JP2005084759A - Pos terminal equipment, pos system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a maintenance system for easily performing the introduction and maintenance operation of the user side, and for reducing operation costs, in a POS system configured to make a user construct POS terminal equipment by combining it with the user's desired peripheral equipment. <P>SOLUTION: This POS terminal equipment is provided with a connecting means for connecting the peripheral equipment; a storage means for storing a control program for controlling the operation of the peripheral equipment; a control means for controlling the operation of the peripheral equipment according to the control program; a setting file for defining the combination of the mutual models of different kinds of peripheral equipment; an input means for inputting the model of the peripheral equipment by the unit kind of the peripheral equipment; a deciding means for deciding whether the combination of the mutual models of the peripheral equipment inputted by the input means is proper by referring to the setting file; and a storage means for acquiring the control program, corresponding to the model of the peripheral equipment inputted by the input means from a management server and for storing it in the storage means, when it is decided that the combination of the mutual models of the peripheral equipment is proper. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology of a POS terminal device connected to a POS server to constitute a POS system, and more particularly to a technology for realizing the POS terminal device using a general-purpose computer.

  Conventionally, a so-called POS system is known as a system for comprehensively grasping and managing the sales status of products in each store. In this POS system, every time a POS terminal installed in a store sells products, the sales information of the products is recorded, and a server installed in the headquarters collects sales information from each store. It is used for sales management and inventory management of each store.

  By the way, a POS terminal device constituting such a POS system is used in a chain store or the like where a plurality of stores are developed in various places and a sales operation is performed, and the POS terminal device installed in each store. In many cases, the setting work and maintenance work are performed by a manufacturer or a person in charge of the maintenance maker. As a result, when setting up or maintaining POS terminal devices, all stores must be dispatched and processed by manufacturers and maintenance manufacturers. Was costly.

Therefore, a technique for more efficiently realizing such setting work and maintenance work for the POS terminal is desired. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-260109 discloses a maintenance system for a POS terminal.
JP 2002-260109 A

  Here, the POS terminal device in the conventional POS system is provided as a dedicated terminal in which hardware (main body and peripheral devices) provided for each POS manufacturer and software (OS and driver) for controlling these are integrated. Yes. A conventional maintenance system as described in JP-A-2002-260109 has a configuration assuming such a dedicated machine.

  However, with today's widespread use of inexpensive, high-performance general-purpose computers, it is not appropriate to force users to use dedicated machines that are expensive and specialize in functions for POS operations. However, a new POS system that can construct a POS terminal device by combining desired peripheral devices is expected.

  On the other hand, since the POS terminal device is composed of special peripheral devices (for example, customer displays, drawers, receipt journals, handy scanners, CAT terminals, etc.), many store users can operate these peripheral devices. Is unfamiliar and its setting work is difficult. In addition, connection of peripheral devices requires complicated operations such as installing and setting corresponding driver software for each, so that store users who do not have specialized knowledge perform such setting operations. If this happens, there is a risk of incorrect settings.

  In general, many stores have application software for processing operations other than POS operations (receipt / shipment operations, inventory operations, attendance management operations, etc.). Conventionally, POS terminal devices have been dedicated machines. Therefore, a device that processes a POS job is different from a device that processes another job. As a result, the person in charge of the store had to operate a different device for each business, and the work involved in data input and confirmation was complicated.

  Therefore, if a plurality of application software different for each business can be installed in one POS terminal device, the person in charge of the store only needs to operate one POS terminal device, so the business is performed more efficiently. Be able to.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to realize a new POS system in which a user can construct a POS terminal device by combining desired peripheral devices.

  Further, the present invention can facilitate introduction and maintenance work on the user side and reduce work cost in a POS system configured to construct a POS terminal device by combining desired peripheral devices by the user. It is an object to provide a maintenance system that can be used.

  Another object of the present invention is to realize a POS system capable of improving operability by mounting a plurality of application software different for each business in one POS terminal device.

  The present invention for solving the above problems is a POS terminal device communicably connected to a management server holding a control program for controlling the operation of a peripheral device, for controlling the operation of the peripheral device. A storage means for storing a control program; a control means for controlling the operation of the peripheral device according to the control program stored in the storage means; a setting file defining a combination of different types of peripheral devices; and a peripheral device An input unit for inputting a model; a determination unit for determining whether a combination of peripheral device models input by the input unit with reference to the setting file is valid; and the input unit by the determination unit inputs the input unit When it is determined that the combination of the peripheral device models is valid, the control program corresponding to the peripheral device model input by the input means is used. Get the ram from the management server, characterized in that the acquired control program and a storage means for storing in the memory means.

  The input means may input a peripheral device model in units of peripheral devices.

  Further, the present invention is a POS terminal device communicably connected to a management server that holds a control program for controlling the operation of a peripheral device, and stores the control program for controlling the operation of the peripheral device A storage means, a control means for controlling the operation of the peripheral device in accordance with a control program stored in the storage means, a setting file defining a combination of different types of peripheral devices, and a type referring to the setting file Display means for displaying a list of combinations of peripheral devices of different types, input means for inputting a specific combination from the combinations displayed by the display means, and each model of the specific combination input by the input means A storage program for acquiring the control program corresponding to the management server from the management server and storing the acquired control program in the storage means Characterized in that it comprises a and.

  In addition, the determination unit is configured to input the peripheral device input by the input unit when the type of the peripheral device to be set is input from the input unit for all of two or more types of peripheral devices set in advance. It is desirable to determine whether the combination of models is appropriate.

  In the above invention, an acquisition unit that acquires model information of a peripheral device that is currently connected, a change instruction input unit that inputs a change instruction to change the model of the peripheral device, and a change instruction from the change instruction input unit. A change unit that inputs a model of a peripheral device to be changed in units of peripheral devices when input, and the determination unit refers to the model information and the setting file acquired by the acquisition unit. Determining whether the combination of the peripheral device model input by the changing means and the model of another peripheral device currently connected is appropriate, and the storage means When it is determined that the combination of the input peripheral device model and the other currently connected peripheral device model is appropriate, the control program corresponding to the peripheral device model input by the changing means Acquired from the management server, and storage means for storing the acquired control program in the storage means, it is desirable to have a.

  The peripheral devices are preferably at least two of a scanner, a customer display, a drawer, a receipt printer, and a CAT terminal.

  Further, the present invention is a maintenance system configured such that a POS terminal that executes POS business processing and a management server for managing the POS terminal can communicate with each other. A setting file that defines a combination of storage means for controlling a control program, control means for controlling the operation of the peripheral device according to the control program stored in the storage means, and types of peripheral devices of different types And an input means for inputting the peripheral device model in units of peripheral devices, and a determination means for determining whether the combination of the peripheral device models input by the input means with reference to the setting file is appropriate And when the combination of peripheral devices input by the input unit is determined to be valid by the determination unit, the input unit Transmitting means for transmitting a control program acquisition request corresponding to the type of peripheral device to the management server, receiving means for receiving a control program transmitted from the management server in correspondence with the transmitting means, and the receiving means; Storage means for storing the received control program in the storage means, wherein the management server has a management master for managing terminal information related to the POS terminal device, and a control program for controlling the operation of the peripheral device. Program storage means stored in association with the model of the peripheral device, receiving means for receiving a control program acquisition request from the POS terminal device, and the program storage according to the model information included in the acquisition request received by the receiving means Reading means for reading out the corresponding control program from the means, and the control program read by the reading means. Characterized in that it comprises transmitting means for transmitting a gram to the POS terminal.

