Relay equipment and communication systems

Abstract

This device provides a relay device that eliminates the need to manually register logo images to the printing device. [Solution] The relay device 2 is a relay device 2 that relays communication between the information processing device 1 and the printing device 3, and has a storage unit 24 that stores a logo image to be printed on the receipt, and a control unit 21, and when the control unit 21 receives a print instruction from the information processing device 1, it creates print data including the logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay device and a communication system.

Background Art

[0002] As a recording system used in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, which issues receipts in response to the payment of customers who visit the store, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known. The recording system described in Patent Document 1 includes a host computer, a POS (Point of Sale) server, and a printer. The printer has a non-volatile memory, and logo images such as a top logo to be printed on the receipt are registered in the non-volatile memory. Based on the control of the host computer, the logo is printed on the receipt using the logo image in the non-volatile memory.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the printer needs to be replaced due to a printer failure or the like, in order to print a logo with a new printer, it is necessary to register a logo image in the non-volatile memory of the new printer. For that work, it is necessary to perform a printer reset, and there is a problem that the work is time-consuming.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A relay device according to one aspect of the present invention is a relay device that relays communication between an information processing device and a printing device, and comprises a storage unit for storing a logo image to be printed on a receipt, and a control unit, wherein when the control unit receives a print instruction from the information processing device, it creates print data including the logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device.

[0006] A communication system according to one aspect of the present application comprises an information processing device, a printing device, and a relay device that relays communication between the information processing device and the printing device, wherein the information processing device transmits a print instruction for a receipt, the relay device stores a logo image to be printed on the receipt, and when it receives the print instruction from the information processing device, it creates print data including the logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device, and when the printing device receives the print data, it prints the print data on the receipt. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the memory unit of the relay device. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows each process performed in the communication system. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the first logo printing process. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the first process. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the second process shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the second logo printing process. [Figure 8] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the backup process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication system 100 in this embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage unit 24 of the relay device 2. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing each process performed by the communication system 100. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the first logo printing process S201 in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the first process S4 in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the second process S5 in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the second logo printing process S202 in Figure 3. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the backup process S300 in Figure 3.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 comprises an information processing device 1, a relay device 2, and a printing device 3. The communication system 100 may further include a first device 4 and a second device 5. The communication system 100 constitutes a POS system used in stores such as supermarkets and restaurants.

[0011] 1. Suitable application examples of communication systems The following describes an example in which the communication system 100 of this embodiment is applied to a POS system. In a POS system, the information processing device 1 is a cash register, the printing device 3 is a receipt printer, and the relay device 2 is a hub that relays communication between the information processing device 1 and the printing device 3. In a POS system, the first device 4 is, for example, an automatic change dispenser, and the second device 5 is, for example, a CAT terminal (Credit Authorization Terminal).

[0012] 1.1. Information Processing Device The information processing device 1 outputs instruction information to the printing device 3, the first device 4, and the second device 5 via the relay device 2, and receives information such as notifications or data from the printing device 3, the first device 4, and the second device 5 via the relay device 2. The information processing device 1 may be connected to a POS server on a network (not shown) via the relay device 2.

[0013] The information processing device 1 is, for example, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The information processing device 1 is equipped with, for example, Windows (registered trademark) or MacOS (registered trademark) as the OS (Operating System). Also, the information processing device 1 is configured to communicate with the relay device 2 using at least one of the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, and USB (registered trademark) (Universal Serial Bus) standard.

[0014] 1.2. Relay device The relay device 2 relays the communication between the information processing device 1 and the printing device 3, the communication between the information processing device 1 and the first device 4, and the communication between the information processing device 1 and the second device 5. In other words, the relay device 2 is a hub that collectively connects each device and each piece of equipment used within the store.

[0015] The relay device 2 of the present embodiment is devised so that when replacing the printing device 3, etc., it can eliminate the trouble of the user's logo image registration work that was being done on the printing device 3. In the logo image registration work, the logo image is saved in the non-volatile memory. In this work, a reset of the printing device 3, so-called printer reset, is required, which is a laborious task. The details of the ingenuity applied to the relay device 2 will be clarified in the following description.

[0016] The relay device 2 includes a control unit 21, an upstream communication interface 22, a downstream communication interface 23, a storage unit 24, a backup unit 25, and a program storage unit 26.

