Server devices, client devices, information processing systems, and programs

Abstract

This invention provides a server device, client device, information processing system, and program that can enhance the confidentiality of connection configuration information required when connecting a new client device. [Solution] The store server (server device) includes a POS terminal connection declaration reception unit (connection declaration reception unit) that receives declarations that there are POS terminals (client devices) to be newly connected to it via the network; an encrypted code symbol generation unit (code symbol generation unit) that generates a code symbol in which an expiration date is stored in the public unit, allowing decryption of the encrypted non-public unit for a predetermined period after generation, and the connection setting information necessary to connect the POS terminal to the store server via the network is stored in the non-public unit; and a code symbol output unit that outputs the code symbol generated by the encrypted code symbol generation unit in a visible form.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a server device, a client device, an information processing system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] When adding a new network camera to a computer network, setting information necessary for connection is displayed on an operator's mobile terminal in the form of a two-dimensional code, and the two-dimensional code is read by the newly connected network camera to perform connection settings. An example is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such a connection setting system, there is a risk that the two-dimensional code displayed on the mobile terminal may be leaked. If the two-dimensional code is leaked, a third party may read the setting information stored in the two-dimensional code and may be able to access the computer system arbitrarily. Therefore, it has been necessary to enhance the confidentiality of the two-dimensional code in which the setting information is stored.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a server device, a client device, an information processing system, and a program that can enhance the confidentiality of connection setting information necessary when connecting a new client device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The server device of this embodiment comprises a connection declaration reception unit, a code symbol generation unit, and a code symbol output unit. The connection declaration reception unit receives a declaration that there is a client device to be newly connected to it via the network. The code symbol generation unit generates a code symbol in which the public unit stores an expiration date in which the encrypted private unit can be decrypted for a predetermined period after generation, and the private unit stores the connection setting information necessary for the client device to connect to it via the network. The code symbol output unit outputs the code symbol generated by the code symbol generation unit in a visible format.

[0006] Furthermore, the client device of the embodiment is connected to the server device via a network and comprises a code symbol reading unit, a decoding unit, and a connection setting unit. The code symbol reading unit reads the expiration date stored in the public portion of the code symbol. If the current date and time is earlier than the read expiration date, the decoding unit decodes the private portion of the code symbol and reads the connection setting information stored in the private portion. The connection setting unit connects itself to the server device based on the connection setting information read by the decoding unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the product sales data processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a store server included in a product sales data processing system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a POS terminal included in a product sales data processing system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a code symbol output by the store server. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a data structure stored in a code symbol. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a store server and POS terminal that make up a product sales data processing system. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by a product sales data processing system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the product sales data processing system 10 of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Outline configuration of the product sales data processing system) The schematic configuration of the product sales data processing system 10 of the embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the product sales data processing system of the embodiment.

[0011] The product sales data processing system 10 is a system that manages product sales at a store and the sales revenue of the sold products, and is mainly installed within the store. The product sales data processing system 10 has a configuration in which a store server 20 and multiple POS (Point of Sale) terminals 30 are connected by a network 12. Note that the product sales data processing system 10 is an example of an information processing system in this disclosure.

[0012] The store server 20 monitors the operation of the POS terminal 30. The store server 20 also manages the results of product registration and payment processing obtained from the POS terminal 30 as sales data. Note that the store server 20 is an example of a server device in this disclosure.

[0013] The POS terminal 30 performs a product registration process to register product information (e.g., product code) that identifies the product purchased by the customer, and a payment process to pay for the registered product. The POS terminal 30 may be configured in a way that the store clerk performs both the product registration and payment processes, or it may be configured in a semi-self-service manner where the store clerk performs the product registration and the customer performs the payment process. Alternatively, the POS terminal 30 may be configured in a fully self-service manner where the customer performs both the product registration and payment processes. The POS terminal 30 is an example of a client device in this disclosure.

[0014] Network 12 is, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) that connects the store server 20 and the POS terminal 30 to each other. Network 12 may also be a wireless LAN.

[0015] (Store server hardware configuration) The hardware configuration of the store server 20 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a store server included in a product sales data processing system.

[0016] The store server 20 has a configuration in which a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a peripheral device controller 24, and a communication controller 25 are connected to each other by an internal bus 23.

