Communication system

Abstract

To reduce the effort required for initial setup of multiple communication devices. [Solution] The communication system of the embodiment comprises a storage means and a first transmission control means provided in a communication device that will be a representative terminal, and a first reception control means and a first setting means provided in a communication device that will be a configured terminal. The storage means stores setting information for the first communication means provided in the communication device that will be a configured terminal to communicate via a communication network. The first transmission control means causes the setting information stored in the storage means to be transmitted by the second communication means provided in its own device. The first reception control means causes the second communication means provided in its own device to receive the setting information transmitted from a communication device other than its own device. Based on the setting information received by the second communication means provided in its own device, the first setting means executes a setting process for the first communication means provided in its own device to perform communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a communication system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in an unmanned store system, in order to monitor the behavior of shoppers in the store and the movement of goods, a large number of various sensors such as cameras are arranged in the store. And, when collecting data obtained by these many sensors with a processing device, it is preferable to use a communication network such as a wireless LAN (local area network). However, it is necessary to perform initial settings for communication via a communication network for each of a large number of communication devices distributed in the store. Conventionally, however, an operator has had to perform an operation for individually performing initial settings for individual devices, which has been a burden on the operator. Under such circumstances, it has been desired to reduce the labor of initial settings for communication via a communication network for a plurality of communication devices.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

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 communication system capable of reducing the labor of initial settings for communication via a communication network for a plurality of communication devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The communication system of the embodiment includes a plurality of communication devices, each of which comprises a first communication means for communicating via a communication network and a second communication means for communicating directly with a communication device other than itself among the plurality of communication devices without going through a communication network. The communication system includes a storage means and a first transmission control means provided in the communication device designated as the representative terminal, and a first reception control means and a first setting means provided in the communication device designated as the configured terminal. The storage means stores setting information for the first communication means provided in the configured terminal, which is not the representative terminal among the plurality of communication devices, to communicate via the communication network. The first transmission control means causes the setting information stored in the storage means to be transmitted by the second communication means provided in its own device. The first reception control means causes the setting information transmitted from a communication device other than itself among the plurality of communication devices to be received by the second communication means provided in its own device. The first setting means executes a setting process for the first communication means equipped in the device to communicate, based on the setting information received by the second communication means equipped in the device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of an unmanned store system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the in-store equipment, as represented in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the management server, as represented in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the relationship between a representative terminal installed in a store and two terminals that have not yet been configured. [Figure 5] Figure 2 shows a flowchart illustrating the processing steps in the initial setup process, specifically the CPU processing steps. [Figure 6] Figure 4 shows an example of a sequence of events related to the exchange of various types of information between the three in-store devices and the management server. [Figure 7]Figure 4 shows another example of the sequence of information exchange between the three in-store devices and the management server. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the processing steps in a management process. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the relationship between the representative terminal and two other terminals that have already been configured. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an unmanned store system configured with a communication system will be described as an example. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the unmanned store system 100 according to this embodiment. The unmanned store system 100 is configured so that multiple in-store devices 1, processing devices 2, and a management server 3 can communicate with each other via a communication network 200.

[0008] Multiple in-store devices 1 are distributed and placed in various locations within the store. The in-store devices 1 are connected to the communication network 200 via wireless communication with the access point 201 of the communication network 200. The in-store devices 1 are equipped with various sensors, such as cameras, and send the outputs of these sensors to the processing unit 2 via the communication network 200, either as they are or after undergoing predetermined processing. Thus, all of the in-store devices 1 are communication devices.

[0009] The processing unit 2 collects information transmitted from multiple in-store devices 1, monitors the shopper's behavior based on that information, and performs information processing such as registering purchased items by the shopper or settling the payment for those purchased items. Management server 3 performs information processing for the management of in-store equipment 1. Furthermore, if multiple access points 201 are connected to the communication network 200, each of the multiple in-store devices 1 may communicate wirelessly with any of the multiple access points 201.

[0010] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the in-store equipment 1. The in-store equipment 1 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11, ROM (read-only memory) 12, RAM (random-access memory) 13, SSD (solid-state drive) 14, wireless controllers 15 and 16, antennas 17 and 18, and a transmission line 19, etc. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, SSD 14, and wireless controllers 15 and 16 are connected via the transmission line 19. Note that the in-store equipment 1 may also include other devices such as cameras, but some such devices are not shown in the illustration. Furthermore, while multiple in-store equipment 1 share the same configuration as shown in Figure 2, other devices they do not need to have. For example, one in-store equipment 1 may have a camera, while another in-store equipment 1 may have a weight sensor.

