Patent Publication Number: US-2017372562-A1

Title: Settlement processing apparatus

Description:
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-126414, filed Jun. 27, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to a settlement processing apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A check-out system may utilize a radio tag such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In this type of system, a RFID tag is respectively attached to merchandise, and data (hereinafter, referred to as tag data) stored in the RFID tag is read by a tag reader using wireless communication or the like, thereby collecting information of merchandise to be purchased. 
     In a case where there are a plurality of RFID tags in the communication range of a tag reader, there is a possibility that the tag reader cannot read tag data due to interference caused by simultaneous transmission of tag data from the plurality of RFID tags. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an example configuration of a self-checkout apparatus according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the self-checkout apparatus. 
         FIGS. 3-6  are flowcharts illustrating an example sequence of operations of the self-checkout apparatus. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example data table. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example card inquiry screen displayed on a touch panel of the self-checkout apparatus. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an example settlement screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-checkout apparatus. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an example purchase confirmation inquiry screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-checkout apparatus. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an example of a registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-checkout apparatus. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example a settlement confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-checkout apparatus. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating an example configuration of a self-checkout apparatus according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating an example configuration of a self-checkout apparatus according to a third embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments provide a settlement processing apparatus capable of detecting all merchandise even when there are multiple radio tags in the communication range of a tag reader. 
     A settlement processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a work table with a first holding area on which a first merchandise storage body is placed and a second holding area on which a second merchandise storage body is placed. A first radio tag reader is positioned in the first holding area to read information from a radio tag affixed to an item of merchandise held in the first storage body. A second radio tag reader is positioned in the second holding area to read information from a radio tag affixed to an item of merchandise held in the second merchandise storage body. A processor determines whether a radio tag affixed to an item of merchandise read by the second radio tag reader was already read by the first radio tag reader. The processor generates a list of merchandise held in the second merchandise storage body based on the read information obtained by the first and second radio tag readers, and the determination of whether a radio tag affixed to an item of merchandise read by the second radio tag reader was already read by the first radio tag reader. A display unit displays the generated list. 
     Hereinafter, an example according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.  FIGS. 1 to 12  show a first embodiment. In the present embodiment, a self-checkout apparatus will be described as an example of a settlement processing apparatus. The self-checkout apparatus according to the present embodiment may also be referred to as a self-checkout type merchandise sales data processing apparatus, a point-of-sale (POS) terminal or a self-registration apparatus. Further, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that settlement is performed with respect to merchandise having different RFID tags storing tag data. The tag data includes a unique tag code and a flag which can indicate two states: ON and OFF. The RFID tag receives a radio signal which requests transmission of the tag data, and in response, transmits the stored tag data in a wireless manner. In addition, the RFID tag receives a radio signal which requests setting the flag to ON, and in response, sets the flag included in the stored tag data to ON. In the present embodiment, the flag included in the tag data is used as a settlement flag for identifying whether or not settlement is completed. The flag is in an OFF state when the merchandise having the RFID tag is attached is displayed in a shop or the like. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a plurality (here, three) of self-checkout apparatuses  100  according to the present embodiment, arranged side by side. One self-checkout apparatus  100  may be provided for use, or four or more self-checkout apparatuses  100  may be arranged in parallel for use. The three self-checkout apparatuses  100  each have the same configuration. Thus, here, a configuration of one self-checkout apparatus  100  will be described. The same reference numerals are given to the same portions of the other self-checkout apparatuses  100 , and description thereof will be omitted. 
     The self-checkout apparatus  100  includes a housing  1 , a touch panel (which is an example of a display unit)  2 , a card reader  4 , and a receipt output port  5 . The housing  1  may be formed in a box shape by combining a member made of a metallic material and a member made of a resin material. A work table  6  is provided on the upper front surface side of the housing  1 . A monitor table  7  is formed on the rear wall surface of the work table  6 . The touch panel  2  is provided on the monitor table  7 . 
     Two holding areas (a first holding area  6   a  and a second holding area  6   b ) are provided on the work table  6  next to each other. A partition wall  8  is provided between the first holding area  6   a  and the second holding area  6   b . In addition, a right wall portion  9   a  is provided on the right surface (in  FIG. 1 ) of the first holding area  6   a . Similarly, a left wall portion  9   b  is provided on the left surface (in  FIG. 1 ) of the second holding area  6   b . Then, in the first holding area  6   a , a first work space  11   a  is formed between a horizontal surface  10   a , the partition wall  8 , the right wall portion  9   a , and the wall surface of the monitor table  7 . In addition, in the second holding area  6   b , a second work space  11   b  is formed between a horizontal surface  10   b , the partition wall  8 , the left wall portion  9   b , and the wall surface of the monitor table  7 . 