[0017] The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the store server 20. The control unit 21 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213. The CPU 211 connects to the ROM 212 and the RAM 213 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 211 loads various programs stored in the ROM 212 and the memory unit 22 into the RAM 213. The CPU 211 controls the operation of the store server 20 by operating according to the various programs loaded into the RAM 213. In other words, the control unit 21 has the configuration of a general computer. Note that the control unit 21 is an example of a first computer in this disclosure.

[0018] The storage unit 22 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Alternatively, the storage unit 22 may be a non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 22 stores the control program 221, the terminal setting information master 222, the product master 223, and the sales file 224.

[0019] The control program 221 is a program that controls the overall operation of the store server 20. The control program 221 may be provided stored in the storage unit 22, or it may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 221 may also be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network and downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 221 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0020] The terminal setting information master 222 is a master file that registers, in association with each other, the identification information of the POS terminal 30 (for example, the identification number of the POS terminal 30) and the connection setting information related to the connection with the store server 20 for all the POS terminals 30 connected to the store server 20. The connection setting information related to the connection with the store server 20 is, for example, the IP address of the store server 20 or the like. The IP address includes a network part that identifies the network to which the IP address belongs, a host part that identifies a computer within the network, and a subnet mask that distinguishes between the network part and the host part in the IP address. When a new POS terminal 30 is connected to the store server 20, the content of the terminal setting information master 222 is updated each time.

[0021] The product master 223 is a master file that stores product information such as the product name and price of the products handled in the store. In the product master 223, the product name, unit price, additional information, etc. are stored in association with a product code that is identification information for uniquely identifying a product. Since the content of the product master is updated at any time, the store server 20, for example, acquires update information of the product master from a higher-level device (not shown) and updates the content of the product master 223 at any time. Then, the store server 20 outputs the updated content of the product master 223 to the POS terminal 30.

[0022] The sales file 224 is a file obtained by aggregating the content of the product registration file 323 (see FIG. 3) and the settlement file 324 (see FIG. 3) acquired from each POS terminal 30. [[ID=**10**]]

[0023] [[ID=**11**]] [[ID=**12**]]The control unit 21 is connected to a display device 241, an operation device 242, and a printer 243, which are various input / output devices, via the peripheral device controller 24. [[ID=**13**]] [[ID=**14**]]

[0024] [[ID=**15**]] [[ID=**16**]]The display device 241 is a device that displays various information to a store clerk who operates the store server 20. The display device 241 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor. [[ID=**17**]] [[ID=**18**]]

[0025] [[ID=**19**]] It should be noted that the text seems to have some consecutive numbered tags that might be a bit unusual in a normal context. I've translated it as accurately as possible while maintaining the tags as per the instructions. If there are any specific clarifications regarding these tags, it would be helpful for a more refined translation. Also, the numbering in the original text jumps from 8 to 12 without 9, 10, 11 being used in the text content. I've just kept the tags as they are in the translation.The operating device 242 is a device that acquires various operation instructions from the store employee operating the store server 20. The operating device 242 is composed of, for example, a touch panel stacked on the display device 241.

[0026] When a new POS terminal 30 is connected to the store server 20, the printer 243, upon receiving instructions from the operator, prints a code symbol 43 on the print paper 40 that incorporates connection setting information, including the items to be set and their setting values, in order to enable the new POS terminal 30 and the store server 20 to communicate via the network 12. The code symbol 43 printed on the print paper 40 will be described in more detail later (see Figure 4).

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 21 transmits and receives various information to and from the POS terminal 30 via the communication controller 25. For example, the store server 20 outputs the latest product master 223 to the POS terminal 30. The store server 20 also obtains various information related to product sales (for example, product registration files and payment files, which will be described later) from the POS terminal 30.

[0028] (POS terminal hardware configuration) The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 30 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a POS terminal provided in a product sales data processing system.

[0029] The POS terminal 30 has a configuration in which a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a peripheral device controller 34, and a communication controller 35 are connected to each other by an internal bus 33.

[0030] The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the POS terminal 30. The control unit 31 comprises a CPU 311, a ROM 312, and a RAM 313. The CPU 311 connects to the ROM 312 and the RAM 313 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 311 loads various programs stored in the ROM 312 and the memory unit 32 into the RAM 313. The CPU 311 controls the operation of the POS terminal 30 by operating according to the various programs loaded into the RAM 313. In other words, the control unit 31 has the configuration of a general computer. Note that the control unit 31 is an example of a second computer in this disclosure.

