Patent Publication Number: US-2020302418-A1

Title: Measuring apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-052958, filed on Mar. 20, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to a measuring apparatus, and a method and system relating thereto. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A store system in which a purchaser performs work of registering merchandise, that the purchaser wants to purchase, as merchandise to be purchased, without an intervention of a store assistant is already known. 
     However, this type of store system of the related art is not able to handle the sale of merchandise being sold by weight. 
     In these circumstances, it was desired that the purchaser easily registers the merchandise being sold by weight as the merchandise to be purchased. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a measuring apparatus according to a first embodiment and a schematic configuration of a merchandise sales processing system including the measuring apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing an appearance of the measuring apparatus; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing a procedure of information processing of a processor, according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a view showing a screen for confirmation as an example; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing a procedure of information processing of the processor, according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing a procedure of the information processing; 
         FIG. 7  is a view showing a second screen for confirmation as an example; and 
         FIG. 8  is a view showing a third screen for confirmation as an example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments provide a measuring apparatus that enables a purchaser to easily register merchandise being sold by weight as merchandise to be purchased. 
     In general, according to one embodiment, a measuring apparatus includes a weighing scale, an imaging unit, an identification unit, and an output unit. The weighing scale is configured to measure a weight of merchandise placed in a space for measurement. The imaging unit is configured to image the space for measurement. The identification unit is configured to identify the merchandise placed in the space for measurement, based on a feature of the merchandise shown in an image captured by the imaging unit. The output unit is configured to output predetermined data through which merchandise placed in the space for measurement and a sales price of the merchandise can be specified respectively, based on the weight measured by the weighing scale and an identification result obtained by the identification unit. 
     Hereinafter, embodiments will be described using drawings. 
     The embodiments described herein relate to a measuring apparatus suitable for registering a grocery being sold by weight in a grocery store as merchandise to be purchased. In the following, the term “grocery” includes all foods and drinks that can be sold by weight in a store. That is, for example, “white rice” or “orange juice” may be one of the “groceries”. The measuring apparatus of the embodiment can also be used, even if merchandise other than the food and drink is sold by weight. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a measuring apparatus  10  according to a first embodiment and a schematic configuration of a merchandise sales processing system  1  including the measuring apparatus  10 .  FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing an appearance of the measuring apparatus  10 . In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the measuring apparatus  10  includes a processor  11 , a storage unit  12 , a touch panel  13 , a keypad  14 , a weighing scale  15 , a camera  16 , and a transmission path  17 . 
     The processor  11 , the storage unit  12 , and the weighing scale  15  are contained in a housing  100  shown in  FIG. 2 . The touch panel  13  and the keypad  14  are attached to a control panel  200  shown in  FIG. 2 . The camera  16  is attached to a tip of a mounting arm  300  shown in  FIG. 2 . A base end of the mounting arm  300  is fixed to the housing  100 . 
     The processor  11  and the storage unit  12  configure a computer for executing information processing for realizing various functions as the measuring apparatus  10 . The processor  11  corresponds to a central part of the computer. The processor  11  executes information processing according to an information processing program such as an operating system, middleware, and an application program. 
     The storage unit  12  corresponds to a main storage part of the computer. The storage unit  12  includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The storage unit  12  stores the information processing program in the nonvolatile memory area. The storage unit  12  may store data necessary for the processor  11  to execute processing for controlling each unit, in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. One of the data stored in the storage unit  12  is a merchandise database. The merchandise database is a collection of record data associated with each grocery that is merchandise to be sold by weight using the measuring apparatus  10 . The record data includes, for example, information such as a merchandise code, a merchandise name, and a price per unit weight, for identifying the associated grocery. However, the measuring apparatus  10  is configured to have a function of communicating through a communication network, and a merchandise database stored in another server may be referred to via a communication network. In this case, the storage unit  12  does not store the merchandise database. The storage unit  12  uses the volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor  11 . The storage unit  12  may include an auxiliary storage device corresponding to an auxiliary storage part of the computer. As the auxiliary storage device, for example, an electric erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or other known various storage devices can be appropriately applied. The auxiliary storage device stores data used by the processor  11  to perform various processing and data generated by the processing by the processor  11 . A part of the information processing program may be stored in the auxiliary storage device. 
