Data processing apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide a maintenance system for outputting setting information stored in a data processor as code information, and for enabling a maintenance device for reading the code information to easily acquire and manage the setting information of the data processor.SOLUTION: The maintenance system includes a data processing device and a maintenance device. A data processing apparatus includes generation means for generating a setting of the apparatus as setting information, and output means for outputting the setting information generated by the generation means as code information. The maintenance device includes a reading means for reading the code information output by the output means, an extraction means for extracting the setting information of the data processor from the code information, and a storage means for storing the setting information extracted by the extraction means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance system, a program, and a maintenance method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the installation of data processing devices such as POS registers in stores requires speed, accuracy, etc. In detail, after setting information corresponding to each store to which the data processing devices are delivered is set in the factory, the data processing devices are shipped to each store. At a store or other site, after replacing an old data processing device with a new one or installing a new data processing device, information specific to each store is set. Furthermore, if a change in the device configuration or settings occurs at the site, the settings of the data processing device must be changed suddenly. After completing the settings, the worker or other person must report the settings of the data processing device to the reporting destination as work report information. In the past, after the installation of a data processing device was completed, the settings of the data processing device were printed out by a printer or the like, and a printed copy of the settings was sent to the reporting destination. A management device installed in a management company or the like performs management processing related to the maintenance of the data processing device at each store based on the reported settings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-323680 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if an operator reports inaccurate setting information due to, for example, a mistake in setting the data processing device or an omission in reporting, the management device will manage the data processing devices in that store based on the inaccurate information. If the management device manages using inaccurate information, there is a risk that a maintenance worker or the like will perform incorrect maintenance work at the store based on the inaccurate information.

[0005] Incidentally, Patent Document 1 describes a system in which device information of a device itself is transmitted to another device via a network, and the device (other device) that receives the device information sets the device information itself. However, the system described in Patent Document 1 requires device information to be transmitted and received between the device itself and other devices via a network, so the above settings cannot be made in a poor communication environment. Also, if different settings need to be made for data processing devices installed in each store, the system described in Patent Document 1 cannot be applied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The maintenance system according to the present invention has at least the following configuration. A maintenance system having a data processing device and a maintenance device, the data processing device comprises a generating means for generating setting information of the data processing device, and an output means for outputting the setting information generated by the generating means as code information; the maintenance device comprises: a reading means for reading the code information output by the output means; an extracting means for extracting setting information of the data processing device from the code information; and a storage means for storing the setting information extracted by the extracting means; The output means prints image information together with the code information on a medium on which the data processing device prints in the course of business. A program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a data processing device in a maintenance system having the data processing device and a maintenance device, the program comprising: the maintenance device comprises: a reading means for reading code information output from the data processing device; an extracting means for extracting setting information of the data processing device from the code information; and a storage means for storing the setting information extracted by the extracting means; The computer as the data processing device, a generating means for generating settings of the data processing device as setting information; functioning as an output means for outputting the setting information generated by the generation means as code information; The output means prints image information together with the code information on a medium on which the data processing device prints in the course of business. It is characterized by: A maintenance method according to the present invention is a maintenance method in a maintenance system having a data processing device and a maintenance device, comprising: a generating step in which the data processing device generates settings of the data processing device as setting information; an output step in which the data processing device outputs the setting information generated in the generating step as code information; a reading step in which the maintenance device reads the code information output in the output step; an extraction step in which the maintenance device extracts setting information of the data processing device from the code information; a storage step in which the maintenance device stores the setting information extracted by the extraction step; The output step includes a step of printing the image information together with the code information on a medium on which the data processing device prints in business. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In addition, the maintenance system of the present invention has a data processing device and a maintenance device, and can output the setting information stored in the data processing device as code information, so that the maintenance device that reads it can easily obtain the setting information of the data processing device, making management easy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall conceptual diagram showing an example of a maintenance system having a data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of components of a maintenance system having a data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting format information for a two-dimensional code (code information). [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of device setting information and a two-dimensional code indicating the device setting information. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation for setting device setting information output from a manufacturing device (computer) in a factory into a data processing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation for setting device setting information output from a portable terminal device (maintenance device) in a data processing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter output by the data processing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for changing setting change information of a data processing device based on code information (such as a two-dimensional code) indicating image information (image data). [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of a migration operation of setting information of an external device such as a printer when replacing an old data processing device with a new data processing device. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting information related to an external device. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of how a label used in a maintenance system (management system) according to an embodiment of the present invention is used, where (a) is a label and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a label attached to a packaging box (container). [Figure 12] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a maintenance system (management system) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a medium on which code information, character information, and image information based on setting information of a data processing device are printed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A maintenance system (management system) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a data processing device and a maintenance device. The data processing device includes a generating unit that generates setting information for the data processing device itself, and an output unit that outputs the setting information generated by the generating unit as code information. The maintenance device includes a reading unit that reads the code information output by the output unit, an extracting unit that extracts the setting information for the data processing device from the code information, and a storage unit that stores the setting information extracted by the extracting unit. Since the setting information stored in the data processing device can be output as code information, a maintenance device that reads the code information can easily obtain the setting information of the data processing device.

