JP2017151910A - Product registration device and product registration method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a product registration apparatus that enables reading by using a reader without requiring a new operation at the time of reading. A product registration apparatus for registering a product with an RFID tag and a barcode attached thereto, and determines whether or not the RFID tag read through an antenna of the RFID tag reader is a predetermined RFID tag. And a reading control unit that disables reading of the RFID tag by the RFID tag reader when it is determined that the tag is a predetermined RFID tag. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a product registration device for registering a read product.

  Currently, a method for registering a product by using an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag is widespread. On the other hand, registration of products by barcode has also existed conventionally. Therefore, the present situation is in an environment where the RFID tag and the barcode are used together. An example of a technique for using an RFID tag and a barcode together is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

  An RFID reader has a wider reading range than a barcode reader, and can read a plurality of products collectively. Therefore, there is an advantage that a plurality of products can be settled together. On the other hand, there is also the inconvenience of reading even the surrounding extra products.

  For this reason, there may be a problem when the RFID tag and the barcode are used in combination. That is, a problem occurs when reading is performed using a barcode reader and an RFID reader together on one commodity reading counter. In the case of reading with an RFID reader, there is little problem because the reading range with a barcode reader is narrow. On the other hand, in the case of reading with a barcode reader, it is necessary to stop reading with an RFID reader. If it is not stopped, the RFID reader side can also read, resulting in double reading. As a workaround, there may be a method of performing a reading operation by dividing the range on the counter, or a method of stopping the reading function of one reader.

JP 2009-187407 A

  However, it is physically difficult to perform a reading operation separately on a narrow counter, and there is a problem that it is troublesome to increase the number of operations for the user to stop and start reading of one reader.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a product registration apparatus that enables reading by using a reader without using a new operation at the time of reading.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a product registration apparatus for registering a product with an RFID tag and a barcode, wherein the RFID tag read through the antenna of the RFID tag reader is a predetermined RFID. A determination unit that determines whether or not the tag is a tag, and a reading control unit that invalidates reading of the RFID tag by the RFID tag reader when the tag is determined to be the predetermined RFID tag.

  Further, in the commodity registration apparatus of the present invention, when the predetermined RFID tag is not read by placing the predetermined RFID tag outside the readable range via the antenna or shielding it with a shielding object, the reading is performed. It is a preferable aspect that the control unit enables reading of the RFID tag by the RFID tag reader.

  The present invention is also a product registration apparatus for registering a product with an RFID tag and a barcode, and whether or not the RFID tag read through the antenna of the RFID tag reader is a predetermined RFID tag. And a reading control unit that validates reading of the RFID tag by the RFID tag reader when it is determined that the RFID tag is the predetermined RFID tag.

  In the product registration apparatus of the present invention, there are a plurality of the antennas, and the determination unit reads the RFID tag through a predetermined antenna other than the antenna that reads the RFID tag attached to the product among the plurality of antennas. It is a preferable aspect to determine whether or not the predetermined RFID tag.

  In the commodity registration apparatus of the present invention, when the predetermined RFID tag is not read by placing the predetermined RFID tag outside the readable range via the antenna, the reading control unit may Disabling reading of the RFID tag by the tag reader is a preferable mode.

  In addition, the product registration apparatus of the present invention further includes a transmission unit that transmits a predetermined code included in the RFID tag read by the RFID tag reader to the RFID server, so that the state transition on the RFID tag reader side can be identified. This is a preferred embodiment.

  In the product registration apparatus of the present invention, the determination unit determines whether the read RFID tag is a registration stop RFID tag for canceling the registration of the product, and the reading control unit determines whether the registration is performed. When it is determined that the RFID tag is a canceled RFID tag, it is preferable that the RFID tag reading result of the RFID tag reader be discarded.

  In the product registration apparatus of the present invention, the predetermined RFID tag may be a barcode reader, an identification card worn by a registrant who performs the product registration on the antenna, or a card carried by the registrant. Attaching is a preferred embodiment.

  In the product registration apparatus of the present invention, the reading control unit may cause the RFID tag attached to the product to use different radio field strengths between the RFID tag attached to the product and the predetermined RFID tag when the RFID tag reader reads the RFID tag. This is a preferred embodiment.

  Further, in the product registration apparatus of the present invention, the reading control unit causes the RFID tag to be read by gradually changing from a strong radio wave strength to a weak radio wave strength among radio wave strengths corresponding to the performance of the RFID tag. In the preferred embodiment, when there is an RFID tag having the performance of predetermining the reading determined in each step in the RFID tag read in each step, the product of the RFID tag is determined to be read and confirmed. is there.

  In the commodity registration apparatus of the present invention, the reading control unit determines the radio wave intensity corresponding to the performance of the RFID tag based on the radio wave intensity at the time of reading a reference tag corresponding to the performance arranged in advance. This is a preferred embodiment.

