Information processor, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processor and a program capable of reducing burden of setting work on an information processor.SOLUTION: An information processor includes a connection part, an acquisition part, a setting part, and an update part. The acquisition part acquires setting information stored in a storage medium when the storage medium is connected to the connection part. The setting part changes a setting of the own device in accordance with the setting information acquired by the acquisition part. The update part updates the setting information stored in the storage medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when an operator uses an information processing apparatus, various settings are performed using a user interface such as a display and a keyboard. When the information processing apparatus does not have a user interface, the operator connects the user interface and then individually performs settings according to the information processing apparatus.

[0003] However, when performing various settings for a large number of information processing apparatuses at once, the operator has to connect a user interface to each of the large number of information processing apparatuses and perform the setting work each time.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a program capable of reducing the burden of setting work for an information processing apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a connection unit, an acquisition unit, a setting unit, and an update unit. The acquisition unit acquires setting information stored in the storage medium when the storage medium is connected to the connection unit. The setting unit changes the settings of its own device based on the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit. The update unit updates the setting information stored in the storage medium.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the information processing apparatus and the program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the information processing apparatus and the program, and do not limit their configurations, specifications, and the like.

[0008] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the setting change system 1 according to the first embodiment. The setting change system 1 includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses 10 and a storage device 20. Note that the setting change system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may have not only one storage device 20 but also a plurality of storage devices.

[0009] The information processing apparatus 10 is a device that does not have a display device such as a display or an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 is a device that does not have a display device or an input device such as the main body of a POS (Point of Sales) terminal or the main body of a personal computer.

[0010] The information processing apparatus 10 is connected to peripheral devices such as a scanner that reads barcodes, a printer that prints receipts, an automatic change dispenser that accepts the insertion of money and discharges change, and a payment terminal that performs a payment without using cash such as a credit card. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 is wirelessly connected to a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone. Then, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the peripheral devices to execute various processes based on instructions from the mobile terminal.

[0011] In addition, individual settings are configured for each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses 10. For example, as individual settings, a machine number for identifying the information processing apparatus 10, an IP (Internet Protocol) address, and the like are configured for the information processing apparatus 10.

[0012] The storage device 20 is an auxiliary storage device capable of reading and writing information such as a semiconductor memory. Further, the storage device 20 has a connection interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) that can be connected during startup of the information processing apparatus 10. The storage device 20 stores setting information to be set for the information processing apparatus 10. For example, the storage device 20 stores the setting information at a specified path of the storage medium.

[0013] In such a configuration, an operator activates the information processing apparatus 10 to be set. Further, the operator connects the storage device 20 to the activated information processing apparatus 10. The information processing apparatus 10 sets individual contents based on the setting information stored in the connected storage device 20.

[0014] Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 10 updates the setting information stored in the storage device 20 based on a predetermined rule. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 increments the setting information. As a result, the next time the storage device 20 is connected to the information processing apparatus 10, the information processing apparatus 10 sets individual contents based on the updated setting information, so that non-duplicating individual contents can be set in the plurality of information processing apparatuses 10.

[0015] Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The information processing apparatus 10 includes a processor 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a storage unit 103, a connection unit 104, and a light emitting unit 105. These units are connected via an internal bus 106.

[0017] The processor 101 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of an information processing device 10 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The RAM 102 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. Then, the processor 101 uses the RAM 102 as a work area to execute the control program 107 and the like stored in the storage unit 103.

[0018] The storage unit 103 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 103 stores the control program 107 and the individual information 108.

[0019] The control program 107 is an operating system and a program for enabling the information processing device 10 to exhibit its functions. The control program 107 includes a program for enabling the characteristic functions according to the present embodiment.

[0020] The individual information 108 is information that is individually set for each of the plurality of information processing devices 10. In other words, the individual information 108 is information having individual values that do not overlap among the plurality of information processing devices 10. For example, the individual information 108 is information such as a machine number for identifying the information processing device 10 or an IP (Internet Protocol) address.

[0021] The connection unit 104 is a connection interface capable of connecting the storage device 20. For example, the connection unit 104 is realized by a USB interface that can be connected during startup of the information processing device 10.