     For example, a merchandise basket (which is an example of a first merchandise storage body)  12  in which, for example, merchandise that has not been registered is stored is placed in the first work space  11   a  on the first holding area  6   a . A shopping bag (which is an example of a second merchandise storage body)  13  for storing, for example, purchased merchandise (i.e., merchandise that has been registered) is placed in the second workspace  11   b  on the second holding area  6   b.    
     Further, in the second holding area  6   b , right and left guide bars  14  protrude from the upper portion of the wall surface of the monitor table  7  towards the front surface. The guide bars  14  are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. A plurality of shopping bags  13  are stretched across the guide bars  14 . The shopping bags  13  are stacked on the rear side of the second holding area  6   b  in a folded state. In use, the shopping bag  13  at the foremost position is pulled forward so as to be expanded and opened. 
     In the first holding area  6   a , a first RFID antenna (which is an example of a first radio tag reader)  15  is mounted on the horizontal surface  10   a  and on the wall of the monitor table  7 . The first RFID antenna  15  reads information from a radio tag which stores identification information, from merchandise in the merchandise basket  12 . 
     In the second holding area  6   b , a second RFID antenna (which is an example of a second radio tag reader)  16  is mounted on the wall of the monitor table  7 . The second RFID antenna  16  reads information from a radio tag on merchandise which is put in the shopping bag  13 . A shielding plate such as a metal plate may be provided on the partition wall  8  to partition the areas in which the radio tags are read by the first RFID antenna  15  and the second RFID antenna  16 . 
     The touch panel  2  is mounted on the upper portion of the housing  1 . The touch panel  2  displays an arbitrary image. The touch panel  2  receives an operation input by an operator. Further, the touch panel  2  includes the card reader  4 . A non-contact type credit card or the like may be handled by the card reader  4 . The receipt output port  5  is made of a metallic material or a resin material, and is attached, for example, to the lower side of the work table  6  on the front surface of the housing  1 . The receipt output port  5  is an opening for discharging a receipt to the outside of the housing  1 . 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the self-checkout apparatus  100 . In  FIG. 2 , the same reference numerals are given to the same portions as those illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. 
     The self-checkout apparatus  100  further includes a central processing unit (CPU)  20 , a read-only memory (ROM)  21 , a random access memory (RAM)  22 , an auxiliary memory unit  23 , a clock unit  24 , a touch panel controller  25 , a card reader  26 , a card reader controller  27 , a printer  28 , a printer controller  29 , an automatic change machine  30 , a change-machine interface  31 , a first tag reader  32   a , a second tag reader  32   b , a communication device  33 , and an input port  34 . The CPU  20 , the ROM  21 , the RAM  22 , the auxiliary memory unit  23 , the clock unit  24 , the touch panel controller  25 , the card reader controller  27 , the printer controller  29 , the change-machine interface  31 , the communication device  33 , and the input port  34  are inter-connected via a bus line  35 . The CPU  20 , the ROM  21 , the RAM  22 , the auxiliary memory unit  23 , the clock unit  24 , the touch panel controller  25 , the card reader  26 , the card reader controller  27 , the printer  28 , the printer controller  29 , the change-machine interface  31 , the communication device  33 , and the input port  34  are typically provided inside the housing  1 . The automatic change machine  30  is normally provided outside the housing  1 . The automatic change machine is externally attached to the housing  1  via the change-machine interface  31  of the housing  1  as necessary. Further, a human detection sensor  36  which is attached to, for example, the housing  1  and a weight sensor  37  which detects the weight of the merchandise basket  12  (sum of the weight of the merchandise basket  12  itself and the weight of merchandise in the merchandise basket  12 ) placed on the first holding area  6   a  are connected to the input port  34 . 
     The CPU  20 , the ROM  21 , the RAM  22 , and the auxiliary memory unit  23  are connected to each other via the bus line  35 , and may be provided as a computer. 