  In the product registration apparatus of the present invention, at least when the RFID tag reader is in a readable state and a reading inhibited state, the RFID tag reader is in any one of the readable state and the reading inhibited state. An information output control unit for controlling output of information for notifying the state of the information, wherein the information output control unit includes at least sound tone, sound output timing, display lamp display color, and display lamp lighting. Controlling any one of the methods is a preferred form.

  The present invention is also a product registration method by a product registration apparatus for registering a product with an RFID tag and a barcode attached thereto, wherein the RFID tag read through the antenna of the RFID tag reader is a predetermined RFID tag. A step of determining whether or not the RFID tag is present, and a step of invalidating or validating reading of the RFID tag by the RFID tag reader when the RFID tag is determined to be present.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform reading by using a reader without requiring a new operation at the time of reading.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the POS system containing the POS terminal which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the POS terminal which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions for implement | achieving the POS terminal which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mode of reading of the RFID tag and barcode in Example 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the shop assistant for every state in Example 1, and the process of the POS terminal corresponding to the operation. It is a figure which shows an example of the correspondence table in Example 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of reading an RFID tag based on a correspondence table in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the method to determine the electromagnetic wave intensity dynamically in Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the reading result by the method of determining the radio field intensity dynamically in Example 1. It is a figure which shows the radio wave intensity image of the reading result by the method of determining the radio wave intensity dynamically in Example 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reading control processing flow by the POS terminal according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining reading of a suppression tag in the second embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reading control processing flow by a POS terminal according to a second exemplary embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating shielding of the invalid tag in Example 3. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reading control processing flow by a POS terminal according to a third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an example of a POS system including a POS terminal according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The POS system 1 includes a POS server 2, an RFID server 3, and a POS terminal (product registration device) 4. The POS server 2 and the RFID server 3 are connected to the POS terminal 4 via the network 5. The POS server 2 and the RFID server 3 may be combined as one server. The server in that case has the functions of the POS server 2 and the RFID server 3.

  The POS server 2 performs sales processing based on information transmitted from the POS terminal 4. The information transmitted here is, for example, a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, that is, a barcode described later.

  Based on the information transmitted from the POS terminal 4, the RFID server 3 checks, for example, whether a product that has not been purchased has been taken out of the store with a gate antenna or the like (not shown) at the store exit. The information transmitted here is, for example, an EPC (Electronic Product Code) code. The EPC code is information written in an RFID tag described later.

  An RFID reader (also referred to as an RFID tag reader) 7 having an RFID antenna 6 and a barcode reader 8 are connected to the POS terminal 4. The POS terminal 4 processes the information of the RFID tag read by the RFID reader 7 and the barcode read by the barcode reader 8, and transfers the information to the POS server 2 and the RFID server 3. Details of the POS terminal 4 will be described later.

  An RFID tag and a barcode are attached to the product. The RFID reader 7 reads the RFID tag in the reading area via the RFID antenna 6, and the barcode reader 8 reads the barcode held by the store clerk (registrant). Since the RFID reader 7 reads the RFID tag in the reading area, if the product is read by the barcode reader 8 in the reading area, the product is registered redundantly. The POS terminal 4 for preventing such duplicate reading will be described below.

  Here, an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 4 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The POS terminal 4 includes an acquired data processing unit 20, a data transfer unit 21, a display control unit 22, a buzzer control unit 23, a read data storage unit 24, and a display unit 25. The configuration of the POS terminal 4 is not limited to this, and may include other components.

  The acquired data processing unit 20 determines whether or not the RFID tag read through the RFID antenna 6 of the RFID reader 7 is a predetermined RFID tag (for example, an RFID reading suppression tag 9 or an RFID reading invalid tag 140 described later). Judging. When it is determined that the acquired data processing unit 20 is a predetermined RFID tag, the acquisition data processing unit 20 disables or enables reading of the RFID tag by the RFID reader 7. In addition, the acquired data processing unit 20 performs conversion processing to a JAN code based on information of the RFID tag. Further, the acquired data processing unit 20 determines whether or not the RFID tag read via the RFID antenna 6 of the RFID reader 7 is an RFID tag for canceling registration of a product (for example, a service stop tag 10 described later). to decide. When it is determined that the acquired data processing unit 20 is the RFID tag, the acquired data processing unit 20 discards the reading result of the RFID tag by the RFID reader 7.

  The data transfer unit 21 transfers the information processed by the acquired data processing unit 20, that is, the JAN code converted from the EPC code described above, to the POS server 2 or transfers the EPC code to the RFID server 3.

  The EPC code to be sent to the RFID server 3 is usually only the EPC code of a general product, but EPC code information of a predetermined RFID tag (reading suppression tag or service stop tag) can also be included in the transfer target. As a result, the reading state of the RFID tag reader is being enabled (= reading operation with the RFID reader), the reading is being disabled (= reading operation with the barcode reader), and further the operation in the state 5 of Example 1 described later. Thus, it is possible to manage information on the RFID server side including the completion timing of each handling.