[0031] The storage unit 32 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. Alternatively, the storage unit 32 may be a non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 32 stores the control program 321, the product master 322, the product registration file 323, and the settlement file 324.

[0032] The control program 321 is a program that controls the overall operation of the POS terminal 30. The control program 321 may be provided stored in the storage unit 32, or it may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 321 may also be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network and downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 321 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0033] The product master 322 is a master file that stores product information such as product names and prices of products handled by the store. The product master 322 stores product names, unit prices, additional information, etc., associated with product codes, which are unique identifiers for each product. Since the contents of the product master are updated as needed, the POS terminal 30 retrieves the latest product master from the store server 20 and keeps the contents of the product master 322 up to date.

[0034] Product registration file 323 is a file that stores registered product information (e.g., product name, quantity, unit price, etc.) associated with a transaction code that identifies a single transaction.

[0035] The settlement file 324 is a file that stores settlement details related to a transaction (e.g., settlement date and time, settlement method, settlement amount, etc.) associated with the transaction code.

[0036] The control unit 31 is connected via the peripheral device controller 34 to various input / output devices, namely the display device 341, the operation device 342, the scanner 343, the payment terminal 344, the change dispenser 345, and the receipt printer 346.

[0037] The display device 341 is a device that displays various information related to product registration and payment to customers and store staff. Information related to product registration includes, for example, registered product information and the total amount. Information related to payment includes, for example, payment method options and payment details. The display device 341 is composed of, for example, an LCD monitor or an OLED monitor.

[0038] The operating device 342 is a device that acquires various operational information related to product registration and payment from customers and store staff. Operational information related to product registration includes, for example, instructions to start product registration and instructions to complete registration. Operational information related to payment includes, for example, instructions to select a payment method. The operating device 342 is composed of, for example, a touch panel stacked on the display device 341.

[0039] The scanner 343 is a device that reads a code symbol (e.g., a barcode) containing the identification information (e.g., product code) of a product that a customer wishes to purchase, which is affixed to or printed on the product. The scanner 343 also reads a code symbol 43 (see Figure 4) output by the printer 243 of the store server 20. The scanner 343 also reads a presented code symbol, for example, using a built-in camera. The scanner 343 is equipped with a code reader that decodes the captured code symbol, but the scanner 343 in this embodiment is equipped with a code reader capable of decoding encrypted code symbols 43. More details will be described later (see Figure 4).

[0040] The payment terminal 344 is a device that processes payments when a customer requests cashless payment. The payment terminal 344 reads the customer's credit card registration information (personal information, bank account information, etc.) and performs credit card payment for the product registration information of one transaction. The payment terminal 344 also reads the transaction code (e.g., barcode or 2D code) displayed on the customer's mobile device (e.g., smartphone) and performs code payment for the product registration information of one transaction. The payment terminal 344 may also be compatible with other well-known payment methods, such as electronic money payments.

[0041] The change dispenser 345 is a device that, when a customer requests to pay in cash, accepts the money (banknotes and coins) the customer has, deducts the purchase price of the goods from the accepted amount, and dispenses the remaining amount as change.

[0042] The receipt printer 346 is a device that prints and issues receipts with the results of a transaction.

[0043] (Code symbols generated by the store server) Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the code symbols 43 generated by the store server 20. Figure 4 is an example of a code symbol output by the store server. Figure 5 is an example of a data structure stored in a code symbol.

[0044] The store server 20 generates a code symbol 43 containing connection setting information for a POS terminal 30 newly connected to the product sales data processing system 10, enabling communication with the store server 20 via the network 12. The store server 20 then prints the generated code symbol 43 on the printer 243. The form of the code symbol printed on the printer 243 is not specified, but in this case, it is assumed that a two-dimensional code (for example, a QR code®) is printed as the code symbol 43.

[0045] The store server 20 instructs the printer 243 to print and output the print sheet 40 shown in Figure 4. The print sheet 40 has a message 41, an expiration date 42, and a code symbol 43 printed on it.

[0046] Message 41 is a message instructing the scanner 343 of the newly connected POS terminal 30 to read the code symbol 43 printed on the print paper 40.

[0047] The expiration date 42 is the date and time that indicates the expiration date during which the code symbol 43 can be read by the scanner 343 of the newly connected POS terminal 30.

[0048] Code symbol 43 is code information that stores the expiration date 42 and the connection settings information of the newly connected POS terminal 30.