     The CPU  20  corresponds to the main processor of the computer. The CPU  20  controls each unit to realize various operations as the self-checkout apparatus  100  based on an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM  21  and the auxiliary memory unit  23 . 
     The ROM  21  corresponds to the non-volatile memory of the computer. The ROM  21  stores the operating system. In some cases, the ROM  21  may store the middleware or the application programs. Further, in some cases, the ROM  21  may store data to be referred to when the CPU  20  performs various processing. 
     The RAM  22  corresponds to the volatile memory of the computer. The RAM  22  stores data to be referred to when the CPU  20  performs various processing. Further, the RAM  22  is used as a so-called work area for storing data which is temporarily used when the CPU  20  performs various processing. A portion of the memory area of the RAM  22  is used as a tag list area  22   a  and a write list area  22   b . In the tag list area  22   a , a read list, which is a list of tag data read from the RFID tag by the first RFID antenna  15  so as to determine merchandise as an object to be settled in the merchandise basket  12 , is stored. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a registration screen SC 1  as an example of a read list displayed on the screen of the touch panel  2 . The registration screen SC 1  includes an area AR 1  for displaying a list of merchandise and a button B 1 . 
     The tag data is transmitted from the RFID tag attached to merchandise and is read. The merchandise name, the number, the unit price, the amount of money, the consumption tax category, the check column  41 , and the like of the merchandise are displayed in the area AR 1  on the registration screen SC 1 . The button B 1  is a graphical user interface (GUI) touched by, for example, a customer who requests starting to move merchandise one by one from the merchandise basket  12  to the shopping bag  13 , or a customer who requests starting of settlement. 
     In the area AR 1  of  FIG. 11 , although information of twelve articles of merchandise is represented, the information is sequentially added and the registration screen is updated each time the corresponding tag data is read. Specifically, the registration screen does not represent any information of merchandise for which the tag data has not been read. The CPU updates the registration screen so as to represent information of the merchandise name “merchandise A” as the first-received tag data. The CPU  20  updates the registration screen so as to represent information of the merchandise name “merchandise B” as the second-received tag data. The CPU  20  repeats the same updating, thereby updating the registration screen SC 1  illustrated in  FIG. 11  based on the received tag data of the twelve articles of merchandise. Thus, the registration screen is sequentially updated so as to represent progress of reading the tag data. At this time, the check column  41  is created at the same time. In the check column  41 , a blank cell  41   a  is formed at a position corresponding to the merchandise name. 
     At the initial stage (before starting to move the merchandise one by one from the merchandise basket  12  to the shopping bag  13 ), the cell  41   a  in the check column  41  is held in a blank state, for example. After starting to move the merchandise one by one from the merchandise basket  12  to the shopping bag  13 , a check such as a mark is displayed in the check column  41  based on the tag data read from the RFID tag by the second RFID antenna  16 . The display format of the merchandise displayed on the registration screen may not necessarily include the check column  41 . For example, characters of the checked merchandise may be changed from black to red or inversely displayed. That is, the display format of the merchandise is changed from when the tag data is first read by the first RFID antenna to when the tag data is later read by the second RFID antenna. 
     The write list area  22   b , based on the tag data read from the RFID tag by the second RFID antenna  16 , includes a write list, which is a list of tag data read from the RFID tag for processing of displaying a check such as a mark in the check column  41  of the merchandise on the registration screen SC 1 . Although not illustrated, a portion of the memory area of the RAM  22  is used as a merchandise list area. 
     The auxiliary memory unit  23  corresponds to an auxiliary memory of the computer. The auxiliary memory unit  23  is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), or the like, and holds data which is used in various processing by the CPU  20  and data which is generated in processing by the CPU  20 . Further, in some cases, the auxiliary memory unit  23  may store the middleware or the application programs. 
     The clock unit  24  regularly performs a clocking operation and generates date and time information representing the date and time. 
     The touch panel controller  25  controls the display on the touch panel  2  under the control of the CPU  20 . Further, the touch panel controller  25  transfers information in accordance with a user operation on the touch panel  2 , to the CPU  20  via, for example, the RAM  22 . 
     The card reader  26  reads card information recorded on the card by the non-contact type card reader  4 . The card may include a settlement card such as a credit card, a debit card, or a prepaid card, a point card, or the like. Further, the card reader  26  may write information of the card. 