  The display control unit 22 causes the display unit 25 of the POS terminal 4 to display information about the read product (for example, product name or price).

  The buzzer control unit (also referred to as an information output control unit) 23 outputs (notifies) information (for example, sound and light) so that the store clerk can grasp each state of the RFID reader 7, and as an example of sound output An example of a beep sound and a light output include a display lamp. A method of outputting information will be described later using a beep sound as an example.

  The read data storage unit 24 stores information processed by the acquired data processing unit 20, that is, information related to the read product.

  Next, an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the POS terminal 4 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The hardware configuration includes, for example, a CPU 31, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 32, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 33, a RAM 34, a communication interface (I / F) 35, a display device 36, and a bus 37. The CPU 31, HDD 32, ROM 33, RAM 34, communication interface (I / F) 35, and display device 36 are connected to each other via a bus 37, for example.

  The CPU 31 reads a program for performing various processes of the POS terminal 4 stored in the HDD 32 or the like via the bus 37, temporarily stores the read program in the RAM 34, and performs various processes according to the program. It functions mainly as the acquisition data processing unit 20 described above.

  The HDD 32 stores application programs for performing various processes of the POS terminal 4, data necessary for the processes of the POS terminal 4, and functions mainly as the read data storage unit 24 described above.

  The ROM 33 is a nonvolatile memory, and stores programs such as a boot program and BIOS (BasicInput / Output System).

  The RAM 34 is a volatile memory and temporarily stores an OS (Operating System) program and a part of application programs to be executed by the CPU 31. The RAM 34 stores various data necessary for processing by the CPU 31.

  The communication interface (I / F) 35 performs data transmission / reception with the outside (POS server 2, RFID server 3, etc.), and mainly functions as the data transfer unit 21 described above.

The display device 36 displays information relating to the product (product name, price, etc.).
The bus 37 is a path that mediates transmission / reception of control signals and data signals between the devices.

  In the following, an embodiment for preventing duplicate reading by the RFID reader 7 and the barcode reader 8 will be described.

Example 1
FIG. 4 shows how the RFID tag and the barcode are read in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, two hats with RFID tags 41 (41 a, 41 b) and barcodes 42 (42 a, 42 b) are placed in the reading work area 40 on the counter 43. An RFID antenna 6 is installed in the counter 43, and the RFID antenna 6 can read the RFID tag 41 in the RFID tag reading area 44. On the other hand, the barcode reader 8 can read the barcode 42 in the barcode reading area 45.

  In the first embodiment, an RFID reading deterrence tag (inhibition tag) 9 for invalidating reading by the RFID reader 7 is attached around the barcode reader 8 (such as a side surface). The attachment position of the suppression tag 9 is not limited to the above, and it may be attached to a pass case for putting an identification card or the like worn by a clerk (registrant who performs product registration), a card carried by the clerk, or an underlay. . The suppression tag 9 and the service stop tag 10 described later are unique for each counter, for example, and are duplicated by attaching two each. Thereby, reading can be performed reliably.

  When the suppression tag 9 is read by the RFID reader 7 via the RFID antenna 6, it is assumed that reading by a barcode is started. In that case, even if the RFID tag is read, the JAN code converted based on the read information is not transferred to the POS server 2 (application). However, reading of the RFID tag itself is continuously performed, and the EPC code in the read information is transferred to the RFID server 3 by the POS terminal 4.

  The POS terminal 4 monitors that the inhibition tag 9 cannot be read at regular intervals. When the suppression tag 9 becomes unreadable, that is, when the barcode reader 8 (suppression tag 9) goes out of the reading area of the RFID antenna 6, the POS terminal 4 validates reading of the RFID tag by the RFID reader 7. Then, the POS terminal 4 initializes the multiple notification suppression function and starts a process of notifying the POS server 2 of the JAN code converted based on the read information of the RFID tag of the product. The multiple notification suppression function is a function that prevents reading information of the same RFID tag from being notified once the RFID tag is read once by the RFID reader 7.

  The deterrence tag 9 also has a meaning for recognizing a break in accounting processing for one customer. When the accounting process for one customer is completed, the bar code reader 8 is returned to the reading area of the RFID antenna 6 each time. As a result, the deterrence tag 9 is read and used as a delimiter for accounting for one customer. Then, when reading the RFID tag of the next customer's product, the barcode reader 8 is removed from the reading area of the RFID antenna 6. As a result, since the suppression tag 9 cannot be read by the POS terminal 4, the multiple notification suppression function is initialized, and the JAN code converted based on the RFID tag read information of the next customer's product is transferred to the POS server 2. To do.

  In addition to the above, the service stop tag 10 shown in FIG. 1 is also prepared, and the POS terminal 4 notifies the POS server 2 and the RFID server 3 of the read information while the service stop tag 10 is being read by the RFID reader 7. Without reading, the read information is discarded.

