Information processing apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is an information processing device capable of using a device of a store without problems even when the communication load of a cloud server is high, the information processing device being configured so as to be able to communicate with a cloud server that manages information including transaction information and a sales data processing device in the store, the information processing device being provided with: a storage unit that stores the transaction information; accumulating information of at least a shop to which the cloud server belongs in the information managed by the cloud server; a monitoring unit that monitors a communication load condition in the cloud server; and a switching unit that outputs an instruction to switch the communication destination of the sales data processing device to the storage unit when it is determined that the communication load in the cloud server is high on the basis of the output of the monitoring unit.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese patent application No. JP2023-177402, filed on October 13, 2023, and cites the contents of the above application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus. Background Art

[0003] In the past, a system in a store including a sales data processing device and a store server was equipped with a cloud server that manages the information of all chain stores in a unified manner. In recent years, a system in which the sales data processing device in the store directly refers to the information of the cloud server or directly stores the transaction information in the cloud server has been put into practical use.

[0004] However, since the cloud server sends and receives information with a plurality of devices, the communication volume increases and the communication load becomes high, for example, during a time period when a store is crowded. In this case, the cloud server and the store's devices may not communicate smoothly. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device that can use a store device without any problem even when the communication load of the cloud server is high.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the information processing device of the embodiment is configured to be able to communicate with a cloud server that manages information including transaction information and a sales data processing device in a store, and comprises: a storage unit that stores at least information of the store to which the information is affiliated among the information managed by the cloud server; a monitoring unit that monitors the communication load status in the cloud server; and a switching unit that outputs an instruction to switch the communication destination of the sales data processing device to the storage unit when it is determined that the communication load in the cloud server is high based on the output of the monitoring unit.

[0007] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, there is provided an information processing device that can use the sales data processing device of the store without any problem even when the communication load of the cloud server is high.

[0008] In the above-mentioned information processing device, when the determination unit determines that there is no problem with using the cloud server as the communication destination based on the output of the monitoring unit, the switching unit outputs an instruction to return the communication destination to the cloud server.

[0009] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, the communication destination can be returned to the cloud server.

[0010] The above-mentioned information processing device further includes a transaction information updating unit that transmits the information accumulated in the storage unit during a period when the communication destination is the storage unit to the cloud server when the communication destination is the cloud server.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, it is possible to transmit the information stored in the storage unit to the cloud server.

[0012] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the ratio of the sales data processing device that switches the communication destination to the storage unit is changed according to the communication load.

[0013] According to the above-mentioned information processing apparatus, the ratio of the sales data processing apparatuses to be switched can be changed according to the communication load.

[0014] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the cloud server stores the product master file that the sales data processing device refers to in the registration process of the product, and the storage unit stores information obtained from the product master file so that the sales data processing device can refer to it when the communication destination is the storage unit.

[0015] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, the sales data processing device can perform the registration process through the commodity master file stored in the cloud server and the storage unit.

[0016] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the monitoring unit periodically obtains from the cloud server a communication load rate when the maximum communication load that the cloud server can handle is set to 100% and the state of no communication is set to 0%, and monitors the communication load status.

[0017] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, the communication load rate of the cloud server can be reliably monitored.

[0018] In the above-mentioned information processing device, there is a first threshold and a second threshold that is larger than the first threshold. The judgment unit uses the communication load rate and the first threshold and the second threshold to judge whether it is necessary to change the communication destination. When the communication load rate exceeds the second threshold, it is judged that the communication load is high and the communication destination needs to be switched to the storage unit. When the communication load rate is lower than the first threshold, it is judged that the communication load is low and there is no problem in using the cloud server as the communication destination.

[0019] According to the above-described information processing device, whether or not it is necessary to change the communication destination can be determined based on the threshold value.

[0020] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the judgment unit judges that it is necessary to partially switch the communication destination of the sales data processing device when the communication load rate is between the first threshold and the second threshold, and the switching unit switches the communication destinations of half of the sales data processing devices in the store.

