POS system relay device, POS system, POS system control method and program

Abstract

This invention provides a POS system relay device, a POS system, a control method for the POS system, and a program that can improve the convenience of accounting processing. [Solution] The relay device is connectable to at least one peripheral device related to accounting processing. When the control unit receives a control request to the peripheral device from a first terminal device capable of input related to accounting processing, it enables control of the peripheral device with the first terminal device as the control entity. After completing the control in response to the control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device, when the control unit receives a control request to the peripheral device from a second terminal device capable of input related to accounting processing, it enables control of the peripheral device with the second terminal device as the control entity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay device for a POS system, a POS system, a control method for a POS system, and a program. Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a POS system that performs checkout processing using a terminal device is known. In such a POS system, communication is performed between the terminal device and various peripheral devices to cause the various peripheral devices to execute checkout processing. Prior Art Literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-194800 Summary of Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in such POS systems, it is desired to improve the convenience related to checkout processing. Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A relay device for a POS system that solves the above problem is a relay device for a POS system connectable to at least one peripheral device related to checkout processing, and includes a control unit. When the control unit receives a control request to the peripheral device from a first terminal device capable of inputting information related to checkout processing, the control unit enables control of the peripheral device with the first terminal device as a control subject. After control corresponding to the control request to the peripheral device from the first terminal device is completed, when the control unit receives a control request to the peripheral device from a second terminal device capable of inputting information related to checkout processing, the control unit enables control of the peripheral device with the second terminal device as a control subject.

[0006] A POS system that solves the above problems comprises at least one peripheral device related to accounting processing and a relay device, wherein the peripheral device and the relay device are connectable, and the relay device, upon receiving a control request from a first terminal device capable of input related to accounting processing to the peripheral device, enables the first terminal device to control the peripheral device as the control entity, and after the control in response to the control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device is completed, upon receiving a control request from a second terminal device capable of input related to accounting processing to the peripheral device, enables the second terminal device to control the peripheral device as the control entity.

[0007] A control method for a POS system that solves the above problems comprises at least one peripheral device related to accounting processing and a relay device, wherein the peripheral device and the relay device are connectable, and the relay device, upon receiving a control request from a first terminal device capable of input related to accounting processing to the peripheral device, controls the peripheral device with the first terminal device as the control entity, and after the control in response to the control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device is completed, upon receiving a control request from a second terminal device capable of input related to accounting processing to the peripheral device, controls the peripheral device with the second terminal device as the control entity.

[0008] A program to solve the above problem causes at least one computer to perform the following actions: when it receives a control request for a peripheral device related to accounting processing from a first terminal device capable of inputting accounting processing information, it controls the peripheral device with the first terminal device as the control entity; and after the control in response to the control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device is completed, when it receives a control request for the peripheral device from a second terminal device capable of inputting accounting processing information, it controls the peripheral device with the second terminal device as the control entity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a POS system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of the POS system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the activation control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the peripheral device identification process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the checkout control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the checkout control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the checkout control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the checkout control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the checkout control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the checkout control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of the POS system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of the POS system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the POS system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the checkout control process according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the checkout control process according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [First Embodiment] An embodiment of a relay device for a POS system, a POS system, a control method for a POS system, and a program will be described below.

[0011] <Configuration of POS System 11> As shown in FIG. 1, a POS (Point of sale) system 11 is configured to perform point-of-sale information management. The POS system 11 is configured to cause at least one peripheral device 30 to perform accounting processing using a plurality of terminal devices 15.

[0012] The POS system 11 may include a plurality of terminal devices 15. The plurality of terminal devices 15 may include a first terminal device 15A and a second terminal device 15B. That is, the POS system 11 may include the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B. Hereinafter, one terminal device 15 may be representatively described.

[0013] The terminal device 15 is a device that allows an operator to input information related to accounting processing. The terminal device 15 is a device that is input by a store clerk, but may also be a device that is input by a purchaser of a product, for example. The terminal device 15 is a portable mobile terminal device, but is not limited thereto, and may be a device that is not easily portable. The terminal device 15 may be, for example, a portable tablet terminal device.

[0014] An operating system and an application are installed in the terminal device 15. The operating system may be any operating system. The application may be software corresponding to the installed operating system. The application is developed by a software development kit (SDK) to be compatible with the operating system. The application is a POS application for using the POS system 11.

[0015] The terminal device 15 can control the peripheral device 30 using a common command. The common command is generated in the same manner regardless of the operating system and application installed in the terminal device 15.

[0016] To give a specific example, even if the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B have different installed operating systems and applications, they will generate common commands in the same way.

[0017] The POS system 11 may include a reader 35. The POS system 11 may include multiple readers 35. The readers 35 are configured to read information about products. The readers 35 read product identifiers that can identify products. The readers 35 may read various codes that can identify products. The readers 35 may be barcode readers that read barcodes that can identify products.

