JP7546966B2 - Sales data processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sales data processing device that uses electronic tags and the like to register products.

Conventionally, sales data processing devices have been known that register and sell products by attaching electronic tags such as RFID tags to products and reading the information stored in the electronic tags with a reading device such as an RFID reader. (Patent Document 1)

Patent No. 4932281

The sales data processing device described in Patent Document 1 above is hygienic because it can register products without touching the food by reading information from an RFID tag attached to the food, such as bread, and is also suitable for selling freshly baked bread and other foods that are not suitable for packaging in bags.

However, electronic tags are relatively expensive, and recycling them is both economically and environmentally beneficial, so it was necessary to ensure that RFID tags attached to food products were collected before the products were handed over to customers.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to reliably collect electronic tags attached to products in a sales data processing device that registers products by reading electronic tags such as RFID tags.

One embodiment of the present invention is a sales data processing device that is arranged between a first identification device that is arranged upstream of a customer flow line and detects an electronic tag, and a second identification device that is arranged downstream of the customer flow line and detects the electronic tag, and to which the first identification device and the second identification device are connected, the sales data processing device having an identification means that detects an electronic tag attached to a product by the first identification device and identifies product information, a prohibition means that prohibits the execution of a transaction based on the identified product information, a release means that releases the prohibition of the execution of the transaction by the prohibition means when the electronic tag detected by the first identification device is detected by the second identification device, a transaction execution means that executes a transaction based on the identified product information after the prohibition of the execution of the transaction is released by the release means, and a display means, wherein the display means displays the identified product information when the product information is identified by the identification means, and displays a button for executing the transaction in an inoperable manner until the prohibition of the execution of the transaction is released by the release means, and displays the button for executing the transaction in an operable manner when the prohibition of the execution of the transaction is released by the release means .

The sales data processing device of this embodiment, which registers products by reading electronic tags such as RFID tags, can reliably collect electronic tags attached to products.

1A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a sales data processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a hardware configuration diagram of a sales data processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a functional block diagram of a sales data processing device in a sales data processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 4 is an example of a processing flow in a sales data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an example of an external view of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 3 is an example of a tag used in the sales data processing system of one embodiment of the present invention. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the operation of a sales data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1A is an example of an operation diagram of a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an example of an operation diagram of a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is an example of an external view of a sales data processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the operation of a sales data processing device according to another embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 13A is an example of an operation diagram of a third embodiment, and FIG. 13B is an example of an operation diagram of a fourth embodiment. 4 is an example of a product registration screen of the sales data processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an example of a product registration screen of the sales data processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a sales data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Basic configuration of sales data processing device -
A sales data processing device and a sales data processing system including the sales data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1(a), a sales data processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a management device (store server) 10, a sales data processing device 20, etc., and each device is connected to a network 50. The sales data processing device 20 is connected to a detection device (identification device) 40 via a controller 30.

The sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment is merely an example, and the sales data processing system may be configured in any form.
For example, a system may be adopted in which one of the sales data processing devices 20 functions as the management device 10, or a settlement device (accounting device) that only performs settlement processing may be connected to the network 50. In addition, the sales data processing device 20 may be integrally provided with the detection device 40.

- Management device (store server) -
The management device (store server) 10 is an information processing device that manages the entire sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment, and manages the sales data processing device 20, the settlement device, etc., and also manages various information such as product master data.

The management device 10 acquires and stores the product master reflecting the latest product information from an external source (for example, a server at the headquarters or a removable storage medium) and transmits the same to each device as necessary.
The product master is a file that stores product information such as product name (product name, item name), sales price, discount information, etc., for product identification information (for example, JAN code) assigned to each product.

-Sales data processing device-
The sales data processing device 20 is a device with a function of registering products purchased by customers and generating product registration data. The sales data processing device 20 has a control unit, and includes, for example, an input device 211 such as a barcode reader, a touch panel, a CCD camera, etc. for reading information on products purchased by customers, a display device 212 such as a touch panel, etc. for displaying the read product information, etc., and a printing device 213 for printing receipts, etc.
Also connected are detection devices (identification devices) 40, 41, and 42 that read information stored in electronic tags (storage media) such as RFID tags via a controller 30, which will be described later.

An example of the sales data processing device 20 is a typical POS register where a store clerk registers products purchased by customers and processes payments (accounting).
Also, it may be a semi-self-service POS in which a store clerk performs registration processing of products purchased by a customer and the customer performs settlement processing by himself/herself. In that case, the POS may be a POS in which a registration device performing registration processing and a settlement device are separate, and the product registration data registered by the registration device is output to the settlement device and the customer performs settlement processing by himself/herself at the settlement device, or a face-to-face semi-self-service POS having a store clerk side screen performing registration processing facing the store clerk and a customer side screen performing settlement processing facing the customer and a cash processing section.

Note that multiple semi-self-service POS systems may be used. For example, semi-self-service POS systems may be placed upstream and downstream of the customer flow path, with the upstream POS system used for both registration and settlement, and the downstream POS system used for settlement only, with store clerks only at the semi-self-service POS system used for both registration and settlement.

When the store is not busy, the store clerk can register products and the customer can pay using the upstream registration/settlement POS, and when the store is busy, the store clerk can register products using the upstream registration/settlement POS, and the product registration data after registration processing can be sent to the downstream POS dedicated to settlement, and the customer can pay at the downstream POS.
In this way, by using multiple semi-self-service POS systems, efficient registration and payment processing can be achieved even with a small number of store staff depending on the store's congestion level, etc.