[0017] The control unit 21 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and based on the control program stored in the program storage unit 26, it controls each unit and executes each process such as the relay process S200 described later. The control unit 21 may include a main memory and a cache memory made of RAM (Random access memory). The functions of the control unit 21 may be realized by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The control unit 21 may be configured to further include a co-processor such as a SoC (System on a Chip), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 21 may perform various controls by making the CPU and the co-processor cooperate with each other or selectively using one of the two.

[0018] The storage unit 24 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash memory. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 24 includes a logo image storage unit 241, a logo printing setting storage unit 242, and a printer information storage unit 243.

[0019] The logo image storage unit 241 stores logo image data, key codes, and other definition information such as gradation information used in the first logo printing process S201 and the second logo printing process S202 (see FIG. 3) described later. In this embodiment, the key code 5050 is specified for the logo image data La, and the key code 5151 is specified for the logo image data Lb, and they are respectively stored in the logo image storage unit 241. The logo image data La and Lb are images in which, for example, a store name is designed, and in this embodiment, they are examples of logo images. The key code is composed of two values from 20h to 7Eh. When storing the logo image, a key code is specified.

[0020] The logo printing setting storage unit 242 stores setting information for the top logo L1 and bottom logo L2 used in the first logo printing process S201 and the second logo printing process S202 (see Figure 3), which will be described later. In this embodiment, the setting information for the top logo L1 is stored as follows: key code 5050, alignment specification centered, number of lines to delete 3, and enabled for the logo printing function enable / disable setting. The setting information for the bottom logo L2 is stored as follows: key code 5151, alignment specification left-aligned, and enabled for the logo printing function enable / disable setting.

[0021] In this embodiment, the setting information for the top logo L1 and bottom logo L2 stored in the logo printing setting storage unit 242 is an example of logo printing setting information, the setting to enable or disable the logo printing function of the top logo L1 is an example of first setting information, and the setting to enable or disable the logo printing function of the bottom logo L2 is an example of second setting information. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the logo image data La specified by key code 5050 as setting information for the top logo L1 is an example of a first logo image, and the logo image data Lb specified by key code 5151 as setting information for the bottom logo L2 is an example of a second logo image.

[0022] The alignment setting indicates the printing position in the width direction of the receipt R, and you can specify one of the following: left alignment, center alignment, or right alignment. The number of deleted lines indicates the number of lines to be deleted from the first line of the print data received from the information processing device 1. If the number of deleted lines is 3, lines 1 through 3 of the print data are considered deleted lines and will not be printed.

[0023] The logo printing function's enable / disable setting indicates whether or not the top logo L1 and bottom logo L2 are printed. When enabled, printing is performed; when disabled, printing is not performed.

[0024] In this way, by having the relay device 2 store the enable / disable setting for the logo printing function in the storage unit 24, the information processing device 1 can issue a receipt R with the logo image printed on it without having to instruct whether or not to print the logo image on the receipt R when issuing the receipt R. Therefore, the load on the information processing device 1 and the amount of data transmitted by the information processing device 1 when issuing the receipt R can be reduced.

[0025] Alternatively, the logo printing function can be enabled or disabled by setting only "Enable," and if "Enable" is not selected, it can be treated as disabled and the process can proceed.

[0026] The printer information storage unit 243 stores information about the printing device 3, such as the paper width information of the receipt roll used by the printing device 3. The paper width information is used when creating print data for the top logo L1 and bottom logo L2 based on the alignment specification settings.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the backup unit 25 consists of non-volatile memory, and in the backup process S300 (see Figure 3) described later, the information used for the logo printing process stored in the storage unit 24 is backed up to the backup unit 25 at predetermined timings, for example, periodically. The backup unit 25 may be an external storage device or may be provided within the storage area of ​​the storage unit 24.

[0028] The program storage unit 26 consists of non-volatile memory and stores various control programs that the relay device 2 executes in each process performed in the communication system 100 shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, in the communication system 100, the relay device 2 performs logo registration processing S100, relay processing S200, and backup processing S300. The program storage unit 26 stores control programs for executing logo registration processing S100, relay processing S200, and backup processing S300, and the control unit 21 executes logo registration processing S100, relay processing S200, and backup processing S300 based on the control programs stored in the program storage unit 26. Details of logo registration processing S100, relay processing S200, and backup processing S300 will be explained in section 2 below.