     The touch panel  13  displays various screens for notifying an operator of various types of information. The touch panel  13  inputs various instructions by the operator by inputting a touch operation on the screen. 
     The keypad  14  is formed by arranging a plurality of keys. The keypad  14  inputs various instructions by the operator by inputting key operations. 
     In the present embodiment, the touch panel  13  and the keypad  14  are attached to the control panel  200  side by side as shown in  FIG. 2 . The control panel  200  is attached to the housing  100  such that tilt with respect to the housing  100  can be changed such that an orientation of the touch panel  13  and the keypad  14  can be changed. 
     The weighing scale  15  includes a scale pan  15   a  disposed on an outside of the housing  100 . The weighing scale  15  is configured to measure a weight of merchandise placed in the scale pan  15   a.    
     The camera  16  is supported by the mounting arm  300  in a state in which an above side of the scale pan  15   a  is in a field of view. The camera  16  images an inside of the field of view and outputs image data corresponding to an image within the field of view. In the image that the image data represents, when merchandise is placed on the scale pan  15   a,  the merchandise is projected. The camera  16  is an example of the imaging unit. 
     The transmission path  17  includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like, and through the transmission path  17 , data and control signals are transferred between connected units. 
     A reading terminal  20  optically reads a code pattern in which data such as a merchandise code for identifying merchandise is represented to be optically readable. The code pattern is, for example, various bar-codes such as a Japanese article number (JAN) symbol or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). Then, the reading terminal  20  notifies a sales processing server  30  of data that the read code pattern represents, via a communication network  40 . The reading terminal  20  is, for example, a cart terminal attached to a shopping cart. Alternatively, the reading terminal  20  is an information terminal carried by a purchaser. 
     The sales processing server  30  adds merchandise specified by the data that the reading terminal  20  notifies thereof to a merchandise list, thereby registering the merchandise as merchandise to be purchased for a purchaser who is using the reading terminal  20 . If the purchaser who is using the reading terminal  20  leaves a store, in the sales processing server  30 , a price for the merchandise to be purchased registered for the purchaser is paid. 
     The communication network  40  is typically a local area network (LAN). However, as the communication network  40 , the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a LAN, a public communication network, a mobile communication network, a dedicated line, or the like can be used alone or in an appropriate combination. The communication network  40  may be any of a wired type or a wireless type, or both thereof may be used in combination. In particular, a wireless connection is suitable between the reading terminal  20  and the communication network  40 . 
     The measuring apparatus  10  stores the information processing program described in information processing to be described later in the storage unit  12 . The information processing program may be stored in the storage unit  12  when hardware of the measuring apparatus  10  is transferred, or may be transferred separately from the hardware. In the latter case, the information processing program is transferred by being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, and a semiconductor memory, or is transferred via a network. In the latter case, a case is assumed that the information processing program is provided as a version update program and can be replaced with another similar information processing program already stored in the storage unit  12 . 
     Next, operations of the measuring apparatus  10  and the merchandise sales processing system  1  configured as described above will be described. The content of the processing to be described below is an example, and a change of a procedure of a part of processing, omission of a part of processing, or addition of other processing can be made as appropriate. 
     When a purchaser enters a store, the purchaser checks in with the reading terminal  20  used for merchandise registration. The reading terminal  20  acquires a purchaser code for identifying the purchaser in the check-in, and notifies the sales processing server  30  of shopping start with the notification of the purchaser code. According to reception of the notification, the sales processing server  30  associates a terminal code for checking the reading terminal  20  that made the notification with the purchaser code notified thereof, and generates table data representing the merchandise list (hereinafter, referred to as a merchandise table). The check-in may be performed at a check-in terminal installed at an entrance. 
