JP2005301506A - Print system, pos system, connection device, and printing control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a waiting time from the completion of one printing data to the commencement of the other printing data when printing data are received from two terminals. <P>SOLUTION: The printing system comprises a POS terminal computer 40 that generates first printing data including a form cut command, an information providing server 70 that generates second printing data, and a printer 50 having an interface device 51 connected to them. The interface device comprises a means 153 that transfers the first printing data to the information providing server, and gives printing instructions of the predetermined printing data, putting the form cut command on hold, and a means 154 that adds the form cut command after the second printing data received from the information providing server. The information providing server comprises a means 171 that generates the second printing data based on the first printing data, and a means 172 that transmits the second printing data using the form cut command as a trigger. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention provides a POS terminal computer that generates first print data for printing settlement processing information on a receipt, and an information providing server that generates second print data for printing advertisement / promotion information on a receipt. A printing system, a POS system, a connection device, and a printing control method that are connected to a POS terminal computer and an information providing server and that perform printing based on the first print data and the second print data It is about.

  Conventionally, in a POS system (sales point information management system) used in retail businesses such as supermarkets and convenience stores, advertising / promotion information such as product advertisements and event announcements is added to the so-called product information regarding purchased products and their amounts. POS terminal computers that can print on receipts are widely used. In recent years, not only advertising / sales promotion information but also information such as coupons and lottery tickets may be added, which is an effective advertising means for sales promotion.

By the way, this kind of POS terminal computer is normally connected to a POS server having a product master and controlling the plurality of POS terminal computers, and an information providing server for providing advertisement / promotion information, and performs settlement processing. In this case, the input information (product code) input by scanning the barcode attached to the purchased product of the customer is transmitted to the POS server. The POS server extracts product data such as product name and amount related to the input information from the product master in the server, and transmits the product data to the POS terminal computer so that the POS terminal computer prints it on the receipt. Generate product information for. The POS terminal computer acquires the input information and transmits it to the information providing server at the same time, and receives the advertisement / promotion information related to the input information from the information providing server. Then, print data is generated based on the product information and the advertisement / promotion information, and a receipt with the advertisement / promotion information is issued by transmitting the print data to the attached printing apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .
Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2003-500767 (FIG. 2 etc.)

  However, the existing POS system that does not have the function of adding the advertisement / promotion information as described above (POS system that can only issue a receipt printed with only the product information related to the purchased product and its amount) is used for the advertisement / promotion. When adding a function to add information, it is necessary to change the POS application or remodel the POS terminal computer, such as adding processing for transmitting input information input to the POS terminal computer to the information providing server or connecting to the information providing server. It becomes. For this reason, in spite of being a very effective advertising means, many retailers have to give up using it.

  Therefore, in recent years, there has been known a POS system capable of adding advertisement / promotion information with a minimum investment without requiring a change in the POS application. In this type of POS system, an adapter device is interposed between a POS terminal computer and a printing device, and the adapter device and the information providing server are connected. Then, the adapter device transfers the print data transmitted from the POS terminal computer to the printing device to the information providing server, and acquires the advertisement / promotion information generated by the information providing server based on the analysis result of the print data. That is, when receiving the print data from the POS terminal computer, the adapter device transmits it to both the printing device and the information providing server. The information providing server generates advertisement / promotion information based on the transmitted print data, and triggers when the final data (for example, a paper cut command for cutting the rear end of the receipt) is recognized from the print data. The advertisement / promotion information is transmitted to the adapter device. When the printing device acquires the advertisement / promotion information from the information providing server via the adapter device, the printing device prints it and issues a coupon or the like.

  However, in the above POS system, since the information providing server analyzes the print data and generates the advertisement / promotion information based on the analysis result, it takes time for analysis / information generation. Therefore, when the final data is recognized from the print data, the generation of the advertisement / promotion information is not yet completed, and as a result, the printing device side has several seconds from the end of printing the product information to the start of printing the advertisement / promotion information. There was a case where a waiting time of about a degree occurred. For this reason, for example, when issuing a receipt in which product information and advertisement / promotion information are continuous (undivided), the operator may not be able to print the product information even though the advertisement / promotion information has not yet been printed. It may be determined that the printing is finished at the end of printing. In addition, when the waiting time is long, there is a problem that the operator mistakes the occurrence of the trouble and manually cuts without waiting for the automatic cut at the end of printing the advertisement / promotion information.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a printing system, a POS system, and a printing system capable of reducing the waiting time from the end of printing one print data to the start of printing the other print data when receiving print data from a POS terminal computer and an information providing server. An object is to provide a connection device and a printing control method.

  The printing system of the present invention includes a POS terminal computer that generates first print data for printing the contents of payment processing on a receipt, and advertisement / promotion information according to the contents of the payment processing of the first print data. An interface device having an information providing server for generating second print data, a first port connected to the POS terminal computer, and a second port connected to the information providing server, and adding the additional print data A printing system configured by printing data and a printing device that performs printing based on the second printing data, wherein the interface device transfers the first printing data received from the POS terminal computer to the printing device. A first print data processing means for issuing a print command and transferring the first print data to the information providing server; When a paper cut command for instructing cutting of the rear end of the receipt is recognized from the printer, the paper cut command is temporarily held, and predetermined print data is generated, and the predetermined print data is sent to the printing apparatus. A paper cut command processing means for transferring and issuing a print command; and when receiving the second print data from the information providing server, a print command for the second print data by adding a paper cut command after the second print data and A second print data processing means for issuing a processing command for the paper cut command, and the information providing server receives a first print data from the interface device and receives a first print data based on an analysis result of the first print data. Second print data generating means for generating two print data, and second print data for transmitting the generated second print data to the interface device Characterized by comprising a transmitting means.

  According to this configuration, when the interface device recognizes a paper cut command for instructing cutting of the trailing end of the receipt from the first print data, the interface device temporarily holds the paper cut command, and stores predetermined print data. Since the print command is issued, the waiting time from the end of printing of the first print data to the start of printing of the second print data can be shortened by the print processing time of the predetermined print data. In addition, a paper cut command is temporarily held, and a paper cut command is added after the second print data, so that a receipt in which the first print data and the second print data are continuous (not divided) is issued. Can do.

  In this case, the interface device stores partition line print data for printing a partition line such as a dotted line or a double line in the width direction of the receipt as the predetermined print data. When a paper cut command is recognized from the data, it is preferable to temporarily hold the paper cut command and issue a print command for partition line print data.

