JP2012138128A - Client terminal, device, control method for client terminal and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system capable of controlling a device without installing a device driver in a client terminal.SOLUTION: A client terminal 31 comprises: execution request means for transmitting an application execution request requiring also operation of a device 5 to an application execution server 3; execution result reception means for receiving first response data including an execution result for the application execution request; operation request means for transmitting a device operation request to the device 5 in response to reception of the first response data; and operation result reception means for receiving second response data including an operation result for the device operation request. The device 5 comprises a firmware 66 (86) which interprets the device operation request from the client terminal 31 to operate the device 5, and transmits the operation result of the device 5 to the client terminal 31.

Description

  The present invention relates to a network system and a program for controlling devices via a network such as a LAN or the Internet.

  Conventionally, when a device is generally used from a computer, a device driver for a specific OS provided by a device manufacturer is installed in the computer to operate the device (peripheral devices such as a printer and a scanner). In addition, when a device is shared by many computers, a method is known in which device drivers corresponding to the device are collectively managed by a server (centralized driver storage) provided on the network and distributed to each computer (client). (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In this case, the server manages the device driver for each OS such as Windows 2000 (registered trademark) or Windows XP (registered trademark), and also manages the version (version number) of the device driver according to the OS of each client. By distributing device drivers, devices (shared devices) can be used from each client.

JP 2004-303252 A

  However, in the above, in order to use a device, it is necessary to install a device driver corresponding to the type of OS of each client. In addition, since the device driver operates depending on the OS, the processing load on the client increases. Furthermore, the device manufacturer also needs to develop a corresponding device driver for each type of OS of each client, resulting in a problem that the development cost increases.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a network system and a program capable of controlling a device without installing a device driver in a client.

  The network system of the present invention includes at least one application execution server that executes an application, at least one client terminal that requests the application execution server to execute the application, and at least one that operates in accordance with the operation of the client terminal. A network system in which at least the application execution server and the client terminal, and the client terminal and the device are respectively connected to the network, and the client terminal sends an application execution request accompanying the operation of the device to the application execution server. An execution request means for transmitting, an execution result receiving means for receiving first response data including an execution result of the application execution server for the application execution request, and for receiving the first response data The device includes an operation request unit that transmits a device operation request to the device, and an operation result receiving unit that receives second response data including the operation result of the device in response to the device operation request. Firmware is provided that interprets a device operation request, converts the device operation request into a command corresponding to the device, and operates the device, and the firmware transmits an operation result of the device to the client terminal.

  According to this configuration, when the client terminal transmits an application execution request involving device operation, the application execution server transmits an execution result for the application execution request as first response data to the client terminal. Then, the client terminal transmits an operation request to the device along with the first response data. The device interprets the operation request by firmware (including a function corresponding to a device driver) and operates itself, The operation result is returned to the client terminal. Thus, the device can be used based on an operation request from the client terminal without installing a device driver in the client terminal. In addition, since a device driver is not required for the client terminal, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the client terminal related to the use of the device. Further, for the device manufacturer, there is no need to create a device driver for each type of OS of each client terminal, and there is an effect that the development cost related to this can be reduced.

  In this case, the application execution server and device include an HTTP server, the client terminal includes a single function browser that does not have a plug-in function, and the execution request unit, the execution result receiving unit, and the operation request unit include the application execution server and the device. And a single function browser based on the hypertext transfer protocol.

  According to this configuration, the client terminal communicates with the application execution server and the device based on the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) using a single function browser, so that the environment of the client terminal (the OS of the client terminal OS) It is possible to access a device (for example, a peripheral device such as a printer or a scanner) without depending on the type. In addition, since the client terminal does not require a plug-in module depending on the type of OS or browser, for example, the plug-in module is not provided and the device cannot be used. The single-function browser here is a standard browser in which no plug-in module is installed.

  In these cases, the first response data further includes at least device specifying information for specifying the device, and the operation requesting means transmits the device operation request based on the information included in the first response data. Is preferred.

  In these cases, it is preferable that the operation requesting unit transmits a device operation request including at least device specifying information for specifying the device in the received first response data.