Alternatively, the POS may be a fully self-service type in which the customer performs the registration process and the payment process for the products he or she purchases, that is, no store clerk is involved.
Furthermore, the POS may be a switchable POS that can be switched between a semi-self-service POS where the customer processes the payment themselves, the face-to-face semi-self-service POS, and the full-self-service POS, depending on the level of congestion and the availability of store staff.

The sales data processing device 20 identifies (obtains) product information of the product purchased by the customer through an operation of inputting product information by a store clerk or the like (product information input operation) (product information identification process).
For example, the sales data processing device 20 identifies product information by using the input device 211 to read a barcode attached to a product, or by operating preset keys on a product registration screen displayed on a touch panel, which is the display device 212 that also serves as the input device 211.

In addition, the sales data processing device 20 identifies (acquires) product information by causing a detection device 40 connected via a controller 30 to read an electronic tag attached to the product.
The sales data processing device 20 displays the specified product information on the display device 212 .

When identifying product information by having the detection device 40 read the electronic tag attached to the product, the sales data processing device 20 identifies the specific state of the product information (specific state identification process).

That is, the sales data processing device 20 uses the detection device 40 to identify (determine) whether information has been identified from an electronic tag (storage medium) or whether information has not been identified from an electronic tag.
As a specific example, the sales data processing device 20 uses the detection device 40 to specify whether the device is in a state where an electronic tag is detected or a state where an electronic tag is not detected.

The product information identified by the product information identification process may be specific product information such as product name and price, or product identification information that identifies the product. In this case, the sales data processing device 20 may obtain product information corresponding to the identified product identification information from the product master data of the management device 10, or may obtain the product information by storing the product master data in the sales data processing device 20.

The sales data processing device 20 generates product registration data to be used in product transactions based on the identified product information (product registration processing).

The product registration data includes some or all of the following: product registration data identification information for identifying the product registration data, the registration date and time, product identification information for each registered product, the product name, price, and discount information for each registered product, the transaction number (purchase number) indicating the number of products to be purchased, and the total price (total amount) of the products to be purchased.
Furthermore, the product registration data may include registration device identification information for identifying the sales data processing device 20 that generated the product registration data.

The sales data processing device 20 outputs the generated product registration data as necessary (product registration information output process). For example, in the case of a POS in which the sales data processing device 20 (registration device) that performs product registration processing and the settlement device that performs settlement processing based on the product registration data are separate, the product registration data that has been subjected to product registration processing by the sales data processing device 20 is output to the settlement device.

The sales data processing device 20 can output product registration data to a settlement device, for example, by selecting a settlement device by operating a status button of the settlement device displayed on the display device 212, and outputting the product registration data to the selected settlement device.
In addition, based on settlement device status information transmitted from the settlement device to the sales data processing device 20, the sales data processing device 20 may automatically select a settlement device to which the product registration data is to be output, and output the product registration data.

In addition, the product registration data may be output via a higher-level system such as the management device 10, rather than being output directly to the settlement device selected by the sales data processing device 20. That is, the sales data processing device 20 may output product registration data identification information to the selected settlement device, and the settlement device that has input the product registration data identification information may request and obtain the product registration data corresponding to the higher-level system based on the product registration data identification information.

In addition, in the sales data processing device 20, a receipt containing code information recording the product registration data can be issued by the printer 213, and the product registration data can be output by having the accounting device read the product registration data of the code information recorded on the receipt. In this case, the product registration data can be recorded in the code information of the issued receipt, but product registration data identification information can also be recorded in the code information, and the settlement device that reads the product registration data identification information can request and obtain the corresponding product registration data from a higher-level system based on the product registration data identification information.

The sales data processing device 20 executes transactions (settlement processing) for products purchased by customers based on product registration data generated as necessary.

Prior to the settlement process, the sales data processing device 20 acquires information on the payment method for the product settlement (accounting) in response to an operation by a store clerk or the customer himself/herself. The payment method includes a transaction with cash, a transaction with a credit card or electronic money, a transaction with a gift certificate, a prepaid card, etc.
In addition, even when outputting product registration data, the sales data processing device 20 may obtain information regarding the accounting method for settling the product payment, and in that case, information regarding the accounting method can be added to the product registration data to be output.

When the sales data processing device 20 executes the settlement process for the product purchased by the customer, it issues a receipt for the transaction as necessary (receipt issuance process).

When the sales data processing device 20 identifies product information by having the detection device 40 read the electronic tag attached to the product, it prohibits the execution of a transaction including the product information identified by the detection device 40, specifically, one or more of the following processes, such as product registration processing, product registration information output processing, settlement processing, receipt issuance processing, etc. (transaction prohibition processing).
That is, the sales data processing device 20 basically prohibits the execution of a transaction for a commodity whose commodity information has been specified by the detection device 40, and does not proceed with the transaction until a cancellation process, which will be described later, is performed.

It is preferable that transactions prohibited by the transaction prohibition process not only be transactions of products whose product information has been identified by reading by the detection device 40, but also transactions of product information identified by other product information input operations, as long as the transaction includes product information identified by reading by the detection device 40.
In other words, it is preferable to prohibit, in principle, a transaction in which product information acquired by the detection device 40 and product information acquired by the input device 211 such as a barcode reader are mixed.

The sales data processing device 20 lifts the prohibition of transactions imposed by the transaction prohibition process in accordance with the specific state information identified by the specific state identification process (information on whether the tag is in a detected state or a non-detected state) (lifting process).
Specifically, the sales data processing device 20 maintains the transaction prohibition process if it determines that information is being identified from the electronic tag, and releases the transaction prohibition process if it determines that information is not being identified from the electronic tag.