[0010] An example of a data processing device and a maintenance system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the contents shown in the drawings. In the following description of each drawing, parts that are common to parts already described will be assigned the same reference numerals, and some duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0011] 1, the maintenance system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a data processing device 100 (device to be maintained) as a maintenance target, a maintenance device 600, etc. The maintenance device 600 includes, for example, a management device 610 provided at a management company or the like, and a portable terminal device 620 carried by a maintenance worker or the like.

[0012] The data processing device 100 and the maintenance device 600 (management device 610, portable terminal device 620) are communicatively connected via a wireless or wired communication path 400. In this embodiment, a manufacturing device 630 is provided in a factory 650 that manufactures the data processing device 100. The manufacturing device 630 is provided so as to be able to communicate with the management device 610 and the like via the communication path 400. The communication path 400 is, for example, a communication network or a wireless data communication network. The manufacturing device 630 is configured by a computer or the like, and in detail has a control unit, a communication unit, an input unit, a display unit, a storage unit, a printer, and the like (not shown).

[0013] Examples of the data processing device 100 include a store's POS register device (product registration device), a payment device, a weighing device, a printer device, etc. This data processing device 100 (device to be maintained) is a device that is the target of maintenance by the maintenance device 600. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the data processing device 100A is located in a store 500 (500A), and the data processing device 100B is located in a store 500 (500B).

[0014] A management device 610 serving as the maintenance device 600 is placed in a management company or the like. A portable terminal device 620 serving as the maintenance device 600 is carried by a maintenance worker or the like. The maintenance worker or the like visits each store 500 and performs maintenance processing on the data processing device 100 installed in the store 500. The portable terminal device 620 has a communication function and is configured to perform data communication with the management device 610 regarding maintenance processing and the like.

[0015] The manufacturing device 630 (computer) is placed in a factory 650 or the like and manufactures the data processing device 100. The manufacturing device 630 is connected to the management device 610 via a communication path 400 so that data can be communicated therewith. The manufacturing device 630 performs data communication with the management device 610 as necessary and receives device setting information for the data processing device installed in each store from the management device 610. The manufacturing device 630 performs processing to set information specific to each store in each data processing device 100 shipped to each store.

[0016] In this embodiment, code information indicating device setting information and the like relating to the data processing device is optically read by a reading device, thereby enabling data to be transmitted and received between devices without going through a data communication path. This code information may be printed on a printed material or displayed on a display device. More specifically, the code information may be an optically readable two-dimensional code or a barcode (one-dimensional code). A barcode represents numbers and characters using striped lines. A two-dimensional code has information that is spread two-dimensionally and contains more information than a barcode.

[0017] For example, information specific to each store is set in the data processing device 100 manufactured in the factory 650. In this case, the manufacturing device 630 receives device setting information for the data processing device of each store from the management device 610, and prints code information (such as a two-dimensional code) indicating the device setting information from a printer. The data processing device 100 has a reading unit 120, which reads the code information DD printed on the printed matter and changes the device setting information of its own device (data processing device 100).

[0018] Furthermore, the data processing device 100 is shipped from the factory 650 to the store 500 and installed in the store 500. Furthermore, the old data processing device installed in the store 500 may be replaced with a new data processing device 100. There are cases where the device setting information of the data processing device 100 is suddenly changed in the store 500. In detail, for example, there are cases where the device setting information such as the setting information related to the external device (printer, weighing device, scanner, fax machine, etc.) and the network setting information is changed.

[0019] After the data processing device 100 is installed in the store, the data processing device 100 prints code information DD indicating the device setting information, and if necessary, the device setting information as character information, on paper using a printer or the like. This code information DD includes identification information (such as a serial number) of the data processing device 100. The portable terminal device 620 operated by the maintenance worker has a reading unit 625, which optically reads the code information DD and transmits the device setting information of the data processing device 100 to the management device 610 via the communication path 400.

[0020] The data processing device 100 may display code information DD indicating the device setting information, and the device setting information itself, if necessary, on a display unit. The portable terminal device 620 optically reads the code information using a reading unit 625, and transmits the device setting information of the data processing device 100 to the management device 610 via the communication path 400.