     If a code pattern such as a bar-code representing the merchandise code is marked on merchandise to be purchased, the purchaser causes the code pattern to be read by the reading terminal  20 . If the reading terminal  20  reads the code pattern, the reading terminal  20  notifies the sales processing server  30  of at least the merchandise code of data that the code pattern represents, via the communication network  40 . According to reception of notification, the sales processing server  30  updates the merchandise table associated with the reading terminal  20  that is a notification source such that the merchandise identified by the merchandise code notified thereof is included as merchandise to be purchased. If the code pattern represents a sales price of merchandise, the reading terminal  20  also notifies the sales processing server  30  of the sales price. In this case, the sales processing server  30  associates the sales price notified thereof with merchandise to be purchased to include the price in the merchandise table. That is, the sales processing server  30  registers the merchandise that the purchaser intends to purchase as merchandise to be purchased as described above. 
     The purchaser puts a grocery intended to be purchased in a predetermined container by the preferred amount and places the container on the scale pan  15   a  of the measuring apparatus  10 . 
     When the measuring apparatus  10  is in a normal operation state, the processor  11  executes information processing to be described below according to an information processing program stored in the storage unit  12 . 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing a procedure of the information processing of the processor  11 , according to the first embodiment. 
     As ACT 1 , the processor  11  waits for starting of measuring. For example, if the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  remains 0, the processor  11  determines that measuring is not started. Then, as described above, if the grocery is placed on the scale pan  15   a  of the measuring apparatus  10 , the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  is not at 0. Then, the processor  11  determines as YES that the measuring is started, and proceeds to ACT 2 . 
     As ACT 2 , the processor  11  waits for measuring to be finished. For example, if the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  fluctuates, the processor  11  determines that measuring is in progress. Then, for example, if the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  remains at a value other than 0 for a predetermined period without fluctuation, the processor  11  determines as YES that the measuring is finished, and proceeds to ACT 3 . 
     As ACT 3 , the processor  11  identifies which merchandise is the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a.  In this case, in the image that the image data output by the camera  16  represents, the grocery put on the scale pan  15   a  is projected. Therefore, the merchandise is identified from a feature of an appearance of the grocery on the image. For the identification of the merchandise, a well-known object recognition technique can be used. Thus, the processor  11  executes information processing based on the information processing program. Accordingly, the computer including the processor  11  as a central part functions as an identification unit. 
     As ACT 4 , the processor  11  checks whether there are a plurality of candidates. That is, if there are a plurality of groceries having similar appearances, there may be a case where the plurality of groceries cannot be narrowed down to one, based on the feature appearing in the image, that the image data represents, output from the camera  16 . In this case, a plurality of candidates is generated. In this case, the processor  11  determines a result as YES, and proceeds to ACT 5 . 
     As ACT 5 , the processor  11  causes a screen for selection to be displayed on the touch panel  13 . For example, the screen for selection is a screen that represents each of the plurality of candidates and guides a purchaser to designate the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a  among the candidates. If the screen for selection is displayed, the purchaser designates one of the candidates by touching the touch panel  13  or operating the keypad  14 . 
     As ACT 6 , the processor  11  waits for the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a  to be designated among the candidates. Then, the processor  11  determines a result as YES if it is confirmed that the operation for designating the grocery is performed, and proceeds to ACT 7 . In ACT 4 , the processor  11  determines a result as NO if the grocery can be identified in ACT 3 , passes ACT 5  and ACT 6 , and proceeds to ACT 7 . 
     As ACT 7 , the processor  11  causes a screen for confirmation to be displayed on the touch panel  13 . 
       FIG. 4  is a view showing a screen for confirmation SC 1  as an example. 
     The screen for confirmation SC 1  includes display areas AR 1 , AR 2 , AR 3 , and AR 4 , a text message ME 1 , and a two-dimensional code CO 1 . 