  The present invention is also a POS terminal device comprising POS business processing means for executing POS business processing, external business processing means for executing other business processing, and device driver means for controlling operation of peripheral devices. The device driver means exclusively accepts requests from the POS business processing means and the external business processing means, and the POS business processing means sends an execution request of the external business processing means during execution of the POS business processing. When received from a user, the POS terminal device is characterized in that after the release request is sent to the device driver means occupied by the POS business processing means, the external business processing means is called.

  When the POS business processing unit receives a request for execution of the external business processing unit from the user during the execution of the POS business processing, the POS business processing unit sets the POS screen to be displayed on the display device to a non-display state, and then Execute processing to call the processing means, the external business processing means, upon receiving the external business processing end command, after sending a release request to the device driver means occupied by the external business processing means, The POS screen set in the non-display state is displayed on the display device.

  According to the above invention, in a POS system configured to construct a POS terminal device by combining desired peripheral devices, a user can reduce the cost and work required for the introduction and maintenance work of the POS terminal device.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a so-called general-purpose notebook PC (personal computer) is used as a main body, and peripheral devices (POS devices) necessary for POS operations are connected to the main body to constitute a POS terminal device. Here, the POS terminal device composed of the general-purpose PC is referred to as “PC-POS terminal”.

[First Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, an initial setting process (installation process) of a POS terminal device configured by connecting a POS device to a general-purpose PC will be described.

  The PC-POS terminal 2 according to the present embodiment is constructed by combining a desired peripheral device with a general-purpose computer as a main body, unlike a dedicated machine shipped with a POS peripheral device connected to the main body in advance. is there. Accordingly, in each store where the PC-POS terminal 2 is installed, the person in charge of the store needs to perform a setting operation for connecting the POS peripheral device to the main body and installing the driver software. When it is performed on peripheral devices, the work is very complicated and takes time.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a setting module is provided for automatically processing a series of processes such as model selection, driver download, and downloaded driver setting for all peripheral devices, and this is downloaded to the PC-POS terminal 2. I am going to let you.

  The POS peripheral device connected to the POS terminal device is composed of a plurality of peripheral devices such as a customer display, a drawer, a receipt journal, a handy scanner, and a CAT terminal. Depending on the combination, the PC-POS terminal 2 may not operate normally. This is because the specifications of the peripheral device models differ depending on the manufacturer, and the specifications differ depending on the type and version of the model even if the manufacturer is the same. In such a case, the downloaded device driver is wasted.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, control is performed using a definition file that defines combinations of models of peripheral devices so that the person in charge of the store can select only the combination of models that operate normally.

[Configuration of the entire POS system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a POS system including a PC-POS terminal and an appearance of the PC-POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 1A is a configuration diagram of the entire POS system including a PC-POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The POS system includes a POS server 1, a PC-POS terminal 2, a management server 3, and a communication network 4 for connecting them.

  The PC-POS terminal 2 according to the present embodiment is typically installed in a store that sells products and provides services, and has a function of registering sales information and service information, a POS server 1 and a management server. 3 is provided with a function of transmitting / receiving predetermined data to / from 3. Further, the PC-POS terminal 2 includes a setting file 21 that defines combinations of peripheral devices of different types, and refers to this setting file during installation processing to determine whether the combination of peripheral devices selected by the user is appropriate. It has a function to determine whether.

  FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of a main body and peripheral devices constituting the PC-POS terminal 2. Various peripheral devices according to the purpose of the POS service are connected to the general-purpose PC main body 100 which is the center of the PC-POS terminal 2, thereby enabling efficient POS service. In the present embodiment, a notebook PC 10 is employed as a general-purpose PC, and the foldable notebook PC 10 includes a display device 10a provided on one surface and a keyboard 10b provided on the other surface. .

  The notebook PC 10 is connected to various peripheral devices according to the specifications of the notebook PC. For example, a numeric keyboard 20 to which a mouse 20a is connected, a barcode scanner (scanner) 30 for reading barcodes as image information recording product prices, and the like, for reading image information recording customer information, etc. A handy terminal 40, a receipt journal printer (printer) 50 for printing receipts, a cash drawer (drawer) 60 for storing money, a customer display (customer display device) 70 for displaying the price of goods, and a user's magnetic card A POS device such as the CAT terminal 80 to be read is connected to the PC main body via a cable. The detailed configuration of the PC-POS terminal 2 will be described later.

  Note that the main body and peripheral devices constituting the PC-POS terminal 2 are not limited to those shown in FIG. For example, it is not necessary to connect all the peripheral devices shown in FIG. 1B, and only peripheral devices necessary for business may be selected and connected as appropriate, or the peripheral devices shown in FIG. Alternatively, a new peripheral device may be added and connected.

  The POS server 1 in FIG. 1A is typically installed at the headquarters side that manages each store in an integrated manner, and has a function of transmitting / receiving predetermined data to / from the PC-POS terminal 2, and a PC- A function of storing sales information and the like sent from the POS terminal 2 in a database and performing a totaling analysis process is provided.

  Specifically, the POS server 1 corresponds to a general-purpose information processing apparatus including a control unit including a CPU and a memory, a storage unit, a communication unit, an input unit, an output unit (not shown), and the like. When the POS server 1 receives registration data transmitted from the PC-POS terminal 2 via the communication means, the POS server 1 has a function of totalizing and analyzing the data for each department, each item, etc. and storing it in the storage means. Yes. Further, the POS server 1 stores data necessary for the POS operation in the storage means, and has a function of transmitting to the PC-POS terminal 2 according to a predetermined condition.

  The management server 3 is similarly installed at the headquarters side, and can be connected to a management master storage means 31 for storing a management master for managing the PC-POS terminal 2 set in each store, or to each PC-POS terminal 2 Device driver storage means (control program storage means) 32 storing a control program (also referred to as a device program or device driver) for controlling various peripheral devices, a control program for installation, and the like. Further, the management server 3 registers a function for transmitting / receiving predetermined data to / from the PC-POS terminal 2 and terminal information transmitted from the PC-POS terminal 2 in the management master 31 to register the state of each PC-POS terminal 2. And a function of reading a control program corresponding to a peripheral device connected to the PC-POS terminal 2 from the device driver storage means 32 and transmitting it to the PC-POS terminal 2. Details of the management server 3 will be described later.

  The communication line (network) 3 is composed of an arbitrary communication network (including wired and wireless) such as a public line or a dedicated line, and corresponds to what is generally called the Internet or an intranet.

  Although only two PC-POS terminals 2 are shown in FIG. 1, only one PC-POS terminal 2 may be connected, or three or more PC-POS terminals 2 may be connected. Good.

  Moreover, the POS server 1 and the management server 3 may be installed in different places as separate devices, or may be set in one place as one device.

[Introduction of PC-POS terminal]
In the POS system configured as described above, a process flow when the PC-POS terminal 2 is introduced into each store will be briefly described. First, a shipping center (not shown) that ships a PC-POS terminal ships a set of devices for each store. The set of devices refers to the PC main body 100 and each peripheral device shown in FIG. 1B, and these are shipped separately and independently. In the present embodiment, the PC main body 100 is shipped with software necessary for minimum operation installed.

  In the store, the person in charge of the store performs assembly work of the PC-POS terminal and connection work to the network according to the procedure manual. After completing the assembly, the person in charge turns on the PC-POS terminal 2 and starts the installation operation. First, start the browser. When the browser is activated, a predetermined login screen is displayed. When the person in charge inputs information such as a user name and a password according to the procedure manual, the PC-POS terminal 2 transmits a login request to the download site on the management server 3 and executes login processing.

  When receiving the login request from the PC-POS terminal 2, the management server 3 transmits a list screen of peripheral devices. The person in charge selects the model of the peripheral device connected to the PC main body 100 for each type of peripheral device from the peripheral device list screen displayed by the PC-POS terminal 2. The PC-POS terminal 2 transmits the peripheral device model selected by the person in charge to the management server 3 and executes peripheral device selection processing.