  According to this configuration, since the partition line print data is stored in the interface device, the boundary is clearly shown even when the first print data and the second print data are issued continuously. Can do.

  In this case, the POS terminal computer stores additional print data for printing subsequent to the first print data, adds the additional print data to the interface device after the first print data, and transmits the additional print data to the interface device. When the paper cut command processing means recognizes a paper cut command from the first print data, the apparatus temporarily holds the paper cut command and issues a print command for the partition line print data and the additional print data. It is preferable.

  According to this configuration, when the interface device recognizes the paper cut command, the interface device issues a print command for the additional print data together with the partition line print data. Therefore, from the end of printing the first print data to the start of printing the second print data. The waiting time can be further shortened by the print processing time of the additional print data. That is, since the waiting time can be further shortened by printing the additional print data, it is possible to prevent the operator from mistakenly thinking that the printing has ended and pulling out the receipt to cut it off. Furthermore, the receipt can be used as an advertisement medium by using the additional print data as store information such as store campaign information, holidays, and business hours.

  In this case, the POS terminal computer stores the end print data for printing the content indicating the print end on the receipt together with the additional print data, and the additional print data and the end print data are stored after the first print data. In addition, when the paper cut command processing means recognizes the paper cut command from the first print data, the interface device temporarily holds the paper cut command and the end print data. When the second print data is received by the second print data processing means, the end print data is added after the second print data and the end print data is printed. A paper cut command is added after the data so that the second print data and the end Print command of the print data, and it is preferable to perform the processing instructions of the paper cut command.

  According to this configuration, when the interface device recognizes the paper cut command from the first print data, the interface device temporarily holds the paper cut command and the end print data, and receives the second print data. In order to add the end print data and the paper cut command after the second print data, a receipt in which the first print data, the second print data, and the end print data are continuous (not divided) may be issued. In addition, the end of printing can be clearly indicated by printing the end print data on the receipt. Therefore, even when the waiting time until the printing start of the second print data occurs, the operator does not mistakenly determine that the printing is finished when the printing of the first print data is finished.

  In this case, when the interface device receives the non-transmission status data indicating that the second print data is not transmitted from the information providing server, the interface device omits the print command for the second print data. It is preferable to issue a print command for end print data and a processing command for a paper cut command.

  According to this configuration, when the second print data is not transmitted from the information providing server, the end print data is printed after the first print data, so that the operator does not print the second print data. That is, it can be confirmed that the printing is completed only with the first print data.

  In these cases, the additional print data and / or the end print data are preferably stored in advance in the interface device instead of the POS terminal computer.

  According to this configuration, since the additional print data and / or end print data can be stored and added in the interface device, the present invention can be realized without changing the POS terminal computer (POS application or printer driver). can do.

  In these cases, the interface device includes an information providing mode for executing the first print data processing means, a paper cut command processing means, and a second print data processing means, and a non-information providing mode for not executing the second print data processing means. When the mode setting means for setting any mode is further provided and the non-information providing mode is set, the first print data processing means omits the transfer of the first print data to the information providing server, and cuts the paper. When the command processing means recognizes a paper cut command from the first print data, the command processing means issues a processing command for the paper cut command after the print command for the first print data without holding the paper cut command. Is preferred.

  According to this configuration, the interface apparatus performs an information provision mode in which the second print data addition process is performed, and a non-information provision mode in which the second print data addition process is not performed (only the first print data is printed). Therefore, the mode can be set according to the convenience of the store. Therefore, for example, when issuing discount coupon advertisements / promotional information according to the time service, set the information provision mode and the non-information provision mode in the time zone other than the time service, so that the service to customers who visited the time service Can be enriched. Further, when the non-information providing mode is set, the second print data processing is not executed, so that the end print data for clarifying the print end is not printed, and paper consumption can be reduced. .

  In this case, it is preferable that the mode setting means can be switched between modes by a dip switch provided in the interface device or a memory switch built in the interface.

  According to this configuration, in the case of a dip switch, the mode can be easily switched by physically switching the dip switch. In the case of the memory switch, the mode can be switched by transmitting a mode switching command for switching the mode from the POS terminal computer side. In the latter case, the printer driver may be configured to set the mode.

  In these cases, the interface device further includes notifying means for notifying the operator that printing is being continued, and the notifying means is constituted by an LED, and the LED is the first print data. It is preferable that the lamp continues to be lit from the start of reception of the paper cut to the end of the processing command of the paper cut command.

  According to this configuration, the operator can confirm whether printing is being continued by using the LED. Thereby, even when the waiting time until the printing start of the second print data is long, it is not mistaken for the occurrence of a trouble.

  A POS system according to the present invention is characterized by being configured by any one of the above-described printing systems and a POS server to which a plurality of POS terminal computers are connected and which collectively control these POS terminal computers.

  According to this configuration, when receiving print data from the POS terminal computer and the information providing server, a POS system is provided that can shorten the waiting time from the end of printing one print data to the start of printing the other print data. be able to.

  The connection device according to the present invention functions as an interface device in the printing system described in any one of the above.

  According to this configuration, when receiving different print data from the POS terminal computer and the information providing server, the waiting time from the end of printing one print data to the start of printing the other print data is reduced. A connection device that can be shortened can be provided. Note that the connection device is not limited to an interface device mounted in the mounting slot of the printing device, but may be configured by an adapter device having three ports (interfaces) connected to the POS terminal computer, the information providing server, and the printing device. good.

  The print control method of the present invention is connected to the first host device that generates the first print data, the second host device that generates the second print data based on the analysis result of the first print data, and the first host device. Having an interface device having a first port to be connected and a second port connected to the second host device, and performing printing based on the first print data to which the additional print data is added and the second print data And a printing control method of a printing system configured by the apparatus, wherein the interface device issues a print command for the first print data received from the first host device, and sends the first print data to the second host device. A transfer step, and when the interface device recognizes final data indicating the end of the first print data from the first print data, a predetermined stored in advance A step of issuing a print command for print data, and a step of generating second print data based on an analysis result of the first print data when the second host device receives the first print data from the interface device; A step in which the second host device transmits the generated second print data to the interface device; and a step in which when the interface device receives the second print data from the second host device, a print command for the second print data is issued. And.