[0021] The management device 610 has a storage unit, and stores management information for each data processing device 100 based on the received device setting information in the storage unit, and manages this information as management information. The received device setting information includes identification information of the data processing device 100.

[0022] Furthermore, the portable terminal device 620 may receive device setting information related to the data processing device 100 from the management device 610 as necessary, and display code information indicating the device setting information on a display unit 628 of the portable terminal device 620. The data processing device 100 installed in the store 500 reads, by the reading unit 120, the code information indicating the device setting information displayed on the display unit 628 of the portable terminal device 620, and performs processing to change the device setting information of its own device (data processing device) based on the device setting information indicated by the code information.

[0023] Next, each of the components of the data processing device 100, the management device 610 as the maintenance device 600, the portable terminal device 620, and the like of the maintenance system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0024] <Data processing device 100> 2, the data processing device 100 includes a control unit 110 (CPU), a reading unit 120, a communication unit 130, an input unit 140, a display unit 150, a storage unit 160 (built-in storage unit), a connection unit 170, a printer 180, an interface 190 (I / F), a storage device 195 (portable storage device), etc. Each component is connected to each other via a communication line such as a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0025] The control unit 110 (CPU) executes a control program, for example, to comprehensively control each component of the data processing device.

[0026] The reading unit 120 is an optical reading device such as a two-dimensional code scanner or a one-dimensional scanner (barcode scanner), and outputs to the control unit 110 information obtained from the optically read code information. The reading unit 120 may be an imaging device equipped with a CMOS imaging element, a CCD imaging element, or the like. When the code information is captured by the imaging device, the control unit 110 analyzes the image data obtained by the imaging device to obtain the content of the code information. The reading unit 120 may also be, for example, an image scanner provided in a multifunction peripheral.

[0027] Under the control of the control unit 110, the communication unit 130 performs data communication with other devices via a communication path. The input unit 140 is an operation input device such as a touch panel input device or a keyboard, and outputs a signal according to the input to the control unit 110. The display unit 150 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and performs display according to the present invention in accordance with the control of the control unit 110. The storage unit 160 is a storage device such as a RAM, ROM, HDD, or SSD, and stores the control program of the data processing device, device setting information DS, various data, etc. The device setting information DS includes identification information (such as a serial number) unique to the data processing device.

[0028] The connection unit 170 is configured to be connectable to an external device 200 such as a printer or a weighing device. The printer 180 is, for example, a built-in printer, and is provided in the data processing device 100 as needed. A portable storage device 195 (storage device) is detachably connected to the interface 190 (I / F). Portable storage device 195 (storage device) stores various data, and in detail stores setting information for external device 200 (printer, weighing device, etc.).

[0029] The control unit 110 (CPU) realizes the functions according to the present invention in the data processing device 100 (computer) by, for example, executing a control program stored in the storage unit 160. In detail, the control unit 110 has a code information analysis unit 111, a code information generation unit 112, a setting change unit 113 (change means), an output processing unit 114, an acquisition unit 115 (acquisition means), a setting information generation unit 116 (generation means), and the like.

[0030] The code information analysis unit 111 analyzes code information such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code and outputs the content indicated by the code information. If the reading unit 120 is provided with a processing unit that analyzes the code information and outputs the content of the code, the code information analysis unit 111 does not need to be provided.

[0031] The code information generating unit 112 generates code information (such as a two-dimensional code or a barcode) that indicates device setting information related to its own device (data processing device) and that can be read by other devices. The code information generating unit 112 also generates code information that includes identification information (such as a serial number) unique to the data processing device.

[0032] The setting change unit 113 (changing means) performs a process of changing the device setting information of its own device (data processing device) based on the code information. More specifically, the setting change unit 113 performs a process of changing the device setting information of its own device (data processing device) based on the device setting information indicated by the code information read by the reading unit 120. Furthermore, the setting change unit 113 performs processing to change the device setting information of the data processing device based on the code information read by the reading unit 120 and indicating image information specific to the store where the data processing device is installed.

[0033] The output processing unit 114 (output means) performs processing to output the code information generated by the code information generating unit 112 by a predetermined output unit. The predetermined output unit is a display unit 150 or a printer (an external device or a built-in printer (printer 180)), etc.

[0034] The acquisition unit 115 (acquisition means) acquires setting information (such as identification information and network information of the external device) related to an external device (such as a printer) connected to the data processing device, and stores it in the storage unit 160. Furthermore, the setting change unit 113 performs processing to change the device setting information of the own device (data processing device) based on the setting information related to the external device acquired by the acquisition unit 115.

