JP7514524B2 - Merchandise sales device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technology for supplying a fixed amount of goods.

As shown in Patent Document 1, a system is known that weighs and sells goods such as merchandise.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-50740

However, the operation of weighing and removing a fixed amount of goods from a device storing the goods requires many steps, which is a burden for customers. Also, some goods are best purchased without being weighed.
On the other hand, a customer may wish to purchase an item in a desired quantity.

Therefore, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a device that can supply a desired or fixed amount of items.

To achieve the above object, the product selling device according to the present invention comprises a first unit consisting of one or more first product supply devices that supply any amount of products, a second unit consisting of one or more second product supply devices that supply a fixed amount of products depending on the operation, and a label issuing device that issues labels for the products supplied by the first unit or the second unit.

1 is an external perspective view showing an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an article selling device including the article supplying device; 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams showing a storage section that constitutes an item supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating (a) a state in which the supply of items is stopped, (b) a state in which items are being supplied, and (c) a state in which the supply of items is stopped again. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the weighing device. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a supply unit constituting an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which an article can be stored, and FIG. 1A and 1B are oblique views showing a supply section that constitutes an item supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) the supply section is in a state in which it can store items, (b) the storage section is rotating, and (c) the supply section is supplying items. 1A and 1B are oblique views showing a supply section that constitutes an item supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) the supply section is in a state in which it can store items, (b) the storage section is rotating, and (c) the supply section is supplying items. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of an item supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams for explaining the function of the operation detection unit, showing (a) the operation detection unit in a horizontal state, (b) the operation detection unit in a state tilted at a predetermined angle a, and (c) the operation detection unit in a state tilted at a predetermined angle a+b. 1A and 1B are oblique views showing a supply section that constitutes an item supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing (a) a state in which an item can be stored, (b) a state in which an item is being stored, and (c) a state in which an item is being supplied. 1 is a perspective view showing a supply unit constituting an item supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views showing a schematic view of a supply section constituting an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which an article can be stored, and FIG. 1A and 1B are oblique views showing a supply section that constitutes an item supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) the section is in a state in which an item can be stored, (b) the section is storing an item, and (c) the section is supplying an item. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating functional configurations of a label issuing device, in which FIG. 1A shows a hardware configuration and FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in an item master. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a label issued by the label issuing device, in which (a) shows a label for a user's own container, and (b) shows a label for a store container. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processes executed when a first unit U1 provides an article to a customer in the article selling device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an example of a product selection screen displayed on the label issuing device. 13 is an example of a product button list display screen displayed on the label issuing device. 13 is an example of a container selection screen displayed on the label issuing device. 13 is an example of a display screen of a weight value and a selling price displayed on a label issuing device. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing executed when a second unit U2 provides an article to a customer in the article selling device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1A and 1B are examples of screens displayed on a display of an electronic shelf label, showing (a) a for-sale state and (b) a sold-out state. 1A and 1B are external perspective views showing an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which the top lid is closed, and FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of an arrangement configuration of devices constituting an article selling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of an arrangement configuration of devices constituting an article selling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Overview Hereinafter, an article supplying device and an article selling device including an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The goods selling device 1 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a device for selling goods by weight in response to an operation by a customer.
In this embodiment, the product is, for example, food such as dried fruits, nuts, and beans. However, the product is not limited to these products as long as it is suitable for selling by weight. Furthermore, the product supply device according to this embodiment is not limited to cases where such food products are provided to customers as products, but can also be used when a store receives a predetermined amount of supply. Therefore, the product supply device according to this embodiment will be described as supplying predetermined products including products.

Configuration of the Product Vending Device 1 The product vending device 1 is made up of a first unit U1, a second unit U2, and a label issuing device 8.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a label issuing device 8 is installed between the first unit U1 and the second unit U2.
The label issuing device 8 receives data from both the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 and issues a label according to the data. It is up to the customer to decide whether to use the first unit U1 or the second unit U2. Therefore, regardless of whether the first unit U1 or the second unit U2 is used, the label issuing device 8 is installed between the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 so that it is easily accessible to the customer.

The configurations of the first unit U1, the second unit U2, and the label issuing device 8 will be described in detail below, but will be briefly explained here.
The first unit U1 is composed of one or more product supply devices 2 for providing any quantity of a product to a customer, and is equipped with a weighing device 3 for weighing the any quantity of the product.
The article supplying device 2 has an operation unit for supplying any amount of articles. In response to an operation by the operation unit, the article supplying device 2 can transmit device identification information for identifying the article supplying device 2 that has supplied the articles to the label issuing device 8.
In addition, the weighing device 3 can measure the weight of the goods provided by the goods supplying device 2 and transmit the weighing result to the label issuing device 8.

The second unit U2 is also composed of one or more product supply devices 4 that supply a fixed amount of products to a customer depending on the number of operations.
The item supplying device 4 is equipped with an operation unit for performing operations to supply a fixed amount of items, and in response to operation by the operation unit, transmits to the label issuing device 8 device identification information that identifies the item supplying device 4 that supplied the items and information regarding the number of times the items have been supplied.

The label issuing device 8 holds a master that associates the device identification information of the item supply device 2 constituting the first unit U1 or the device identification information of the item supply device 4 constituting the second unit U2 with the item. This allows the label issuing device 8 to identify the items supplied by the item supply devices 2 and 4, calculate the sales price based on the item's weight and number of times it has been supplied, and issue a label for settlement.

● First unit U1
The first unit U1 is a unit for so-called bulk sales, and provides any amount of goods to a customer.
1, the first unit U1 has a plurality of article supplying devices 2. The plurality of article supplying devices 2 each have the same function and structure, and are provided for each type of article to be supplied.

Item supply device 2
The article supply device 2 is composed of a storage section 21 provided above, a supply section 22 provided below the storage section 21, and a weighing device 3 that measures the amount of supplied articles.
The storage unit 21 and the supply unit 22 are connected, and the goods in the storage unit 21 are supplied to the outside via the supply unit 22, so that the goods in the storage unit 21 are provided to the customer.
The storage unit 21 and the supply unit 22 may be integrally configured, or may be detachably configured by a predetermined attachment mechanism. If they are detachably configured, the storage unit 21 storing the goods can be replaced to replenish the goods in the goods supply device 2. In addition, the expiration date of the goods may be managed in response to replacement of the storage unit 21.

The storage section 21 is a hollow container that stores items.
The storage section 21 is capable of storing a certain amount of articles therein, and discharges the articles to the supply section 22 from a discharge outlet provided below.

The supply unit 22 supplies an amount of goods to the outside in accordance with the customer's operation.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the supply unit 22 includes a receiving port (not shown), a supply port 22 a , a storage unit 221 , an operation unit 222 , and a shielding unit 223 .

The receiving port is provided at a position corresponding to the discharge port of the storage unit 21. The discharge port and the receiving port are in communication with each other, and the articles in the storage unit 21 are supplied to the outside from the supply port 22a via the discharge port and the receiving port.
The supply port 22a is an opening provided at the bottom, and articles are supplied to the outside through this supply port 22a.
The storage section 221 is capable of storing a certain amount of items therein.

The operation unit 222 is a part that allows the customer to operate the shielding unit 223. This operation unit 222 is linked to the shielding unit 223, and the shielding unit 223 moves in response to operation by this operation unit 222. The operation unit 222 is, for example, a lever exposed to the outside, and the supply of goods is controlled by the shielding unit 223 that moves in response to lever operation.

The shielding portion 223 is a member that releasably shields the space between the storage portion 221 and the supply port 22a.
The shielding portion 223 is linked to a predetermined operating portion, and opens or closes the space between the storage portion 221 and the supply port 22a in response to an operation of the operating portion.
2 shows an example of the structure and operation of such a shielding unit 223. The shielding unit 223 is composed of a thin plate-like portion 2231 and a rotating shaft 2232 provided at the center of the plate-like portion 2231, and the plate-like portion 2231 rotates around the rotating shaft 2232.

As shown in FIG. 2(a), when the plate-shaped portion 2231 is in a horizontal state, the storage portion 221 and the supply port 22a are shielded, and the items in the storage portion 221 are not supplied to the outside through the supply port 22a. In response to the operation of the operation portion 222, the plate-shaped portion 2231 rotates about the rotation axis 2232, and when the plate-shaped portion 2231 is no longer horizontal, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the storage portion 221 and the supply port 22a are opened, and the items in the storage portion 221 are discharged through the supply port 22a. As shown in FIG. 2(c), when the plate-shaped portion 2231 rotates as it is and returns to a horizontal state, or when the plate-shaped portion 2231 returns to its original horizontal state by a spring or other biasing means that biases the plate-shaped portion 2231 to the horizontal state, the storage portion 221 and the supply port 22a are shielded again, and the supply of items is restricted.

