Patent Publication Number: US-2019188428-A1

Title: Radio frequency identification (rfid) reading apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/598,906 filed on Dec. 14, 2017 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-157146, filed on Aug. 24, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to a reading apparatus, in particular, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reading apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A product sales processing apparatus reads product information from an RFID tag on a product and performs a payment process based on the product information. 
     There is a type of a product sales processing apparatus, called a self-service-type product sales processing apparatus, with which a customer him/herself performs all works up to bagging. In addition, there is another type of a product sales processing apparatus, called a semi-self-service-type product sales processing apparatus, with which the customer him/herself performs part of the works up to bagging 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a product sales processing apparatus, according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product sales processing apparatus, according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a product sales processing apparatus, according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product sales processing apparatus, according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a reading apparatus used in the product sales processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the product sales processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a reading apparatus used in a product sales processing apparatus according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the product sales processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An embodiment provides a reading apparatus directed to reducing a time required for completion of a bagging work of a product. 
     According to an embodiment, a reading apparatus includes a body, an opening cover, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna. The body has therein a chamber configured to accommodate a container to carry one or more products and an opening facing upward and through which the container is placeable into the chamber. The opening cover is movably attached to the body between an open position that enables the container to pass through the opening and a closed position that closes the opening. The RFID antenna is positioned to read data in an RFID tag on at least part of the one or more products in the chamber. 
     According to another embodiment, a reading apparatus includes a body, a first opening cover, a second opening cover, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna. The body has therein a chamber configured to accommodate a container to carry one or more products, a first opening on a first side of the chamber, and a second opening on a second side of the chamber opposite to the first side. 
     The first opening cover is movably attached to the body between a first open position that enables the container to pass through the opening and a first closed position that closes the opening. The second opening cover is movably attached to the body between a second open position that enables the container to pass through the opening and a second closed position that closes the opening. The RFID antenna is positioned to read data in an RFID tag on at least part of the one or more products in the chamber. 
     A product sales processing apparatus  10  according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a configuration of the product sales processing apparatus  10 .  FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product sales processing apparatus  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the product sales processing apparatus  10  includes a reading apparatus  20  and a processing apparatus  50 . The product sales processing apparatus  10  receives a signal from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag  6  of a product  5  by the reading apparatus  20 . Also, for example, the product sales processing apparatus  10  reads information of the RFID tag  6  by the processing apparatus  50 . In addition, the product sales processing apparatus  10  performs a sales registration process and a payment process according to information of the RFID tag  6  read by the processing apparatus  50 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the sales registration process is a process of preparing a product list based on information of the RFID tag  6 . The payment process includes a calculating process and a settlement process. The calculating process is a process of calculating the amount to be paid by a customer based on the product list. In the settlement process, a sales transaction is performed according to payment information of the customer. 
     Such a product sales processing apparatus  10  is used in, for example, a semi-self-service-type checkout apparatus. In the semi-self-service-type checkout apparatus, a customer him/herself performs a work for the sales registration process and a work for the payment process, and a clerk performs a bagging work of a product. An example of the semi-self-service-type checkout apparatus includes a semi-self-service point-of-sales (POS) system. 
     The work for the sales registration process may include, for example, a work of accommodating the product  5  in an accommodating chamber  32  such that the product sales processing apparatus  10  may perform the sales registration process. The work for the payment process may include a work requested to the customer when the product sales processing apparatus  10  performs the payment process. The work for the payment process includes, for example, an operation of an operating unit. 
     Here, the product  5  is a product for sale in a store when the product sales processing apparatus  10  is installed in a store, such as a convenience store. The product  5  includes the RFID tag  6 . 
     The RFID tag  6  includes information of the product  5 . The information about the product  5  includes, for example, a name of the product  5 , a price of the product  5 , and identification information for identifying the product  5 . The information included in the RFID tag  6  is not limited thereto. The RFID tag  6  is configured such that information may be read therefrom and written thereon. For example, the RFID tag  6  is a passive tag without a battery, and is configured to be operable in an UHF band. 
     Here, a front-and-back direction and a left-and-right direction of the product sales processing apparatus  10  are defined. In the product sales processing apparatus  10 , a direction in which the reading apparatus  20  and the processing apparatus  50  are arranged is defined as the left-and-right direction. A direction perpendicular to two directions of an up-and-down direction and the left-and-right direction is defined as the front-and-back direction. Then, among the front-and-back direction, a direction in which a first display unit  72  of the processing apparatus  50  faces is defined as a forward direction. 
     The reading apparatus  20  receives the signal from the RFID tag  6  of the product  5 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the reading apparatus  20  includes a reading apparatus main body  30  and an antenna  40 . 
     The reading apparatus main body  30  includes an outer body  31  and the accommodating chamber  32 . The outer body  31  defines an outer shape of the reading apparatus main body  30 . The outer body  31  has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. 
     The accommodating chamber  32  is provided in the outer body  31 . The accommodating chamber  32  is configured such that the product  5  may be accommodated therein. In the present embodiment, the accommodating chamber  32  is configured such that a shopping basket  7  may be accommodated therein. The shopping basket  7  is a container for the customer to carry the unpaid product  5  in the store. The accommodating chamber  32  is not limited to the size capable of accommodating the shopping basket  7 . The accommodating chamber  32  may have a size and shape capable of accommodating only the product  5 . 
     The accommodating chamber  32  is configured to be opened or closed by a door  35  described later. An opening  34   a  is formed on an upper wall portion  34  of the outer body  31 . The opening  34   a  communicates with the accommodating chamber  32 . The opening  34   a  has a shape and size allowing the shopping basket  7  to pass through. For example, the opening  34   a  has a rectangular shape in a plan view. 