[0035] The setting information generating unit 116 (generating means) generates settings related to its own device (data processing device) as setting information. The output processing unit 114 (output unit) outputs the setting information (device setting information) generated by the setting information generating unit 116 as code information. In detail, the output processing unit 114 (generating means) outputs code information (such as a two-dimensional code or a barcode) that indicates the device setting information (setting information) related to its own device (data processing device) generated by the code information generating unit 112.

[0036] <Management device 610> The management device 610 serving as the maintenance device 600 includes a control unit 611 (CPU), a communication unit 612, an input unit 613, a display unit 614, a printer 615, and a storage unit 616. The components of the management device 610 are connected to each other via a communication line such as a bus so as to enable data communication.

[0037] The control unit 611 (CPU) executes a control program stored in the storage unit 616 to comprehensively control the components of the management device 610.

[0038] The communication unit 612 communicates with other devices via a communication path under the control of the control unit 611. The input unit 613 is an operation input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel, and outputs a signal according to the input to the control unit 611. The display unit 614 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and performs display according to the control of the control unit 611.

[0039] The printer 615 prints various information such as code information and setting information on paper under the control of the control unit 611 . The storage unit 616 stores control programs, various data, device setting information DS, etc. The device setting information DS includes identification information for each data processing device. In other words, the management device 610 stores and manages the device setting information DS for each data processing device.

[0040] <Portable terminal device 620> The portable terminal device 620 as a maintenance device includes a control unit 621 (CPU), a reading unit 625, a communication unit 626, an input unit 627, a display unit 628, and a storage unit 629. The components of the portable terminal device 620 are connected to each other via a communication line such as a bus so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

[0041] The control unit 621 controls each component of the portable terminal device 620 in an integrated manner. The reading unit 625 is, for example, an imaging device equipped with a CMOS imaging element or a CCD imaging element, and captures the code information. The control unit 621 (CPU) analyzes the image data captured by the imaging device to obtain the contents of the code information. The reading unit 625 may also be an optical reading device such as a two-dimensional code scanner or a one-dimensional scanner (barcode scanner), and outputs information obtained from the code information to the control unit 621.

[0042] Under the control of the control unit 621, the communication unit 626 performs data communication with other devices (for example, the management device 610, etc.) via a communication path. The input unit 627 is, for example, an input device such as a touch panel input device or buttons (physical keys), and outputs a signal to the control unit 621 according to the input.

[0043] Under the control of the control unit 621, the display unit 628 displays a predetermined display, for example, device setting information and code information indicating the device setting information, on the screen. The storage unit 629 is a storage device such as a RAM or a flash memory (flash ROM), and is configured to be able to store the control program for the portable terminal device 620, device setting information DS, various data, and the like.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit 621 realizes the functions according to the present invention in the portable terminal device 620 (computer) by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 629. In detail, the control unit 621 (CPU) has a code information analysis unit 622, a code information generation unit 623, an output processing unit 624, etc.

[0045] The code information analysis unit 622 (extraction means) analyzes image data obtained by capturing the code information with the reading unit 625 (such as an imaging device), acquires the content of the code information (such as device setting information), and outputs it to the control unit 621. That is, the code information analysis unit 622 as extraction means extracts the setting information (device setting information) of the data processing device 100 from the code information. The reading unit 625 may be an optical reading device such as a two-dimensional code scanner or a one-dimensional scanner (barcode scanner), and outputs information obtained from the code information to the control unit 621. Furthermore, the storage unit 629 stores the setting information (device setting information) extracted by the code information analysis unit 622 (extraction means) under the control of the control unit 621.

[0046] The code information generating unit 623 generates optically readable code information (such as a two-dimensional code or a barcode) indicating the device setting information on the data processing device to be maintained, for example, based on the device setting information.

[0047] The output processing unit 624 performs processing to display the optically readable code information generated by the code information generation unit 623 on the display unit 628. The output processing unit 624 may also perform processing to print the optically readable code information on paper using a printer (not shown) connected to the portable terminal device 620 so as to be capable of data communication via a wireless communication path or the like.

[0048] Next, an example of code information, for example, format information of a two-dimensional code, will be described. The format information of a two-dimensional code (code information) is specified, for example, as shown in Figure 3. This format information specifies information such as print date and time information, product serial information (identification information for an external device such as a printer), store name, host name, IP address information, subnet mask information, default gateway information, DNS information, and MAC address information, each of which is associated with the other information.

