JPH0887681A - Checkout device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] An object of the present invention is to detect the start of transaction by the next operator in a checkout device. [Structure] A means for transporting a product to be purchased, a bar code reading device for reading the bar code of the product, a registration device for registering the product to be purchased as a purchased product with the product content read by the bar code reading device, and a product. A check-out device having a detecting means for detecting, a paying means, and a warning means, having an operator sensor, and a state in which the operator sensor does not detect the operator once when the transaction is completed and the operator sensor detects the operator. Then, when the operator is detected again, the transaction is started. According to the present invention, the checkout device can detect whether the next operator can start a transaction.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a check-out device, and more particularly to a self-check-out type check-out device in which a consumer (shopper) who is a consumer can read an item.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The conventional checkout of a store is as follows. When the shopper looks around the sales floor, puts the products on the display shelves into the shopping basket, and takes the shopping basket to the cashier, there is a checker at the cashier, and the checker registers each product in the scanner one by one, The scanner reads the barcode attached to the product and converts it into the product code. The cashier searches the product information file that has data such as the product code, price, and product name from the bar code data of the product, obtains the price, displays the product name and price, and displays the product name on the receipt or journal. Data such as product code and price is printed, added to the total transaction amount, this process is repeated until there are no more products in the shopping basket, and the total transaction amount is pressed by pressing the key for total transaction amount. The checker informs the shopper of this total purchase amount, requests the payment of the amount, the shopper takes out the requested amount from the wallet and pays the amount, and the checker inputs the paid amount value into the cash register. Then, the cashier calculates the change from the input amount and the total purchase amount and ends the transaction, displays the change, opens the drawer, prints the receipt and the payment on the journal, and cuts the receipt. The checker takes out the displayed change from the drawer and hands it to the shopper along with the receipt. The shopper receives the change and the receipt, goes to the soccer stand where he puts his shopping basket in his wallet and carries the bag, then packs it and leaves the store. Although products are registered and paid in this way, it takes time for the number of products to register products one by one at the cash register, and there is a queue for payment. Among the conventional techniques, as a function for improving the operating rate of the POS terminal device to be used, there is an overlapping function capable of overlapping product registration processing and payment processing, and a function such as two-person system. As an example of such a technique, a technique as disclosed in JP-A-51-7840 is known.

On the other hand, a self-checkout type POS device is conceivable as a means for registering merchandise by the shopper himself, while reducing labor costs such as checkers and part-time jobs taken by the store staff. There is. For this, for example, a technique as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 05-29379 is known.

[0004]

In the above conventional example, when the operator sensor detects the operator at the end of the transaction, the next transaction is unconditionally started, and the previous operator still receives the receipt of the transaction. Even if the operator sensor is caught when the transaction is completed, for example, when the transaction is completed, the next transaction will start.

An object of the present invention is to invalidate the transaction start by the operator sensor when at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state and the operator sensor is contacted at the end of the transaction even when there is a previous operator. And then
An object of the present invention is to make a transaction start when the operator is detected again by the operator sensor and then the operator is detected again, and when the next operator comes.

It is another object of the present invention that at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state and the time after the operator sensor is detected by the operator sensor at the end of the transaction is longer than the specified time. , To issue a warning.

Further, an object of the present invention is to further display a sensing range of the operator sensor, at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and the operator is detected by the operator sensor at the end of the transaction. When the time after entering the state is longer than the specified time, a warning is issued and the operator is requested to once leave the sensing range of the operator sensor.

Another object of the present invention is to set the start state of the next transaction when the time after the operator is detected by the operator sensor is longer than the specified time at the end of the transaction. In addition, when there is no empty stocker in the product stocker, when the operator sensor detects the operator, it is waiting for processing by the previous shopper, and it is necessary to wait from the warning means. To give a warning.

Another object of the present invention is to detect when a product has been loaded into the transport section by the detection means for detecting that the product has been loaded without the operator being detected by the operator sensor. , To start the transaction.

[0010]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The above-mentioned object is to read a bar code given to a product to be purchased and read the product content of the bar code, and a product read by the bar code reading unit. In a checkout device having a registration means for registering a product to be purchased as a purchased product with a content, an operator sensor is provided, and operation is performed again at the end of the transaction and after the operator sensor has not once detected the operator. When the person is detected, the transaction is set to the start state.

Further, it has a means for conveying the goods to be purchased and a detection means for detecting that the goods have been put in, and at the end of the transaction and after the operator sensor has not detected the operator once. When the operator is detected again, the transaction is started, and the one or more product stockers and the product stocker, which are storage units for storing products by the product transportation by the product transporting means, are provided. A state in which a product stocker usage state detecting means for detecting whether or not the product is in use, at the time of completion of a transaction, at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and the operator sensor does not once detect an operator. When the operator is detected again after, the transaction is started.