[0011] By connecting the CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and SSD 14 via a transmission line 19, a computer is configured to perform information processing for controlling the in-store equipment 1. The CPU 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The CPU 11 performs information processing to control each part in order to realize various functions as the in-store equipment 1, in accordance with information processing programs such as the operating system, middleware, and application programs. The CPU 11 also performs information processing for initial setup (hereinafter referred to as initial setup processing), which will be described later.

[0012] ROM12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. ROM12 stores data used by the CPU11 in performing various processes. ROM12 stores a portion of the information processing program described above. In this embodiment, ROM12 stores an initial setup program, which is firmware describing the initial setup process. However, the initial setup program may be stored in SSD14. The RAM 13 corresponds to the main memory part of the above computer. The RAM 13 temporarily stores the data necessary for the CPU 11 to execute information processing and the data generated by the processing in the CPU 11.

[0013] The SSD 14 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. The SSD 14 stores the data used by the CPU 11 to perform various processes and the data generated by the processing in the CPU 11. The SSD 14 may store the above information processing program. Note that as the auxiliary storage part of the above computer, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read - only memory), an HDD (hard disc drive), or other various well - known storage devices may be provided instead of or in addition to the SSD 14.

[0014] The wireless controller 15 executes communication processing for data communication via the communication network 200 while performing wireless communication with the access point 201 via the antenna 17. As the wireless controller 15, for example, an existing communication device compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard can be used. The wireless controller 15 is an example of the first communication means.

[0015] The wireless controller 16 executes communication processing for data communication by direct wireless communication with other in - store devices 1 via the antenna 18. As the wireless controller 16, for example, an existing communication device for 920 MHz band wireless communication can be used. The wireless controller 16 is an example of the second communication means.

[0016] The antenna 17 radiates radio waves in response to the transmission signal output from the wireless controller 15 and outputs the received signal corresponding to the radio waves propagated through the space to the wireless controller 15. Antenna 18 radiates radio waves in accordance with the transmission signal output from the wireless controller 16, and outputs a reception signal corresponding to the radio waves propagated through the space to the wireless controller 16. Note that as the antennas 17 and 18, one antenna may be shared. The transmission path 19 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc., and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected components.

[0017] The communication network 200 can be used alone or in an appropriate combination, such as the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a LAN, a public communication network, a mobile communication network, etc. As the communication network 200, for example, a LAN and the Internet are used.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the management server 3. The management server 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an SSD 34, a communication controller 35, a transmission path 36, etc. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, the SSD 34, and the communication controller 35 are connected via the transmission path 19.

[0019] By connecting the CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the SSD 34 with the transmission path 36, a computer for performing information processing for managing the initial settings in the in-store device 1 is configured. The CPU 31 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The CPU 31 executes information processing for controlling each part in order to realize various functions as the in-store device 1 according to information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs. Also, the CPU 31 executes information processing (hereinafter referred to as management processing) described later for managing the initial settings of the in-store device 1.

[0020] The ROM 32 corresponds to the main memory part of the above computer. The ROM 32 stores data used when the CPU 31 performs various processes. The ROM 32 stores a part of the above information processing programs. RAM33 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. RAM33 temporarily stores data necessary for the CPU31 to perform information processing, as well as data generated by the processing performed by the CPU31.

[0021] SSD34 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. SSD34 stores data used by the CPU31 in performing various processes and data generated by the processing performed by the CPU31. SSD34 may also store the information processing program described above. In this embodiment, SSD34 stores a management program as an application program that describes the management processes described later. However, the management program may be stored in ROM12. In addition to SSD34, the auxiliary storage portion of the computer may also include, for example, EEPROM, HDD, or other well-known storage devices.

[0022] The communication controller 35 performs communication processing for data communication via the communication network 200. For example, an existing communication device for the Internet can be used as the communication controller 35. The transmission line 36 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected parts.

[0023] Next, we will explain the operation of the unmanned store system 100 configured as described above. The unmanned store system 100 acquires various information related to the actions of shoppers and the movement of goods within the store using each of the in-store devices 1. The processing unit 2 then collects the information acquired by the in-store devices 1 and identifies the items that the shopper has picked up in the store. Once the shopper leaves the store, the processing unit 2 processes the payment for the items that were picked up in the store. Note that the information processing for handling such transactions in an unmanned store can be any processing, such as processing similar to that performed in existing unmanned store systems. Therefore, a description of that information processing will be omitted.

