Information management server and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information management server that can reduce workload in accordance with connection or disconnection of a terminal device.SOLUTION: An information processing server according to an embodiment includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface receives a first notice from a terminal device that executes accounting processing based on a commodity code having been read, transmits a commodity management file to the terminal device based on the first notice, and receives a second notice from the terminal device. The processor updates a status of the terminal device to connection based on the first notice, selects the commodity management file to be transmitted to the terminal device, and updates the status of the terminal device from the connection to disconnection based on the second notice.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A POS (Point Of Sale) system that receives money when selling a product and manages the sales information thereof is known. The POS system includes a terminal device called a POS terminal and an information management server called a POS server. As the terminal device, there are a registration machine that registers the product code of the product to be sold, and an accounting machine that settles the price of the registered product code in cash, credit card, or the like. The registration machine and the accounting machine may be integrated or separate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Terminal devices are permanently installed in the permanent area, but temporary terminal devices are temporarily installed in the temporary area provided according to events or the like. The temporarily installed terminal device is connected to the information management server as necessary and disconnected from the information management server when it is no longer needed.

[0005] In the POS system, the information management server manages the accounting process by the terminal device. Therefore, when connecting the terminal device to the information management server and when disconnecting the terminal device from the information management server, it is necessary to go through the correct procedures respectively.

[0006] For example, when a terminal device is connected to an information management server, the person in charge of the system inputs a connection as the status of the terminal device to the information management server. Also, when the terminal device is disconnected from the information management server, the person in charge inputs a disconnection as the status of the terminal device to the information management server. The connection operation is often performed early in the morning, and the disconnection operation is often performed late at night. There is a demand for a technology that reduces the burden on the person in charge for these input operations.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information management server and an information processing program that can reduce the work burden on the person in charge according to the connection or disconnection of the terminal device.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] The information processing server according to the embodiment includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface receives a first notification from a terminal device that executes accounting processing based on a read product code, transmits a product management file including the product code to the terminal device based on the first notification, and also receives a second notification from the terminal device. The processor updates the status of the terminal device to connected based on the first notification, selects the product management file to be transmitted to the terminal device, and updates the status of the terminal device from the connected state to the disconnected state based on the second notification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

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Figure 8B

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case where the media processing described below is applied in a semi-self service type (operated by both a store clerk and a customer) POS system in which a registration machine and an accounting machine are separated will be described. Note that the media processing described below can be applied not only to a semi-self service type POS system, but also to any of a store clerk exclusive type (operated by a store clerk), a full self service type (operated by a customer), and a mobile terminal type (a part of an operation terminal is a mobile terminal).

[0011] [Description of POS System] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a POS system according to an embodiment. The POS system 1 includes an upper server 2 and a store server 3, and includes terminal devices installed in a permanent area and terminal devices installed in a temporary area. For example, as terminal devices installed in the permanent area, there are a registration machine 11 and an accounting machine 12. Further, as a terminal device installed in the temporary area, there is a registration accounting machine 13. The registration accounting machine 13 is a terminal device that integrates the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12. The store server 3 is an example of an information management server.

[0012] The POS system 1 includes a network 14 that connects a host server 2, a store server 3, a registration device 11, a cash register 12, and a registration cash register 13. The type of the network 14 is not particularly limited, but generally a wired or wireless LAN (local area network) is applied.

[0013] For the registration device 11, a store clerk 21 who plays the role called a checker serves as its operator. For the cash register 12, a customer 22 who purchases goods at the store serves as its operator. A customer 22 who operates the cash register 12 to settle a purchase transaction can be referred to as a settler. Note that the purchase transaction is not limited to the payment for the purchased goods. For example, the payment for consideration for services is also a form of purchase transaction.

[0014] In FIG. 1, the registration device 11 is attached to a work table 23. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 23 are arranged such that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel, thereby forming a passage for the customer 22, so-called a checkout lane.