Further, it has a warning means for issuing a warning for a designated time, and at the end of the transaction, at least one of the commodity stockers is in an empty state, and after the operator sensor detects the operator. When the time is longer than the specified time, a warning is issued, the sensing range of the operator sensor is displayed, and at the end of the transaction, at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state and operated by the operator sensor. When the time after being detected by a person is longer than the specified time,
A warning is issued and the operator is requested to once leave the sensing range of the operator sensor.

The specified time is set at the end of the transaction, at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and the operator sensor is detected by the operator sensor. When it is longer, the next transaction is started.

[0014] Further, it has warning means for giving a warning, and when the transaction is completed, when there is no empty one of the commodity stockers, and when the operator detects the operator, the previous shopping The customer is waiting for the processing, and the warning means warns that the customer needs to wait.

Further, it has a warning means for giving a warning, and when the transaction is completed and there is no empty stocker in the product stocker, and the operator sensor once becomes in a state of not detecting the operator. When the operator is detected again later, the processing waits for the previous shopper, and the warning means warns that it is necessary to wait.

Further, at the end of the transaction, at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, the operator sensor is not detecting the operator, and it is detected that the product is loaded. When it is detected by the detection means that a product has been put into the transport section, the transaction is started.

[0017]

Function The transport means transports the product. The barcode reading means automatically reads the barcode of the product during the transportation by the transportation means. The storage section stores the product content of the barcode read by the barcode reading means.

The registration means registers the product to be purchased as a purchased product with the product content read by the bar code reading means. The detection means detects that the product has been loaded into the transport section. The payment means pays for the transaction by this payment means.

The operator sensor detects the presence of an operator.

At the end of the transaction, the transaction is started when the operator is detected by the operator sensor and the operator is not detected by the operator sensor, and then the operator is detected again.

Further, one or a plurality of product stockers, which are storage units for accumulating products when the products are carried by the product carrying means, and a product stocker usage state detecting means for detecting whether or not the product stocker is in use. And detects the state of the product stocker.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 show an embodiment of a checkout device, FIG. 1 is a perspective view, and FIG. 2 is a view showing internal components. The check-out device includes a belt conveyor 51 that conveys a product, a product sensor 52 that detects a product, a scanner 53 that reads a barcode of a product inside,
A stocker 54 divided into two parts for storing products, a display 55 for displaying operation guidance and product information, a keyboard 56 for the operator to instruct processing, a stopper 57 for prohibiting passage, and a switching lever 58 for switching the stocker for storing products. , A printer 59 for printing a receipt, a magnetic card reader / writer 60, a clerk call lamp 62 for calling a clerk, and an operator sensor 63 for detecting an operator.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the checkout device of FIGS. Reference numeral 51 is a belt conveyor, which conveys products. Reference numeral 52 is a product sensor, 52a is a product detection sensor in the loading section, and 52b is a stocker front sensor which is located between the scanner 53 and the stocker 54 and detects a product. Reference numeral 53 is a scanner, which reads a barcode here as identification data attached to the product.
Numerals 54, 54a and 54b are stockers, and products are conveyed by a belt conveyor, and stockers 54, 54a and 54b are
Is stored in 55 is a display and 56 is a keyboard. Reference numeral 57 denotes a stopper. When the shopper registers the product and finishes the payment, the stopper 57 is in a passable state and is in a passable state at the start of the transaction. 58
Is a switching lever, and switches which of stockers 54a and 54b is to be loaded with the product. 59 is a printer, 6
Reference numeral 0 denotes a magnetic card reader / writer, here a prepaid card reader / writer, which enables payment with a prepaid card. Reference numeral 62 is a clerk call lamp, and 63 is an operator sensor, which detects a person who operates it and enters into a transaction. 6
Reference numeral 4 is a storage unit, and 30 is a control unit. Each of the units other than the stockers 54a and 54b is connected to the control unit 30.

FIG. 4 shows the operator sensor 6 of FIGS.
6 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting No. 3. If the operator sensor 63 does not specify the operator's detection, the OF
F, ON when detected by the operator. Further, it has a transaction status flag 641 in the storage unit 64, and as a value,
The value is OFF when not trading and ON when trading.

Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the operator sensor 63 detects that the operator stands in front of the apparatus in a state where no transaction is made (S101), the transaction state flag 6 in the storage unit 64 is detected.
41 is determined (S102), and the transaction status flag 641 is 0.
Since it is FF, it is determined whether or not there is a vacant stocker among the plurality of stockers 54 (S103), and if there is, the operator can immediately insert the product to be registered. Go into the processing of transaction 5. If there is no empty stocker among the plurality of stockers 54 in S103 (S103), a display indicating that the product is waiting for the previous shopper or the shopper's previous shopper to bag the product is displayed on the display 55 (S104). Then, it is sensed whether or not the stocker 54 is empty, and the process proceeds to S103.

