JP2009037389A - Electronic tag collection device and electronic tag collection system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention simplifies the introduction of an electronic tag collection system into a store.
An electronic tag collection device 301 that constitutes an electronic tag collection system 11 includes a storage unit that stores and holds an electronic tag TG therein, and a first reader that executes data communication with the electronic tag TG. A writer 306 is provided. The electronic tag TG stores state information indicating any state of “before product sale”, “after product sale tag collection”, and “after product sale tag collection”. In the electronic tag collection device 301, the status information of the inserted electronic tag TG is acquired via the first reader / writer 306, and the acquired status information indicates “after product sale tag collection” Is written with state information indicating that “collected tag after sale of merchandise” is written in the inserted electronic tag TG. In the electronic tag collection device 301, when writing state information indicating “collected tag after sale of merchandise” to the electronic tag TG, a predetermined privilege process for giving a privilege to the customer is executed.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic tag collection device and an electronic tag collection system for collecting an electronic tag attached to a product in a store.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in stores such as clothing stores and CD shops, electronic tags are attached to products sold to customers, and products are managed using these electronic tags. The electronic tag includes a storage unit such as an IC chip and a communication unit that includes an antenna connected to the storage unit and performs data communication with the reader / writer, and stores data stored in the storage unit by the reader / writer. It can be rewritten. Therefore, at the store, when the product is sold, the store clerk removes the electronic tag from the product, collects it, rewrites the various data stored in the collected electronic tag with a reader / writer, and pastes it on another product. Has been done.

  In this reuse of the electronic tag, it takes time for the clerk to remove and collect the electronic tag from the product, and while the clerk is doing the work, the accounting transaction between the customer and the clerk is interrupted at the cashier counter. End up. Therefore, it has been proposed that the customer does not perform the work of removing and collecting the electronic tag from the product, but the customer does the work so as to increase the efficiency of the accounting transaction at the register counter. For example, Patent Document 1 does not give a privilege point to a customer at a cash register counter, but gives a customer a privilege point for the first time when an electronic tag removed from a product (RFID tag in Patent Document 1) is put into a collection box. Thus, an invention of an electronic tag collection system that prompts a customer to collect an electronic tag has been disclosed (particularly, paragraph number 0030 of Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-284746 A

  When the electronic tag collection system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is to be introduced into a store, an in-store terminal that manages privilege points and a collection box are connected so as to allow data communication, and an electronic tag is collected using the in-store terminal. It is necessary to manage whether or not privilege points are given to customers.

  However, in order to actively encourage the customer to collect the electronic tag, it is necessary to install the collection box in a location that is easily noticeable by the customer or in a plurality of locations. In order to connect all the collection boxes installed in this way to the host device, a new communication network must be constructed in the store, which increases the burden on the store and the burden on the store regarding facility investment. End up.

  An object of the present invention is to simplify the introduction of an electronic tag collection system into a store.

  The electronic tag collection device of the present invention is inserted in a state in which an electronic tag that stores state information indicating a state of any one of before product sale, after product sale tag collection and after product sale tag collection is removed from the product A slot that can be opened; a storage section that stores and holds the electronic tag that is inserted into the insertion slot; and a first reader / writer that performs data communication between the electronic tag that is inserted into the insertion slot; A first information processing unit that executes information processing; (a) the first information processing unit stores in the electronic tag from the electronic tag input to the input port of the first reader / writer; And (b) when the first information processing unit determines that the acquired state information indicates that the post-sales tag is not collected, the first information processing unit 1 reader / writer for the electronic tag Executes a process for storing the status information indicating that the tag collected-after product sales, a specific privilege process.

  The present invention also defines an electronic tag collection system including the electronic tag collection device.

  According to the present invention, the electronic tag stores the state information indicating the state of any of the pre-product sales, post-sales tag collection, and post-product sale tag collection, and the electronic tag is inserted into the electronic tag collection device. Whether or not a privilege has been given to the customer can be determined by the state information stored in the electronic tag, so that the introduction of the electronic tag collection system into the store can be simplified.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an electronic tag collection system 11. The store T0 is divided into a sales floor T1, a cashier counter T2, a tag collection ground T3, and a backyard T4. The sales floor T1 is a place where the products AR are displayed. The cashier counter T2 is a place where the customer brings the product AR that the customer wants to purchase and performs an accounting transaction for the product AR that the customer wants to purchase. The tag collection place T3 is a place where the customer removes the electronic tag TG affixed to the transaction item AR and returns the removed electronic tag TG to the store T0. The backyard T4 is a place where the store clerk affixes the returned electronic tag TG to another product AR2.