[0021] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, it is possible to switch the communication destination of a part of the sales data processing device according to the degree of the communication load rate of the cloud server.

[0022] In the above-mentioned information processing device, when the communication load rate exceeds the second threshold, the judgment unit confirms the operating rate of the sales data processing device of the store. When the operating rate of the sales data processing device of the store does not exceed the specified threshold, it is judged that there is no problem with the communication destination being the cloud server. When the operating rate of the sales data processing device of the store exceeds the specified threshold, it is judged that the communication destination needs to be switched.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, when the own store cannot contribute to reducing the communication load rate of the cloud server, it is possible to prevent the communication destination from being switched.

[0024] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the information processing device includes a sales data processing device that only performs product registration processing and a sales data processing device that only performs settlement processing. When the communication load rate exceeds the second threshold, the judgment unit confirms the operation rate of the sales data processing device that only performs product registration processing of this store, and when the operation rate of the sales data processing device that only performs product registration processing of this store exceeds the specified threshold, it is judged that it is necessary to switch all communication destinations of the sales data processing device that only performs product registration processing and the sales data processing device that only performs settlement processing.

[0025] According to the above information processing device, when the operation rate of the sales data processing device that is most effective in reducing the communication load rate of the cloud server is determined and the communication destination is switched, the communication destination of all the sales data processing devices can be switched. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cloud server.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server.

[0029] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a POS.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example of various functional units included in the control unit and their corresponding relationships.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the control unit of the server.

[0032] Description of Reference Numerals

[0033] 1… cloud server; 10… control unit, 101… transaction information update unit, 105… master file distribution unit, 11… CPU, 12… ROM, 13… RAM, 14… communication unit; 19… storage unit, 191… program, 192… product master file, 193… transaction information; 2… router; 3… server (an example of an information processing device); 30… control unit; 301… transaction information update unit; 302… monitoring unit, 303… judgment unit, 304… switching unit, 305… master file update unit; 31… CPU, 32… ROM, 33… RAM, 34… communication unit, 39… storage unit; 391… program, 392… product Master file, 393…transaction information, 394…setting information, 5…POS (an example of a sales data processing device); 50…control unit, 501…product registration unit, 502…settlement processing unit, 504…switching unit, 51…CPU, 52…ROM, 53…RAM, 54…communication unit, 55…display unit, 56…operation unit, 57…scanner, 58…sound output unit, 60…deposit and withdrawal unit, 59…storage unit, 591…program, 592…product master file, 593…product registration information, 594…setting information; 6…tablet POS (an example of a sales data processing device); 7…checkout machine (an example of a sales data processing device). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] (First embodiment)

[0035] The embodiments are described using the drawings. Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the system of the embodiment. The system includes a cloud server 1, a server 3, and various terminals (POS5, tablet POS6, and checkout machine 7). The cloud server 1, the server 3, and the various terminals are connected via a router 2. The router 2, the server 3, the POS5, the tablet POS6, and the checkout machine 7 are set in the store.

[0036] POS5 is a sales data processing device mainly operated by store clerks, and performs commodity registration and settlement processing through the clerks' operations. Tablet POS6 is a sales data processing device mainly operated by customers, and performs commodity registration processing through the customers' operations. Checkout machine 7 is a sales data processing device mainly operated by customers, and performs settlement processing for commodities registered by tablet POS6 or POS5 through the customers' operations.

[0037] It should be noted that Figure 1 The example in which a plurality of POS 5, tablet POS 6, and cash register 7 are provided in the store is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of POS 5, tablet POS 6, and cash register 7 may be provided in the store.

[0038] In addition, the cloud server 1 and the server 3 may not be a single device, respectively. In other words, the cloud server 1 or the server 3 may be composed of a plurality of devices.