  When the management server 3 receives the model of the peripheral device selected by the person in charge from the PC-POS terminal 2, the management server 3 reads out the software (program) such as a device driver corresponding to each model from the device driver storage means 32, and the PC- Transmit to the POS terminal 2. The PC-POS terminal 2 stores the software sent from the management server 3 in a storage device, and automatically executes these installation processes. In the installation process, the PC-POS terminal 2 executes the device driver to detect whether the model corresponding to the device driver is actually connected or not, and whether the connected model is operating normally. When the corresponding model is not actually connected or when the corresponding model is not actually connected, self-diagnosis processing is executed by executing error processing.

  Thus, the installation work (initial setting work) of the PC-POS terminal 2 in the store is completed. According to this, since the person in charge of the store only needs to sequentially select the corresponding peripheral devices when installing the PC-POS terminal 2, the installation work is simple and easy. Further, since the peripheral device can be easily selected on the screen, even a person in charge of the peripheral device can be surely selected.

  When the installation work is completed, the PC-POS terminal 2 can execute a business process corresponding to the business of the store. For example, data relating to sales, data relating to services, and the like can be transmitted from the PC-POS terminal 2 to the POS server 1 through the communication line 3 and the POS server 1 can perform aggregation and analysis of various data. Typically, transmission / reception of data between the PC-POS terminal 2 and the POS server 1 is performed at the time of store settlement and the batch processing is performed by the POS server 1.

  In addition, the management server 3 transmits a data collection request and a data update request to the PC-POS terminal 2 in order to perform maintenance such as status management and program update on the PC-POS terminal 2. When receiving a data collection request, the PC-POS terminal 2 returns corresponding status data (for example, information on connected peripheral devices), and when receiving a data update request, Update the specified data (for example, the latest device driver). Typically, transmission / reception of data between the PC-POS terminal 2 and the POS server 1 is performed at the time of store clearing.

  Further, since the PC-POS terminal 2 is equipped with a Web browser, the PC-POS terminal 2 can also access a predetermined Web server via the communication network 4.

[Configuration of PC-POS terminal]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the PC-POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The PC-POS terminal 2 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 201, a memory 202, an external storage device I / F (interface) 203, an external storage device 204, a keyboard I / F 205, a keyboard 206, a display device I / F 207, and a display. Device 208, communication I / F 209, external I / F (card slot) 211, CD-ROM 212, external I / F (USB) 213, numeric keypad 214, mouse 215, external I / F (RS-232C) 216, CAT 217, An external I / F (USB) 217, USB-HUB 218, USB 2181 to 2183, a receipt journal printer 220, a drawer 223, a customer display 221, and a scanner 222 are connected to each other via a bus 200.

  In this specification, the CAT 217, the receipt journal printer 220, the drawer 223, the customer display 221, and the scanner 222 may be collectively referred to as a POS device 220A.

  A setting program, a POS application program, a Web browser program, and a device driver for controlling each device (peripheral device) used in the PC-POS terminal 2 are stored in the external storage device 204. The CPU 201 reads out these from the external storage device 204 via the external storage device I / F unit 203, loads them into the memory 202, and executes them to control the operation of the PC main body 100 and peripheral devices connected thereto. In addition, it operates as various function realizing means.

  In addition, the setting file 21 necessary for installing the POS device and various data files necessary for executing the POS application program are also stored in the external storage device 204. When the CPU 201 controls the communication I / F unit 209 by executing the basic program and connects to the management server 3 via the communication line 3 and acquires the setting program and the setting file 21 necessary for the initial setting, the CPU 201 Store in device 204. Further, the CPU 201 executes the POS application program to control the communication I / F unit 209 to connect to the POS server 1 via the communication line 3 and acquire various data necessary for the POS business. Store in the storage device 204. In addition, the CPU 201 executes the Web browser program to similarly control the communication I / F unit 209 to connect to a predetermined Web server via the communication line 3 and request HTML data. When acquired, it has a function of displaying HTML data on the display device 208 via the display I / F unit 207.

  Input data from the keyboard 107 passes through the keyboard I / F unit 106, input data from the numeric keypad 214 passes through the external I / F 213, and input data from the scanner 222 passes through the USB 2183 and the external I / F 217. Are input to the CPU 201 executing the corresponding program, and processed by the CPU 201 under the control of the corresponding program.

  Also, output data to the CAT 217 is via the external I / F 216, output data to the receipt journal 220 and the drawer 223 is via the external I / F 217 and the USB 2181, and output data to the customer display 221 is external I / F. It is processed by the CPU 201 under the control of the corresponding program so as to be output via F217 and USB 2182.

  The keyboard 107, numeric keypad 214, scanner 222, CAT 217, receipt journal 220, and drawer 223 are configured to be operable as POS devices via each I / F, and are controlled by the corresponding device driver and POS application program, respectively. The

[Management server configuration]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the management server 3 that is an embodiment of the present invention. The management server 3 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 301, a memory 302, an external storage device I / F (interface) 303, an external storage device 304, an input I / F 305, an input device 306 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an output device I. / F307, an output device 308 such as a display or a printer, and a communication I / F309, each of which is connected by a bus 310.

  A terminal management program and Web server program used in the management server 3, terminal information regarding each PC-POS terminal 2, and a device driver as a control program for controlling peripheral devices connected to the PC-POS terminal 2 Is stored in the external storage device 304. Further, the setting program downloaded to the PC-POS terminal 2, the setting file 21, and the like are also stored in the external storage device 304.

  The CPU 301 reads out these from the external storage device 304 via the external storage device I / F unit 303, loads them into the memory 302, and executes them to control the operation of the management server 3 as various function realizing means. Operate. In addition, the CPU 301 receives a setting program, a setting file 21 and the like from the external storage device 304 via the external storage device I / F unit 303 in response to a request from the PC-POS terminal 2 under the control of the terminal management program. Read and transmit to the PC-POS terminal 2 via the communication I / F 309.

[data structure]
Next, an example of the data structure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the management master 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The management master 31 is constructed on the external storage device 304 of the management server 3 and is used for centrally managing the PC-POS terminals 2. The management master 31 stores device information, installation information, version information, and the like of each PC-POS terminal 2. Specifically, each record included in the management master 31 includes company code, store code, terminal number, system introduction date, system introduction version, terminal identification information, used model information, latest update introduction date, latest update introduction version, asset Number, individual identification number, cash register name, etc.

  The company code stores a value for uniquely identifying the company name. The store code stores a value for uniquely identifying the store. The terminal number stores a value for uniquely specifying the PC-POS terminal. The terminal number is generated and set when an installation request is transmitted from the PC-POS terminal installed in the store.

  The system installation date / time stores system date / time information at the time of installation of the PC-POS terminal 2, and the system installation version stores the version number at the time of installation of the PC-POS terminal 2. As the terminal identification information, when the PC-POS terminal 2 is installed, the MAC address of the Ethernet (registered trademark) card when the PC-POS terminal is installed is set. The used model information stores identification information of the connected device selected when the PC-POS terminal 2 is installed when the PC-POS terminal 2 is installed. The latest update introduction date and time and the latest update introduction version store the date and time information and version information when the PC-POS terminal is updated (upgraded).

  The asset number and the individual identification number are input and set when the PC-POS terminal 2 is installed. The cash register name stores information for identifying the POS cash register, for example, the same value as the terminal number.