  An electronic tag collection system 11 is installed in the store T0. The electronic tag collection system 11 includes a POS terminal 101 as an accounting device, an electronic tag collection device 301, a tag preparation device 401, and a server 51 as a host device. Among these, the POS terminal 101, the tag preparation device 401, and the server 51 are connected to each other via the LAN network 31 so as to be capable of data communication. The POS terminal 101 includes a second reader / writer 113 and is installed in the register counter T2. The electronic tag collection device 301 includes a first reader / writer 306 and is installed in the tag collection site T3. The tag preparation device 401 includes a third reader / writer 408 and is installed in the backyard T4. A server 51 is also installed in the backyard T4. At the store T0, the electronic tag collection system 11 can recognize the state of the electronic tag TG attached to the product AR.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the electronic tag collection system 11. Electronic tag identification information and state information are stored in the electronic tag TG attached to the product AR. The electronic tag identification information is information for identifying individual electronic tags TG. The state information is information indicating that the electronic tag TG is in one of the states “before product sale”, “after product sale tag collection”, and “after product sale tag collection”.

  An electronic tag TG in which state information indicating “before product sale” is stored is attached to the product AR displayed on the sales floor T1. The customer picks up the product AR that he / she wants to purchase at the sales floor T1 and brings it to the cashier counter T2 to carry out an accounting transaction for the product AR with the store clerk. The store clerk causes the electronic tag TG to communicate with the POS terminal 101 using the second reader / writer 113 connected to the POS terminal 101. When the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101 (see FIG. 5) determines that the second reader / writer 113 has established data communication with the electronic tag TG, the CPU 201 (see FIG. 5) acquires the electronic tag identification information through the second reader / writer 113, 1st electronic tag rewriting process including the process which memorize | stores the status information which shows "before tag collection | recovery after merchandise sale. For this reason, the state information stored in the electronic tag TG changes from the one indicating “before product sales” to the one indicating “after product sales tag collection”. In addition, the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101 transmits state information indicating “post-product sale tag collection” in association with the electronic tag identification information of the electronic tag TG that has established data communication to the server 51.

  The customer brings the product AR for which the accounting transaction has been made to the tag collection site T3, removes the electronic tag TG attached to the product AR at the tag collection site T3, and puts the removed electronic tag TG into the electronic tag collection device 301. When the CPU 313 (see FIG. 7) of the electronic tag collection device 301 determines that the first reader / writer 306 has established communication with the electronic tag TG inserted into the electronic tag collection device 301, the first reader / writer 306 passes through the first reader / writer 306. A second electronic tag rewriting process including a process of acquiring the electronic tag identification information and storing the state information indicating “collected tag after sale of merchandise” in the electronic tag TG is executed. For this reason, the state information stored in the electronic tag TG changes from the one indicating “before tag collection after product sales” to the one indicating “tag collection after product sales”. The customer is given a privilege when the electronic tag TG is inserted into the electronic tag collection device 301. Details regarding this privilege will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The electronic tag TG collected by the electronic tag collection device 301 is taken out by a store clerk and brought into the backyard T4. The store clerk causes the tag preparation device 401 to communicate with the collected electronic tag TG using the third reader / writer 408 connected to the tag preparation device 401. When the CPU 412 (see FIG. 9) of the tag preparation device 401 determines that the third reader / writer 408 has established communication with the data communication with the electronic tag TG, it acquires electronic tag identification information through the third reader / writer 408. Then, the third electronic tag rewriting process including the process of storing the state information indicating “before product sale” in the electronic tag TG is executed. For this reason, the state information stored in the electronic tag TG changes from the one indicating “collected tag after product sale” to the one indicating “before product sale”. Further, the CPU 412 of the tag preparation device 401 transmits state information indicating “before product sale” in association with the electronic tag identification information of the electronic tag TG that has established data communication to the server 51.

  The CPU 56 (see FIG. 10) of the server 51 receives the electronic tag identification information and the status information rewrite result transmitted from the POS terminal 101 and the tag preparation device 401, and receives them in the electronic tag management file 61 (see FIG. 10). The electronic tag identification information and the status information are stored.

  In the backyard T4, the store clerk affixes the electronic tag TG whose status information is updated to “before product sales” by the tag preparation device 401 to the new product AR2, and displays the product AR2 on the sales floor T1.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data configuration of data stored in the tag storage unit TGM of the electronic tag. The electronic tag TG used in the electronic tag collection system 11 includes a tag storage unit TGM that stores data, and a communication unit (not shown) that includes an antenna connected to the tag storage unit TGM and performs data communication with a reader / writer. . Such an electronic tag TG is generated by embedding an RFID tag or a wireless IC tag in a holder made of plastic as an example.