     The card reader controller  27  controls the operation of the card reader  26  under the control of the CPU  20 , and transfers the card information output from the card reader  26  to the CPU  20  via the RAM  22 . 
     The printer  28  may be, for example, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, or the like, and prints a receipt. The printer  28  discharges a receipt from the receipt output port  5 . 
     The printer controller  29  controls the operation of the printer  28  under the control of the CPU  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the automatic change machine  30  includes a coin insertion port  42 , a coin discharge port  43 , a bill insertion port  44 , a bill discharge port  45 , and a receipt output port  48 . The coin insertion port  42  is an opening for inserting a coin into the inside of the housing  30   a  of the automatic change machine  30 . The coin discharge port  43  is an opening for discharging a coin to the outside of the housing  30   a . The bill insertion port  44  is an opening for inserting a bill into the inside of the housing  30   a . The bill discharge port  45  is an opening for discharging a bill to the outside of the housing  30   a . The automatic change machine  30  receives the coins and the bills inserted from the coin insertion port  42  and the bill insertion port  44 , and discharges coins and bills as change from the coin discharge port  43  and the bill discharge port  45  as necessary. 
     The change-machine interface  31  controls the operation of the automatic change machine  30  under the control of the CPU  20 . 
     The first tag reader  32   a  may include the first RFID antenna  15 , a transmission circuit, and a receiving circuit. The first tag reader  32   a  has a tag reading space (the first work space  11   a  on the first holding area  6   a ) as a reading range, and reads tag data from a RFID tag which exists in the tag reading space. 
     The second tag reader  32   b  may include the second RFID antenna  16 , a transmission circuit, and a receiving circuit. The second tag reader  32   b  has a tag reading space (the second work space  11   b  on the second holding area  6   b ) as a reading range, and reads tag data from a RFID tag which exists in the tag reading space. 
     The communication device  33  communicates with other devices such as a merchandise server  201  and a member server  202  via communication network  200  such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet. 
     One of the application programs stored in the ROM  21  or the auxiliary memory unit  23  is a control program for causing the CPU  20  to execute control processing to be described later. The control program is typically stored in the ROM  21  or the auxiliary memory unit  23  when installing the self-checkout apparatus  100 . However, the self-checkout apparatus  100  may be installed in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM  21  or the auxiliary memory unit  23 , and the control program may be written in a separately-installed auxiliary memory unit  23  of the self-checkout apparatus  100 , after being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or being installed via a network. 
     Next, the operation of the self-checkout apparatus  100  configured as described above will be described. 
       FIGS. 3 to 6  are flowcharts illustrating an example sequence of operations of the self-checkout apparatus 
     The CPU  20  executes control processing illustrated in  FIGS. 3 to 6  according to the control program stored in the ROM  21  or the auxiliary memory unit  23 . The contents of the processing to be described below are merely described as an example, and various processing capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used. 
     When the CPU  20  is activated according to, for example, turn-on of a power switch (not illustrated) by a manager, the CPU  20  starts the control processing illustrated in  FIGS. 3 to 6 . 
     In Act  1 , when the human detection sensor  36  detects an ON state, it is detected that there is a customer in front of the housing  1  of the self-checkout apparatus  100 . 
     Subsequently, in Act  2 , the start screen is displayed on the touch panel  2 . The start screen on the touch panel  2  may be generated in advance as a screen or the like showing guidance for a customer who wants to perform a checkout procedure using the self-checkout apparatus  100 . 
     In Act  3 , the CPU  20  initializes the memory. This initialization includes clearing the tag list area  22   a , the write list area  22   b , and the merchandise list area.  FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a main data table formed in the RAM  22 . 
     In Act  4 , the CPU  20  reads the total weight W of the merchandise basket  12  (sum of the weight G of the merchandise basket  12  itself and the weight of the merchandise in the merchandise basket  12 ) placed on the first holding area  6   a , based on the detection data from the weight sensor  37 . 
     In Act  5 , the CPU  20  confirms whether or not the total weight W of the merchandise basket  12  is heavier than the weight G of the merchandise basket  12  itself. In a case where W&gt;G is not satisfied, the CPU  20  determines that the confirmation result is NO, and repeats the operation of returning to Act  4 . 
     That is, in Act  5 , the CPU  20  waits until it is confirmed that W&gt;G. When it is confirmed that W&gt;G, the CPU  20  determines that the confirmation result is YES, and proceeds to Act  6 . 