  Note that the reading of the suppression tag 9 and the service stop tag 10 may be established by reading once, and may not be established if reading cannot be performed N times consecutively at a fixed interval. Further, the service stop tag 10 may be high for the priority of each tag. As for the reading frequency, for example, the suppression tag 9 and the service stop tag 10 may be set to about 1 second, and the other RFID tags may be set to a normal reading cycle (slower or faster than 1 second).

  In addition, the timing at which the multiple notification suppression function is activated is the time when the suppression tag 9 can no longer be read, and the past suppression information is cleared and the function is restarted.

  Here, the state notification by the output information (beep sound) described above will be described. In order to enable the store clerk to know the state of the RFID reader 7, for example, a beep sound is output as output information to the store clerk. The state of the RFID reader 7 includes, for example, a service stop state where the service by the POS terminal 4 is stopped (state 1 described later), a customer waiting state where the barcode reader 8 is placed in the reading area of the RFID antenna 6 (state described later) 2) RFID reading inhibition state (state 3 to be described later) in which notification of information after reading of the RFID tag (JAN code) is inhibited, state 3 to be described later, and RFID reading capable of notification of information after reading of the RFID tag (JAN code) There is a state (state 4 which will be described later) and a handling end state (state 5 which will be described later) when one handling is completed.

  Specifically, nothing is done without doing anything when the service is stopped. In the customer waiting state, since the RFID tag reading state has been suppressed, a high beep sound is output twice in succession, and then a low beep sound is output at a constant interval A (for example, every 3 seconds). In the RFID reading inhibition state, a low beep sound is output at a constant interval A. In the RFID readable state, a low beep sound is output at a constant interval B (for example, every 1 second). Further, a high beep sound (for example, the same sound as when read by the barcode reader 8) indicating the reading of the RFID tag for each point is output. Further, at the time of transition of each state, a high beep sound is output twice in succession, for example, at the timing of the change that reading / cannot be read. Note that the method of outputting information is not limited to the above, and other methods such as changing the tone of sound and the timing of sound output, such as the display color of the display lamp, the lighting of the display lamp, etc. Notification using visual perception).

  Below, the operation of the store clerk and the processing of the POS terminal 4 corresponding to the operation for each state will be described with reference to FIG. State 1 is a counter service stop state. As an operation of the store clerk, a service stop signboard 46 (see FIG. 4) with the service stop tag 10 attached is placed on the RFID antenna 6 in order to leave the counter 43 for a long time.

  On the other hand, when the service stop tag 10 is read, the POS terminal 4 discards the read information of all RFID tags. The POS terminal 4 monitors whether the service stop tag 10 is read at regular intervals. That is, the POS terminal 4 monitors whether the service stop tag 10 has been read.

  State 2 is a customer waiting (unused) state. As an operation of the store clerk, the service stop sign 46 is removed from the RFID antenna 6 (reading area of the RFID antenna 6), and the barcode reader 8 with the suppression tag 9 is placed on the RFID antenna 6. At this time, for example, the store clerk recognizes that the RFID reading suppression state has been entered by listening to the high beep sound twice in succession and subsequently listening to the low beep sound at a constant interval A.

  On the other hand, when the service stop tag 10 disappears and the suppression tag 9 is read, the POS terminal 4 monitors whether the suppression tag 9 is read at regular intervals. In addition to monitoring, when the RFID tag of the product is read in this state, the POS terminal 4 does not transfer the JAN code to the POS server 2 but transfers the EPC code to the RFID server 3. At this time, the POS terminal 4 is low at a constant interval A (for example, every 3 seconds) in the RFID reading inhibition state after outputting a high beep twice continuously in order to notify the store clerk that the RFID reading inhibition state has been entered. Output beep sound continuously. In this state, the multiple notification suppression function is in an invalid state.

  State 3 is a state of a product reading operation by the barcode reader 8 in the RFID reading inhibition state. As an operation of the store clerk, the barcode reader 8 reads the barcode so that the barcode reader 8 is operated on the RFID antenna 6. And sales processing is performed by reading operation. At this time, the store clerk recognizes that the RFID reading is inhibited by the beep sound continuing at a constant interval A as described above.

  On the other hand, the POS terminal 4 does not transfer the JAN code to the POS server 2 and transfers the EPC code to the RFID server 3 when the RFID tag of the product is read while the suppression tag 9 is read. . At this time, the POS terminal 4 continuously outputs the beep sound at a constant interval A as described above. Even in this state, the multiple notification suppression function is in an invalid state.

  The state 4 is a state of a product reading operation with the RFID reader 7 via the RFID antenna 6. As an operation of the store clerk, after the barcode reader 8 is removed from the RFID antenna 6, the RFID tag of the product is read on the RFID antenna 6. And sales processing is performed by reading operation. At this time, for example, the store clerk recognizes that the RFID reading state has been entered by listening to the high beep sound twice in succession and the low beep sound at a constant interval B. Furthermore, the store clerk recognizes that the reading has been made by listening to a high beep sound (for example, the same sound as that read by the barcode reader 8) at the timing of actually reading the RFID tag.