[0039] In addition, the POS 5 may be a sales data processing device that performs only the registration process of the goods (meaning that the registration process is performed but the settlement process is not performed) by the operation of the store clerk. The tablet POS 6 may be a sales data processing device that performs only the registration process of the goods by the operation of the customer. The checkout machine 7 may be a sales data processing device that performs only the settlement process of the goods registered in the tablet POS 6 or POS 5 (meaning that the registration process is not performed but the settlement process is performed) by the operation of the customer.

[0040] The cloud server 1 collectively manages (accumulates) information (including transaction information) on the entire chain group to which the store belongs.

[0041] The router 2 connects the devices in the store (server 3, POS 5, tablet POS 6, and cash register 7) and the cloud server 1 so that they can communicate with each other. The communication between the devices in the store and the cloud server 1 is performed by a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection using a public network such as the Internet.

[0042] The devices in the store (server 3, POS 5, tablet POS 6, and checkout machine 7) are connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) installed in the store, and can send and receive (communicate) information to each other.

[0043] The server 3 is an example of an information processing device configured to be able to communicate with the cloud server 1 and a sales data processing device in a store.

[0044] Server 3 is set up in the background of the store, stores the information received (obtained) from cloud server 1, provides it to various terminals in the store (POS5, tablet POS6 and checkout machine 7), and sends the information generated in the store to cloud server 1.

[0045] The POS 5 , the tablet POS 6 , and the register 7 are each an example of a sales data processing device. The POS 5 , the tablet POS 6 , and the register 7 perform sales data processing using information received from the server 3 , and transmit transaction information generated during the sales data processing to the server 3 .

[0046] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cloud server 1. The cloud server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a communication unit 14, a storage unit 19, and the like.

[0047] The CPU 11 is an example of a processor, and comprehensively controls each part of the cloud server 1. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 is a workspace for developing programs and various data. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 are connected via a bus or the like, and constitute a control unit 10 of a computer structure.

[0048] The communication unit 14 is a communication interface that connects the control unit 10 and devices in the store (for example, the server 3 or the POS 5 ) to be communicable via a network.

[0049] The storage unit 19 has a storage medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, and maintains the stored content even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 19 stores various setting information such as a program 191 executable by the CPU 11 and a product master file 192. In addition, the storage unit 19 stores transaction information 193 received from each store.

[0050] The product master file 192 is an example of product information, and is information on products sold by a store (product information), and is compiled in a table format, for example. The items of the product master file 192 are as follows.

[0051] Product code

[0052] Product Name

[0053] ·Classification

[0054] ·unit price

[0055] The product code is an example of information (identification information) that can identify the product, and is, for example, a JAN code. Other information (product name, category, unit price, etc.) is stored in association with the product code.

[0056] The item "Product Name" records the name of the product. The item "Classification" records the classification (department, category) of the product, and the values ​​are, for example, "Fruits and Vegetables", "Daily Delivery", "Processed Food", "Groceries", etc. The item "Unit Price" records the price of a corresponding product.

[0057] The transaction information 193 is information on products purchased by customers, for example, summarized in a table format. The items of the transaction information 193 are as follows, for example.

[0058] Transaction ID

[0059] Date and time

[0060] Store ID

[0061] Terminal ID

[0062] ·Shopkeeper ID

[0063] Product information

[0064] ·total

[0065] The transaction ID is an example of information (identification information) for identifying a transaction. The date and time are the date and time of the transaction recorded. The store ID, terminal ID, and employee ID are identification information of the store, terminal (POS 5, etc.), and employee who performed the transaction recorded.

[0066] Here, the combination of transaction ID, date and time, and store ID is counted as one, but a plurality of product information may be associated. The product information includes the following items, for example.

[0067] Product code

[0068] ·quantity

[0069] ·price

[0070] Total is the total amount (total amount) of all the items purchased in the transaction of this record. The item code is as described above. Quantity is the quantity (number, weight, volume, etc.) of the items represented by the item code purchased in the transaction of this record. Price is the value of unit price multiplied by quantity.

[0071] It should be noted that the program 191 , the product master file 192 , and the transaction information 193 do not need to be stored in the same storage unit 19 .

