Information processing apparatus and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus capable of reducing occurrence of delay in communications between the information processing apparatus and a plurality of devices, and an information processing system.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus communicates with a plurality of devices provided in a shop and performs information processing relating to the shop on the basis of information transmitted from the devices. The information processing apparatus includes determination means and communication control means. The determination means determines priorities relating to communications for each device based on any one of or both a priority that is set for each device and a use state for each device in an operation time of the shop. The communication control means controls the communications with the plurality of devices on the basis of the priorities.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a cloud server (headquarters server) that manages the chain stores is installed at the headquarters, and information processing devices (hereinafter also referred to as edge servers) such as store servers installed in each store are connected to the cloud server. The edge server is connected to multiple devices (hereinafter also referred to as edge devices) such as network cameras and digital signage, as well as POS (Point of Sale) terminals that handle the main operations in the store, and controls and manages these multiple edge devices.

[0003] The edge server is connected to the POS terminal and multiple edge devices via a network installed in the store. Therefore, for example, if the amount of communication between the edge server and the edge devices increases, communication delays may occur, which may result in delays or errors in the communication between the edge server and the POS terminal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device and an information processing system that can reduce the occurrence of delays in communication between the information processing device and a plurality of devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device according to an embodiment communicates with a plurality of devices installed in a store and performs information processing related to the store based on information transmitted from the devices, and includes a determination unit and a communication control unit. The determination unit determines a priority for communication for each device based on either or both of a priority set for each device and a usage status of each device during store operating hours. The communication control unit controls communication with the plurality of devices based on the priority. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the cloud server according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the edge server according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the edge server according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of priority information according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a table showing an example of usage information according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of priority order information according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process of the edge server according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing device and an information processing system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment described below, an edge server will be described as an example of an information processing device. Note that the embodiment is an embodiment of an information processing device and an information processing system, and the configuration, functions, etc. thereof do not limit the invention.

[0008] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 10 is a system including a cloud server 1, an edge server 2, and an edge device 3.

[0009] The cloud server 1 is, for example, a server installed at the headquarters of a company. The cloud server 1 is composed of one or more computers. The cloud server 1 transmits a product master 142 (see FIG. 2) to the edge server 2 of each store. The product master 142 is information that associates code information, such as a product code uniquely assigned to each product, with product information, such as the product name, price, and product classification. The cloud server 1 also receives and manages customer information 143 (see FIG. 2) from the edge server 2 of each store. The customer information 143 is various information related to the customer name, customer ID (Identification) for identifying the customer, etc.

[0010] Furthermore, the cloud server 1 receives and manages product sales information 144 (see FIG. 2) from the edge server 2 of each store. The product sales information 144 is information generated by the POS terminal when it performs product registration and payment processing, and indicates information related to the product registration and payment processing. In other words, the cloud server 1 is a server that can receive product sales information indicating information related to the product registration and payment processing from the edge server 2 via the communication line 4.

[0011] The cloud server 1 can sell products at the same price in each store by transmitting the product master 142 to the edge server 2 of each store. The cloud server 1 can also analyze the customers who purchase products at each store and the sales trends of the products by managing customer information 143 and product sales information 144. Furthermore, the cloud server 1 is connected to the edge server 2 of each store via a communication line 4, which may be, for example, a dedicated line or an internet line.

[0012] The edge server 2 is a server device such as a store server installed in a store. The edge server 2 controls and manages multiple edge devices 3 installed in its own store by communicating with the edge devices 3. For example, the edge server 2 performs information processing related to the store based on information transmitted from the edge devices 3. For example, the edge server 2 collects product sales information (see FIG. 3 ) including product information of products for which payment has been processed at each POS terminal, and manages sales for the store. The edge server 2 is also connected to the cloud server 1 via a communication line 4, such as a dedicated line or an Internet line. The edge server 2 is also connected to the multiple edge devices 3 in the store via a communication line 5, such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0013] The multiple edge devices 3 are devices installed in a store and are communicatively connected to the edge server 2 via a communication line 5. The multiple edge devices 3 are an example of multiple devices. The multiple edge devices 3 include, for example, a first POS terminal 311, a second POS terminal 312, a third POS terminal 313, a network camera 314, and a digital signage 315. Hereinafter, of the edge devices 3, the first POS terminal 311, the second POS terminal 312, and the third POS terminal 313 will be collectively referred to simply as POS terminals.