  The tag storage unit TGM is configured in a format capable of storing electronic tag identification information and state information. The electronic tag identification information is unique information assigned to each electronic tag TG, and is fixedly stored in the tag storage unit TGM. Further, as described above, the state information is information indicating one of the states “before product sale”, “before tag collection after product sale” and “tag collection after product sale”, and is rewritten in the tag storage unit TGM. It is remembered as possible.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the POS terminal 101. The POS terminal 101 is placed on the drawer 102 and can control the opening operation of the drawer 103 of the drawer 102. A keyboard 104 and an operator display 105 are arranged on the right side of the upper surface of the POS terminal 101, and a receipt printer 106 is arranged on the left side of the upper surface. A customer display 107 is erected on the rear of the top surface of the POS terminal 101. A touch panel 108 is stacked on the operator display 105. In FIG. 4, a groove provided in the vicinity of the right side surface of the POS terminal 101 is a card reading groove 110 for scanning the card in order to read card information by the card reader / writer 109 (see FIG. 5). . Connected to the POS terminal 101 is a barcode reader 111 as a code reader for reading a barcode as a data code. The POS terminal 101 is connected to a second reader / writer 113 that executes data communication with the electronic tag TG. When RFID communication technology is adopted for the electronic tag TG, an RFID reader / writer is used as the second reader / writer 113. When the wireless IC tag technology is adopted for the electronic tag TG, an electromagnetic induction reader / writer is used as the second reader / writer 113.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the POS terminal 101. The POS terminal 101 includes a CPU 201 that executes various arithmetic processes and controls each unit. The CPU 201 includes a ROM 202 that stores fixed data in a fixed manner, a RAM 203 that stores variable data in a rewritable manner and is used as a work area, an HDD 204, and a CD-ROM drive 205 via a bus line BL. It is connected. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 constitute a microcomputer 206 as a second information processing unit that executes information processing.

  The drawer 102, keyboard 104, operator display 105, receipt printer 106, customer display 107, touch panel 108, card reader / writer 109, and bar code reader 111 all have various input / output circuits (all not shown). And the operation is controlled by the CPU 201.

  The CPU 201 is connected to the communication interface 112 via an input / output circuit (not shown). The communication interface 112 realizes data communication between the POS terminal 101 and an external device via the LAN network 31.

  The HDD 204 is installed with an operating system, a computer program for merchandise sales data processing for executing merchandise sales data processing executed by the POS terminal 101, a merchandise data file, and the like. The computer program includes an additional fee table, a customer management table, and the like (none of them are shown). These various data and programs installed in the HDD 204 are recorded in the CD-ROM 205a as an example, read by the CD-ROM drive 205, and installed in the HDD 204. As another example, a computer program or the like downloaded from the server 51 can be installed in the HDD 204 via the communication interface 112 connected to the CPU 201.

  FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the electronic tag collection device 301. The electronic tag collection device 301 includes a housing 302 having a width and a depth that are substantially the same. The housing 302 has an upper surface inclined slightly forward. On the inclined upper surface, there are disposed a slot 303 for opening an electronic tag TG removed from the product AR, an LCD 304 having a liquid crystal display panel, and a card reading area 308.

  The insertion port 303 communicates with a storage unit (not shown) provided below the housing 302. A conveyance path (not shown) is formed between the insertion port 303 and a storage unit (not shown). Then, the electronic tag TG inserted from the insertion port 303 is transported by the transport mechanism 305 (see FIG. 7) disposed in the transport path, and stored and held in a storage unit (not shown). As an example, the transport mechanism 305 mainly includes a table that receives the electronic tag TG inserted into the insertion port 303 and an arm that removes the electronic tag TG held on the table toward a storage unit (not shown). It is configured as an element (none is shown). That is, the transport mechanism 305 may be configured by any mechanism as long as the electronic tag TG inserted into the insertion port 303 is temporarily held and can be moved to the storage unit. As the transport mechanism 305, any known or known mechanism for moving the position of an article can be employed. An antenna (not shown) constituting the first reader / writer 306 (see FIG. 7) is disposed in the vicinity of the temporary holding position. As the first reader / writer 306, one capable of data communication with the electronic tag TG is adopted, and preferably the same as the second reader / writer 113 provided in the POS terminal 101 is adopted. The first reader / writer 306 executes communication with the electronic tag TG that is inserted into the insertion port 303 and temporarily held.

  The LCD 304 displays information for a customer facing the upper surface of the housing 302. That is, the LCD 304 serves as a display unit in the electronic tag collection device 301. A touch panel 311 is stacked on the display surface of the LCD 304. That is, the touch panel 311 serves as an input unit in the electronic tag collection device 301.

