weighing device 20 may store operator operation history information, history information on display / clear / redisplay of product buttons, and history information on the generation (setting) / clearing of display control information (display control timer, redisplay control timer, etc.) for product buttons. This makes it possible to analyze and evaluate the display of product buttons, for example, and to make daily improvements (for example, optimizing the initial value of the timer).

[0200] (20) In each embodiment, a part of the processing performed by the weighing device 20 may be performed by another device (for example, a cloud server on the Internet (not shown)). As one such embodiment, the display of the weighing device 20 in each embodiment may be a browsing of information generated by the other device. For example, the weighing device 20 transmits information acquired by itself (weight information from the weighing unit, operator operation information, sensor information including captured images, etc.) to the other device. The other device generates screen information based on the information transmitted from the weighing device 20 and transmits (replies to) it to the weighing device 20. The weighing device 20 displays the image information transmitted from the other device. The weighing device 20 may display a screen corresponding to the information acquired by itself as described above.

[0201] The following is a summary of the embodiments. [Technical field] This invention relates to a product sales data processing system and a weighing device. [Background technology] For example, a system for weighing and selling goods is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-163995 [Overview of the prefecture] [Problems the invention aims to solve] However, there was room for improvement in the sales system for weighing and selling products as shown in Patent Document 1. The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology for improving the weighing and selling of products. [Means for solving the problem] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing system (e.g., sales processing system 1) comprising a plurality of detection devices (e.g., detection device 10) and an information processing device (e.g., weighing device 20, information processing device A, information processing device C), wherein the detection device comprises detection means (e.g., tilt detection unit 12) for detecting when an article (product) has been taken out of a container (e.g., display container 300, 400), and output means (e.g., communication unit 13) for outputting article identification information (e.g., product number, detection device identification information) for identifying the article taken out of the container when the detection means has detected that an article has been taken out of the container, and the information processing device outputs the information output by the output means The product sales data processing system comprises: identification means (for example, a CPU 21 that performs the processing shown in Figure 11(A)) for identifying an item taken out of a container based on recorded item identification information; and display means (for example, a CPU 21 that performs the processing shown in Figure 10) for displaying operators (for example, product buttons, product designation areas) for specifying individual items identified by the identification means on a screen (for example, a touch display 26) (see, for example, Figure 8(B)). The display means is characterized by erasing the operators from the screen based on the passage of time (see, for example, Figure 11(B)), and redisplaying the operators that were erased from the screen on the screen when a predetermined operation (for example, operation of the redisplay button 222) occurs (see, for example, Figure 12(B)). According to (1), the weighing and selling of products is improved. The controls (product buttons) can be conveniently erased, and the erased controls can be redisplayed as needed. In other words, since it becomes inconvenient when there are many product buttons to display (product buttons displayed on multiple pages, product buttons displayed in a small size, etc.), they can be erased as needed, and the erased product buttons can be easily redisplayed, making product selection at the weighing device more convenient.

[0202] (2) The product sales data processing system according to (1), characterized in that the display means redisplays the operator that has been erased from the screen on the screen when the predetermined operation occurs within the permissible period for which redisplay is permitted (for example, 240 seconds as shown in step S34 of Figure 11(B)). (2) According to this, the weighing and selling of products will improve. Restrictions can be placed on the redisplay of the control (product button) to prevent it from being displayed more than necessary.

[0203] (3) The display means displays information relating to a designated item specified by the operator (for example, the net weight and unit price of the product displayed in the numerical display area 200 in Figures 8(B) to 8(D), the icon 242 of the product in Figure 8(C), etc.), and the operator is removed from the screen based on the passage of time other than the period during which the information relating to the designated item is displayed on the screen (see, for example, Figures 10 and 11(B)), making it a product sales data processing system according to (1) or (2). According to (3), the weighing and selling of goods will be improved. Preferably, the time until the product is erased can be controlled.

[0204] (4) The display means is a product sales data processing system according to (1) or (2), characterized in that it erases the operator from the screen based on the passage of time over a specific period. According to (4), the weighing and selling of goods will improve. Preferably, the time until the product is erased can be controlled.

[0205] (5) The product sales data processing system according to (4), characterized in that there is an unspecified item state in which no item has been specified by the operator (for example, the initial screen shown in Figure 8(A) is displayed) and an specified item state in which a product has been specified by the operator (for example, the product selection screen shown in Figure 8(B), the label issuance instruction screen shown in Figure 8(C), and the label issuance completion screen shown in Figure 8(D) are displayed), and the specific period is the period in which the unspecified item state is displayed. According to (5), the weighing and selling of goods will improve. Preferably, the time until the product is erased can be controlled.

[0206] (6) A weighing device capable of communicating with a plurality of detection devices, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring item identification information for identifying items from the detection devices; an identification means for identifying items taken out of a container based on the item identification information acquired by the acquisition means; and a display means for displaying an operator for specifying each item identified by the identification means in a manner that facilitates specification, wherein the display means is configured to make it difficult to specify the operator based on the passage of time, and when a predetermined operation occurs, the operator configured to make it difficult to specify is configured to make it easy to specify. According to (6), the sale of goods by weight will improve.

[0207] Furthermore, the program for realizing the weighing device 20 described above 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. "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 a computer system. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that acts as a server or client 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, "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be for realizing only a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the aforementioned functions may be implemented in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, such as so-called differential files (differential programs). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0208] 1…Sales processing system 10…Detection device 11…MCU 12…Tilt detection unit 13…Communication unit 20…Weighing device 21…CPU 22…ROM 23…RAM 24…Scanner unit 25…Weighing unit 26…Touch display 27…Audio output unit 28…Printing unit 29…Communication unit 300, 400…Display containers

Claims

1. A weighing data processing system comprising multiple detection devices and weighing devices, The detection device is A detection means that detects when an item has been removed from a container by tilting, An output means that outputs a detection device number, which is item identification information for identifying an item that has been detected to have been removed from a container by the aforementioned detection means. Equipped with, The aforementioned weighing device is A means for identifying an item based on the detection device number output by the output means, A display means for displaying on a screen an operator for specifying individual items identified by the aforementioned identification means. Equipped with, The aforementioned display means is The operator is removed from the screen based on the passage of time other than the period during which information about the item specified by the operator is displayed on the screen. A weighing data processing system characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned weighing device is A means of determining whether or not an item was placed on the platform. Equipped with, The aforementioned display means is If the aforementioned determination means determines that an item has been placed on the platform, the operator is displayed on the screen. The weighing data processing system according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned display means is An icon corresponding to the number of times the item detected by the detection means has been removed from its container is attached to the operator and displayed on the screen. A weighing data processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A program for a weighing data processing system comprising multiple detection devices and a weighing device, wherein a first computer functions as a detection device and a second computer functions as a weighing device, The first computer, A detection means that detects, by tilting, that an item has been removed from a container from which an item is removed by tilting motion. Output means for outputting a detection device number, which is item identification information for identifying an item that has been detected to have been removed from a container by the aforementioned detection means. To make it function as, The second computer described above, Identification means for identifying an item based on the detection device number output by the output means, Display means for displaying on a screen operators for specifying individual items identified by the aforementioned identification means, To make it function as, The aforementioned display means is The operator is removed from the screen based on the passage of time other than the period during which information about the item specified by the operator is displayed on the screen. A program characterized by the following features.

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