The sales data processing device 20 notifies the specific state of the electronic tag storing each piece of product information in accordance with the specific state information identified by the specific state identification process (notification process).
For example, when the sales data processing device 20 is in a state where it has not identified information from an electronic tag (when it has not detected an electronic tag), it notifies the user that the tag attached to the product has been removed by highlighting a check mark or the like on the corresponding product information displayed on the display device 212.
The method of notifying that a tag is attached is not limited to the above-mentioned check mark.

-Controller 30-
The controller 30 controls the detection device 40 to output information of the electronic tag read by the detection device 40 to the sales data processing device 20 and to change the detection range of the detection device 40 .
In addition, a plurality of detection devices 41, 42 may be connected to one controller 30 so as to control the plurality of detection devices 41, 42 simultaneously.

-Detection device 40-
The detection device (specification device) 40 has a detection range for electronic tags set for each detection device 40, detects electronic tags present within the detection range, and reads stored information. The read information is output to the sales data processing device 20 via the controller 30. The detection range for electronic tags can be set as appropriate.

The detection device 40 is a table-shaped antenna (RFID reader) that can read information stored in an electronic tag (RFID tag) placed on the top surface. The table-shaped antenna has a specified area on the table as its detection range and reads data from electronic tags (RFID tags) that are present within that detection range.

The detection device 40 is not limited to the above-mentioned table-like antenna (RFID reader) but may be anything that can read data from tags present within a specified detection range. For example, it may be something that identifies tags as image information and reads the information, such as a CCD camera.

- Tags (electronic tags) -
The tag 7 is not limited in shape, but has an IC chip and an antenna embedded therein to function as an RFID. If necessary, the tag 7 may have a display section for displaying information about the product, such as bread.
The tag 7 may be made of a material such as paper, but may also be made of synthetic resin or metal, or may be made of a material that is more hygienic and durable than paper.

The IC chip embedded in the tag 7 stores information about the product to which it is attached (e.g., price information) in a rewritable manner, and the tag can be used repeatedly by writing the necessary information corresponding to the product to which it is attached.

Note that the tag 7 may be one in which the information stored once cannot be rewritten. In that case, it is preferable to make the color and shape of tags storing the same information uniform so that it is possible to determine from the appearance of the tag that the stored information is the same.

For example, a yellow tag could store "price 100 yen," a blue tag could store "price 130 yen," and a red tag could store "price 150 yen" so that they could be attached to products of each price. In this case, the effort of storing product information on the tags can be eliminated, improving work efficiency.

--Functional block diagram of sales data processing device 20--
FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the sales data processing device 20 according to this embodiment.
The sales data processing device 20 includes a control means 201 for controlling the entire sales data processing device 20, a specification means 202 for specifying information on the product purchased by the customer, a specific state specification means 203 for specifying a specific state of the product information, a registration means 204 for generating product registration data based on the acquired product information, an output means 205 for outputting the product registration data, a settlement means 206 for performing a settlement process based on the product registration data, a printing means 207 for issuing receipts or the like when processing the transaction for the product, a prohibition means 208 for prohibiting a transaction based on the product registration data, a release means 209 for releasing the prohibition of the transaction by the prohibition means 208, and a notification means 210 for notifying a specific state of the product information.

The sales data processing device 20 is also connected to a detection device 40 via a controller 30, and is further connected to an input device 211, a display device 212, and a printing device 213.

The control means 201 controls the sales data processing device 20 as a whole, and for example, stores each piece of input (acquired) or detected information in a storage device such as a memory as appropriate, reads each piece of information from the storage device and displays it on the display device 212, and exchanges information with other devices.

The specifying means 202 executes a product information specifying process for specifying product information based on information from the input device 211 or the detection device 40 .
The specific state specifying means 203 executes a specific state specifying process for specifying a specific state of the product information based on the information from the detection device 40 .
The registration means (transaction execution means) 204 executes a product registration process to generate product registration data based on the specified product information.
The output means (transaction execution means) 205 executes a product registration information output process for outputting the generated product registration data.

The settlement means (transaction execution means) 206 executes settlement processing based on the generated product registration data.
The printing means (transaction execution means) 207 executes a receipt issuing process in which a printer 213 is driven to issue a receipt in conjunction with a settlement process or the like.
The prohibition means 208 executes a transaction prohibition process for prohibiting a transaction based on the specific state of the product information specified by the specific state specifying means 203 .
The release means 209 executes a release process for releasing the prohibition of the transaction by the prohibition means 208 when the specification means 202 transitions from a state in which the product information is specified to a state in which the product information is not specified.
The notification means 210 executes a notification process for notifying the specific state of the product information specified by the specific state specifying means 203 .

Next, an example of a block diagram of the sales data processing device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.
The sales data processing device 20 of this embodiment has, as a control unit, a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a memory 24, a network I/F 25, an input device I/F 26, a display device I/F 27, a printing device I/F 28, and the like.
It is also connected to an input device 211 such as a barcode scanner or a touch panel, a display device 212 such as a touch panel, and a printing device 213 such as a printer.
The sales data processing device 20 of this embodiment is further connected to a detection device 40 via a controller 30 .

The CPU 21 constitutes the computer and executes the instructions of a software program. The ROM 22 prestores programs and the like for operation by the CPU 21. The programs and the like may be stored on a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM and configured to be read by an external device such as a CD-ROM drive.

The RAM 23 is used as a work storage area necessary for storing programs and for the software to operate.
The memory 24 is composed of a hard disk device or the like, and stores information such as product master data.
The network I/F 25 is a circuit for exchanging data with means connected to a network 50 .
The input device I/F 26 is a circuit for performing input/output with an input device 211 such as a barcode scanner.
The display device I/F 27 is a circuit for performing input/output with a display device 212 such as a touch panel.
The printing device I/F 28 is a circuit for performing input/output with a printing device 213 such as a printer.