     In Act  6 , the CPU  20  activates the first tag reader  32   a . When the first tag reader  32   a  is activated, the first RFID antenna  15  reads the information of the radio tag, which stores the identification information of the merchandise in the merchandise basket  12  in the first work space  11   a  on the first holding area  6   a . At this time, the tag data is collectively read from the RFID tags which exist in the merchandise basket  12 . Each tag data which is read is provided to the CPU  20 . 
     Thereafter, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  7 . In Act  7 , the CPU  20  activates the second tag reader  32   b . Subsequently, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  8 . In Act  8 , the CPU  20  displays the registration screen with the check column  41  (illustrated in  FIG. 11 ) on the touch panel  2 . 
     In Act  11 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not tag data is received. When it is determined that tag data is received, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  12 . Subsequently, in Act  12 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not the tag data is received from the first tag reader  32   a . In Act  12 , when it is determined that the tag data is received from the first tag reader  32   a , the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  13 . In Act  12 , when it is determined that the tag data is not received from the first tag reader  32   a , the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  31  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     In Act  13 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not membership data is received. When it is determined that membership data is not received, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  17 . In Act  13 , when it is determined that membership data is received, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  14 . 
     In Act  14 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not MF=1. When it is determined that MF=1, the process returns to Act  11 . In Act  14 , when it is determined that MF≠1, the process proceeds to Act  15 . In Act  15 , the CPU  20  writes the member data in the data table illustrated in  FIG. 7 , and proceeds to Act  16 . In Act  16 , the CPU  20  sets MF to 1 (MF←1), and returns to Act  11 . Accordingly, the member data is specified. 
     In Act  17 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not merchandise data is received. When it is determined that merchandise data is received, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  18 . In Act  17 , when it is determined that merchandise data is not received, the CPU  20  returns to Act  11 . 
     In Act  18 , the CPU  20  retrieves the tag list. Subsequently, in Act  19 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not the same data is present in the tag list. In Act  19 , when it is determined that the same data is received, the CPU  20  returns to Act  11 . In Act  19 , when it is determined that the same data is not received, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  20 . 
     In Act  20 , the CPU  20  writes the merchandise data. Subsequently, in Act  21 , the CPU  20  sets CF to 0 (CF←0), and proceeds to Act  22 . In Act  22 , the CPU  20  sets M to M+1 (M←M+1), and proceeds to Act  23 . Here, M is the total number of the RFID tags which have been collectively read. In Act  23 , the CPU  20  updates the registration screen. Accordingly, the registration screen SC 1  illustrated in  FIG. 11  is displayed. 
     Next, in Act  31  of  FIG. 5 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not a merchandise tag is present. In Act  31 , when it is determined that a merchandise tag is present, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  32 . In Act  31 , when it is determined that a merchandise tag is not present, the CPU  20  returns to Act  11 . 
     In Act  32 , the CPU  20  deactivates the first tag reader  32   a . At this point, the operation of collectively reading the tag data from the RFID tags in the merchandise basket  12  by the first RFID antenna  15 , is ended. At this time, an instruction screen for instructing a customer to start a bagging operation is displayed on the touch panel  2 . Thus, the customer opens the shopping bag  13  on the second holding area  6   b , and starts a bagging operation of moving the merchandise in the merchandise basket  12  from the first holding area  6   a  one by one into the shopping bag  13  on the second holding area  6   b . That is, in the bagging operation, the merchandise is moved one by one from the merchandise basket  12  to the shopping bag  13 . At this time, each time one item of merchandise is moved, a mark is added to the blank cell  41   a  of the check column  41  of the registration screen, based on the tag data read from the RFID tag by the second RFID antenna  16 . 
     Next, in Act  33 , the CPU  20  retrieves the tag list. Subsequently, in Act  34 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not the same data is present in the tag list. In Act  34 , when it is determined that the same data is received, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  36 . In Act  34 , when it is not determined that the same data is received, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  35 . 
     In Act  35 , the CPU  20  writes the merchandise data. Subsequently, in Act  36 , the CPU  20  sets CF to 1 (CF←1), and proceeds to Act  37 . In Act  37 , the CPU  20  sets N to N+1 (N←N+1), and proceeds to Act  38 . Here, N is the total number of bagged articles of merchandise. In Act  38 , the CPU  20  updates the registration screen. 