[0022] The light emitting unit 105 notifies the state of the information processing device 10 by a light emitting mode. For example, the light emitting unit 105 is realized by an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0023] Next, the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] The processor 101 included in the information processing apparatus 10 expands the control program 107 stored in the storage unit 103 into the RAM 102 and operates according to the control program 107 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 102. As a result, the processor 101 included in the information processing apparatus 10 includes, as functional units, a connection control unit 1001, an information acquisition unit 1002, a setting change unit 1003, an information update unit 1004, an execution determination unit 1005, and a notification control unit 1006.

[0025] The connection control unit 1001 controls the connection by the connection unit 104. More specifically, when a device is connected to the connection unit 104, the connection control unit 1001 determines whether setting information is stored in a specified path of the storage medium of the connected device.

[0026] When the setting information is stored in the specified path, the connection control unit 1001 determines that the storage device 20 is connected. On the other hand, when the setting information is not stored in the specified path, the connection control unit 1001 determines that a device different from the storage device 20 is connected. When the connection control unit 1001 determines that the storage device 20 is connected, the information processing apparatus 10 executes the change of the individual information 108 and the update of the setting information stored in the storage device 20.

[0027] When the storage device 20 is connected to the connection unit 104, the information acquisition unit 1002 acquires setting information from the storage device 20 connected to the connection unit 104. The information acquisition unit 1002 is an example of an acquisition unit. More specifically, when the connection control unit 1001 determines that the storage device 20 is connected, the information acquisition unit 1002 acquires the setting information stored in the specified path of the storage device 20.

[0028] The setting change unit 1003 changes the individual information 108, which is the setting of the own device, based on the setting information acquired by the information acquisition unit 1002. The setting change unit 1003 is an example of a setting unit. More specifically, the setting change unit 1003 changes the individual information 108 according to the content indicated by the setting information acquired by the information acquisition unit 1002. For example, the setting change unit 1003 changes the machine number indicated by the individual information 108 to the machine number included in the setting information. Also, the setting change unit 1003 changes the IP address indicated by the individual information 108 to the IP address included in the setting information.

[0029] The information update unit 1004 updates the setting information stored in the storage device 20. The information update unit 1004 is an example of an update unit. More specifically, the information update unit 1004 changes the setting information stored in the storage device 20 when the individual information 108 is changed by the setting change unit 1003.

[0030] The information update unit 1004 increments the value included in the setting information. For example, the information update unit 1004 executes an increment that adds 1 to the machine number included in the setting information. Also, the information update unit 1004 executes an increment that adds 1 to the least significant value of the IP address included in the setting information. Note that the increment of adding 1 each time is just an example, and other updates may be performed.

[0031] The execution determination unit 1005 determines whether the process has succeeded. More specifically, the execution determination unit 1005 determines whether the change of the individual information 108 by the setting change unit 1003 has succeeded. For example, when the execution determination unit 1005 receives a response indicating an error from the API (Application Programming Interface), it determines that the change of the individual information 108 has failed. On the other hand, when the execution determination unit 1005 receives a response indicating normal termination from the API, it determines that the change of the individual information 108 has succeeded.

[0032] Also, the execution determination unit 1005 determines whether the update of the setting information stored in the storage device 20 by the information update unit 1004 was successful. For example, when the execution determination unit 1005 receives a response indicating an error from the API, it determines that the update of the setting information has failed. On the other hand, when the execution determination unit 1005 receives a response indicating normal termination from the API, it determines that the update of the setting information has been successful. For example, the API responds with an error when there is a failure in the storage device 20.

[0033] The notification control unit 1006 notifies the determination result by the execution determination unit 1005. That is, the notification control unit 1006 notifies that the process has been successful when the change of the individual information 108 by the setting change unit 1003 is successful and the update of the setting information stored in the storage device 20 by the information update unit 1004 is successful. On the other hand, the notification control unit 1006 notifies that the change of the individual information 108 has failed when the change of the individual information 108 by the setting change unit 1003 fails. The notification control unit 1006 is an example of a notification unit. Also, the notification control unit 1006 notifies that the update of the setting information stored in the storage device 20 by the information update unit 1004 has failed when the update fails.

[0034] For example, the notification control unit 1006 notifies the determination result by the execution determination unit 1005 by changing the light emission mode by the light emitting unit 105.

[0035] For example, when the notification control unit 1006 notifies that the process has been successful, it notifies the success by causing the light emitting unit 105 to emit green light. On the other hand, when the notification control unit 1006 notifies that the process has failed, it notifies the failure by causing the light emitting unit 105 to emit red light.