  The management server 3 identifies the PC-POS terminal 2 based on the terminal number, for example, determines the combination of peripheral devices set in the PC-POS terminal 2 based on the used model information, The latest installation status of the device driver in the PC-POS terminal 2 can be determined by the update installation version.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the device driver storage unit 32 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The device driver storage means 32 is configured on the external storage device 304 of the management server 3 and manages and sets peripheral devices that can be connected to the PC-POS terminal 2. The device driver storage means 32 stores data relating to peripheral devices, device drivers for controlling the peripheral devices, data relating to these device drivers, and the like. Specifically, the device driver storage unit 32 includes a peripheral device management table (FIG. 5A) for managing connectable peripheral devices and a pattern definition that defines combinations of different types of peripheral devices. A table (FIG. 5B) and a device driver management table (FIG. 5C) for managing device drivers of peripheral devices are provided.

  The peripheral device management table and the pattern definition table are downloaded from the management server 3 to the PC-POS terminal 2 when the peripheral device is installed, and stored as the setting file 21 on the external storage device 204.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the record in the peripheral device management table corresponds to a device ID and device ID that uniquely identify the type of peripheral device, and a device name and device ID that indicate the type of peripheral device. Image data indicating an image of the peripheral device, model ID (1) for uniquely identifying the peripheral device model (1) (n: n is a natural number), model name indicating the peripheral device model corresponding to the model ID (1 )... (N), image data (1)... (N) corresponding to the model ID and indicating the image of the peripheral device model. In the peripheral device management table, one device or a plurality of models are stored in association with one device.

  Specifically, when the peripheral device is a scanner, the device ID is “01”, the device name is “scanner”, and the image data has a “pointer (file name, etc.) indicating the storage location of the image data of the scanner”. When the peripheral device is a drawer, “03” is stored in the device ID, “Drawer” is stored in the device name, and “Pointer (file name etc.) indicating the image data storage location of the drawer” is stored in the image data. . If the model is a scanner product AAA, the model ID is “0101”, the model name is “AAA”, and the image data is “a pointer indicating the storage location of the image data of the product AAA (file name). Etc.) "is stored.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the record of the pattern definition table includes a pattern name ID given for each classification when combinations of models are classified under predetermined conditions, and combinations of models. Pattern name indicating classification name when classified by condition, pattern ID uniquely given to a combination of preset models, combination information of model ID generated according to model ID of each combined model , Including.

  Specifically, when combinations of models are classified by the manufacturer of the model, the pattern name includes information indicating the manufacturer, such as “Company A” or “Company A + Company B”. Stored. Moreover, the combination information of model ID should just be the information comprised so that the combination of models could be specified according to each model ID, for example, the value which arranged each model ID in the predetermined order, A newly set value or the like according to the combination of model IDs is applicable.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, the device driver management table record includes a model ID that uniquely identifies the model of the peripheral device, a model name that indicates the model of the peripheral device corresponding to the model ID, and a model ID. And the latest program version indicating the latest version of the device program of the model, device programs (1)... (N). The device driver management table stores a device program for controlling the operation of each model for each model.

  Specifically, if the model is a scanner product AAA, the model ID is “01-01”, the model name is “AAA”, the latest program version is “10100”, and the device program (1) Corresponds to “a storage location of the device program and a pointer (file name etc.) indicating the version of the device program”.

[Flow of peripheral device installation process]
Next, the operation of the PC-POS terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows the outline of the peripheral device installation processing contents by the CPU 201 of the PC-POS terminal 2. FIG. 7 shows details of the peripheral device installation process performed by the CPU 201 of the PC-POS terminal 2. FIG. 8 shows details of peripheral device change processing contents performed by the CPU 201 of the PC-POS terminal 2. 9 to 11 are diagrams illustrating examples of screens displayed on the display device 208 of the PC-POS terminal 2.

  FIG. 6 shows the outline of the peripheral device installation processing contents by the CPU 201 of the PC-POS terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 6, when the power is turned on, the PC-POS terminal 2 logs in to the management server in accordance with a user instruction, inputs terminal information on a predetermined screen, and sends a terminal installation request to the management server. 3 (STEP 10). When the management server 3 receives the installation request from the PC-POS terminal 2, the management server 3 generates a terminal number and stores it in the management master, as well as the setting module, peripheral device management table, and pattern definition stored in the device driver storage means 32. The table is sent back to the PC-POS terminal 2 as a setting file.

  Upon receiving the setting module and the setting file (peripheral device management table and pattern definition table) transmitted from the management server 3, the PC-POS terminal 2 stores them in the external storage device and activates the setting module (STEP 20). . The PC-POS terminal 2 reads the setting file 21 according to the setting module, and controls to display a combination pattern selection screen for selecting a combination pattern of the model (STEP 30). Note that the setting module and the setting file may be installed in the main body 100 in advance. In this case, downloading from the management server 3 is not performed.

  When the display processing of the combination pattern selection screen is completed, the PC-POS terminal 2 determines whether a specific combination pattern (for example, “Company A”) is selected according to the user input or an arbitrary combination pattern ( For example, it is determined whether “arbitrary combination”) is selected (STEP 40).

  When the PC-POS terminal 2 determines that a specific combination pattern has been selected, a predetermined model selection screen as a model that can select a model (for example, a model of company A) associated with the selected combination pattern. To prompt the user to select and accept the input of the set model by the user (STEP 50).

  If the PC-POS terminal 2 determines that any combination pattern has been selected, the PC-POS terminal 2 displays all selectable models on a predetermined model selection screen to prompt the user to select the model set by the user. The input is accepted (STEP 60). In STEP 60, when the input of the set model is accepted, the PC-POS terminal 2 determines whether the input combination of models is valid according to a predetermined condition, and executes a determination process. The PC-POS terminal 2 proceeds to the next process when the specified combination of models is appropriate, and displays it on a predetermined model selection screen when determining that the specified combination of models is not valid. Prompts the user to select again and accepts the input of the set model by the user.

  When the input of the set model is confirmed, the PC-POS terminal 2 transmits a device driver acquisition request for controlling the specified model to the management server 3 and executes driver acquisition processing (STEP 70).

  When the driver acquisition process is executed, the PC-POS terminal 2 executes the device driver setting process by storing the corresponding device driver acquired from the management server 3 in the external storage device and executing it (STEP 80).

  FIG. 7 shows details of the peripheral device installation processing contents performed by the CPU 201 of the PC-POS terminal 2 shown in FIG. As described above, in the present embodiment, the user can select a combination pattern set in advance or arbitrarily select individual models. Here, a case where the user selects an arbitrary combination pattern will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition when an arbitrary combination pattern is selected by the user.

  The PC-POS terminal 2 reads the pattern name from the pattern definition table, displays it as a combination pattern selection screen as shown in FIG. 9A, and prompts the user to input a predetermined combination pattern.

  In FIG. 9A, a combination pattern selection screen for selecting a combination pattern of models is displayed. On the combination pattern selection screen, a list 84 of pattern names defined in the pattern definition table is displayed so as to be selectable in a list box format. When the peripheral device connected to the main body 100 installed in the store is configured by a specific manufacturer, the user can select the specific manufacturer name from the list 84.

  On the other hand, when the peripheral device connected to the main body 100 installed in the store is configured by any combination not defined in the list 84, the “arbitrary combination” displayed at the end of the list 84 is displayed. Can be selected by operating a mouse or the like. Here, it is assumed that “arbitrary combination” is selected.

  When the user selects a specific combination pattern (including an arbitrary combination pattern), a corresponding pattern selection signal is input, and the PC-POS terminal 2 selects a specific combination pattern according to the pattern selection signal, or an arbitrary It is determined whether or not a combination pattern has been selected (STEP 701).

  Here, the PC-POS terminal 2 determines that an arbitrary combination pattern has been selected (YES in STEP 701), and proceeds to an arbitrary selection process. First, the PC-POS terminal 2 displays a device selection screen as shown in FIG. 9B according to the peripheral device management table, and prompts the user to select a device type.