     Next, in Act  39 , the CPU  20  reads the weight W of the merchandise basket  12 . Subsequently, in Act  40 , the CPU  20  confirms whether or not W is less than or equal to G. In a case where W≦G is not satisfied, the CPU  20  determines that the confirmation result is NO, and proceeds to Act  41 . At this time, in a case where W≦G is satisfied, the CPU  20  determines that the confirmation result is YES, and proceeds to Act  42 . 
     In Act  41 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not tag data is received. When it is determined that tag data is received, the CPU  20  returns to Act  33 , and repeats the processing of Act  33  to Act  41 . 
     Further, in Act  42 , the CPU  20  deactivates the second tag reader  32   b . Subsequently, in Act  51 , the CPU  20  confirms whether or not M&gt;N. In a case where M&gt;N is not satisfied, the CPU  20  determines that the confirmation result is NO, and proceeds to Act  59 . At this time, in a case where it is confirmed that M&gt;N, the CPU  20  determines that the confirmation result is YES, and proceeds to Act  52 . 
     In Act  52 , the CPU  20  displays the merchandise list with CF=0. Next, in Act  53 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not merchandise is added. In Act  53 , a purchase confirmation inquiry screen is displayed on the touch panel  2 .  FIG. 10  illustrates an example purchase confirmation inquiry screen. Here, merchandise names that cannot be checked in the area in which a radio tag is read by the first RFID antenna  15  and the area in which a radio tag is read by the second RFID antenna  16 , “addition” buttons  46 , and “deletion” buttons  47  are displayed. 
     In Act  53 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not merchandise is added. At this time, when it is determined that merchandise is added, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  54 . In Act  54 , the CPU  20  sets CF to 1 (CF←1), and proceeds to Act  55 . In Act  55 , the CPU  20  sets N to N+1 (N←N+1), and proceeds to Act  58 . 
     Further, in Act  53 , when it is determined that merchandise is not added, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  56 . In Act  56 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not merchandise is deleted. At this time, when it is determined that merchandise is deleted, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  57 . In Act  57 , the CPU  20  deletes the merchandise data, and proceeds to Act  58 . 
     In Act  58 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not purchase is confirmed. In Act  58 , when it is determined that purchase is not confirmed, the CPU  20  returns to Act  52 . In Act  58 , when it is determined that purchase is confirmed, the CPU  20  proceeds to Act  59 . 
     In Act  59 , the CPU  20  determines whether or not MF=1. When it is determined that MF=1, the process proceeds to Act  60 . In Act  60 , the CPU  20  performs membership settlement processing, and ends the process. Further, in Act  59 , when it is not determined that MF=1, the process proceeds to Act  61 . In Act  61 , the CPU  20  performs non-membership settlement processing, and ends the process. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example of a card inquiry screen displayed on the touch panel  2  of the self-checkout apparatus  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the card inquiry screen SC 1  includes display areas R 1  and R 2  and buttons B 1  and B 2 . In the display area R 1 , a message inquiring the presence or absence of a membership card is displayed. In the display area R 2 , an image of an available membership card is displayed. The button B 1  is for specifying that the purchase is a commercial transaction with a shopper who holds a membership card displayed in the display area R 2 . The button B 2  is for specifying that the purchase is a commercial transaction with a shopper who does not hold a membership card displayed in the display area R 2 . 
     In the present embodiment, members of a membership service can purchase merchandise, for example, at a reduced unit price. Benefits of the membership service are provided only to a member who holds a membership card. Thus, in a case where a customer is a member but forgets his or her membership card, the membership service is not provided, and the customer has to purchase merchandise at a normal unit price. 
     The card inquiry screen SC 1  inquires whether or not a shopper who requests registration of the purchased merchandise holds a membership card. When the shopper presents a membership card, the button B 1  is touched, and data of the membership card is read by the card reader  26 . On the other hand, in a case where a shopper does not present a membership card, the button B 2  is touched. 
     After displaying the card inquiry screen SC 1 , the CPU  20  waits until either of the buttons B 1  and B 2  is touched (Act  13 ). In a case where it is detected that the button B 1  is touched, the CPU  20  determines that the purchase is a commercial transaction by a member (YES in Act  13 ). In this case, the CPU  20  sets a membership flag of a membership table to “1” (Act  14 ). Further, the CPU  20  registers a membership number and accumulated points in the membership table. The membership number is information read from the membership card by the card reader  26 . The accumulated points are stored in a membership database in association with the membership number. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example settlement screen displayed on the touch panel  2  of the self-checkout apparatus  100 . The settlement screen SC 4  includes display areas R 21 , R 22 , and R 23 , and a button B 21 . 