[0072] Figure 32 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 3. The server 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a communication unit 34, a storage unit 39, and the like.

[0073] The CPU 31 is an example of a processor, and performs overall control of each part of the server 3. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 is a workspace for developing programs and various data. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are connected via a bus or the like, and constitute a control unit 30 of a computer structure.

[0074] The communication unit 34 is a communication interface that connects the control unit 30 and an external device (for example, the cloud server 1 or the POS 5 ) to be communicable via a network.

[0075] The storage unit 39 has a storage medium such as HDD, SSD or flash memory, and stores the stored contents even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 39 stores a program 391 executable by the CPU 31, a product master file 392, transaction information 393, setting information 394 and the like.

[0076] When the communication destination of the sales data processing device in the store is the storage unit 39, the storage unit 39 stores the information (the product master file 392) acquired from the product master file 192 so that it can be referred to from the sales data processing device.

[0077] The items included in the product master file 392 are the same as Figure 3 The product master file 392 obtains the product information of the store (i.e., the records associated with the store ID of the store) from the product master file 192 stored in the cloud server 1. The server 3 receives the product information of the store from the cloud server 1 at a specified time (e.g., during the time period from closing time to opening time), and updates the product master file 392.

[0078] The items included in the transaction information 393 are the same as those in the transaction information 193. The server 3 receives new transaction information 193 generated in the store from the cloud server 1 at a predetermined timing (for example, at each predetermined time or a time period when the communication condition is stable). That is, the storage unit 39 accumulates (stores) at least the information of the store to which the storage unit 39 belongs, among the transaction information 393 managed (accumulated) by the cloud server 1.

[0079] In addition, when the server 3 stores the product registration information 593 from the POS 5, tablet POS 6, or checkout machine 7 in the store, it transmits the recorded information to the cloud server 1 at a predetermined timing (same as above).

[0080] The setting information 394 includes the following, for example.

[0081] Store information

[0082] Terminal information

[0083] ·Clerk information

[0084] Coupon information

[0085] Store information includes, for example, a store ID and a store name associated with the store ID. The store name is the name of the store. Terminal information includes, for example, a terminal ID and a terminal form associated with the terminal ID. The terminal form is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, a smartphone, etc. Employee information includes, for example, an employee ID and the name of the employee associated with the employee ID. Coupon information includes, for example, a coupon ID and the discount content associated with the store ID.

[0086] Figure 4 POS 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of POS 5. POS 5 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a communication unit 54, a display unit 55, an operation unit 56, a scanner 57, a sound output unit 58, a deposit and withdrawal unit 60, a storage unit 59, and the like.

[0087] The CPU 51 is an example of a processor, and generally controls each part of the POS 5. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 is a workspace for developing programs and various data. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 are connected via a bus or the like, and constitute a control unit 50 of a computer structure.

[0088] The communication unit 54 is a communication interface that connects the control unit 50 and an external device (eg, the cloud server 1 or the server 3) to be communicable via a network. The communication unit 54 also mediates input and output of information with peripheral devices connected via a USB.

[0089] The display unit 55 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various information under the control of the CPU 51 .

[0090] The operation unit 56 includes an input device such as a touch panel, a keyboard, and a pointing device that are superimposed on the surface of the display unit 55 , and outputs the operation content inputted via the input device to the CPU 51 .

[0091] The scanner 57 reads a code symbol (such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code) displayed on the appearance of the commodity and outputs a decoded value. That is, if the code symbol is a symbol that encodes the commodity code, the scanner 57 outputs the commodity code.

[0092] The sound output unit 58 includes a speaker or a buzzer, and outputs sound under the control of the CPU 51 .

[0093] The deposit and withdrawal unit 60 is, for example, a change machine (or cash box), which stores cash (coins or banknotes), receives deposits and withdraws change during settlement.

[0094] The storage unit 59 has a storage medium such as an HDD, an SSD, or a flash memory, and stores the stored contents even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 59 stores a program 591 executable by the CPU 51 , product registration information 593 , and setting information 594 .