  On the other hand, when the RFID tag of the product is read in a state where the suppression tag 9 is not read, the POS terminal 4 determines that the RFID tag is read, and based on the read RFID tag, the POS terminal 4 The EPC code is transferred to the JAN code and the RFID server 3. The POS terminal 4 initializes the multiple notification suppression function when the suppression tag 9 is no longer read, and restarts the function. At this time, the POS terminal 4 outputs a high beep sound twice in order to notify the store clerk that the RFID reader is ready to read, and is low at a constant interval B (for example, every 1 second) in the RFID readable state. Output beep sound continuously. Further, the POS terminal 4 outputs a high beep sound (for example, the same sound as when read by the barcode reader 8) at the timing of actually reading the RFID tag.

  State 5 is the handling end state when one handling is finished. As an operation of the store clerk, when the customer's accounting process is completed and the merchandise is completely removed from the RFID antenna 6, the bar code reader 8 is placed back on the RFID antenna 6. Thereby, it transfers to the state 2, and when the next customer continues, it transfers to the state 3 or the state 4.

  On the other hand, the POS terminal 4 shifts the reading of the RFID tag to the state 2 because the suppression tag 9 is read again.

  Next, a method for reading an RFID tag of a product including the suppression tag 9 will be described. There are the following methods as a method of reading various RFID tags having different reading sensitivities (reading distances) with high accuracy (without erroneous reading or reading omission).

  The first method is a method of dividing the radio wave intensity at the time of reading. For example, the radio wave intensity is divided into at least two stages, and the radio wave intensity A is used when reading the suppression tag 9 and the service stop tag 10 at regular intervals, and the radio wave intensity B is used when reading the RFID tag of the product. The radio wave intensity A is, for example, an optimal intensity value (fixed value) for reading the suppression tag 9 and the service stop tag 10, and is held by the POS terminal 4. The radio wave intensity B is, for example, an intensity value that can be individually adjusted with a certain width.

  The second method is a method of changing the radio wave intensity at the time of reading step by step. For example, the RFID tag is read step by step from a strong radio wave intensity based on a correspondence table in which attribute codes and radio wave intensity for reading are associated with each RFID tag performance. An example of the correspondence table is shown in FIG. The correspondence table here is composed of product type, tag type, attribute code, and radio wave intensity for reading the RFID tag.

  For example, the product type includes a plurality of product types, the product type A is a large RFID tag, the product type B is a medium RFID tag, and the product type C is a product with a small RFID tag. The tag type indicates the tag performance of the RFID tag. The smaller the radio wave intensity for reading the RFID tag, the better the performance. In this example, the RFID tag having the highest performance is divided into three stages of performance, and the RFID tag having the highest performance is designated as the high performance tag, and the RFID tag having the worst performance is designated as the small performance tag. The high performance tag has a radio wave intensity of 10, whereas the small performance tag has a radio wave intensity of 30. The tag type includes a control tag, and the RFID tag corresponds to the suppression tag 9 and the service stop tag 10 described above. The radio wave intensity of the control tag in this example is 20. The attribute code indicates a company code, a product item code, or the like.

  The RFID tag reading method based on the above-described correspondence table will be specifically described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, first, the RFID tag is read through the RFID antenna 79 with the strongest radio wave intensity (high radio wave intensity) 30. At this time, in the small performance tag reading area 70, there are a large performance tag 71 (71a, 71b) attached to the cap and a small performance tag 72 attached to the watch. The high performance tag reading area 73 further includes a large performance tag 74 attached to the T-shirt. The high performance tag reading area 75 further includes a high performance tag 76 attached to the T-shirt and a medium performance tag (inhibition tag) 77. On the counter (not shown), there is a reading area 78 that is originally expected to be read.

  When the radio wave intensity 30 is read, the small performance tag 72 attached to the watch is read in the small performance tag reading area 70. The in-performance tag reading area 73 is not read because there is no in-performance tag. In the high performance tag reading area 75, there are the high performance tags 71 (71a, 71b) attached to the hat and the high performance tags 74, 76 attached to the T-shirt. At the time of reading due to high radio field intensity, only products with an RFID tag having an attribute of short communication distance (low performance) are determined to be read. That is, only the clock is determined to be read, and other products are discarded.

  Next, the RFID tag is read with a radio wave intensity (medium radio wave intensity) 20 weaker than the radio wave intensity. At this time, there is no RFID tag in the small performance tag reading area 70. The high-performance tag 71 (71a, 71b) attached to the cap exists in the reading area 73 of the in-performance tag. The high-performance tag reading area 75 further includes a high-performance tag 74 attached to the T-shirt.