When the operator sensor 63 detects the operator during the transaction (S101), the transaction status flag 641 in the storage unit 64 is determined (S102), and the transaction status flag 641 is ON. At this time, Operator sensor 63
Since the detection of the operator of is meaningless, the processing ends without doing anything. Therefore, the same effect can be obtained even if the operator sensor 63 is disabled during the transaction.

Next, the transaction processing will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main transaction process.

In S103 of FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not there is an empty stocker among the plurality of stockers 54 (S103). If so, the operator can immediately insert the product to be registered. Then, the transaction processing shown in FIG. 5 is started. According to FIG. 5, as the transaction start, the transaction state flag 641 in the storage unit 64 is set to ON, and the display of the transaction start is displayed on the display 55 as a display showing the operation method, that is, a display requesting that the product be placed on the belt conveyor. (S121), the belt conveyor 51 is stopped and the stopper 57 is prohibited. Further, the subtotal amount in the storage unit 64 is set to 0 as an initial setting (S
122). Then, the operator registers the product (S12
3) When all the products have been registered, the operator uses the keyboard 56 to instruct the end. Then, the magnetic card reader / writer 60 becomes usable, and when the operator inserts a card for payment, the information on the card is read, payment processing is performed (S124), and the card is ejected after completion. At the same time, the printer 59 prints the journal and receipt, cuts the receipt after printing, and issues the receipt (S125). Transaction status flag 641 in storage unit 64
Is set to OFF, and the stopper 57 is made passable (S126). In addition, the switching lever 58 switches the stocker for storing the product for the next transaction.

Subsequently, the operator sensor 63 is judged (S127), and the operator sensor 63 is immediately turned off.
If so, the operator who registered and paid for the product has left the checkout device, and the transaction ends, and the next operator waits. In addition, S127
Then, when the operator sensor 63 is ON, it is considered that it takes time for the operator who registered and paid the goods to receive the receipt and take baggage with the checkout device. To be For this reason, it is determined whether the specified time or more has passed from the end of the transaction (S128), and if the specified time has not elapsed from the end of the transaction, the timer waits (S130), and the operator sensor 63 is determined in S127. Go.

In S128, if the specified time or more has passed from the end of the transaction, the operator who registered and paid the merchandise will still receive the receipt, carry baggage, etc., while still at the checkout device. If it takes a long time and it takes a long time, and the operator who has registered and paid for the above merchandise leaves the checkout device, the next operator will detect the operator sensor 63.
It can happen when you get caught. Then, the buzzer sounds and a message requesting the operator to move away from the sensing range of the operator sensor 63 is displayed on the display 55 (S129), and the operator sensor 63 is determined in S127. Note that the sensing range of the operator sensor 63 is indicated by a mark such as tape on the floor, and the operator withdraws from the sensing range.

The operator finally takes out the product from the stocker 54. When the next operator starts the operation, the product is stored in a stocker different from the stocker where the product is being taken out.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the product registration of FIG. 5 in detail.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the part following FIG. 6 showing the product registration of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the payment process of FIG. 5 in detail.

Details of product registration will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The operator places the product on the belt conveyor 51 with the bar code label facing upward or sideways. Then, the product detection sensor 52a of the loading unit detects the product (S
21), the belt conveyor 51 starts to be conveyed in the forward direction toward the stocker 54 (S22). When the product is conveyed, the product comes off the product detection sensor in the loading section (S23). When the product passes through the reading area of the scanner 53 (S24), the bar code label of the product is read (S24).
25), recognizing the product code, that is, searching the product information file in the storage unit 64 with the read product code, obtaining information such as the product name and the price of the product,
The price of the product is displayed on the display 55, and the product is registered as a purchased product and added to the subtotal (S2
6). In order to increase the reading rate, a plurality of scanners 53 are arranged so as to widen the reading range, respectively for upper surface scanning and side surface scanning of products. Product is Scanner 53
Front stocker sensor 52b located between the stocker 54 and the stocker 54
When the barcode of the product is read, the conveyance of the belt conveyor 51 is stopped there (S28). Then, a display requesting the insertion of the next product is displayed on the display 55, and the process ends (S29). The next product is subsequently processed in the same manner.