The shielding unit 223 may be provided at the receiving opening and may be configured to cover or open the receiving opening in response to operation by the operating unit 222.

When a customer wishes to receive a desired amount of goods from this goods supply device 2, the customer places a container such as a cup under the supply port 22b so that the goods supplied from the supply port 22a go directly into the container. Then, the customer operates the operating unit 222 to receive the goods stored in the storage unit 21 via the discharge port of the storage unit 21, the receiving port of the supply unit 22, and the supply port 22a.

In addition, like the item supply device 4 described below, the item supply device 2 may be equipped with an operation detection unit that detects the item supply operation, an identification information storage unit that stores device identification information that identifies the item supply device 2, and a communication processing unit 403 that transmits the device identification information to the label issuing device 8 together with information indicating that the item supply operation has been performed. This allows the label issuing device 8 to determine which item supply device 2 supplied the item, and to identify the supplied item by referring to a specified storage unit that associates the device identification information with information related to the item supplied by the item supply device 2.

● Weighing device 3
The weighing device 3 is a device that weighs the articles placed on a predetermined placement surface. The weighing device 3 is provided below the supply port 22a of the article supply device 2.
When a customer receives an article from the article supply device 2, the customer places a container, such as a cup, for holding the article on the placement surface. When the customer performs an operation to receive an article from the article supply device 2, the article is supplied from the supply port 22a to the container on the placement surface.

As shown in FIG. 3, the weighing device 3 includes a weighing unit 31, an identification information storage unit 32, a display 33, and a communication processing unit 34.

The weighing unit 31 weighs the items (products, containers, etc.) placed on the placement surface 311, for example, using a weight detection method using a load cell. This measures the weight of the container placed on the placement surface 311 and the items supplied to the container.

Specifically, the weighing unit 311 is composed of a weight detection unit 311 and an AD converter 312 .
The weight detection unit 311 is realized by a load cell, and the A/D converter 312 converts the analog signal input from the weight detection unit 311 into a digital signal. In the conversion to a digital signal, a range in which the weight value can be appropriately acquired is set, and the zero point and the maximum weighing value are recorded. The value converted into digital data is displayed on the display 33 as a weighing value (weight).

The identification information storage unit 32 stores device identification information capable of identifying the weighing device 3 .
Regardless of the configuration shown in FIG. 3, instead of identification information capable of identifying the weighing device 3, converter identification information capable of identifying the A/D converter 312 can be stored in the A/D converter 31, and the weighing device 3 can be identified by the converter identification information.

The display 33 displays the weighing results from the weighing unit 31.

The communication processing unit 34 is a functional unit that transmits and receives data to and from the label issuing device 8 and higher-level devices, and realizes data communication, for example, via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The weighing device 3 can transmit information related to the weighing result by the weighing unit 31 to the label issuing device 8 using this communication processing unit 33. At this time, the weighing device 3 can refer to the identification information storage unit 32 and transmit the device identification information to the label issuing device 8 together with information related to the weighing result by the weighing unit 31.

When the label issuing device 8 receives the device identification information or converter identification information and the weight value from the weighing device 3, the weight value and the selling price are displayed on the display 81. In this way, even if the preset key is not displayed, when the weight of the goods on the weighing device 3 is stable enough to be weighed and the supply amount is determined, the weight value and the selling price are displayed on the display 81, so it is convenient for the customer to increase or decrease the amount of goods while checking the weight value and selling price on the display 81. This is particularly effective if the label issuing device 8 is installed near the operation unit 222 of the goods supply device 2, as the display 81 is closer to the customer who operates the operation unit 222.

The weighing device 3 may also have a clock function. A weighing device 3 with a clock function can manage, for example, the current time, the remaining time until a certain time, and the elapsed time since a certain state was reached. Furthermore, information acquired by this clock function may be provided to the label issuing device 8 by the communication processing unit 33.

The weighing device 3 may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the item supply device 2, or may be configured integrally with the item supply device 2.

●Second unit U2
The second unit U2 provides a fixed amount of goods to the customer per operation.
The second unit U2 has a plurality of article supplying devices 4. The plurality of article supplying devices 4 each have the same function and structure, and are provided for each type of article to be supplied.
In this embodiment, the second unit U2 is described as being configured by the article supply device 4 according to one embodiment. However, the second unit U2 may be configured by article supply devices 5, 6, and 7 according to other embodiments described later, instead of the article supply device 4.

Item supply device 4 according to Example 1
The article supply device 4 is composed of a storage section 41 provided at the top and a supply section 42 provided below the storage section 41.
The storage unit 41 and the supply unit 42 are connected, and the items in the storage unit 41 are supplied to the outside via the supply unit 42.
The storage unit 41 and the supply unit 42 may be integrally configured, or may be detachably configured by a predetermined attachment mechanism. If they are detachably configured, the storage unit 41 storing the articles can be replaced to replenish the articles in the article supply device 4.

The storage section 41 is a hollow container that stores items.
The storage section 41 is provided with a discharge port for discharging the articles to the supply section 42. For ease of explanation, the discharge port provided in the storage section 41 will be referred to as a "discharge port 41a" below.

The supply section 42 supplies a predetermined amount of the items stored in the storage section 41 to the outside in response to a customer's operation.
As shown in FIG. 4, the supply unit 42 is provided with a receiving port 42a, a supply port 42b, a container 43, and an operation unit 44.

The receiving port 42a is provided at a position corresponding to the discharge port 41a of the storage section 41. The discharge port 41a and the receiving port 42a are connected, and the items in the storage section 41 are discharged to the supply section 42 via the discharge port 41a and the receiving port 42a.

The container 43 is a cylindrical member with both ends closed, and the inner hollow portion forms a container section 431 for storing articles. An opening 43a is provided on the outer circumferential surface for receiving articles discharged from the storage section 41 into the container section 431.
As described below, this container 43 is connected to an operating unit 44 and is rotated in the circumferential direction by the operating unit 44. By rotating in the circumferential direction, the opening 43a faces the discharge port 41a side of the storage unit 41 or faces the supply port 42b side. Here, when the opening 43a faces the supply port 42b side, the outer peripheral surface of the container 43 faces the discharge port 41a side of the storage unit 41, and the receiving port 42a is shielded. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the container 43 constitutes a shielding means for shielding the receiving port 42a.
The storage section 431 is configured so that the internal space has a volume that is just filled with a fixed amount of goods.

The operating unit 44 constitutes a control means for rotating the container 43 and supplying the items contained in the container section 431 to the outside.
As shown in FIG. 4 , the operating unit 44 is composed of a lever 441 that moves up and down, a biasing unit such as a spring (not shown) that biases the lever 441 in a predetermined direction, and a rack and pinion (not shown) that converts the up and down movement of the lever 441 into a rotational movement of the container 43.

4(a) and 5(a), when the customer is not operating the lever 441, the lever 441 is lifted upward by the biasing part. At this time, the container 43 linked to the operating part 44 has the opening 43a facing the discharge outlet 41a of the storage part 41, and the articles discharged from the discharge outlet 41a are stored in the storage part 431.
Here, as shown in Fig. 5(b), when the customer presses down the lever 441 against the biasing force of the biasing part, the container 43 rotates in the circumferential direction, and the opening 43a is directed downward toward the supply port 42b, as shown in Figs. 4(b) and 5(c). As a result, the items stored in the container 431 fall from the opening 43a due to their own weight, and are supplied to the outside via the supply port 42b. At this time, since the opening 43a is directed toward the supply port 42b, the receiving port 42a is blocked by the outer circumferential surface of the container 43, and the items are not discharged from the storage part 41.

The container 43 in the supply section 42 may be arranged so that a pair of containers 431 are adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. 6. This allows an article to be supplied every time the container 431 rotates a quarter turn.

As shown in FIG. 7, the item supply device 4 having the above-described structure includes an operation detection unit 401, an identification information storage unit 402, and a communication processing unit 403 as functional units for executing information processing.