  According to this configuration, when the interface device recognizes final data indicating the end of the first print data from the first print data, the predetermined print data stored in advance after the processing of the final data is performed. Therefore, the waiting time from the end of the printing of the first print data to the start of the printing of the second print data can be shortened by the print processing time of the predetermined print data to be printed between them.

  According to the printing system, the POS system, the connection device, and the printing control method of the present invention, when the interface device recognizes a paper cut command from the first printing data, the interface device issues a printing command for predetermined printing data. The waiting time from the end of printing of one print data to the start of printing of the second print data can be shortened by the print processing time of predetermined print data to be printed between them.

  Hereinafter, a printing system, a POS system, a connection device, and a printing control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The POS system of the present invention includes a POS terminal computer that generates payment processing information (first print data) for printing on a receipt based on information input by an operator, and a printing apparatus that prints payment processing information. In an existing POS system (point-of-sale information management system) configured by a POS terminal and a POS server that manages the POS terminal, advertisement / promotion information (second print data) is provided to a mounting slot of the printing apparatus. Issuing a receipt (see Fig. 6) with advertisement / promotion information added to the POS application (POS terminal computer) by attaching a connection device (interface device) to connect to the information providing server It is possible. Therefore, a POS system used in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store will be described below as an example, and a printing system (configured by a POS terminal computer, an information providing server and a printing apparatus), a connection device applied thereto (Interface device) and a printing control method using these will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system 10 of the present invention includes a plurality of POS terminals 20 (only one) that obtains input information by reading a barcode attached or printed on a product by an operator (user). And a POS server 30 which is connected to the POS terminal 20 via a network and manages input information input to the POS terminal 20.

  The POS server 30 has a memory such as a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 in addition to a control device (CPU 31), and processes information stored in the buffer 39 and the like in the RAM 33 according to a control program stored in the ROM 32. In particular, the RAM 33 includes a product code block 35, a product name block 36, an amount block 37, and an inventory block 38, and the CPU 31 determines a product code, a code based on the input information transmitted from the POS terminal 20. Information regarding the product name and amount is extracted, and product data used for printing on the receipt 61 and displaying on the display 42 of the POS terminal 20 is generated. Note that “product data” refers to data that is the basis of the first print data (settlement processing information) to be printed on the receipt 61. The product code block 35, the product name block 36, and the money amount block 37 are configured by a lookup table 34 that is generally called a product master.

  On the other hand, the POS terminal 20 refers to a product master (lookup table) 34 in the POS server 30 and obtains product data from the POS server 30, and first print data or an information providing server described later. And a printing device 50 (receipt printer) that performs printing on a long receipt 61 based on the second print data acquired from 70. The POS terminal computer 40 and the printing device 50 are connected to each other via connectors 46 and 53, respectively. Connected.

  The POS terminal computer 40 includes a POS application 141 for performing payment processing, a printer driver 142 for controlling printing of the printing apparatus 50, a control unit 41 for controlling the entire POS terminal computer 40, and the like. The input information related to the product code and the amount is acquired by the input using the keyboard 43 or the reading of the barcode by the barcode reader 44. Further, the control unit 41 reads the credit card or the membership card of the customer 60 by the card reader 45, and acquires input information related to the member such as information related to credit clearing and a membership number. Further, the control unit 41 generates product information based on the product data transmitted from the POS server 30 in cooperation with the POS application 141, and first print data for printing on the receipt 61 based on the product information. Is generated. Further, the control unit 41 displays the generated product information on the display 42 and presents the product name, price, etc. of the purchased product to the operator and the customer 60.

  In addition, the printer driver 142 mainly displays the additional print data to be printed after the first print data and the second print data on the receipt 61 in order to clearly indicate to the operator that the printing has been completed. End print data for printing content indicating the end of printing later is stored, and these data are added to the first print data acquired from the POS application 141, and the first print data, additional print data, and end print are added. Data is transmitted to the printing device 50 (interface device 51).

  The printing apparatus 50 is equipped with an interface apparatus 51 having a host interface 52 (first port) connected to the POS terminal computer 40 and an information providing server interface 54 (second port) connected to the information providing server 70. The interface device 51 is configured to be detachable from the mounting slot 59 of the printing device 50.

  The interface device 51 receives a print command for the first print data, the additional print data and the end print data received from the POS terminal computer 40, and the second print data received from the information providing server 70 (printing unit 82: FIG. 4). When a paper cut command for automatically cutting the rear end of the printed receipt 61 in the width direction is recognized from the first print data received from the POS terminal computer 40, this is temporarily held. Instead, a print command for dotted line print data (partition line print data) for attaching a dotted line in the width direction on the receipt 61 and a print command for additional print data are issued. When the second print data is received from the information providing server 70, the end print data and the paper cut command are added after the second print data, and the print command and the paper cut command of the second print data and the end print data are added. A processing command is issued.

  Further, the interface device 51 uses the DIP switch 63 (see FIG. 5) to provide an information providing mode for performing the process for adding the second print data received from the information providing server 70 and non-information for not performing the process for adding the second print data. It is possible to switch between providing modes. Therefore, when the interface device 51 is set to the non-information providing mode, the first print data received from the POS terminal computer 40 is not transferred to the information providing server 70. Further, when the non-information providing mode is set, it is clear that the printing process of the second print data is not executed, so the end print data added to the first print data is also discarded (discarded). .

  In addition, the printing apparatus 50 includes a reception buffer 80, and print data and various control commands acquired via the interface apparatus 51 are temporarily stored in the reception buffer 80. The printing apparatus 50 executes various processes such as a print process and a receipt cutting process based on the print data and a print command and a command process command based on various control commands, and the first print data, the additional print data, the end print data, A receipt 61 with advertisement / promotion information printed with the second print data is issued.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the receipt 61 with advertisement / promotion information always includes product information (including product name and its price, total price, etc.) and prescribed information (store name, issue date, transaction number, etc.) in the same arrangement. First print data composed of information to be printed), additional print data composed of store information and campaign information, and advertisement / promotion information (for example, a discount coupon or the coupon). Second print data consisting of a barcode read by the barcode reader 44 when using the printer, and a final print data consisting of a message or image data indicating that the printing process in one payment process has been completed, The dotted line print data indicating the boundary between the first print data and the additional print data is printed. The issued receipt 61 is handed to the customer 60 by the operator, thereby realizing the issuance of a receipt and a coupon providing service (advertisement providing service).