In S25, if the barcode of the product cannot be read even if the product passes the reading range of the scanner 53, the belt conveyor 51 is reversed (S30), and the product is moved in the reverse direction toward the loading section. The product is conveyed and passes through the reading area of the scanner 53 (S31). When the bar code of the product is read at the time of reverse feeding (S32), the belt conveyor 51 is reversed again and conveyed in the forward direction (S33), and when the bar code of the product can be read, the read product code is stored. The product information file in the section 64 is searched, the information such as the product name and the product price is obtained, the product name and the product price are displayed on the display 55, and the product is registered as a purchased product. To (S26). Below, S2
7. Processing of S28, S29 is performed. Further, when the next product is loaded, the product stopped in front of the stocker is put into the stocker 54 together with the transportation of the product. If the operator cannot operate the clerk call key on the keyboard 56 or if the operator cannot read the information many times, the apparatus automatically turns on the clerk call lamp 62. By turning on the light, the clerk is asked to assist the operation.

In S31 and S32, when the product cannot be read even in the reverse feed, the belt conveyor 51 is stopped (S35) at the position where the product insertion section product sensor 52a detects the product (S34), and the operator A display for instructing re-operation is shown on the display 55 (S36).

When all the products have been registered, the operator uses the keyboard 56 to instruct the end of the product insertion. Then, the product detection sensor 52a of the loading unit does not detect the product (S21), and since the product loading is completed (S37), the process proceeds to S38. Further, at this time, when a key different from the key indicating the end of product insertion on the keyboard 56 is pressed, the case of N is entered in S37, an error processing indicating that the input is incorrect is performed, and the display 55 is displayed. Display and get operator's attention. Now, the operator notices an input error and makes a correct input.

In S38, the product is conveyed in order to put the final product stopped in front of the stocker into the stocker 54 (S38), and while the product is detected by the front stocker sensor 52b (S39), the product in the loading section. It is determined whether or not the detection sensor 52a has detected the product (S43). If the product is not detected, the process proceeds to S39 to further monitor the insertion of the product, and if the product is detected, the process proceeds to. As for FIG.

In S39, the product is the stocker front sensor 52b.
When it is no longer detected (S39), the conveyor 51 is stopped (S40), and the storage unit 6 that is the sum of the prices of the purchased products is displayed.
The subtotal amount in 4 and a message prompting you to insert a card are displayed on the display 55, the subtotal amount is set to the shortage amount (S41), and the card is put on standby (S4).
2) As for processing, proceed to payment. The payment process will be described in FIG.

Next, the payment process of FIG. 8 will be described. Since the card is waiting to be inserted in S42, the magnetic card reader / writer 60 becomes usable, and when the operator inserts a payment card (S81), the information on the card is read (S82), and the payment process is started. To do. As the content, the card balance in the read card information is calculated (S8
3) and compare with the shortfall set in S41 (S8
4) If the card balance is equal to or larger than the shortfall, proceed to S85, and if the card balance is smaller than the shortfall, S
Proceed to 90.

In S85, the value obtained by subtracting the shortfall from the card balance is set as the card balance (S85), a new card is written with this value (S86), and the used contents are printed on the surface of the card (S87). The card is ejected (S88), the completion of payment by the card is displayed on the display 55 (S89) (S4), and at the same time, the printer 59 prints the journal and receipt (S5) and issues the receipt. Further, the switching lever 58 switches the stocker for storing the next product. When the operator receives the receipt,
When the stopper 57 is allowed to pass (S6) and the operator moves to the position of the stocker 54, the passage is again prohibited. The operator finally takes out the product from the stocker 54. When the next operator starts the operation, the product is stored in the stocker on one side where the product is being taken out and another stocker.

At S90, the payment cannot be completed only with this inserted card, so all the remaining amount of this card is used and the next card is requested to be paid. The value obtained by subtracting the balance of the card from the balance is set as the balance (S90), the balance of the card is written with 0 (S91), and the display 55 indicates that the balance and the balance of the card are insufficient (S92). Is ejected (S93), and the next card insertion wait is made (S94). Then, the process proceeds to S81 where the card is inserted and payment is made.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a part following FIG. 6 showing the product registration of FIG.

In S38 of FIG. 6, the product is conveyed to put the final product stopped in front of the stocker into the stocker 54 (S38), and while the product is detected by the front stocker sensor 52b (S39), it is put in. Part sensor 52a
Determines whether the product has been detected (S43). If the product is not detected, the process proceeds to S39 to further monitor the insertion of the product, and when the product is detected, the process proceeds to. 7, the belt conveyor 51 is reversely fed (S51), it is determined whether the product detection sensor 52a of the loading unit has detected the product (S52), and when the product detection sensor 52a of the loading unit detects the product. Stop the belt conveyor 51 (S53), warn that a new product has been put in, and leave it if the product is registered, and remove the product if the product is not registered for some reason. The display requesting the operation is displayed on the display 55 (S54). As a result, the operator, when registering the merchandise, leaves it as it is, detects that the merchandise is still there after a designated time, and registers the merchandise. When the product is not registered, the product is removed, the product insertion end key on the keyboard 56 is pressed, and S21, S37, S38, and S3 in FIG.
The payment processing is started by the processing of 9, S40, S41 and S42.