  Below the card reading area 308, an antenna (not shown) provided in a card reader / writer 307 (see FIG. 7) as a storage medium reader / writer is arranged. As an example, the card reader / writer 307 is an RFID reader / writer that can communicate with an RFID tag (not shown) as a service point storage medium embedded in a member card PT given to a customer by RFID technology.

  On the right front side of the housing 302 of the electronic tag collection device 301, a money payout outlet 310 is provided for taking out money discharged from a refund device 309 (see FIG. 7) built in the housing 302.

  Further, the housing 302 of the electronic tag collection device 301 has a luggage storage area 312 that is located at a substantially central portion of the front surface and protrudes forward.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the electronic tag collection device 301. In the electronic tag collection device 301, a CPU 313, a ROM 314, a RAM 315, a VRAM 316 that generates a display image to be displayed on the LCD 304, and an HDD 317 are connected via a bus line BL2. The CPU 313, the ROM 314, and the RAM 315 constitute a first information processing unit 320. As an example, the HDD 317 stores computer programs, various display frames, various files, and the like (none of which are shown), and all or part of these computer programs, various display frames, various files, and the like are stored. When the electronic tag collection device 301 is activated, it is moved to the RAM 315 and used.

  The LCD 304, the transport mechanism 305, the first reader / writer 306, the card reader / writer 307, the refund device 309, and the touch panel 311 are connected to the CPU 313 via the bus line BL2, and are controlled by the CPU 313.

  FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of the tag preparation device 401. The tag preparation device 401 includes a housing 402 that is formed to be approximately the same size as the electronic tag collection device 301, but is not provided with a luggage storage area 312 that protrudes forward from a substantially central portion of the front surface. The housing 402 has an upper surface inclined slightly forward. A card reading area 405, an LCD 406, and a keyboard 407 are arranged on the inclined upper surface.

  Below the card reading area 405, an antenna (not shown) provided in the third reader / writer 408 (see FIG. 9) is arranged. As the third reader / writer 408, one that can perform data communication with the electronic tag TG is adopted, and preferably the same as the second reader / writer 113 provided in the POS terminal 101 is adopted.

  The LCD 406 displays information toward a store clerk facing the upper surface of the housing 402. That is, the LCD 406 serves as a display unit in the tag preparation device 401.

  The keyboard 407 serves as an input unit in the tag preparation device 401.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the tag preparation device 401. In the tag preparation device 401, a CPU 412, a ROM 413, a RAM 414, a VRAM 415 that generates a display image to be displayed on the LCD 406, and an HDD 409 are connected via a bus line BL3. The CPU 412, the ROM 413, and the RAM 414 constitute a third information processing unit 420. As an example, the HDD 409 stores and saves computer programs, various display frames, various files, and the like (all not shown), and all or part of these computer programs, various display frames, various files, and the like. When the tag preparation device 401 is activated, it is moved to the RAM 414 and used.

  The LCD 406, the keyboard 407, and the third reader / writer 408 described above are connected to the CPU 412 through the bus line BL3 together with the communication interface 410, and are controlled by the CPU 412. The communication interface 410 is connected to the LAN network 31 and realizes data communication between 401 and the server 51.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server 51. The server 51 is configured by connecting a CPU 56, a ROM 57, a RAM 58, a VRAM 59 for generating a display image to be displayed on the display 53, and an HDD 60 via a bus line BL4. The CPU 56, the ROM 57, and the RAM 58 constitute a higher-level information processing unit 65. As an example, the HDD 60 stores and saves computer programs, various display frames, various files and the like (all not shown), and functions as a storage unit for storing various data in the electronic tag collection system 11. All or a part of these computer programs, various display frames, various files and the like stored and stored in the HDD 60 are transferred to the RAM 58 and used when the server 51 is activated. The file stored in the HDD 60 includes an electronic tag management file 61.

  The display 53, the keyboard 54, and the pointing device 55 are connected to the CPU 56 through the bus line BL4 together with the interface 62 and the communication interface 63, and are controlled by the CPU 56. The communication interface 63 is connected to the LAN network 31 and realizes data communication between the server 51 and the POS terminal 101 and between the server 51 and the tag preparation device 401.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a data configuration of the electronic tag management file 61. The electronic tag management file 61 stores state information in association with electronic tag identification information. The electronic tag identification information corresponds to the electronic tag identification information stored in the electronic tag TG used at the store T0. In the example of the electronic tag management file 61 illustrated in FIG. 11, a flag “0: before product sale” is stored in association with the electronic tag identification information = “0001” as state information indicating that the product is not sold. ing. This information indicates that the electronic tag TG assigned “0001” as the electronic tag identification information is still attached to the product AR.