  According to these configurations, the device operation request is transmitted based on the first response data including the device specifying information received by the application execution server or the first response data including the device specifying information dynamically by the client terminal. . Thus, even when the application execution server and the device have different domains, the application execution server and the device can seamlessly cooperate with each other. In addition, a user who uses the client terminal can use the device without being aware of information about the device.

  In these cases, the device includes a device body and a device adapter having firmware. The device body is connected to the client terminal via the device adapter, and the device adapter is based on a device operation request from the client terminal. It is preferable to control the device body.

  According to this configuration, the device main body and the client terminal can be connected to the network via the device adapter, and the device operation request from the client terminal can be received by the device adapter to control the operation of the device main body. Thereby, even when the device body cannot be directly connected to the network, the device can be used from the client terminal via the network.

  In these cases, it is preferable that the application execution server and the client terminal are connected to the Internet.

  According to this configuration, by placing the application execution server on the Internet, the application execution server can be accessed and used regardless of the installation location of the client terminal.

  In these cases, it is preferable that the application execution server functions as a POS server and the client terminal functions as a POS terminal.

  According to this configuration, since it is not necessary to install an application or a device driver in each POS terminal, it is possible to reduce the cost of the POS terminal and reduce the time and cost required for maintenance and management.

  In these cases, the application execution server further includes an application proxy execution server that is connected to the application execution server and performs the same processing as the application execution server. The application execution server is connected to the client terminal and the device. When the application execution server is in an abnormal state, it is preferable that the process of the application execution server is executed as a proxy.

  According to this configuration, when the application execution server is in an abnormal state, the application proxy execution server can execute a processing request from the client terminal as a proxy. As a result, the application proxy server can be used as a backup server for the application execution server, and the client terminal can acquire the execution result of the application without being aware of the malfunction of the application execution server. The abnormal state is a state that is not a normal state, and refers to, for example, a case where there is no response from the application of the application execution server or a case where the application execution server fails.

  In this case, it is preferable to synchronize information related to the application between the application execution server and the application proxy execution server.

  According to this configuration, the application execution server and the application proxy execution server can be synchronized. For example, even when the application execution server is in an abnormal state, the client terminal executes when the execution request is made to the application execution server. The same execution result as the result can be acquired from the application proxy execution server.

  In these cases, the application proxy execution server and the application execution server are preferably connected to the Internet, and the application execution server, the client terminal, and the device are preferably connected to the LAN.

  According to this configuration, since the application execution server, the client terminal, and the device are LAN-connected, the response speed between the application execution server and the client terminal is increased compared to the case where the application execution server is installed on the Internet. be able to.

  In these cases, it is preferable that the device includes device setting means for performing a setting service for the device, and the client terminal uses the setting service provided by the device setting means to perform device setting.

  According to this configuration, since it is possible to set the device using the setting service from the client terminal, it is not necessary to provide an input device in the device, and the device can be set easily and at low cost. Note that the setting service here refers to an initial setting of a device (setting of an IP address, a device name, and the like) using a Web page UI, a Web service API, or the like.

  The program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as each means of an application execution server in the network system described above.

  By using this program, the device can be operated based on an operation request from the client terminal without installing a device driver in the client terminal.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the application proxy execution server in the network system described above.

  By using this program, the device can be operated based on the operation request from the client terminal without installing the device driver in the client terminal, and the system can be stably operated without stopping the execution of the application. be able to.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of a POS system. It is a system block diagram at the time of implement | achieving a device adapter with software. It is a flowchart explaining the procedure which operates a device from a host apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the authentication processing procedure between a POS server and a host device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when an error occurs in the printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart for describing a processing procedure when the printing apparatus is temporarily stopped. It is a system block diagram at the time of introducing a proxy POS server.