In addition, as a measure to be taken when the next product is loaded before the product that has loaded the product comes out of the loading unit sensor, it is necessary to check whether or not there are a plurality of products. For example, the weight data of each product may be compared with the weight data obtained when the product is conveyed on the belt conveyor to determine whether or not the number is one.

Further, in checking whether or not there are a plurality of products, the following may be used.
Japanese Patent Application No. 5-290882 (filed on Nov. 1, 1993)
It may be done on the 9th, 349301618 Watanabe). When the product has a CCD camera and a product is detected in the product insertion section of the belt conveyor 51, the belt conveyor 51 is driven in the forward direction to convey the product to the reading range of the CCD camera. When a product enters the reading range of the CCD camera, the CCD camera is focused on the product and the image of the product is recognized. At this time, the height of the product is recognized based on the focus position,
The product barcode is detected and the product code is decoded from the obtained image. When the product code is recognized and read in the image before the product passes through the reading area, the product information stored in the storage unit 64 is searched by the product code and the product information corresponding to the code is obtained. The product information consists of the product name, unit price, and check information. Furthermore, as check information, the value for each component separated into three colors as color data and the product height data are indicated by the center value and the allowable error indicating the range of variation. It is composed of data. The check information in the product information is compared with the average value of the height of the product and the data for each color component obtained from the image data of the product. Thereby, it is checked that the number of products is one. For example, when multiple products are lined up, even if the colors of the products are different, or even if they are of the same color, the ratio of the image of the product in the image changes, so they do not match the registered data and are recognized as multiple products. . Also, when a plurality of products are stacked, it is recognized as a plurality of products by checking whether the height is less than or equal to a specified value. Even in this way, it is possible to check whether there are a plurality of products.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, it was explained that the conveyance of the goods on the belt conveyor is temporarily stopped by the sensor in front of the stocker. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the belt conveyor is kept moving. The same can be said.

Further, the return of the product does not have to be the same as the conveyor conveyed in the forward direction, and may have another conveying means. Further, during one transaction, the goods may be sorted during transportation, and the goods may be accumulated in a plurality of stock sections.

Further, as the contents described above, there is provided one or a plurality of product stockers which are storage units for storing the products by the transportation of the products by the product transportation means, and at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state. I decided to start the next transaction on the condition that there is, but as a product stocker,
It may be any place as a storage unit for products, and may be stored on a belt conveyor or an extension thereof, even if it is applied to an operator sensor in a transaction end state,
When the previous operator is still present, the transaction start by the operator sensor is disabled, and when the operator sensor is once not detected again and the operator is detected again, the next operation is performed. The same can be said to start trading when a person comes.

Further, in S102 of FIG. 4 of the above example, when the transaction status flag 641 is ON, the operator sensor 63
Since the detection of the operator of is meaningless, the processing ends without doing anything. Therefore, the same effect can be obtained even if the operator sensor 63 is disabled during the transaction. In order to perform such processing, for example, the operator sensor 63 may be disabled in S121, and the operator sensor may be enabled in S126.

As described above, various modifications from the above example can be considered.

In this way, even if at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and the operator touches the operator sensor when the transaction is completed, the operator sensor still starts the transaction when there is a previous operator. When the operator sensor is once disabled by the operator sensor and then the operator is detected again, the transaction can be started when the next operator comes.

Further, at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and at the end of the transaction, when a time after the operator sensor is detected by the operator sensor is longer than the designated time, a warning may be issued. it can.

Further, the sensing range of the operator sensor is displayed, at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and after the operator sensor is detected by the operator sensor at the end of the transaction, When the time is longer than the specified time, a warning may be issued and the operator may be required to once leave the sensing range of the operator sensor.

When there is no empty stocker in the product stocker, when the operator sensor detects the operator, it is waiting for processing by the previous shopper, and it is necessary to wait from the warning means. A warning can be given to that effect.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, when the time after the operator sensor is in the state of being detected by the operator sensor is longer than the specified time, a warning is issued and the operator is requested to once leave the sensing range of the operator sensor. I chose
You may do as follows. At the end of a transaction, when the time after the operator sensor is detected by the operator sensor is longer than the designated time, the next transaction is started. To this end, after S128, S129
5 has another designated time and is compared with the other designated time. If it is within that time, the process proceeds to S129 in FIG. 5, and if it is more than that time, the process proceeds to S102 in FIG. The transaction should be started. Note that S128
The order of the time comparison between the elapsed time and this newly provided designated time may be changed.

Even in this case, when the time after the operator is detected by the operator sensor is longer than the specified time at the end of the transaction, the next transaction can be started.