  The printing apparatus 50 is capable of monochrome printing and color printing, and is provided by a dip switch provided in the printing apparatus 50 (not shown, different from the switch for switching between the information providing mode and the non-information providing mode). Either mode can be set. Then, the interface device 51 acquires information regarding this mode setting, and can determine whether or not to include color information in the generated print data. Therefore, when the color print mode is set and color information is included in the first print data and / or the second print data, two-color or multi-color printing is performed on the receipt based on the color information. Is possible.

  Also, when the printing apparatus 50 supports only monochrome printing or only color printing, the interface apparatus 51 can acquire the information of the printing apparatus 50 and convert it into print data suitable for the printing apparatus. As described above, in the present invention, since the print data can be converted by the interface device 51, the POS terminal computer 40 can only support monochrome printing (that is, the first print data does not include color information). However, if color information is included in the second print data, only the advertisement / promotion information portion can be printed in color.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the information providing server 70 includes a control device (CPU 71), a memory such as a ROM 72 and a RAM 73, and a database 78. The information stored in the buffer 76 or the like is processed. In particular, in the RAM 73, an advertisement / promotion information block 35 storing an advertisement / promotion information table for generating second print data in accordance with the contents of the first print data, and the generated second print data are temporarily stored. The CPU 71 has a second print data block 36 to be stored. The CPU 71 refers to the advertisement / promotion information table, and based on the first print data received from the POS terminal computer 40 via the interface device 51, the second print data. When the paper cut command is recognized from the first print data, the second print data is transmitted to the interface device 51 as a trigger. In addition, the CPU 71 stores the generation history of the generated second print data in the database 78. For example, when the second print data is data for printing a discount coupon, the generation history is used as a record for proving that the discount coupon has not been illegally issued.

  Next, the device configuration of the POS terminal 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the operator side, and FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the customer side. As shown in both figures, the POS terminal 20 includes a POS terminal computer 40 that forms a main part of a box-shaped main body case 48 and a printing device 50 that is arranged on the left side of the rear portion of the main body case 48. Since the printing apparatus 50 is connected to the main body case 48 by a cable, the printing apparatus 50 is not limited to this arrangement, and can be arranged at an arbitrary place as long as the cable length allows.

  The POS terminal computer 40 has a keyboard 43 on which the operator inputs input information regarding the product on the front upper surface of the main body case 48, and an operator display 42 a on which the operator confirms the input information on the right side of the rear portion of the main body case 48. A cash drawer 49 is accommodated therein. Further, a bar code reader 44 for reading a bar code attached to or printed on a product is provided on the right side surface of the main body case 48, and a host side interface 47 for connecting to the printing device 50 is provided on the left side surface. On the right side, a card reader slot 45 for reading a credit card presented by a customer is formed. Further, a customer display 42b is arranged on the back side of the main body case 48 so that the customer can confirm product information and the like.

  On the other hand, the printing apparatus 50 has an interface device 51 mounted in a mounting slot (interface board slot) 59 on the front side thereof. The interface device 51 and the POS terminal computer 40 are connected to connectors 46 and 53 (host side interface 47). The interface device 51 and the information providing server 70 are connected via the information providing server interface 54 (connection cables are not shown). In addition, a receipt discharge port 64 through which a printed receipt 61 is discharged is formed on the upper surface of the printing apparatus 50.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the interface device 51 informs the operator that the operation is being continued and the operation display lamp 55, the host interface 52, the information providing server interface 54 on the front side. A print continuation display lamp 56 is disposed, and the host interface 52 and the host side interface 47 provided in the POS terminal computer 40 are connected by a cable 63 (see FIG. 2B). The operation display lamp 55 and the print continuation display lamp 56 are both configured to be lit / flashing LEDs, but are colored so as to have different display colors so that the operator does not mistake them. . In addition to the CPU 91, the interface device 51 includes a control board 57 having memories (see FIG. 5) such as a ROM 92 and a RAM 93 in the center, and a printing device interface 58 (connector) at the rear. A host interface 52, an information providing server interface 54, a printing device interface 58, an operation display lamp 55, and a print continuation display lamp 56 are connected to the control board 57 via a bus.

  The host interface 52, the information providing server interface 54, and the printing device interface 58 are serial data transfer such as RS-232 standard, parallel data transfer such as Centronics standard, and Ethernet (registered trademark) 10Base-T. A network connection or a device compatible with a data transfer standard such as USB can be employed.

  The first print data received from the POS terminal computer 40 can be transferred to the information providing server 70 by adopting a protocol such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol). Note that when FTP is employed on Ethernet (registered trademark), the reliability is higher than that of UDP, and when UDP is employed, the transfer speed is higher than that of FTP.

  Further, when the drive voltage level between the internal TTL (Transistor Transistor Logic) of the interface device 51 and the inside of the POS terminal computer 40 or the printing device 50 is different, level conversion is performed on the host interface 52 and the printing device interface 58. Preferably, a driver circuit is provided. According to this configuration, the signal level can be easily converted.

  Next, control configurations of the POS terminal computer 40, the printing device 50 (interface device 51), and the information providing server 70 (control configuration of the printing system of the present invention) will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. As shown in the figure, the POS terminal computer 40 stores the first print data generation unit 143 that generates the first print data based on the product information, the additional print data, and the additional print data in the first print data. And an end print data adding unit 144 for storing end print data and adding the end print data to the first print data. Here, the main component of the first print data generation unit 143 is the POS application 141, and the main component of the additional print data addition unit 144 and the end print data addition unit 145 is the printer driver 142. The additional print data and the end print data may be any of text data representing a predetermined sentence, pictographic data representing a predetermined mark or symbol, and image data representing a predetermined image.

  The printing device 50 includes a print receiving unit 81 (reception buffer 80) that receives print data and various control commands in addition to the units included in the interface device 51, and a receipt based on the print data and various control commands received by the print receiving unit 81. 61 is provided with a printing unit 82 for performing printing.