[0014] The POS terminal executes product registration processing and payment processing for products sold in the store. The product registration processing includes processing to read a symbol attached to the product, retrieve and display product information such as the product name and price of the product based on the product code that identifies the product associated with the symbol, and store the information in memory 34 (see FIG. 4).

[0015] The settlement process refers to the process of displaying the total amount and change amount (hereinafter referred to as "product sales information") related to the transaction with the customer based on the product information of the product for which the product registration process has been performed. The settlement process includes the process of issuing a receipt on which the product information and product sales information of the paid product are printed. The POS terminal obtains the product master 342 (see FIG. 4) used to identify the product from the edge device 3, and transmits the product sales information of the product for which the settlement process has been completed to the edge device 3.

[0016] The network camera 314 is, for example, a camera that acquires imaging data of a predetermined area within a store. The predetermined area within the store is, for example, an area that includes the movement of people moving within the store and products displayed within the store. The network camera 314 outputs the acquired imaging data to the edge server 2.

[0017] As another example, the network camera 314 is a reading device that reads code symbols or discount labels attached to products and acquires image data of the products to be read. The digital signage 315 is a terminal device that distributes signage information related to information such as advertising information and event information. The digital signage 315 acquires signage information from the edge server 2 and displays signage information based on instructions sent from the edge server 2. Note that the information distributed by the digital signage 315 is not limited to this, and it may also distribute information such as cooking methods using products.

[0018] Next, the hardware configuration of cloud server 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of cloud server 1. Note that in Fig. 2, cloud server 1 is described as consisting of a single computer, but it may also be consisting of multiple computers.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, the cloud server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, and a memory 14. The CPU 11 is the main controller. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 expands programs and various data. The memory 14 stores various programs.

[0020] The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and memory 14 are connected to one another via a bus 15. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 constitute a control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes control processing of the cloud server 1, which will be described later, by the CPU 11 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 12 and memory 14 and loaded into the RAM 13.

[0021] The memory 14 is configured by a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory 14 stores a control program 141 that stores a control program for controlling the cloud server 1, a product master 142, customer information 143, and product sales information 144.

[0022] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to an operation unit 17 and a display unit 18 via a bus 15 and a controller 16. The controller 16 receives instructions from the control unit 100 and controls the operation unit 17 and the display unit 18. However, for convenience of explanation, the control performed by the controller 16 will be described as being performed by the control unit 100.

[0023] The operation unit 17 is, for example, a keyboard or a touch panel, and is operated by an operator of the cloud server 1. The display unit 18 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information to the operator of the cloud server 1. The control unit 100 is also connected to the communication unit 19 via the bus 15. The communication unit 19 is connected to each edge server 2 via the communication line 4, and transmits and receives various information. Note that the hardware configuration of the cloud server 1 is not limited to this.

[0024] Next, the hardware configuration of the edge server 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the edge server 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the edge server 2 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, and a memory 24. The CPU 21 is the main controller. The ROM 22 stores various programs. The RAM 23 expands programs and various data. The memory 24 stores various programs.

[0025] The CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, and memory 24 are connected to one another via a bus 25. The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 constitute a control unit 200. That is, the control unit 200 executes a control process of the edge server 2, which will be described later, by the CPU 21 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 22 and memory 24 and loaded into the RAM 23.

[0026] The memory 24 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory 24 stores a control program 241 that stores a control program for controlling the edge server 2, a product master 242, customer information 243, product sales information 244, priority information 245, usage information 246, and priority order information 247. The product master 242, customer information 243, and product sales information 244 stored in the memory 24 correspond to the product master 142, customer information 143, and product sales information 144 stored in the memory 14 of the store where the edge server 2 is located. The priority order information 245, usage information 246, and priority order information 247 will be described later.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 200 is connected to an operation unit 27 and a display unit 28 via a bus 25 and a controller 26. The controller 26 receives instructions from the control unit 200 and controls the operation unit 27 and the display unit 28. However, for convenience of explanation, the control performed by the controller 26 will be described as being performed by the control unit 200.