     The display area AR 1  is an area for displaying a merchandise name. The display area AR 2  is an area for displaying a price per unit weight, that is, a unit price. The processor  11  acquires the merchandise name and the unit price included in the merchandise database in association with the merchandise code of the grocery identified in ACT 3  or the grocery specified in ACT 6 , from the storage unit  12 , and causes the merchandise name and the unit price to be displayed on the display areas AR 1  and AR 2 , respectively. In the screen for confirmation SC 1  shown in  FIG. 4 , the merchandise name is omitted and is indicated as “OOOOO”. The screen for confirmation SC 1  shown in  FIG. 4  is an example in which the unit price is 160 yen. 
     The display area AR 3  is an area for displaying a measured weight. The processor  11  causes the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  to be displayed on the display area AR 3 . The screen for confirmation SC 1  shown in  FIG. 4  is an example in which the measured weight is “82 g”. 
     The display area AR 4  is an area for displaying the sales price of the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a.  The processor  11  causes the amount of money obtained by multiplying the unit price by a value obtained from [Measured weight/Unit weight] to be displayed on the display area AR 4 . The screen for confirmation SC 1  shown in  FIG. 4  is an example in which a sales price is 131 yen. 
     The display areas AR 1  to AR 4  are also included in another screen for confirmation. However, the merchandise name, measured weight, unit price, and sales price shown in the display areas AR 1  to AR 4  may be different from those in another screen for confirmation. 
     The two-dimensional code CO 1  represents at least the merchandise code of the grocery identified in ACT 3  or the grocery designated in ACT 6  and price specifying data that enables the sales price shown in the display area AR 4  to be specified in the sales processing server  30 . The price specifying data is typically the sales price shown in the display area AR 4 . However, the price specifying data may be the unit price and the measured weight shown in the display areas AR 2  and AR 3 . In this case, the sales processing server  30  can specify the sales price using the calculation described above. The price specifying data may be only the measured weight shown in the display area AR 3 . In this case, by making sales processing server  30  accessible to a merchandise database having the same content as that stored in the storage unit  12 , the sales price can be specified with the sales processing server  30  using the calculation described above, from the unit price obtained from the merchandise database and the measured weight that the price specifying data represents. The two-dimensional code CO 1  may be replaced with another two-dimensional code having a different pattern in another screen for confirmation. 
     The text message ME 1  represents a message that prompts the purchaser to cause the two-dimensional code CO 1  to be read by the reading terminal  20 , if the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a  is merchandise to be purchased. The content of the message may be any content. For example, the content is determined by a designer or an administrator of the measuring apparatus  10 . The text message ME 1  is also included in another screen for confirmation. 
     The touch panel  13  is an example of a display device. The processor  11  causes a two-dimensional code as an optically readable code pattern representing the merchandise code and the price specifying data to be displayed on the touch panel  13 . In this case, the merchandise code and the price specifying data correspond to predetermined data through which merchandise placed on the scale pan  15   a  as a space for measurement and a sales price of the merchandise can be specified respectively, based on the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  and the identification result obtained in ACT 3 . Thus, the processor  11  executes information processing based on the information processing program. Accordingly, the computer including the processor  11  as a central part functions as a control unit. In addition, the processor  11  realizes a function as the output unit in cooperation with the touch panel  13  and a function as the control unit. 
     For example, if the purchaser checks the screen for confirmation SC 1  and determines to purchase the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a,  the purchaser causes the two-dimensional code CO 1  to be read by the reading terminal  20  according to the guidance in the text message ME 1 . 
     If the reading terminal  20  reads the two-dimensional code of the screen for confirmation, the reading terminal  20  notifies the sales processing server  30  of the merchandise code and the price specifying data shown in the two-dimensional code via the communication network  40 . According to reception of notification, the sales processing server  30  updates the merchandise table associated with the reading terminal  20  that is a notification source such that the merchandise identified by the merchandise code notified thereof is included as merchandise to be purchased. That is, the sales processing server  30  registers the merchandise that the purchaser intends to purchase as merchandise to be purchased as described above. Also, the sales processing server  30  causes the sales price specified from the price specifying data notified thereof to be included in the merchandise table as a sales price of the registered merchandise to be purchased. 