[0024] A distinctive feature of the operation of the unmanned store system 100 in this embodiment is the operation during the initial setup process to enable the in-store equipment 1 to communicate via the communication network 200 when the unmanned store system 100 is newly constructed or modified in a store. This will be explained in detail below.

[0025] Once the configuration of the unmanned store system 100 is determined and it is decided which access point 201 each in-store device 1 should use, various pieces of information necessary for each in-store device 1 to communicate via the communication network 200 using the access point 201 are determined. These pieces of information include, for example, Wi-Fi® settings, IP address-related settings such as the self-IP address, subnet mask, default gateway IP address, server IP address, and connection authentication information. Then, according to instructions from the designer of the unmanned store system 100, an arbitrary information processing device generates initial setup information that includes the above pieces of information, associating each individual in-store device 1 with an identifier that identifies it within the unmanned store system 100, and this initial setup information is stored on the SSD 34 of the management server 3. It is assumed that the serial number of the in-store device 1 will be used as the identifier. However, any information can be used as the identifier as long as it can individually identify all in-store devices 1 included in the unmanned store system 100. Furthermore, data files (hereinafter referred to as "additional files") that should be saved on each SSD 14 of the in-store equipment 1 after the initial setup based on the configuration information is completed are saved on the SSD 34 of the management server 3 in accordance with instructions from the designer of the unmanned store system 100.

[0026] To implement the unmanned store system 100 in a store, a communication network 200 is first established in the store, and an access point 201 is installed. Then, a processing unit 2 is installed in the store's back room or elsewhere and connected to the communication network 200. Furthermore, an environment is created that allows access to a management server 3, provided as a cloud server, via the communication network 200. Subsequently, multiple in-store devices 1 are placed in various locations within the store's sales floor. One of these multiple in-store devices 1 is designated for initial setup by the installation staff or other personnel. Hereafter, when it is necessary to distinguish between the in-store device 1 designated for initial setup and the other in-store devices 1, the former will be referred to as the representative terminal, and the latter as the configured terminal.

[0027] In the representative terminal, at any time such as during manufacturing, preparation for shipment, or before installation in the store, the CPU 11 performs initial setup for communication via the communication network 200 using the access point 201, in response to instructions from the installation worker or other workers. This initial setup uses the setting information defined above for the in-store equipment 1 designated as the representative terminal. In addition, the same initial setup information stored in the management server 3's SSD 34 is written to the representative terminal's SSD 14 under the instructions of the installation worker or other workers. Thus, the SSD 14 functions as a storage means for storing setting information. The configured terminal is, for example, the in-store equipment 1 in its factory default state, without any customization for communication by the wireless controller 15.

[0028] Figure 4 shows the relationship between the representative terminal 1-1 and the two terminals to be configured, 1-2 and 1-3, in a state where initial setup has not been performed. The SSD 14 of the representative terminal 1-1 stores configuration information DAA, which is used for communication via the communication network 200 using the access point 201, as determined by the initial setup process. The SSD 14 also stores the initial setup information DAB, which was saved as described above. Based on the configuration information DAA, the representative terminal 1-1 is in a state where the wireless controller 15 can wirelessly communicate with the access point 201 and communicate via the communication network 200 using the access point 201.

[0029] Neither the configuration information DAA nor the initial setup information DAB is stored in the SSD 14 of the configured terminals 1-2 and 1-3. Therefore, the configured terminals 1-2 and 1-3 are unable to communicate wirelessly with the access point 201 via the wireless controller 15, and thus are unable to communicate via the communication network 200 using the access point 201.

[0030] Wireless communication between the wireless controller 16 and other in-store devices 1 is possible with either the representative terminal 1-1 or the configured terminals 1-2 and 1-3. However, in the example in Figure 4, while configured terminal 1-2 can communicate directly with either the representative terminal 1-1 or configured terminals 1-3, direct communication between the representative terminal 1-1 and configured terminals 1-3 is impossible because they are separated by a distance exceeding the communication range.

[0031] The operator places all the in-store equipment 1 included in the unmanned store system 100 in the required locations within the store, and then starts each in-store equipment 1 in initial setup mode. At this point, the CPU 11 of each in-store equipment 1 starts the initial setup process based on the initial setup program stored in the ROM 12.