  The interface device 51 sets a mode setting unit 151 for setting any one of an information providing mode in which the second print data is added and a non-information providing mode in which the second print data is not added. When the first print data (including the additional print data and the end print data) is received from the POS terminal computer 40 via the host-side interface 47 and the host interface 52, and the notification unit 152 that notifies that printing is in progress. The first print data processing unit 153 that transfers the first print data excluding the additional print data and the end print data to the printing unit 82 to issue a print command and transfer it to the information providing server 70 (however, to the information providing server 70) The first print data is transferred only when the information providing mode is set. If not, the processing in the information providing mode is referred to.) When the paper cut command is recognized from the first print data, the paper cut command is temporarily held, and the dotted line print data and When the second print data is received from the information cutting server 70 and the paper cut command processing unit 154 that issues a print command for the additional print data, the print command is added with the end print data and the paper cut command after the second print data. And a second print data processing unit 155 that issues processing instructions, and a control unit 156 that controls these units.

  When the control unit 156 receives the first print data to which the additional print data and the end print data are added from the POS terminal computer 40 with the above configuration, the first print data processing unit 153 causes the print unit 82 to The print command for the first print data excluding the additional print data and the end print data is issued, and the first print data excluding the additional print data and the end print data is transferred to the information providing server 70. Further, when the non-information provision mode is set, the first print data processing unit 153 discards the end print data and does not transfer the first print data to the information provision server 70.

  When the information providing server 70 is connected to a plurality of POS terminals 20, the format of the first print data may be different for each POS terminal 20, but the first print data processing unit 153 performs the first process. When transferring print data to the information providing server 70, the first print data is converted based on predetermined format data according to the standard of the information providing server 70, and the first print data is transferred in the same format. May be. According to this configuration, even when the information providing server 70 is connected to a plurality of POS terminals 20 having different formats of the first print data, the first print data having the same format can be analyzed. The burden on the information providing server 70 can be reduced.

  Also, when the control unit 156 recognizes a paper cut command added as normal final data from the first print data, the paper cut command processing unit 154 temporarily holds the paper cut command, The stored dotted line print data is added before the additional print data, and a print command for the dotted line print data and the additional print data is issued. At this time, the end print data is also held together with the paper cut command. When the non-information providing mode is set and the paper cut command is recognized, the control unit 156 temporarily holds the paper cut command processing unit 154, and prints the dotted line print data and the additional print. A sheet cut command is added after the data, and these print commands and processing commands are issued.

  Further, when the control unit 156 receives the second print data from the information providing server 70, the control unit 156 adds the ending print data that has been suspended after the second print data by the second print data processing unit 155, and A paper cut command which is also retained after the end print data is added, and these print commands and processing commands are issued. If non-transmission status data indicating that the second print data is not transmitted is received from the information providing server 70, the print command for the second print data is omitted, and the print command for the end print data and the paper cut command are omitted. Only the processing command is performed. When the non-information providing mode is set, the second print data processing unit 155 does not function because the second print data is not received from the information providing server 70.

  Further, the control unit 156 executes the first print data processing unit 153, the paper cut command processing unit 154, and the second print data processing unit 155 according to the mode set by the mode setting unit 151 (DIP switch 63). . Further, the notifying unit 152 constituted by the print continuation display lamp 56 starts paper cut command processing from the time when reception of the first print data to the host interface 52 is started (or when processing of the first print data processing unit 153 is started). The light is turned on until the processing command of the paper cut command of the section 154 is completed, and the operator is informed that printing is continuing (not finished).

  On the other hand, the information providing server 70 receives the first print data from the interface device 51, and transmits the generated second print data to the interface device 51 and the second print data generation unit 171 that generates the second print data. A second print data transmission unit 172.

  When the information providing server 70 receives the first print data from the interface device 51 with the above configuration, the information providing server 70 analyzes the first print data and extracts a product code and the like, and the second print data generation unit 171 uses the advertisement / promotion information table. The second print data is generated with reference to the (advertisement / promotion information block 74). Specifically, the product code (or product name) included in the first print data and the advertisement / promotion information data for generating the second print data (or the advertisement / promotion information specifying each advertisement / promotion information data) Code) and the advertisement / promotion information table related to the product code included in the first print data are extracted from the stored advertisement / promotion information table, and the extracted advertisement / promotion information data is extracted. The second print data is generated by combining (listing) in order.

  In addition, when the information providing server 70 recognizes a paper cut command from the first print data, the information providing server 70 uses this as a trigger to transmit the generated second print data to the interface device 51.

  Next, the control configuration of the interface device 51 will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG. As shown in the figure, the interface device 51 includes an operation display lamp 55, a print continuation display lamp 56, a dip switch 63, a CPU 91, in addition to the host interface 52, the information providing server interface 54, and the printer interface 58 described above. ROM 92 and RAM 93 are connected to each other by an internal bus 94.

  The operation display lamp 55 is configured by an LED, and is lit when some processing is performed in the interface device 51, and blinks when an error occurs in the interface device 51. Further, the print continuation display lamp 56 is configured by an LED having a display color different from that of the operation display lamp 55, and while processing is performed in the interface device 51 (including the second print data reception standby time), that is, POS. From when reception (or transfer processing) of the first print data is started from the terminal computer 41, a paper cut command is added after the second print data received from the information providing server 70, and the light is lit until the processing command is completed. to continue. When the second print data is not received from the information providing server 70 (when the product code corresponding to the product code in the advertisement / promotion information table is not included in the first print data), the POS terminal computer 41 When the reception of the first print data is started, the non-transmission status data indicating that the second print data is not transmitted is received from the information providing server 70, and the print command and the sheet of the end print data that have been put on hold are received. It will remain on until the cut command processing command is completed.

  The ROM 92 has a control data block 92b for storing control data including various tables in addition to a control program block 92a for storing a control program to be processed by the CPU 91. It should be noted that dotted line print data for issuing a print command when a paper cut command is recognized is stored in the control data block 92b.

  The RAM 93 is the first print data block 95 for storing the first print data received from the POS terminal computer 40 and the final data among the first print data, in addition to the various work area blocks 94 used as flags and the like. When a paper cut command is recognized, a paper cut command block 96 that temporarily holds the paper cut command, an additional print data block 97 that stores additional print data added after the first print data, and after the additional print data A work area for control processing, having a finish print data block 98 for storing the appended finish print data, and a second print data block 99 for storing the second print data received from the information providing server 70 Used as.

  The internal bus 94 captures input data such as first print data, additional print data, end print data, and second print data from the host interface 52, the information providing server interface 54, and the printer interface 58. The data and control signals output from the CPU 91 and the like are output to the POS terminal computer 40, the information providing server 70, the printing unit 82 (see FIG. 4), etc. via the interfaces 52, 54, and 58 described above.