[0029] The upstream communication interface 22 has communication interfaces 221, 222, 223, and 224. The communication interface 221 communicates with the information processing device 1 in accordance with the Wi-Fi® standard. The communication interface 221 includes an antenna for transmitting and receiving Wi-Fi® signals, and an interface circuit for processing Wi-Fi® signals. In this embodiment, the relay device 2 communicates with the information processing device 1 via the communication interface 221.

[0030] The communication interface 222 communicates with the information processing device 1 in accordance with the Bluetooth® standard. The communication interface 222 includes an antenna for transmitting and receiving Bluetooth® signals, and an interface circuit for processing Bluetooth® signals.

[0031] The communication interface 223 communicates with the information processing device 1 in accordance with the Ethernet® standard. The communication interface 223 includes a connector for sending and receiving Ethernet® signals, and an interface circuit for processing Ethernet® signals. The communication interface 223 is connected to a LAN router via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable (not shown).

[0032] The communication interface 224 communicates with the information processing device 1 in accordance with the USB® standard. The communication interface 224 includes a connector for sending and receiving USB® signals, and an interface circuit for processing USB® signals.

[0033] The downstream communication interface 23 has communication interfaces 231, 232, and 233. Communication interface 231 communicates with the printing device 3 in accordance with the USB® standard. Communication interface 233 includes a connector for sending and receiving USB® signals, and an interface circuit for processing USB® signals. The connector is, for example, a so-called USB® Type C connector. In this embodiment, the relay device 2 communicates with the printing device 3 via communication interface 231.

[0034] The communication interface 232 communicates with the first device 4 in accordance with the RS-232® standard. The communication interface 232 includes a connector for sending and receiving RS-232® signals, and an interface circuit for processing RS-232® signals.

[0035] The communication interface 233 communicates with the second device 5 in accordance with the USB® standard. The communication interface 233 includes a connector for sending and receiving USB® signals, and an interface circuit for processing USB® signals. The connector is, for example, a so-called USB® Type A connector.

[0036] The downstream communication interface 23 used by the relay device 2 is not limited to the examples described above. The relay device 2 may be configured to communicate with the printing device 3, the first device 4, and / or the second device 5 using any of the following standards: Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, or Ethernet®.

[0037] 1.3.Printing device Printing device 3 is, for example, a thermal printer. Printing device 3 creates a receipt R by printing a top logo L1, print data A1, and a bottom logo L2 on a receipt roll (not shown) made of thermal paper. Printing device 3 is also equipped with an operating system, for example, Windows®. Printing device 3 includes a dedicated printer. A dedicated printer is a printer configured to be connected to relay device 2. Printing device 3 may also be a printer of another type, such as an inkjet printer.

[0038] The printing device 3 comprises a control unit 31, a communication interface 32, a printing unit 33, a transport unit 34, a receipt cutter 35, and a specific operation detection unit 36.

[0039] The control unit 31 controls the printing unit 33 and the transport unit 34 based on a print request transmitted from the relay device 2 to print the top logo L1, print data A1, and bottom logo L2 onto the receipt roll to create a receipt R. The control unit 31 also controls the transport unit 34 and the receipt cutter 35 based on a cut execution request transmitted from the relay device 2 to feed the receipt roll, cut it at a predetermined cutting position, and separate the receipt R from the receipt roll.

[0040] The top logo L1 is printed on the upper part e1 at the leading edge of the receipt R. The bottom logo L2 is printed on the lower part e3 at the trailing edge of the receipt R. The print data A1 is transaction information such as the items purchased and their unit prices, and is printed on the central part e2 of the receipt R.

[0041] The specific operation detection unit 36 ​​detects specific operations of the printing device 3 and notifies the relay device 2 that a specific operation has occurred. In this embodiment, there are four specific operations of the printing device 3 that the specific operation detection unit 36 ​​detects. The first is when the printing device 3 has finished starting up after being powered on. The second is when a recoverable error that occurred in the printing device 3 has been recovered. The third is when the cover of the printing device 3 has been opened and then closed. The fourth is when paper feeding has finished due to pressing the paper feed switch. In this embodiment, the four operations with the highest priority are set as specific operations, but other operations may also be set as specific operations.