[0032] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the CPU 11's processing steps during the initial setup process. Note that the processing steps described below are just an example; the order of some steps can be changed, some steps can be omitted, or other steps can be added as appropriate.

[0033] As ACT1, CPU11 activates 920MHz band communication. In other words, CPU11 starts up, for example, the wireless controller 16. In ACT2, the CPU 11 checks whether the in-store device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "the device itself") equipped with the CPU 11 is the representative terminal. If the device itself is designated as the representative terminal, the CPU 11 determines YES and proceeds to ACT3. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 4, if the CPU 11 is equipped in representative terminal 1-1, the process will proceed to ACT3.

[0034] As ACT3, the CPU 11 puts the wireless controller 16 into a transmit state and wirelessly transmits the initial setup information DAB stored in the SSD 14 from the antenna 18. At this time, the CPU 11 may repeatedly transmit the initial setup information DAB a predetermined number of times at predetermined time intervals, or it may transmit the initial setup information DAB only once. If the initial setup information DAB is transmitted repeatedly, for example, it is assumed that it will be transmitted three times at 100-millisecond intervals. This is intended to cope with short-term wireless transmission failures, i.e., intermittent bit corruption, etc. Thus, by having the processor 11 execute information processing based on the initial setup program, the computer with the processor 11 as its central component functions as the first transmission control means. As ACT4, CPU11 waits for a predetermined waiting time. This allows for adjustment of the time interval if CPU11 subsequently executes ACT3 again. Therefore, the waiting time is typically set to be sufficiently longer than the repeated transmission interval in ACT3. This is intended to prevent excessive occupation of the radio frequency by spacing out the time intervals between repeating ACT3 in situations where long-term wireless transmission failures occur. One example of a situation where long-term wireless transmission failures occur is when the transmission of initial setup information DAB fails in any of the repeated transmissions in ACT3 due to circumstances such as an obstacle like a person walking on the transmission path.

[0035] Now, if CPU 11 is the configured terminal, it determines NO in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT5. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 4, if CPU 11 is installed in configured terminals 1-2 and 1-3 respectively, it will proceed to ACT5. As ACT5, the CPU 11 puts the wireless controller 16 into a receiving state and causes the wireless controller 16 to receive the initial setup information DAB transmitted from other in-store equipment 1. Thus, by having the processor 11 perform information processing based on the initial setup program, the computer with the processor 11 as its central component functions as the first receiving control means.

[0036] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of information exchange between the three in-store devices 1 and the management server 3 shown in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of a sequence of information exchange between the three in-store devices 1 and the management server 3 shown in Figure 4. Note that while Figures 6 and 7 correctly represent the chronological order of events related to one configured terminal, the chronological order of events related to other configured terminals may not necessarily be as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0037] As shown in event EA in Figures 6 and 7, the initial setup information DAB transmitted from representative terminal 1-1 reaches configured terminal 1-2 and is received by the wireless controller 16 of configured terminal 1-2, but is not received by the wireless controller 16 of configured terminal 1-3.

[0038] If the CPU 11 of the in-store device 1, which was able to receive the initial setup information DAB via the wireless controller 16, as in the configured terminal 1-2, proceeds to ACT6. As ACT6, the CPU 11 checks whether the initial setup information DAB received by the wireless controller 16 has already been transferred. If the CPU 11 determines that it has not yet been transferred, it proceeds to ACT7.

[0039] As ACT7, the CPU 11 forwards the initial setup information DAB received by the wireless controller 16 as described above to other in-store devices 1. For this forwarding of the initial setup information DAB, a method called flooding can be applied, for example. In other words, the CPU 11 causes the wireless controller 16 to transmit the initial setup information DAB received by the wireless controller 16 as is. Thus, by having the processor 11 perform information processing based on the initial setup program, the computer with the processor 11 as its central component functions as a second transmission control means.

[0040] Furthermore, in the case of flooding, there is a risk that the initial configuration information DAB may be transmitted indefinitely. Therefore, it is preferable to packetize the initial configuration information DAB for transmission, assign a TTL (time to live) to each packet, decrement the TTL each time it is transmitted, and not transmit packets with a TTL of 0. Alternatively, a sequence number may be assigned to each packet, and based on this sequence number, it may be checked whether or not it has already been transmitted, and packets that have been transmitted in the past may not be transmitted.