Next, an example of the operation of the sales data processing device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When product information is input from the input device 211 or the detection device 40, the sales data processing device 20 identifies the input product information and stores it in the storage means (S101).

The sales data processing device 20, which has identified the product information, determines whether the identified product information includes the product information identified by the detection device (identification device) 40, i.e., the information read from the tag 7 (S102).

If the sales data processing device 20 determines in step S102 that the identified product information includes product information identified by the detection device (identification device) 40, it prohibits the execution of a transaction including the product information (S103). On the other hand, if it determines that the identified product information does not include product information identified by the detection device (identification device) 40, it proceeds to step S106.

After prohibiting the execution of the transaction in step S103, the sales data processing device 20 determines whether the product information of the product is in a specific state, i.e., whether the tag has been detected (S104).

Then, if the sales data processing device 20 determines in step S104 that the product information is not in a specific state (all tags 7 have not been detected), it lifts the prohibition on executing the transaction (S105).

Next, the sales data processing device 20 determines whether or not an operation to execute a transaction based on the identified product information has been performed, such as by a customer operating a subtotal key or the like (S106), and if it determines that an operation to execute a transaction has been performed, it executes the transaction (S107) and ends the process.

On the other hand, if the sales data processing device 20 determines in step S104 that the specific state of the product information of any of the products is a specific state (the tag 7 of any of the products is in a detected state), it maintains the transaction execution prohibition process and returns to step S101.

Moreover, if the sales data processing device 20 determines in step S106 that no operation for executing a transaction based on the identified product information has been performed, the process returns to step S101.
An example of the processing in the sales data processing device 20 of this embodiment has been described above.

--First embodiment--
An example of operation using the sales data processing device 20 of the first embodiment will be described using an example of bread as a commodity identified by the tag 7.
First, an embodiment of the sales data processing device 20 and the detection device 40 will be described.

(Appearance of sales data processing device and detection device)
As shown in FIG. 4, the sales data processing device 20 of this embodiment has display devices (customer operation side display device 20a and clerk operation side display device 20b) 213 that also serve as an input device 211 such as a touch panel on both the customer operation side where the customer is located and the clerk operation side where the clerk is located.

Furthermore, the sales data processing device 20 has, on the customer operation side, a bill insertion section 20c, a coin insertion section 20d, a bill discharge section 20e, a coin discharge section 20f, and a printer section 20g.
The sales data processing device 20 is also connected to a detection device 40 via a controller 30 (not shown).

The top surface of the detection device 40 is a detection area 40a for detecting electronic tags 7 such as RFID tags, and on the top surface is a frame indicating the detection area, along with a warning note 40b encouraging the user to place the tag 7 within the frame.

The detection device 40 detects the tag 7 present within the detection area 40a when the tag 7 is placed on the inner circumference of the frame printed on the top surface, and acquires the information stored in the tag 7 and outputs it to the sales data processing device 20.

(Tags and tag storage cases)
An example of the tag 7 is shown in FIG.
The tag 7 shown in Fig. 5(a) is in the form of a card, with one side being a display section 71, which displays the product name and price 71a corresponding to the tag 7. The tag 7 shown in Fig. 5(a) stores product information indicating that the price is "120 yen", while the tag 7 shown in Fig. 5(b) stores product information indicating that the price is "150 yen".
The card-like tag 7 is placed, for example, in a tag holder provided on a display shelf for products such as bread, so that a customer purchasing bread can immediately recognize the tag 7 corresponding to the bread.

The tag 7 is not limited to the tag configuration shown in Figs. 5(a) and (b). For example, the tag 7 may be a price pick-shaped tag having legs 72 for directly attaching (piercing) a product such as bread, as shown in Fig. 5(c). In addition, in the case of bagged bread, the tag 7 may be a clip-type tag that can be clipped to the bag.

Moreover, instead of displaying the price stored in the tag 7, the display section 71 of the tag 7 may display the product name or the like, or may simply print the store name or the like.
If necessary, a notice 71b can be displayed to alert the user that the food is inedible.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tray 6 on which the customer places the bread or the like has a tag storage case 6a placed on it, and the customer can store the tag 7 corresponding to the bread in the tag storage case 6a.

Next, the procedure for selling a product using the tag 7 will be described.
-procedure-
(1) Preparation of tags (information management)
A store clerk or the like prepares a tag (RFID tag) 7 to be attached to the bread, and writes information required for product registration of the bread (such as product name and sales price) into the memory means in the tag 7.
Alternatively, the serial number of the tag 7 is read, and the serial number is linked to the information required for product registration at the POS and stored. Note that it is preferable that the linking be performed automatically by placing the tag 7 in the detection area of the detection device 40.

(2) Tag Placement The tags 7 with written information or tags 7 with linked serial numbers are placed on the sales floor in correspondence with the bread with written information.
The tag 7 may be placed in a tag holder provided on the shelf where the bread is displayed. The tag 7 may be inserted in the tag holder. Note that the tag 7 shown in Fig. 5(c) may be directly stuck into the bread.

(3) Tag detection and product information identification The customer transfers the desired bread from the displayed breads onto the tray 6, and removes the tag 7 corresponding to the bread from the tag holder and places it into the tag storage case 6a placed on the tray 6.

Then, the customer carries the tray 6 with the bread and tags 7 to the checkout location where the sales data processing device (POS) 20 is located, and places the tag storage case 6a on the tray 6 on the placement surface (detection area) 40a of the detection device 40 connected to the sales data processing device 20, as shown by the arrow a in Figure 6 (a).