  Hereinafter, a network system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The network system according to the present embodiment is a system that can use a target device based on a device operation request from a client terminal without installing a device driver in the client terminal. Hereinafter, a case where the network system of the present invention is applied to a POS system used in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store will be described as an example. The device of the present invention is intended for non-standard devices other than keyboard devices and pointer devices.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a POS system 1 (network system) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of POS terminals 2 (two in FIG. 1) that receive merchandise information and calculates a settlement amount. The POS terminal 2 is connected to the POS terminal 2 via the Internet 4 and includes a POS server 3 (application execution server) that manages the POS terminal 2. By installing the POS server 3 on the Internet 4, it is possible to access the POS terminal 2 regardless of the installation location of the POS terminal 2, and to provide a large number of users with the same quality POS service.

  The POS server 3 is constructed as a so-called Web application server. As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 11 (Central Processing Unit), ROM 12 (Read Only Memory), RAM 13 (Random Access Memory), HDD 14 (Hard Disk Drive), input device 15, a display 16, an input / output interface (Input / Output) 17, and a communication interface 18, and processes data in the RAM 13 according to a control program stored in the ROM 12. The HDD 14 stores an HTTP server 21, a POS application 22 (Web application), and a product master 23 (database).

  Communication between the POS server 3 and the POS terminal 2 (browser 51) is performed by the HTTP server 21 based on the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). That is, the CPU 11 of the POS server 3 receives an application execution request from the POS terminal 2 (host device 31) as an HTTP request via the communication interface 18, and the execution result of the application execution request is in HTML format or XML format. Data (page) is transmitted (response) to the POS terminal 2. Further, when the CPU 11 receives an application execution request including a device operation from the POS terminal 2, as the response data, the execution result of the application execution request, the device 5 to be operated (for example, the printing device 34, scanner, etc.) Device identification information (peripheral device) identification information (IP address of the device 5), operation information specifying the operation of the device 5 (for example, information such as API for device operation), various parameters related to device operation, etc. as tags The inserted data (page) is transmitted to the POS terminal 2.

  The POS application 22 is for performing a payment process based on a request from the POS terminal 2. For example, when product input information is transmitted from the POS terminal 2, the CPU 11 executes the POS application 22 and extracts information on the product code, the product name, and the amount of money from the product master 23 based on the input information. Product data used for printing a receipt and displaying on the customer display 32 of the POS terminal 2 is generated. Further, the CPU 11 generates settlement information print data for printing on a receipt from the input information from the POS terminal 2 and the generated product data. These generated data are transmitted to the POS terminal 2 as an execution result of the POS application 22, and printing processing and display processing are performed. Each data generated here is data in HTML format or XML format.

  Further, the CPU 11 of the POS server 3 performs account management of a user (employee) who uses the POS terminal 2 and identifies the user. The CPU 11 receives the user ID and password transmitted from the POS terminal 2 and authenticates whether or not the user ID and password registered in the POS server 3 match. If the authentication is successful, access to the POS server 3 is permitted. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the user ID and password are input again, or an access rejection notification is transmitted.

  On the other hand, the POS terminal 2 includes a host device 31 (client terminal) that acquires product data from the POS server 3, a customer display 32 (device main body) that displays product names, sales amounts, and the like, and the customer display 32 as the host device 31. A device adapter 33 for connecting to a network and a printing device 34 for printing payment information on a receipt are connected via a LAN 35 (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the host device 31 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, an HDD 44, an input / output interface 45, a standard input device 46, and a communication interface 47. The HDD 44 stores a browser 51 (Web browser). Yes. The CPU 41 processes data in the RAM 43 according to a control program stored in the ROM 42. The standard input device 46 includes a keyboard 52 and a barcode scanner 53 (barcode reader), and the CPU 41 receives a product code, a product name, a price, and the like from the POS server 3 by inputting with the keyboard 52 and reading with the barcode scanner 53. Get product data about.

  The browser 51 is a single function browser (standard browser) having no plug-in module, and the CPU 41 is connected to the network (Internet connection or LAN connection) via the communication interface 47 using the browser 51. It communicates with the POS server 3 and the devices 5 such as the customer display 32 (device adapter 33) and the printing device 34. This communication is performed based on HTTP, http (s): // x. x. x. This is done by connecting to the POS server 3 and each device 5 by specifying a URI such as x /.