[0042] 2. Details of each process performed in the communication system As shown in Figure 3, the communication system 100 executes various processes, including the logo registration process S100, the relay process S200, and the backup process S300. Below, we will explain the processes performed by the communication system 100 that involve the relay device 2.

[0043] 2.1. Logo Registration Process The logo registration process S100 is a process that registers the information necessary for printing logos such as the top logo L1 and the bottom logo L2. Through this logo registration process S100, the information shown in Figure 2 is stored in the storage unit 24 of the relay device 2. When a user performs the logo registration process S100, they access the relay device 2 from the information processing device 1 or a registration terminal (not shown).

[0044] The logo registration process S100 includes the logo image registration process S101 and the logo printing setting registration process S102. In the logo image registration process S101, as shown in Figure 2, a key code is specified for the logo image and stored in the logo image storage unit 241. At this time, other definition information such as grayscale information can also be registered together. In the logo printing setting registration process S102, the setting information for the top logo L1 and bottom logo L2 is stored as shown in Figure 2.

[0045] 2.2. Relay Processing As shown in Figure 3, the relay process S200 includes a first logo printing process S201 and a second logo printing process S202. The first logo printing process S201 is executed when a print instruction is received from the information processing device 1, and the second logo printing process S202 is executed when a notification of a specific operation has occurred is received from the printing device 3. The relay process S200 performed by the relay device 2 includes normal relay processing that does not involve logo printing.

[0046] 2.2.1. First Logo Printing Process As shown in Figure 4, the first logo printing process S201 involves the information processing device 1, the relay device 2, and the printing device 3.

[0047] First, in step S1, the accounting process involves the store clerk operating the information processing device 1 to process the customer's payment. Once the accounting process is complete, a receipt R is issued, and in step S2, the information processing device 1 sends a print instruction for the receipt R to the relay device 2.

[0048] In this embodiment, the print instruction transmitted by the information processing device 1 includes print data, a print command, and a cut command. The print data is customer transaction information and corresponds to the print data A1 printed on the central part e2 of the receipt R, as shown in Figure 1. The print command is a command that instructs the printing of the receipt R. The cut command is a command used to cut the receipt roll and separate the receipt R from the receipt roll.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the print instruction transmitted from the information processing device 1 is received by the relay device 2 in step S3. When the relay device 2 receives the print instruction from the information processing device 1, first process S4 is executed between the relay device 2 and the printing device 3, followed by second process S5. First process S4 is the process of printing print data A1 on receipt R, and second process S5 is the process of printing the bottom logo L2 on receipt R, then separating receipt R from the receipt roll and issuing receipt R, and in advance of the print instruction for the next receipt R, the process of printing the top logo L1 on the next receipt R.

[0050] 2.2.1.1. First Processing As shown in Figure 5, the first process S4 involves the relay device 2 and the printing device 3. In step S41, the relay device 2 performs analysis of print data and print commands based on the print instruction transmitted from the information processing device 1.

[0051] Next, in step S42, the relay device 2 expands the print data to create print data for printing print data A1, and in step S43, sends a print request to the printing device 3. In step S43, the print request sent by the relay device 2 includes print data for printing print data A1 and instructions to print the said print data. If the number of lines to be deleted is set in the logo print setting storage unit 242, the relay device 2 deletes the set number of lines of print data from the print data for printing print data A1 to create the print data.

[0052] In the printing process of step S44, the printing device 3 prints print data A1 on the receipt R based on the print request transmitted from the relay device 2. In step S45, once the printing process for print data A1 is complete, the printing device 3 proceeds to step S46 and sends a print completion notification to the relay device 2.

[0053] 2.2.1.2. Second Processing As shown in Figure 6, the second process S5 involves the relay device 2 and the printing device 3. After receiving a notification from the printing device 3 that printing of print data A1 is complete, the relay device 2 performs analysis of the cut command in step S51 based on the print instruction sent from the information processing device 1. In other words, the relay device 2 executes the printing process of the logo image stored in the storage unit 24 when the cut command included in the print instruction is triggered. In this way, by executing the printing process of the logo image triggered by the cut command, the information processing device 1 and the relay device 2 can cause the printing device 3 to print the receipt R including the logo image without any special commands.