  In FIG. 9B, a button 81 corresponding to the device type is displayed as the device selection screen. On this device selection screen, the user can select the type of device. In FIG. 9B, the names of scanners, printers, customer displays, and drawers and images are displayed as device types, but when the screen is scrolled, other devices such as CAT terminals are also displayed.

  When the user selects a specific device and inputs a device selection signal on the device selection screen, the PC-POS terminal 2 identifies the type of device selected by the user based on the device selection signal, and the identified device Is displayed on a model selection screen as shown in FIG. 9C (STEP 707).

  In FIG. 9C, the model name and image of the scanner are displayed in a list 82 as an example when the user selects the scanner. The user can select a scanner model connected to the main body 100 from the list by operating a mouse or the like. When the user inputs a model selection signal to select a specific model, the PC-POS terminal 2 identifies the model ID of the model selected by the user based on the model selection signal and stores it in the memory (STEP 709).

  The PC-POS terminal 2 stores in the memory when the user selects a model to be set for all target devices (the corresponding model ID is stored in the memory), and then the confirm button 83 is selected. The pattern definition table is referred to according to the model ID, and it is determined whether or not the combination of model IDs is defined in the pattern definition table (STEP 711).

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the combination of the model ID selected by the user matches the combination information of the model ID in the pattern definition table. If they match, it is determined that the combination is valid and matches. If not, determine that the combination is not valid. When an arbitrary combination is selected by the user, it is necessary to select models for all target devices. Therefore, when all the target devices are not selected, an error is displayed.

  When the PC-POS terminal 2 determines that the combination of model IDs is defined in the pattern definition table, the PC-POS terminal 2 determines that the combination of the selected models is possible (Yes in STEP 713), and the selected model A device driver acquisition request is transmitted to the management server 3 according to the ID (STEP 715). The device driver acquisition request includes model information for specifying each model ID. When the management server 3 receives the device driver acquisition request, the management server 3 refers to the device driver storage unit 32 according to the model information included therein and sends back the corresponding device driver. The model information corresponds to an individual model ID or a pattern ID defined in the pattern definition file.

  Upon receiving the device driver sent from the management server 3, the PC-POS terminal 2 stores it in a predetermined area of the external storage device and executes it (STEP 717). The PC-POS terminal 2 confirms the operation of the target model under the execution of the device driver. For example, it is detected whether a model corresponding to the device driver is connected to the main body 100. Further, it detects whether or not the model corresponding to the device driver is operating normally.

  When the PC-POS terminal 2 detects that the model corresponding to the device driver is connected to the main body 100 and that the model corresponding to the device driver is operating normally by executing the device driver, the PC-POS terminal 2 The setting module is notified that the operation has been confirmed (STEP 719).

  When the setting module of the PC-POS terminal 2 receives a notification that the operation of the target model has been confirmed from all the device drivers, the setting module transmits installation confirmation information indicating that the initial setting has been completed (STEP 721). ). The installation confirmation information includes a terminal number, used model information, introduction date / time, installation version, and the like. When the management server 3 receives the installation confirmation information, it registers it in the management master 31 and sends back a confirmation notification.

  When receiving the confirmation notification from the management server 3, the PC-POS terminal 2 ends the installation process and displays an installation completion button on the screen. When the user presses the completion button, it is automatically restarted and the POS device is ready for use.

  If the PC-POS terminal 2 determines in STEP 710 that the combination of model IDs is not defined in the pattern definition table, the PC-POS terminal 2 determines that the combination of the selected models is not possible (No in STEP 713). First error processing is executed (STEP 714). In the first error process, for example, an error message indicating that the combination of models selected by the user cannot be selected is notified to the screen, and the user is prompted again to input a combination of other models.

  If the setting module of the PC-POS terminal 2 is notified that the operation of the target model has not been confirmed by executing the device driver, the setting module executes the second error processing (STEP 720). In the second error processing, a device whose operation has not been confirmed is specified, an error message is displayed on the screen, and a message for selecting another device is notified as necessary.

  Next, a case where the user selects a specific combination pattern will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition when a specific combination pattern is selected by the user.

  The PC-POS terminal 2 reads the pattern name from the pattern definition table, displays it as a combination pattern selection screen as shown in FIG. 10A, and prompts the user to input a predetermined combination pattern. In FIG. 10A, as in FIG. 9A, a combination pattern selection screen for selecting a combination pattern of models is displayed. Here, it is assumed that “Company A + Company B” is selected as the specific combination pattern.

  When the user selects a specific combination pattern (including an arbitrary combination pattern), a corresponding pattern selection signal is input, and the PC-POS terminal 2 selects a specific combination pattern according to the pattern selection signal, or an arbitrary It is determined whether or not a combination pattern has been selected (STEP 701).

  Here, the PC-POS terminal 2 determines that a specific combination pattern has been selected (No in STEP 701), and proceeds to a specific combination selection process. The PC-POS terminal 2 identifies the combination information of the pattern ID and the model ID associated with the selected pattern name ID from the pattern definition table, and displays the related model name and model image data according to the identified model ID combination information. The data is read from the peripheral device management table and displayed on the model selection screen as shown in FIG. 10B (STEP 703).

  In FIG. 10B, as an example when the user selects “Company A + Company B”, a combination pattern list 85 of models corresponding to the combination pattern “Company A + Company B” is displayed. In the list 85, model names and images are displayed for each device. The user can check the list 85 to check which combination of the currently connected devices corresponds, and can select the combination of the devices by operating the mouse or the like. When the user inputs a model pattern selection signal to select a combination of specific models, the PC-POS terminal 2 specifies the pattern ID selected by the user based on the model pattern selection signal and stores it in the memory (STEP 705). ).

  The PC-POS terminal 2 transmits a device driver acquisition request including model information according to the pattern ID selected by the user to the management server 3 (STEP 715). When receiving the device driver acquisition request, the management server 3 refers to the device driver storage unit 32 in accordance with the pattern ID included therein, and sends back the corresponding device driver. Hereinafter, the processing after STEP 717 is as described above.

[Flow of peripheral device change processing]
FIG. 8 shows details of the peripheral device setting change processing contents performed by the CPU 201 of the PC-POS terminal 2. Here, a case where the setting of the peripheral device is changed after the user specifies an arbitrary combination will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the PC-POS terminal 2 receives a terminal information reference instruction or a setting model change instruction from the user (STEP 801), the PC-POS terminal 2 transmits a terminal information acquisition request including the terminal information ID to the management server 3. (STEP 803). When the management server 3 receives the terminal information acquisition request from the PC-POS terminal 2, the management server 3 refers to the management master 31 according to the terminal number included in the acquisition request and sends back the corresponding terminal information to the PC-POS terminal 2.

  When receiving the terminal information transmitted from the management server 3, the PC-POS terminal 2 outputs them to the terminal information setting screen as shown in FIG. 11 (STEP 805). In FIG. 11, it can be seen that terminal information 91 indicating the current status of the terminal is displayed on the display device of the PC-POS terminal 2 operated by the user. The user can check the setting of the currently connected device by looking at the column of the selected device. The user can select a combination pattern of other devices by selecting the “change” button. When the user selects the “change” button, a change instruction signal instructing change of the device is input.

  When this change instruction signal is input, the PC-POS terminal 2 transitions to a screen shown in FIG. After the user selects the device to be changed on the screen of FIG. 9B and the user selects the model of the device to be changed on the screen of FIG. 9C, FIG. 9B When the confirm button 83 is selected on the screen, the PC-POS terminal 2 identifies the changed model (STEP 809) and sets the setting file 21 (in accordance with the changed model ID and the model ID of the already set model). With reference to the pattern definition file), it is determined whether or not the combination of model IDs is defined in the setting file 21 (STEP 811).