  The CPU 41 uses the browser 51 to transmit an application execution request to the POS server 3 based on input information from the standard input device 46 (execution request means). At this time, when the response data from the POS server 3 is displayed on the customer display 32 or accompanied by a device operation such as printing by the printing device 34, the application execution request is transmitted including information indicating that the device operation is accompanied. . Then, the CPU 41 receives information (device specifying information) such as information on the product code, product name, amount, etc. corresponding to the input information from the POS server 3 and the device 5 (customer display 32, printing device 34, etc.) to be operated. ), Receiving (acquiring) response data in HTML format or XML format in which operation information specifying the operation of the device 5 and various parameters relating to the device operation are inserted as tags (execution result receiving means). Thereafter, the CPU 41 transmits a device operation request to the target device 5 based on the received response data (operation request unit). The CPU 41 receives response data including an operation result for the device operation request from the device 5 (operation result receiving means), determines the operation result of the device 5 based on the response data, and performs predetermined processing. In other words, when the device 5 is operated, the host device 31 only needs to transmit a device operation request (HTTP request) to the device 5 using the browser 51. There is no need to control. As a result, the host device 31 does not require a device driver depending on the environment (such as the type of OS) of the host device 31. Further, since the browser 51 may be a single function browser 51 and does not require a plug-in module, it can access the device 5 without depending on the environment of the host device 31.

  Note that the response data of the device 5 includes not only information on the success / failure of the device operation but also data (image data, document data, etc.) generated by the device 5. In this case, the CPU 41 of the host device 31 can transmit (upload) the data to the POS server 3. In addition, since a tag including information about the device 5 (device 5 address) is inserted in the response data, the device 5 can be accessed without any problems even if the POS server 3 and the device 5 have different domains ( Cross-site access is possible), and the POS server 3 and the device 5 can cooperate seamlessly. Thereby, the user can access the device 5 without being aware of information related to the device 5. The tag may be inserted into the response data on the POS server 3 side, or a tag may be generated on the host device 31 side and dynamically inserted into the response data.

  The customer display 32 displays product information input (read) by the standard input device 46 and presents a list of purchased products, a price, etc. to the customer. The customer display 32 described in the present embodiment is assumed to be unable to connect to the network by itself, and is connected to the host device 31 via the device adapter 33 via the LAN 35. Thereby, even the device 5 that cannot be connected to the network can be used from the host device 31 via the network.

  The device adapter 33 includes a CPU 61, a storage unit 62, and a communication interface 63, and the storage unit 62 includes an HTTP server 65 and firmware 66. The CPU 61 receives a device operation request (HTTP request) based on HTTP from the host device 31 (browser 51) connected by the LAN 35 via the communication interface 63 by the HTTP server 65, and hosts the operation result for the request. Transmit to device 31. In this case, the CPU 61 interprets a device operation request in HTML format or XML format transmitted from the host device 31 by the firmware 66 and converts it into a command corresponding to the customer display 32, and displays a desired character or character on the customer display 32. Display an image. Then, the device adapter 33 transmits the display result of the customer display 32 (whether or not it has been displayed normally) to the host device 31.

  In the above description, the device adapter 33 is configured as hardware, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured as software. In this case, it is preferable to incorporate the software device adapter 36 in the host device 31 and display desired information on the customer display 32 (see FIG. 3).

  The printing device 34 is a receipt printer that prints payment information on a receipt, and includes a CPU 81, a storage unit 82, a printing unit 83, and a communication interface 84, and is connected to the host device 31 via the communication interface 84 via the LAN 35. . The storage unit 82 includes an HTTP server 85 and firmware 86 (see FIG. 2). Communication between the printing device 34 and the host device 31 (browser 51) is performed by the HTTP server 85 based on HTTP. The CPU 81 receives a device operation request (HTTP request) from the host device 31 and controls the operation of the printing device 34 based on the request. At this time, the CPU 81 interprets the device operation request by the firmware 86 and converts it into a command corresponding to the printing apparatus 34, and also prints data (for example, document data) to be printed by the printing apparatus 34 ( Print data), and based on these, the printing unit 83 is controlled to perform print processing. Then, the CPU 81 transmits the print processing result (success / failure, etc.) to the host device 31.