     If the purchaser finishes registering the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a  as merchandise to be purchased in this manner, the purchaser removes the grocery from the scale pan  15   a.    
     As ACT 8 , the processor  11  waits for the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a  to be removed. For example, if the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  is at 0, the processor  11  determines as YES that the grocery is removed. In this case, the processor  11  returns to a standby state of ACT 1  and prepares for another grocery to be placed on the scale pan  15   a.    
     As described above, according to the measuring apparatus  10 , a purchaser can easily register merchandise being sold by weight as merchandise to be purchased. 
     However, for example, if a purchaser leaves the store, the sales processing server  30  pays for the merchandise to be purchased shown in the merchandise table associated with the purchaser using a credit card previously linked to the purchaser. In this manner, a store where the merchandise sales processing system  1  is provided can be a self-service store. According to the present application, it is possible to sell merchandise being sold by weight, in this self-service store. For example, the sales processing server  30  regards that a purchaser left the store, if the purchaser performs an operation of declaring of leaving the store with a checkout terminal provided in a checkout corner. Alternatively, for example, the sales processing server  30  regards that a purchaser left the store, if a sensor detects that the purchaser passed through a checkout gate. 
     The payment may be performed with the checkout terminal installed at the checkout corner. In this case, the payment may be a face-to-face type that a store assistant operates the checkout terminal, or a self type that the purchaser operates the checkout terminal. 
     The reading terminal  20  may generate, save, and update the merchandise table. In this case, notifying the sales processing server  30  of the merchandise code can be omitted. If the payment is requested, the reading terminal  20  notifies a server that performs credit payment or the check-out terminal, of payment data for the payment according to the merchandise table. The payment data may be data through which the amount of money to be paid can be recognized by a server or the checkout terminal. Whether or not the merchandise table includes the payment data is optional. 
     Second Embodiment 
     A second embodiment can be implemented by a hardware configuration similar to the measuring apparatus  10  according to the first embodiment. Therefore, illustration and description of the hardware configuration as the second embodiment are omitted. 
     The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment, in the information processing program stored in the storage unit  12  and processing of the processor  11  based on the information processing program. 
     When the measuring apparatus  10  is in a normal operation state, the processor  11  executes information processing to be described below according to an information processing program stored in the storage unit  12 . 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  are flowcharts showing a procedure of the information processing of the processor  11 , according to the second embodiment. ACT 1  to ACT 8  in  FIG. 5  are the same as the processing shown in  FIG. 3  of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof will not be repeated. 
     As ACT 11 , the processor  11  checks whether or not continuation declaration is made. Then, the processor  11  determines a result as NO if it is not confirmed that the declaration is made, and proceeds to ACT 1 . Then, the processor  11  returns to ACT 11 , if the processor  11  determines the result as NO in ACT 1  because it is not confirmed that the measuring is started. 
     Thus, as ACT 11  and ACT 1 , the processor  11  waits for the continuation declaration to be made or measuring to start. If the processor  11  determines the result as YES in ACT 1  by starting measuring, the processor  11  executes the processing after ACT 2  in the same manner as in the first embodiment. If the processor  11  determines the result as YES in ACT 8 , the processor  11  returns to the standby state of ACT 11  and ACT 1 . However, in the second embodiment, a screen for confirmation displayed in ACT 7  is referred to as a first screen for confirmation, and is distinguished from another screen for confirmation described below. 
     According to the processing of ACT 1  to ACT 8  similar to the processing of the first embodiment, it is necessary to read the two-dimensional code with the reading terminal  20  every time the measuring of one grocery is finished. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, it is allowed to continuously measure a plurality of groceries. If this continuous measuring is performed, the purchaser makes a continuation declaration by touching the touch panel  13  or operating the keypad  14 . If the processor  11  confirms that the continuous declaration is made, the processor  11  determines a result as YES in ACT 11 , and proceeds to ACT 12  in  FIG. 6 . 