[0049] The device setting information DS relating to the settings of the data processing device and the code information DD (two-dimensional code) indicating the device setting information are shown, for example, as shown in Fig. 4. In detail, the device setting information DS specifies specific data such as print date and time information, product serial number information, store name, etc. in accordance with the setting format information. The two-dimensional code (code information DD) is generated based on a specified standard and is displayed so as to be readable by a reading unit or the like. This device setting information DS and code information DD (two-dimensional code) indicating the device setting information may be printed on a printed material from a printer connected to each device, or may be displayed on a display unit.

[0050] Also, only the code information DD (two-dimensional code) indicating the device setting information DS may be displayed on the printed matter or display unit, or both the device setting information and the code information DD (two-dimensional code) indicating the device setting information may be displayed on the printed matter or display unit as shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, when both the device setting information and the code information are displayed on the printed matter or display unit, a maintenance worker or the like can easily check the content indicated by the code information DD from the device setting information DS.

[0051] Next, an example of an operation for setting device setting information output by a manufacturing device (computer or the like) installed in a factory or the like in a data processing device will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, a manufacturing device 630 (computer, etc.) installed in a factory or the like receives device setting information to be set in a data processing device from a management device 610, and outputs a printed material from a printer or the like on which the device setting information DS and code information DD, such as a two-dimensional code indicating the device setting information DS, are printed. The data processing device 100 optically reads the code information DD using the reading unit 120, obtains the device setting information DS indicated by the code information DD, and performs processing to change the device setting information of its own device (data processing device) based on the device setting information DS. In addition, the display unit of the manufacturing equipment 630 may display the equipment setting information DS and code information DD such as a two-dimensional code indicating the equipment setting information DS, and the data processing device 100 may optically read the code information DD such as the two-dimensional code using the reading unit 120, and perform processing to change the equipment setting information of its own device (data processing device 100). That is, in the data processing device 100, the code information is optically read by the reading unit, and the device setting information of the device itself can be changed simply and accurately.

[0052] Next, an example of the operation of changing device setting information related to a data processing device in a store or the like, rather than in a factory, will be described. As shown in Figure 6, in a store or the like, a portable terminal device 620 (600) receives device setting information to be set in a data processing device 100 from a management device 610, and performs processing to display code information DD, such as a two-dimensional code indicating the device setting information, on a display unit 628. The data processing device 100 optically reads the code information DD using the reading unit 120, obtains the device setting information DS indicated by the code information DD, and performs processing to change the device setting information of its own device (data processing device 100) based on the device setting information DS.

[0053] The data processing device 100 updates the device setting information if its own identification information matches the identification information of the data processing device included in the code information, and does not update the device setting information if they do not match. This allows the data processing device to perform the update process based on the device setting information of its own device, not on the device setting information of other devices.

[0054] Next, an example of a printed matter output by a data processing device will be described. Fig. 7 shows a printed matter L such as a receipt output from a printer (such as a built-in printer or an external printer) of a data processing device such as a POS register. In detail, in the example shown in Figure 7, information specific to each store, such as image information LP (image data) showing the store's logo, store name L1, store address information L2, printing date and time information L3, and receipt detail information L4 are printed on the printed matter L. Image information LP showing the store logo, store name L1, store address information L2, etc. are information specific to each store and are individually set in the data processing device installed in the store. In addition, the information specific to each store may be set in the printer of the data processing device (built-in printer, external printer, etc.).

[0055] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, an example of the operation of setting image information as device setting information in the data processing device 100 using code information DD (such as a two-dimensional code) indicating image information LP (image data) such as a store logo will be described.

[0056] The portable terminal device 620 receives image information LP (image data) such as a store logo from the management device via a communication unit and stores it in a storage unit 629. A code information generation unit 623 of the control unit of the portable terminal device 620 generates code information (such as a two-dimensional code) indicating image information LP (image data) such as a store logo, based on the image information LP read from the storage unit 629, and an output processing unit 624 performs processing to display the code information DD (such as a two-dimensional code) on the display unit of the portable terminal device 620. Date and time information, store logo code information, etc. may also be displayed near the code information. The control unit of the portable terminal device 620 may output a printed matter on which the code information DD is printed using a printer (not shown) or the like.

[0057] 8, the control unit of the portable terminal device 620 has a compression / encryption processing unit 623E. The compression / encryption processing unit 623E performs compression and / or encryption on the image information LP read from the storage unit 629. Examples of encryption methods include a common key cryptosystem and a public key cryptosystem. The code information generation unit 623 generates code information DD based on the image information LP processed by the compression / encryption processing unit 623E.