[0095] The program 591 is application software for making the POS 5 function. It should be noted that "POS" is an abbreviation of "Point Of Sale" and means "point of sale information management." The POS 5 is a terminal for performing point of sale information management.

[0096] The commodity registration information 593 is information that summarizes the information of the commodities registered as purchased by the customer (i.e., the commodities subject to the transaction) in the form of a table, for example. The items of the commodity registration information 593 are substantially the same as those of the transaction information 193 and 393. The POS 5 sends new transaction information to the cloud server 1 (or server 3) each time a transaction is completed.

[0097] It should be noted that the commodity registration information 593 may be stored in the RAM 53 instead of the storage unit 59. The storage unit 59 or the RAM 53 stores the commodity registration information 593 as information of registered commodities (registered commodities) during the period from the start to the completion of at least one transaction.

[0098] The setting information 594 is, for example, the terminal information (terminal ID and terminal form) of the device.

[0099] The tablet POS 6 has substantially the same configuration as the above-mentioned POS 5 except for the deposit and withdrawal unit 60. The scanner 57 may be a functional unit that decodes code symbols contained in a captured image output by a camera included in a tablet terminal that implements the tablet POS 6.

[0100] The register 7 has substantially the same configuration as the above-mentioned POS 5. It should be noted that the register 7 does not necessarily have to include the scanner 57.

[0101] POS5, tablet POS6, and checkout machine 7 (where product registration can also be performed by checkout machine 7) basically register products with reference to the product master file 192 stored in the cloud server 1. In addition, POS5, tablet POS6, and checkout machine 7 basically send product registration information 593 to the cloud server 1. Checkout machine 7 includes the information of the completed settlement in the product registration information 593 (if POS5 has a checkout function, POS5 also includes the information of the completed settlement in the product registration information 593, just like checkout machine 7). As a result, the communication load rate of cloud server 1 becomes high during the time period when customers visiting the store are crowded.

[0102] Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the communication load rate of the cloud server 1 has become too high, the POS 5, the tablet POS 6, and the checkout machine 7 switch the communication destination from the cloud server 1 to the server 3 in the store, register the goods with reference to the product master file 392 maintained by the server 3, and send the product registration information 593 to the server 3. The server 3 outputs a notification indicating the switching of the communication destination to various terminals (POS 5, tablet POS 6, and checkout machine 7).

[0103] Figure 5 191, 391, 591 respectively provide Figure 5 Various functional parts shown.

[0104] The control section 10 of the cloud server 1 functions as a transaction information updating section 101 and a master file distributing section 105 .

[0105] The control unit 30 of the server 3 in the store functions as a transaction information updating unit 301 , a monitoring unit 302 , a determining unit 303 , a switching unit 304 , and a master file updating unit 305 .

[0106] The control unit 50 of the POS 5 , the tablet POS 6 , and the cash register 7 functions as a product registration unit 501 , a payment processing unit 502 , and a switching unit 504 .

[0107] The master file distribution unit 105 distributes the information of the product master file 192 to the server 3 of each store (the distribution time of each store is pre-set in the storage unit 19 of the cloud server 1) during the time period from closing to opening, when each store is idle. The product information recorded and associated with the store ID of the store to which the server 3 belongs is distributed to each server 3.

[0108] When receiving (accepting) the distribution of information (product information) of the product master file 192 from the cloud server 1 , the master file update unit 305 updates its own product master file 392 based on the information.

[0109] The product registration unit 501 refers to the place set as the information acquisition source (communication destination), obtains product information, and registers the product, that is, edits the product registration information 593. Since the information acquisition source is basically the cloud server 1, the product registration unit 501 refers to the product master file 192.

[0110] The information acquisition source is basically the cloud server 1 that collects and manages (accumulates) information of all chain stores. When the communication load of the cloud server 1 is tight, the server 3 takes over. In preparation for taking over, the server 3 obtains the information related to the store in the information accumulated by the cloud server 1 in advance and stores (accumulates, manages).