  When reading with the radio wave intensity 20, there is no small performance tag in the reading area 70 of the small performance tag, so that it cannot be read. The in-performance tag reading area 73 is not read because there is no in-performance tag. The high performance tag reading area 75 includes a high performance tag 71 (71a, 71b) attached to the hat and a high performance tag 74 attached to the T-shirt, and these are read. At the time of reading due to the radio field intensity, only the product with the RFID tag having the attribute of the next shortest communication distance (in performance) is determined to be read. In other words, in this case, there is no product whose reading is confirmed, and the product with the high performance tag that has been read is discarded. At this time, the small performance tag is basically not read, but if it is read, it may be determined to be read.

  Next, the RFID tag is read with a radio wave intensity (low radio wave intensity) 10 that is weaker than the radio wave intensity. At this time, there is no RFID tag in the small performance tag reading area 70. There is no RFID tag in the reading area 73 of the tag in performance. In the high performance tag reading area 75, there are high performance tags 71 (71a, 71b) attached to the caps.

  When the radio wave intensity is read at 10, the small performance tag is not read because there is no small performance tag in the reading area 70 of the small performance tag. The in-performance tag reading area 73 is not read because there is no in-performance tag. In the high performance tag reading area 75, there is a high performance tag 71 (71a, 71b) attached to the cap, which is read. At the time of reading with a low radio field intensity, only the product with the RFID tag having the attribute of the next shortest communication distance (high performance) is determined to be read. That is, in this case, the hat is determined to be read. At this time, the small performance tag and the performance tag are basically not read, but if they are read, the reading may be confirmed. In this way, by reading the RFID tags having different performances by controlling the radio wave intensity in stages, all commodities are determined to be read.

  Note that the above-described radio wave intensity classification (reading processing level) is not limited to three, but may be two or more, and each radio wave intensity may be measured in advance and fixedly set. . Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a reference tag may be arranged in a reading area on a counter (not shown), and the radio wave intensity may be dynamically determined by reading the reference tag when the POS terminal 4 is activated. .

  Here, a method of dynamically determining the radio field intensity will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the reference tags for determining the radio field intensity (the high performance reference tag 81, the medium performance reference tag 82, and the low performance reference tag 83) are respectively fixedly arranged on the reading area 80 where the expectation is expected. The reading area 80 may be determined according to the operability for each store clerk. Further, it is preferable that the attachment position of the reference tag is slightly outside the reading area 80 in order to provide a margin.

  For example, the reference tag is read (diagnostic) when a field survey of the installation environment of the POS terminal 4 is performed or when the reading area is changed, or when the POS terminal 4 is activated every morning. This process may be incorporated into a maintenance or activation program. As a method, the radio wave intensity is gradually increased from the smaller one, and the radio wave intensity of each reading area is obtained when each reference tag is read. FIG. 9 shows the reading result, and FIG. 10 shows the radio wave intensity image at this time.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the radio wave intensity when the large performance standard tag is read is 10, the radio wave intensity when the medium performance standard tag is read is 20, and the radio wave intensity when the small performance standard tag is read is The result is 30. An image of this result is shown in FIG.

  In the normal operation thereafter, the RFID tag having different performance described with reference to FIG. 7 is read using the value of the radio wave intensity.

  Next, an example of a processing flow of reading control by the POS terminal according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The POS terminal 4 determines whether the service stop tag 10 has been read (step S1101). When the service stop tag 10 is read (Yes in step S1101), the POS terminal 4 discards the read information of the RFID tag read by the RFID reader 7 (step S1102). If not read (No in step S1101), the process returns to step S1101.

  Thereafter, after the service stop sign 46 is removed from the reading area, the POS terminal 4 determines whether or not the suppression tag 9 has been read (step S1103). When the suppression tag 9 is read (Yes in step S1103), the POS terminal 4 transfers the EPC code to the RFID server 3 when the RFID tag of the product is read by the RFID reader 7 (step S1104). If the suppression tag 9 is not read (No in step S1103), the process returns to step S1103.

  The POS terminal 4 determines whether the suppression tag 9 has been read (step S1105). When the suppression tag 9 is not read (No in step S1105), the POS terminal 4 determines whether or not the RFID tag of the product has been read (step S1106). When the RFID tag of the product is read (Yes in step S1106), the POS terminal 4 transfers the JAN code to the POS server 2 and the EPC code to the RFID server 3 (step S1107). On the other hand, if the suppression tag 9 has been read (Yes in step S1105), the process returns to step S1104. If the RFID tag of the product cannot be read (No in step S1106), the process returns to step S1106.

  The POS terminal 4 determines whether the suppression tag 9 has been read (step S1108). When the suppression tag 9 is read (Yes in step S1108), the POS terminal 4 puts the RFID tag into a waiting state for the customer (step S1109). If the suppression tag 9 is not read (No in step S1108), the process returns to step S1106.