     As ACT 12 , the processor  11  waits for starting of measuring. For example, if the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  remains 0, the processor  11  determines that measuring is not started. Then, as described above, if the grocery is placed on the scale pan  15   a  of the measuring apparatus  10 , the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  is not at 0. Then, the processor  11  determines as YES that the measuring is started, and proceeds to ACT 13 . 
     As ACT 13 , the processor  11  waits for measuring to be finished. For example, if the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  fluctuates, the processor  11  determines that measuring is in progress. Then, for example, if the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  remains at a value other than 0 for a predetermined period without fluctuation, the processor  11  determines as YES that the measuring is finished, and proceeds to ACT 14 . 
     As ACT 14 , the processor  11  identifies which merchandise is the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a.  In this case, in the image that the image data output by the camera  16  represents, the grocery put on the scale pan  15   a  is projected. Therefore, the merchandise is identified from a feature of an appearance of the grocery on the image. For the identification of the merchandise, a well-known object recognition technique can be used. 
     As ACT 15 , the processor  11  checks whether there are a plurality of candidates. That is, if there are a plurality of groceries having similar appearances, there may be a case where the plurality of groceries cannot be narrowed down to one, based on the feature appearing in the image, that the image data represents, output from the camera  16 . In this case, a plurality of candidates is generated. In this case, the processor  11  determines a result as YES, and proceeds to ACT 16 . 
     As ACT 16 , the processor  11  causes a screen for selection to be displayed on the touch panel  13 . For example, the screen for selection is a screen that represents each of the plurality of candidates and guides a purchaser to designate the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a  among the candidates. If the screen for selection is displayed, the purchaser designates one of the candidates by touching the touch panel  13  or operating the keypad  14 . 
     As ACT 17 , the processor  11  waits for the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a  to be designated from the candidates. Then, the processor  11  determines a result as YES if it is confirmed that the operation for designating the grocery is performed, and proceeds to ACT 18 . In ACT 15 , the processor  11  determines a result as NO if the grocery can be identified in ACT 14 , passes ACT 16  and ACT 17 , and proceeds to ACT 18 . 
     As ACT 18 , the processor  11  causes a second screen for confirmation to be displayed on the touch panel  13 . 
       FIG. 7  is a view showing a second screen for confirmation SC 2  as an example. In  FIG. 7 , the same display elements as those shown in  FIG. 4  are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated. 
     The second screen for confirmation SC 2  includes display areas AR 1 , AR 2 , AR 3 , and AR 4 , and buttons BO 1  and BO 2 . 
     That is, the second screen for confirmation SC 2  represents buttons BO 1  and BO 2  in place of the text message ME 1  and the two-dimensional code CO 1  in the first screen for confirmation. These buttons BO 1  and BO 2  are also included in another screen for confirmation. 
     The button BO 1  is an operation button for a purchaser to declare that another grocery is to be measured. The button BO 2  is an operation button for a purchaser to declare that measuring on a plurality of groceries is finished. 
     If a purchaser determines to purchase a grocery with contents displayed in the display areas AR 1 , AR 2 , AR 3 , and AR 4  related to a grocery during measuring, the purchaser touches either the buttons BO 1  or BO 2 . In other words, the purchaser touches the button BO 1 , if the purchaser wants to continue measuring another grocery. The purchaser touches the button BO 2 , if the purchaser wants to finish measuring. If the purchaser tries re-measuring for the grocery during measuring or cancels the purchase of the grocery, the purchaser removes the grocery from the scale pan  15   a  without touching either the buttons BO 1  or BO 2 . 
     As ACT 19 , the processor  11  checks the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a  is removed. For example, if the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  does not remain at 0, the processor  11  determines a result as NO, and proceeds to ACT 20 . 
     As ACT 20 , the processor  11  checks whether or not a declaration of measuring an additional grocery is made. Then, the processor  11  determines a result as NO if it is not confirmed that the button BO 1  is touched, and proceeds to ACT 21 . 