[0041] As shown in event EB in Figure 6, once the configured terminal 1-2 has transferred the initial setup information DAB, it reaches the configured terminal 1-3 and is received by the wireless controller 16 of the configured terminal 1-3. In response, the CPU 11 of the configured terminal 1-3 proceeds to ACT6 and executes ACT6 and ACT7 in the same manner as described above.

[0042] Now, once CPU 11 has finished waiting in ACT4 or completed the transfer in ACT7, it proceeds to ACT8 in either case. It is possible that initial setup information already transferred in ACT7 may be transferred by another in-store device 1 and received by the wireless controller 16. In this case, CPU 11 determines YES in ACT6, skips ACT7, and proceeds to ACT8.

[0043] As ACT8, CPU11 checks whether its device is in an initialized state. If the device is in an initialized state as described later, it determines YES and returns to ACT2. However, if it is not in an initialized state, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT9. As ACT9, CPU11 extracts the configuration information associated with its own device identifier from the configuration information included in the initial setup information.

[0044] As ACT10, the CPU11 uses the extracted configuration information to perform initial setup for communication via the communication network 200 using the access point 201. This initial setup process is a well-known process for using a wireless LAN. Once this initial setup is complete, communication via the communication network 200 using the access point 201 becomes possible using the wireless controller 15. Thus, by having the processor 11 perform information processing based on the initial setup program, the computer with the processor 11 as its central component functions as the first configuration means. Note that CPU11 may restart itself after the initial setup is complete, if necessary.

[0045] As ACT11, CPU11 queries management server3 via communication through the communication network 200 using access point 201. This query requests management server3 to confirm whether the configuration information extracted in ACT9 was valid for use in the initial setup of the device. Therefore, CPU11, for example, sends the configuration information extracted in ACT9 to management server3 while exchanging information with management server3 regarding the query. Alternatively, CPU11 sends information to management server3 to identify which of many configuration information the configuration information extracted in ACT9 is. Alternatively, CPU11 may send a hash value or other value obtained by applying a predetermined calculation to the configuration information extracted in ACT9 to management server3.

[0046] In Figures 6 and 7, Event EC represents a query made by configured terminal 1-2 to management server 3 regarding the configuration information contained in the initial setup information received in Event EA. Similarly, Event EG in Figure 6 represents a query made by configured terminal 1-3 to management server 3 regarding the configuration information contained in the initial setup information received in Event EB.

[0047] Now, on the management server 3, the CPU 31 executes management processing based on the management program stored on the SSD 34. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of CPU 31 in the management process.

[0048] As ACT21, CPU31 waits for an inquiry from one of the store's devices 1. Then, CPU31 determines YES if an inquiry is made from store's device 1, based on the processing of ACT11 in Figure 5 by CPU11, and proceeds to ACT22 in Figure 8. As ACT22, CPU31 verifies the legitimacy of the requesting in-store device 1. In other words, CPU31 executes a process to prove to the requesting in-store device 1 that the recipient of the request is the management server 3 which manages the in-store device 1. For example, CPU31 sends a pre-prepared digital certificate from the communication controller 35 to the communication network 200 addressed to the requesting in-store device 1.

[0049] As ACT23, CPU31 verifies the validity of the configuration information being queried. CPU11, for example, checks whether the initial configuration information stored in SSD34 matches the configuration information sent during the query. As ACT24, CPU31 checks whether the configuration information being queried is valid. For example, if CPU31 could not find the relevant configuration information in ACT23, it determines that it is not valid and proceeds to ACT25.

[0050] As ACT25, CPU31 extracts the correct configuration information to be used for the initial setup of the in-store device 1 that made the inquiry from the initial setup information contained in SSD34, and sends it to in-store device 1 as a response to the inquiry to the communication network 200. Alternatively, CPU31 may send the initial setup information stored in SSD34 to in-store device 1 that made the inquiry. After this, CPU31 returns to the waiting state for ACT21 and prepares for the next inquiry.

[0051] On the other hand, if CPU31 can find the relevant configuration information in ACT23, for example, it will determine it is valid and judge it as YES in ACT24, then proceed to ACT26. As ACT26, CPU31 reads the necessary additional files from SSD14 to the in-store device 1 that made the inquiry, sends them to the in-store device 1, and then sends them to the communication network 200 as a response to the inquiry. After this, CPU31 returns to the ACT21 waiting state and prepares for the next inquiry.