     The door  35  is provided at the opening  34   a.  The door  35  is configured to open or close the opening  34   a.  For example, the door  35  is a shutter. As a specific example, the door  35  includes a door body  35   a  and a guide portion  35   b.    
     The door body  35   a  is configured in a blind shape. The door body  35   a  is, for example, formed of a transparent material such that the inside of the accommodating chamber  32  is visible from the outside. The guide portion  35   b  is provided on each of two edges of the opening  34   a  in the front-and-back direction. The guide portion  35   b  guides the door body  35   a  to move in the front-and-back direction. The guide portion  35   b  is, for example, a groove portion accommodating left and right edge portions of the door body  35   a.    
     In the door  35  configured as such, the door body  35   a  is pushed forward to close the opening  34   a.  The door body  35   a  is pushed backward to open the opening  34   a.    
     The antenna  40  is configured to receive the signal from the RFID tag  6  of the product  5  accommodated in the accommodating chamber  32 . The antenna  40  is provided on apart of an inner surface of the accommodating chamber  32  as an example of a configuration of an inside of the accommodating chamber  32 . However, the antenna  40  may not be provided inside the accommodating chamber  32 . The antenna  40  may be provided outside the accommodating chamber  32 . As an example of a configuration of the outside of the accommodating chamber  32 , the antenna  40  may be provided on an wall portion provided inside the outer body  31  and positioned outside a wall portion defining the inner surface of the accommodating chamber  32 . 
     The processing apparatus  50  is configured to perform the sales registration process and the payment process based on the signal of the RFID tag  6  received by the reading apparatus  20 . For example, the processing apparatus  50  includes a housing  60 , a terminal  70 , a change machine  80 , and a printer  90 . 
     The terminal  70 , the change machine  80 , and the printer  90  are provided in the housing  60 . The housing  60  is arranged at the side of the reading apparatus  20 . 
     The terminal  70  includes a reading unit  71 , the first display unit  72 , a second display unit  73 , an operating unit  74 , a storage unit  75 , and a control unit  76 . 
     The reading unit  71  is electrically connected to the antenna  40  via a signal line. The reading unit  71  reads the information of the RFID tag  6  based on the signal of the RFID tag  6  received by the antenna  40 . Further, the reading unit  71  has a function of writing information on the RFID tag  6  through the antenna  40 . In other words, according to the present embodiment, the reading unit  71  is a so-called reader/writer. 
     The reading unit  71  may not be provided in the processing apparatus  50 , but may be provided in the reading apparatus  20 . For example, the reading unit  71  is provided in the reading apparatus main body  30 . In this case, the reading unit  71  may be connected to the control unit  76  via a signal line. 
     The first display unit  72  is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The first display unit  72  faces forward. The first display unit  72  is a display unit for being mainly visually recognized by the customer. The first display unit  72  displays information required for the customer to, for example, perform the work for the sales registration process and the work for the payment process. Such information includes, for example, information about the product  5 , information stored in the storage unit  75 , and information about an input/operation of the product sales processing apparatus  10 . 
     The second display unit  73  is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The second display unit  73  faces backward. The second display unit  73  is a display unit mainly visibly recognized by the clerk. The second display unit  73  displays at least information in which the settlement process is completed. As an example in the present embodiment, the second display unit  73  displays the same content as the first display unit  72 . 
     The operating unit  74  is an input device with which the customer inputs information. For example, the operating unit  74  is a touch panel provided on each of the first display unit  72  and the second display unit  73 . 
     The storage unit  75  stores a program executed by the control unit  76 , information on sales product registration, and the like. The storage unit  75  includes, for example, a read only memory (ROM) for storing a program such as a control program, and the like, a random access memory (RAM) for temporarily storing information when the control unit  76  executes a program, and the like. 
     The control unit  76  is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or the like. The control unit  76  is electrically connected to the reading unit  71 , the first display unit  72 , the second display unit  73 , the operating unit  74 , the storage unit  75 , the change machine  80 , and the printer  90 . The control unit  76  controls each of the electrically connected components by a program stored in the storage unit  75 . 
     The control unit  76  controls the reading unit  71  to read the information of the RFID tag  6  through the antenna  40 . The control unit  76  controls the reading unit  71  to write information on the RFID tag  6  through the antenna  40 . The control unit  76  controls the reading unit  71 , the first and second display units  72  and  73 , and the change machine  80  to perform the sales registration process and the payment process. 
     The change machine  80  processes money input thereinto. The change machine  80  includes, for example, a first change machine  81  for bills and a second change machine  82  for coins. 
     The printer  90  outputs a receipt on which information of the product  5  for which payment process is completed, and the like are printed. 
     The product sales processing apparatus  10  configured as such constitutes, for example, a processing unit  1  in pairs. The processing unit  1  includes, for example, two product sales processing apparatuses  10  and a work table  2 . The two product sales processing apparatuses  10  are spaced apart from each other in the left-and-right direction. The work table  2  is arranged between the two product sales processing apparatuses  10 . An upper surface of the work table  2  is flush with an upper surface  34   b  of the outer body  31  of the reading apparatus main body  30 . 
     When the sales registration process and the payment process are performed in the product sales processing apparatus  10 , the customer stands in front of the product sales processing apparatus  10 . When the product sales processing apparatus  10  performs the sales registration process and the payment process, the clerk stands behind the product sales processing apparatus  10 . 
     Hereinafter, an example of a flow using the product sales processing apparatus  10  until a bagging work is completed will be described. 
     First, the customer moves to the front of the product sales processing apparatus  10  with the product  5 . Then, the customer opens the door  35  and accommodates the product  5  in the accommodating chamber  32 . When the customer accommodates the product  5  in the shopping basket  7 , the customer accommodates the shopping basket  7  in the accommodating chamber  32 . Then, the customer performs the work for the sales registration process. The work for the sales registration process denotes, for example, a work of inputting completion of product accommodation in the accommodating chamber  32 , via the operating unit  74 . Also, the customer performs the work for the payment process. The work for payment process denotes an operation of the operating unit  74 , inserting of cash into the change machine  80 , or the like. 