[0111] When the settlement of the registered commodity is completed, the settlement processing unit 502 sends the commodity registration information 593 (including the information that has been settled) to the place set as the information storage unit (communication destination). Since the information storage unit is basically the cloud server 1, the settlement processing unit 502 sends the commodity registration information 593 to the cloud server 1. In addition, when the communication destination is switched to the server 3, the settlement processing unit 502 sends the commodity registration information 593 to the server 3.

[0112] The transaction information updating unit 101 stores the product registration information 593 received from the sales data processing device of each store in the storage unit 19 as transaction information 193 .

[0113] When the communication destination is the cloud server 1 , the transaction information updating unit 301 transmits the information stored in the storage unit 39 while the communication destination is the storage unit 39 to the cloud server 1 .

[0114] That is, when the transaction information updating unit 301 receives the product registration information 593 from the sales data processing device of the own store, it keeps (stores) it in the storage unit 39 as the transaction information 393. In addition, when the load of the cloud server 1 is recovered from the emergency state, the transaction information updating unit 301 sends the product registration information 593 of the own store (including the information that has been settled) kept as the transaction information 393 to the cloud server 1.

[0115] The monitoring unit 302 monitors the communication load status of the cloud server 1 .

[0116] The communication load status is represented by, for example, a communication load rate. The communication load rate is a value representing the current status when the maximum communication load that the cloud server 1 can handle is set to 100% and the state of no communication is set to 0%. The cloud server 1 updates the current value of its own communication load rate at any time. In addition, the cloud server 1 provides the communication load status (such as the communication load rate) so that other devices that can communicate can refer to it appropriately.

[0117] The monitoring unit 302 periodically (for example, once every several tens of seconds) obtains the communication load rate which is updated and provided by the cloud server 1 from time to time.

[0118] It should be noted that when the cloud server 1 communicates with terminals of multiple stores, even if the communication volume with the cloud server 1 in a store is small, other stores may have a large amount of communication with the cloud server 1. In other words, the communication load rate of the cloud server 1 may not have a direct proportional relationship with the communication volume of the devices in the store. Therefore, the communication load status of the cloud server 1 cannot be reliably determined when the store is crowded or idle.

[0119] The judgment unit 303 described later may also confirm the operating rate of the sales data processing device of the store (the proportion of the sales data processing devices in operation among the number of sales data processing devices in the store as a whole) when the communication load rate exceeds the second threshold value (for example, 70%). When the operating rate of the sales data processing device of the store does not exceed the specified threshold value (for example, 70% which is the same as the second threshold value), it may be determined that there is no problem in keeping the cloud server 1 as the communication destination. That is, the switch to the server 3 is not performed. Even if the communication destination of the sales data processing device of the store is switched to the server 3, it cannot be determined that it contributes to reducing the communication load rate of the cloud server 1. By not switching the communication destination of the sales data processing device of the store, the processing load of the server 3 generated during the switch (data exchange with the sales data processing device, transmission of commodity transaction information after the communication load rate of the cloud server 1 is restored, etc.) is prevented from increasing. When the operating rate of the sales data processing device of the store exceeds the specified threshold value, it may be determined that the communication destination is switched to the server 3.

[0120] It should be noted that POS5 and tablet POS6 are sales data processing devices that only perform registration processing of goods. In the case where the cash register 7 is a sales data processing device that only performs settlement processing, it is also possible to confirm that the operating rate of POS5 and tablet POS6 (the ratio of the number of operating units to the total number of POS5 and tablet POS6 in this store) is a specified threshold (for example, 70% which is the same as the second threshold). This is because the communication volume for registration processing is greater than that for settlement processing. Even if it is assumed that the operating rate of the cash register 7 exceeds the specified threshold, if the operating rate of the sales data processing device that performs registration processing does not exceed the specified threshold, it is determined that there is no problem in keeping the cloud server 1 as the communication destination. In the case where the operating rate of the sales data processing device that performs registration processing exceeds the specified threshold, it can also be determined that the communication destination of all sales data processing devices including the cash register 7 is switched to the server 3. The following describes an embodiment in which the operating rate of the sales data processing device is not confirmed.