[0052] In Figures 6 and 7, event ED represents the transmission of an additional file in response to an inquiry in event EC. Similarly, in Figure 6, event EH represents the transmission of an additional file in response to an inquiry in event EG. Therefore, Figure 6 represents the case where both configured terminals 1-2 and 1-3 have obtained valid configuration data.

[0053] In store equipment 1, CPU 11 queries ACT 11 in Figure 5, and then proceeds to ACT 12. As ACT12, CPU11 verifies whether the management server 3 being queried is legitimate. CPU11 waits, for example, for the digital certificate sent from management server 3 by the processing of ACT22 in Figure 8 by CPU31 to be transmitted via the communication network 200 and received by its own wireless controller 15. Then, CPU11 verifies, for example, whether the source of the authentication information is the legitimate management server 3 based on the digital certificate received by wireless controller 15.

[0054] Regarding communication via the wireless controller 16, authentication of the communication partner is not performed. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the initial setup information received in ACT5 was sent from the in-store device 1 designated as the representative terminal, or that the information was correctly transferred by another terminal to be configured. For some reason, it is possible that initial setup information different from the initial setup information DAB stored in the SSD 14 of the representative terminal may be received in ACT5. In such cases, the initial setup in ACT10 may fail, or the initial setup in ACT10 may be performed incorrectly, which may prevent access to the legitimate management server 3. In these cases, the CPU 11 determines NO in ACT12, returns to ACT2, and repeats the processing from ACT2 onward as described above.

[0055] If CPU11 determines that management server 3 is legitimate, it will determine YES in ACT12 and proceed to ACT13. As ACT13, the CPU11 verifies whether the configuration information extracted in ACT9 is valid. For example, the CPU11 causes the wireless controller15 to start receiving information sent from the management server3 as a response to the query. As mentioned above, the management server3 sends out configuration information if it is not valid. Thus, if the CPU11 receives this configuration information at its own wireless controller15, it determines that the configuration information was not valid and returns to ACT10. The CPU11 then redoes the initial setup in ACT10 using the configuration information sent from the management server3. In this way, by the processor11 executing information processing based on the initial setup program, the computer with the processor11 as its central component functions as a verification means, a second reception control means, and a second configuration means.

[0056] In event EJ in Figure 7, initial setup information from an unknown source reaches the configured terminal 1-3 and is received by the wireless controller 16 of the configured terminal 1-3. Therefore, as a response to the inquiry in event EK regarding the initial setup information contained in the initial setup information received here, the configuration information is sent as event EL. Upon receiving this configuration information, the configured terminal 1-3 performs initial setup again based on this configuration information and then makes an inquiry regarding this configuration information as event EM. Since the configuration information that is the subject of the inquiry in event EM is legitimate configuration information sent by the management server 3, as a response to the inquiry in event EM, the management server 3 sends an additional file in event EN.

[0057] As mentioned above, the management server 3 sends an additional file if the configuration information is valid. Thus, if the CPU 11 receives this additional file at the wireless controller 15 of its own device, it determines in ACT 13 that the configuration information was valid and YES, and proceeds to ACT 14. In this way, by the processor 11 executing information processing based on the initial setup program, the computer with the processor 11 as its central component functions as a third receiving control means that causes the wireless controller 15 to receive the additional file, which is information different from the configuration information.

[0058] As ACT14, CPU11 saves the additional files received by wireless controller15 to SSD14 as described above. As ACT15, CPU11 sets its device to an initialized state. For example, CPU11 saves predetermined information indicating that it is in an initialized state to SSD14. After this, CPU11 returns to ACT2 and repeats the processes from ACT2 onward as described above.

[0059] As the above configuration process is executed on each of the multiple in-store devices 1, initial settings based on the configuration information of each in-store device 1 contained in the initial setup information DAB stored on the representative terminal's SSD 14 are performed on each configured terminal, and configured terminals 1-2 and 1-3 become able to communicate via the communication network 200 using the access point 201. Similarly, other configured terminals also become able to communicate via the communication network 200. Figure 9 shows the relationship between the representative terminal 1-1 and the two configured terminals 1-2 and 1-3, both of which have already completed their initial setup.

[0060] The operator waits for a certain amount of time until the initial setup of all configured terminals is complete, and then terminates the execution of the initial setup process on each in-store device 1. The operator then starts each in-store device 1 in its normal operating state, transmitting the necessary information to the processing unit 2 via communication through the communication network 200 using the access point 201.