     Upon the settlement process is completed, the control unit  76  displays, on the first display unit  72  and the second display unit  73 , information indicating that the settlement process is completed. 
     Upon checking that the settlement process is completed by looking at the first display unit  72 , the customer performs a work of putting a credit card into wallet, a work of putting the wallet into a bag, and the like. Such works are examples of works performed by the customer after the settlement process is completed. 
     Upon checking that the settlement process is completed by looking at the second display unit  73 , the clerk opens the door  35  and takes the product  5  out of the accommodating chamber  32 . Then, the clerk performs the bagging work of the product  5  on the work table  2  or at the door  35  in a closed state. Upon completing the bagging work of the product  5 , the clerk hands a bag containing the product  5  to the customer. 
     Accordingly, after settlement process is completed, the works by the customer and the bagging work of the product  5  by the clerk are simultaneously performed. 
     In the product sales processing apparatus  10  of the present embodiment, the door  35  is provided on the upper wall portion  34  of the outer body  31 . Accordingly, the customer standing in front of the product sales processing apparatus  10  and the clerk standing behind the product sales processing apparatus  10  are able to open or close the door  35  from their respective positions. 
     Thus, when the settlement process is completed, the clerk is able to open the door  35 , take the product  5  out of the accommodating chamber  32 , and perform the bagging work of the product  5 . The clerk is able to perform the bagging work of the product  5  during the work of putting away the wallet, and the like by the customer. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce time required for the completion of the bagging work. 
     In the present embodiment, a shutter is used as an example of the door  35 . However, the door  35  is not limited to the shutter. For example, the door  35  may be a plate-shaped door rotatably provided in a rotation shaft provided at an edge of the opening  34   a.  Alternatively, the door  35  may be an accordion curtain. 
     The reading apparatus  20  may include a lift mechanism and an opening and closing mechanism for automatically opening or closing the door  35 . The lift mechanism is configured to move a bottom surface  32   d  of the accommodating chamber  32  up and down. For example, when the control unit  76  detects, via a sensor or the like, that the product  5  is left in the accommodating chamber  32  for a certain period of time after the settlement process is completed, the control unit  76  opens the door  35  by using the opening and closing mechanism and moves the bottom surface  32   d  upward by using the lift mechanism. When the bottom surface  32   d  is moved upward, the customer or the clerk notices the product  5  left in the accommodating chamber  32 . Alternatively, since a part of the shopping basket  7  sticks out, the customer or the clerk notices the product  5 . 
     Also, in a product waiting state, the control unit  76  may position the bottom surface  32   d  at a height at which a part of the shopping basket  7  sticks out of the opening  34   a,  and when a reading work starts, the control unit  76  lowers the bottom surface  32   d  and automatically closes the door  35 . Then, when the settlement process is completed, the control unit  76  may automatically open the door  35  and raise the bottom surface  32   d.    
     Next, a product sales processing apparatus  10 A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 through 5 . Here, components having the same functions as the first embodiment are denoted the same reference numerals as the first embodiment, descriptions thereof are omitted. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a configuration of the product sales processing apparatus  10 A.  FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product sales processing apparatus  10 A.  FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a reading apparatus  20 A used in the product sales processing apparatus  10 A. In  FIG. 5 , the inside of the accommodating chamber  32  is viewed from the above. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 through 5 , the product sales processing apparatus  10 A includes the reading apparatus  20 A and a processing apparatus  50 A. The reading apparatus  20 A includes a reading main body  30 A, a first antenna  41 , and a second antenna  42 . 
     The reading apparatus main body  30 A includes an outer body  31 A and the accommodating chamber  32 . The outer body  31 A has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The accommodating chamber  32  is provided in the outer body  31 A. 
     The accommodating chamber  32  has a shape in which the length in a front-and-back direction is longer than the length in a left-and-right direction so as to accommodate the shopping basket  7  having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In other words, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a distance from a front surface  32   a  of the accommodating chamber  32  to a rear surface  32   b  of the accommodating chamber  32  in the front-and-back direction is longer than a distance from a right surface  32   c  of the accommodating chamber  32  to a left surface  32   e  of the accommodating chamber  32  in the left-and-right direction. In the present embodiment, the accommodating chamber  32  is configured, for example, as a rectangular parallelepiped chamber space. In other words, a shape formed by the front surface  32   a,  the rear surface  32   b,  the right surface  32   c,  the bottom surface  32   d,  the left surface  32   e,  and a top surface  32   f  of the accommodating chamber  32  forms a rectangular parallelepiped shape. 
     The outer body  31 A includes the upper wall portion  34 , a front wall portion  36 , and a rear wall portion  37 . Also, in the present embodiment, both side portions of the outer body  31 A contact the work table  2  or the processing apparatus  50 A. Accordingly, the outer body  31 A may be configured to include left and right side wall portions or may be configured not to include the left and right side wall portions. 
     The front wall portion  36  and the rear wall portion  37  are portions of peripheral wall portion of the outer body  31 A. The peripheral wall portion is a wall portion along an axial direction parallel to an up-and-down direction among an outer wall portion of the outer body  31 A. In other words, the peripheral wall portion is a wall portion excluding an upper wall portion and a bottom wall portion of the outer body  31 A. 
     When the outer wall portion of the outer body  31 A has a cylindrical shape or a bottom-closed cylindrical shape, a cylindrical portion becomes the peripheral wall portion. Also, when the outer body  31 A has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a cubic shape, or a polyhedron shape, the peripheral wall portion has a plurality of side surfaces. In the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of side surfaces, wall portions defining the side surfaces are referred to as side wall portions. The side wall portion is a portion of the peripheral wall portion. 