Further, in the above example, the value of the transaction status flag is considered to be ON and OFF, but the transaction status flag is set to OFF in S126 of FIG. 5 after S127 and before the end. , May be set. Even if it does in this way, the same thing as the above can be said.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, the product conveying means and the product sensor 52 for detecting the product are provided. However, if the operator sensor 63 detects the presence of the operator, The same can be said, but it does not necessarily include a product conveying means, a product sensor 52 for detecting a product, and a product stocker usage state detecting device for detecting whether or not a product is in use in the product stocker. There can be a configuration that does not require that. For example, the shopper may operate the checker himself, who is a clerk of a conventional POS, to register the product. At this time, the shopper puts it in the shopping basket already registered by the shopper's operation. As such, it is possible that there is no particular need for a means of transporting goods.

Further, in the above example, the value of the transaction status flag is considered to be ON and OFF, but in this case, S126 in FIG.
The transaction status flag is set to OFF in S1
It may be possible to say that it has nothing to do with the present invention if it is set after 27 and before the end, so the following example will be described.

Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 are the same as in the previous embodiment, and FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are replaced with FIG. 9 and FIG.

FIG. 9 shows the operator sensor 6 shown in FIGS.
6 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting No. 3. If the operator sensor 63 does not specify the operator's detection, the OF
F, ON when detected by the operator. Further, it has a transaction status flag 641 in the storage unit 64, and as a value,
It is assumed that the value is 0 when the transaction is not performed, the value is 1 during the transaction, and the value 2 is during the transaction end processing. In addition, during this transaction,
The term “transaction end processing” means, for example, that the transaction is in progress when the transaction is started, and is set to the value 2 during the transaction end processing when the receipt and the journal are printed.

Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the operator sensor 63 detects that the operator stands in front of the apparatus in a state where no transaction is made (S141), the transaction state flag 6 in the storage unit 64 is detected.
41 is determined (S142), the value of the transaction status flag 641 is 0, and it is determined whether or not there is an empty stocker among the plurality of stockers 54 (S143). Since it can be inserted, the processing is finished as it is, and then the processing of the transaction shown in FIG. 10 is started. If there is no empty stocker among the plurality of stockers 54 in S143 (S143), the display 55 displays a message indicating that the previous shopper or the shopper of the previous shopper is waiting for bagging of products (S144). Then, it is sensed whether or not the stocker 54 is empty, and the process proceeds to S143.

When the operator sensor 63 detects the operator during the transaction (S141), the transaction state flag 641 in the storage unit 64 is determined (S142), and the value of the transaction state flag 641 is 1, Is the operator sensor 6
Since the detection of the operator of 3 is meaningless, the processing is ended without doing anything. Therefore, the same effect can be obtained even if the operator sensor 63 is disabled during the transaction.

When the operator sensor 63 detects the operator during the transaction ending process (S141), the transaction state flag 641 in the storage unit 64 is determined (S142), and the value of the transaction state flag 641 is 2, It is conceivable that the operator who has performed the above-described product registration and payment also takes time to receive a receipt and carry baggage while being in the checkout device. For this reason,
It is determined whether the specified time has passed since the end of the transaction (S1
45) If the designated time has not elapsed since the end of the transaction, the timer waits (S146), and the process proceeds to S141 where the operator sensor 63 determines.

In S145, if the designated time or more has passed from the end of the transaction, the operator who has registered and paid the merchandise will still receive the receipt, carry baggage, etc., in the checkout device. If it takes a long time and it takes a long time, and the operator who has registered and paid for the above merchandise leaves the checkout device, the next operator will detect the operator sensor 63.
It can happen when you get caught. Then, the buzzer sounds and a message requesting the operator to move away from the sensing range of the operator sensor 63 is displayed on the display 55 (S147), and the operator sensor 63 is determined in S141. Note that the sensing range of the operator sensor 63 is indicated by a mark such as tape on the floor, and the operator withdraws from the sensing range.

When the operator sensor 63 detects that the operator is not in front of the apparatus during the transaction processing (S141), the transaction status flag 641 in the storage unit 64 is detected.
(S148), the value of the transaction status flag 641 is 2
(S148), the transaction status flag 641 is set to 0, and the process ends (S149).

When the operator sensor 63 detects that the operator is not in front of the apparatus during a transaction or during a transaction (S141), the transaction status flag 641 in the storage unit 64 is determined (S142). ), The value of the transaction status flag 641 is 0 or 1 (S148), and the operator sensor 63 of S141 is determined without doing anything.

Next, the transaction processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a main transaction process.