The tag 7 may be placed directly on the placement surface (detection area) 40a of the detection device 40 without using the tag storage case 6a.
Furthermore, the tag 7 or the tag storage case 6a may be placed on the detection device 40 by the customer himself or by a store clerk.

At this time, the sales data processing device 20 displays the product registration screen 500 shown in FIG. 9(a) on the display device 212 (store clerk operation side display device 20b).

The product registration screen 500 displayed on the display device 212 has a product registration section 501, a registration details section 502, a total display section 503, a preset section 504, a "tag read" key 505, a "subtotal" key 506, etc.

The sales data processing device 20 displays the most recently identified product information in the product registration field 501, displays a list of the identified product information in the registration details field 502, and displays the number of identified product information items and the total price in the total display field 503.

Furthermore, the sales data processing device 20 may display a preset key 504 a corresponding to the tag in the preset column 504 .
If the information stored in the tag 7 contains an error such as a bug, the customer can operate the preset key 504a, and the sales data processing device 20 can obtain product information similar to that stored in the tag 7.

When a customer or store clerk places the tag storage case 6a on the placement surface (detection area) 40a of the detection device 40, the store clerk presses (operates) the "tag read" key 505 displayed on the product registration screen 500.

(4) Obtaining Product Information When a store clerk operates the “tag read” key 505, the sales data processing device 20 detects the tag 7 placed in the detection area 40a of the detection device 40 and identifies (reads) the product information stored in the tag 7.
The sales data processing device 20, which has read the product information, displays a list of the product information in the registration details column 502 of the product registration screen 500, as shown in FIG. 9(b).

In the example shown in FIG. 9(b), a customer purchases two types of bread, and the sales data processing device 20 displays product information (product name, sales price, etc.) 502a and a check box 502b for the two types of bread in the registration details column 502.

The check box 502b indicates the specified state of the product information, and the sales data processing device 20 does not display a check mark in the check box 502b when the product information is specified (the tag is detected), and displays a check mark in the check box 502b when the product information is not specified (the tag is not detected).

The sales data processing device 20 may display the product displayed in the registration details column 502 in such a way that it is clear at a glance whether the product is a barcode-read product or a tag-read product. For example, the check column 502b may not be displayed in principle for information other than the product information read from the tag 7 by the detection device 40 (information about a product identified by reading a barcode, etc.). If the check column 502b is to be displayed, a check mark may be displayed in advance.

In addition, the sales data processing device 20 may display character strings such as "barcode" or "tag" in the registration details field 502 along with the product name and price information, so that it is possible to know by what method the product displayed in the registration details field 502 was registered.

(5) Prohibition of Transaction Execution When no check mark is displayed in the check column 502b of the registration details column 502, i.e., when product information has been identified (when a tag has been detected), the sales data processing device 20 prohibits product registration processing and displays the “Subtotal” key 506 on the product registration screen 500 in a manner that makes it impossible to operate.

(6) Lifting of transaction prohibition After acquiring the product information, when the store clerk removes the tag storage case 6a from the detection area 40a of the detection device 40, as shown by arrow b in Figure 6 (a), the detection device 40 detects that the tag 7 has moved from the detection area 40a and terminates transmission of information to the sales data processing device 20 that the tag 7 is in a detected state, or transmits information to the sales data processing device 20 that the tag 7 is in a non-detected state.

When the sales data processing device 20 receives the non-detection status of the tag 7, as shown in FIG. 10(a), it displays a check mark in the first check column 502b of the list display 502a displayed in the registration details column 502 for the product corresponding to the tag 7 that has been removed from the detection area 40a of the detection device 40.

When a check mark is displayed in the check box 502b for all products displayed in the registration details column 502, the sales data processing device 20 displays the "Subtotal" key 506 on the product registration screen 500 so that it can be operated.

(7) Settlement Process When the store clerk operates the "Subtotal" key 506, the sales data processing device 20 generates product registration information and displays a payment type selection screen on the customer operation side display device 20a.

When a customer selects an arbitrary payment type from the "Payment type selection" key on the payment type selection screen displayed on the customer operation side display device 20a of the sales data processing device 20, the sales data processing device 20 displays a payment screen based on the selected payment type.
The customer settles the bill themselves via the payment screen and completes the transaction.

(8) Collection and Reuse of Tags The tag 7 that the store clerk removes from the detection area 40a of the detection device 40 is collected, washed if necessary, and reused at the next sale.

--Second embodiment--
Next, an example of operation using the sales data processing device 20 of the second embodiment will be described.
In the above first embodiment, the sales data processing device 20 detects the specific state of the tag 7 using one detection device 40, but in the second embodiment, it is equipped with two detection devices (a first detection device 41 having a detection area 41a and a second detection device 42 having a detection area 42a), and detects the tag 7 using the two detection devices 41, 42 to obtain product information.

Since the registration screen displayed on the display device 212 of the sales data processing device 20 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the registration screen will be described with reference to FIGS.
In addition, explanations of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and in particular, the procedures from "(3) Detecting tags and identifying product information" to "(6) Lifting transaction prohibition" will be explained here.

-procedure-
(3) Tag detection and product information identification The customer transfers the desired bread from the displayed breads onto the tray 6, and removes the tag 7 corresponding to the bread from the tag holder and places it into the tag storage case 6a on the tray 6.

Then, the customer carries the tray 6 with the bread on it to the checkout location where the sales data processing device (POS) 20 is located, and places the tag storage case 6a on the tray 6 on the placement surface (detection area) 41a of the first detection device (first specific device) 41 connected to the sales data processing device 20, as shown by arrow c in Figure 6(b).

When a customer or store clerk places the tag storage case 6a on the placement surface (detection area) 41a of the first detection device 41, the store clerk presses (operates) the "tag read" key displayed on the registration screen shown in Figure 9 (a).