(Example 2)
In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, an RFID reading suppression tag (suppression tag) 9 that disables reading by the RFID reader 7 is attached around the barcode reader 8 (for example, a side surface). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, a table 120 for temporarily placing the barcode reader 8 when not in use is newly provided. An RFID antenna 121 having a reading area 122 is installed below the cradle 120 separately from the RFID antenna 6. The RFID antenna 121 is an antenna other than the RFID antenna 6 that reads an RFID tag attached to a product.

  The POS terminal 4 determines whether or not the RFID tag read via the RFID antenna 121 is the suppression tag 9. When the suppression tag 9 is read via the RFID antenna 121, reading of the RFID tag by the RFID reader 7 is validated.

  On the other hand, when the suppression tag 9 can no longer be read via the RFID antenna 121, the POS terminal 4 determines that the barcode reader 8 has been taken out of the table 120 and barcode reading has started. By this determination, the POS terminal 4 ignores (invalidates) reading of the RFID tag by the RFID reader 7. Alternatively, the POS terminal 4 temporarily stops reading by the RFID reader 7 and monitors whether the suppression tag 9 is read via the RFID antenna 121 at regular intervals. If the suppression tag 9 is read as a result of monitoring, reading by the RFID reader 7 is started. Thereby, the reading period of the RFID tag can be further narrowed and the reader can be used properly.

  For example, when reading of the RFID tag is small, the barcode reader 8 is always removed from the table 120, and the barcode reader 8 may be set on the table 120 only when reading the RFID tag. . In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the attachment position of the suppression tag 9 is not limited to the above.

  Next, an example of a processing flow of reading control by the POS terminal according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The POS terminal 4 determines whether the suppression tag 9 has been read via the RFID antenna 121 (step S1301). If the suppression tag 9 is not read (No in step S1301), the reading by the barcode reader 8 is started, and the POS terminal 4 determines whether the RFID tag of the product has been read (step S1302). When the RFID tag of the product is read (Yes in step S1302), the POS terminal 4 transfers the EPC code to the RFID server 3 (step S1303). If the RFID tag of the product is not read (No in step S1302), the process returns to step S1302.

  On the other hand, when the suppression tag 9 is read (Yes in step S1301), the reading by the RFID reader 7 is started, and the POS terminal 4 determines whether or not the RFID tag of the product has been read (step S1304). . When the RFID tag of the product is read (Yes in step S1304), the POS terminal 4 transfers the JAN code to the POS server 2 and the EPC code to the RFID server 3 (step S1305). On the other hand, if the RFID tag of the product is not read (No in step S1304), the process returns to step S1304.

(Example 3)
In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a barcode reader 8 including a shield 141 is used. The shield 141 shields reading of the RFID reading invalid tag (invalid tag) 140 on the counter, that is, on the RFID antenna 6 (not shown). That is, the shield 141 shields (blocks) communication between the invalid tag 140 and the RFID antenna 6. Specifically, the shield 141 is placed (placed) on the invalid tag 140 on the counter (on the RFID antenna 6), thereby shielding the radio wave. At this time, the invalid tag 140 is disposed at a position where it can be read via the RFID antenna 6. The shield 141 shields radio waves and is, for example, a metal plate.

  While the invalid tag 140 is being read via the RFID antenna 6, the invalid tag 140 is not shielded, that is, the barcode reader 8 is used. Therefore, in that case, the POS terminal 4 treats reading of the RFID tag by the RFID reader 7 as invalid.

  When the invalid tag 140 cannot be read, it means that the invalid tag 140 is shielded, that is, the barcode reader 8 is placed. Therefore, the POS terminal 4 treats subsequent reading by the RFID reader 7 as valid. Further, the POS terminal 4 also performs reading frequency (reading cycle) at a predetermined short interval.

  Further, the POS terminal 4 changes the read radio wave intensity to, for example, a weak direction when the invalid tag 140 is read, and increases the read radio wave intensity in a strong direction when the invalid tag 140 cannot be read. It may be changed. Thereby, the radio wave intensity at the time of reading of the RFID tag by the RFID reader 7 is increased, so that reliable reading is possible.

  Even when the invalid tag 140 is read, the POS terminal 4 transfers the RFID read information (EPC code) to the RFID server 3 as in the first embodiment.

  In Example 3, since it is not necessary to add an RFID antenna, the cost can be reduced.

  Next, an example of a processing flow of reading control by the POS terminal according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The POS terminal 4 determines whether the invalid tag 140 has been read (step S1501). If the invalid tag 140 has been read (Yes in step S1501), that is, if it has been read by the barcode reader 8, the POS terminal 4 determines whether the RFID tag of the product has been read (step S1502). When the RFID tag of the product is read (Yes in step S1502), the POS terminal 4 transfers the EPC code to the RFID server 3 (step S1503). If the RFID tag of the product is not read (No in step S1502), the process returns to step S1502.