[0028] The operation unit 27 is, for example, a keyboard or a touch panel, and is operated by an operator of the edge server 2. The display unit 28 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information to the operator of the edge server 2. The control unit 200 is also connected to the communication unit 30 via the bus 25. The communication unit 30 is connected to the cloud server 1 via the communication line 4, and transmits and receives information to and from the cloud server 1. The communication unit 30 is also connected to the edge device 3 via the communication line 5, and transmits and receives information to and from the edge device 3. Note that the hardware configuration of the edge server 2 is not limited to this.

[0029] Next, the hardware configuration of the POS terminal included in the edge device 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a POS terminal according to this embodiment. The POS terminal shown in FIG. 4 will be described using the first POS terminal 311 as an example. The hardware configuration of the first POS terminal 311 shown in FIG. 4 is also the same as that of the second POS terminal 312 and the third POS terminal 313 shown in FIG. 1.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the first POS terminal 311 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and a memory 34. The CPU 31 is the main controller. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 loads programs and various data. The memory 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory 34 are connected to one another via a bus 35. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 constitute a control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes control processing of the first POS terminal 311, which will be described later, by the CPU 31 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 32 and the memory 34 and loaded in the RAM 33.

[0031] The RAM 33 stores product sales information 331. The memory 34 is configured with a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory 34 stores a control program 341 that stores a control program for controlling the first POS terminal 311, and a product master 342. The product master 342 is the same as the product master 242.

[0032] Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected to the operation unit 41, the clerk display unit 42, the customer display unit 43, the card reading unit 44, the printer 45, and the code reading unit 46 via the bus 35 and the controller 36. The controller 36 receives instructions from the control unit 300 and controls the operation unit 41, the clerk display unit 42, the customer display unit 43, the card reading unit 44, the printer 45, and the code reading unit 46. However, for the sake of convenience, the control performed by the controller 36 will be described as being performed by the control unit 300.

[0033] The operation unit 41 is, for example, a keyboard or touch panel, and is operated by an operator of the first POS terminal 311. The clerk display unit 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information to the clerk who operates the first POS terminal 311. The customer display unit 43 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information to the customer. The card reading unit 44 reads a customer code from a card (e.g., credit card, electronic money, etc.) used by the customer for payment. The control unit 300 of the first POS terminal 311 executes payment processing for the customer based on the read customer code.

[0034] The printer 45 issues receipts and slips on which product information and product sales information of registered products are printed. The code reading unit 46 captures or optically reads symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes attached to products. The control unit 300 of the first POS terminal 311 executes product registration processing for the product based on the read symbol. The control unit 300 is also connected to the communication unit 47 via the bus 35. The communication unit 47 is connected to the edge server 2 via the communication line 5 to send and receive various information. Note that the hardware configuration of the first POS terminal 311 is not limited to this.

[0035] Next, the functional configuration of the POS terminal will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a POS terminal according to this embodiment. Note that the POS terminal shown in Fig. 5 will be described using the first POS terminal 311 as an example. The functional configuration of the first POS terminal 311 shown in Fig. 5 is also the same as that of the second POS terminal 312 and the third POS terminal 313 shown in Fig. 1.

[0036] 5, the control unit 300 of the first POS terminal 311 includes a product reading unit 301, a product registration unit 302, a display control unit 303, a product payment unit 304, and a transmission unit 305. Note that the functional configuration of the control unit 300 of the first POS terminal 311 is not limited to this.

[0037] The commodity reading means 301 reads symbols attached to commodities. Specifically, the commodity reading means 301 works in cooperation with the code reading unit 46 to image or optically read symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes attached to commodities.

[0038] The product registration means 302 registers the read product. Specifically, the product registration means 302 registers product information relating to the product based on the symbol read by the product reading means 301.

[0039] The display control means 303 performs display control to output product information related to the registered products. Specifically, the display control means 303 performs display control to output product information related to the products registered by the product registration means 302 to the clerk display unit 42 and the customer display unit 43.

[0040] The product settlement means 304 settles for registered products. Specifically, the product settlement means 304 calculates the total amount of registered products based on the product information registered by the product registration means 302, and settles this total amount with the payment amount paid by the customer. For example, the product settlement means 304 cooperates with the card reading unit 44 to accept input related to product sales based on the customer code read by the card reading unit 44, calculates the total amount of registered products based on the product information registered by the product registration means 302, and settles this total amount with the payment amount paid by the customer. Then, the product settlement means 304 outputs product sales information related to the settled products to RAM 33.