[0015] The registration device 11 and the cash register 12 are arranged for each checkout lane. For one checkout lane, one registration device 11 is arranged, and a plurality of cash registers 12 are arranged. Then, various data signals are exchanged between the registration device 11 and the cash register 12 arranged in the same checkout lane through the network 14. The data signals may be exchanged via the store server 3 or may be exchanged without passing through the store server 3. Incidentally, FIG. 1 shows an example in which one registration device 11 and two cash registers 12 are arranged for two checkout lanes. Three or more cash registers 12 may be arranged for one registration device 11.

[0016] For example, when an event is held temporarily for several days, the registration accounting machine 13 is taken out from a warehouse or the like and installed in a temporary area. The registration accounting machine 13 installed in the temporary area is wired-connected to the network 14. When the event of the day ends, the registration accounting machine 13 is manually disconnected from the wired-connected network 14 and stored in a warehouse or the like. The next day, again, the registration accounting machine 13 is taken out from a warehouse or the like and installed in the temporary area, and the registration accounting machine 13 is wired-connected to the network 14.

[0017] [Description of the Configuration of the Registration Machine] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the registration machine according to the embodiment. The registration machine 11 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a clock 34, a communication unit 35, a keyboard 36, a scanner 37, a touch panel 38, a customer display 39, a printer 40, a reader 41, a system transmission path 42, and the like. The system transmission path 42 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system transmission path 42 connects the processor 31 to other respective parts directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged therebetween.

[0018] The registration machine 11 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, the clock 34, and the communication unit 35 with the system transmission path 42. Then, the registration machine 11 connects interfaces or devices such as the keyboard 36, the scanner 37, the touch panel 38, the customer display 39, the printer 40, and the reader 41 to the computer via the system transmission path 42.

[0019] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 31 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the registration machine 11 according to the operating system or the application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 31 executes the product registration mode based on the reception of the product registration mode, and registers the reading result of the product code by the scanner 37 as one record in the transaction file based on the product management file including the product code corresponding to each product and the product code output from the scanner 37. The registration machine 11 transmits the transaction file to the accounting machine 11 for the accounting process based on the transaction file. Note that the registration machine 11 receives in advance the product management file transmitted from the upper server 2 via the store server 3, and the auxiliary storage device 33 stores the received product management file.

[0020] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores the operating system or the application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 32 may store the data necessary for the processor 31 to execute the process for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where the data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0021] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used when the processor 31 performs various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 31, etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 may store the above application program.

[0022] The clock 34 measures the date and time. The processor 31 processes the date and time measured by the clock 34 as the current date and time.

[0023] The communication unit 35 performs data communication with the store server 3 and the accounting machine 12 connected via the network 14. The communication unit 35 can also perform data communication with other registration machines 11 connected via the network 14.

[0024] The keyboard 36 is an input device having various keys necessary for inputting data related to products purchased by customers, etc.

[0025] The scanner 37 is an input device for reading code symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes. The scanner 37 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning laser light, or may be of a type that reads code symbols from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0026] For example, the scanner 37 reads a code symbol from a product purchased by a customer and inputs the read code symbol to the processor 31. By inputting the code symbol, the processor 31 registers the product.

[0027] The touch panel 38 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 38 displays information to the store clerk 21 who is an operator of the registration machine 11 and accepts operation inputs from the store clerk 21.

[0028] The customer display 39 displays information to the customer 22 in whom the data of the purchased goods is registered in the registration machine 11.

[0029] The printer 40 issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, etc. on the receipt paper. As this type of printer 40, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

[0030] The reader 41 is an input device for reading the user ID of a user who uses electronic money. For example, when information linked to the user ID is recorded on an IC card, the IC card reader can be the reader 41. For example, when information linked to the user ID is recorded on an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) medium, an RFID reader or an RFID reader / writer can be the reader 41. When a barcode or a two-dimensional code linked to the user ID is displayed on the display of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a scanner can be the reader 41. In this case, the scanner 37 may also serve as the reader 41.