The operation detection unit 401 is a functional unit that detects the operation of the operation unit 44 by a customer, thereby counting the number of times an article has been supplied based on the operation by the customer. The operation detection unit 401 is realized by, for example, a sensor attached to a part that operates in response to the supply of an article, such as the operation unit 44 or the container 43 that is linked to the operation unit 44. The sensor is, for example, a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor, and detects changes such as tilt, rotation, and displacement based on the operation of the member to which the sensor is attached, such as the operation unit 44. When a change based on the operation is detected, it is counted as one supply of an article being executed. Information related to the number of times an article has been supplied is provided to the label issuing device 8 by the communication processing unit 403.
In addition, the number of times an item has been supplied can be counted by determining that the same customer has supplied an item multiple times until a certain period of time passes without any operation being performed.

The operation detection unit 401 is composed of functional units, for example, a setting storage unit 4011 and a determination unit 4012, as shown in FIG. 7.

The setting storage unit 4011 stores setting values such as a set angle and a displacement value used for the judgment by the judgment unit 4012. The set angle and the displacement value are angles that are set in advance to judge whether the operation unit 44, which is the object of detection of tilt, etc., is in a state to supply an item. Note that these values are values according to the operation unit 44.

The determination unit 4012 uses the tilt angle and displacement of the operation unit 44 to which the operation detection unit 401 is attached as an input value and determines whether the input value exceeds a setting value stored in the setting storage unit 4011. If the input value exceeds the setting value, it can be determined that an item has been supplied and an item supply operation has been performed.

Here, when the input value is a tilt angle, as shown in FIG. 8, when the operation detection unit 401 tilts (rotates) from the attitude shown in FIG. 8(a) to the attitude shown in FIG. 8(b), the input value is a degrees (or, including the tilt direction, it becomes +a degrees). Also, when the operation detection unit 12 tilts (rotates) from the attitude shown in FIG. 8(c) to the attitude shown in FIG. 8(b), the input value is b degrees (or, including the tilt direction, it becomes -b degrees).

Note that if an input value such as the tilt angle or displacement of the operation unit 44 to which the operation detection unit 401 is attached is equal to or greater than a set value stored in the setting storage unit 4011, it can be assumed that an item has been supplied, and therefore the determination unit 4012 can also be said to be an estimation means for estimating the supply of an item. In other words, the operation detection unit 401 including the determination unit 4012 can also be said to be an estimation device for estimating the supply of an item by the item supply device 2.

In addition, when counting the number of times an item has been supplied, for example, if an item has been supplied in response to a specific customer's operation and no further supply of an item is made within a certain period of time, the operation of the specific customer may be deemed to have ended, and information regarding the number of times an item has been supplied up to that point may be provided to the label issuing device 8.
In addition, after an item has been supplied in response to an operation by a specific customer, any subsequent supply of items within a certain period of time may be deemed to be in response to a request from that specific customer, and when the certain period of time has elapsed, information relating to the number of times the item has been supplied up to that point may be provided to the label issuing device 8.
In addition, information regarding the number of times an item has been supplied may be provided to the label issuing device 8 each time the supply of the item is counted.

The identification information storage unit 402 is a storage unit that stores identification information that can identify the item supply device 4.

The communication processing unit 403 is a functional unit that transmits and receives data to and from the label issuing device 8 and higher-level devices, and realizes data communication, for example, via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication processing unit 403 enables the item supply device 4 to transmit, to the label issuing device 8, information related to the number of times the item has been supplied, together with identification information of the item supply device 4.

Item supply device 5 according to embodiment 2
The article supply device 5 is composed of the above-mentioned storage unit 41 and a supply unit 52 shown in FIG.
Similarly to the article supply device 4 according to the first embodiment, the storage unit 41 and the supply unit 52 may be configured as an integral unit, or may be configured to be detachable.

The supply unit 52 supplies a predetermined amount of the items stored in the storage unit 41 to the outside in response to a customer's operation.
The supply section 52 is provided with a receiving port 52 a , a supply port 52 b , a container 53 , a shielding section 54 , a support section 55 , a first operating section 56 , and a second operating section 57 .

The receiving port 52a is provided at a position corresponding to the discharge port 41a of the storage section 41. The discharge port 41a and the receiving port 52a are connected, and the items in the storage section 41 are discharged to the supply section 52 via the discharge port 41a and the receiving port 52a.

The container 53 is a bowl-shaped member, and the inner recess forms a container section 531 for storing items. The upper part of the container section 531 is open, and the open part forms an opening for receiving items discharged from the storage section 41 into the container section 531. The container 53 is provided below the receiving port 52a, so that the items discharged from the storage section 41 are stored in the container section 531 via the discharge port 41a and the receiving port 52a.
The storage section 531 is adjusted to have a volume that is just filled with a fixed amount of goods.

A second operating part 57, which will be described later, is connected to this container 53 near its opening, and the container 53 is rotated by the second operating part 57. By rotating the container 53, the opening faces the discharge port 41a side of the storage part 41 or faces the supply port 52b side.
In addition, a support portion 55, which will be described later, is connected to the container 53.

The shielding portion 54 constitutes a shielding means for releasably shielding the receiving port 52a. The shielding portion 54 has a shape in which four semicircular shielding pieces 541 are joined at linear portions to form a cross shape in cross section, and a core rod 562 constituting the first operating portion 56 passes along the linear portions.
The shielding portion 54 is provided at the receiving port 52a. The planar shape formed by a pair of shielding pieces 541 provided on the same plane is the same as the planar shape of the receiving port 52a. As a result, when any pair of shielding pieces 541 is horizontal, the receiving port 52a is shielded, and the discharge of the articles in the storage section 41 is restricted. On the other hand, when the shielding portion 54 rotates from this shielded state in response to the rotation of the core rod 562 and none of the shielding pieces 541 is in a horizontal state, the receiving port 52a is in an open state. In this state, the articles in the storage section 41 are discharged to the supply section 52 through the discharge port 41a and the receiving port 52a.
Here, when the core rod 562 rotates a quarter turn circumferentially from the state in which the receiving port 52a is shielded by the shielding portion 54, and the receiving port 52a is shielded again, the amount of goods discharged into the container 53 through the receiving port 52a is designed to be equal to the specified amount to be provided to the customer in one goods supply operation.

The support part 55 is a rod-shaped member connected to the container 53. A rotating shaft 551 is provided in the center of the support part 55, and both ends of the support part 55 move up and down with the rotating shaft 551 as a fulcrum. The container 53 is connected to one end of the support part 55, and a weight 552 and a restricting part 553 are provided on the other end.
One end of the support portion 55 is connected to the container 53 , but is not rotated in response to the rotation of the container 53 caused by the second operating portion 57 .

The weight 552 has a predetermined weight, and when a fixed amount of articles is stored in the storage section 531, the end on which the weight 552 is attached is lifted upward with the rotation shaft 551 as a fulcrum.
The restricting portion 553 is a portion that restricts the rotation of a gear 563 constituting the first operating portion 56 described later. The restricting portion 553 is provided at the end of the support portion 55 on the side where the weight 552 is provided, below the gear 563 constituting the first operating portion 56 described later.
When no article is stored in storage section 531, restricting section 553 is held below gear 563 by weight 552 and is not in contact with gear 563. On the other hand, when a fixed amount of articles is stored in storage section 531, restricting section 553 rises with rotation shaft 551 as a fulcrum and engages between gear teeth provided on the outer circumferential surface of gear 563, restricting the rotation of gear 563.

The first operating unit 56 is composed of a handle 561 provided on the outside of the supply unit 52, a core rod 562 that rotates in the circumferential direction in accordance with the rotation of the handle 561, and a gear 563 provided at one end of the core rod 562.

The core rod 562, one end of which is connected to the center of one side of the handle 561, is provided within the supply section 52 and extends below the receiving port 52a to the back of the supply section 52. This core rod 562 is provided with a shielding section 54 at a position below the receiving port 52a. When the core rod 562 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the handle 561, the shielding section 54 rotates, opening or closing the receiving port 52a.

One end of a core rod 562 is connected to the center of one surface of the gear 563. The gear 563 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the core rod 562, and further the handle 561 to which the core rod 562 is connected.
As described above, when the restricting portion 553 fits between the gear teeth, the rotation of the gear 563 is restricted. When the rotation of the gear 563 is restricted, the rotation of the handle 561 connected to the gear 563 by the core rod 562 is also restricted.

The second operating section 57 constitutes a control means for rotating the container 53 and supplying the items contained in the container section 531 to the outside.
This second operating unit 57 is composed of a lever 571 that moves up and down, a biasing unit such as a spring (not shown) that biases the lever 571 in a predetermined direction, and a rack and pinion (not shown) that converts the up and down movement of the lever 571 into a rotational movement of the container 53.