[0054] In step S52, the relay device 2 checks the enabled / disabled setting of the logo printing function stored in the logo printing setting storage unit 242. In step S53, the relay device 2 checks the enable / disable setting of the bottom logo L2. If it is enabled, it proceeds to step S54; otherwise, it proceeds to step S59.

[0055] In step S54, the relay device 2 unfolds the bottom logo L2. The relay device 2 reads the logo image data Lb specified by key code 5151 from the logo image storage unit 241, and based on the alignment specification information and the paper width information stored in the printer information storage unit 243, creates print data including the logo image data Lb of the bottom logo L2, and in step S55, sends a print request to the printer 3. In step S55, the print request sent by the relay device 2 includes print data for printing the bottom logo L2 and a print instruction for said print data.

[0056] In the printing process of step S56, the printing device 3 prints the bottom logo L2 on the receipt R based on the print request transmitted from the relay device 2. In step S57, when the printing process for the bottom logo L2 is completed, the printing device 3 proceeds to step S58 and sends a printing completion notification to the relay device 2.

[0057] After receiving notification from the printing device 3 that the bottom logo L2 has been printed, the relay device 2 sends a cut execution request to the printing device 3 in step S59. In the cutting process of step S60, the printing device 3, based on the cutting execution request transmitted from the relay device 2, cuts the receipt R from the receipt roll with the receipt cutter 35 and issues the receipt R. In step S61, once the printing device 3 has finished cutting the receipt R, it proceeds to step S62 and sends a cutting completion notification to the relay device 2.

[0058] In step S63, the relay device 2 checks the enabled / disabled setting of the top logo L1. If it is enabled, it proceeds to step S64; otherwise, it exits the second process S5.

[0059] In step S64, the relay device 2 unfolds the top logo L1. The relay device 2 reads the logo image data La specified by key code 5050 from the logo image storage unit 241, and based on the alignment specification information and the paper width information stored in the printer information storage unit 243, creates print data including the logo image data La of the top logo L1, and in step S65, sends a print request to the printer 3. In step S65, the print request sent by the relay device 2 includes print data for printing the top logo L1 and a print instruction for said print data.

[0060] In the printing process of step S66, the printing device 3 prints the top logo L1 on the next receipt R based on the print request transmitted from the relay device 2.

[0061] In step S67, once the printing process for the top logo L1 is complete, the printing device 3 proceeds to step S68 and sends a printing completion notification to the relay device 2.

[0062] In the first logo printing process S201 described above, a preferred example of printing the logo image stored in the storage unit 24 is shown in which the printing process of the logo image is triggered by a cut command. However, the printing process of the logo image may also be triggered by the aforementioned print command or other commands.

[0063] 2.2.2. Second Logo Printing Process As shown in Figure 7, the second logo printing process S202 involves the relay device 2 and the printing device 3. In step S21, if the specific operation detection unit 36 ​​of the printing device 3 detects the occurrence of any of the four specific operations of the printing device 3 described above, in step S22, the printing device 3 notifies the relay device 2 that the specific operation has occurred. If the specific operation detection unit 36 ​​of the printing device 3 does not detect the occurrence of a specific operation, the second logo printing process S202 is exited.

[0064] In step S23, the relay device 2 checks the enabled / disabled setting of the logo printing function stored in the logo printing setting storage unit 242. In step S24, the relay device 2 checks the enabled / disabled setting of the top logo L1. If it is enabled, it proceeds to step S25; otherwise, it exits the second logo printing process S202.

[0065] In step S25, the relay device 2 unfolds the top logo L1. The relay device 2 reads the logo image data La specified by key code 5050 from the logo image storage unit 241, and based on the alignment specification information and the paper width information stored in the printer information storage unit 243, creates print data including the logo image data La of the top logo L1, and in step S26, sends a print request to the printer 3. In step S26, the print request sent by the relay device 2 includes print data for printing the logo image data La of the top logo L1 and a print instruction for said print data.

[0066] In the printing process of step S27, the printing device 3 prints the top logo L1 on the receipt R based on the print request transmitted from the relay device 2. In step S28, once the printing process for the top logo L1 is complete, the printing device 3 proceeds to step S29 and sends a printing completion notification to the relay device 2.