[0031] As such hardware of the registration machine 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used. Note that the devices connected to the registration machine 11 are not limited to the keyboard 36, scanner 37, touch panel 38, customer display 39, printer 40, and reader 41 shown in FIG. 2. Devices necessary for the use of the registration machine 11 may be added or some devices may be omitted.

[0032] [Explanation of the Configuration of the Accounting Machine] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the accounting machine according to the embodiment. The accounting machine 12 includes a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a clock 64, a communication unit 65, a change machine interface 66, a scanner 67, a touch panel 68, a printer 69, a reader / writer 70, a system bus 71, and the like. The system bus 71 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system bus 71 connects the processor 61 to the other units directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0033] The accounting machine 12 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 61, the main memory 62, the auxiliary storage device 63, the clock 64, and the communication unit 65 via the system bus 71. Then, the accounting machine 12 connects interfaces or devices such as a change machine interface 66, a scanner 67, a touch panel 68, a printer 69, and a reader / writer 70 to the computer via the system bus 71.

[0034] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 61 controls each unit in order to realize various functions as the accounting machine 12 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 61 calculates the total amount of the purchased target goods from one or more records registered in the transaction file transmitted from the registration machine 11, and executes accounting processing.

[0035] The main memory 62 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 62 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 62 may store data necessary for the processor 61 to execute processes for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 61. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0036] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM, an HDD, or an SSD, etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 61, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 63 may store the above application program.

[0037] The clock 64 measures the date and time. The processor 61 processes the date and time measured by the clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0038] The communication unit 65 performs data communication with the store server 3 or the registration machine 11 connected via the network 14. The communication unit 65 can also perform data communication with other accounting machines 12 connected via the network 14. The communication unit 65 functions as an input unit for inputting a transaction file output by the transaction output means of the registration machine 11, that is, data related to the buying and selling transaction with the settler.

[0039] The coin dispenser interface 66 constitutes an interface with an automatic coin dispenser (not shown). The coin dispenser interface 66 inputs the amount data of the currency inserted into the automatic coin dispenser from the automatic coin dispenser. The coin dispenser interface 66 outputs coin change data from the accounting machine 12 to the automatic coin dispenser. The automatic coin dispenser that has received the coin change data automatically dispenses the currency equivalent to the coin change data as coin change.

[0040] The scanner 67 is an input device for reading code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The scanner 67 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning a laser beam, or may be of a type that reads code symbols from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0041] For example, the scanner 67 reads the settlement code symbol displayed on the display of a communication terminal such as a smartphone presented by the customer, and inputs the read code symbol to the processor 31. By inputting the code symbol, the processor 61 communicates with an external settlement server via the communication unit 35 and executes a settlement process based on the balance and the like associated with the settlement code symbol.

[0042] The touch panel 68 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 68 displays information to the customer 22 who is the operator of the accounting machine 12, and accepts operation inputs from the customer 22. The touch panel 68 functions as a display unit that displays a screen related to the settlement of a buying and selling transaction. The screen related to the settlement of a buying and selling transaction will be described later.

[0043] The printer 69 issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, etc. on receipt paper. As this type of printer 69, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

[0044] The reader / writer 70 has a function of reading data recorded on a medium such as a card or a smartphone, and a function of writing data to the medium. The card may include membership cards such as membership cards and point cards in addition to payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards. The reader / writer 70 may be any of a magnetic type, a contact type, or a non-contact type device, or may include a plurality of types of devices.

[0045] As such hardware of the accounting machine 12, for example, it is possible to use a POS terminal in an existing full self-service type POS system, that is, a so-called self-POS terminal. Note that the devices connected to the accounting machine 12 are not limited to the scanner 67, the touch panel 68, the printer 69, and the reader / writer 70 shown in FIG. 3. Devices necessary for the use of the accounting machine 12 may be added or some devices may be omitted.