     The upper wall portion  34  is configured such that the customer is able to visually recognize the accommodating chamber  32 . As a specific example, the upper wall portion  34  partially includes a transparent portion  34   c.  The transparent portion  34   c  is formed of a transparent material. The transparent portion  34   c  has, for example, a rectangular shape. The transparent material is, for example, colorless glass. 
     The upper surface  34   b  of the upper wall portion  34  is formed so as to be used, for example, as a work table for product bagging. As a specific example, the upper surface  34   b  (including the transparent portion  34   c ) is formed as a horizontal plane. 
     The front wall portion  36  includes a door  35 A. An opening  36   a  is formed on the front wall portion  36 . The opening  36   a  communicates with the accommodating chamber  32 . The opening  36   a  has, for example, a rectangular shape. Also, for example, an upper edge and a lower edge of the opening  36   a  are horizontally formed. 
     The door  35 A has, for example, a plate-shape having the same shape and size as the opening  36   a.  By opening or closing the door  35 A, the opening  36   a  is opened or closed. The door  35 A provided at the opening  36   a  is a door operated by the customer. 
     The door  35 A is provided to be rotatable using a first hinge  38 A. The first hinge  38 A is provided on the right side or the left side of the opening  36   a  so as not to interfere with the shopping basket  7  placed from the opening  36   a.  The accommodating chamber  32  has a space in which the first hinge  38 A is able to be set on the left or right side of the opening  36   a.  Accordingly, the front surface  32   a  has a width corresponding to the space between the opening  36   a  and a side surface among the right surface  32   c  and the left surface  32   e , where the first hinge  38 A is provided with respect to the opening  36   a.    
     In the present embodiment, the first hinge  38 A is fixed to the right side of the opening  36   a.  Also, as an example of the right side, the first hinge  38 A is fixed to a part of a range A of the front surface  32   a  between the opening  36   a  and the right surface  32   c,  in the present embodiment. The range A is a range from the opening  36   a  to the right surface  32   c  in a circumferential direction, and is a range from top to bottom of the front surface  32   a  in the up-and-down direction. 
     A rotation shaft of the first hinge  38 A is parallel in the up-and-down direction. Also, the first hinge  38 A may be fixed to a corner portion of the bottom surface  32   d  between the front surface  32   a  and the right surface  32   c.  Alternatively, the first hinge  38 A may be fixed to a corner portion of the top surface  32   f  between the front surface  32   a  and the right surface  32   c.    
     The opening  36   a  and the door  35 A are configured such that the product  5  may pass through the opening  36   a  when the door  35 A is opened. In the present embodiment, as a specific example, the opening  36   a  and the door  35 A have sizes and shapes such that the shopping basket  7  may pass through the opening  36   a  when the door  35 A is opened up to a predetermined position. 
     The rear wall portion  37  includes a door  35 B. The rear wall portion  37  includes an opening  37   a.  The opening  37   a  communicates with the accommodating chamber  32 . The opening  37   a  has, for example, a rectangular shape. Also, for example, an upper edge and a lower edge of the opening  37   a  are horizontally formed. 
     The door  35 B has, for example, a plate-shape having the same shape and size as the opening  37   a.  By opening or closing the door  35 B, the opening  37   a  is opened or closed. The door  35 B provided at the opening  37   a  is a door operated by the clerk. 
     The door  35 B is provided to be rotatable using a second hinge  38 B. The second hinge  38 B is fixed to, from among the right side or the left side of the opening  37   a,  a side of the first hinge  38 A with respect to the opening  36   a.    
     In the present embodiment, since the first hinge  38 A is fixed to the right side of the opening  36   a,  the second hinge  38 B is fixed to the right side of the opening  37   a.  The accommodating chamber  32  has a space in which the second hinge  38 B may be set on the right side of the opening  37   a.  In order to secure such a space, the opening  37   a  is provided on the left side of the right surface  32   c.  In other words, the rear surface  32   b  has a width corresponding to the space between the right surface  32   c  and the opening  36   a.    
     In the present embodiment, for example, the second hinge  38 B is fixed to a part of a range B of the rear surface  32   b  between the opening  37   a  and the right surface  32   c.  The range B is a range from the opening  37   a  to the right surface  32   c  in a circumferential direction, and a range from top to bottom of the front surface  32   a  in the up-and-down direction. 
     A rotation shaft of the second hinge  38 B is parallel in the up-and-down direction. The second hinge  38 B may be fixed to a corner portion of the bottom surface  32   d  between the rear surface  32   b  and the right surface  32   c.  Alternatively, the second hinge  38 B may be fixed to a corner portion of the top surface  32   f  between the rear surface  32   b  and the right surface  32   c.    
     The opening  37   a  and the door  35 B are configured such that the product  5  may pass through the opening  37   a  when the door  35 B is opened. In the present embodiment, the opening  37   a  and the door  35 B have sizes and shapes such that the shopping basket  7  may pass through the opening  37   a  when the door  35 B is opened up to a predetermined position. 
     The first antenna  41  is provided, among four side surfaces of the accommodating chamber  32 , the right surface  32   c  that is a side surface of a side where the first and second hinges  38 A and  38 B of the openings  36   a  and  37   a  are fixed. In other words, the first antenna  41  is provided in the accommodating chamber  32  by using a space for fixing the first and second hinges  38 A and  38 B. Accordingly, even when the shopping basket  7  is placed from the opening  36   a,  the shopping basket  7  does not interfere with the first antenna  41 . The first antenna  41  emits radio waves towards the left surface  32   e.    