  When the PC-POS terminal 2 determines that the combination of model IDs is defined in the setting file 21, the PC-POS terminal 2 determines that the combination of the selected models is possible (YES in STEP 811), and the changed model A device driver acquisition request is transmitted to the management server 3 according to the ID (STEP 813). The device driver acquisition request includes model information for identifying the changed model ID. When the management server 3 receives the device driver acquisition request, the management server 3 refers to the device driver storage unit 32 according to the model information included therein, and transmits the device driver corresponding to the changed model.

  Upon receiving the device driver sent from the management server 3, the PC-POS terminal 2 stores it in a predetermined area of the external storage device and updates the device driver (STEP 815). The PC-POS terminal 2 confirms the operation of the changed target model under the execution of the newly acquired device driver. For example, it is detected whether a model corresponding to the device driver is connected to the main body 100. Further, it detects whether or not the model corresponding to the device driver is operating normally.

  When the PC-POS terminal 2 detects that the changed model is connected to the main body 100 and the changed model is operating normally by executing the device driver, the operation check of the model to be changed is taken. This is notified to the setting module (STEP 817).

  When the setting module of the PC-POS terminal 2 receives a notification that the operation confirmation of the model to be changed has been received, the setting module transmits model change information indicating that the model change is completed to the server (STEP 819). The model change information corresponds to, for example, a terminal number, used model information, update introduction date / time, update introduction version, and the like. Upon receiving the model change information, the management server 3 registers it in the management master 31 and sends back a model change confirmation notification.

  Upon receiving the model change confirmation notification from the management server 3, the PC-POS terminal 2 ends the model change process and displays a model change completion button on the screen. When the user presses the model change completion button, the user is automatically restarted to make the changed POS device usable.

  If the PC-POS terminal 2 determines in STEP 811 that the combination of model IDs is not defined in the setting file 21, the PC-POS terminal 2 determines that the newly selected model is not possible (No in STEP 811). First error processing is executed (STEP 812).

  If the setting module of the PC-POS terminal 2 is notified in STEP 817 that the operation confirmation of the model to be changed has not been obtained by executing the device driver, the setting module executes the second error processing ( (STEP820).

  When the user has selected a specific combination pattern and wants to change to another specific combination pattern, select the specific combination pattern in the list box of FIG. Can be pressed. In this case, the PC-POS terminal 2 transitions to the screen shown in FIG.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the setting file 21 defining combinations of peripheral devices of different types is provided, and the validity of the input combination of peripheral devices is determined according to the setting file 21. It is possible to prevent the installation from being performed for peripheral devices that are not present in advance.

  In addition, according to the above embodiment, the user can select a combination of peripheral devices from the manufacturer's pattern, so even if there are many peripheral devices that can be combined, the user can easily narrow down the models of the connected peripheral devices. Will be able to. In addition, when a specific combination is selected, the corresponding combination is selected from the combinations whose operation has been confirmed, so it is possible to prevent the wrong models from being input in combination. Become.

  In addition, if the user wants to arbitrarily combine models (for example, when he / she wants to use a peripheral device already held), the individual model can be freely selected and the input model Since it is determined whether or not the combination between them is appropriate, it is possible to determine the appropriateness of the models arbitrarily combined by the user before downloading the device driver.

  In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, since the store user only has to select and input the peripheral device to be connected, even a store user who is unfamiliar with the setting of the peripheral device can easily and reliably use the peripheral device. It becomes possible to perform the setting work.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the user can easily construct the POS terminal device by combining desired peripheral devices, so that the user's choices for the hardware constituting the POS terminal device are expanded, and as a result, the store It is possible to select an optimal device configuration according to the business or form of the device.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, a control process between modules in a POS terminal device configured by connecting a general-purpose PC and a POS device will be described. The second embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment. Here, the control process between modules will be described by taking the PC-POS terminal 2 that has been installed in the store according to the installation process described in the first embodiment as an example. However, as long as the POS terminal device is configured by connecting a general-purpose PC and a POS device, the installation work may be performed by another method.

  Here, the feature of the control processing between modules in this embodiment will be briefly described. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of application software different for each business is installed in one PC-POS terminal device 2. In this configuration, the user executes the PC-POS module at the time of the POS business, and executes the external module for the receipt / shipment business at the time of the receipt / shipment business. Conventionally, when a user needs to perform a receipt / shipment operation while processing a POS operation, the PC-POS module is terminated and an external module is activated.

  However, each time a job is changed, the module currently being processed must be terminated and the other modules must be activated, which is cumbersome and cumbersome, and the time required for activation and termination hinders efficient operations. But there is. In addition, when these tasks occur alternately and frequently, not only is the operation complicated, but there is also a situation in which a module in use is terminated before necessary data is input due to an erroneous operation.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when it is necessary to execute another job while executing the POS job, another external application can be executed without terminating the POS application. In addition, when a transition from a POS application to an external application is performed, the POS device used in the POS application is forcibly released, so that the peripheral device (POS device) can be used by the external application.

  Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of the entire POS system including the PC-POS terminal according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same constituent elements or function realizing means as those in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of predetermined constituent elements or function realizing means is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the PC-POS terminal 2 ′ according to the second embodiment has a plurality of application software different for each business installed in one POS terminal device. Specifically, in addition to the PC-POS module (POS application program) 22 that is a control program for executing a POS operation (such as registration of sales data of a product), a control for executing an operation other than the POS operation is performed. An external module 23 that is a program is mounted. The external module 23 is a module independent of the PC-POS module. The PC-POS redisplay module 24 is a module independent of the PC-POS module 22 and the external module 23, and is a control program for redisplaying a non-displayed PC-POS screen.

  Each module is stored in the external storage device 204. The CPU 201 reads out each module from the external storage device 204 via the external storage device I / F unit 203, loads it into the memory 202, and executes it, thereby performing operations of the PC main body 100 and peripheral devices connected thereto. While controlling, it operates as various function realizing means.

  The PC-POS module (PC-POS module) 22 includes a module group as a component group for executing a POS job. Specifically, a suspension module, an opening module, a checkout module, an inspection module, a cancellation module, an external call module, and the like are provided. The CPU 201 functions as a POS business processing unit by executing the PC-POS module.

  The suspension module has a function of suspending the PC-POS module, and the opening station module executes processing for starting sales processing and registration processing for registering sales data in a sales database that manages sales data. The clearing module executes a totaling process for reading out the sales data for the current day from the sales database and totaling it, a transmission process for transmitting the result of the totaling process to the POS server 1, and the like. The inspection module reads sales data that matches a predetermined condition from the sales database and outputs the sales data to the display device 208. The cancel module is for canceling sales. When cancel specification is input, the specified sales data is read from the sales database, and the read sales data is converted into negative data. Execute the cancel processing to store in the sales database again. The external call module executes a POS device release process and a process for calling an external module. These modules are examples, and the configuration of the modules can be set as appropriate according to the POS business specifications.

  As described above, the external module (external module) 23 is a control program that executes a job other than the POS job, and includes a module group as one or more component groups for executing a predetermined job. For example, receipt / shipment business, inventory business, attendance management business, and the like are applicable. The PC-POS terminal 2 ′ can be equipped with one or more external modules for executing each job. Here, a receipt / shipment business module for executing the receipt / shipment business will be described as an example. The CPU 201 functions as an external business processing unit by executing an external module.

  The external module is activated in response to a call from an external call module, which is a part of the PC-POS module, for example, when an icon indicating execution of the external module is selected. Further, when the termination of the external module is instructed, the process is terminated after executing a process of calling a PC-POS redisplay module 24 described later.