     In the display area R 21 , payment method selection buttons B 41 , B 42 , and B 43  are displayed. In the display area R 22 , the total number of articles of merchandise and the total amount of money in a total table  33   b  are displayed. In the display area R 23 , the accumulated points in a membership table  31   b  is displayed. The button B 21  is designated for calling a salesperson by a shopper. 
     In a case where the button B 21  is touched, a call signal is transmitted from the settlement processing apparatus to a merchandise registration apparatus as a transmission source of the settlement information via LAN. In the merchandise registration apparatus that received the call signal, for example, a call notification screen is displayed on the touch panel  2 . In the call notification screen, information indicating the settlement processing apparatus as a transmission source of the call signal is displayed. Therefore, a salesperson can easily recognize reception of a call from a shopper who operates the corresponding settlement processing apparatus. 
     The selection button B 41  is touched by a shopper who selects cash payment. The selection button B 42  is touched by a shopper who selects credit card payment. The selection button B 43  is touched by a shopper who selects point payment. That is, the first settlement screen SC 4  is a screen for a shopper to select any one payment method from cash payment, credit card payment, and point payment. 
     The shopper who confirms the first settlement screen SC 4  selects any one of available payment methods displayed in the display area R 21 , and touches the corresponding selection button B 41 , B 42 , or B 43 . In the settlement processing apparatus, a payment operation in accordance with the selected payment method is performed. 
     The CPU  20  displays the settlement screen SC 4 , and waits until the selection button B 41 , B 42 , or B 43  is touched. When the selection button B 41 , B 42 , or B 43  is touched, the CPU  20  determines that a payment method corresponding to the touched selection button B 41 , B 42 , or B 43  is selected. The CPU  20  executes settlement processing in accordance with the selected payment method. That is, in a case where the selection button B 41  is touched, the CPU  20  executes settlement processing for cash payment. In a case where the selection button B 42  is touched, the CPU  20  executes settlement processing for credit card payment. In a case where the selection button B 43  is touched, the CPU  20  executes settlement processing for point payment using the accumulated points in the membership table. 
     In this regard, in the case of a membership transaction in which the membership flag is set to “1”, in the settlement processing, for example, service points are calculated according to the total amount of money. The service points are transmitted to the database server together with the member number of the membership table, and are accumulated for each member by the member database. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an example settlement confirmation screen for cash payment displayed on the touch panel  2  of the self-checkout apparatus  100 . The settlement confirmation screen SC 5  includes a display area R 13  and buttons B 14  and B 15 . In addition, the settlement confirmation screen SC 5  includes a display area R 11  for displaying operation guidance for shoppers. Further, the settlement confirmation screen SC 5  displays a salesperson call button B 13  at the same position as that of the settlement screen SC 4 . 
     In the display area R 13 , the total amount of money, the amount of money inserted into the automatic change machine  30 , and the change amount are displayed. The button B 14  is designated for a shopper who does not want to receive a receipt to confirm the contents of settlement. The button B 15  is designated for a shopper who wants to receive a receipt to confirm the contents of settlement. In the following description, the button B 14  is referred to as a settlement button B 14 , and the button B 15  is referred to as a receipt button B 15 . In the display area R 11 , a message prompting a shopper to touch either of the settlement button B 14  and the receipt button B 15  is displayed. 
     When the settlement processing is completed, the CPU  20  causes the printer  28  to operate and issue a receipt. After a receipt is issued, the CPU  20  repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above. 