When the customer is not operating the lever 571, the lever 571 is lifted upward by the biasing part. At this time, the container 53 linked to the second operating part 57 faces its opening toward the discharge port 41a of the storage part 41, and the items discharged from the discharge port 41a are stored in the storage part 531. When the customer presses down the lever 571 against the biasing force of the biasing part, the container 53 rotates in the circumferential direction, and the opening of the container 53 faces downward toward the supply port 52b. As a result, the items stored in the storage part 531 fall by their own weight and are supplied to the outside via the supply port 52b.
When the storage portion 531 becomes empty, the support portion 55 rotates about the rotation shaft 551 as a fulcrum, whereby the restricting portion 553 separates from the gear 563, and the first operating portion 56 becomes operable again.

The item supply device 5 having the above-described structure has, like the item supply device 4, an operation detection unit, an identification information storage unit, and a communication processing unit as functional units for executing information processing. These operation detection unit, identification information storage unit, and communication processing unit execute the same functions as the operation detection unit 401, the identification information storage unit 402, and the communication processing unit 403 described above.

The sensor that realizes the operation detection unit provided in the item supply device 5 is attached, for example, to the first operation unit 56, the second operation unit 57, or the container 53 that rotates in conjunction with the second operation unit 57.

Item supply device 6 according to embodiment 3
The article supply device 6 is composed of the above-mentioned storage section 41 and a supply section 62 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, which is provided below the storage section 41.
Similarly to the article supply device 4 according to the first embodiment, the storage unit 41 and the supply unit 62 may be configured as an integral unit, or may be configured to be detachable.

The supply unit 62 supplies a predetermined amount of the items stored in the storage unit 41 to the outside in response to a customer's operation.
The supply section 62 is provided with a receiving port 62a, a container 63, and a supply port 62b.

The receiving port 62a is provided at a position corresponding to the discharge port 41a of the storage section 41. The discharge port 21a and the receiving port 62a are connected, and the items in the storage section 41 are discharged to the supply section 62 via the discharge port 41a and the receiving port 62a.

The container 63 is a rectangular columnar member, one end of which in the longitudinal direction is exposed to the outside, and the other end of which is housed within the supply unit 62. A support portion 631 that supports the container 63 from the underside is provided within the supply unit 62. The container 63 advances and retreats within the supply unit 62 along the longitudinal direction while being supported by the support portion 631.
The portion of the container 63 exposed to the outside constitutes an operating section for carrying out an operation to supply the items contained in the container 63 to the outside, as described below.

An urging portion 632 such as a spring is provided at one end of the container 63 that is housed within the supply portion 62 .
Of the longitudinal ends of the urging portion 632, the end opposite the end attached to the container 63 is attached to the inner wall of the supply portion 62. As a result, when the container 63 is pushed into the supply portion 62 from the outside, the urging portion 632 is compressed and urges the container 63 outward.

Through holes 63a that open at the top and bottom are formed in the container 63. The cross section of the through holes 63a is configured to have the same shape as the receiving port 62a, and when the biasing portion 632 is fully extended, the opening at the upper end of the through hole 63a appears below the receiving port 62a. In this state, the opening at the lower end of the through hole 63a is blocked by the support portion 631, and the through hole 63a, together with the support portion 631, constitute a container that contains items discharged from the storage portion 41. The container formed by the through hole 63a and the support portion 631 is configured so that the internal space has a volume that is just filled with a fixed amount of items.

When the biasing portion 632 is in a compressed state, the opening at the upper end of the through hole 63a does not appear below the receiving port 62a. In this state, the receiving port 62a is covered by the container 63, and the container 63 constitutes a shielding means for covering the receiving port 62a.
In addition, in this state, the opening at the lower end of the through hole 63a is not blocked by the support portion 631, and if an article was stored inside when it was blocked by the support portion 631, the article would fall under its own weight and be supplied to the outside through the supply port 62b.

In the item supply device 6, when the customer is not pushing in the container 63 exposed to the outside, the through hole 63a appears below the receiving opening 62a, forming a container section capable of storing items. In this state, items are discharged from the discharge opening 41a into the container section, and the items are stored in the container section.

When a customer pushes in the container 63 exposed to the outside against the biasing force of the biasing portion 632, the through hole 63a moves to the back, and the receiving opening 62a is covered by the container 63. On the other hand, the lower part of the through hole 63a is opened, and thus the article is supplied to the outside from the supply opening 62b.
When the customer releases the container 63 after the article has been supplied to the outside, the container 63 receives the biasing force of the biasing portion 632 and returns from the state in which it was deeply pushed into the supply portion 62. As a result, the through hole 63a appears below the receiving opening 62a again, and the through hole 63a and the support portion 631 form a storage portion, and the article discharged from the storage portion 41 is stored therein.

The item supply device 6 having the above-described structure has, like the item supply device 4, an operation detection unit, an identification information storage unit, and a communication processing unit as functional units for executing information processing. These operation detection unit, identification information storage unit, and communication processing unit execute the same functions as the operation detection unit 401, identification information storage unit 402, and communication processing unit 403 described above.

The sensor that realizes the operation detection unit equipped in the item supply device 6 is attached to the container 63, which also serves as the operation unit, for example.

Item supply device 7 according to Example 4
12 is a schematic diagram of a supply unit 72 constituting an article supply device according to Example 4. Above the supply unit 72, the above-mentioned storage unit 41 is provided.
In this case, the product supply device composed of the storage unit 41 and the supply unit 72 is referred to as the "product supply device 7."
Similarly to the article supply device 4 according to the first embodiment, the storage unit 41 and the supply unit 72 may be configured as an integral unit, or may be configured to be detachable.

The supply unit 72 supplies a predetermined amount of the goods stored in the storage unit 41 to the outside in response to a customer's operation.
The supply section 72 is provided with a receiving port (not shown), a container 73, a shielding section 74, and a supply port 72b, as well as a first operation section and a second operation section (not shown).

The receiving port is provided at a position corresponding to the discharge port 41a of the storage section 41. The discharge port 41a and the receiving port are connected, and the items in the storage section 41 are discharged to the supply section 72 via the discharge port 41a and the receiving port.

The container 73 is a cylindrical member that is open at the top and bottom.
A lid 731 is provided on the opening at the lower end of the container 73, and the opening at the lower end is opened or closed by the lid 731. When the lower part is closed by the lid 731, the inside of the container 73 forms a container section 732 that contains items.

The upper part of the container 73 is open and can be covered by a shielding section 74 described later, and the open part constitutes an opening 73a for receiving the articles discharged from the storage section 41 into the storage section 732. This opening 73a is provided below the receiving port, so that the articles discharged from the storage section 41 are received in the storage section 732 from the opening 73a via the discharge port 41a and the receiving port.
The storage section 732 is adjusted in volume so that it is filled with a fixed amount of goods.

The shielding portion 74 shields the upper opening 73a of the container 73 in response to operation of the first operating portion.
The shielding section 74 includes six generally sector-shaped shielding pieces 741. The six generally sector-shaped shielding pieces 741 overlap each other at their apex angles to form a circle having the same shape as the opening 73a, thereby shielding the opening 73a. In this state, the discharge of the articles in the storage section 41 is restricted.
On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 12, each of the shielding pieces 741 rotates around one of the base angles of the arc toward the outside of the receiving opening 72a, thereby opening the receiving opening. In this state, the articles in the storage section 41 are discharged to the supply section 72 through the discharge opening 41a and the receiving opening.

The first operating unit is a mechanism for operating the shielding unit 74, and is connected to the shielding unit 74. The first operating unit is adapted to receive operations by the customer from outside the supply unit 72, and the shielding unit 74 closes or opens the receiving port 72a in response to the customer's operation.

The second operating unit is a mechanism for operating the lid body 731, and is connected to the lid body 731. The second operating unit is adapted to receive operation by the customer from outside the supply unit 72, and the lid body 731 opens or closes the bottom end of the container 73 in response to the customer's operation.

In this type of item supply device 7, with the end of the container 73 closed by the lid 731, the shielding section 74 is opened to discharge items from the storage section 41 and store the items in the container 732. When receiving a supply of items, the shielding section 74 is operated by the first operating section to block the receiving port. Then, the lid 731 is operated by the second operating section to open the bottom end of the container 73. This causes the items in the container 732 to fall and be supplied to the outside via the supply port 72b.

The item supply device 7 having the above-described structure has, like the item supply device 4, an operation detection unit, an identification information storage unit, and a communication processing unit as functional units for executing information processing. These operation detection unit, identification information storage unit, and communication processing unit execute the same functions as the operation detection unit 401, the identification information storage unit 402, and the communication processing unit 403 described above.