[0018] The reader 35 can communicate with the terminal device 15. The reader 35 communicates with the terminal device 15 wirelessly, but may also communicate via wired connection. The reader 35 may communicate with the terminal device 15 via short-range wireless communication. The reader 35 may communicate with the terminal device 15 via Bluetooth®. The reader 35 may be provided on the terminal device 15.

[0019] The POS system 11 includes at least one peripheral device 30. The POS system 11 may include multiple peripheral devices 30. At least one peripheral device 30 may include a device classified into any of multiple categories. Specifically, at least one peripheral device 30 may include at least one of an automatic change dispenser 31, a payment terminal device 32, a printing device 33, and a display device 34. The multiple categories may be any of the automatic change dispenser 31, the payment terminal device 32, the printing device 33, and the display device 34.

[0020] The automatic change dispenser 31 is configured to process cash payments. The automatic change dispenser 31 can accept cash. The automatic change dispenser 31 processes payments upon cash insertion. The automatic change dispenser 31 is configured to dispense change after payment.

[0021] The payment terminal device 32 is a device for making payments for accounting. The payment terminal device 32 is a device for making electronic payments. The payment terminal device 32 may be a device for making electronic payments using any payment method. The payment terminal device 32 may be a device for making credit card payments. The payment terminal device 32 may be a device for making code payments.

[0022] The printing device 33 is configured to print accounting-related documents. The printing device 33 may be configured to print accounting receipts. The printing device 33 may be configured to print accounting service coupons. The printing device 33 is not limited to any particular printing method. The printing device 33 prints using a thermal printing method, but it may print using any printing method.

[0023] The display device 34 is configured to display information related to accounting. The display device 34 may also be configured to display subtotals in accounting. The display device 34 may also be configured to display settlement information in accounting. The display device 34 may also be a customer display.

[0024] Thus, the peripheral devices 30 are devices related to accounting processing and are classified by category. Multiple peripheral devices 30 may be devices manufactured by different manufacturers or devices manufactured by the same manufacturer.

[0025] Although each of the multiple peripheral devices 30 uses different commands when communicating with the terminal device 15, the commands may also be the same. In this way, the multiple peripheral devices 30 may be controlled by unique commands. In other words, the multiple peripheral devices 30 may have different unique commands.

[0026] The POS system 11 includes a relay device 12. In other words, the relay device 12 is the relay device 12 of the POS system 11. The POS system 11 may also include a communication router 13.

[0027] The relay device 12 can connect to at least one peripheral device 30. The relay device 12 can connect to multiple peripheral devices 30. The relay device 12 may communicate serially with multiple peripheral devices 30. The relay device 12 may communicate with multiple peripheral devices 30 via a Universal Serial Bus (USB). The relay device 12 may communicate parallel with multiple peripheral devices 30.

[0028] The relay device 12 comprises a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a communication interface 22. The control unit 20 controls the relay device 12. The control unit 20 may be at least one computer that performs various processes according to a computer program. The control unit 20 may consist of one or more processors that perform various processes according to a computer program.

[0029] The control unit 20 may consist of one or more dedicated hardware circuits. The control unit 20 may consist of an application-specific integrated circuit that performs at least some of the various processes. The control unit 20 may consist of a circuit that includes a processor and a combination of hardware circuits. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processing. Memory, i.e., computer-readable media, includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0030] The storage unit 21 may store programs executed by the control unit 20. The storage unit 21 stores data set by the control unit 20. The storage unit 21 may consist of a hard disk, flash memory, or the like. The storage unit 21 may consist of RAM. The storage unit 21 may be included in the control unit 20. The communication interface 22 is an interface for communicating with external devices.

[0031] The relay device 12 includes a transmitting unit 23. The transmitting unit 23 may be built into the relay device 12. The transmitting unit 23 is configured to transmit a communication identifier that enables communication with the relay device 12. The communication identifier is an identifier for communicating with the relay device 12 that is the communication destination. The transmitting unit 23 may be configured to transmit a beacon identifier that includes the communication identifier.

[0032] The POS system 11 includes a short-range wireless communication tag 24. In the figure, the short-range wireless communication tag 24 is referred to as a wireless communication tag. The short-range wireless communication tag 24 may be included with the relay device 12 and built into the relay device 12, or it may be attached to the exterior of the relay device 12. The short-range wireless communication tag 24 may be placed near the relay device 12.

[0033] The near-field communication tag 24 is a tag that wirelessly transmits a communication identifier that enables communication with the relay device 12. The near-field communication tag 24 is a tag that uses near-field communication. The near-field communication tag 24 may also be an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag.

[0034] The relay device 12 can communicate with the terminal device 15 via the communication router 13. The relay device 12 can also communicate with the cloud server 14, which will be described later, via the communication router 13.

[0035] The communication router 13 is separate from the relay device 12 and is located near the relay device 12, but it may also be built into the relay device 12. The communication router 13 is connected to the relay device 12 in a way that allows it to communicate with it.