  The PC-POS redisplay module 24 is a control program for redisplaying a non-displayed PC-POS screen. The PC-POS redisplay module 24 is activated in response to a call from an external module and automatically completes when the PC-POS screen display processing is completed. Ends.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, each module is assigned to a function key provided on a keyboard attached to the main body 100. When the function key is selected by the person in charge, the CPU 201 activates the module assigned to the selected function key.

  The flow of the POS work in the POS system configured as described above will be described. First, when the store opens, the person in charge turns on the PC-POS terminal 2 ′ and activates the PC-POS module 22. With the activation of the PC-POS module 22, a sales registration screen is displayed on the display of the PC-POS terminal 2 '. In accordance with the operation of the person in charge, the scanner 30 reads the barcode stored in the product tag and inputs the amount of the product, and the CPU 201 displays it on the sales registration screen.

  Then, when the person in charge inputs the price received from the customer from the numeric keypad 20 as the deposit amount, the CPU 201 calculates the difference between the amount of the product and the deposit amount, and displays this difference as change on the sales registration screen, On the customer display 70, “deposit money XX yen, change XX yen” is displayed. Further, the CPU 201 opens the drawer 223 and outputs a form describing the amount of goods and the amount of deposit from the receipt printer 50.

  When the customer's payment is credit, the person in charge selects a predetermined function key and inputs an instruction to use the G-CAT terminal 80. When this instruction is input, the CPU 201 brings the connected G-CAT terminal 80 into an operable state (makes the credit card time data readable).

  In this way, the person in charge at the store can process the POS business while operating each POS device.

[External module processing flow]
Next, the flow of processing when an external module is activated in the PC-POS terminal 2 ′ will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 shows an outline of the processing contents of the PC-POS module installed in the PC-POS terminal 2 ′. FIG. 14 shows an outline of processing contents of the external module mounted on the PC-POS terminal 2 ′. FIG. 15 shows an outline of the processing contents of the PC-POS redisplay module mounted on the PC-POS terminal 2 ′. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating transition of modules and screens.

  First, processing contents of the PC-POS module installed in the PC-POS terminal 2 'will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 201 reads the PC-POS module 22 from the external storage device 204 in accordance with an operation signal input from the user, loads it into the memory 202, and executes it (STEP 1301).

  When the PC-POS module is activated, the CPU 201 performs POS device setting processing (STEP 1302). The POS device is a peripheral device necessary for POS business. In this embodiment, the CAT 217, the receipt journal printer 220, the drawer 223, the customer display 221, and the scanner 222 are called POS devices, and software that controls the operation of the POS devices is called POS device drivers. The POS device driver includes a device driver that directly drives a device and an OPOS driver that mediates between an application and a device driver. The CPU 201 functions as device driver means by executing the POS device driver.

  The POS device setting process is performed by sending a setting request for each device from the PC-POS application to the OPOS driver. As described above, the OPOS driver is intermediate driver software that performs processing for each device driver, and provides a common interface for each application. The OPOS driver is configured to exclusively process processing requests from applications. When receiving the setting request from the PC-POS application, the OPOS driver checks whether or not a request from another application is received. If not, the OPOS driver receives the setting request from the PC-POS application.

  Thereafter, the OPOS driver receives a request from the PC-POS application for the POS device, but controls so as to exclude (reject) a request from another application. Therefore, the PC-POS application includes the OPOS driver and each device driver. The POS device can be controlled via In other words, the PC-POS application occupies the POS device. Note that a request for a POS device corresponds to a processing request (method) such as data output or a status acquisition (property) for acquiring the device status.

  When the setting of the POS device is completed, the CPU 201 outputs a PC-POS screen to the display device by executing a predetermined component module (for example, an opening module). Although not shown, the person in charge can perform POS business processing (processing such as sales registration and inspection) while operating each POS device on the PC-POS screen as described above.

  When the PC-POS application transmits a processing request to the OPOS driver, the OPOS driver accepts this processing request and instructs the corresponding device driver to perform the processing. For example, in the case of sales registration processing, when the person in charge inputs the price as a deposit amount from the numeric keypad 20, the CPU 201 calculates the difference between the amount of the merchandise and the deposit amount and sends it to the customer display 70 or the receipt journal printer 220 as settlement data. A processing request for output is transmitted to the OPOS driver. The OPOS driver instructs the device drivers corresponding to the customer display 70 and the receipt journal printer 220 to output settlement data. Each device driver controls the corresponding device to display the payment data according to the instruction.

  If a receipt / shipment operation occurs during the sales process, the person in charge can activate the receipt / shipment operation module (external module). For example, while sales data is being input to the PC-POS screen, a function key (for example, F10) displayed on the PC-POS screen and associated with the external call module can be selected.

  When an operation signal (external module call signal) is input from the function key associated with the external call module, the CPU 201 determines that the external module is called (YES in STEP 1303), and executes the external call module. .

  In accordance with the external call module, the CPU 201 sets the display setting of the PC-POS screen to “non-display” (STEP 1305). By changing the screen display setting, the PC-POS screen is not displayed, and the person in charge cannot see on the display device.

  Subsequently, under the control of the external call module, the CPU 201 executes a POS device release process (STEP 1307). The POS device release process is performed by sending a release request for each device from the PC-POS application to the OPOS driver. When receiving the release request from the PC-POS application, the OPOS driver cancels the setting of the PC-POS application. As a result, the POS device cannot be used from the PC-POS module.

  After completing the POS device release processing, the CPU 201 calls an external module (STEP 1309). Note that the PC-POS module remains resident in the memory 202. Data used by the PC-POS module (such as sales data being entered by the person in charge) is also resident in the memory 202.

  Note that the POS service is terminated by the settlement process. That is, when the person in charge instructs the clearing process, the CPU 201 executes the clearing module to perform the clearing process, performs the release process for each set POS device, and turns off the power.

  Next, processing contents of the external module mounted on the PC-POS terminal 2 'will be described with reference to FIG. In response to the call by the PC-POS module (external call module), the CPU 201 loads the external module 23 from the external storage device 204 to the read memory 202 (STEP 1401) and performs setting processing of the corresponding device (STEP 1402). . The corresponding device is a device used in a business performed by the external module 23, and may be a part or all of the POS device. The setting process of the corresponding device is performed by sending a setting request for the device from the external module 23 to the OPOS driver. When receiving the setting request from the external module 23, the OPOS driver sets the external module 23 as a valid application. Thereafter, the OPOS driver accepts a request from the external module 23 for the device, but controls so as to exclude a request from another application, so that the external module 23 performs business via the OPOS driver and the corresponding device driver. Devices necessary for processing can be controlled.

  Thereafter, the external module is executed in accordance with the input signal input by the person in charge (STEP 1403). The person in charge can perform receipt / shipment data input processing on a screen (external module screen) based on the external module. Thereafter, when the receipt / shipment operation is completed, a menu such as an end button is selected and an end instruction signal is input.

  When the termination instruction signal is input, the CPU 201 determines that the external module is terminated (STEP 1405: Yes), and performs the set device release processing (STEP 1406). Then, the PC-POS redisplay module 24 is called (STEP 1407), and the external module 23 is terminated (STEP 1409). The external module 23 is erased from the memory 202 according to a predetermined procedure.

  Next, processing contents of the PC-POS redisplay module mounted on the PC-POS terminal 2 'will be described with reference to FIG. In response to the call by the external module 23, the CPU 201 reads the PC-POS redisplay module 24 from the external storage device 204 and loads it into the memory 202 (STEP 1501). The CPU 201 calls the PC-POS module in accordance with the PC-POS redisplay module 24 and changes the display setting of the PC-POS screen from “non-display” to “display (redisplay)” (STEP 1502). Thereafter, the CPU 201 ends the PC-POS redisplay module 24 (STEP 1503). The CPU 201 performs POS device setting processing according to the PC-POS module.

