Information processing apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and a program that can reduce the burden on settings.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a first connection unit, a setting control unit, and a display control unit. The setting control unit causes a storage unit to store setting change information indicating if initial settings have been changed. When a display is connected to the first connection unit, with the setting change information indicating that the initial settings have not been changed, the display control unit displays a setting image for changing the initial settings on the display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an information processing apparatus may not have a display device. Such an information processing apparatus is operated by a mobile terminal connected via a network. Then, the operator needs to perform various settings on the information processing apparatus in order to connect to the network.

[0003] However, when newly installing the information processing apparatus, the operator has to perform complicated operations such as connecting a display device to the information processing apparatus, displaying an image for inputting settings, and inputting settings in the image.

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 related to settings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a first connection unit, a setting control unit, and a display control unit. The setting control unit stores setting change information indicating whether the initial settings have been changed in a storage unit. The display control unit displays a setting image for changing the initial settings on the display device when the display device is connected to the first connection unit in a state where the setting change information indicates that the initial settings have not been changed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing apparatus and a program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely one embodiment of the information processing apparatus and the program, and do not limit the configuration, specifications, and the like thereof.

[0008] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes a mobile terminal 10, a relay device 20, an information processing apparatus 30, a display device 40, and a peripheral device 50. The information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes one mobile terminal 10, one relay device 20, one information processing apparatus 30, one display device 40, and one peripheral device 50. However, the number of each device may be arbitrarily changed.

[0009] The mobile terminal 10 is a portable terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The mobile terminal 10 is communicably connected to the information processing apparatus 30 via the relay device 20.

[0010] The relay device 20 is a device that relays data communication between networks such as a HUB. For example, the relay device 20 is connected to the mobile terminal 10 via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router or the like. Also, the relay device 20 is connected to the information processing device 30 by wire or wirelessly. And the relay device 20 relays communication between the mobile terminal 10 and the information processing device 30. Furthermore, the relay device 20 may be connected not only to the mobile terminal 10 and the information processing device 30 but also to a server device, the Internet, etc.

[0011] The information processing device 30 is a device having an electronic circuit board such as a motherboard inside a housing. Also, the information processing device 30 has an interface to which the display device 40 is connected. Also, the information processing device 30 has an interface to which one or more peripheral devices 50 are connected. And one or more peripheral devices 50 are connected to the information processing device 30.

[0012] Also, the information processing device 30 is communicably connected to the mobile terminal 10 via the relay device 20. And the information processing device 30 is operated by the mobile terminal 10. For example, the information processing device 30 controls one or more connected peripheral devices 50 based on control information received from the mobile terminal 10.

[0013] The display device 40 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. Also, the display device 40 may be a device that accepts operations such as a touch panel display. For example, the display device 40 is connected when operating the information processing device 30 without going through the relay device 20.

[0014] The peripheral device 50 is a device connected to the information processing apparatus 30. The peripheral device 50 is controlled by the information processing apparatus 30. For example, the peripheral device 50 is an automatic change dispenser that receives money from a customer and discharges change, a printer that prints a receipt, a scanner that reads a code symbol such as a barcode, a payment terminal that performs payment by a credit card, or the like. Note that the peripheral device 50 is not limited to these devices and may be other devices.

[0015] For example, the information processing system 1 is a POS (Point Of Sales) system. That is, the mobile terminal 10 receives operations related to a product registration process for registering a product to be sold and an accounting process for paying the price of the product registered by the product registration process.

[0016] The mobile terminal 10 controls the information processing apparatus 30 and the peripheral device 50 connected to the information processing apparatus 30 in the product registration process and the accounting process. For example, in the product registration process, the mobile terminal 10 transmits a control signal for causing the scanner to read a code symbol to the information processing apparatus 30. Also, in the accounting process, the mobile terminal 10 transmits a control signal for causing the receipt printer to print a receipt to the information processing apparatus 30. Then, the information processing apparatus 30 controls the peripheral device 50 based on the control information received from the mobile terminal 10.

[0017] Here, in order to execute communication between the mobile terminal 10 and the information processing apparatus 30, the operator needs to perform various settings when introducing the information processing apparatus 30. However, every time the operator introduces the information processing apparatus 30, it is cumbersome to display an image for inputting various settings and confirm whether the settings have been made. Therefore, when the display device 40 is connected, the information processing apparatus 30 displays a setting image G1 on the display device 40 when the settings have not been made. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 30 reduces the burden related to various settings.