[0067] 2.3. Backup Process As shown in Figure 8, the backup process S300 involves only the relay device 2. In step S31, when the relay device 2 detects that a predetermined timing has been reached, it performs a backup in step S32. If it is not the predetermined timing, it exits the backup process S300.

[0068] The predetermined timing is a regular timing, for example, the timing when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the last backup. The predetermined timing may also be a desired timing, such as a fixed time every day or every few days, or when a predetermined operation occurs. In the backup process, the backup unit 25 saves the information stored in the storage unit 24. The information saved in the backup unit 25 includes at least the information stored in the logo image storage unit 241 and the logo print setting storage unit 242.

[0069] As described above with reference to the drawings, the following effects can be obtained according to this embodiment. The relay device 2 of this embodiment is a relay device 2 that relays communication between the information processing device 1 and the printing device 3, and has a storage unit 24 that stores a logo image to be printed on the receipt R, and a control unit 21, and when the control unit 21 receives a print instruction from the information processing device 1, it creates print data including the logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device 3.

[0070] Thus, the relay device 2 has a storage unit 24 that stores logo image data La and / or logo image data Lb as logo images to be printed on the receipt R, and when it receives a print instruction from the information processing device 1, it creates print data including the logo image data La or logo image data Lb and transmits the print data to the printing device 3.

[0071] Therefore, according to the relay device 2 of this embodiment, when the printing device 3 is replaced, the user does not need to perform the task of registering the logo image on the printing device 3. Thus, the interruption time and recovery work caused by the replacement of the printing device 3 can be minimized, and a relay device 2 with high industrial value can be realized.

[0072] In the relay device 2 of this embodiment, the storage unit 24 stores the enable / disable setting of the logo printing function as logo printing setting information regarding whether or not to enable or disable printing of the logo image, and the control unit 21 creates print data including the logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device 3 if the enable / disable setting of the logo printing function is enabled.

[0073] In this manner, the relay device 2 stores the enable / disable setting for the logo printing function, and if the enable / disable setting for the logo printing function is enabled, it creates print data including the logo image and sends the print data to the printing device 3.

[0074] Therefore, when the information processing device 1 instructs the issuance of a receipt R, it can issue a receipt R with the logo image printed on it without having to instruct whether or not to print the logo image on the receipt R. Thus, the load on the information processing device 1 and the amount of data transmitted by the information processing device 1 when issuing a receipt R can be reduced, and a relay device 2 with high industrial utility can be realized.

[0075] In the relay device 2 of this embodiment, the print instruction includes a cut command for receipt R, and the control unit 21 checks the enable / disable setting of the logo printing function as logo printing setting information based on the cut command, and if the enable / disable setting of the logo printing function is enabled, it creates print data including the logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device 3.

[0076] In this way, the relay device 2 creates print data including the logo image based on the cut command and transmits the print data to the printing device 3. Therefore, according to the relay device 2 of this embodiment, the printing device 3 can be made to print a receipt R including the logo image without the need for special commands. Thus, a relay device 2 with high industrial utility can be realized.

[0077] In the relay device 2 of this embodiment, the logo image includes logo image data La as a first logo image to be printed above the receipt R, and logo image data Lb as a second logo image to be printed below the receipt R. The logo printing setting information includes a setting to enable or disable the logo printing function of the top logo L1 as first setting information regarding the enable or disable of printing of the logo image data La, and a setting to enable or disable the logo printing function of the bottom logo L2 as second setting information regarding the enable or disable of printing of the logo image data Lb.

[0078] Therefore, according to the relay device 2 of this embodiment, it is possible to set whether or not to print on the receipt R for each of the top logo L1 and bottom logo L2. Thus, a relay device 2 with high industrial utility can be realized.

[0079] In the relay device 2 of this embodiment, the print instruction includes a cut command for the receipt R, and based on the cut command, the control unit 21 receives information from the printing device 3 indicating the completion of printing of the logo image data Lb as the second logo image, and then sends a cut execution request to the printing device 3 instructing it to cut the receipt R.