     The self-checkout apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment includes the first RFID antenna  15  provided on the first holding area  6   a  of the work table  6 , the second RFID antenna  16  provided on the second holding area  6   b , and the CPU  20  as a purchased-merchandise detection unit. The merchandise basket  12  in which merchandise before registration is stored is placed on the first holding area  6   a , and the shopping bag  13  for storing the purchased merchandise is placed on the second holding area  6   b . The first RFID antenna  15  collectively reads information of radio tags which store identification information of merchandise in the merchandise basket  12  on the first holding area  6   a . The second RFID antenna  16  reads information of a radio tag of merchandise which is put one by one from the merchandise basket  12  on the first holding area  6   a  into the shopping bag  13  on the second holding area  6   b . Further, the CPU  20  as a purchased-merchandise detection unit detects all of the purchased merchandise stored in the shopping bag  13  based on the read information by the first RFID antenna  15  and the read information by the second RFID antenna  16 . Accordingly, for example, even in a case where the purchased merchandise in the merchandise basket  12  is omitted from reading by the first RFID antenna  15 , in the operation of putting the purchased merchandise one by one from the merchandise basket  12  on the first holding area  6   a  into the shopping bag  13  on the second holding area  6   b , the purchased merchandise can be read by the second RFID antenna  16  without omission. Therefore, even in a case where multiple radio tags are in a communication range of the tag reader, it is possible to reliably detect all of the merchandise. 
     In addition, the self-checkout apparatus  100  includes the touch panel  2 . A read list of merchandise in the merchandise basket  12  which have been read by the first RFID antenna  15  is displayed on the touch panel  2 . Further, on the registration screen of the touch panel  2 , the read list, which is a list of tag data collectively read from the RFID tags by the first RFID antenna  15  so as to determine a plurality of merchandise to be settled in the merchandise basket  12  on the first holding area  6   a , and the check column  41  are simultaneously displayed. The read list is checked such as displaying a mark in the check column  41 , based on the read information which is read by the second RFID antenna  16 . Thus, each time a customer moves and puts merchandise one by one from the merchandise basket  12  to the shopping bag  13 , it is possible to confirm reading of the merchandise by simply viewing the screen display of the touch panel  2 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce a possibility that purchased merchandise to be put into the shopping bag  13  is omitted. 
     In the present embodiment, although a configuration in which the shopping bag  13  is disposed on the second holding area  6   b  is adopted, a configuration in which a second merchandise basket is disposed instead of the shopping bag  13  may be adopted. The second merchandise basket with a different structure in color and shape from that of the merchandise basket  12  on the first holding area  6   a  is used, and thus the second merchandise basket can be distinguished from the merchandise basket  12  that is used before settlement. In addition, even when an electronic tag is used in place of the RFID tag, an embodiment can be implemented in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, although the merchandise basket  12  and the shopping bag  13  are disposed on the work table  6 , an auxiliary table or the like for further expanding the work space may be provided on the work table  6 . In this case, it is possible to secure a work space for performing work such as folding merchandise such as clothing. 
     Furthermore, in the present embodiment, although a configuration in which the presence or absence of a customer is detected by the human detection sensor  36  is adopted, a configuration in which a membership card held by the customer is detected by the first RFID antenna  15  or the second RFID antenna  16  at the same time as detecting the presence or absence of the customer, may be adopted. In this case, when there is a customer in front of the self-checkout apparatus  100 , it is possible to identify whether the customer is a member with a membership card or a non-member. Therefore, a guidance screen displayed on the touch panel  2  can be changed depending on whether the customer is a member with a membership card or a non-member. In a case where the customer is a non-member, “Welcome” is displayed on the touch panel  2 , and in a case where the customer is a member with a membership card, “Thank you every time” is separately displayed on the touch panel  2 . Further, the self-checkout apparatus  100  may further have a function of a scanner, a bar code reader, touch input, and the like. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating an example self-checkout apparatus  100  according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment is an example in which a detachable automatic change machine  30  is connected to the side of one self-checkout apparatus  100 . The detachable automatic change machine  30  is arranged side by side with the self-checkout apparatus  100 . In this case, it is possible to independently provide the self-checkout apparatus  100  capable of handling cash. 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating an example self-checkout apparatus  300  according to a third embodiment. The self-checkout apparatus  300  according to the third embodiment does not include the partition wall  8  of the self-checkout apparatus  100 . In the self-checkout apparatus  300  according to the third embodiment, it is possible to arrange the first holding area  6   a  on which the merchandise basket  12  before settlement is placed and the second holding area  6   b  on which the shopping bag  13  is placed, on one flat plate of the work table  6 , side by side. Even in this case, the same effect as that of the self-checkout apparatus  100  according to the first embodiment can be obtained. 
     According to the embodiments, it is possible to provide a settlement processing apparatus capable of detecting all merchandise even in a case where there are a plurality of radio tags in the communication range of a tag reader. 
     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 may be 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.