  On the other hand, if the invalid tag 140 has not been read (No in step S1501), that is, if the invalid tag 140 is shielded and read by the RFID reader 7, the POS terminal 4 reads the RFID tag of the product. (Step S1504). When the RFID tag of the product is read (Yes in step S1504), the POS terminal 4 transfers the JAN code to the POS server 2 and the EPC code to the RFID server 3 (step S1505). If the RFID tag of the product is not read (No in step S1504), the process returns to step S1504.

  According to the POS terminal 4 as described above, reading by using a reader is possible without requiring a new operation at the time of reading.

  In the above-described embodiment, the main processing of the POS terminal 4 and the like has been described as being executed by software processing by the CPU. However, all or part of this processing may be realized by hardware.

  Further, the above-described embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Product registration system 2 POS server 3 RFID server 4 POS terminal 5 Network 6, 121 RFID antenna 7 RFID reader 8 Bar code reader 9 RFID reading inhibition tag 10 Service stop tag 20 Acquisition data processing unit 21 Data transfer unit 22 Display control unit 23 Buzzer control unit 24 Reading data storage unit 25 Display unit 31 CPU
32 HDD
33 ROM
34 RAM
35 Communication interface (I / F)
36 Display device 37 Bus 40 Work area 41 (41a, 41b) RFID tag 42 (42a, 42b) Bar code 43 Counter 44 RFID tag reading area 45 Bar code reading area 46 Service stop signboard 70 Small performance tag reading area 71 (71a, 71b) High performance tag 72 Small performance tag 73 High performance tag reading area 74 High performance tag 75 High performance tag reading area 76 High performance tag 77 High performance tag (inhibition tag)
78, 80 Expected reading area 79 RFID antenna 81 High performance reference tag 82 Medium performance reference tag 83 Small performance reference tag 120 Stand 122 Reading area 140 Invalid tag 141 Shield

Claims (13)

A product registration device for registering products with RFID tags and barcodes,
A determination unit that determines whether the RFID tag read through the antenna of the RFID tag reader is a predetermined RFID tag;
A read control unit that invalidates reading of the RFID tag by the RFID tag reader when it is determined that the RFID tag is the predetermined RFID tag;
A product registration device comprising: When the predetermined RFID tag is not read by placing the predetermined RFID tag outside the readable range via the antenna or shielding it with a shielding object,
The merchandise registration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading control unit validates reading of the RFID tag by the RFID tag reader. A product registration device for registering products with RFID tags and barcodes,
A determination unit that determines whether the RFID tag read through the antenna of the RFID tag reader is a predetermined RFID tag;
If it is determined that the RFID tag is the predetermined RFID tag, a reading control unit that enables reading of the RFID tag by the RFID tag reader,
A product registration device comprising: There are a plurality of the antennas,
The determination unit determines whether an RFID tag read through a predetermined antenna other than an antenna that reads an RFID tag attached to a product among the plurality of antennas is the predetermined RFID tag. The merchandise registration apparatus according to claim 3. When the predetermined RFID tag is not read by placing the predetermined RFID tag outside the readable range via the antenna,
5. The product registration apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reading control unit invalidates reading of the RFID tag by the RFID tag reader.   6. The product registration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits a predetermined code included in the RFID tag read by the RFID tag reader to an RFID server. The determination unit determines whether the read RFID tag is a registration stop RFID tag for canceling registration of the product,
The commodity according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reading control unit discards a result of reading the RFID tag by the RFID tag reader when it is determined that the RFID tag reader is the registration stop RFID tag. Registration device.   The predetermined RFID tag is attached to any one of a barcode reader, an identification card worn by a registrant who registers the product, and a card carried by the registrant on the antenna. The product registration apparatus according to any one of 1 to 7.   The read control unit causes the RFID tag attached to the product to use different radio field strengths in the RFID tag read by the RFID tag reader. The product registration device according to claim 1.   The reading control unit causes the RFID tag to be read in a stepwise manner from a strong radio wave strength to a weak radio wave strength among radio wave strengths corresponding to the performance of the RFID tag. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein when there is an RFID tag having a capability of confirming the reading determined in advance in each step, the product of the RFID tag is determined to be read. Product registration device of description.   The read control unit determines the radio field intensity corresponding to the performance of the RFID tag based on the radio field intensity at the time of reading a reference tag corresponding to the performance arranged in advance. Product registration device of description. Output of information for notifying the state of the RFID tag reader at least in any one of the state transition between the readable state and the reading inhibited state of the RFID tag reader, the readable state, and the reading inhibited state Further comprising an information output control unit for controlling
12. The information output control unit according to claim 1, wherein the information output control unit controls at least one of a tone, a sound output timing, a display color of the display lamp, and a lighting method of the display lamp. The product registration device according to any one of the above. A product registration method by a product registration device for registering a product with an RFID tag and a barcode,
Determining whether the RFID tag read through the antenna of the RFID tag reader is a predetermined RFID tag;
If it is determined that the RFID tag is the predetermined RFID tag, the step of invalidating or validating reading of the RFID tag by the RFID tag reader;
A product registration method comprising:

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