[0041] The transmission means 305 transmits the product sales information. Specifically, the transmission means 305 transmits the product sales information 331 output to the RAM 33 by the product settlement means 304 to the edge server 2.

[0042] As described above, the edge server 2 manages multiple edge devices 3 via the communication line 5. Therefore, for example, if the amount of communication between the edge server 2 and the multiple edge devices 3 increases, communication delays may occur. For example, when many customers visit a store, the number of people moving around the store increases, and communication between the edge server 2 and the network camera 314 increases. As a result, communication delays may occur between the edge server 2 and the multiple edge devices 3, causing delays in the product sales information sent from the POS terminals.

[0043] Since the product sales information is related to the inventory information of products in the store, if the product sales information transmitted by the POS terminal is delayed, it becomes difficult to manage the inventory of products in the store, which may affect the main business operations of the store. Therefore, the edge server 2 according to this embodiment connects to multiple edge devices 3 based on the priority corresponding to the usage status of the multiple edge devices 3.

[0044] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the edge server 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 200 of the edge server 2 includes a first acquisition unit 201, a second acquisition unit 202, a calculation unit 203, a determination unit 204, and a communication control unit 205. Note that the functional configuration of the control unit 200 of the edge server 2 is not limited to this.

[0045] The first acquisition means 201 acquires priority information 245 indicating the priority of connecting to a plurality of edge devices 3. Specifically, the first acquisition means 201 acquires the priority information 245 stored in the memory 24. Here, the priority information 245 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a table showing an example of the priority information 245 according to this embodiment.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 7, a priority corresponding to each edge device 3 is set in table T1. The priorities shown in table T1 are, for example, 3, 2, and 1, with the larger the number, the higher the priority. The priority is preferably set according to the function and role that each edge device 3 plays in store operation. In other words, among the multiple edge devices 3, the device that generates information related to commercial transactions in the store is set to have the highest priority. For example, the edge device 3 needs to receive product sales information transmitted from a POS terminal without delay in order to grasp the number of products in stock in the store. In this case, the edge device 3 that generates the product sales information 331, i.e., the POS terminal, is set to have the highest priority among the multiple edge devices 3. Note that the priority is set in advance by the user.

[0047] Returning to Fig. 6, the second acquisition means 202 acquires usage information 246 indicating the usage states of the plurality of edge devices 3. Specifically, the second acquisition means 202 acquires the usage information 246 stored in the memory 24. Here, the usage information 246 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a table showing an example of the usage information 246 according to this embodiment.

[0048] Table T2 shown in FIG. 8 shows the usage status of each edge device. The usage status is the usage status for a specific time period during the store's operating hours. The usage status may be, for example, the usage status on the previous day, the usage status on a weekday or on a weekend or public holiday, the usage status for a week, or the usage status for a month. The time periods are, for example, three time periods: from midnight to 8:00, from 8:00 to 16:00, and from 16:00 to midnight. Note that the time periods are not limited to these, and may be divided into smaller time periods.

[0049] The usage status is not limited to the usage status during a specific time period during the store's operating hours, but may be the number of data items processed by the edge device 3 or the volume of data processed by the edge device 3. In other words, the usage status may be information that indicates an index related to the communication volume or frequency in communication between the edge server 2 and the edge device 3.

[0050] 6, the calculation means 203 calculates a priority number indicating an index of priority for connecting to the plurality of edge devices 3, based on the priority information 245 and the usage information 246. Specifically, the calculation means 203 calculates a priority number indicating an index of priority for connecting to the plurality of edge devices 3, based on the priority information 245 acquired by the first acquisition means 201 and the priority information 245 acquired by the second acquisition means 202. The priority number will be described later.

[0051] The determination means 204 determines the priority of communication for each device based on either or both of the priority set for each device and the usage status of each device during the store's operating hours. Specifically, the determination means 204 determines priority information 247 indicating the priority of connecting to multiple edge devices 3 according to a priority number indicating an index of priority for connecting to multiple edge devices 3, calculated by the calculation means 203 based on the priority information 245 and the usage information 246. For example, the determination means 204 determines the priority of connecting to multiple edge devices 3 for each time period.