[0046] [Explanation of the Configuration of the Registered Accounting Machine] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the registered accounting machine according to the embodiment. The registered accounting machine 13 includes a processor 81, a main memory 82, an auxiliary storage device 83, a clock 84, a communication unit 85, a keyboard 86, a scanner 87, a touch panel 88, a customer display 89, a change machine interface 90, a printer 91, a reader / writer 92, and a system transmission path 93, etc. The registered accounting machine 13 is formed by integrating the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12, and the detailed explanation is as described for the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12.

[0047] For example, based on receiving the product registration mode, the processor 81 executes the product registration mode, and based on the product management file including product information corresponding to each product and the product code output from the scanner 87, registers the product code reading result by the scanner 87 as one record in the transaction file. The processor 81 calculates the total amount of the purchased target products from one or a plurality of records registered in the transaction file and executes accounting processing.

[0048] [Explanation of the Configuration of the Store Server] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the store server according to the embodiment. The store server 3 can be realized by a general-purpose computer. The store server 3 is configured as a computer by connecting a processor 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a clock 104, and a communication unit 105 via a system transmission path 106.

[0049] The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 101 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the store server 3 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 101 includes an update unit 1011 and a selection unit 1012. The update unit 1011 updates the status of the registration accounting machine 13 based on the first or second notification from the registration accounting machine 13. The selection unit 1012 selects a product management file to be transmitted to the registration accounting machine 13.

[0050] The main memory 102 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 102 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 102 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 102 may store data necessary for the processor 101 to execute processing for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 102 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 101. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0051] The auxiliary storage device 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD, etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 103. The auxiliary storage device 103 stores data used by the processor 101 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 101, etc. The auxiliary storage device 103 may also store the above application program.

[0052] The clock 104 measures the date and time. The processor 101 processes the date and time measured by the clock 104 as the current date and time.

[0053] The communication unit 105 is a communication interface and performs data communication with the registration machine 11, accounting machine 12, and registration accounting machine 13 connected via the network 14.

[0054] [Description of the Configuration of the Upper Server] The upper server 2 can be realized by a general-purpose computer. The basic configuration of the upper server 2 is the same as that of the store server 3, and the detailed description is omitted.

[0055] [Description of the Terminal Management File] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal management file according to the embodiment. The auxiliary storage device 103 stores the terminal management file. As shown in FIG. 6, the terminal management file includes a terminal ID (terminal identification information), installation information, connection status, and operation status. The terminal ID is information unique to each of the registration machine 11, accounting machine 12, and registration accounting machine 13. The installation information includes the installation form and installation location. The installation form indicates permanent or temporary. Permanent indicates that the terminal device is installed in a permanent area. Temporary indicates that the terminal device is installed in a temporary area. The installation location indicates sales floor A, B, or C, or event venue a or b. The connection status indicates connected (in-line) or not connected (offline). The operation status indicates operating or not operating.

[0056] Terminal devices such as the registration machine 11, the accounting machine 12, and the registration and accounting machine 13 send notifications to the store server 3, and the notifications include the terminal ID. The store server 3 detects the installation information, connection status, and operation status of the communication partner's terminal device based on the terminal ID included in the terminal management file and the notification.

[0057] The connection status of the permanently installed terminal device is basically connected, and the operation status is operating or non-operating. The connection status of the temporary terminal device is connected or not connected. When connected, the operation status is operating or non-operating, and when not connected, the operation status is non-operating.

[0058] [Explanation of the product management file] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a product management file according to an embodiment. The auxiliary storage device 93 stores the product management file. The upper server 2 sends the latest product management file to the store server 3 at a predetermined timing. For example, the upper server 2 sends the product management file for the next business day to the store server 3 at a predetermined time after the end of business. The store server 3 receives the product management file sent from the upper server 2 and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 93. The auxiliary storage device 93 stores the latest product management file. As shown in FIG. 7, the product management file includes a product code, a product name, a unit price, and the like. The store server 3 sends the latest product management file to terminal devices such as the registration machine 11, the accounting machine 12, and the registration and accounting machine 13 at a predetermined timing. The unit price can be arbitrarily set by the seller. By sending the latest product management file to the terminal device at a predetermined timing, products can be sold at an arbitrarily set unit price.