     As ACT 21 , the processor  11  checks whether or not a declaration of not measuring an additional grocery is made. Then, the processor  11  determines a result as NO if it is not confirmed that the button BO 2  is touched, and returns to ACT 19 . 
     As ACT 19  to ACT 21 , the processor  11  waits for the grocery placed on the scale pan  15   a  to be removed, or any declaration of measuring or not measuring the additional grocery to be made. For example, in ACT 19 , if the weight measured by the weighing scale  15  is at 0, the processor  11  determines a result as YES that the grocery is removed. In this case, the processor  11  returns to a standby state of ACT 12  and prepares for another grocery to be placed on the scale pan  15   a.    
     In ACT 20 , if the purchaser touches the button BO 1  as described above and this touching is detected by the touch panel  13 , the processor  11  determines a result as YES and proceeds to ACT 22 . 
     As ACT 22 , the processor  11  updates the table data that represents a list of groceries that will be subject to continuous measurement this time. The grocery to be continuously measured is not yet determined to be merchandise to be purchased and is a merchandise candidate. Therefore, the table data is referred to as a candidate table here. In this case, the processor  11  returns to a standby state of ACT 12  and prepares for subsequent grocery to be placed on the scale pan  15   a.    
     Thus, the processor  11  repeats a loop of ACT 12  to ACT 22  as groceries are successively placed on the scale pan  15   a.  If the processor  11  executes ACT 21  at first in repeating of the loop, the processor  11  generates a new candidate table including one record data representing a measured weight, a unit price, and a sales price in association with the merchandise code of the grocery identified in ACT 14  or the grocery designated in ACT 17 . If the processor  11  executes ACT 21  in the second time or later, the processor  11  adds new record data showing a measured weight, a unit price, and a sales price to the candidate table, in association with a merchandise code of a grocery newly placed on the scale pan  15   a.    
     In ACT 21 , if the purchaser touches the button BO 2  as described above and this touching is detected by the touch panel  13 , the processor  11  determines a result as YES and proceeds to ACT 23 . 
     As ACT 23 , the processor  11  updates the candidate table in the same manner as ACT 22 . 
     As ACT 24 , the processor  11  causes a third screen for confirmation to be displayed on the touch panel  13 . 
       FIG. 8  is a view showing a third screen for confirmation SC 3  as an example. 
     The third screen for confirmation SC 3  includes a display area AR 5 , a two-dimensional code CO 2 , a text message ME 3 , and a button BO 3 . 
     The display area AR 5  shows information included in the candidate table as a table. The display area AR 5  is also included in another screen for confirmation. However, a merchandise name, a measured weight, a unit price, and a sales price shown in the display area AR 5  may be different from those in another screen for confirmation. 
     The two-dimensional code CO 2  represents at least a merchandise code shown in the candidate table and price specifying data that enables the sales price to be specified in the sales processing server  30 . The price specifying data is the same as in the first embodiment. The two-dimensional code CO 2  may be replaced with another two-dimensional code having a different pattern in another screen for confirmation. 
     The text message ME 3  represents a message that prompts the purchaser to cause the two-dimensional code CO 2  to be read by the reading terminal  20 , if the groceries shown in the display area AR 5  as the table are merchandise to be purchased. The content of the message may be any content. For example, the content is determined by a designer or an administrator of the measuring apparatus  10 . The text message ME 2  is also included in another screen for confirmation. 
     The button BO 3  is an operation button for a purchaser to declare that reading of the two-dimensional code CO 2  is completed. 
     For example, if the purchaser checks the third screen for confirmation SC 3  and determines to purchase the groceries shown in the display area AR 5  as the table, the purchaser causes the two-dimensional code CO 2  to be read by the reading terminal  20  according to the guidance in the text message ME 3 . 