The sensor that realizes the operation detection unit provided in the item supply device 7 is attached, for example, to the first operation unit, the second operation unit, or the lid body 731 that is linked to the second operation unit.

Label issuing device 8
The label issuing device 8 is a printer device that issues labels. The label issuing device 8 acquires information about the product provided to the customer from the first unit U1 and the second unit U2, and issues a label on which information for selling the product provided to the customer is printed in response to the information.

As shown in FIG. 13(a), the label issuing device 8 includes, as hardware resources, a calculation device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing information processing, and storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and is connected to a display 81 and an issuing unit 82 via an interface circuit.

The display 81 is realized by a touch panel display, and functions as an input/output processing unit that displays various information to the customer and accepts various operational information.

The issuing unit 82 prints print data generated by an information processing unit 804 (described later) on a predetermined medium to generate a label, and ejects the label from the label issuing port 8a.
The label may be a paper receipt or a sticker that can be attached to a container for storing an item.

As shown in FIG. 13(b), the label issuing device 8 includes, as software resources, an item master 801, a container master 802, a setting master 803, an information processing unit 804, and a communication processing unit 805.

The item master 801 stores basic information such as the name and price of an item.
Data items stored in this item master 801 include, for example, item identification information, item name, measurement category, unit price, and unit weight, as shown in FIG.
The information stored in the item master 801 may be received by the communication processing unit from a management device installed in the store or a cloud server located outside the store.

The metrology category is a category related to metrology.
Measurement category "0" is a measurement category that corresponds to "unfixed weight" and is applied when goods are provided to customers by the first unit U1. Unfixed weight is a sales method in which the selling price is determined based on a preset unit price per unit weight ("100g" in this embodiment) and the weight (measured value) to be sold. For goods in measurement category "0 (unfixed weight)", the weight to be sold is required to determine the selling price.

When the measurement category is "0 (unfixed weight)", the unit price column stores the unit price per unit weight, and the unit weight column stores the unit weight. For example, for an item with item identification information "SH001" (item name "AAA"), it is stored that the unit price per 100g is 250 yen. Therefore, for an item with item name "AAA", if the measurement value is 50g, the selling price will be 125 yen, and if the measurement value is 200g, the selling price will be 500 yen.

Measurement category "1" is the measurement category that corresponds to "fixed weight" and is applied when goods are provided to a customer by the first unit U1. Fixed weight is a sales method in which the selling price is determined based on a preset unit price ("one piece" in this embodiment) and the sales quantity converted from the unit weight. For goods in measurement category "1 (fixed weight)", the quantity of the goods is calculated (estimated) from the unit weight of the goods (the weight of one piece, which is the unit quantity; already stored) and the measurement value, and the selling price is determined from the calculated quantity of the goods and the unit price per unit quantity, so weighing by the weighing device 3 is necessary.
Incidentally, the weight error of each individual may be corrected by using an accuracy correction function provided in the counting scale or the like.

When the measurement category is "1 (fixed weight)", the unit price column stores the unit price per unit weight (i.e. quantity 1), and the unit weight column stores the unit weight equivalent to quantity 1. For example, for an item with item identification information "SH103" (item name "ABC"), it is stored that the unit price per item (weight 80g) is 90. Therefore, for an item with item name "ABC", if the weighing value is around 85g, the selling price will be 90 yen for one item, and if the weighing value is around 150g, the selling price will be 180 yen for two items.

Measurement category "2" corresponds to "fixed price" and is applied when goods are provided to customers by the second unit U2. Fixed price is a sales method in which the sales price is determined based on a preset unit price ("one item" in this embodiment) and the sales quantity input as the number of items placed. For items in measurement category "2 (fixed price)", the sales quantity is determined by the number of items placed, regardless of weight, so there is no need to measure using the weighing device 3.

When the measurement category is "2 (fixed price)," the unit price field stores the unit price per quantity (nothing is stored in the unit weight field). For example, for an item with item identification information "SH150" (item name "AAAA"), the unit price per unit is stored as 120. Therefore, for an item with item name "AAAA," if the quantity input value is 1, the selling price will be 120 yen for one item, and if the quantity input value is 2, the selling price will be 240 yen for two items.

The container master 802 stores information related to the weight of the container in which the item is placed, etc. The containers that are intended to be used in this embodiment include so-called "my containers" owned by the customer and containers sold in stores. However, some containers sold in stores can be used as "my containers" after the customer purchases them.

The data items stored in this container master 802 include, for example, store container identification information, store container weight information, and store container price information. Store container identification information includes container identification information related to a store container. Container identification information is identification information that identifies a container. Container identification information is identification information that can identify, for example, my container, container S (one of the store containers), container M (one of the store containers), and container L (one of the store containers). For example, container identification information "10" is my container, container identification information "21" is container S, container identification information "22" is container M, and container identification information "23" is container L. Store container identification information is container identification information related to a store container, as described above. Store container weight information is weight information for each store container. Store container price information is price information for each store container.

The setting master 803 stores setting information that associates device identification information capable of identifying the item supplying device 4 with item identification information of items stored in the item supplying device 4 .
By referring to this setting master 803, it is possible to identify the items stored in a specific item supply device 4 and supplied from that specific item supply device 4.
In addition, in this setting master 803, the device identification information of the item supplying device 2 and the item identification information of the items stored in the item supplying device 2 may be stored in association with each other.

The information processing unit 804 acquires information necessary for calculating the selling price of the item from the first unit U1 or the second unit U2, and calculates the selling price of the item.
When an item is provided to a customer in the first unit U1, the information processing unit 804 first refers to the item master 801 to ascertain the item provided to the customer and its unit price. Then, the weight of the item provided to the customer is calculated from the measurement value and the weight of the container, and the unit price of the item is multiplied by the calculated weight to calculate the sales price of the item provided to the customer.
In addition, if the customer purchases a container when the goods are provided, the purchase cost of the container is included in the calculation of the sales price.

When an item is provided to a customer in the second unit U2, the information processing unit 804 first refers to the item master 801 to ascertain the item provided to the customer and the unit price per supply of the item by the item supply device 4. Then, the unit price per supply of the item is multiplied by the number of supplies to calculate the sales price of the item provided to the customer.

If the customer purchases a container when providing the product, the purchase cost of the container is included in the calculation of the sales price. Information related to the sales price of the product may be coded, for example, into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code.

The information on the selling price of the item calculated by the information processing unit 804 is supplied to the issuing unit 82 together with information on the name, quantity, etc. of the item, and is issued as a label by the issuing unit 82.
FIG. 15(a) shows an example of a label issued when a my-container is used. The label in FIG. 15(a) has "my-bottle" printed on it to indicate that a my-container was used. The 827 yen on the label in FIG. 15(a) is a special my-bottle price obtained by subtracting the my-bottle discount amount (20 yen) from the amount (847 yen) for the net amount (121 g) of (original nut mix) with a unit price (yen/100 g) of 700 yen. Here, the net amount (121 g) is a numerical value measured by the weighing device 3 in the case of the first unit U1, and is a fixed amount per supply of the goods in the case of the second unit U2.
Although not printed in the example of Fig. 15(a), the discount amount for a personal bottle (20 yen) may also be printed. The barcode on the label in Fig. 15(a) is, for example, a coded version of the amount (847 yen). Since a personal bottle (personal container) is priced at 0 yen, 0 yen may be explicitly printed for the personal bottle (personal container).

Figure 15(b) shows a label when a store container is used. On the label in Figure 15(b), "Container A" is printed to indicate that a store container was used. In this example, the price of container A is 30 yen, so "30 yen" is printed. The 877 yen on the label in Figure 15(b) is the amount obtained by adding the 30 yen price of container A to the 847 yen described in Figure 15(a). The barcode on the label in Figure 15(b) is, for example, a coded version of the amount (877 yen).

The communication processing unit 805 is configured to be able to communicate data with the weighing device 3 constituting the first unit U1 and the item supply device 4 constituting the second unit U2.
The communication means is not particularly limited and may be realized, for example, by a wired or wireless LAN. The label issuing device 8 may be configured to be able to communicate with the weighing device 3 and the article supply device 4 as well as with a higher-level server installed in the store, or may be configured to be able to communicate with an external server via a network such as the Internet.

In addition to these functional units, the label issuing device 8 may also be equipped with a scanner unit, a voice output unit, a tag reader, etc., depending on the sales method of the item.