     The second antenna  42  is provided on the bottom surface  32   d.  The second antenna  42  emits radio waves towards the top surface  32   f  of the accommodating chamber  32 . The second antenna  42  is not limited to being provided on the bottom surface  32   d.  The second antenna  42  is provided, for example, below the bottom surface  32   d.  In this example, the second antenna  42  is provided on a rear surface of a wall portion having the bottom surface  32   d  or another wall portion provided below the wall portion having the bottom surface  32   d.    
     The processing apparatus  50 A includes, for example, the housing  60 , a terminal  70 A, the change machine  80 , and the printer  90 . 
     The terminal  70 A includes a reading unit  71 A, the first display unit  72 , the second display unit  73 , the operating unit  74 , the storage unit  75 , and a control unit  76 A. 
     The reading unit  71 A is electrically connected to the first and second antennas  41  and  42  through signal lines. The reading unit  71 A reads information of the RFID tag  6  based on a signal of the RFID tag  6  received by the first and second antennas  41  and  42 . Also, the reading unit  71 A has a function of writing information on the RFID tag  6  through the first and second antennas  41  and  42 . In other words, the reading unit  71 A is a so-called reader/writer in the present embodiment. 
     The reading unit  71 A may not be provided in the processing apparatus  50 A, but may be provided in the reading apparatus  20 A. For example, the reading unit  71 A may be provided in the reading apparatus main body  30 A. In this case, the reading unit  71 A may be connected to the control unit  76 A through a signal line. 
     The control unit  76 A is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or the like. The control unit  76 A is electrically connected to the reading unit  71 A, the first display unit  72 , the second display unit  73 , the operation unit  74 , the storage unit  75 , the change machine  80 , and the printer  90 . The control unit  76 A controls each of the electrically connected components in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit  75 . 
     The control unit  76 A controls the reading unit  71 A to read the information of the RFID tag  6  through the first and second antennas  41  and  42 . The control unit  76 A controls the reading unit  71  to write information on the RFID tag  6  through the first and second antennas  41  and  42 . The control unit  76 A controls the reading unit  71 A, the first display unit  72 , the second display unit  73 , and the change machine  80  to perform the sales registration process and the payment process. 
     Next, an example of a flow using the product sales processing apparatus  10 A until a work of product bagging is completed will be described. 
     First, the customer moves to the front of the product sales processing apparatus  10 A with the product  5 . Then, the customer opens the door  35 A and puts the product  5  in the accommodating chamber  32 . When the customer puts the product  5  in the shopping basket  7 , the customer places the shopping basket  7  in the accommodating chamber  32 . Then, the customer performs the work for the sales registration process and the work for the payment process. 
     When the settlement process is completed, the control unit  76 A displays information indicating that the settlement process is completed on the first display unit  72  and the second display unit  73 . 
     Upon checking that the settlement process is completed by looking at the first display unit  72 , the customer performs a work of putting a credit card into a wallet, a work of putting the wallet into a bag, and the like. 
     Upon checking that the settlement process is completed by looking at the second display unit  73 , the clerk opens the door  35 B and takes the product  5  out of the accommodating chamber  32 . Then, the clerk performs a bagging work of the product  5  on the work table  2  or the upper wall portion  34 . When the bagging work of the product  5  is completed, the clerk hands a bag containing the product  5  to the customer. 
     In this manner, the works by the customer and the bagging work of the product  5  by the clerk can be simultaneously performed. 
     In the present embodiments, the same effects as the first embodiment may be obtained. 
     Also, the first antenna  41  is fixed to the right surface  32   c  that is a side surface of a side where the first and second hinges  38 A and  38 B are provided from among right and left sides of the openings  36   a  and  37   a.  That is, the first antenna  41  is arranged in a space secured in the accommodating chamber  32  so as to fix the first and second hinges  38 A and  38 B. 
     For that reason, it is not required to secure an installation space for the first antenna  41  to prevent the first antenna  41  from interfering with the shopping basket  7 , in addition to a space for fixing the first and second hinges  38 A and  38 B in the accommodating chamber  32 . 
     For example, when the first antenna  41  is fixed to the left surface  32   e,  a space for preventing the first antenna  41  from interfering with the shopping basket  7  needs to be secured in the accommodating chamber  32  on the left with respect to the openings  36   a  and  37   a.    
     In such a configuration, since the accommodating chamber  32  has spaces for the first and second hinges  38 A and  38 B and a space for the first antenna  41 , a distance from the right surface  32   c  to the left surface  32   e  would be increased, and thus the volume of the accommodating chamber  32  would be increased. As a result, the outer body  31 A would be enlarged. 
     However, in the present embodiment, since the first antenna  41  is arranged by using installation spaces of the first and second hinges  38 A and  38 B, there is no need to secure an installation space for the first antenna  41 , and thus the enlargement of the outer body  31 A may be prevented. 
     In the present embodiment, the door  35 A at which the customer works is included in the front wall portion  36  of the outer body  31 A. Also, the door  35 B at which the clerk works is included in the rear wall portion  37  of the outer body  31 A. This is because in the product sales processing apparatus  10 A, the customer stands in front of the apparatus and the clerk stands behind the apparatus. 
     However, the reading apparatus  20 A is not limited a configuration in which the door  35 A operated by the customer is included in the front wall portion  36  and the door  35 B operated by the clerk is included in the rear wall portion  37 . Positions of the doors  35 A and  35 B may be determined based on positions of the customer and the clerk by the product sales processing apparatus  10 A. 
     A modified example will be described with reference to  FIG. 6 . In the modified example of  FIG. 6 , a right wall portion  39  includes the door  35 B. The right wall portion  39  is an example of a peripheral wall portion among the peripheral wall portion of the outer body  31 A, which is accessible by a person from the outside and excludes the front wall portion  36  and the rear wall portion  37 . In the modified example of  FIG. 6 , the work table  2  is not used. 