[0049] Alternatively, instead of printing the paper 40 from the printer 243, the store server 20 may display the same code symbol 43 printed on the paper 40 on the display device 241. In this case, the worker responsible for connecting the POS terminal 30 can take a picture of the code symbol 43 displayed on the display device 241 with a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. The worker responsible for connecting the POS terminal 30 may then have the scanner 343 of the POS terminal 30 read the captured code symbol 43.

[0050] Next, we will explain the specific data structure of code symbol 43 using Figure 5.

[0051] The code symbol 43 generated by the store server 20 stores information in two parts: a public section 431 and a private section 432.

[0052] The public section 431 stores information that can be read when the code symbol 43 is read with a normal code reader. In this embodiment, the public section 431 stores the expiration date 42 in unencrypted plaintext.

[0053] The confidential section 432 stores information in a format in which the code symbols themselves are encrypted and cannot be read by a normal code reader. In this embodiment, the confidential section 432 stores connection setting information for the newly connected POS terminal 30. The connection setting information is stored in unencrypted plaintext. The connection setting information is stored in a format that associates setting items with setting values. The number of setting items varies depending on the format and specifications of the network 12 used by the product sales data processing system 10, and the hardware configuration of the store server 20, etc.

[0054] All information stored in the code symbol 43 can be read by a scanner 343 equipped with a dedicated code reader capable of reading the information stored in the encrypted non-public section 432. A code symbol 43 with this structure is known, for example, as a DSQR (Digital Signature type QR code) code.

[0055] (Functional configuration of the product sales data processing system) Figure 6 will be used to explain the functional configuration of the store server 20 and POS terminal 30 that constitute the product sales data processing system 10. Figure 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the store server and POS terminal that constitute the product sales data processing system.

[0056] (Store server functional configuration) First, let's explain the functional configuration of the store server 20.

[0057] The control unit 21 of the store server 20 deploys the control program 221 to the RAM 213 and operates it, thereby realizing the POS terminal connection declaration acceptance unit 51, the expiration date setting unit 52, the encryption code symbol generation unit 53, and the code symbol output unit 54 as functional units, as shown in Figure 6. Note that all or part of these functional units may be implemented using dedicated hardware.

[0058] The POS terminal connection declaration reception unit 51 receives a declaration from the operator of the store server 20 that there is a POS terminal 30 to be newly connected to the store server 20 via the network 12. Specifically, the POS terminal connection declaration reception unit 51 receives a declaration that there is a POS terminal 30 to be newly connected to the store server 20 by detecting that a menu indicating, for example, "New POS terminal connection settings" has been selected from the main menu (not shown) displayed on the display device 241 of the store server 20. In addition, when the POS terminal connection declaration reception unit 51 receives a connection declaration, it requests the operator of the store server 20 to input the identification information of the newly connected POS terminal 30. The POS terminal connection declaration reception unit 51 then refers to the terminal setting information master 222 to prepare the connection setting information necessary for connecting the newly connected POS terminal 30, and stores the identification information of the newly connected POS terminal 30 in the terminal setting information master 222. The POS terminal connection declaration reception unit 51 is an example of a connection declaration reception unit in this disclosure.

[0059] The expiration date setting unit 52 sets an expiration date for which the decryption of the non-public portion of the code symbol 43 generated by the encryption code symbol generation unit 53 is permitted. Specifically, the expiration date setting unit 52 sets the expiration date to the time after a predetermined date and time has elapsed from the time the POS terminal connection declaration acceptance unit 51 receives a declaration that a new POS terminal 30 is to be connected. The length of the expiration date can be set as appropriate, but for example, it may be set to one hour or one day.

[0060] The encrypted code symbol generation unit 53 generates a code symbol 43 in which the expiration date is stored in the public section 431 and connection setting information necessary to connect the POS terminal 30 to the store server 20 via the network 12 is stored in the private section 432. The encrypted code symbol generation unit 53 has a function to encrypt the private section 432 of the code symbol 43. The method of encryption is not limited. The connection setting information is determined based on the information stored in the terminal setting information master 222 stored in the store server 20. The encrypted code symbol generation unit 53 is an example of a code symbol generation unit in this disclosure.

[0061] The code symbol output unit 54 outputs the code symbol 43 generated by the encryption code symbol generation unit 53 in a visible form. Specifically, the code symbol output unit 54 prints the code symbol 43 onto the printing paper 40 using the printer 243. Alternatively, the code symbol output unit 54 displays the code symbol 43 on the display device 241.