[0036] For example, when the notification control unit 1006 notifies that the process has succeeded, it notifies the success by lighting up the light emitting unit 105. On the other hand, when the notification control unit 1006 notifies that the process has failed, it notifies the failure by blinking the light emitting unit 105. Note that the above-described light emission form is an example, and the notification control unit 1006 may notify whether the process has succeeded or not by other light emission forms.

[0037] Furthermore, the notification control unit 1006 may notify separately and distinguishable between the failure of the change of the individual information 108 by the setting change unit 1003 and the failure of the update of the setting information stored in the storage device 20 by the information update unit 1004. For example, when the change of the individual information 108 by the setting change unit 1003 fails, the notification control unit 1006 notifies the failure by causing the light emitting unit 105 to emit red light. Also, when the update of the setting information stored in the storage device 20 by the information update unit 1004 fails, the notification control unit 1006 notifies the failure by causing the light emitting unit 105 to blink red. In this way, the notification control unit 1006 may notify separately and distinguishable by changing the light emission mode according to the content of the failure.

[0038] Next, the setting change process executed by the information processing apparatus 10 will be described.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting change process executed by the information processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0040] When the information processing apparatus 10 is activated, it starts the resident of the control program 107 (step S1). That is, when the storage device 20 is connected, the information processing apparatus 10 makes the program for changing the settings resident.

[0041] The connection control unit 1001 determines whether or not any device is connected to the connection unit 104 (step S2). When no device connection is detected (step S2; No), the connection control unit 1001 waits.

[0042] When the connection of the device is detected (step S2; Yes), the connection control unit 1001 determines whether setting information is stored in a specified path (step S3). When the setting information is not stored in the specified path (step S3; No), the connection control unit 1001 determines that a device different from the storage device 20 is connected and proceeds to step S2.

[0043] When the setting information is stored in the specified path (step S3; Yes), the information acquisition unit 1002 determines that the storage device 20 is connected to the connection unit 104 and acquires the setting information from the storage device 20 (step S4).

[0044] The setting change unit 1003 changes the individual information 108 based on the setting information acquired by the information acquisition unit 1002 (step S5).

[0045] The execution determination unit 1005 determines whether the change of the individual information 108 by the setting change unit 1003 is successful (step S6). When the change of the individual information 108 fails (step S6; No), the notification control unit 1006 notifies the failure of the change of the individual information 108 (step S7). For example, the notification control unit 1006 causes the light emitting unit 105 to emit light in a light emitting form indicating the failure of the change of the individual information 108.

[0046] When the change of the individual information 108 is successful (step S6; Yes), the information update unit 1004 updates the setting information stored by the storage device 20 (step S8). For example, the information update unit 1004 increments the machine number and IP address of the setting information.

[0047] The execution determination unit 1005 determines whether the update of the setting information by the information update unit 1004 is successful (step S9). When the update of the setting information fails (step S9; No), the notification control unit 1006 notifies the failure in step S7. For example, the notification control unit 1006 causes the light emitting unit 105 to emit light in a light emitting form indicating the failure of the update of the setting information.

[0048] When the update of the individual information 108 is successful (step S9; Yes), the notification control unit 1006 notifies that the change of the individual information 108 and the update of the setting information have been successful (step S10). For example, the notification control unit 1006 causes the light emitting unit 105 to emit light in a light emitting form indicating that the change of the individual information 108 and the update of the setting information have been successful.

[0049] As described above, the information processing apparatus 10 ends the setting change process. The operator inserts the storage device 20 into the next information processing apparatus 10 to cause the next information processing apparatus 10 to execute the setting change process. Then, the operator can set non-duplicate individual information for each of the information processing apparatuses 10 by connecting to the plurality of information processing apparatuses 10 included in the setting change system 1 and causing the setting change process to be executed.

[0050] As described above, when the storage device 20 is connected to the connection unit 104, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment acquires the setting information from the storage device 20. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 changes the individual information 108 indicating the settings of its own apparatus based on the acquired setting information. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 10 updates the setting information stored in the storage device 20. Then, each time the storage device 20 is connected by the operator, the information processing apparatus 10 changes the individual information 108 and updates the setting information. Thereby, the operator can perform different individual settings for each information processing apparatus 10 by connecting the storage device 20 to the information processing apparatus 10. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 10 can reduce the burden of the setting work for the information processing apparatus 10.