  Similarly, in this example of the electronic tag management file 61, a flag “1: before collection of post-sales tags is collected as status information indicating that it is before collection of post-sales tags in association with electronic tag identification information =“ 0003 ”. Is remembered. This information is based on the electronic tag TG to which “0003” is assigned as the electronic tag identification information, although the product AR to which the electronic tag TG is attached has been purchased by the customer. This indicates that it has not been put into the collection device 301 and has not been collected at the store T0.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first electronic tag rewriting process executed by the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101.

  The CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101 is executing a first electronic tag rewriting process during startup. The CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101 stands by for processing until the second reader / writer 113 establishes data communication with the electronic tag TG (step S11). If the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101 determines that the second reader / writer 113 has established data communication with the electronic tag TG (Y in step S11), the electronic tag that has established data communication via the second reader / writer 113. Processing for acquiring the electronic tag identification information and the state information from the TG is executed (step S12).

  As a subsequent process, the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101 determines the content indicated by the state information acquired from the electronic tag TG (steps S13 to S14). If the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101 determines that the acquired status information indicates “before product sale” (Y in step S13), the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101 uses the electronic tag TG that has established data communication via the second reader / writer 113. Information indicating “before tag collection after sale of product” is written as status information (step S15), and state information indicating “before tag collection after sale of product” is transmitted to the server 51 in association with the electronic tag identification information. (Step S16), the first electronic tag rewriting process is terminated. When the CPU 56 of the server 51 receives the electronic tag identification information and the state information transmitted from the POS terminal 101, the electronic tag management process (see FIG. 16) is executed, and the state information is rewritten in the first electronic tag rewriting process. The electronic tag management file 61 stores the status information of the received electronic tag TG.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101 determines that the status information acquired from the electronic tag TG indicates “before product sale tag collection” (N in step S13, Y in S14), an error before collection. A notification process is executed (step S17), and then the first electronic tag rewriting process is terminated. In the case where the second reader / writer 113 provided in the POS terminal 101 establishes data communication with the electronic tag TG that stores the status information indicating “post-product sale tag collection”, the store clerk sells the product AR at the register counter T2. Even though the second reader / writer 113 is used to rewrite and update the status information of the electronic tag TG affixed to the product AR to “before product collection tag collection”, the electronic tag TG is set to the second tag again. It is assumed that the reader / writer 113 is recognized. Therefore, as an example, the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101 indicates that the status information stored in the electronic tag TG is “before tag collection after product sale” in the operator display 105 as a pre-collection error notification process. To alert the store clerk.

  On the other hand, the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101 does not indicate that the state information acquired from the electronic tag TG indicates “before product sale” or “before product sale tag collection”, and “after product sale tag collection completed”. (N in step S13, N in S14), the collected error notification process is executed (step S18), and then the first electronic tag rewriting process is terminated. As a case where the second reader / writer 113 provided in the POS terminal 101 establishes data communication with the electronic tag TG that stores the status information indicating “post-sales tag collection completed”, the electronic data collected by the electronic tag collection device 301 is collected. It is assumed that the tag TG is attached to the new product AR2 without rewriting the state information by the tag preparation device 401. That is, the electronic tag TG is not yet ready for being attached to a new product AR2 in the electronic tag collection system 11. Therefore, as an example, the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101 indicates that the status information stored in the electronic tag TG is “collected tag after sale of merchandise” on the operator display 105 as a collected error notification process. To alert the store clerk.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second electronic tag rewriting process executed by the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301.

  The CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 is executing a second electronic tag rewriting process during activation. The CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 waits for processing until the first reader / writer 306 establishes data communication with the electronic tag TG (step S31). When the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 determines that the first reader / writer 306 has established data communication with the electronic tag TG (Y in step S31), the CPU 313 established data communication via the first reader / writer 306. Processing for acquiring electronic tag identification information and state information from the electronic tag TG is executed (step S32).

  As a subsequent process, the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 determines the content indicated by the status information acquired from the electronic tag TG (steps S33 to S34). When the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 determines that the acquired state information indicates “post-product sale tag collection” (Y in step S33), data communication is established via the first reader / writer 306. Information indicating “collected tag after sale of merchandise” is written in the electronic tag TG as status information (step S35), and the second electronic tag rewriting process is terminated.

  As a subsequent process, the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 displays on the LCD 304 a selection screen (see FIG. 14A) that allows the customer to select the type of privilege associated with collection of the electronic tag TG (step S37), and the touch panel 311. Waits for a touch designation input from (step S38).

  FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen displayed on the LCD 304. In step S37 of the second electronic tag rewriting process, the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 displays “Thank you for cooperating with the collection of the electronic tag.” ”, A point gift button 304 a for causing the customer to designate“ presentation of privilege points ”as a privilege, and a deposit return button 304 b for causing the customer to designate“ return deposit ”as a privilege. .

  Returning to the description based on FIG. When the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 determines that the touch designation on the touch panel 311 input in step S38 designates the deposit return button 304b instead of the point gift button 304a (N in step S39), money The refund device 309 is driven to discharge a predetermined amount of money from the payout port 310 (step S40), and the second electronic tag rewriting process is terminated. On the other hand, when the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 determines that the touch designation on the touch panel 311 input in step S38 designates the point gift button 304a (Y in step S39), it is given to the customer. An instruction screen (see FIG. 14B) for prompting the customer to hold the member card PT as a service point storage medium over the card reading area 308 is displayed on the LCD 304 (step S41), and the card reader / writer 307 determines the membership card PT. The process waits until data communication is established (steps S42 to S43).

  FIG. 14B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an instruction screen displayed on the LCD 304. In step S41 in the second electronic tag rewriting process, the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 displays, as an instruction screen on the LCD 304, a message “Please hold your member card over the reading unit” and the operation indicated by this message. An illustration showing the contents and a cancel button 304c including a message “return to the previous screen” are displayed.

  Returning to the description based on FIG. When the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 determines that the card reader / writer 307 has established communication with the member card PT in steps S42 to S43 in the second electronic tag rewriting process (Y in step S42), the card reader / writer 307. A process of adding predetermined privilege points to the membership card PT is executed (step S44), and the second electronic tag rewriting process is terminated. On the other hand, when the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 determines in step S42 to S43 that an input for touching the cancel button 304c is made from the touch panel 311 (N in step S42, Y in S43), the process is performed in step S37. Return to.

  On the other hand, in the determination in steps S33 to S34, the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 determines that the state information acquired from the electronic tag TG that has established data communication indicates “before product sale” (in step S33). N, Y in S34), a pre-sales error notification process is executed (step S45), and then the second electronic tag rewriting process is terminated. In the case where the first reader / writer 306 provided in the electronic tag collection device 301 establishes data communication with the electronic tag TG storing the state information indicating “before sale”, although the sale item AR is before sale. It is assumed that the electronic tag TG attached to the product AR is removed and inserted into the electronic tag collection device 301. Therefore, as an example, the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 displays on the LCD 304 that the status information stored in the electronic tag TG indicates “before product sale” as an error collection notification process before collection.

  When the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 determines that the status information acquired from the electronic tag TG does not indicate “post-product sale tag collection” or “before product sale” (N in step S33, N) in S34, since the status information indicates “tag collection after sale of merchandise”, a collection error notification process is executed (step S46), and then the second electronic tag rewriting process is terminated. In the case where the first reader / writer 306 provided in the electronic tag collection device 301 establishes data communication with the electronic tag TG that stores the status information indicating “post-product sale tag collection completed”, the customer sets the electronic tag collection device 301 in the electronic tag collection device 301. It is assumed that the collected electronic tag TG is taken out and inserted again into the electronic tag collection device 301. Therefore, as an example, the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 indicates that the status information stored in the electronic tag TG indicates “tag collection after sale of product” on the LCD 304 as a collected error notification process. indicate.

  When the electronic tag collection device 301 includes a buzzer, the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 calls a store clerk by generating a buzzer sound from the buzzer as a pre-collection error notification process or a collected error notification process. You may do it. In addition, when the electronic tag collection device 301 includes a tag discharge mechanism that selects and discharges the electronic tag TG input from the input port 303, the CPU 313 of the electronic tag collection device 301 performs the pre-recovery error notification process and the recovered error. As the notification process, the tag discharge mechanism is driven to set an electronic tag TG for storing state information indicating “before product sales” or an electronic tag TG for storing state information indicating “collected tag after product sales”. You may make it discharge outside the collection | recovery apparatus 301. FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third electronic tag rewriting process executed by the CPU 412 of the tag preparation device 401. The CPU 412 of the tag preparation device 401 is executing a third electronic tag rewriting process during activation. The CPU 412 of the tag preparation device 401 waits for processing until the third reader / writer 408 establishes data communication with the electronic tag TG (step S51). When the CPU 412 of the tag preparation device 401 determines that the third reader / writer 408 has established data communication with the electronic tag TG (Y in step S51), the electronic device that has established data communication via the third reader / writer 408. Processing for acquiring the electronic tag identification information and the state information from the tag TG is executed (step S52). As a subsequent process, the CPU 412 of the tag preparation device 401 writes information indicating “before product sale” as the status information to the electronic tag TG that has established data communication via the third reader / writer 408 (step S55). Then, state information indicating “before product sale” is transmitted in association with the electronic tag identification information (step S56), and the third electronic tag rewriting process is terminated. When the CPU 56 of the server 51 receives the electronic tag identification information and the state information transmitted from the POS terminal 101, the electronic tag management process (see FIG. 16) is executed, and the state information is rewritten in the third electronic tag rewriting process. The electronic tag management file 61 stores the status information of the received electronic tag TG.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the electronic tag management process executed by the CPU 56 of the server 51.