[0121] The determination unit 303 determines whether it is necessary to change the communication destinations of various terminals in the store based on the communication load status of the cloud server 1 output by the monitoring unit 302. This determination is performed using, for example, the communication load rate of the cloud server 1 obtained by the monitoring unit and a threshold value.

[0122] When the communication load rate is lower than the first threshold value (for example, 30%), the determination unit 303 determines that the load on the cloud server 1 is low and the cloud server 1 can be used as a communication destination without hesitation.

[0123] When the communication load rate exceeds the second threshold (e.g., 70%), the judgment unit 303 judges that the load of cloud server 1 is high, so it is necessary to switch the communication destination. In other words, it is judged that cloud server 1 is not used as a communication destination. The communication destination instead of cloud server 1 is storage unit 39 of server 3.

[0124] Furthermore, when the communication load rate is between the first threshold and the second threshold, the judgment unit 303 judges to switch the communication destinations of, for example, about half of the sales data processing devices in the store. That is, the judgment unit 303 judges that it is necessary to switch the communication destinations of a part of the sales data processing devices because the communication load rate is between the first threshold and the second threshold. The switching unit 304 switches the communication destinations of half of the sales data processing devices in the store.

[0125] It should be noted that the determination unit 303 also performs the opposite determination. That is, when the load of the cloud server 1 decreases from a high state, the determination is performed to return the communication destination from the server 3 to the cloud server 1. In this case, the communication load rate and the first and second thresholds are also used.

[0126] The switching unit 304 receives the determination of the determination unit 303 and notifies the terminal to which the communication destination is to be switched among the various terminals in the store (POS 5, tablet POS 6, and checkout machine 7) of an instruction to switch the communication destination.

[0127] For example, when the determination unit 303 determines that the communication load in the cloud server 1 is high based on the output of the monitoring unit 302 , the switching unit 304 outputs an instruction to switch the communication destination of the sales data processing device to the storage unit 39 .

[0128] For example, when the determination unit 303 determines that there is no problem with using the cloud server 1 as the communication destination based on the output of the monitoring unit 302 , the switching unit 304 outputs an instruction to return the communication destination to the cloud server 1 .

[0129] In addition, the terminal receiving the notification from the switching unit 304 switches the communication destination according to the notified instruction. That is, if the instruction from the switching unit 304 is an instruction to switch from the cloud server 1, the terminal receiving the instruction switches the communication destination to the server 3. On the contrary, if the instruction from the switching unit 304 is an instruction to switch from the server 3, the terminal receiving the instruction switches the communication destination to the cloud server 1.

[0130] In addition, the ratio of the sales data processing devices that switch the communication destination to the storage unit 39 is changed according to the communication load of the cloud server 1. For example, when the communication load is high, the communication destination of more sales data processing devices in the store is the storage unit 39. On the contrary, as the communication load becomes lower, the communication destination of more sales data processing devices in the store returns to the cloud server 1.

[0131] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the control unit 30 of the server 3 .

[0132] The control unit 30 first monitors the communication load rate of the cloud server 1 as the monitoring unit 302 (step S1). Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the communication load rate is less than 30% as the determination unit 303 (step S2).

[0133] If the communication load rate is 30% or more ("No" in step S2), the control unit 30 as the determination unit 30 further determines whether the communication load rate is 30% or more and less than 70% (step S3).

[0134] If the communication load rate is 70% or more (No in step S3), the control unit 30 causes all the terminals in the store to communicate with the server 3 (step S4). At this time, the control unit 30 as the switching unit 304 switches the communication destination of the terminal in the store, which is set to the cloud server 1, to the server 3.

[0135] In step S2, when the communication load rate is less than 30% ("Yes" in step S2), the control unit 30 causes all the terminals of the store to communicate with the cloud server 1 (step S5). At this time, as the switching unit 304, the control unit 30 switches the communication destination of the terminal of the store that sets the communication destination to the server 3 to the cloud server 1.