  Further, the printing apparatus 34 includes a setting service for performing its own initial settings and environment settings (property settings, etc.), and provides a device setting function to the host apparatus 31 and the like (device setting means). This setting service is preferably provided as, for example, a UI (User Interface) or a Web service API (Application Program Interface) using a Web page. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide an input device in the printing apparatus 34 (device 5), and the setting of the printing apparatus 34 (device 5) can be performed easily and at low cost.

  Next, a procedure for operating the device 5 from the host apparatus 31 in the POS system 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the printing device 34 is taken as an example of the target device 5, and a procedure for printing a receipt based on the input product information will be described. First, when the host device 31 connects to the POS server 3, the POS server 3 performs an authentication process for a user who uses the host device 31 (S01, details will be described later). After the user authentication is completed, the host device 31 inputs (reads) product information using the standard input device 46 (keyboard 52 or barcode scanner 53), and receives a receipt print request (application) based on the product information input to the POS server 3. (Execution request) is transmitted (S02, execution request means). The receipt print request is transmitted from the browser 51 of the host device 31 to the POS server 3 (HTTP server 21) as an HTTP request.

  The POS server 3 receives the receipt print request (S03), executes the POS application 22 based on the request, and generates first response data (page) in HTML format (or XML format) (S04). The first response data includes payment information print data for printing the target product information on a receipt, specific information (such as an IP address) of the printing device 34, and information related to activation of the printing device 34 (API name for activation) Etc.), a JavaScript (registered trademark) function for receiving a callback from the printing apparatus 34 is embedded. Then, the POS server 3 transmits the first response data (page) to the host device 31 (S05).

  The host device 31 (browser 51) that has received the first response data (S06, execution result receiving means) activates the printing device as an HTTP request to the printing device 34 (HTTP server 85) based on the first response data. A request (device activation request) is transmitted (S07, operation request means).

  When the printing apparatus 34 receives the printing apparatus activation request from the host apparatus 31 (S08), the printing apparatus 34 interprets the printing apparatus activation request via the firmware 86 and converts the payment information print data into data that can be output by the printing apparatus 34. Then, the printing unit 83 is operated to perform a printing process (S09). Thereafter, the printing apparatus 34 generates information about the execution result (success / failure, etc.) of the printing process and the state of the printing apparatus 34 as second response data (S10). The second response data is generated as a callback function of JavaScript (registered trademark) by JSONP (JSON with Padding). Then, the printing device 34 transmits the second response data to the host device 31 (S11).

  The host device 31 that has received the second response data (S12, operation result receiving means) determines the operation result of the printing device 34 based on the second response data (S13). Specifically, the host device 31 executes the JavaScript (registered trademark) of the second response data and calls the callback function to acquire and determine the operation result of the printing device 34. When the printing process is normally completed (S14: Yes), the host apparatus 31 notifies the POS server 3 that the printing process in the printing apparatus 34 is normally completed (S15), and the POS server 3 notifies the notification. Receive (S16). On the other hand, if the printing process has not ended normally (S14: No), the host apparatus 31 transmits a printing apparatus activation request to the printing apparatus 34 again, or performs an error process based on the state of the printing apparatus 34. Perform (S17).

  Next, a procedure for authenticating a user who uses the host device 31 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when a user ID and a password (hereinafter referred to as authentication information) are input by the user (S21), the host device 31 transmits the authentication information to the POS server 3 (S22). The POS server 3 that has received the authentication information refers to an authentication database (not shown) and authenticates whether the password for the user ID matches that registered (S23). When the authentication is successful (S24: Yes), the POS server 3 permits the user (host device 31) to use the POS application 22 (S25). On the other hand, when the authentication fails (S24: No), the POS server 3 notifies the host device 31 (user) to that effect (for example, redisplays the authentication information input screen), and the host device 31. The (user) inputs the user ID and password again (S26), and transmits the re-input user ID and password to the POS server 3 (S22). Note that when the password is erroneously input a predetermined number of times, it is preferable to perform processing such as disconnecting the connection to the POS server 3 or invalidating the user ID.