The scanner unit is a functional unit that optically reads various types of information, and reads one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes in which predetermined information is encoded.
This allows, for example, information related to the weight of a container for placing an item, or container identification information that identifies the container, to be encoded into a two-dimensional code and printed on the container, and the two-dimensional code can then be read to obtain information related to the weight of the container or the container identification information.

The audio output unit outputs audio, for example audio guidance.

The tag reader reads and writes information from and to a non-contact IC tag. An example of a non-contact IC tag is an RFID (radio frequency identifier) tag, and the tag reader reads and writes information between the non-contact IC tag and the tag by short-range wireless communication using an electromagnetic field, radio waves, or the like.
For example, information on the weight of a container into which an article is to be placed or container identification information for identifying the container may be written in a non-contact ID tag, and a label incorporating the non-contact ID may be affixed to the container. Then, the tag reader/writer may read the information on the weight of the container into which the article is to be placed or the container identification information for identifying the container.

In addition, the label issuing device 8 also stores a button setting file related to the buttons that are displayed in an operable manner on the display 81.

In addition, a store terminal is installed separately in the store, which executes payment processing for the item based on the label issued by the label issuing device 8. This store terminal is, for example, a POS terminal operated by a store clerk or a customer, who inputs information related to the selling price of the item printed on the label into the store terminal and executes a payment operation according to a specified payment method.

The software resources of the label issuing device 8 described above can be distributed or consolidated into any of the hardware resources through appropriate design, and the hardware resources can also be configured as physically integrated devices or separate devices.

Processing flow (when the first unit U1 is used)
The flow of a process executed when a customer receives an item from the item selling device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.
Before the goods sales device 1 is used, the store associates each goods supply device 2, 4 with the goods identification information of the goods supplied by the goods supply device 2, 4 and stores the association information in the setting master 803.

When a customer uses the goods selling device 1, the customer arbitrarily selects and uses the first unit U1 or the second unit U2.
First, an example of the flow of a process executed when a customer receives an article from the first unit U1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The customer selects the container to be used from the display 81 of the label issuing device 8 (S101). The container can be selected as a "my container" or a store container sold by the store. Store containers sold by the store come in sizes such as S, M, and L, and the customer selects the desired size.
Here, when the my container is selected, if the my container is registered, the container identification information for identifying the my container, or the information related to the weight of the my container is obtained from the two-dimensional code written on the label attached to the my container, or the non-contact IC tag attached to the my container. Also, when a store container sold by a store is selected, if the weight of the store container is registered in the container master 802 in association with the container identification information, the weight of the store container is grasped based on the container identification information. This allows the weight of the my container and the store container to be grasped by referring to the container master 802. The container weight (tare weight) when the my container is selected and the weight of the store container sold by the store are automatically obtained by the label issuing device 8, which is useful because it is possible to omit the tare operation. Note that even in the case of an unregistered container, it can be used by placing an empty container on the weighing unit 31 and performing a tare operation.

On the other hand, if the container is not registered, the weight of the container is measured as the weight of the container, and the container is registered.
In one example of registering a my container, a label with an embedded non-contact IC tag is first affixed to a container brought by a customer (the container to be registered as my container). Next, the unregistered my container is placed on the weighing device 3. The weighing device 3 weighs the unregistered my container that has been placed on it. The measured value is the weight of the tare (my container). After weighing the my container, the weighing device 3 writes the measured value into the non-contact IC tag attached to the label affixed to the my container. This makes the unregistered my container a registered my container.
In another example of registering a container, a non-contact IC tag storing predetermined container identification information or a label printed with a two-dimensional code encoding the predetermined container identification information is attached to the container. Then, the predetermined container identification information and the tare weight of the container are registered in the container master 802.

The customer operates the article supplying device 2 containing the desired product, places the product in a container, and places the container containing the product on the placement surface 311 of the weighing device 3. Alternatively, the customer may place the container on the placement surface 311 of the weighing device 3 installed below the article supplying device 2 containing the desired product, and then operate the article supplying device 2 to place the desired amount of product in the container.
The weighing device 3 uses the weighing unit 31 to measure the weight of the container on the placement surface 311 and the items placed in the container (S102).
The item supply device 2 transmits device identification information for identifying its own device to the label issuing device 8, and the weighing device 3 transmits information related to the weight value of the item (S103).

The label issuing device 8 calculates the sales price of the goods provided to the customer by the information processing unit 804 (S104). That is, the information processing unit 804 refers to the goods master 801 and the setting master 803 to grasp the goods provided to the customer and their unit prices. Then, the information processing unit 804 calculates the weight of the goods provided to the customer from the measurement value and the weight of the container, and multiplies the unit price of the goods by the calculated weight to calculate the sales price of the goods provided to the customer.
In addition, when calculating the sales price, if a container is purchased in step S101, the purchase cost of the container is included in the sales price.

The label issuing device 8, when the issuing unit 82 prints information related to the selling price on a medium such as paper to create a label, ejects the label from the label issuing port 8a (S105).
The customer who receives the label hands it over to a store clerk, who then executes the payment process using a store terminal. Note that the payment process may also be performed by the customer themselves at the store.

When selling goods by the first unit U1, the selection of the goods may be accepted. In this case, it is not necessary to receive device identification information from the goods supply device 2 to identify the goods.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a product selection screen displayed on the label issuing device 8 for selecting a product as an item.
The selection screen has an area at the top that displays the weight, unit weight, and price. A virtual keyboard and virtual numeric keypad are displayed at the bottom of the selection screen. An area for displaying product buttons (product button area) is provided in the center of the product selection screen.
The product button can also display the weight of the product. Product buttons may be provided not only for each product, but also for each predetermined weight of the same product. In the example shown in FIG. 17, a "90g" button and a "120g" button are provided for the same "Cashew Nuts."

In addition, on the selection screen, the product buttons displayed in the button area can be switched using tabs. Each of the tabs "Nuts," "Hot Items," "Fruits," and "Vegetables" is a tab related to the respective product. When the tab "Nuts" is selected, the product button area displays a list of product buttons for all products that contain nuts, as shown in FIG. 18. The same is true when the tab "Hot Items," "Fruits," or "Vegetables" is selected. The tab "Selected Items" is a tab related to the product selected by the customer.

The customer selects the item to be weighed from this selection screen, and the label issuing device 8 accepts this. The label issuing device 8 calculates the selling price based on the weight of the item obtained from the weighing device 3 and the information of the item selected by the customer from the selection screen, and issues a label.

19 and 20 show examples of screens displayed on the label issuing device 8 when a customer selects a container to put an article into.
19 shows a screen when a store container is selected as a container for putting goods in, and buttons for selecting the size of the store container, S, M, or L, are displayed on the screen. The customer specifies the size of their choice on the screen.
Figure 20 shows the screen after the net quantity and selling price of the weighed item have been calculated. The screen displays the name of the item, the tare weight of the store container of the size selected by the customer, the net quantity of the item, the unit price of the item, and the selling price.

Note that the container may be selected after the customer receives the item. For example, an item is provided to a customer, and the weighing device 3 transmits a weighing value and device identification information to the label issuing device 8. The weighing result is displayed on the display 81 of the label issuing device 8. After a certain period of inactivity (e.g., a few seconds) has elapsed, a container selection screen appears and the customer can select a container.

Processing flow (when second unit U2 is used)
An example of the flow of a process executed when a customer receives a supply of an article from the second unit U2 will be described with reference to FIG.

The customer selects the container to be used from the display 81 of the label issuing device 8, similar to the procedure when using the first unit U1 (S201).

A customer brings a container below the product supplying device 4 in which a desired product is stored, and operates the product supplying device 4 to place the desired product into the container. Alternatively, the customer may place a container below the product supplying device 4 in which the desired product is stored, and then operate the product supplying device 4 to place the product into the container. The product supplying device 4 is designed to supply a fixed amount of product with one operation, and a customer can operate the product supplying device 4 as many times as desired to receive a supply of products.
In response to this, the item supply device 4 detects the operation by the operation detection unit 301 (S202), and counts the number of supplies (S203).

After detecting the supply of an item by a customer, when a certain period of time has elapsed without any operation (S204), the label issuing device 8 assumes that the operation by the customer has ended and transmits device identification information of its own device and information related to the number of times the item has been supplied to the label issuing device 8 (S205).

The label issuing device 8 calculates the selling price of the goods provided to the customer by the information processing unit 804 (S206). That is, the information processing unit 804 refers to the goods master 801 to grasp the goods provided to the customer and the unit price per supply of the goods by the goods supply device 4. Then, the selling price of the goods provided to the customer is calculated by multiplying the unit price per supply of the goods by the number of supplies.
In addition, when calculating the sales price, if a container is purchased in step S201, the purchase cost of the container is included in the sales price.