  The CPU 56 of the server 51 executes an electronic tag management process during activation. The CPU 56 of the server 51 waits for reception of electronic tag identification information and state information transmitted from any one of the POS terminal 101 and the tag preparation device 401 (step S71). When the CPU 56 of the server 51 determines that the electronic tag identification information and the status information have been received (Y in step S71), the CPU 56 searches the electronic tag management file 61 of the HDD 60 for a data record corresponding to the received electronic tag identification information ( In step S72), processing for rewriting the status information in the retrieved data record with the received status information is executed (step S73), and the electronic tag management processing is terminated.

  As described above, according to the electronic tag collection system 11 of the present embodiment, the electronic tag TG has the state information indicating the state of any of the pre-product sale tag, the pre-product sale tag collection, and the post-product sale tag collection. By storing, whether or not a privilege has been given to a customer who has inserted the electronic tag TG into the electronic tag collection device 301 can be determined by the state information stored in the electronic tag TG. That is, when the electronic tag TG storing the state information indicating “post-product sale tag collection” is inserted, the electronic tag collection device 301 allows the customer to accept the inserted electronic tag TG. A process of giving a privilege is performed, and further, state information indicating “tag collection after sale of merchandise” is stored in the electronic tag TG. On the other hand, when the electronic tag TG storing the state information indicating “before product sale” is inserted, the electronic tag collection device 301 is described above as having been inserted with the electronic tag TG attached to the product AR before sale. When the electronic tag TG storing the state information indicating “collected tag after sale” is inserted, the electronic tag TG once collected in the electronic tag collecting device 301 is executed. The collected error notification process described above is executed assuming that the electronic tag TG is taken out and inserted again into the electronic tag collection device 301. As described above, the electronic tag collection device 301 only accepts an electronic tag TG that stores state information indicating “post-product sale tag collection”, and accepts the inserted electronic tag TG “post-product sale”. It is possible to store the state information indicating “tag collection completed” and identify whether or not a privilege has been granted for the electronic tag TG. Therefore, according to the electronic tag collection system 11 of the present embodiment, it is possible to manage whether or not a privilege point is given to a customer accompanying collection of an electronic tag without connecting the electronic tag collection device to a communication network. Thus, there is no need to connect the electronic tag collection device 301 to the LAN network 31, and the introduction of the electronic tag collection system to the store T0 can be simplified. Then, a plurality of electronic tag collection devices 301 can be installed at free places without being restricted by the LAN network 31 arranged in the store T0.

  Further, according to the electronic tag collection system 11 of the present embodiment, the state information stored in the electronic tag TG inserted into the electronic tag collection device 301 indicates “before tag collection after product sale”. If the status information stored in the electronic tag TG is rewritten only and the status information stored in the inserted electronic tag TG does not indicate “before product sale tag collection”, various error notifications are issued. Therefore, fraud related to the collection of the electronic tag TG at the store T0 can be prevented.

  Further, in the electronic tag collection system 11 of the present embodiment, the status information stored in the electronic tag TG is stored and managed in the electronic tag management file 61 stored in the server 51 that is the host device. Further, not only the ratio of how much the electronic tag TG is collected in the store T0 but also the current state of each electronic tag TG can be grasped, and the management of the electronic tag TG in the store T0 becomes easy.

  In the electronic tag collection system 11 according to the present embodiment, the state information stored in the electronic tag TG indicates “before product sales” by the first electronic tag rewriting process executed by the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101. Has been rewritten to indicate "after product sales and before tag collection". Therefore, as another embodiment, in step S16 of the first electronic tag rewriting process executed by the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 101, only the electronic tag identification number is output to the server 51, and the CPU 56 of the server 51 executes it. In step S73 of the electronic tag management process, on the condition that the transmission source of the received electronic tag identification number is the POS terminal 101, the status information is associated with the received electronic tag identification information as “before tag collection after sale”. May be stored in the electronic tag management file 61. In this case, the tag preparation device 401 similarly transmits only the electronic tag identification information to the server 51, and the CPU 56 of the server 51 confirms that the transmission source of the received electronic tag identification number is the tag preparation device 401. Information indicating “before product sale” is stored in the electronic tag management file 61 as state information in association with the electronic tag identification information received in the condition.