[0052] Here, the priority ranking information will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a table showing an example of priority ranking information 247 according to an embodiment. Table T3 shown in Fig. 9 shows the priorities corresponding to multiple edge devices 3, the usage states of the multiple edge devices 3, the priority numbers corresponding to the multiple edge devices 3, and the priorities corresponding to the multiple edge devices 3. In other words, the priority ranking information 247 includes the priorities for connecting to the multiple edge devices 3, the usage states of the multiple edge devices 3, the priority numbers corresponding to the multiple edge devices 3, and the priorities corresponding to the multiple edge devices 3.

[0053] The usage states shown in Fig. 9 correspond to the usage states shown in Fig. 8, and are replaced with numerical values ​​so that the calculation means 203 can calculate the priority numbers. For example, in the usage states shown in Fig. 9, the "low", "medium", and "high" usage states shown in Fig. 8 are replaced with numerical values ​​"1", "2", and "3", respectively. For example, the calculation means 203 multiplies the priority numerical value shown in Fig. 9 by the usage state numerical value to calculate the priority number for each of the multiple edge devices 3.

[0054] 9 according to the priority number calculated by the calculation means 203. Specifically, the determination means 204 determines the priority information 247 indicating a priority that gives priority to the edge device 3 indicating the higher priority number. For example, in the time slot from 8:00 to 16:00, the priorities shown in FIG. 9 are "1" for the first POS terminal 311, "2" for the second POS terminal 312, "3" for the network camera 314, "4" for the third POS terminal 313, and "5" for the digital signage 315.

[0055] The lower the number, the higher the priority. Therefore, the determining unit 204 determines the order of communication with the edge server 2 during the time period from 8:00 to 16:00 based on the priority order, from lowest to highest, as follows: the first POS terminal 311, the second POS terminal 312, the network camera 314, the third POS terminal 313, and the digital signage 315.

[0056] Returning to FIG. 6 , the communication control means 205 connects to multiple edge devices 3 based on the priority information 247. Specifically, the communication control means 205 controls communication with multiple edge devices 3 based on the priority of the current time period. For example, the communication control means 205 connects to multiple edge devices 3 based on the priority information 247 determined by the determination means 204, and acquires and transmits various types of information from and to each edge device. The acquired various types of information include, for example, product sales information 331 and imaging data. The transmitted various types of information include, for example, information related to information such as advertising information and event information.

[0057] For example, the communication control means 205 performs control to change the response time to respond to a request from an edge device 3 based on the priority. The communication control means 205 performs control so that the response time to an edge device 3 with a higher priority (lower priority value) is shorter than that to an edge device 3 with a lower priority (higher priority value). Also, the communication control means 205 performs control so that the response time to an edge device 3 with a lower priority is longer than that to an edge device 3 with a higher priority.

[0058] For example, the communication control means 205 performs control to change the transmission frequency of transmission information including instruction data etc. to be transmitted to the edge device 3. The communication control means 205 performs control so that the transmission frequency of an edge device 3 with a higher priority is higher than that of an edge device 3 with a lower priority. Also, the communication control means 205 performs control so that the transmission frequency of an edge device 3 with a lower priority is lower than that of an edge device 3 with a higher priority.

[0059] For example, the communication control means 205 controls to limit the communication bandwidth between the edge server 2 and the edge device 3. The communication control means 205 controls to change the upper limit of the communication bandwidth according to the priority. The communication control means 205 controls to set a higher upper limit of the communication bandwidth for an edge device 3 with a higher priority than for an edge device 3 with a lower priority. The communication control means 205 also controls to set a lower upper limit of the communication bandwidth for an edge device 3 with a lower priority than for an edge device 3 with a higher priority.

[0060] The upper limit of the communication band may be the lower limit. In other words, the communication control means 205 performs control to change the upper limit or lower limit of the communication band according to the priority. The communication control means 205 performs control so that the lower limit of the communication band of an edge device 3 with a higher priority is smaller than that of an edge device 3 with a lower priority. The communication control means 205 also performs control so that the lower limit of the communication band of an edge device 3 with a lower priority is larger than that of an edge device 3 with a higher priority.