(4) Obtaining Product Information When a store clerk operates the “tag read” key 505, the sales data processing device 20 detects the tag 7 placed in the detection area 41a of the detection device 41 and identifies (reads) the product information stored in the tag 7.
The sales data processing device 20, which has read the product information, displays a list of the product information in the registration details column 502 of the product registration screen 500, as shown in FIG. 9(b).

(5) Prohibition of Transaction Execution When no check mark is displayed in the check column 502b of the registration details column 502, i.e., when product information has been identified (when a tag has been detected), the sales data processing device 20 prohibits product registration processing and displays the “Subtotal” key 506 on the product registration screen 500 in a manner that makes it impossible to operate.

(6) Lifting of transaction prohibition After acquiring the product information, as shown by arrow d in Figure 6 (b), when the store clerk removes the tag storage case 6a from the detection area 41a of the detection device 41 and places it in the detection area 42a of the second detection device 42, the second detection device 42 detects the tag 7 placed in the detection area 42a and outputs the detection status to the sales data processing device 20.

The sales data processing device 20, which has received the detection status of the tag 7 from the second detection device 42, displays a check mark in the first check column 502b of the list display 502a displayed in the registration details column 502 for the product corresponding to the tag 7 detected in the detection area 42a of the second detection device 42, as shown in FIG. 10(a).

When a check mark is displayed in the check box 502b for all products displayed in the registration details column 502, the sales data processing device 20 displays the "Subtotal" key 506 on the product registration screen 500 so that it can be operated.

--Third embodiment--
Next, an example of operation using the sales data processing device 20 of the third embodiment will be described.
In the first and second embodiments described above, the sales data processing device 20 detects the tag 7 by the customer placing the tag storage case 6a or the tag 7 directly in the detection area 40a of the detection device 40. However, in the third embodiment, the tag 7 is detected by the detection device 40 while it is placed on the tray 6, for example, by using the tag 7 shown in FIG. 5(c) as the tag 7.

Since the registration screen displayed on the display device 212 of the sales data processing device 20 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the registration screen will be described with reference to FIGS.
In addition, explanations of parts common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and in particular, the procedures from "(3) Detecting tags and identifying product information" to "(6) Lifting transaction ban" will be explained here.

(Appearance of sales data processing device and detection device)
As shown in FIG. 7, the detection device 40 of the third embodiment has an upper surface large enough to place a tray 6 on, and a detection area 40a for detecting electronic tags 7 such as RFID tags is set wider than that of the detection devices 40 of the first and second embodiments.
The detection area 40 a is also set to be large enough in the height direction so that the tag 7 attached to the bread placed on the tray 6 can be detected.

The detection device 40 detects the tag 7 present on the tray 6 placed on the inner circumference of the upper frame and acquires the information stored in the tag 7. The tag 7 may be attached directly to the bread, or may be stored in the tag storage case 6a.

-procedure-
(3) Tag detection and product information identification The customer transfers the desired bread from the displayed breads onto the tray 6, and, if necessary, removes the tag 7 corresponding to the bread from the tag holder and places it into the tag storage case 6a placed on the tray 6.
If the tag 7 is attached directly to the bread, there is no need to remove the tag 7 from the tag holder.

Then, the customer carries the tray 6 with the bread and tag 7 to the checkout location where the sales data processing device 20 is located, and places the tray 6 with the bread in the detection area 40a of the detection device 40 connected to the POS (sales data processing device 20), as shown by arrow e in Figure 8 (a).

The detection area of the detection device 40 is set relatively wide, with a detection area 40a that is sufficiently larger than the area of the tray 6 in a plan view, and a detection height sufficient to detect the tag attached to the bread.

When a customer or store clerk places the tray 6 on the placement surface (detection area) 40a of the detection device 40, the store clerk presses (operates) the "tag read" key displayed on the registration screen shown in Figure 9 (a).

(4) Obtaining Product Information When a store clerk operates the “tag read” key 505, the sales data processing device 20 detects the tag 7 placed in the detection area 40a of the detection device 40 and identifies (reads) the product information stored in the tag 7.
The sales data processing device 20, which has read the product information, displays a list of the product information in the registration details column 502 of the product registration screen 500, as shown in FIG. 9(b).

(5) Prohibition of Transaction Execution When no check mark is displayed in the check column 502b of the registration details column 502, i.e., when product information has been identified (when a tag has been detected), the sales data processing device 20 prohibits product registration processing and displays the “Subtotal” key 506 on the product registration screen 500 in a manner that makes it impossible to operate.

(6) Lifting of transaction prohibition After acquiring the product information, when the store clerk removes the tag storage case 6a from the detection area 40a of the detection device 40, as shown by arrow f in Figure 8 (a), the detection device 40 detects that the tag 7 has moved from the detection area 40a and terminates transmission of information to the sales data processing device 20 that the tag 7 is in a detected state, or transmits information to the sales data processing device 20 that the tag 7 is in a non-detected state.

When the sales data processing device 20 receives the non-detection status of the tag 7, as shown in FIG. 10(a), it displays a check mark in the first check column 502b of the list display 502a displayed in the registration details column 502 for the product corresponding to the tag 7 that has been removed from the detection area 40a of the detection device 40.

When a check mark is displayed in the check box 502b for all products displayed in the registration details column 502, the sales data processing device 20 displays the "Subtotal" key 506 on the product registration screen 500 so that it can be operated.