[0059] In addition, the product management file is prepared for each store and each terminal device. The upper server 2 sends the product management file for a predetermined store (the product management file assigned with a predetermined store ID) to the store server 3 of the predetermined store. Also, the store server 3 of the predetermined store sends the product management file for a predetermined terminal (the product management file assigned with a predetermined terminal ID) to the predetermined terminal device.

[0060] [Explanation of Connection and Disconnection Processing of Registration Accounting Machine] The following describes an example of the connection and disconnection processing of the registration accounting machine by the store server 3. FIGS. 8A and 8B are sequence diagrams showing an example of the connection and disconnection processing of the registration accounting machine according to the embodiment. For example, when an event is held temporarily for several days, the registration accounting machine 13 is taken out from a warehouse or the like and installed in a temporary area. For example, in the early morning before the start of a one-day event, a store clerk connects the registration accounting machine 13 to the network 14 (communication cable) and turns on the power switch. The registration accounting machine 13 is a terminal device that executes accounting processing based on the read product code.

[0061] The registration accounting machine 13 is energized in response to turning on the power switch (ACT11). The communication unit 85 of the registration accounting machine 13 transmits a first notification to the store server 3 in response to being energized (ACT12). For example, the first notification includes information indicating the terminal ID of the registration accounting machine 13 and the start of power-on.

[0062] The communication unit 105 of the store server 3 receives the first notification from the registration accounting machine 13 (ACT21).

[0063] The update unit 1011 of the processor 10 searches the terminal management file for the terminal ID included in the received first notification based on the received first notification. The update unit 1011 confirms the connection status and operation status associated with the searched terminal ID based on the terminal management file (ACT22).

[0064] Based on the terminal management file and the terminal ID included in the first notification, the update unit 1011 determines that the registration accounting machine 13 is a temporary device, and when the connection status is disconnected, permits the update of the connection status and updates the connection status from disconnected to connected (ACT23).

[0065] The selection unit 1012 selects the product management file associated with the retrieved terminal ID (ACT24). That is, the selection unit 1012 selects an appropriate product management file (a product management file corresponding to the event to be held) corresponding to the registration accounting machine 13 that sent the first notification. The communication unit 105 transmits the selected product management file to the registration accounting machine 13 (ACT25).

[0066] The communication unit 85 of the registration accounting machine 13 receives the product management file transmitted from the store server 3 (ACT13). The processor 81 sets the received product management file (ST14). The store server 3 is updated to the latest state when the product management file is set, and based on the product management file, product registration and accounting processing can be executed.

[0067] The communication unit 85 notifies the store server 3 of the completion notification of the setting of the product management file. The communication unit 105 of the store server 3 receives the completion notification, and the update unit 1011 updates the operation status from non-operation to operation.

[0068] In addition, not only in the temporary area but also in the permanent area, at the start of business on that day, the power switches of the terminal devices of the registration machine 11, the accounting machine 12, and the registration accounting machine 13 in the permanent area are turned on. The terminal device in the permanent area transmits the first notification to the store server 3 in response to the on input of the power switch. The store server 3 receives the first notification transmitted from the terminal device in the permanent area, and based on the terminal ID included in the terminal management file and the first notification, determines that the first notification is from the terminal device in the permanent area. In this case, the store server 3 confirms that the connection status is connected and updates the operation status from non-operation to operation.