[0062] (POS terminal function configuration) Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the POS terminal 30.

[0063] The control unit 31 of the POS terminal 30 implements the following functional units by deploying the control program 321 to the RAM 313 and operating it: the code symbol reading unit 61, the expiration date determination unit 62, the code symbol decoding unit 63, and the connection setting unit 64 shown in Figure 6. Note that all or part of these functional units may be implemented using dedicated hardware.

[0064] The code symbol reading unit 61 reads the expiration date stored in the public section 431 of the code symbol 43. Specifically, the code symbol reading unit 61 reads the code symbol 43 printed on the printing paper 40 using the scanner 343. Alternatively, the code symbol reading unit 61 may read an image of the code symbol 43 displayed on the display device 241 by the store server 20.

[0065] The expiration date determination unit 62 determines whether the current date and time are earlier than the expiration date stored in the public section 431 of the code symbol 43.

[0066] The code symbol decoding unit 63 decodes the non-public portion 432 of the code symbol 43 and reads the connection setting information stored in the non-public portion 432 if the current date and time is earlier than the expiration date stored in the public portion 431 of the code symbol 43. The code symbol decoding unit 63 has the function of decoding the non-public portion 432 of the code symbol 43. The code symbol decoding unit 63 is an example of a decoding unit in this disclosure.

[0067] The connection setting unit 64 connects the POS terminal 30 to the store server 20 based on the connection setting information read by the code symbol decoding unit 63.

[0068] (Processing flow performed by the product sales data processing system) Figure 7 illustrates the processing flow performed by the product sales data processing system 10. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the product sales data processing system.

[0069] (Processing flow performed by the store server) First, let's explain the processing flow performed by the store server 20.

[0070] The POS terminal connection notification reception unit 51 receives a notification for the connection of a new POS terminal 30 (step S11).

[0071] Next, the POS terminal connection notification reception unit 51 refers to the terminal setting information master 222 and sets the connection setting information necessary for connecting the new POS terminal 30 (step S12).

[0072] The expiration date setting unit 52 sets an expiration date that allows the decryption of the non-public portion of the code symbol 43 generated by the encryption code symbol generation unit 53 (step S13).

[0073] The encryption code symbol generation unit 53 generates a code symbol 43 in which the expiration date is stored in the public unit 431 and the connection setting information is stored in the private unit 432 (step S14).

[0074] The code symbol output unit 54 prints the code symbol 43 generated by the encrypted code symbol generation unit 53 using the printer 243 (step S15). After that, the store server 20 terminates processing. Alternatively, the code symbol output unit 54 may display the code symbol 43 generated by the encrypted code symbol generation unit 53 on the display device 241 instead of printing it with the printer 243.

[0075] (Process flow of the newly connected POS terminal) Next, we will explain the processing flow performed by the POS terminal 30 that is newly connected to the store server 20.

[0076] The code symbol reading unit 61 reads the expiration date stored in the public section 431 of the code symbol 43 using the scanner 343 (step S21).

[0077] The expiration date determination unit 62 determines whether the current date and time are earlier than the expiration date stored in the public section 431 of the code symbol 43 (step S22). If it is determined that the current date and time are earlier than the expiration date (step S22: Yes), the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current date and time are not earlier than the expiration date (step S22: No), the POS terminal 30 terminates processing.

[0078] In step S22, if it is determined that the current date and time is earlier than the expiration date, the code symbol decoding unit 63 decodes the non-disclosed portion 432 of the code symbol 43 (step S23).

[0079] Next, the code symbol decoding unit 63 reads the connection setting information stored in the non-disclosed portion 432 of the code symbol 43 (step S24).

[0080] The connection setting unit 64 connects the POS terminal 30 to the store server 20 based on the connection setting information read by the code symbol decoding unit 63 (step S25). After that, the POS terminal 30 terminates processing.

[0081] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the store server 20 (server device) of the embodiment includes a POS terminal connection declaration reception unit 51 (connection declaration reception unit) that receives a declaration that there is a POS terminal 30 (client device) to be newly connected to it via the network 12, an encrypted code symbol generation unit 53 (code symbol generation unit) that stores in the public unit 431 an expiration date in which the decryption of the encrypted private unit 432 is permitted for a predetermined period after its generation, and generates a code symbol 43 in the private unit 432 that stores the connection setting information necessary to connect the POS terminal 30 to the store server 20 via the network 12, and a code symbol output unit 54 that outputs the code symbol 43 generated by the encrypted code symbol generation unit 53 in a visible form.Therefore, by storing the connection setting information in the encrypted code symbol 43 and setting an expiration date for decrypting the code symbol 43, even if the code symbol 43 is leaked, it does not give enough time to decrypt the information, thus increasing the confidentiality of the connection setting information necessary when connecting a new POS terminal 30.