[0058] In the data processing device 100, the reading unit 120 reads the code information DD, the code information analysis unit 111 analyzes the code information DD, and the decryption / decompression processing unit 111D performs decryption and decompression processing corresponding to the processing of the compression / encryption processing unit 623E, thereby generating image information LP (image data) such as a store logo. In detail, if the data is encrypted using a common key cryptosystem, the decryption process is performed using a common key, and if the data is encrypted using a public key cryptosystem, the decryption process is performed using a private key corresponding to the public key used for encryption. The setting change unit 113 performs a process of storing image information LP such as the store logo as device setting information in the storage unit 160 or the like (a process of changing device setting information).

[0059] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, after image information is subjected to compression and encryption processes, optically readable code information DD (such as a two-dimensional code) is generated based on that data, resulting in high security. For example, even if the code information DD is read by a computer operated by a third party, the image information cannot be restored unless a decompression process corresponding to the compression process or a decryption process corresponding to the encryption process is performed, so security is high.

[0060] Furthermore, if the portable terminal device 620 generates code information DD without performing compression and encryption processing on the image information, the data processing device 100 does not need to perform decryption processing or decompression processing by the decryption and decompression processing unit 111D.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the portable terminal device 620 generates the code information DD based on the image information LP, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a manufacturing device (computer, etc.) installed in a factory may generate the code information DD based on the image information LP. Furthermore, the manufacturing device (computer, etc.) in the factory may compress and encrypt the image information LP and then generate the code information DD based on the data.

[0062] Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a case where an old data processing device 100OLD installed in a store or the like is replaced with a new data processing device 100 will be described. An example will be described in which the same packaging box is reused when replacing the old data processing device 100OLD with the new data processing device 100.

[0063] 9, an external device 200 is connected to an old data processing device 100OLD that was installed in a store or the like. The external device 200 is, for example, a predetermined device such as a printer, scanner, or weighing device. In addition, a storage device 195 (portable storage device) is detachably connected to the old data processing device 100OLD via an interface 190OLD ​​(I / F). The old data processing device 100OLD performs a process of storing setting information of the external device 200 (such as a printer) in the storage device 195 periodically or at a predetermined timing.

[0064] The setting information of the external device 200 (such as a printer) stored in the portable storage device 195 defines predetermined information such as printer information, printer name, driver name, IP address information, port number, protocol, etc., as shown in FIG. 10.

[0065] The new data processing device 100 packed in a box is delivered to the store. A maintenance worker or the like unpacks the box in which the new data processing device 100 is packed. When a maintenance worker or the like replaces an old data processing device 100OLD installed in a store or the like with a new data processing device 100, the maintenance worker or the like removes the external device 200 connected to the connection part 170OLD of the old data processing device 100OLD and connects the external device 200 to the connection part 170 of the new data processing device 100. Furthermore, the portable storage device 195 connected to the old data processing device 100OLD is removed, and the portable storage device 195 is detachably connected to the new data processing device 100 via the interface 190 (I / F).

[0066] An acquisition unit 115 (acquisition means) of the control unit of the data processing device 100 reads and acquires setting information related to the external device stored in the portable storage device 195. A setting change unit 113 (change means) of the control unit of the data processing device 100 performs processing to change the device setting information of its own device (the data processing device 100) based on the setting information related to the external device 200 acquired by the acquisition unit 115. In other words, even if an external device 200 such as a printer that was installed in a store and connected to the old data processing device 100OLD is connected to a new data processing device 100, by connecting a portable storage device 195 to the data processing device 100, the setting information regarding the external device 200 can be easily set in the data processing device 100 itself.

[0067] The information stored in the portable storage device 195 may include, for example, large-capacity setting information, setting information that does not need to be synchronized with the management device 610, and the like.

[0068] Furthermore, after the setting change unit 113 of the control unit of the data processing device 100 (store terminal device) changes the device setting information of its own device (data processing device 100) based on the setting information of an external device 200 such as a printer, the code information generation unit 112 generates code information DD indicating the changed device setting information, and the output processing unit 114 performs processing to output the code information DD. The code information DD includes identification information of the own device (data processing device 100). The output processing of the output processing unit 114 may involve displaying the code information DD (such as a two-dimensional code) on a display unit, or outputting a printed matter on which the code information DD is printed using a printer (such as a built-in printer or a printer of the external device 200). The maintenance worker or the like packs the old data processing device 100OLD in the box in which the new data processing device 100 was packed.

[0069] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the portable terminal device 620 operated by a maintenance worker or the like performs a process of transmitting device setting information DS (including identification information of the data processing device) indicated by code information DD read by the reading unit 625 to the management device 610 via the communication path 400. When the control unit 611 of the management device 610 receives the device setting information DS (including the identification information of the data processing device), it stores the device setting information DS in the storage unit 616 of the management device 610 in association with the identification information of the data processing device.