     In such a configuration, an opening  39   a  opened or closed by the door  35 B is formed on the right wall portion  39 . The second hinge  38 B rotatably supporting the door  35 B is provided, for example, at an edge of the opening  39   a.  The rotation shaft of the second hinge  38 B supporting the door  35 B is, for example, parallel to an up-and-down direction. 
     In the modified example of  FIG. 6 , the clerk stands on the right side of the right wall portion  39 . In the modified example of  FIG. 6 , the second display unit  73  is provided facing the right side of the clerk. 
     Next, a product sales processing apparatus  10 B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Here, components having the same functions as the second embodiment are denoted with the same reference numerals as the second embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted. 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a reading apparatus  20 B used in the product sales processing apparatus  10 B. In  FIG. 7 , the inside of the accommodating chamber  32  is viewed from the above.  FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the product sales processing apparatus  10 B. 
     The appearance of the product sales processing apparatus  10 B is, for example, the same as that of the product sales processing apparatus  10 A. The product sales processing apparatus  10 B is different from the product sales processing apparatus  10 A in that the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  are configured to be movable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the product sales processing apparatus  10 B includes the reading apparatus  20 B and a processing apparatus  50 B. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the reading apparatus  20 B includes the reading apparatus main body  30 A, the first antenna  41 , the second antenna  42 , a first driving unit  100 , and a second driving unit  110 . 
     The reading apparatus main body  30 A includes the outer body  31 A and the accommodating chamber  32 . 
     The first antenna  41  is supported at the right surface  32   c  by the first driving unit  100 . The second antenna  42  is supported below the bottom surface  32   d  by the second driving unit  110 . For example, the second antenna  42  is supported by the second driving unit  110  at a rear surface (opposite to the bottom surface  32   d ) of a wall portion having the bottom surface  32   d  or another support portion provided below the wall portion having the bottom surface  32   d.    
     The first driving unit  100  is configured to move the first antenna  41  back and forth. The first driving unit  100  includes, for example, a ball screw, and moves the first antenna  41  in the front-and-back direction by the ball screw. The first driving unit  100  includes, for example, a first ball screw  101  and a first motor  102 . 
     The first ball screw  101  includes a first screw  101   a  and a first nut  101   b.  The first screw  101   a  is rotatably supported at the right surface  32   c.  The first screw  101   a  extends in parallel to the front-and-back direction. 
     The first nut  101   b  is fixed to the first antenna  41 . Also, the first nut  101   b  is threadedly engaged with the first screw  101   a.  When the first screw  101   a  rotates, the first nut  101   b  moves along the first screw  101   a . When the first nut  101   b  moves, the first antenna  41  is moved in the front-and-back direction. 
     The first motor  102  rotates the first screw  101   a  in both directions. When the first screw  101   a  rotates in one direction, the first antenna  41  is moved forward. When the first screw  101   a  rotates in the other direction, the first antenna  41  is moved backward. The first motor  102  is controlled by a control unit  76 B described later. 
     The first driving portion  100  configured as such is arranged in a space secured for installation of the first and second hinges  38 A and  38 B. 
     The second driving unit  110  is configured to move the second antenna  42  back and forth. The second driving unit  110  includes, for example, a ball screw, and the second antenna  42  is moved in the front-and-back direction by the ball screw. For example, the second driving unit  110  includes a second ball screw  111  and a second motor  112 . Also, in  FIG. 7 , a part of a bottom plate constituting the bottom surface  32   d  is shown to be partially cut. The second driving unit  110  and the second antenna  42  are shown through such a cut. 
     The second ball screw  111  includes a second screw  111   a  and a second nut  111   b.  The second screw  111   a  is, for example, rotatably supported by a rear surface of a wall portion having the bottom surface  32   d  or another support portion below the wall portion. The second screw  111   a  is parallel in the front-and back direction. 
     The second nut  111   b  is fixed to the second antenna  42 . Also, the second nut  111   b  is threadedly engaged with the second screw  111   a.  When the second screw  111   a  rotates, the second nut  111   b  moves along the second screw  111   a.  When the second nut  111   b  moves, the second antenna  42  is moved in the front-and-back direction. 
     The second motor  112  rotates the second screw  111   a  in both directions. When the second screw  111   a  rotates in one direction, the second antenna  42  is moved forward. When the second screw  111   a  rotates in the other direction, the second antenna  42  is moved backward. The second motor  112  is controlled by the control unit  76 B described below. 
     The first driving unit  100  and the second driving unit  110  are also configured to receive a signal from the RFID tag  6  of the product  5  at any position in the accommodating chamber  32 , by the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42 . 
     In detail, a moving range of the first antenna  41  in the front-and-back direction and a moving range of the second antenna  42  in the front-and-back direction are set so as to be capable of receiving a signal from the RFID tag  6  of the product  5  by the first antenna  41  or the second antenna  42 , regardless of a position of the product  5  in the accommodating portion  32 . 
     The moving range of the first antenna  41  in the front-and-back direction is defined by the length of the first screw  101   a.  The moving range of the second antenna  42  in the front-and-back direction is defined by the length of the second screw  111   a.  In the present embodiment, for example, the first and second screws  101   a  and  111   a  extend from the vicinity of the front surface  32   a  of the accommodating chamber  32  up to the vicinity of the rear surface  32   b.    
     The configuration of the first driving unit  100  is not limited to moving the first antenna  41  by the first ball screw  101 . The configuration of the second driving unit  110  is also not limited to moving the second antenna  42  by the second ball screw  111 . As another example, a moving device other than a ball screw is used. 
     The processing apparatus  50 B includes, for example, the housing  60 , a terminal  70 B, the change machine  80 , and the printer  90 . 
     The terminal  70 B includes the reading unit  71 A, the first display unit  72 , the second display unit  73 , the operating unit  74 , the storage unit  75 , and the control unit  76 B. 