[0061] If the communication connection between the edge server 2 and the edge device 3 is disconnected and then restarted, the communication control means 205 may connect to the edge device 3 in order of the highest priority. Also, if the communication connection between the edge server 2 and the edge device 3 is disconnected and then restarted, the communication control means 205 may reconnect to the edge device 3 with which communication has been disconnected and from which various information has not been obtained or transmitted. Then, the communication control means 205 connects to multiple edge devices 3 based on the priority next to the priority of the reconnected edge device 3.

[0062] Note that the communication control unit 205 may connect multiple edge devices 3 based on the priority information 245 of the edge devices 3 when the priorities included in the priority information 247 are the same. That is, when the priorities are the same, the communication control unit 205 may connect the device with the higher priority. Also, when the priorities and the priority are the same, the communication control unit 205 may connect the device with the higher priority in the immediately preceding time slot.

[0063] Next, the control processing of the edge server 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the control processing of the edge server 2 according to this embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 10 shows the processing of the edge server 2 determining the priority order for connecting to multiple edge devices 3.

[0064] The first acquiring means 201 acquires the priority information 245 stored in the memory 24 (step S201). Subsequently, the second acquiring means 202 acquires the usage information 246 stored in the memory 24 (step S202). Subsequently, the calculating means 203 calculates a priority number indicating an index of priority for connecting to a plurality of edge devices 3 based on the priority information 245 and the usage information 246 (step S203).

[0065] Next, the determination means 204 determines priority information 247 indicating the priority of connecting to the plurality of edge devices 3 according to the priority number indicating the index of the priority of connecting to the plurality of edge devices 3 calculated by the calculation means 203 (step S204). When the process of step S204 ends, the communication control means 205 connects to the plurality of edge devices 3 based on the priority information 247 including the priority.

[0066] As described above, the edge server 2 of this embodiment determines the priority of communication for each device based on either or both of the priority set for each device and the usage status of each device during the store's operating hours, and controls communication with multiple edge devices 3 based on the priority.

[0067] As a result, even if the amount of transmission and reception between the edge server 2 and multiple edge devices 3 increases, the edge server 2 can reduce communication delays between the edge server 2 and multiple edge devices 3 by connecting to multiple edge devices 3 based on the priority information 247.

[0068] Furthermore, the edge device 3, for example, the edge server 2, can receive product sales information transmitted from the POS terminal without delay by reducing communication delays. Furthermore, the edge server 2 can manage product inventory information in the store without delay by receiving product sales information without delay.

[0069] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0070] (First Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the determining unit 204 of the control unit 200 of the edge server 2 determines the priority information 247 indicating the priority of connecting to a plurality of edge devices 3 based on the priority information 245 and the usage information 246. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the determining unit 204 may determine the priority information 247 indicating the priority of connecting to a plurality of edge devices 3 based on the priority information 245. Alternatively, the determining unit 204 may determine the priority information 247 indicating the priority of connecting to a plurality of edge devices 3 based on the usage information 246.

[0071] In addition, the program executed by the edge server 2 of the embodiment is provided as a file in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0072] The program executed by the edge server 2 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.The program executed by the edge server 2 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Cloud Server 2 Edge Server 3. Edge Devices 10 Information Processing Systems 200 control section 201 First acquisition method 202 Second acquisition method 203 Calculation Method 204 Decision-making means 205 Communication Control Means 311 1st POS terminal 312 Second POS terminal 313 3rd POS terminal 314 Network Camera 315 Digital Signage [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0074] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-247597

Claims

1. An information processing device that communicates with a plurality of devices installed in a store and processes information related to the store based on information transmitted from the devices, A determination means for determining a priority order for communication for each of the devices based on either or both of a priority order set for each of the devices and a usage state of each of the devices during operating hours of the store; a communication control means for controlling communication with the plurality of devices based on the priority order; An information processing device comprising:

2. The usage status is a usage status for each predetermined time period during the operation hours of the store, The determining means determines the priority order for each of the time periods; the communication control means controls communications with the plurality of devices based on the priority order for the current time period. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. Among the plurality of devices, a device that generates information related to commercial transactions in the store is set to have the highest priority. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the plurality of devices includes at least a POS terminal; The priority of the POS terminal is set to the highest. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. the communication control means performs control to change a response time for responding to requests from a plurality of devices based on the priority order; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. The information processing device according to claim 5 ; a server capable of receiving the information processing device and product sales information indicating information related to product registration processing and payment processing via a communication line; An information processing system comprising:

Images