[0018] Next, the hardware configuration of each device included in the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 10 according to the first embodiment. The mobile terminal 10 includes a processor 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a storage unit 103, a communication unit 104, a display unit 105, and an operation unit 106. These units are connected via an internal bus 107.

[0020] The processor 101 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the mobile terminal 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 111 and the like stored in the storage unit 103.

[0021] The storage unit 103 is an auxiliary storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 103 stores the control program 111. The control program 111 is an operating system, an application related to sales data processing such as product registration processing and accounting processing, and a program for enabling the functions of the mobile terminal 10 to be exerted. The control program 111 includes a program for exerting the characteristic functions according to the present embodiment.

[0022] The communication unit 104 is a communication device such as an antenna and a semiconductor circuit. For example, the communication unit 104 executes communication with the information processing device 30 via the relay device 20.

[0023] The display unit 105 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. For example, the display unit 105 displays an image related to sales data processing such as product registration processing and accounting processing.

[0024] The operation unit 106 is an input device that receives various operations. For example, the operation unit 106 is a hardware button or a touch panel provided on the display unit 105.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment. The information processing apparatus 30 includes a processor 301, a RAM 302, a storage unit 303, a communication unit 304, a first connection unit 305, and a second connection unit 306. These units are connected via an internal bus 307.

[0026] The processor 301 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the information processing apparatus 30 such as a CPU. The RAM 302 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. Then, the processor 301 uses the RAM 302 as a work area to execute the control program 311 and the like stored in the storage unit 303.

[0027] The storage unit 303 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The storage unit 303 stores the control program 311.

[0028] The control program 311 is an operating system, middleware that requests various processes based on the control information received from the mobile terminal 10, an OPOS (Open POS) driver that controls a device driver based on a request from the middleware, a device driver that controls the peripheral device 50, and a program for causing the information processing apparatus 30 to exhibit its functions. The control program 311 includes a program for causing the characteristic functions according to the present embodiment to be exhibited.

[0029] The initial setting flag 312 is information indicating whether the initial setting has been changed. The initial setting is the setting of specified items among the initial state settings of the information processing apparatus 30. For example, the initial setting is a setting that enables communication between the mobile terminal 10 and the information processing apparatus 30. More specifically, the initial setting includes items related to the network, items related to management information for identifying the information processing apparatus 30, items related to time synchronization with the mobile terminal 10, and the like. Note that these items of the initial setting are merely examples, and not all of these items need to be included, or other items may be included.

[0030] The communication unit 304 is a wireless communication device such as an antenna or a semiconductor circuit, or a wired communication device such as a network interface card. For example, the communication unit 304 executes communication with the mobile terminal 10 via the relay device 20.

[0031] The first connection unit 305 is an interface for connecting to the display device 40. For example, the first connection unit 305 is an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C. Note that the first connection unit 305 may be connected by other protocols.

[0032] The first connection unit 305 is an interface for connecting to one or more peripheral devices 50. For example, the second connection unit 306 is an interface such as USB or a COM (communication) port. Note that the second connection unit 306 may be connected by other protocols.

[0033] Next, the functions of the information processing apparatus 30 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0034] The processor 301 included in the information processing apparatus 30 expands the control program 311 stored in the storage unit 303 into the RAM 302 and operates according to the control program 311, thereby generating each functional unit in the RAM 302. As a result, the processor 301 included in the information processing apparatus 30 includes, as functional units, a connection control unit 3001, a display control unit 3002, a setting control unit 3003, a maintenance control unit 3004, and a communication control unit 3005.

[0035] The connection control unit 3001 controls the processing when the display device 40 is connected via the first connection unit 305. More specifically, the connection control unit 3001 determines whether the display device 40 is connected via the first connection unit 305. Further, when it is determined that the display device 40 is connected, the connection control unit 3001 determines whether the initial settings have been changed based on the initial setting flag 312.

[0036] The display control unit 3002 displays various images on the display device 40 connected via the first connection unit 305. For example, when the display device 40 is connected to the first connection unit 305 in a state where the initial setting flag 312 indicates that the initial settings have not been changed, the display control unit 3002 displays a setting image G1 for changing the initial settings on the display device 40.

[0037] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the setting image G1. The setting image G1 is an image for accepting each item of the initial settings. The setting image G1 has a network setting field G11, a management information setting field G12, a time synchronization setting field G13, an OK button G14, and a cancel button G15.

[0038] The network setting field G11 is a field for setting items related to the network in the initial settings. For example, the network setting field G11 has an IP (Internet Protocol) address automatic acquisition field, an IP address input field, a subnet mask input field, a default gateway input field, a DNS (Domain Name System) server address automatic acquisition field, a primary DNS server input field, and a secondary DNS server input field.