     The control unit  76 B is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), or the like. The control unit  76 B is electrically connected to the reading unit  71 A, the first display unit  72 , the second display unit  73 , the operating unit  74 , the storage unit  75 , the change machine  80 , the printer  90 , the first motor  102 , and the second motor  112 . The control unit  76 B controls each of the electrically connected components by a program stored in the storage unit  75 . 
     The control unit  76 B controls the reading unit  71 A to read the information of the RFID tag  6  through the first and second antennas  41  and  42 . The control unit  76 B controls the reading unit  71  to write information on the RFID tag  6  through the first and second antennas  41  and  42 . The control unit  76 B controls the reading unit  71 A, the first and second display units  72  and  73 , and the change machine  80  to perform the sales registration process and the payment process. 
     Also, the control unit  76 B controls the first motor  102  and the second motor  112  to control movement of the first antenna  41  and movement of the second antenna  42 . 
     As an example of controlling the movement of the first antenna  41  and the movement of the second antenna  42  by the control unit  76 B through the first and second motors  102  and  112 , the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  may be moved while relative positions of the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  are uniformly maintained. In this example, a distance from a front end to a rear end of the moving range of the first antenna  41  and a distance from a front end to a rear end of the moving range of the second antenna  42  are set to be the same, while the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  are moved in the same direction at the same speed. 
     Alternatively, the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  may be moved while changing the relative positions of the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42 . In this example, a moving speed of the first antenna  41  and a moving speed of the second antenna  42  are set to different speeds. 
     Further, the control unit  76 B may move the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  back and forth. Such reciprocating motion may be one time or a plurality of times. 
     When the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  are moved back and forth only one time within the respective moving ranges, the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  may be moved back and forth at different times as an example of a moving manner, while changing the relative positions of the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42 . The distance from the front end to the rear end of the moving range of the first antenna  41  and the distance from the front end to the rear end of the moving range of the second antenna  42  may be different distances. 
     When moved back and forth a plurality of times, a phase difference may be set to a cycle of reciprocating motion of the first antenna and a cycle of reciprocating motion of the second antenna  42  as a manner of moving the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  while changing the relative positions of the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42 . 
     As an example of a method of generating the phase difference, a time according to one reciprocating motion of the first antenna  41  and a time according to one reciprocating motion of the second antenna  42  are set to different times. As an example, when the distance from the front end to the rear end of the moving range of the first antenna  41  and the distance from the front end to the rear end of the moving range of the second antenna  42  are the same, the moving speed of the first antenna  41  and the moving speed of the second antenna  42  are set to different speeds. 
     As another example of the method of generating the phase difference, the distance from the front end to the rear end of the moving range of the first antenna  41  and the distance from the front end to the rear end of the moving range of the second antenna  42  are set to different distances, while the moving speed of the first antenna  41  and the moving speed of the second antenna  42  are the same speed. 
     As another example of the method of generating the phase difference, the distance from the front end to the rear end of the moving range of the first antenna  41  and the distance from the front end to the rear end of the moving range of the second antenna  42 , and the moving speed of the first antenna  41  and the moving speed of the second antenna  42  are set to be the same, while a movement start time of the first antenna  41  and a movement start time of the second antenna  42  may be different. 
     A method of delaying the cycles when the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  are moved back and forth a plurality of times is not limited to the above. A phase difference may be set to the cycle of the reciprocating motion of the first antenna  41  and the cycle of the reciprocating motion of the second antenna  42  by other method. 
     Next, an example of a reading operation of the product  5  by the product sales processing apparatus  10 B will be described. For example, when the customer operates the operating unit  74  after putting the product  5  into the accommodating chamber  32 , the control unit  76 B controls the reading unit  71 A to start reading the RFID tag  6  of the product  5  in the accommodating chamber  32  through the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42 . 
     Further, the control unit  76 B drives the first motor  102  to move the first antenna  41  in the front-and-back direction. Also, the control unit  76 B drives the second motor  112  to move the second antenna  42  in the front-and-back direction. At this time, the control unit  76 B moves the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  while uniformly maintaining the relative positions of the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  as described above. 
     Alternatively, the control unit  76 B moves the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  while changing the relative positions of the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  as described above. 
     Further, one of the movement, in which the relative positions of the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  are uniformly maintained, and the movement, in which the relative positions of the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  are changed, is set in advance. Also, as an example in the present embodiment, the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  are moved while changing the relative positions. 
     Radio waves emitted by the first antenna  41  are emitted in an elliptical shape elongated in the left-and-right direction in a plane view according to characteristics thereof. Radio waves emitted by the second antenna  42  are emitted in an elliptical shape elongated in the up-and-down direction in a plane view according to characteristics thereof. 
     When the first antenna  41  is moved in the front-and-back direction, null points of the radio waves emitted by the first antenna  41  and radio waves reflected on an inner surface of the accommodating chamber  32  are moved. Similarly, when the second antenna  42  is moved in the front-and-back direction, null points of the radio waves emitted by the second antenna  42  and radio waves reflected on the inner surface of the accommodating chamber  32  are moved. 
     When the moving speed of the first antenna  41  and the moving speed of the second antenna  42  are different, the null points of the radio waves emitted from the first antenna  41  and the radio waves emitted from the second antenna  42  are also moved. 
     By moving the null points as such, the RFID tag  6  of the product  5  is prevented from being always positioned at the null point. 
     The control unit  76 B prepares a product list of the products  5  accommodated in the accommodating chamber  32  according to read information. When the preparation of the product list is completed, the control unit  76 B displays the product list on the first display unit  72  and the second display unit  73 . When the product  5  displayed on the first display unit  72  and the product  5  accommodated in the accommodating chamber  32  match each other, the customer performs works for proceeding to the payment process, such as operating the operating unit  74 , and the like. When the works for proceeding to the payment process are performed, the control unit  76 B stops driving the reading unit  71  and the first and second motors  102  and  112 , and proceeds to the payment process. The works of the customer and the works of the clerk in the present embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment. 