  Then, with the above configuration, the CPU 91 inputs various signals and data from each unit in the interface device 51 based on the control program in the ROM 92, processes various data in the RAM 93, and various signals to each unit. By outputting data or the like, the entire interface device 51 is controlled such as transfer (transmission / reception) of print data and processing of a paper cut command.

  Next, the print control method of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 10 show the printing control method when the interface device 51 is set to the information providing mode, and FIG. 11 shows the printing control method when the non-information providing mode is set. First, the case where the interface device 51 is set to the information providing mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 shows data addition processing in the printer driver 142, FIG. 8 shows first print data processing and paper cut command processing in the interface device 51, and FIG. 9 shows second print data processing in the information providing server 70. FIG. 10 shows the second print data processing in the interface device 51.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the printer driver 142 incorporated in the POS terminal computer 40 acquires the first print data generated by the POS application 141 (S11), the printer driver 142 sends a predetermined printer command corresponding to the printing device 50. Conversion is performed (S12), and additional print data and end print data stored in advance are added after the first print data (S13). At this time, commands indicating the respective data are added to the heads of the additional print data and the end print data, and the interface device 51 determines which data is based on these commands. Therefore, the addition order of the additional print data and the end print data may be switched.

  When the printer driver 142 finishes the additional print data and end print data addition processing, the printer driver 142 performs transmission processing of these data (first print data, additional print data, and end print data) to the interface device 51 (S14). .

  The additional print data and end print data stored in the printer driver 142 may be configured to be changeable. That is, a plurality of additional print data and a plurality of end print data are stored, and the operator selects one of the data on the printer driver setting screen displayed on the operator display 42a, so that the output is performed. The target additional print data and end print data may be set. According to this configuration, the contents of the additional print data and the like can be changed according to the needs on the store side, and the printing can be used as effective advertising means.

  Next, the first print data process and the paper cut command process in the interface device 51 will be described with reference to FIG. When the interface device 51 receives the first print data, the additional print data, and the end print data from the POS terminal computer 40 (S21), the interface device 51 issues a print command to the printing unit 82 for each line data indicating one line of the first print data. And transfer to the information providing server 70 (S22).

  When a paper cut command (generally final data) is received (recognized) from the received print data, it is held in the paper cut command block 96 (see FIG. 5) (S23). Then, the reception of the additional print data and the end print data is awaited. When both data are received, the additional print data and the end print data are temporarily stored in the additional print data block 97 and the end print data block 98, respectively, and the end print data is held in the end print data block 98. (S23). The paper cut command and the end print data that have been reserved are added after the second print data that is transmitted later from the information providing server 70 (see S42 in FIG. 10). For the additional print data, the dotted line print data is added before this (S24), and a print command for the dotted line print data and the additional print data is issued to the printing unit 82 (S25).

  Note that the first print data received from the POS terminal computer 40 is subjected to a print command and transfer for each row data. However, after the interface device 51 receives all the first print data, the print command and transfer are performed. You may make it do. Further, after receiving all of the first print data, the additional print data, and the end print data, the processes of S22 to S25 may be executed.

  Next, the second print data processing in the information providing server 70 will be described with reference to FIG. When the information providing server 70 receives the first print data from the interface device 51 (S31), the information providing server 70 refers to the advertisement / promotion information table and generates the second print data related to the product included in the first print data ( S32). When a paper cut command is recognized from the first print data, the generated second print data is transmitted to the interface device 51 using this as a trigger (S33).

  The second print data generated in S32 is stored in the database 78 in the order of generation. At this time, instead of storing the second print data itself, only the advertisement / promotion information code for specifying the content (advertisement / promotion information data) of the second print data may be stored.

  Next, the second print data processing in the interface device 51 will be described with reference to FIG. When the interface device 51 receives the second print data from the information providing server 70 (S41), it adds the end print data held in the end print data block 98 after the second print data, and further The paper cut command reserved in the paper cut command block 96 is added after the end print data (S42). Then, a print command for the second print data and end print data and a process command for a paper cut command are issued to the printing unit 82 (S43).

  Thus, by adding the end print data and the paper cut command after the second print data, as shown in FIG. 6, the end print data is printed after the second print data and the end print data is printed. The receipt 61 with the rear end portion automatically cut is issued. Further, in S25 of FIG. 8, when a paper cut command is received from the first print data, a print command for the dotted line print data and the additional print data is issued, and therefore the additional print data after the first print data. Is printed, and a dotted line is printed at the boundary between the first print data and the additional print data. Thereby, the boundary between the first print data and other data can be clearly shown, and the customer can store the discount coupon in a compact manner by using the dotted line portion as a cut line. it can. Further, since the store side can store additional print data, the advertising effect can be expected more.

  Also, when a paper cut command is received, in order to hold this in S23 of FIG. 8, a receipt 61 in which the first print data and other data are continuous (a series of data is not divided) is issued. can do. If the second print data is not received from the information providing server 70, the receipt 61 on which the end print data is printed is issued immediately after the additional print data.

  Next, a case where the interface device 51 is set to the non-information providing mode will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the first print data processing and paper cut command processing in the interface device 51. When the interface device 51 receives the first print data, the additional print data, and the end print data from the POS terminal computer 40 (S51), the interface device 51 issues a print command to the printing unit 82 for each line data indicating one line of the first print data. (S52). When a paper cut command is received (recognized) from the received print data, it is held in the paper cut command block 96 (see FIG. 5) (S53), and additional print data and end print data are received. Wait for completion. When both data are received, the end print data is discarded (S54), a print command for the dotted line print data and the additional print data is issued to the printing unit 82 (S55), and a process command for a paper cut command is issued (S55). S56).

  As described above, when the non-information providing mode is set, it is clear that it is not necessary to wait for the second print data, and thus the end print data is discarded. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the receipt for printing the final print data.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the paper cut command is recognized from the first print data (when the interface device 51 is set to the information providing mode), the paper cut command is temporarily stored. Since the print command for the dotted line print data and the additional print data is issued, the waiting time from the end of printing of the first print data to the start of printing of the second print data can be shortened by these print processing times. it can. In addition, a paper cut command is temporarily held, and a receipt 61 in which the first print data and the second print data are continuous (not divided) is issued in order to add the paper cut command after the second print data. be able to. Furthermore, the receipt 61 can be used as an advertising medium by making the additional print data store information such as store campaign information, holidays, and business hours.