  Next, an operation procedure when a failure occurs in the printing apparatus 34 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the printing apparatus 34 detects an error (failure) (S31), the printing apparatus 34 stops its own printing operation (S32). Then, the printing apparatus 34 generates response data as a callback function of JavaScript (registered trademark) by JSONP (JSON with Padding) based on its own event information and status information (S33), and the response data is hosted. The data is transmitted to the device 31 (S34). When the host device 31 receives the response data from the printing device 34 (S35, operation result receiving means), the host device 31 calls the callback function to determine the state of the printing device 34 (S36), and according to the state (error content). Error handling is performed (S37). Since this error processing can be completed by a script that runs on the browser 51 of the host device 31, there is no need for the POS server 3 to intervene.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the operation procedure of the pause operation, the recovery operation, and the stop operation of the printing operation of the printing apparatus 34 will be described. Since these operation procedures are basically the same except that the contents of data to be transmitted / received are different, here, the temporary stop operation of the printing apparatus 34 will be described. First, the host device 31 uses the browser 51 to transmit a print operation suspension request (application execution request) as an HTTP request to the POS server 3 (HTTP server 21) (S41, execution request means).

  The POS server 3 receives the printing operation suspension request (S42), and executes the POS application 22 based on the printing operation suspension request to generate first response data (page) in HTML format (or XML format). Generate (S43). The first response data includes specific information (such as an IP address) of the printing device 34, information related to suspension of the printing device 34 (such as an API name for suspension), and JavaScript for receiving a callback from the printing device 34. (Registered trademark) function is embedded. Then, the POS server 3 transmits the first response data (page) to the host device 31 (S44).

  The host device 31 (browser 51) that has received the first response data (S45, execution result receiving means) temporarily prints as an HTTP request to the printing device 34 (HTTP server 85) based on the first response data. A stop request (device operation request) is transmitted (S46, operation request means). When the printing apparatus 34 receives the printing apparatus pause request from the host apparatus 31 (S47), the printing apparatus 34 interprets the printing apparatus suspension request via the firmware 86, and pauses its own operation (printing operation, etc.) (S48). ). Thereafter, the printing apparatus 34 generates information on the result of the suspension process (success / failure etc.) and the state (status) of the printing apparatus 34 as second response data (S49). The second response data is generated as a callback function of JavaScript (registered trademark) by JSONP (JSON with Padding). Then, the printing device 34 transmits the second response data to the host device 31 (S50).

  The host device 31 that has received the second response data (S51, operation result receiving means) determines the operation result of the printing device 34 based on the second response data (S52). Specifically, the host device 31 executes the JavaScript (registered trademark) of the second response data and calls the callback function to acquire and determine the operation result of the printing device 34. When the pause process is normally completed (S53: Yes), the host apparatus 31 completes the process related to the pause of the printing apparatus 34 (S54). On the other hand, if the pause process has not been completed normally (S53: No), the host device 31 transmits a printing device pause request again to the printing device 34, or an error based on the state of the printing device 34. Processing is performed (S55). When canceling the printing operation, the printing apparatus 34 performs processing for deleting a print job of the printing operation to be canceled in accordance with the above processing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the host apparatus 31 transmits an application execution request accompanied by a device operation, the POS server 3 transmits an execution result for the application execution request as response data to the host apparatus 31. Then, the host device 31 transmits an operation request to the device 5 based on the response data, and the device 5 interprets the operation request by the firmware 66 (86) and operates itself, and the operation result is sent to the host. It returns to the device 31. Thus, the device 5 can be used based on an operation request from the host device 31 without installing a device driver in the host device 31. In addition, since a device driver is not required for the host device 31, the processing load of the host device 31 related to the use of the device 5 can be reduced. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the device manufacturer to create a device driver for each OS type of each host device 31, and the development cost related to this can be reduced.