[0082] Furthermore, the POS terminal 30 (client device) of this embodiment is connected to the store server 20 (server device) via the network 12 and includes a code symbol reading unit 61 that reads the expiration date stored in the public portion 431 of the code symbol 43, a code symbol decoding unit 63 (decoding unit) that decodes the private portion 432 of the code symbol 43 and reads the connection setting information stored in the private portion 432 if the current date and time is earlier than the read expiration date, and a connection setting unit 64 that connects itself to the store server 20 based on the connection setting information read by the code symbol decoding unit 63.Therefore, it is possible to read the connection setting information stored in the highly confidential code symbol 43 generated by the store server 20 within the expiration date and connect itself to the store server 20.

[0083] Furthermore, the product sales data processing system 10 (information processing system) of this embodiment includes a store server 20 and a POS terminal 30. Therefore, when connecting a new POS terminal 30 to the product sales data processing system 10, the connection setting information required for the connection can be managed with a high degree of confidentiality.

[0084] In this embodiment, an example of applying the disclosure to a product sales data processing system 10 used in a store has been described, but the scope of application of the disclosure is not limited to product sales data processing systems. That is, the disclosure can be applied to a general computer system in which a server device and client devices are connected via a network.

[0085] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 10. Product Sales Data Processing System (Information Processing System) 12 Networks 20 Store Servers (Server Devices) 21 Control Unit (First Computer) 221 Control Program 222 Terminal Configuration Information Master 223 Product Master 224 Sales File 241 Display Devices 243 Printers 30 POS terminals (client devices) 31 Control Unit (Second Computer) 321 Control Program 322 Product Master 323 Product Registration File 324 Payment File 40 Printing paper 41 Messages 42 Expiration Date 43 Code Symbols 431 Public Section 432 Non-public section 51 POS Terminal Connection Application Reception Department (Connection Application Reception Department) 52 Expiry date setting section 53. Encryption code symbol generation unit (code symbol generation unit) 54 Code Symbol Output Section 61 Code Symbol Reading Unit 62 Expiration Date Determination Unit 63 Code Symbol Decoding Unit (Decoding Unit) 64 Connection Settings Section [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0087] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-229272

Claims

1. A connection declaration reception unit that receives declarations that there are new client devices connecting to it via the network, A code symbol generation unit generates a code symbol in which the public section stores an expiration date that allows decryption of the encrypted private section for a predetermined period after generation, and the private section stores connection setting information necessary for the client device to connect to itself via the network. The system includes a code symbol output unit that outputs the code symbols generated by the code symbol generation unit in a visualized format. Server device.

2. A client device connected via a network to the server device described in claim 1, A code symbol reader unit reads the expiration date stored in the public section of the code symbol, A decoding unit that, if the current date and time is earlier than the read expiration date, decodes the non-disclosed portion of the code symbol and reads the connection setting information stored in the said non-disclosed portion, The system includes a connection setting unit that connects itself to the server device based on the connection setting information read by the decoding unit. Client device.

3. The server device according to claim 1, A client device as described in claim 2, comprising: Information processing system.

4. The first computer that controls the server device is A connection declaration reception unit that receives declarations that there are new client devices connecting to it via the network, A code symbol generation unit generates a code symbol in which the public section stores an expiration date that allows decryption of the encrypted private section for a predetermined period after generation, and the private section stores connection setting information necessary for the client device to connect to itself via the network. The code symbol output unit operates as a code symbol output unit that outputs the code symbols generated by the code symbol generation unit in a form that can be visualized. program.

5. A first computer that controls a server device and a second computer that controls client devices connected via a network, A code symbol reader unit reads the expiration date stored in the public section of the code symbol generated by the first computer, A decoding unit that, if the current date and time is earlier than the read expiration date, decodes the non-disclosed portion of the code symbol and reads the connection setting information stored in the non-disclosed portion, which is necessary for the client device to connect itself to the network; Based on the connection setting information read by the decoding unit, it operates as a connection setting unit that connects itself to the server device. program.

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