  Further, by storing the additional print data and the end print data in the printer driver 142, the additional print data addition process in the POS terminal computer 40 (POS application 141) can be omitted. That is, by causing the printer driver 142 to execute the additional print data addition process, the present invention can be realized without changing the POS application 142.

  Further, since the interface device 51 prints the end print data after the second print data, the end of printing can be clearly indicated. Therefore, even when the waiting time until the printing start of the second print data occurs, the operator does not mistakenly determine that the printing is finished when the printing of the first print data is finished.

  When the second print data is not transmitted from the information providing server 70, the end print data is printed after the first print data, so that the operator does not print the second print data. It can be confirmed that printing is completed only with the first print data.

  Further, the interface device 51 has an information provision mode for performing the second print data addition process and a non-information provision mode for not performing the second print data addition process (only printing the first print data). The mode can be set according to the convenience of the store. Therefore, for example, when issuing discount coupon advertisements / promotional information according to the time service, set the information provision mode and the non-information provision mode in the time zone other than the time service, so that the service to customers who visited the time service Can be enriched.

  In the above example, when a paper cut command is recognized, it is temporarily suspended (see S23 in FIG. 8), but this may be omitted. In this case, the first print data and other data are issued by the divided receipt 61. In this case, it is preferable that a paper cut command is added to the end of the second print data in the information providing server 70 or the interface device 51. According to this configuration, it is possible to issue the receipt 61 with the trailing end automatically cut after the second print data is printed. However, when the non-information providing mode is set, it is preferable not to omit the hold of the paper cut command (preferably hold the paper cut command and add the paper cut command after the additional print data (FIG. 11). S53 to S56))). According to this configuration, it is possible to eliminate an unnatural process in which only the additional print data is issued as the separate receipt 61 by omitting the suspension of the paper cut command.

  Further, instead of the paper cut command, the interface device 51 may issue a print command for additional print data when other specific data is recognized. In this case, the specific data is preferably set to the final data (the last print data or command included in the first print data). According to this configuration, when the specific data is recognized in the information providing server 70, the second print data can be transmitted using this as a trigger. In addition, since the specific data is final data, the first print data analysis process (second print data generation process) in the information providing server 70 is not hindered. In this case, the holding of specific data in the interface device 51 may be omitted.

  In the above example, the additional print data and the end print data added to the first rank print data are stored in the printer driver 142, but may be stored in the interface device 51 in advance. According to this configuration, since the additional print data and / or the end print data can be stored and added in the interface device 51, the present invention can be realized without changing not only the POS application 141 but also the printer driver 142. can do. Further, it is not always necessary to add both the additional print data and the end print data, and a configuration in which only one of them is added may be employed. Further, either one may be stored in the printer driver 142 and the other in the interface device 51.

  In the above example, the dotted line print data to be added after the additional print data is stored in the interface device 51 in advance, and the additional processing is performed by the interface device 51. However, the printer driver 142 performs the dotted line printing. Data storage and additional processing may be performed. In this case, the printer driver 142 adds the dotted line print data, the additional print data, and the end print data after the first print data. At this time, the dotted line print data may be added as a part of the additional print data.

  In the above example, the dotted line print data is added before the additional print data (see FIG. 6). However, the dotted line print data may be added after the additional print data. However, in this case, when the non-information providing mode is set, it is preferable not to issue the print command for the dotted line print data when the print command for the additional print data is issued in S55 of FIG. As a result, the consumption of receipts for printing the dotted line print data can be reduced. Moreover, instead of a dotted line, a partition line such as a double line may be printed.

  Further, the printing of the additional print data may be omitted. That is, the additional print data is transmitted from the POS terminal computer 41 to the interface device 51 only when a print request for the additional print data is received from the printing device 50 (interface device 51) or the information providing server 70. If additional print data is received before receiving the second print data from the providing server 70, a print command for the additional print data may be issued.

  In the above example, the information providing mode and the non-information providing mode are switched by the dip switch 63 provided in the interface device 51. However, the mode switching (designation) command from the POS terminal computer 41 is used. Any mode may be set. In this case, the interface device 51 has a built-in switch such as a memory switch that is turned ON / OFF according to the state of the control flag, and the mode is set according to the state of the switch. In this way, by performing the mode switching instruction from the POS terminal computer 41, for example, when discount coupon advertisement / promotion information is issued in accordance with the time service (when the mode is switched by time control), the mode switching is easily performed. be able to.

  In the above example, when the non-transmission status data indicating that the second print data is not transmitted is received from the information providing server 70, the print command for the second print data is omitted and the print command for the end print data is omitted. In this case, instead of the end print data, a sentence such as “There was no corresponding coupon product” (hereinafter referred to as “second end print data”). May be printed. In this case, the second end print data may be stored in the interface device 51 in advance, or the printer driver 142 may add the additional print data, the end print data, and the second end print data after the first print data. In addition, either the end print data or the second end print data may be discarded depending on whether or not the second print data is received in the interface device 51. According to this configuration, it is possible to clearly indicate to the customer that the corresponding product has not been purchased, and also notify the operator that printing is completed by printing the end print data or the second end print data. can do. Further, in addition to the fact that there is no coupon applicable product, the customer's willingness to purchase can be further enhanced by printing the address of a website introducing the coupon applicable product.

  In the above example, the first print data generated by the POS application 141 includes the paper cut command. However, the POS application 141 stores the first print data that does not include the paper cut command. In such a case, the printer driver 142 may add a paper cut command to the end of the first print data.

  In the above, an example in which the printing system of the present invention is applied to the POS system 10 has been described. However, the first print data is generated, and additional print data (and the subsequent print data for printing following the first print data) A first host device that stores (end print data), a second host device that generates second print data based on the analysis result of the first print data, a first port connected to the first host device, and a second port The present invention can also be applied to a printing system including a printing apparatus in which an interface device having a second port connected to a host device is detachably mounted. That is, the type of terminal that provides the first print data and the second print data is not limited.

  In addition, by changing the POS terminal computer 40 (POS application 141), not only the above configuration but also a conventional configuration (an information providing server is connected to the POS terminal computer and the POS terminal computer is a product of the POS server) The present invention can be applied even to a configuration in which advertisement / promotion information is acquired by performing a reference process similar to the process of referring to the master to the information providing server. That is, when the present invention is applied to the conventional configuration, the function in the interface device 51 of the present invention is executed by the printer driver 142, and the first print data generated by the POS application 141 is transmitted via the printer driver 142 as information. What is necessary is just to make it transmit to the provision server 70. Accordingly, the printer driver 142 can perform a paper cut command holding process and a data adding process.