In S143 of FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not there is an empty stocker among the plurality of stockers 54 (S143). If there is, the operator can immediately insert the product to be registered. Then, the transaction processing shown in FIG. 10 is started. According to FIG. 10, as a transaction start,
The value of the transaction status flag 641 in the storage unit 64 is set to 1, which is the value during the transaction, and a display showing the operation method, that is, a display requesting that the product be placed on the belt conveyor is displayed on the display 55 as the display of the transaction start. Do (S161),
The belt conveyor 51 is stopped and the stopper 57 is prohibited. Further, the subtotal amount in the storage unit 64 is set to 0 as an initial setting (S162). Then, the operator registers the products (S163), and when all the products are registered,
The operator uses the keyboard 56 to instruct the end. Then, the magnetic card reader / writer 60 becomes usable, and when the operator inserts the card for payment, the information of the card is read, the payment process is performed (S164), and the card is ejected after completion. At the same time, the printer 59 prints the journal and the receipt, cuts the receipt after printing, and issues the receipt (S165). The value of the transaction status flag 641 in the storage unit 64 is set to 2, which is the value during the transaction end processing, and the stopper 57 is set to pass through (S1
66). In addition, the switching lever 58 switches the stocker for storing the product for the next transaction. Subsequently, when the operator sensor 63 detects the operator during the transaction end processing, S14
The process of 1 starts.

Finally, the operator takes out the product from the stocker 54. When the next operator starts the operation, the product is stored in a stocker different from the stocker where the product is being taken out.

The description of FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 has been made in the previous embodiment, and will be omitted.

In this way, even if at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state and the operator sensor is reached in the transaction end state, the transaction start by the operator sensor is invalidated when the previous operator is still present. Thus, the transaction can be started when the operator is detected again by the operator sensor and then the operator is detected again, and when the next operator comes.

Further, when at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and the operator is once detected by the operator sensor and then the operator is detected again, the transaction is started. be able to.

Further, when at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state and the time after the operator sensor is detected by the operator sensor is longer than the specified time at the end of the transaction, a warning may be issued. it can.

At the end of a transaction, when the time after the operator sensor is detected by the operator sensor is longer than the designated time, the next transaction can be started.

Further, when there is no empty stocker in the product stocker, when the operator sensor detects the operator, it is waiting for processing by the previous shopper, and it is necessary to wait from the warning means. A warning can be given to that effect.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, it was explained that the conveyance of the goods on the belt conveyor is temporarily stopped by the sensor in front of the stocker. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the belt conveyor is kept moving. The same can be said.

Further, the returning of the product does not have to be the same as the conveyor conveyed in the forward direction, and may have another conveying means. Further, during one transaction, the goods may be sorted during transportation, and the goods may be accumulated in a plurality of stock sections.

Further, even if the operator sensor 63 is disabled during the transaction in S161 of FIG. 10 and the operator sensor 63 is enabled again in S166, the determination of the process during the transaction of FIG. 9 may be changed accordingly. It is the same.

As for the contents described above, there is one or a plurality of product stockers which are storage units for storing the products by the product transport means by transporting the products, and at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state. Under the conditions, the next transaction was started, but as the product stocker, it may be any place as a product storage unit, and may be stored on the belt conveyor or its extension,
Even if it hits the operator sensor when the transaction is completed,
When the previous operator is present, the transaction start by the operator sensor is disabled, and when the operator sensor is once again detected by the operator sensor and the operator is detected again, the next operator The same can be said of starting the transaction when it comes.

As described above, various modifications from the above example can be considered.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, when the time after the operator sensor is detected by the operator sensor is longer than the specified time, a warning is issued and the operator is requested to withdraw once from the sensing range of the operator sensor. I chose
You may do as follows. At the end of a transaction, when the time after the operator sensor is detected by the operator sensor is longer than the designated time, the next transaction is started. To this end, after S145, S147
Before that, another designated time is compared with the designated time, and if it is within that time, the process proceeds to S147 in FIG. 9, and if it is more than that time, the process proceeds to S142 in FIG. The transaction should be started. Note that S145
The order of the time comparison between the elapsed time and this newly provided designated time may be changed.

Also in this case, when the time after the operator is detected by the operator sensor is longer than the specified time at the end of the transaction, the next transaction can be started.

In the above example, the operator sensor 63
The operator sensor 6 in FIG. 1 was used to enter the transaction when the operator was detected.
When the detection range is small such that detection is performed only at a part of the place as in No. 3, the operator is in a place where the operator sensor 63 does not detect the operator, that is,
When a product that is to be purchased is put in the checkout device at a place outside the operator sensor 63 of FIG. 1, it may not be possible to start the transaction with the operator sensor 63. At this time, even if the operator sensor 63 is not activated, it is better to start the transaction when it is detected that the product is put into the checkout device. If possible, the operator sensor should have a sufficient detection range. If it is difficult to do so, it is better to provide the operator sensor 63 at a place where it is easy for the operator to detect, and to start trading with the product by the detection means for detecting that the product has been put in.

In this way, when it is detected by the detection means that the product is loaded in the state where the operator is not detected by the operator sensor, it is determined that the transaction is performed. It can be in a starting state.