--Fourth embodiment--
Next, an example of operation using the sales data processing device 20 of the fourth embodiment will be described.
In the above third embodiment, the sales data processing device 20 detects the tag 7 using one detection device 40, but in the fourth embodiment, the sales data processing device 20 is equipped with two detection devices (a first detection device 41 having a relatively wide detection area 41a and a second detection device 42 having a relatively narrow detection area 42a), and detects the tag 7 using the two detection devices 41, 42.

Since the registration screen displayed on the display unit of the POS (sales data processing device 20) is the same as in the first to third embodiments, the registration screen will be described with reference to FIGS.
In addition, explanations of parts common to the third embodiment will be omitted, and in particular, the procedures from "(3) Detecting tags and identifying product information" to "(6) Lifting transaction prohibition" will be explained here.

-procedure-
(3) Tag detection and product information identification The customer transfers the desired bread from the displayed breads onto the tray 6, and, if necessary, removes the tag 7 corresponding to the bread from the tag holder and places it into the tag storage case 6a placed on the tray 6.

Then, the customer carries the tray 6 with the bread and tag 7 to the checkout location where the sales data processing device 20 is located, and places the tray 6 with the bread in the detection area 41a of the first detection device 41 connected to the sales data processing device 20, as shown by arrow g in Figure 8 (b).

When a customer or store clerk places the tray 6 on the placement surface (detection area) 41a of the first detection device 41, the store clerk presses (operates) the "tag read" key displayed on the registration screen shown in Figure 9 (a).

(4) Obtaining Product Information When a store clerk operates the “tag read” key 505, the sales data processing device 20 detects the tag 7 placed in the detection area 41a of the detection device 41 and identifies (reads) the product information stored in the tag 7.
The sales data processing device 20, which has read the product information, displays a list of the product information in the registration details column 502 of the product registration screen 500, as shown in FIG. 9(b).

(5) Prohibition of Transaction Execution When no check mark is displayed in the check column 502b of the registration details column 502, i.e., when product information has been identified (when a tag has been detected), the sales data processing device 20 prohibits product registration processing and displays the “Subtotal” key 506 on the product registration screen 500 in a manner that makes it impossible to operate.

(6) Lifting of transaction prohibition After acquiring the product information, as shown by arrow h in Figure 8 (b), when the store clerk removes the tag storage case 6a on the tray 6 from the detection area 41a of the detection device 41 and places it in the detection area 42a of the second detection device 42, the second detection device 42 detects the tag 7 placed in the detection area 42a and outputs the detection status to the sales data processing device 20.

The sales data processing device 20, which has received the detection status of the tag 7 from the second detection device 42, displays a check mark in the first check column 502b of the list display 502a displayed in the registration details column 502 for the product corresponding to the tag 7 detected in the detection area 42a of the second detection device 42, as shown in FIG. 10(a).

When a check mark is displayed in the check box 502b for all products displayed in the registration details column 502, the sales data processing device 20 displays the "Subtotal" key 506 on the product registration screen 500 so that it can be operated.

--Variation 1--
In the sales data processing device 20 of the above embodiment, a customer or a store clerk places the tag storage case 6a in the detection area 40a of the detection device 40, and the store clerk operates the ``tag read'' key 505 displayed on the registration screen, thereby displaying the product information read from the tag 7 in the registration details column 502; however, it is also possible to arrange for the tag storage case 6a to be placed in the detection area 40a of the detection device 40 without operating the ``tag read'' key 505, thereby automatically reading the tag and displaying the product information in the registration details column 502.

--Modification 2--
In the above embodiment, the sales data processing device 20 displays product information read from the tag 7 in the registration details section 502 on the customer screen when a store clerk operates the "tag read" key 505, but the sales data processing device 20 can also be configured as a fully self-service type that does not involve a store clerk.

In that case, when the customer places the tag storage case 6a in the detection area 40a of the detection device 40, the sales data processing device 20 may display a "start" key 507 for reading the information on the tag 7 on the product registration screen 500 displayed on the customer display device, for example, as shown in FIG. 10(b).

When the customer operates the “start” key 507 , the sales data processing device 20 reads the information on the tag 7 and displays the product information in the registration details column 502 .
Thereafter, the customer may execute the transaction by operating the "Start Checkout" key 508 operably displayed on the product registration screen 500 of the sales data processing device 20.

--Modification 3--
In the sales data processing device 20 of the second or fourth embodiment described above, the first detection device 41 is arranged on the customer entrance side and the second detection device 42 is arranged on the exit side, but it is also possible to arrange the second detection device 42 on the customer entrance side and the first detection device 41 on the exit side.

Also, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the first detection device 41 and the second detection device 42 may be arranged together on the customer entrance side of the sales data processing device 20, and as shown in FIG. 11(b), the first detection device 41 and the second detection device 42 may be arranged together on the customer exit side of the sales data processing device 20.

--Modifications--
In the sales data processing device 20 of the above embodiment, the product information read from the tag 7 is displayed in the registration details column 502, but in this case, if multiple identical tags 7 are read, a notification to that effect may be provided.

For example, when a customer removes tags 7 from a tag holder along with the products they purchase, in accordance with the number of products, there is a risk that the customer will remove more tag cards than intended because the tag cards are thin or small, and this may result in erroneous registration being unknowingly registered in the sales data processing device.
In order to avoid such erroneous registration, the sales data processing device may be configured to notify the user of the product name and display a quantity change screen when multiple tags for the same product are read as a result of reading the tags.

Specifically, when one sweet bean bun card and two jam bun cards are read by the detection device, the sales data processing device will display on the display device 212 a message such as "Two jam buns have been registered. Please check that there are two jam buns on the tray." and may also display a message such as "If the number of jam buns is different, please correct the number." and may also display up and down arrow keys and number keys that can be operated by touch.