[0039] The IP address automatic acquisition field is an operation field that accepts an operation instruction to automatically acquire the IP address set for the information processing apparatus 30. The IP address input field is an input field that accepts the specification of the IP address set for the information processing apparatus 30. The subnet mask input field is an input field that accepts the specification of how many bits from the beginning of the IP address are to be used as the network address. The default gateway input field is an input field that accepts the specification of the IP address of the default gateway. The DNS server address automatic acquisition field is an operation field that accepts an operation instruction to automatically acquire the IP address of the DNS server. The primary DNS server input field is an input field that accepts the IP address of the main system server among the DNS servers that manage domain name information. The secondary DNS server input field is an input field that accepts the IP address of the secondary system server among the DNS servers that manage domain name information.

[0040] The management information setting field G12 is an input field for setting management information. For example, the management information setting field G12 has a company code input field, a store number input field, a device number input field, and a device name input field. The company code input field is a field for inputting the company code for identifying the company that introduced the information processing apparatus 30. The store number input field is a field for inputting the store number indicating the store where the information processing apparatus 30 was introduced. The device number input field is a field for inputting the device number indicating the information processing apparatus 30. The device name input field is a field for inputting the device name indicating the information processing apparatus 30.

[0041] The time synchronization setting field G13 is a field for setting the time of the information processing apparatus 30. The time synchronization setting field G13 has an automatic time setting field and an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server setting field. The automatic time setting field is a field for setting whether to enable automatic time setting. The NTP server setting field is a field for designating the NTP server for synchronizing time and accepting an operation to synchronize with the designated NTP server.

[0042] The OK button G14 is a button that accepts an operation to set each item of the initial settings received in the setting image G1. The cancel button G15 is a button that accepts an operation to cancel the setting of each item of the initial settings received in the setting image G1.

[0043] For example, when the display control unit 3002 is in a state where the initial setting flag 312 indicates that the initial setting has been changed and the display device 40 is connected to the first connection unit 305, the display control unit 3002 displays a maintenance image G2 for accepting an operation related to the maintenance of the own device on the display device 40.

[0044] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the maintenance image G2. The maintenance image G2 is an image for accepting an operation related to the maintenance of the information processing apparatus 30. The maintenance image G2 has a maintenance selection column G21. The maintenance selection column G21 is a column for accepting a selection of the maintenance content to be executed on the information processing apparatus 30. The maintenance selection column G21 has one or more maintenance buttons.

[0045] The maintenance button is a button for designating the maintenance content to be executed on the information processing apparatus 30. The maintenance content includes a test on whether communication via the interface is being executed, a test on whether the connected peripheral device 50 is operating as specified, and settings of various items. Also, the settings of various items include those for setting each item of the initial settings. That is, the display control unit 3002 may display the maintenance image G2 when a maintenance button related to the setting is pressed.

[0046] The setting control unit 3003 controls the initial settings in the information processing apparatus 30. More specifically, the setting control unit 3003 sets each item of the initial settings received in the setting image G1. For example, when the OK button G14 is pressed, the setting control unit 3003 sets each item of the initial settings received in the setting image G1.

[0047] In addition, when the setting control unit 3003 changes the initial settings in the setting image G1, it changes the state indicated by the initial setting flag 312 to the changed state. In other words, the setting control unit 3003 causes the storage unit 303 to store the initial setting flag 312 indicating whether the initial settings have been changed. The initial setting flag 312 is an example of setting change information.

[0048] Furthermore, when a specified item among a plurality of initial settings received in the setting image G1 is changed, the setting control unit 3003 may change the state indicated by the initial setting flag 312 to the changed state. For example, when inputs are made for all items of the setting image G1, the setting control unit 3003 may change the state indicated by the initial setting flag 312 to the changed state. Thereby, the setting control unit 3003 can suppress setting omissions for some items.

[0049] The maintenance control unit 3004 executes processing related to the maintenance of the information processing apparatus 30. More specifically, the maintenance control unit 3004 executes processing of the maintenance content selected by the maintenance button of the maintenance image G2.

[0050] The communication control unit 3005 executes communication with the mobile terminal 10. More specifically, when the initial settings are changed by the setting control unit 3003, the communication control unit 3005 executes communication with the mobile terminal 10. For example, the communication control unit 3005 communicates with the mobile terminal 10 that operates the peripheral device 50. More specifically, the communication control unit 3005 receives operations related to sales data processing from the mobile terminal 10. Also, the communication control unit 3005 transmits an image to be displayed on the mobile terminal 10 to the mobile terminal 10.