[0061] As described above, with the unmanned store system 100, an operator can perform initial setup on only one of the in-store devices 1, store the initial setup information DAB in the SSD 14 of that in-store device 1 to make it a representative terminal, and then, by placing this representative terminal and the other in-store devices 1 to be configured in the store and having each in-store device 1 execute the initial setup process, the initial setup of multiple in-store devices 1 to be configured can be performed. Thus, compared to operating multiple in-store devices 1 to perform initial setup on each one individually, the amount of work required from the operator can be significantly reduced.

[0062] Furthermore, if in-store device 1 receives initial setup information DAB transmitted from another in-store device 1, it forwards this initial setup information DAB. This makes it possible to have multiple in-store devices 1 located beyond the communication range of the wireless controller 16 in the 920mHz band receive the initial setup information DAB without having to increase the communication range of the wireless controller 16.

[0063] Furthermore, when the in-store device 1 retransmits the initial setup information DAB that has been transferred, it restricts it according to predetermined conditions. This prevents the initial setup information DAB from being transferred indefinitely.

[0064] Furthermore, after the initial setup is complete, the in-store device 1 accesses the management server 3 to verify the validity of the configuration information used for the initial setup. If it cannot be verified as valid, it retrieves the correct configuration information from the management server 3 and redoes the initial setup based on that information. This ensures that the initial setup is performed correctly.

[0065] Furthermore, after the initial setup is complete, the in-store device 1 can access the management server 3 to verify the validity of the configuration information used for the initial setup. If it verifies that the information is valid, it can retrieve additional files from the management server 3.

[0066] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows: The purpose of using the communication after the initial setup can be arbitrary, and it can be implemented in any communication system different from the one that constitutes the unmanned store system 100.

[0067] Each function realized by the CPU 11 through information processing can also be partially or entirely realized by hardware that performs non-program-based information processing, such as logic circuits. Furthermore, each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the aforementioned hardware, such as logic circuits, with software control.

[0068] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of 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]

[0069] 1...In-store equipment, 1-1...Representative terminal, 1-2...Configured terminal, 1-3...Configured terminal, 2...Processing unit, 3...Management server, 11,31...CPU, 12,32...ROM, 13,33...RAM, 14,34...SSD, 15,16...Wireless controller, 17,18...Antenna, 19,36...Transmission path, 35...Communication controller, 100...Unmanned store system, 200...Communication network, 201...Access point.

Claims

1. A communication system comprising a plurality of communication devices, each of which has a first communication means for communicating via a communication network, and a second communication means for directly communicating with a communication device other than itself among the plurality of communication devices without going through the communication network, Among the multiple communication devices, the communication device designated as the representative terminal is: A storage means for storing configuration information for the first communication means, which is provided by a configured terminal that is not the representative terminal among the multiple communication devices, to communicate via the communication network, A first transmission control means that causes the setting information stored in the storage means to be transmitted by the second communication means provided in the device, It is equipped with, Among the multiple communication devices, the communication device designated for the configured terminal is: A first receiving control means that causes a second communication means provided in the device to receive setting information transmitted from a communication device other than the device itself among a plurality of communication devices, A first setting means that performs a setting process for the first communication means, which is provided in the device, to communicate based on the setting information received by the second communication means provided in the device, A communication system equipped with the following features.

2. Among the multiple communication devices, the communication device designated for the configured terminal is: A second transmission control means that causes the device to transmit the setting information received by the second communication means provided in the device, The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The second transmission control means, when setting information transmitted by the second communication means is received by the second communication means after being transferred from a communication device other than its own among a plurality of communication devices, restricts the transmission of said setting information according to predetermined conditions. The communication system according to claim 2.

4. Among the multiple communication devices, the communication device designated for the configured terminal is: After the setting process is performed by the first setting means, a verification means confirms the validity of the setting information used by the first setting means in the setting process by communicating with a server via the communication network using the first communication means, If the verification means fails to confirm that the system is legitimate, a second receiving control means causes the first communication means to receive configuration information from the server, A second setting means that, under the control of the second receiving control means, re-executes a setting process for the first communication means to perform communication based on the setting information received by the first communication means, The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. Among the multiple communication devices, the communication device designated for the configured terminal is: After the setting process is performed by the first setting means, a verification means confirms the validity of the setting information used by the first setting means in the setting process by communicating with a server via the communication network using the first communication means, If the verification means confirms that it is legitimate, a third receiving control means causes the first communication means to receive information from the server that is different from the configuration information, The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images