It is a system configuration figure showing an electronic tag collection system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of an electronic tag collection | recovery system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the data memorize | stored in the tag memory | storage part of an electronic tag. It is a perspective view which shows a POS terminal (accounting apparatus). It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a POS terminal. It is an external appearance perspective view of an electronic tag collection | recovery apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of an electronic tag collection | recovery apparatus. It is an external appearance perspective view of a tag preparation apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a tag preparation apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a server (high-order apparatus). It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of an electronic tag management file. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 1st electronic tag rewriting process which CPU of a POS terminal performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 2nd electronic tag rewriting process which CPU of an electronic tag collection | recovery apparatus performs. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the selection screen displayed on LCD, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the instruction | indication screen displayed on LCD. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 3rd electronic tag rewriting process which CPU of a tag preparation apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the electronic tag management process which CPU of a server performs.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31 ... LAN network (communication network) 51 ... Server (high-order apparatus), 60 ... HDD (storage part), 65 ... High-order information processing part, 101 ... POS terminal, 113 ... 2nd reader / writer, 206 ... Microcomputer ( (Second information processing unit), 301 ... electronic tag collection device, 303 ... insertion slot, 306 ... first reader / writer, 307 ... card reader / writer (storage medium reader / writer), 309 ... refund device, 320 ... first Information processing unit, 401 ... tag preparation device, 408 ... third reader / writer, 420 ... third information processing unit, TG ... electronic tag, PT ... member card (service point storage medium)

Claims (4)

An insertion port that opens so that an electronic tag that stores state information indicating a state of any one of the state before product sale, after product sale tag collection, and after product sale tag collection is removed from the product,
A storage unit for storing and holding the electronic tag input to the input port;
A first reader / writer that performs data communication with the electronic tag inserted into the insertion slot;
A first information processing unit for executing information processing;
Means for causing the first information processing section to execute processing for causing the first reader / writer to acquire state information stored in the electronic tag from an electronic tag inserted into the insertion port;
When the first information processing unit determines that the acquired status information indicates that the post-sales tag is not collected, the post-sales tag collection for the electronic tag is performed by the first reader / writer. Means for storing the state information indicating that it has been completed, and a predetermined privilege process;
An electronic tag collection device comprising:   The electronic tag collection | recovery apparatus of Claim 1 which makes the refund apparatus connected to the said electronic tag collection | recovery apparatus discharge the money of predetermined amount as said privilege process. A storage medium reader / writer for performing data communication with a service point storage medium provided to a customer, comprising a point storage unit for storing service points;
As the privilege process, the storage medium reader / writer is given predetermined service points to the service point storage medium,
The electronic tag collection | recovery apparatus of Claim 1. The electronic tag collection | recovery apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3;
A host device comprising a storage unit that stores state information in association with electronic tag identification information and a host information processing unit that executes information processing;
An accounting device that is connected to the host device via a communication network so as to be able to perform data communication, and includes a second reader / writer that executes data communication with the electronic tag and a second information processing unit that executes information processing When,
A tag comprising a third reader / writer that performs data communication with the electronic tag and a third information processing unit that executes information processing, and is connected to the host device via the communication network so that data communication is possible. A preparation device;
With
The electronic tag also stores electronic tag identification information,
When the second reader / writer establishes data communication with the electronic tag, the second information processing unit acquires electronic tag identification information from the electronic tag with which the data communication is established to the second reader / writer. A process that causes the second reader / writer to store state information indicating that the electronic tag is not collected after the sale of the tag, and the higher-level device associates the acquired electronic tag identification information with the acquired electronic tag identification information. And processing to send status information indicating that the product is not collected after sales.
When the third reader / writer establishes data communication with the electronic tag, the third information processing unit obtains electronic tag identification information from the electronic tag with which the data communication has been established with the third reader / writer. Processing for storing the state information indicating that the third reader / writer is not pre-sale with respect to the electronic tag, and selling the product in association with the acquired electronic tag identification information in the host device. Processing to send status information indicating that it is before,
When the higher-level information processing unit receives the electronic tag identification information transmitted through the communication network and the state information associated therewith, the higher-level information processing unit stores the received electronic tag identification information and the state information in the storage unit. Execute the process to remember,
Electronic tag collection system.

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