[0051] (Modification Example 1) The information processing apparatus 10 may store in the storage unit 103 change record information indicating whether the individual information 108 has been changed. That is, the information processing apparatus 10 may have a storage control unit that causes the storage device 20 to store that the individual information 108 has been changed.

[0052] More specifically, when the change record information indicates that the individual information 108 has not been changed, the setting change unit 1003 changes the individual information 108, and the information update unit 1004 updates the setting information in the storage device 20. On the other hand, when the change record information indicates that the individual information 108 has been changed, the setting change unit 1003 does not change the individual information 108, and the information update unit 1004 does not update the setting information in the storage device 20.

[0053] Here, the operator needs to sequentially connect the storage device 20 to a plurality of information processing devices 10 included in the setting change system 1. However, if the storage device 20 is accidentally connected to the same information processing device 10 multiple times, the information processing device 10 changes the individual information 108 each time and updates the setting information in the storage device 20.

[0054] The information processing device 10 determines whether to execute the change of the individual information 108 and the update of the setting information stored in the storage device 20 based on the change record information. Thereby, the information processing device 10 can prevent changing the individual information 108 and updating the setting information in the storage device 20 each time the storage device 20 is connected.

[0055] (Modification Example 2) When the information processing device 10 succeeds in changing the individual information 108 and updating the setting information stored in the storage device 20, it may store the incremented success count information in the storage device 20.

[0056] Here, there may be a case where the operator wants to check the number of information processing devices 10 that have succeeded in changing the individual information 108 and updating the setting information stored in the storage device 20. When the information processing device 10 succeeds in changing the individual information 108 and updating the setting information stored in the storage device 20, it increments the success count information stored in the storage device 20. Thereby, the operator can check the number of information processing devices 10 that have succeeded in changing the individual information 108 and updating the setting information stored in the storage device 20 using the success count information.

[0057] (Modification Example 3) When the information processing apparatus 10 successfully changes the individual information 108, it causes the storage device 20 to store information indicating itself. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the storage device 20 to store the machine number indicating itself.

[0058] Here, there are cases where an operator wants to identify the information processing apparatus 10 that has successfully changed the individual information 108 among the plurality of information processing apparatuses 10 included in the setting change system 1. When the information processing apparatus 10 successfully changes the individual information 108, it causes the storage device 20 to store information indicating itself. Thus, after connecting the storage device 20 to the plurality of information processing apparatuses 10 of the setting change system 1, the operator can identify the information processing apparatus 10 that has successfully changed the individual information 108 by referring to the information stored in the storage device 20.

[0059] Although some 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 novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

[0060] The program executed by each device in the above embodiments and modification examples shall be provided by being pre-installed in a storage medium (ROM or storage unit) provided in each device, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in an installable format or an executable format. Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of a computer or an embedded system, and also includes a storage medium that stores or temporarily stores a program transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, or the like after downloading.

[0061] Alternatively, the program executed by each device of the above-described embodiments and modified examples may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Explanation of Signs

[0062] 1 Setting change system 10 Information processing device 20 Storage device 101 Processor 102 RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 Storage section 104 Connection section 105 Light-emitting section 106 Internal bus 107 Control program 108 Individual information 1001 Connection control section 1002 Information acquisition section 1003 Setting change section 1004 Information update section 1005 Execution determination section 1006 Notification control section

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0063]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. A connection part, An acquisition part that acquires setting information stored in the storage medium when the storage medium is connected to the connection part, A setting part that changes the settings of the own device based on the setting information acquired by the acquisition part, An update part that updates the setting information stored in the storage medium, An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1, further comprising a notification part that notifies that the change of the setting has failed when the change of the setting by the setting part fails. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the notification part notifies that the update of the setting information has failed when the update of the setting information by the update part fails. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 2.

4. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1, further comprising a storage control part that stores in the storage medium that the setting has been changed by the setting part. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the update part increments the value included in the setting information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. A program for causing a computer having a connection part to function as An acquisition part that acquires setting information stored in the storage medium when the storage medium is connected to the connection part, A setting part that changes the settings of the own device based on the setting information acquired by the acquisition part, An update part that updates the setting information stored in the storage medium. ​

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