  Further, since it is not necessary to install the POS application 22 or device driver in each POS terminal 2 (host device 31), the POS terminal 2 (host device 31) can be reduced in cost and time required for maintenance and management. And cost can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a proxy POS server 91 (application proxy execution server) that performs proxy processing from the host device 31 when the POS server 3 is in an abnormal state is introduced into the POS system 1 described above. The server 3 and the POS terminal 2 may be installed on the same LAN 35 and the proxy POS server 91 may be installed on the Internet 4. In this case, between the POS server 3 and the proxy POS server 91, the processing status of the execution request from the host device 31, the information of the product master 23, the data such as the authentication information (user ID and password) are synchronized at predetermined intervals. Even when the POS server 3 becomes in an abnormal state and the processing shifts to the proxy POS server 91, the processing is surely taken over. As a result, the host device 31 can acquire the same execution result from the proxy POS server 91 when the execution request is made to the POS server 3. In addition, the proxy POS server 91 can be used as a backup server for the POS server 3, and the host device 31 can acquire an application execution request and an execution result without being aware of the malfunction of the POS server 3. Further, since the POS server 3 and the host device 31 are installed on the same LAN 35, the response speed between the POS server 3 and the host device 31 is increased as compared with the case where the POS server 3 is installed on the Internet 4. Therefore, the processing efficiency of the entire POS system 1 can be improved. The abnormal state is a state that is not a normal state. For example, there is no response from the POS application 22 of the POS server 3 or a failure of the POS server 3.

Further, in the present embodiment, the customer display 32 and the printing device 34 (receipt printing device) have been described as examples of the device 5. However, the device 5 is not limited to this and is intended for consumers such as a home printer, an image scanner, and various storages. It can be applied to devices, office devices, and business devices.
Further, the POS system 1 of the above-described embodiment is an example, and the application is not limited. For example, the present invention can be applied to a form input / output system using a laser printer and an image scanner in an office.

  It is also possible to provide the function of the POS system 1 shown in the above example as a program. It is also possible to provide the program stored in a storage medium (not shown). 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, regardless of the above-described embodiments, the apparatus configuration, processing steps, and the like of the POS system 1 can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... POS system 2 ... POS terminal 3 ... POS server 4 ... Internet 5 ... Device 21, 65, 85 ... HTTP server 31 ... Host apparatus 32 ... Customer display 33 ... Device adapter 34 ... Printing apparatus 35 ... LAN 51 ... Browser 66, 86 ... Firmware 91 ... Proxy POS server

The present invention relates to a client terminal that controls a device via a network such as a LAN or the Internet , a device, a client terminal control method, and a program.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a client terminal, a device, a client terminal control method, and a program capable of controlling a device without installing a device driver in the client. To do.

The client terminal of the present invention is any one of the one or more client terminals constituting the network system together with the one or more application execution servers that execute the application and the one or more devices. Execution request means for transmitting an application execution request accompanied by device operation to the server; execution result receiving means for receiving first response data including an execution result of the application execution server for the application execution request; An operation requesting means for transmitting a device operation request to the device along with reception; and an operation result receiving means for receiving second response data including the operation result of the device in response to the device operation request from the device. Features.
The client terminal includes a single-function browser that does not have a plug-in function. The execution request unit, the execution result receiving unit, and the operation request unit include a hyper function between the application execution server and device and the single-function browser. Communication is performed based on a text transfer protocol.
In the above client terminal, the first response data further includes at least device specifying information for specifying the device, and the operation requesting unit is configured to request a device operation request based on the information included in the first response data. Is transmitted.
In the above client terminal, the operation requesting means transmits a device operation request including at least device specifying information for specifying a device in the received first response data.
In the above client terminal, the application execution server is a POS server, and functions as a POS terminal that accesses the POS server.
The device of the present invention is any one of one or more devices constituting a network system together with one or more application execution servers that execute applications and one or more client terminals, and is received from the client terminal. And a firmware for transmitting the second response data including the operation result of the device to the client terminal while interpreting the device operation request and converting the command into a command corresponding to the device to operate the device. .
Further, in the above device, the device body includes a device body and a device adapter having firmware. The device body is connected to the client terminal via the device adapter, and the device adapter is based on a device operation request from the client terminal. The device main body is controlled.
The method for controlling a client terminal according to the present invention is a method for controlling any one of one or more client terminals that constitute a network system together with one or more application execution servers that execute applications and one or more devices. A step of transmitting an application execution request accompanied by a device operation to the application execution server, a step of receiving first response data including an execution result of the application execution server in response to the application execution request, and the first response data And receiving a second response data including an operation result of the device in response to the device operation request from the device, and transmitting the device operation request to the device.
The program of the present invention is for causing a computer to function as each means of the client terminal described above.
The following configuration may be used.
The network system of the present invention includes at least one application execution server that executes an application, at least one client terminal that requests the application execution server to execute the application, and at least one that operates in accordance with the operation of the client terminal. A network system in which at least the application execution server and the client terminal, and the client terminal and the device are respectively connected to the network, and the client terminal sends an application execution request accompanying the operation of the device to the application execution server. An execution request means for transmitting, an execution result receiving means for receiving first response data including an execution result of the application execution server for the application execution request, and for receiving the first response data The device includes an operation request unit that transmits a device operation request to the device, and an operation result receiving unit that receives second response data including the operation result of the device in response to the device operation request. Firmware is provided that interprets a device operation request, converts the device operation request into a command corresponding to the device, and operates the device, and the firmware transmits an operation result of the device to the client terminal.