In the label issuing device 8, the issuing unit 82 prints information about the selling price on a medium such as paper to create a label, and then discharges the label from the label issuing port 8a (S207). In order to prevent the label from being left behind, a sensor may be attached to notify the user that the label has been left behind.
The customer who receives the label hands it over to a store clerk, who then executes the payment process using a store terminal. Note that the payment process may also be performed by the customer themselves at the store.

In the process of providing goods to customers using the second unit U2, if a customer uses a personal cup, the selection of the container can be eliminated. Also, store containers can be sold separately from the goods sales device 1, and even if the customer uses a store container, the selection of the container can be eliminated. With this configuration, the customer can receive goods without performing any operations on the label issuing device 8.

Item supply device 9
In the article supplying device 4 according to the present embodiment described above, a fixed amount of articles is supplied from the storage unit 41 to the supply unit 42 in one operation using only a physical mechanism. Meanwhile, in the article supplying device 9 according to another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 22, a hopper scale 91 can be attached to the discharge outlet 41a of the storage unit 41, and articles can be provided to a customer from the storage unit 41 via the hopper scale 91.

As shown in FIG. 22, the hopper scale 91 includes a receiving port 91a for receiving the supply of goods from the storage section 41, a supply port 91b for supplying goods to the outside, a storage section 92 capable of storing goods, and a weighing section 93, as well as a first shielding section and a second shielding section (not shown).
Further, the article supplying device 9 is provided with an operation unit 94 for operating the article supplying device 9. In Fig. 22, the operation unit 94 is provided in the storage unit 41, but it may be provided in the hopper scale 91.
The article supply device 9 also includes a control unit for controlling the first shielding unit and the second shielding unit.

The receiving port 91a is provided at a position corresponding to the discharge port 41a of the storage section 41. The discharge port 41a and the receiving port 91a are in communication with each other, and the articles in the storage section 41 are discharged to the storage section 92 via the discharge port 41a and the receiving port 91a.
The supply port 91b is an opening that leads from the storage section 92 to the outside, and the items in the storage section 92 are supplied to the outside via the supply port 91b.

The first shielding portion is a means for openably shielding the receiving opening 91a, and is constituted, for example, by a plate-like member capable of blocking the receiving opening 91a.
The second shielding portion is a means for releasably shielding the supply port 91b, and is formed, for example, of a plate-like member capable of blocking the supply port 91b.
Both the first and second shielding portions open or close the receiving port 91a or the supply port 91b by electrical control.

The storage section 92 receives and stores items discharged from the storage section 41 attached above through the receiving port 91a.

The weighing unit 93 measures the weight of the items in the storage unit 92 by a weight detection method using a load cell. The weighing unit 93 can measure the weight of the items in the storage unit 92.
In detail, the weighing unit 93 is composed of a weight detection unit (load cell) similar to the weighing unit 31 in the weighing device 3, and an AD converter. When analog data is input from the weight detection unit to the AD converter, the analog data is converted into digital data and the weight is determined.

The operation unit 94 is a means for requesting the item supply device 9 to supply items, and in this embodiment is configured as a lever. When the operation unit 94 configured as a lever is pressed down, a signal requesting the supply of items is sent to the control unit, and the control unit executes control to supply items in response to this. When a signal requesting the supply of items is sent to the control unit, the lever returns to its original position.

When the operation unit 94 is operated and a signal is received requesting the supply of an item, the control unit controls the first shielding unit and the second shielding unit to supply a fixed amount of the item to the outside.

Here, the supply control of items by the control unit will be described.
In the standby state, the receiving port 91a is covered by the first covering portion. At this time, the supply port 91b may be covered by the second covering portion or may be open.
When the operation unit 94 transmits a signal requesting the supply of articles to the control unit, the control unit controls the first shielding unit to open the receiving opening 91a. At this time, if the supply opening 91b is shielded by the second shielding unit, the control unit leaves it shielded. On the other hand, if the supply opening 91b is not shielded by the second shielding unit, the control unit controls the second shielding unit to shield the supply opening 91b with the second shielding unit in accordance with the opening of the receiving opening 91a.

The control unit refers to the weight of the items in the storage unit 92 measured by the weighing unit 93, and appropriately controls the first shielding unit so that the weight of the items in the storage unit 92 becomes a predetermined weight.
When the weight of items in the storage section 92 reaches a predetermined weight and the weight detection section determines that the weight of items is stable, the control section controls the first shielding section to shield the receiving port 91a and controls the second shielding section to open the supply port 91b.
This allows a fixed amount of goods to be provided to the customer in one operation.

In addition, in this article supplying device 9, articles can be discharged from the storage section 21 in response to the operation of the operation unit 94 so that an arbitrary amount of articles can be stored in the storage section 92. For example, the customer operates the operation unit 94 to discharge articles into the storage section 92 until the amount of articles in the storage section 92 reaches a predetermined amount. At this time, a weighing screen is displayed on the display 81 of the label issuing device 8 linked to the article supplying device 9, and the customer can understand the product name, price per gram, weight, selling price, etc. When the amount of articles in the storage section 92 reaches a predetermined amount, the customer operates the operation unit 94 to stop discharging the articles. The label issuing device 8 issues a settlement label when the article discharging operation is stopped, the article weight is stabilized, or a predetermined button is pressed. In this case, an arbitrary amount of articles can be provided to the customer by selling by weight.
In addition, when selling goods by weight in this manner, the first shielding portion can be kept open at all times, and the second shielding portion can be controlled by the operating portion 94 to open or close the supply port 91b, thereby supplying a predetermined amount of goods.

Furthermore, like the item supply device 4, the item supply device 9 can transmit device identification information capable of identifying the item supply device 9 to the label issuing device 8 in response to the operation of the operating unit 94, thereby allowing the label issuing device 8 to identify the item supplied by the item supply device 9.

● Electronic shelf tag 10
In the goods selling device 1 according to the present embodiment, the above-mentioned storage units 21 and 41 may be fitted with electronic shelf labels 10 each having a built-in sensor, as shown in FIG.
The electronic shelf label 10 is composed of, for example, a sensor, a display, an identification information storage unit, and a communication processing unit.

The sensor constitutes a storage amount detection unit that detects the amount of items in the storage unit to which the electronic shelf label 10 is attached. This sensor is realized by, for example, an optical sensor, and is provided on the rear side where the storage units 21 and 41 are attached.
1, the electronic shelf label 10 is attached below the storage units 21, 41, and a sensor attached to the back side of the electronic shelf label 10 irradiates detection light toward the storage units 21, 41. The storage status in the storage units 21, 41 is grasped from changes in the amount of light reflected or blocked by the items in the storage units 21, 41. That is, when the number of items in the storage units 21, 41 decreases and the detection light from the sensor is no longer blocked by the items in the storage units 21, 41, it can be recognized that there is a shortage of items.
The information from the sensor is provided to a higher-level terminal or the like by a communication processing unit together with identification information for identifying the electronic shelf label 10 .

The display electronically displays information relating to the items in the storage units 21, 41. The information relating to the items is provided from a higher-level terminal or the like via a network such as a LAN.
FIG. 23 shows an example of the information displayed on the display.
FIG. 23(a) shows that "Hazel Nuts" is being offered at $14.20 per 200 mL in the item supply device 2, 4 to which the electronic shelf label 10 is attached.
23(b) shows that "Roasted salted Almonds", offered at $34.0 per kg, have been sold out in the item supply devices 2 and 4 to which the electronic shelf labels 10 are attached. In this example, to indicate that the item is sold out, "SOLD OUT" is displayed and the item name "Roasted salted Almonds" is crossed out.

The identification information storage unit stores identification information for identifying the electronic shelf label 10. In a higher-level terminal or the like, the identification information assigned to the electronic shelf label 10 is associated with an item and registered as setting information in advance, and the electronic shelf label 10 is managed based on the identification location information.
As a result, for example, updated information about an item can be provided to the electronic shelf label 10, and the updated information about the item can be displayed on the display. More specifically, when it is determined from the information based on the sensor that the amount of the item stored has fallen below a predetermined threshold, a display request for information indicating that the item is sold out is transmitted to the electronic shelf label 10, and the information is displayed on the display.

The communication processing unit is realized, for example, by a wired or wireless LAN, and transmits and receives data to and from the label issuing device 8, a higher-level terminal, or other relay devices.