     The product sales processing apparatus  10 B configured as such may have the same effects as the second embodiment. 
     Further, since the first antenna  41  is moved in the front-and-back direction, the accuracy of reading the RFID tag  6  of the product  5  in the accommodating chamber  32  by the first antenna  41  is improved. In other words, the radio waves emitted from the first antenna  41  are emitted from the first antenna  41  in the elliptical shape elongated in the left-and-right direction according to characteristics thereof. Thus, it is difficult for the radio waves emitted from the first antenna  41  of which position is fixed to reach all ranges within the accommodating chamber  32 . Here, the radio waves emitted from the first antenna  41  do not include the radio waves reflected on the inner surface of the accommodating chamber  32 . 
     However, in the present embodiment, the first antenna  41  is moved in the front-and back direction of the accommodating chamber  32 , and thus the radio waves emitted from the first antenna  41  reaches a wide range within the accommodating chamber  32 . The moving range of the first antenna  41  may be a range in which the radio waves emitted from the first antenna  41  reach the entire area in the accommodating chamber  32 . 
     As such, when the first antenna  41  is moved in the front-and-back direction, the accuracy of reading the product  5  in the accommodating chamber  32  by the first antenna  41  is improved. 
     Furthermore, since the second antenna  42  is moved in the front-and-back direction, the accuracy of reading in the accommodating chamber  32  by the second antenna  42  is improved like the first antenna  41 . The moving range of the second antenna  42  may also be set to a moving range in which the radio waves emitted from the second antenna  42  reach the entire area in the accommodating chamber  32 . 
     Since the first antenna  41  is moved, the null points of the radio waves emitted from the first antenna  41  and the radio waves reflected on the inner surface of the accommodating chamber  32  are moved. Accordingly, the RFID tag  6  of the product  5  is prevented from being always positioned at the null point. Thus, the accuracy of reading the RFID tag  6  of the product  5  in the accommodating chamber  32  by the first antenna  41  is improved. 
     Since the second antenna  42  is moved, the null points of the radio waves emitted from the second antenna  42  and the radio waves reflected on the inner surface of the accommodating chamber  32  are moved. Accordingly, the RFID tag  6  of the product  5  is prevented from being always positioned at the null point. Thus, the accuracy of reading the RFID tag  6  of the product  5  in the accommodating chamber  32  by the second antenna  42  is improved. 
     Further, the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  are moved while changing the relative positions. As an example, a phase difference is set to correspond to a cycle of reciprocating motion when the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  are moved back and forth a plurality of times. Accordingly, the null points of the radio waves emitted from the first antenna  41  and the radio waves emitted from the second antenna  42  are moved. Thus, the accuracy of reading of the RFID tag  6  in the accommodating chamber  32  is improved. 
     In the present embodiment, the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  are configured to be movable. However, it is not limited that both the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  are configured to be movable. In another example, only one of the first antenna  41  and the second antenna  42  is configured to be movable. In other words, the product sales processing apparatus  10 B may include only one of the first driving unit  100  and the second driving unit  110 . 
     In the present embodiment, the movable first antenna  41  and the movable second antenna  42  are provided at the reading apparatus  20 B including the accommodating chamber  32  into which or out of which the product  5  is put through the two doors  35 A and  35 B. However, the movable first antenna  41  and the movable second antenna  42  are not limited to being provided at a reading apparatus including the accommodating chamber  32  into which or out of which the product  5  is put through two doors. 
     At least one of the movable first antenna  41  and the movable second antenna  42  may be provided at a reading apparatus including the accommodating chamber  32  into which or out of which the product  5  is input through one door  35 , as in the reading apparatus  20  described in the first embodiment. 
     According to the embodiments and the modified example described above, a time required for completion of a bagging work of a product may be reduced. 
     The configurations of the processing apparatuses  50 ,  50 A, and  50 B are not limited to those described in the first, second, and third embodiments. For example, the processing apparatus  50 ,  50 A, or  50 B may further include a card reader and a communication unit. The card reader reads information of a card used by the customer for payment. The communication unit is a communication interface configured to communicate with an external device. The communication unit transmits product information obtained by the reading unit  71  or  71 A to the outside. 
     The reading apparatuses  20 ,  20 A, and  20 B according to the first, second, and third embodiments may each further include a moving mechanism capable of moving the bottom surface  32   d  of the accommodating chamber  32  in a horizontal direction. When the product  5  is read, the control unit  76 ,  76 A, or  76 B drives the moving mechanism to move the product  5  in the accommodating chamber  32  in the horizontal direction, for example, in the front-and-back direction and the left-and-right direction. When the product  5  is moved, the accuracy of reading of the product  5  is improved. 
     The product sales processing apparatuses  10 ,  10 A, and  10 B according to the first, second, and third embodiments are semi-self-service-type product sales processing apparatuses. However, the product sales processing apparatuses  10 ,  10 A, and  10 B may be used as self-service-type product sales processing apparatuses, with which customers are expected to complete all processing. 
     The reading apparatus  20 A and  20 B described in the second and third embodiments may further include a door opening and closing mechanism. The door opening and closing mechanism is operated by the customer and opens the closed door  35 A. The door opening and closing mechanism includes, for example, an operating unit stepped on by the customer with a foot. The door opening and closing mechanism opens the door  35 A when the operating unit is stepped on. The door  35 A is closed when the foot is taken off the operating unit. A similar door opening and closing mechanism may also be provided to open or close the door  35 B. This door opening and closing mechanism is operated by the clerk. 
     While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein maybe made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.