  By changing the screen display setting, the PC-POS screen is again displayed, and the person in charge becomes visible on the display device. The PC-POS screen displays the same content as the screen before the non-display state, that is, the screen in the display state.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating transition of modules and screens. FIG. 6A shows how the module changes, and FIG. 6B shows how the screen changes in response to the module change. Further, FIG. 3C shows the contents of the business being executed by the person in charge of the store.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the external module is activated when the PC-POS module is executed, the PC-POS screen 13b1 is in a non-display state 13b2, and the external module screen 13b3 is in a display state. When the external module is finished, the PC-POS redisplay module is activated, and transitions to the PC-POS screen 13b4 in the display state instead of the external module screen 13b3.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when calling the external module 23 from the PC-POS module 22, the PC-POS screen is hidden and the POS device is forcibly released. The external module 23 can be executed without terminating the module 22 itself.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when calling the external module 23 from the PC-POS module 22, the PC-POS module 22 is kept resident in the memory. Therefore, the person in charge of the store does not need to hesitate to input or save sales data for calling the external module 23. In addition, since it is possible to easily go back and forth between different modules on the same PC-POS terminal 2 ', it is possible to perform business processing in the store more efficiently.

  In this specification, a product invention can be understood as a method invention, and a method invention can be understood as a product invention. The above invention can also be realized as a recording medium or a program product that records a program for causing a computer to realize a predetermined function. The recording medium includes, for example, a memory such as a RAM and a ROM in addition to a hard disk (HD), a DVD-RAM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, and the like. The computer includes, for example, a so-called microcomputer in which a so-called central processing unit such as a CPU or MPU performs predetermined processing by interpreting a program.

  Further, in this specification, the term “means” does not simply mean a physical means, but includes a case where the functions of the means are realized by software or a hardware circuit. Further, the function of one means may be realized by two or more physical means, or the functions of two or more means may be realized by one physical means.

  Furthermore, the means in this specification can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Execution by a combination of hardware and software corresponds to execution in a computer system having a predetermined program, for example. Even if the function of one means is realized by two or more pieces of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software, the function of two or more means is one piece of hardware, software or hardware and software. It may be realized by a combination.

[Other Embodiments]
In the above-described embodiment, each process is described sequentially. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the operation, the process order may be changed or the operations may be performed in parallel. The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

1 is a configuration diagram of a POS system including a PC-POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the PC-POS terminal 2 which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the management server 3 hardware constitutions which are one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 2 shows an outline of the contents of peripheral device installation processing performed by the CPU 201 of the PC-POS terminal 2. The details of the installation processing contents of peripheral devices by the CPU 201 of the PC-POS terminal 2 are shown. The details of the change processing contents of the peripheral device by the CPU 201 of the PC-POS terminal 2 are shown. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display device of a PC-POS terminal 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display device of a PC-POS terminal 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display device of a PC-POS terminal 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the whole POS system containing the PC-POS terminal which is one Embodiment of this invention. 3 shows an outline of processing contents of a PC-POS module mounted on the PC-POS terminal 2. 4 shows an outline of processing contents of an external module mounted on the PC-POS terminal 2. 3 shows an outline of processing contents of a PC-POS redisplay module mounted on the PC-POS terminal 2. It is a figure which shows the transition of a module and a screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... POS server 2 ... PC-POS terminal 3 ... Management server 21 ... Setting file 31 ... Management master 32 ... Device driver

Claims (8)

A POS terminal device communicably connected to a management server that holds a control program for controlling the operation of a peripheral device,
Storage means for storing a control program for controlling the operation of the peripheral device;
Control means for controlling the operation of the peripheral device according to the control program stored in the storage means;
A configuration file that defines combinations of peripheral devices of different types,
An input means for inputting the model of the peripheral device to be set;
A judging means for judging whether or not a combination of peripheral device models input by the input means with reference to the setting file is valid;
When it is determined by the determination means that the combination of the peripheral device models input by the input device is appropriate, a control program corresponding to the peripheral device model input by the input device is acquired from the management server, Storage means for storing the acquired control program in the storage means;
A POS terminal device comprising: A POS terminal device communicably connected to a management server that holds a control program for controlling the operation of a peripheral device,
Storage means for storing a control program for controlling the operation of the peripheral device;
Control means for controlling the operation of the peripheral device according to the control program stored in the storage means;
A configuration file that defines combinations of peripheral devices of different types,
Display means for displaying a list of combinations of peripheral devices of different types with reference to the configuration file;
Input means for inputting a specific combination from among the combinations displayed by the display means;
A storage unit for acquiring a control program corresponding to each model of the specific combination input by the input unit from a management server, and storing the acquired control program in the storage unit;
A POS terminal device comprising: An acquisition means for acquiring the model information of the peripheral device currently connected;
A change instruction input means for inputting a change instruction to change the model of the peripheral device currently connected;
A change means for inputting a model of a peripheral device to be changed when a change instruction is input from the change instruction input means,
The determination means refers to the model information acquired by the acquisition means and the setting file, and the combination of the peripheral device model input by the changing device and the model of another peripheral device currently connected is appropriate. Determine if there is,
The storage means is input by the changing means when the determining means determines that the combination of the peripheral device model input by the changing device and the model of another peripheral device currently connected is appropriate. A storage unit that acquires a control program corresponding to the model of the peripheral device that has been obtained from the management server, and stores the acquired control program in the storage unit;
The POS terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising: The determination means includes
For all types of two or more peripheral devices set in advance, when the model of the peripheral device to be set is input from the input unit, the combination of the peripheral device models input by the input unit is reasonable. The POS terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not it exists.   5. The POS terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral devices are at least two of a scanner, a customer display, a drawer, a receipt printer, and a CAT terminal. A maintenance system configured to be able to communicate with a POS terminal that executes POS business processing and a management server for managing the POS terminal,
The POS terminal device
Storage means for storing a control program for controlling the operation of the peripheral device;
Control means for controlling the operation of the peripheral device according to the control program stored in the storage means;
A configuration file that defines combinations of peripheral devices of different types,
An input means for inputting the peripheral device model;
A judging means for judging whether or not a combination of peripheral device models input by the input means with reference to the setting file is valid;
When the determination unit determines that the combination of the peripheral device models input by the input unit is valid, the management server sends a control program acquisition request corresponding to the peripheral device model input by the input unit. A transmission means for transmitting;
Receiving means for receiving a control program transmitted from the management server corresponding to the transmitting means;
Storage means for storing the control program received by the receiving means in the storage means,
The management server
A management master for managing terminal information related to the POS terminal device;
Program storage means for storing a control program for controlling the operation of the peripheral device in association with a model of the peripheral device;
Receiving means for receiving a control program acquisition request from the POS terminal device;
Reading means for reading out the corresponding control program from the program storage means according to the model information included in the acquisition request received by the receiving means;
A maintenance system comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the control program read by the reading unit to the POS terminal. POS business processing means for executing POS business processing;
External business processing means for executing other business processing;
A POS terminal device comprising device driver means for controlling operation of a peripheral device,
The device driver means includes
Accepts exclusively requests from the POS business processing means and external business processing means,
The POS business processing means is:
When an execution request for the external business processing means is received from the user during the execution of the POS business processing, the release request is sent to the device driver means occupied by the POS business processing means, and then the external business processing means is A POS terminal device characterized by calling. The POS business processing means is:
When a request for execution of the external business processing means is received from the user during the execution of the POS business processing, the processing for calling the external business processing means is executed after setting the POS screen to be displayed on the display device to the non-display state. And
The external business processing means is
Upon receipt of the external business process end command, a release request is sent to the device driver means occupied by the external business process means, and then the POS screen set in the non-display state is displayed on the display device. A POS terminal device characterized by displaying.