The electronic shelf label 10 may further include a sensor that functions as the above-mentioned operation detection unit 401. Such a sensor is realized, for example, by an acceleration sensor or a tilt sensor such as a gyro sensor.
By attaching the electronic shelf label 10 to a part that operates in response to the supply of items, such as the operation unit 44 or the container 43 that works in conjunction with the operation unit 44, it is possible to detect behavior based on the operation and count the number of times the items are supplied. However, regardless of this, a sensor that functions as the operation detection unit 401 may be provided separately from the electronic shelf label 10.
If the electronic shelf label 10 is provided on or near the operation unit 44, the display of the electronic shelf label 10 is easily visible to the customer operating the operation unit 44, and the customer is more likely to be aware of the display. This also enables the customer to operate the operation unit 44 while checking on the display the contents of the item supply devices 2, 4 to which the electronic shelf label 10 is attached, the amount of item supply, and the like.

In addition, if the storage units 21, 41 are detachably attached to the supply units 22, 42, the total weight of the storage units 21, 41 can be known at the time of installation or replacement. Then, by subtracting a weight according to the number of items sold from the total weight, the remaining amount of items can be known. This makes it possible to determine when the remaining amount of items in the storage units 21, 41 falls below a predetermined amount, and to issue a predetermined alert, such as displaying that fact on the display of the electronic shelf label 10.

Item supply device 11
FIG. 24 shows an article supplying device 11 configured as a container with a lid.
This article supplying device 11 is provided with a container 101 capable of containing articles, an openable and closable top lid 102, and is equipped with a weighing device 103. A customer can receive articles by opening the top lid 102 and scooping up the articles contained in the container 101.

An operation detection unit 401 is attached to the top lid 102 of this article supplying device 11. When the top lid 102 is lifted from the state shown in Fig. 24(a) to the state shown in Fig. 24(b), the operation detection unit 401 detects a change in the inclination angle of the top lid 102. The opening of the top lid 102 can be considered to indicate that an article has been supplied.
In addition, as the articles are scooped up from within the container 101, the weight loss is measured by the weighing device 103, and this weight loss can be regarded as the amount of articles supplied.
As a result, when the device identification information of the item supply device 11 and the weighing result by the weighing device 103 are sent to the label issuing device 8, the label issuing device 8 identifies the item based on the device identification information and calculates the selling price according to the item and its weight. In addition, the customer is not required to perform a tare operation, which is convenient for the customer.

Item sales device 1A
The above-mentioned goods sales device 1 is composed of a first unit U1, a second unit U2, a weighing device 3, and a label issuing device 8 arranged between the first unit U1 and the second unit U2, but it is possible to adopt an arrangement configuration in which each device, including the above-mentioned goods supply device 11, is grouped together for easy access.

FIG. 25 shows an example of such an arrangement of the devices.
The goods selling device 1A shown in this example has a certain height, and is provided with a space vertically partitioned into a plurality of levels by shelf boards.
Above, a first unit U1 and a second unit U2 are arranged adjacent to each other, and a label issuing device 8 is provided below the boundary between the first unit U1 and the second unit U2, in a position where a customer can operate it without bending over.

In addition, an article supplying device 11A having the same functions as the article supplying device 11 described above is installed in the space partitioned by the shelf boards.
The weighing device 3 may be provided below the article supply device 2 of the first unit U1, for example, as in the example of FIG.

Item sales device 1B
FIG. 26 shows an example of a goods vending device 1B different from the goods vending device 1A.
Like the goods vending device 1A, the goods vending device 1B has a certain height and is provided with a space divided into multiple levels by shelves in the vertical direction. Also, a first unit U1 and a second unit U2 are arranged adjacent to each other above.

On the other hand, the label issuing device 8 is disposed below the first unit U1 and the second unit U2, to one side, and the space to the side of the label issuing device 8 is provided as a working space.

In addition, in the lower space partitioned off by the shelf, an item supply device 11A is installed, which has the same functions as the item supply device 11 described above, just like the item sales device A.

The configurations of these goods selling devices 1A and 1B are merely examples, and a weighing device 3 may be installed at an appropriate location, or a goods supplying device 9 equipped with a hopper scale 91 may be provided in place of either or both of the goods supplying device 2 and the goods supplying device 4. The goods supplying device 9 is equipped with a weighing unit 92, and can function as either the goods supplying device 2 or the goods supplying device 4.
Furthermore, when installing item supply device 9 in place of both item supply device 2 and item supply device 4, item supply device 9 can accommodate both selling by weight like the first unit U1 and selling in fixed quantities like the second unit U2, so it is not necessarily necessary to divide the left side of the figure into selling by weight and the right side of the figure into selling in fixed quantities, as shown in Figures 25 and 26.

● Summary of implementation form

The present invention relates to a technology for supplying a fixed amount of goods.

As shown in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-50740, a system is known that weighs and sells goods and other items.

However, the operation of weighing and removing a fixed amount of goods from a device storing the goods requires many steps, which is a burden for customers. Also, while some goods are best purchased without weighing, there are also cases where customers wish to purchase goods in the amount they desire.

Therefore, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a device that can supply a desired or fixed amount of items.

To achieve the above object, the product selling device according to the present invention comprises a first unit consisting of one or more first product supply devices that supply any amount of products, a second unit consisting of one or more second product supply devices that supply a fixed amount of products depending on the operation, and a label issuing device that issues labels for the products supplied by the first unit or the second unit.

The first item supply device and the second item supply device may also include an operation unit for supplying a fixed amount of the items, and an identification information transmission unit that transmits device identification information for identifying the first item supply device or the second item supply device to the label issuing device in response to an operation by the operation unit.

The label issuing device may also have an information processing unit that identifies the item supplied by the second item supply device based on the device identification information.

The label issuing device may be disposed between the first unit and the second unit, and the first unit may include a weighing device that weighs the items.

The label issuing device may be disposed below the first unit and the second unit, and the first unit may include a weighing device that weighs the items.

The first item supplying device may also include a weighing unit that weighs the items.

According to the goods sales device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to provide a device capable of supplying a desired amount or a fixed amount of goods. In particular, the burden on the customer does not change whether a desired amount of goods is provided or a fixed amount of goods is provided, and goods can be provided to the customer efficiently.

1: Goods sales device 2: Goods supply device 21: Storage section 22: Supply section 22a: Supply port 3: Weighing device 31: Weighing section 311: Weight detection section 312: AD converter 32: Identification information storage section 33: Display 34: Communication processing section 4: Goods supply device 41: Storage section 41a: Discharge port 42: Supply section 42a: Receiving port 42b: Supply port 43: Container 43a: Opening 431: Storage section 44: Operation section 5: Goods supply device 52: Supply section 52a: Receiving port 52b: Supply port 53: Container 531: Storage section 54: Shielding section 55: Support section 56: First operation section 57: Second operation section 6: Goods supply device 62: Supply unit 62a: Receiving port 62b: Supply port 63: Container 63a: Through hole 7: Item supply device 72: Supply unit 72a: Receiving port 72b: Supply port 73: Container 73a: Opening 732: Container section 74: Shielding unit 8: Label issuing device 81: Display 82: Issuance unit 801: Item master 802: Container master 803: Setting master 804: Information processing unit 805: Communication processing unit 9: Item supply device 91: Hopper scale 91a: Receiving port 91b: Supply port 92: Container section 93: Weighing unit 94: Operation unit 10: Electronic shelf label U1: First unit U2: Second unit

Claims (6)

a first unit comprising one or more first article supply devices for supplying a quantity of articles;
a second unit including one or more second article supplying devices that supply a fixed amount of articles in response to operation;
a label issuing device that issues a label for the item supplied by the first unit or the second unit;
Merchandise sales device. The first item supply device and the second item supply device,
An operation unit for supplying a fixed amount of the article;
an identification information transmission unit that transmits device identification information for identifying the first item supply device or the second item supply device to the label issuing device in response to an operation by the operation unit,
2. The article sales device according to claim 1. The label issuing device includes:
An information processing unit that identifies an item to be supplied by the second item supply device based on the device identification information.
3. The article supplying device according to claim 2. The label issuing device includes:
disposed between the first unit and the second unit,
the first unit includes a weighing device for weighing the item;
4. The article selling device according to claim 1. The label issuing device includes:
disposed below the first unit and the second unit,
the first unit includes a weighing device for weighing the item;
5. The article selling device according to claim 1. The first article supply device is
A weighing unit that weighs the item is provided.
6. The article selling device according to claim 1.

Images