[0051] Next, the connection process executed by the information processing apparatus 30 will be described. The connection process is a process when the display device 40 is connected to the information processing apparatus 30.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the connection process executed by the information processing apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0053] The information processing apparatus 30 starts up (step S1).

[0054] The connection control unit 3001 starts resident (step S2). In other words, the connection control unit 3001 starts monitoring whether the display device 40 is connected or not. Then, when the connection of the display device 40 is detected by the connection control unit 3001, the information processing apparatus 30 executes the subsequent processing.

[0055] The connection control unit 3001 determines whether the display device 40 is connected or not (step S3). When the display device 40 is not connected (step S3; No), the connection control unit 3001 waits.

[0056] When the display device 40 is connected (step S3; Yes), the connection control unit 3001 determines whether the initial settings have been changed or not based on the initial setting flag 312 (step S4).

[0057] When the initial settings have not been changed (step S4; No), the display control unit 3002 displays the setting image G1 on the display device 40 (step S5).

[0058] The setting control unit 3003 sets the initial settings of each item received in the setting image G1 (step S6).

[0059] The setting control unit 3003 registers that the initial settings have been changed in the initial setting flag 312 (step S7).

[0060] When the initial settings have been changed (step S4; Yes), the display control unit 3002 displays the maintenance image G2 on the display device 40 (step S8).

[0061] The maintenance control unit 3004 executes the processing of the maintenance content received in the maintenance image G2 (step S9).

[0062] The connection control unit 3001 determines whether the connection to the display device 40 has been disconnected (step S10). When the connection to the display device 40 has not been disconnected (step S10; No), the connection control unit 3001 waits.

[0063] When the connection to the display device 40 has been disconnected (step S10; Yes), the connection control unit 3001 proceeds to step S3 and waits until the display device 40 is connected.

[0064] As described above, the information processing device 30 executes the connection process.

[0065] As described above, when the display device 40 is connected to the first connection unit 305 in the information processing device 30 according to the first embodiment, the setting image G1 is displayed on the display device 40 on the condition that the initial setting flag 312 indicates that the initial settings have not been changed. As a result, the operator does not need to confirm whether the initial settings have been changed or perform an operation to display the setting image G1. Therefore, the information processing device 30 can reduce the burden associated with the settings.

[0066] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example 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 its equivalent scope.

[0067] The program executed by each device in the above-described embodiments and modification examples shall be provided by being pre-incorporated into a storage medium (ROM or storage unit) provided in each device, but it shall not be 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 file. Further, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of a computer or an embedded system, and also includes a storage medium that has downloaded and stored or temporarily stored a program transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, or the like.

[0068] Also, the program executed by each device in the above-described embodiments and modification examples may be configured to 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 Reference Numerals

[0069] 1 Information processing system 10 Mobile terminal 20 Relay device 30 Information processing device 40 Display device 50 Peripheral device 304 Communication unit 305 First connection unit 306 Second connection unit 311 Control program 312 Initial setting flag 3001 Connection control unit 3002 Display control unit 3003 Setting control unit 3004 Maintenance control unit 3005 Communication control unit G1 Setting image G11 Network setting field G12 Management information setting field G13 Time synchronization setting field G14 OK button G15 Cancel Button G2 Maintenance Image G21 Maintenance Selection Column

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0070]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. a first connection part; a setting control part that causes a storage part to store setting change information indicating whether an initial setting has been changed; a display control part that, when a display device is connected to the first connection part in a state where the setting change information indicates that the initial setting has not been changed, displays a setting image for changing the initial setting on the display device; An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The display control part, when the display device is connected to the first connection part in a state where the setting change information indicates that the initial setting has been changed, displays a maintenance image for accepting an operation related to maintenance of the own device on the display device. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. a second connection part to which a peripheral device is connected; The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1, further comprising a communication control part that communicates with a mobile terminal that operates the peripheral device connected to the second connection part. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

4. The display control part displays the setting image for setting matters related to a network. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

5. When a specified item among a plurality of items is changed, the setting control part switches the setting change information to indicate that it has been changed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. A program for causing a computer having a first connection part to function as a setting control part that causes a storage part to store setting change information indicating whether an initial setting has been changed; a display control part that, when a display device is connected to the first connection part in a state where the setting change information indicates that the initial setting has not been changed, displays a setting image for changing the initial setting on the display device. ​

Images