  Further, in place of the interface device 51, functions in the interface device 51 are executed by an adapter device (connection device) having three ports (interfaces) connected to the POS terminal computer 40, the information providing server 70, and the printing device 50. It is also possible.

  In addition, each function (each unit) in the interface device 51 shown in the above example can be provided as a program. Further, by storing the program in a storage medium (not shown) and installing the program in a personal computer or the like, the credit card processing control method of the present invention can be realized in addition to the POS system 10 shown in the present embodiment. As the recording medium, a CD-ROM, a flash ROM, a memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), a compact disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital versatile disk, a flexible disk, and the like can be used.

  Further, the system configuration, the device configuration, and the like can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention, for example, without depending on the above-described embodiment.

1 is a configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external perspective view of a POS terminal computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external perspective view of an interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the printing system of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of the interface apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of printing of the receipt with advertisement and sales promotion information of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating first print data processing in the printer driver of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st print data process and paper cut command process in the interface apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd print data process in the information provision server of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd print data process in the interface apparatus of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing first print data processing and paper cut command processing in the interface device when the interface device of the present invention is set to a non-information providing mode.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 POS system 20 POS terminal 30 POS server 40 POS terminal computer 50 Printing device 51 Interface device 56 Printing continuation display lamp 61 Receipt with advertisement / promotion information 63 Dip switch 70 Information providing server 78 Database 141 POS application 142 Printer driver 151 Mode setting unit 152 Notification Unit 153 First Print Data Processing Unit 154 Paper Cut Command Processing Unit 155 Second Print Data Processing Unit 156 Control Unit 171 Second Print Data Generation Unit 172 Second Print Data Transmission Unit

Claims (12)

A POS terminal computer for generating first print data for printing the contents of the payment process on a receipt;
An information providing server that generates second print data including advertisement / promotion information according to the contents of the settlement process of the first print data;
An interface device having a first port connected to the POS terminal computer and a second port connected to the information providing server, the first print data to which the additional print data is added, and the second print A printing system configured to print based on data,
The interface device
First print data processing means for transferring the first print data received from the first POS terminal computer to the printing apparatus and issuing a print command, and transferring the first print data to the information providing server;
When a paper cut command for instructing cutting of the rear end of the receipt is recognized from the first print data, the paper cut command is temporarily suspended, and predetermined print data is generated, and the predetermined print data Paper cut command processing means for transferring a print command to the printing apparatus and issuing a print command
When the second print data is received from the information providing server, the second print data is added after the second print data to issue a print command for the second print data and a process command for the paper cut command. Print data processing means,
The information providing server includes:
Second print data generating means for generating the second print data based on an analysis result of the first print data in accordance with reception of the first print data from the interface device;
And a second print data transmission unit configured to transmit the generated second print data to the interface device. The interface device
As the predetermined print data, storing partition line print data for printing a partition line such as a dotted line or a double line in the width direction of the receipt,
When the paper cut command processing unit recognizes the paper cut command from the first print data, the paper cut command processing unit temporarily holds the paper cut command and issues a print command for the partition line print data. The printing system according to claim 1. The POS terminal computer stores additional print data for printing subsequent to the first print data, adds the additional print data after the first print data, and transmits the additional print data to the interface device.
The interface device
In the paper cut command processing means, when the paper cut command is recognized from the first print data, the paper cut command is temporarily held and a print command for the partition line print data and the additional print data The printing system according to claim 2, wherein: The POS terminal computer stores, together with the additional print data, end print data for printing on the receipt the content indicating the end of printing. The additional print data and the end print are printed after the first print data. Add data and send to the interface device,
The interface device
When the paper cut command processing means recognizes the paper cut command from the first print data, the paper cut command and the end print data are temporarily held, and the dividing line print data and the additional print data are added. Make a print command for print data,
In the second print data processing means, when the second print data is received, the end print data is added after the second print data, and the sheet cut command is added after the end print data, The printing system according to claim 3, wherein a print command for the second print data and the end print data and a processing command for the paper cut command are performed. The interface device
When the second print data processing means receives non-transmission status data indicating that the second print data is not transmitted from the information providing server, the print command for the second print data is omitted and the end 5. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein a printing command for printing data and a processing command for the paper cut command are issued.   6. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the additional print data and / or the end print data is stored in advance in the interface device instead of the POS terminal computer. The interface device
Any one of an information providing mode for executing the first print data processing means, the paper cut command processing means, and the second print data processing means, and a non-information providing mode for not executing the second print data processing means It further comprises mode setting means for setting,
When the non-information providing mode is set,
The first print data processing means omits transfer of the first print data to the information providing server;
When the paper cut command processing means recognizes the paper cut command from the first print data, the paper cut command processing means does not hold the paper cut command, and after the print instruction for the first print data, 7. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein a processing command is issued.   The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the mode setting unit can switch modes by a dip switch provided in the interface device or a memory switch built in the interface. The interface device further includes notification means for notifying the operator that printing is being continued,
9. The notification unit according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is configured by an LED, and the LED continues to be lit from the start of receiving the first print data to the end of the processing command of the paper cut command. The printing system according to any one of the above.   10. A POS system comprising: the printing system according to claim 1; and a POS server in which a plurality of the POS terminal computers are connected to control the POS terminal computers in an integrated manner.   10. A connection device that functions as the interface device in the printing system according to claim 1. A first host device that generates first print data;
A second host device that generates second print data based on the analysis result of the first print data;
An interface device having a first port connected to the first host device and a second port connected to the second host device; the first print data to which the additional print data is added; A printing control method for a printing system comprising: a printing apparatus that performs printing based on two printing data;
The interface device issues a print command for the first print data received from the first host device, and transfers the first print data to the second host device;
When the interface device recognizes final data indicating the end of the first print data from the first print data, and issues a print command for predetermined print data stored in advance;
The second host device generating the second print data based on the analysis result of the first print data in response to the reception of the first print data from the interface device;
The second host device transmitting the generated second print data to the interface device;
And a step of issuing a print command for the second print data when the interface device receives the second print data from the second host device.

Images