[0069] The store server 3 permits the update of the connection status in response to the first notification from the terminal device in the temporary area, and does not permit the update of the connection status in response to the first notification from the terminal device in the permanent area. For example, the disconnection of the terminal device in the permanent area by a store clerk or the like is an operation not recognized by the POS system 1. Therefore, it is not assumed that the terminal device in the permanent area is connected after being disconnected by a store clerk or the like. Thus, when the connection status is unconnected in response to the first notification from the terminal device in the permanent area, the store server 3 outputs an error. For example, the processor 101 outputs an error, and the communication unit 105 notifies the terminal device or the upper server 1 of the error. Thereby, the POS system 1 can notify a store clerk or the like of the fact that an unrecognized operation has been performed as an error.

[0070] After this, the registration and accounting machine 13 repeats the registration and accounting of products based on the product management file. When the events of the day are over, the processor 81 receives an input indicating the end of the accounting operation via the touch panel 88 (ACT15). The communication unit 85 transmits a second notification to the store server 3 based on the reception of the input indicating the end of the accounting operation (ACT16). For example, the second notification includes the terminal ID of the registration and accounting machine 13 and information indicating the end of the accounting operation.

[0071] The communication unit 105 of the store server 3 receives the second notification from the registration and accounting machine 13 (ACT26). The update unit 1011 of the processor 10 searches for the terminal ID included in the received second notification from the terminal management file based on the received second notification. The update unit 1011 confirms the connection status and the operation status associated with the searched terminal ID based on the terminal management file (ACT27).

[0072] Based on the terminal management file and the terminal ID included in the second notification, the update unit 1011 determines that the registration and accounting machine 13 is a temporary device, and if the connection status is connected, permits the update of the connection status and updates it from connected to unconnected (ACT28).

[0073] When the connection status of the communication unit 105 is updated from connected to disconnected, the communication unit 105 transmits information regarding disconnection permission (ACT29). Further, the update unit 1011 updates the operation status from operating to non-operating.

[0074] The communication unit 85 of the registration accounting machine 13 receives information regarding disconnection permission (ACT17). The touch panel 88 displays the information regarding disconnection permission (ACT18). After the store clerk confirms the information regarding disconnection permission displayed on the touch panel 88, the store clerk turns off the power switch and removes the registration accounting machine 13 from the network 14 (communication cable).

[0075] Note that, not only in the temporary area but also in the permanent area, when the accounting business of the day is completed, an input indicating the end of the accounting business is made to the terminal device in the permanent area. The terminal device in the permanent area transmits a second notification to the store server 3 in response to the input indicating the end of the accounting business. The store server 3 receives the second notification transmitted from the terminal device in the permanent area, and determines that the second notification is from the terminal device in the permanent area based on the terminal ID included in the terminal management file and the second notification. In this case, the store server 3 confirms that the connection status is connected, and updates the operation status from operating to non-operating. The store server 3 permits the update of the connection status in response to the second notification from the terminal device in the temporary area, and does not permit the update of the connection status in response to the second notification from the terminal device in the permanent area. For example, disconnecting the terminal device in the permanent area due to the maximum number of people, etc. is an operation not approved in the POS system 1. Therefore, when the connection status is not connected in response to the second notification from the terminal device in the permanent area, the store server 3 outputs an error. For example, the processor 101 outputs an error, and the communication unit 105 notifies the error to the terminal device or the upper server 1. Thereby, an operation not approved in the POS system 1 can be notified to the store clerk, etc. as an error.

[0076] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an information management server (store server 3) and an information processing program that can reduce the work load of the person in charge according to the connection or disconnection of the terminal device (registration accounting machine 13).

[0077] When using the registration accounting machine 13 that was disconnected, the store clerk only needs to connect the registration accounting machine 13 to the network 14 (communication cable) and turn on the power switch. In response to the notification of the start of power supply from the registration accounting machine 13, the store server 3 updates the connection status of the registration accounting machine 13 to connected, and also updates the operation status of the registration accounting machine 13 to operating in response to the notification of the completion of the setting of the product management file. Thereby, the store server 3 can correctly manage the connection state and the operation state of the registration accounting machine 13. That is, it is possible to execute the accounting process by the registration accounting machine 13 without causing an error in the POS system 1.