Then, the customer or store clerk may operate the displayed arrow keys or number keys to modify the registered number, and then operate the "OK" key or "Done" key to complete reading the tag for that product.

After that, it is determined whether the tags of other products have been read multiple times, and if there are other products for which multiple tags have been read, the product name and registered number are similarly notified and confirmation is prompted, and if there are no other products for which multiple tags have been read, the reading is considered complete.
In addition, in the multiple tag reading notification, it is preferable that the number of tags to be notified can be set arbitrarily, and if less than the set number of tags are read, no notification may be made.

This notification allows customers and store clerks to easily recognize the fact that they have more cards than items, and at the same time allows them to correct the points to the correct number, thus preventing erroneous registrations that are unique to operations that read card-like tags, etc.

As explained above, in the sales data processing device of this embodiment, if the tag storing product information about bread or the like is not collected, the product cannot be traded, so the tag attached to the bread can be reliably collected.
In particular, by configuring a tag identification device with two identification devices having different detection areas, tags can be detected more reliably.

Furthermore, by making the detection area 42a of the second detection device 42 a small detection area that allows detection of the tag 7 alone, for example, a detection area that can only be read when the tag 7 is placed directly on the product, it is possible to reliably identify (detect) that the tag 7 has been removed and is standing alone, without mistakenly detecting a product with the tag 7 still attached.

In addition, when a tag is removed, a check mark is added to the registration details on the product registration screen, so that store staff can be notified, making it easy to understand the tag collection status and encouraging tag removal.

In addition, by detecting tags using RFID or other methods, it is possible to detect tags that have been mistakenly stuck to the underside of bread, etc., and if a tag attached to another piece of bread is mistakenly stuck to the underside, the tag can be removed, preventing accidents such as accidental ingestion.In addition, the tags can be reliably collected and reused, which is both economical and environmentally advantageous.

The detection device 40 may have additional functions other than reading tags, such as a weighing scale or a CCD. The number of pieces of bread itself can be determined using a weighing scale or a CCD, and the condition for releasing the execution prohibition process may be that the number of pieces of bread itself matches the number of undetected tags 7.

In addition, in the sales data processing device of this embodiment, the execution of a transaction (product registration process) is prohibited by not accepting operation of the “Subtotal” key 506, but the transaction execution prohibition process is not limited to prohibiting the execution of the product registration process.
For example, after the "subtotal" key is operated, the "current total" key may not be operated, and a receipt may not be issued, thereby prohibiting the execution of a transaction (accounting process).

In addition, in a sales data processing device in which the registration device and the settlement device are separate, the execution of a transaction may be prohibited by, for example, not accepting the selection operation of the settlement device and prohibiting the output process of product registration information to the settlement device.
In other words, a transaction may not be allowed until it is confirmed that all tags are in a non-detection state from the time product information is entered until the completion of the transaction process.

In the above embodiment, the electronic tag attached to the bread is used to identify product information, but the product information identification process that is subject to the transaction prohibition process is not limited to this.
In other words, there is no limitation as long as the transaction requires collection of a tag or the like that identifies product information before completion of the transaction.

It goes without saying that the above embodiments do not limit the invention described in the claims, but are treated as examples.

20: Sales data processing device 201: Control means 202: Identification means 203: Specific state identification means 204: Registration means (transaction execution means)
205: Output means (transaction execution means)
206: settlement means (transaction execution means)
207: Printing means (transaction execution means)
208: Prohibition means 209: Release means 210: Notification means 40: Detection (identification) device 40a: Detection area 41: First detection (identification) device 41a: Detection area 42: Second detection (identification) device 42a: Detection area 7: Tag (storage medium)

Claims (4)

A sales data processing device is disposed between a first identification device that is disposed upstream of a customer flow line and detects an electronic tag, and a second identification device that is disposed downstream of the customer flow line and detects the electronic tag, the first identification device and the second identification device being connected,
a means for detecting an electronic tag attached to a product by the first identification device and identifying product information;
A prohibition means for prohibiting execution of a transaction based on the specified product information;
a release means for releasing the prohibition of the transaction performed by the prohibition means when the electronic tag detected by the first identification device is detected by the second identification device;
a transaction execution means for executing a transaction based on the specified product information after the prohibition on execution of the transaction is lifted by the lifting means;
A display means,
when the product information is identified by the identification means, the display means displays the identified product information and displays a button for executing the transaction in an inoperable manner until the prohibition on the execution of the transaction is lifted by the release means, and when the prohibition on the execution of the transaction is lifted by the release means, displays the button for executing the transaction in an operable manner. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a notification unit that notifies the user when the identification unit detects a plurality of electronic tags of the same type. A program for controlling a sales data processing device that is disposed between a first identification device that is disposed upstream of a customer flow line and detects an electronic tag and a second identification device that is disposed downstream of the customer flow line and detects the electronic tag, the first identification device and the second identification device being connected thereto,
a step of detecting an electronic tag attached to a product by the first identification device and identifying product information;
prohibiting execution of a transaction based on the identified product information;
a step of canceling the prohibition of the transaction performed by the prohibition step when the electronic tag detected by the first identification device is detected by the second identification device;
a step of executing a transaction based on the specified product information after the prohibition on execution of the transaction is lifted by the lifting step;
Executing a procedure for displaying the specified product information;
In the displaying step, when product information is identified in the identifying step, the program displays the identified product information, and displays a button for executing the transaction in an inoperable manner until the prohibition on executing the transaction is lifted in the releasing step, and when the prohibition on executing the transaction is lifted in the releasing step, displays the button for executing the transaction in an operable manner. The program according to claim 3 , further comprising a step of notifying a user when a plurality of electronic tags of the same type are detected in the step of identifying the electronic tags.

Images