[0093]

According to the present invention, even if at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state and the operator sensor is contacted when the transaction is completed, the operator sensor is used to start the transaction when the previous operator is still present. When the operator sensor is once disabled by the operator sensor and then the operator is detected again, the transaction can be started when the next operator comes.

Further, according to the present invention, when at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and the operator is once detected by the operator sensor and then the operator is detected again, The transaction can be in the open state.

Further, according to the present invention, when at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state and the time after the operator sensor is detected by the operator sensor is longer than the specified time at the end of the transaction. , Can issue a warning.

Further, according to the present invention, the sensing range of the operator sensor is further displayed, at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and the operator is detected by the operator sensor at the end of the transaction. When the time after entering the state is longer than the specified time, a warning may be issued and the operator may be requested to once leave the sensing range of the operator sensor.

Further, according to the present invention, when the time after the operator is detected by the operator sensor is longer than the specified time at the end of the transaction, the next transaction can be started. .

Further, according to the present invention, when there is no empty stocker in the product stocker, when the operator is detected by the operator sensor, the process is waiting for the process by the previous shopper, The warning means can give a warning that the user needs to wait.

Further, according to the present invention, when it is detected by the detection means that the product is loaded without detecting the operator by the operator sensor, the product is loaded into the transport section. , The transaction can be started.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a checkout device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing internal components of an embodiment of a checkout device.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the checkout device of FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of detection by an operator sensor 63 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main transaction process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing in detail the product registration of FIG.

7 is a flowchart of a part following FIG. 6 showing the product registration of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the payment process of FIG. 5 in detail.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of detection by an operator sensor 63 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a main transaction process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 30 ... Control part, 51 ... Belt conveyor, 52 ... Product sensor, 52a ... Product detection sensor of loading part, 52b ... Pre-stocker sensor, 53 ... Scanner, 54, 54a, 54b ... Stocker, 55 ... Display, 56 ... Keyboard, 57 ... Stopper, 58 ... Switching lever, 59 ... Printer, 60 ... Magnetic card reader / writer, 62 ... Salesclerk call lamp, 63 ... Operator sensor, 64 ... Storage unit, 641 ... Transaction status flag.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A bar code reading means for reading a bar code assigned to a product to be purchased and deciphering the product content of the bar code, and a product to be purchased pursuing the product content read by the bar code reading means. In a checkout device having a registration means for registering as, the operator sensor is provided, at the end of the transaction, and when the operator is once again detected by the operator sensor, the operator is again detected, Checkout device to start transaction. 2. The checkout device according to claim 1, wherein
Further, it has a means for transporting the product to be purchased and a detection means for detecting that the product has been put in, and at the end of the transaction, and again after the operator sensor does not detect the operator, the operator again. Checkout device that starts the transaction when the detection of. 3. The checkout device according to claim 2, wherein
Further, one or a plurality of product stockers, which are storage units for accumulating products by the product transportation means, and a product stocker usage state detection means for detecting whether or not the product stocker is in use. At the end of the transaction, at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and the operator sensor is once not detected by the operator sensor, and then the operator is detected again, the transaction is performed. Checkout device to start. 4. The checkout device according to claim 3, wherein
Further, it has a warning means for issuing a warning for a designated time, and at the end of the transaction, at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and the time after the operator sensor is detected by the operator sensor A checkout device that issues a warning when it is longer than a specified time. 5. The checkout device according to claim 4, wherein:
Furthermore, the sensing range of the operator sensor is displayed,
At the end of the transaction, when at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and the time after the operator has detected the operator by the operator sensor is longer than the specified time, a warning is issued and the operator sensor A checkout device that requires you to leave the sensing range of the device once. 6. The checkout device according to claim 3, wherein:
Further having a specified time, at the end of the transaction, and when at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, and the time after the operator has been detected by the operator sensor is longer than the specified time, Checkout device to start next transaction. 7. The checkout device according to claim 3, wherein:
Further, it has a warning means to warn, and when the transaction ends, when there is no empty one of the product stockers and when the operator detects the operator, the previous shopper's A check-out device that is waiting for processing and issues a warning from the warning means that it is necessary to wait. 8. The checkout device according to claim 7, wherein:
An operator has warning means for further warning, and when the transaction is completed, and when none of the product stockers is in an empty state, and the operator sensor does not detect the operator once, the operator again. A checkout device that issues a warning that the previous shopper is waiting to be processed and that it is necessary to wait from the warning means. 9. The checkout device of claim 3, wherein:
At the end of the transaction, at least one of the product stockers is in an empty state, the operator sensor is not detecting the operator, and the detection means for detecting that the product has been put in A checkout device that starts a transaction when it is detected that the transaction has been performed in the transport unit.