[0078] Also, when disconnecting the registration accounting machine 13, the store clerk only needs to input the end of the accounting operation to the registration accounting machine 13. In response to the notification of the end of the accounting operation from the registration accounting machine 13, the store server 3 updates the operation status of the registration accounting machine 13 from operating to non-operating, and updates the operation status from operating to non-operating. After the registration accounting machine 13 is disconnected from the network 14 (communication cable), the store server 3 can correctly manage the connection state and the operation state of the registration accounting machine 13. That is, it is possible to end the accounting process by the registration accounting machine 13 without causing an error in the POS system 1.

[0079] Further, the store server 3 may communicate with the terminal device periodically, check the connection state and the operation state of the terminal device based on the terminal management file, detect an unacceptable state, and output an error. For example, when the store server 3 detects that the connection status of the terminal device in the permanent area is disconnected, it outputs an error. Also, when the store server 3 detects that the connection status of the terminal device in the permanent area or the temporary area is disconnected even though the operation status is operating, it outputs an error.

[0080] Note that the program according to this embodiment may be transferred in a state stored in electronic devices such as the upper server 2, the store server 3, the registration machine 11, the accounting machine 12, and the registration accounting machine 13, or may be transferred in a state not stored in the electronic devices. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or may be transferred in a state stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium may be any medium capable of storing a program and readable by a computer, such as an optical disk or a memory card, regardless of its form. The electronic device downloads a program transferred (provided) via a network and installs it in the memory, or reads the program from the storage medium and installs it in the memory.

[0081] 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 included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0082] 1…POS system 2…Upper server 3…Store server 10…Processor 11…Registration machine 12…Accounting machine 13…Registration accounting machine 14…Network 21…Store clerk 22…Customer 23…Work table 31…Processor 32…Main memory 33…Auxiliary storage device 34…Clock 35…Communication unit 36…Keyboard 37…Scanner 38…Touch panel 39…Customer display 40…Printer 41…Reader 42…System transmission path 61…Processor 62…Main memory 63…Auxiliary storage device 64…Clock 65…Communication unit 66…Change machine interface 67…Scanner 68…Touch panel 69…Printer 70…Reader / writer 71…System transmission path 81…Processor 82…Main memory 83…Auxiliary storage device 84…Clock 85…Communication unit 86…Keyboard 87…Scanner 88…Touch panel 89…Customer display 90…Change machine interface 91…Printer 92…Reader / writer 93…Auxiliary storage device 93…System transmission path 101…Processor 102…Main memory 103…Auxiliary storage device 104…Clock 105…Communication unit 106…System transmission path 1011…Update unit 1012…Selection unit

Claims

1. A communication interface that receives a first notification from a terminal device that executes accounting processing based on a read product code, transmits a product management file including the product code to the terminal device based on the first notification, and receives a second notification from the terminal device; A processor that updates the connection status of the terminal device to connected based on the first notification, selects the product management file to be transmitted to the terminal device, and updates the connection status of the terminal device from connected to disconnected based on the second notification; An information management server comprising the above.

2. The information management server according to Claim 1, wherein the first notification is a notification indicating identification information of the terminal device and start of energization.

3. The information management server according to Claim 1, wherein the second notification is a notification indicating identification information of the terminal device and end of accounting work.

4. The information management server according to Claim 1, wherein the processor permits updating of the connection status when it is determined from a terminal management file including identification information and installation form of the terminal device that the terminal device is a temporary device.

5. The information management server according to Claim 1, wherein the communication interface outputs information regarding permission of disconnection when the connection status is updated from connected to disconnected.

6. On a computer, Updating the status of the terminal device to connected in response to receiving a first notification transmitted from a terminal device that executes accounting processing based on a read product code; Selecting a product management file including a product code; Causing the product management file to be transmitted to the terminal device; Updating the status of the terminal device from connected to disconnected in response to receiving a second notification transmitted from the terminal device; An information processing program for causing the above to be executed.

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