Hereinafter, a client terminal, a device, a client terminal control method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention, without installing a device driver to a client terminal, based on the device operation request from the client terminal, in which it is possible to use the device of interest. Hereinafter, a case where the network system configured using the client terminal and the device of the present invention is applied to a POS system used in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store will be described as an example. The device of the present invention is intended for non-standard devices other than keyboard devices and pointer devices.

Claims (13)

One or more application execution servers that execute applications, one or more client terminals that request the application execution servers to execute the applications, and one or more devices that operate in response to operations of the client terminals A network system in which at least the application execution server and the client terminal, and the client terminal and the device are network-connected,
The client terminal is
Execution request means for transmitting an application execution request accompanying the operation of the device to the application execution server;
Execution result receiving means for receiving first response data including an execution result of the application execution server in response to the application execution request;
An operation requesting means for transmitting a device operation request to the device in response to the reception of the first response data;
An operation result receiving means for receiving second response data including an operation result of the device in response to the device operation request;
The device is
Interpreting the device operation request from the client terminal, and converting the command into a command corresponding to the device to operate the device;
The network system, wherein the firmware transmits an operation result of the device to the client terminal. The application execution server and the device include an HTTP server,
The client terminal includes a single function browser having no plug-in function,
The execution requesting unit, the execution result receiving unit, and the operation requesting unit communicate with each other based on a hypertext transfer protocol between the application execution server and the device and the single function browser. The network system according to claim 1. The first response data further includes at least device specifying information for specifying the device,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the operation request unit transmits the device operation request based on information included in the first response data.   The network system according to claim 1, wherein the operation request unit transmits the device operation request including at least device specifying information for specifying the device in the received first response data. The device includes a device body and a device adapter having the firmware,
The device body is connected to the client terminal via the device adapter,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the device adapter controls the device main body based on the device operation request from the client terminal.   The network system according to claim 1, wherein the application execution server and the client terminal are connected to the Internet. The application execution server functions as a POS server,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the client terminal functions as a POS terminal. An application proxy execution server that is connected to the application execution server and performs the same processing as the application execution server,
The application execution server is connected to the client terminal and the device,
The application proxy execution server is
The network system according to claim 1, wherein when the application execution server is in an abnormal state, the process of the application execution server is executed by proxy.   The network system according to claim 8, wherein information related to the application is synchronized between the application execution server and the application proxy execution server. The application proxy execution server and the application execution server are connected to the Internet,
The network system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the application execution server, the client terminal, and the device are LAN-connected. The device includes device setting means for performing a setting service of the device,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the client terminal uses the setting service provided by the device setting unit to set the device.   The program for functioning a computer as each means of the said application execution server in the network system of any one of Claim 1 thru | or 11.   The program for functioning a computer as each means of the said application proxy execution server in the network system of any one of Claims 8 thru | or 11.

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