[0080] Therefore, according to the relay device 2 of this embodiment, the printing device 3 can print the bottom logo L2 onto the receipt R, then cut the receipt R, and issue the receipt R. Thus, a relay device 2 with high industrial utility can be realized.

[0081] In the relay device 2 of this embodiment, there is a backup unit 25 for storing the logo image, and the control unit 21 backs up the logo image to the backup unit 25 at a predetermined timing. Therefore, according to the relay device 2 of this embodiment, the risk of logo image loss can be reduced, and a highly reliable relay device 2 can be realized.

[0082] In the relay device 2 of this embodiment, when the control unit 21 receives a notification regarding a specific operation from the printing device 3, it creates print data including a logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device 3. Therefore, according to the relay device 2 of this embodiment, a desired specific operation can be performed, for example, after the power of the printing device 3 is turned on and the startup of the printing device 3 is completed, the logo image can be printed on the receipt R. Thus, a highly useful relay device 2 can be realized.

[0083] The communication system 100 of this embodiment comprises an information processing device 1, a printing device 3, and a relay device 2 that relays communication between the information processing device 1 and the printing device 3. The information processing device 1 transmits a print instruction for a receipt R, the relay device 2 stores a logo image to be printed on the receipt R, and when it receives a print instruction from the information processing device 1, it creates print data including the logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device 3, and when the printing device 3 receives the print data, it prints the print data on the receipt R.

[0084] Therefore, according to the communication system 100 of this embodiment, when the printing device 3 is replaced, the user does not need to perform the task of registering the logo image to the printing device 3. Thus, the interruption time and recovery work caused by the replacement of the printing device 3 can be minimized, and a communication system 100 with high industrial value can be realized.

[0085] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the configuration of each part of the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that performs similar functions to those of the embodiments described above, and any configuration can be added. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1...Information processing device, 2...Relay device, 3...Printing device, 4...First device, 5...Second device, 21...Control unit, 22...Upstream communication interface, 23...Downstream communication interface, 24...Storage unit, 25...Backup unit, 26...Program storage unit, 31...Control unit, 32...Communication interface, 33...Printing unit, 34...Transport unit, 35...Receipt cutter, 36...Specific motion detection unit, 100...Communication system, 221, 222, 223, 224, 231, 232, 233...Communication interface, 241...Logo image storage unit, 242...Logo print setting storage unit, 243...Printer information storage unit, A1...Print data, L1...Top logo, L2...Bottom logo, La...Logo image data, Lb...Logo image data, e1...Top, e2...Center, e3...Bottom, R...Receipt.

Claims

1. A relay device that relays communication between an information processing device and a printing device, A memory unit that stores the logo image to be printed on the receipt, It has a control unit and When the control unit receives a print command from the information processing device, it creates print data including the logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device. Relay device.

2. The storage unit stores logo printing setting information regarding whether or not to enable printing of the logo image. The control unit, when the logo printing setting information is valid, creates the print data including the logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device. The relay device according to claim 1.

3. The print instruction includes a cut command for the receipt, The control unit, based on the cut command, checks the logo printing setting information, and if the logo printing setting information is valid, creates the print data including the logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device. The relay device according to claim 2.

4. The logo image includes a first logo image to be printed above the receipt and a second logo image to be printed below the receipt. The logo printing setting information includes first setting information regarding whether to enable or disable printing of the first logo image, and second setting information regarding whether to enable or disable printing of the second logo image. The relay device according to claim 2.

5. The print instruction includes a cut command for the receipt, Based on the cut command, the control unit receives information from the printing device indicating the completion of printing the second logo image, and then transmits a cut execution request to the printing device instructing it to cut the receipt. The relay device according to claim 4.

6. It has a backup unit that stores the aforementioned logo image, The control unit backs up the logo image to the backup unit at a predetermined timing. The relay device according to claim 1.

7. When the control unit receives a notification regarding a specific operation from the printing device, it creates the print data including the logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device. The relay device according to claim 1.

8. Information processing equipment and Printing device and The system includes a relay device that relays communication between the information processing device and the printing device, The information processing device transmits a print instruction for the receipt, The relay device stores the logo image to be printed on the receipt, and when it receives the print instruction from the information processing device, it creates print data including the logo image and transmits the print data to the printing device. When the printing device receives the print data, it prints the print data onto the receipt. Communication system.

Images