[0070] In addition, when the control unit 611 of the management device 610 receives new device setting information DS (including identification information of the data processing device), it compares it with the device setting information DS stored in the memory unit 616, and if there is a mismatch, it updates the information it is managing by storing the newly received device setting information DS in the memory unit, but if there is a match, it does not perform the update.

[0071] Then, the device setting information DS indicated by the code information DD output from the new data processing device 100 is transmitted to the management device 610, and the management device 610 stores the received device setting information DS, which triggers the new data processing device 100 to issue a label to be affixed to the box containing the old data processing device 100OLD. That is, the data processing device 100 is provided with a determination means (for example, realized by the control unit 110 executing a program) for determining whether or not the code information has been output, and when the determination means determines that the code information has been output, the output means outputs collection information for collecting the old data processing device. The label issued by the data processing device 100 includes predetermined information such as "shipping date," "store code," and "host name," as shown in FIG. 11(a).

[0072] Next, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the issued label is attached to the box in which the old data processing device is packed, and the box is sent to a collection point. The collection point may be, for example, a place where the factory from which the data processing device was shipped or a waste disposal company is located.

[0073] At the collection site, the sender can be identified from the text information or code information such as a barcode attached to the shipped packaging box, which means that it is possible to know for sure that the replacement work has been completed without opening the box.

[0074] As described above, the maintenance system (management system) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the data processing device 100 and the maintenance device 600 (the management device 610, the portable terminal device 620, etc.). The data processing device 100 includes a generating means (setting information generating unit 116) that generates settings of the data processing device 100 (its own device) as setting information, and an output means (the output processing unit 114, the display unit 150, the printer 180, the external device 200, etc.) that outputs the setting information (device setting information) generated by the generating means (setting information generating unit 116) as code information (such as a two-dimensional code or a barcode). The maintenance device 600 includes a reading means (reading unit 625) for reading the code information output by the output means of the data processing device 100, an extraction means (code information analysis unit 622) for extracting setting information of the data processing device 100 from the code information, and a storage means (storage unit 616, storage unit 629, etc.) for storing the setting information extracted by the extraction means. That is, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the setting information (device setting information) stored in the data processing device 100 can be output as optically readable code information, so that the maintenance device 600 that reads it can easily obtain the setting information of the data processing device 100.

[0075] Furthermore, the output means of the data processing device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention prints the setting information on a medium as code information, character information, or image information. Specifically, the output means of the data processing device 100 prints code information, character information, and image information based on the setting information on a medium. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the data processing device 100 prints code information, character information, and image information based on the setting information of the data processing device on a medium (such as paper). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the character information printed on the medium includes terminal information (information about the data processing device) such as a store code, store name, host name, IP address, DNS1, DNS2, and MAC address, and other character information such as serial information for a scanner or storage unit, exchange source information, etc. Furthermore, the image information (picture information) may include, for example, a store name logo and image information used for various products and commercial transactions.

[0076] Furthermore, all or part of the character information written on a medium (such as paper) is embedded in code information such as a two-dimensional code. Furthermore, image information such as a store logo may be printed on a medium such as paper as shown in FIG. 13, without being converted into a two-dimensional code (code information). That is, instead of encoding image information such as a store logo, the store logo itself may be printed as image information on a medium such as paper. Furthermore, the code information, character information, and image information printed on a medium such as paper are not limited to being printed on a single sheet of medium (such as paper), but may be printed on multiple sheets of paper. Specifically, for example, the medium may be three sheets of paper, with the code information printed on the first sheet, the character information on the second sheet, and the image information on the third sheet.

[0077] The data processing device 100 also includes an input means (reading unit 120) that reads code information and inputs the code information as setting information of the data processing device, and a change means (setting change unit 113) that changes the settings of the data processing device 100 based on the setting information (device setting information) input by the input means (reading unit 120). In other words, the data processing device 100 reads code information using an input means (reading unit 120) such as a barcode scanner, a two-dimensional code scanner, or an imaging device, and when the code information is input as setting information (device setting information), the setting contents of the data processing device can be easily changed to settings based on the setting information (device setting information).

[0078] In this embodiment, the maintenance device 600 (management device 610, portable terminal device 620) includes a display unit 628 that displays code information DD for the data processing device 100 or code information DD output from the data processing device 100. That is, the data processing device 100 optically reads the code information DD using the reading unit 120, obtains the device setting information DS indicated by the code information DD, and can easily change the device setting information of its own device (data processing device 100) based on the device setting information DS. Furthermore, the display unit 628 can also display the code information DD output from the data processing device 100, allowing the code information to be easily confirmed.