[0136] In step S3, when the communication load rate is 30% or more and less than 70% (Yes in step S3), the control unit 30 enables 50% of the terminals in the store to communicate with the cloud server 1 and enables 50% of the terminals in the store to communicate with the server 3 (step S6). At this time, the control unit 30 as the switching unit 304 appropriately switches the communication destination of the store terminal.

[0137] As described above, according to this embodiment, since the server 3 performs processing to instruct appropriate switching of the communication destination of the sales data processing device in the store, various terminals in the store can be used without problems even when the communication load of the cloud server 1 is high.

[0138] It should be noted that the above embodiments may be appropriately modified by changing part of the configuration or function of each of the above devices.

[0139] The programs executed in the devices of the above-mentioned embodiments or modified examples are pre-assembled in a ROM and provided. For example, the programs executed in the devices of the above-mentioned embodiments or modified examples may be configured as files in an installable or executable form and recorded in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and provided.

[0140] Furthermore, the program executed by each device of the above-described embodiment or modified example may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network, or may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0141] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope or subject matter of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An information processing device configured to communicate with a cloud server that manages information including transaction information and a sales data processing device in a store, characterized in that: have: a storage unit for storing at least information of a store to which the cloud server belongs, among the information managed by the cloud server; A monitoring unit, monitoring the communication load status in the cloud server; as well as The switching unit outputs an instruction to switch the communication destination of the sales data processing device to the storage unit when the judging unit judges that the communication load in the cloud server is high based on the output of the monitoring unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: When the determination unit determines that there is no problem with using the cloud server as the communication destination based on the output of the monitoring unit, the switching unit outputs an instruction to return the communication destination to the cloud server.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Also available: The transaction information updating unit transmits the information accumulated in the storage unit during a period when the communication destination is the storage unit to the cloud server when the communication destination is the cloud server.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The ratio of the sales data processing device that switches the communication destination to the storage unit is changed according to the communication load.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The cloud server stores a commodity master file that the sales data processing device refers to in commodity registration processing, The storage unit stores information acquired from the commodity master file so that the sales data processing device can refer to the information when the communication destination is the storage unit.

6. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The monitoring unit periodically acquires from the cloud server a communication load rate when a maximum communication load that the cloud server can handle is set to 100% and a state of no communication is set to 0%, and monitors the communication load status.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein: having a first threshold and a second threshold greater than the first threshold, The judgment unit uses the communication load rate and the first and second thresholds to judge whether it is necessary to change the communication destination. When the communication load rate exceeds the second threshold, it is judged that the communication load is high and the communication destination needs to be switched to the storage unit. When the communication load rate is lower than the first threshold, it is judged that the communication load is low and there is no problem in using the cloud server as the communication destination.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein: The determination unit determines that it is necessary to partially switch the communication destination of the sales data processing device when the communication load rate is between the first threshold and the second threshold, The switching unit switches communication destinations of half of the sales data processing devices in the store.

9. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein: When the communication load rate exceeds the second threshold, the judgment unit confirms the operating rate of the sales data processing device of the store. When the operating rate of the sales data processing device of the store does not exceed the specified threshold, it is judged that there is no problem with the communication destination being the cloud server. When the operating rate of the sales data processing device of the store exceeds the specified threshold, it is judged that the communication destination needs to be switched.

10. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein: The information processing device includes a sales data processing device that performs only a registration process for commodities and a sales data processing device that performs only a settlement process. The judgment unit confirms the operating rate of the sales data processing device that only performs the registration process of the goods in this store when the communication load rate exceeds the second threshold value, and judges that it is necessary to switch all communication destinations of the sales data processing device that only performs the registration process of the goods and the sales data processing device that only performs the settlement process when the operating rate of the sales data processing device that only performs the registration process of the goods in this store exceeds the prescribed threshold value.

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