     If the reading terminal  20  reads the two-dimensional code of the screen for confirmation, the reading terminal  20  notifies the sales processing server  30  of all the merchandise code and the price specifying data shown in the two-dimensional code CO 2  via the communication network  40 . According to reception of notification, the sales processing server  30  updates the merchandise table associated with the reading terminal  20  that is a notification source such that all the merchandise identified by the merchandise code notified thereof is included as merchandise to be purchased. That is, the sales processing server  30  registers the merchandise that the purchaser intends to purchase as merchandise to be purchased as described above. Also, the sales processing server  30  causes the sales price specified from the price specifying data notified thereof to be included in the merchandise table as a sales price of the registered merchandise to be purchased. 
     If the purchaser causes the two-dimensional code CO 2  to be read by the reading terminal  20 , the purchaser touches the button BO 3 . 
     The processor  11  waits for reading of the two-dimensional code to be completed. In ACT 25 , if the purchaser touches the button BO 3  and this touching is detected by the touch panel  13 , the processor  11  determines a result as YES. In this case, the processor  11  returns to a standby state of ACT 11  and ACT 1  in  FIG. 5 , and prepares for another grocery to be placed on the scale pan  15   a.    
     As above, in the measuring apparatus  10  according to the second embodiment, it is possible for a purchaser to easily register merchandise being sold by weight as merchandise to be purchased. 
     In addition, according to the measuring apparatus  10  in the second embodiment, the merchandise code and the price specifying data relating to a plurality of groceries can be acquired by the reading terminal  20  by reading the two-dimensional code at once. Therefore, an operation performed by the purchaser can be simplified compared to reading of the two-dimensional code performed for each grocery. 
     Also, according to the measuring apparatus  10  in the second embodiment, a purchaser can optionally select and use a method of registering a grocery as merchandise to be purchased every time measuring of each grocery is finished, and a method of registering a plurality of groceries together as the merchandise to be purchased after the measuring of the plurality of groceries is finished. Accordingly, registration is performed by a method that meets needs of the purchaser. 
     Also, the second embodiment is suitable for a case where a salesperson performs selling by weight while operating the measuring apparatus  10  at a store, as a meat selling by piece. In other words, by using the measuring apparatus  10  of the second embodiment, a sales form in which the salesperson sequentially measures a plurality of pieces of merchandise according to the request of the purchaser, the purchaser causes the two-dimensional code to be read by the reading terminal  20  only once at the last, and the plurality of pieces of merchandise are received from a salesperson can be realized. 
     In the measuring apparatus  10  for use in the sales form, a display device for displaying a two-dimensional code for the purchaser may be provided separately from the touch panel  13 . The measuring apparatus  10  is suitable for use in a store where a salesperson faces a purchaser and performs selling by weight with a sales counter therebetween. 
     This embodiment can be variously modified as follows. 
     In the first and second embodiments, the merchandise code and the price specifying data may be output using an optically readable mark other than the two-dimensional code, such as a one-dimensional bar-code or a character string. Alternatively, the merchandise code and the price specifying data may be output by wireless communication using proximity wireless communication or the like. Alternatively, by providing a device that performs communication via the communication network  40  to the measuring apparatus  10 , the merchandise code and the price specifying data may be transmitted to the sales processing server  30  via the communication network  40 . 
     In the first and second embodiments, the merchandise table may be managed in association with the purchaser. Then, a behavior of the purchaser is monitored by a sensor such as a camera. If the behavior that the purchaser sets the merchandise placed on the scale pan  15   a  as the merchandise to be purchased is confirmed, the sales processing server  30  acquires the merchandise code and the price specifying data from the measuring apparatus  10  and may update the merchandise table. 
     In the first and second embodiments, a part or entire of each function realized by the processor  11  by information processing can also be realized by hardware that executes information processing that is not based on a program such as a logic circuit. Each of the functions can also be realized by combining software control with hardware such as the logic circuit. 
     In the second embodiment, the processor  11  may perform not the processing of ACT 11  and ACT 1  to ACT 8  but the processing of ACT 12  to ACT 25 . 
     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.