[0079] Moreover, in this embodiment, the data processing device 100 includes a connection unit 170 connectable to an external device, and an acquisition means (acquisition unit 115) that acquires setting information related to the external device 200. The change means (setting change unit 113) performs processing to change the setting information of the data processing device 100 itself, based on the setting information related to the external device 200 acquired by the acquisition means (acquisition unit 115). In other words, even if an external device 200 such as a printer that was connected to the old data processing device 100OLD is connected to the new data processing device 100, by connecting a portable storage device 195 to the data processing device 100, the setting information regarding the external device 200 can be easily set in the data processing device 100 itself. Then, the data processing device 100 generates and outputs code information DD indicating the changed device setting information. Then, the portable terminal device 620, which is the maintenance device 600, reads the code information DD and transmits the device setting information (including the identification information of the data processing device) indicated by the code information DD to the management device 610. The management device 610, which is the maintenance device 600, stores the device setting information DS in the storage unit 616 and manages the information. In other words, even if settings are changed at each store, such as by connecting an external device to the data processing device, the device setting information of the data processing device can be accurately and easily transmitted to the maintenance device via code information, and the maintenance device can accurately perform maintenance and management-related processing based on that device setting information.

[0080] Furthermore, in the data processing device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the reading unit 120 (reading unit) reads, for example, code information indicating image information (image data) specific to the store where the data processing device is installed, and the setting change unit 113 (change means) performs processing to change the device setting information of the data processing device based on the code information. Therefore, for example, image information (image data) specific to the store where the data processing device is installed can be easily set in the data processing device 100 using optically readable code information (such as a two-dimensional code).

[0081] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes design changes and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the above-described drawings can be combined with each other as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in the purpose, configuration, etc. Furthermore, the contents of each drawing may be independent embodiments, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a single embodiment obtained by combining the drawings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100...Data processing device (maintained device) 110...Control unit (CPU) 111...Code information analysis unit (code information analysis means) 112...Code information generation unit (code information generation means) 113...setting change unit (change means) 114...output processing unit (output means) 115…Acquisition unit (acquisition means) 116…Setting information generation unit (generation means) 120...Reading unit (input means) 130…Communications Department 140...input section 150...Display section (output means) 160...Storage section 170...Connection 180...Printer (output means) 195...Storage device (portable storage device) 200...External device (printer, scanner, etc.) 400…Communication channel 600…Maintenance equipment 610...Management device (maintenance device) 611...Control unit 612…Communications Department 613...input section 614...Display section 615...Printer 620...Portable terminal equipment (maintenance equipment) 621...Control unit 622...Code information analysis unit (extraction means) 623...Code information generation unit 623E…Communications Department 624...Output processing unit 625...Reading unit 628...Display section 629...Storage unit (storage means) 630...Manufacturing equipment DS: Device setting information

Claims

1. A maintenance system having a data processing device and a maintenance device, The data processing device includes: a generating means for generating settings of the data processing device as setting information; an output means for outputting the setting information generated by the generation means as code information; Equipped with The maintenance device includes: reading means for reading the code information output by the output means; an extracting means for extracting setting information of the data processing device from the code information; a storage means for storing the setting information extracted by the extraction means, The maintenance system is characterized in that the output means prints image information together with the code information on a medium that the data processing device prints on in its business.

2. 2. The maintenance system according to claim 1, wherein said output means prints the name of the external device together with the code information.

3. 3. The maintenance system according to claim 1, wherein the output means prints the code information together with a logo of the store in which the data processing device is installed.

4. A program for causing a computer to function as a data processing device in a maintenance system having the data processing device and a maintenance device, The maintenance device includes: a reading means for reading code information output from the data processing device; an extracting means for extracting setting information of the data processing device from the code information; a storage means for storing the setting information extracted by the extraction means, The computer as the data processing device, a generating means for generating settings of the data processing device as setting information; functioning as an output means for outputting the setting information generated by the generation means as code information; The output means prints image information together with the code information on a medium on which the data processing device prints in the course of business. A program characterized by:

5. A maintenance method in a maintenance system having a data processing device and a maintenance device, comprising: a generating step in which the data processing device generates settings of the data processing device as setting information; an output step in which the data processing device outputs the setting information generated in the generating step as code information; a reading step in which the maintenance device reads the code information output in the output step; an extraction step in which the maintenance device extracts setting information of the data processing device from the code information; a storage step in which the maintenance device stores the setting information extracted by the extraction step; The output step includes a step of printing image information together with the code information on a medium on which the data processing device prints in business. A maintenance method characterized by:

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