[0036] The communication router 13 is a router capable of both wired and wireless communication, but it may also be a router capable of either wired or wireless communication. The communication router 13 is connected to the relay device 12 via wired communication, but it may also be connected to the relay device 12 via wireless communication.

[0037] The communication router 13 performs wireless communication with the terminal device 15, but may also perform wired communication with the terminal device 15. The communication router 13 performs wired communication with the cloud server 14, but may also perform wireless communication with the cloud server 14.

[0038] As described above, the relay device 12 can communicate with the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B via wireless communication. Hereinafter, description of the communication router 13 will be omitted for communication via the communication router 13.

[0039] The POS system 11 may include the cloud server 14. The cloud server 14 is a server that manages product data. In particular, the cloud server 14 manages at least product identifiers, product names, and prices in association with each other as product data. The cloud server 14 may be a server that manages data related to checkout processing. The cloud server 14 may be a server that manages data related to specifications of the peripheral device 30.

[0040] The cloud server 14, the terminal device 15, and the peripheral device 30 are configured in the same manner as the relay device 12. The cloud server 14, the terminal device 15, and the peripheral device 30 have configurations similar to those of the control unit 20, the storage unit 21, and the communication interface 22 of the relay device 12. Hereinafter, regarding the control content of the cloud server 14, the terminal device 15, and the peripheral device 30, a detailed description of the control subject will be omitted, and the description will be given as the cloud server 14, the terminal device 15, and the peripheral device 30.

[0041] <Functions of POS System 11> As shown in FIG. 2, in the POS system 11, the relay device 12 includes various functions. The relay device 12 may have a function of detecting the peripheral device 30. The relay device 12 detects the connected peripheral device 30. The relay device 12 acquires a peripheral device identifier of the peripheral device 30 whose connection is detected. The peripheral device identifier is data for identifying the peripheral device 30. Specifically, the peripheral device identifier is data for identifying the category of the peripheral device 30 and the type of the peripheral device 30.

[0042] The relay device 12 has a control relay function between the terminal device 15 and the peripheral device 30. In particular, the control relay function includes the function of relaying communication data between each of the multiple terminal devices 15 and the multiple peripheral devices 30. The control relay mechanism does not matter whether it processes the communication data before relaying it or simply relays it without processing it. Specifically, the relay device 12 controls the terminal device 15 to enable communication. The relay device 12 functions as a switching hub for the peripheral devices 30. The relay device 12 performs mutual exclusion control over the multiple peripheral devices 30. The relay device 12 controls the cloud server 14 to enable communication.

[0043] In particular, the relay device 12 can connect to multiple peripheral devices 30 classified in the same category. The relay device 12 can connect to any one of the multiple peripheral devices 30 classified in the same category.

[0044] The relay device 12 has a function for data conversion between the terminal device 15 and the peripheral device 30. The relay device 12 communicates with the terminal device 15 using common commands. The relay device 12 communicates with the peripheral device 30 using specific commands.

[0045] The memory unit 21 may store a conversion table. The conversion table is data for converting between unique commands and common commands corresponding to the peripheral device identifier of the peripheral device 30. The control unit 20 refers to the conversion table and performs the conversion between common commands and unique commands.

[0046] When the relay device 12 receives a common command from the terminal device 15, it converts the received common command into a specific command for the peripheral device 30 to be communicated with. The relay device 12 then transmits the converted specific command to the peripheral device 30 to be communicated with.

[0047] When the relay device 12 receives a unique command from the peripheral device 30, it converts the received unique command into a common command. The relay device 12 then transmits the converted common command to the terminal device 15 that is the target of communication.

[0048] <Startup control processing> The startup control process will be explained with reference to Figure 3. The startup control process is a process executed by the terminal device 15 when an application on the terminal device 15 is started.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, in step S11, the terminal device 15 performs an initial setup process. In this process, the terminal device 15 performs initial setup for using the application.

[0050] In step S12, the terminal device 15 executes a product data request process. In this process, the terminal device 15 sends a product data request to the cloud server 14. The product data request is a request to obtain the latest product data. The product data may include a product identifier, product name, and price.

[0051] In step S21, the cloud server 14 executes the product data request acquisition process. In this process, the cloud server 14 receives the product data request from the terminal device 15.

[0052] In step S22, the cloud server 14 executes the product data transmission process. In this process, the cloud server 14 transmits the latest registered product data to the terminal device 15 that sent the product data request.

[0053] In step S13, the terminal device 15 executes a product data acquisition process. In this process, the terminal device 15 receives product data transmitted from the cloud server 14. As a result, the terminal device 15 acquires the product data.

[0054] In step S14, the terminal device 15 executes a product data registration process. In this process, the terminal device 15 registers the acquired product data in memory. This enables the terminal device 15 to perform control based on the latest product data.

[0055] <Peripheral device identification processing> The peripheral device identification process will be explained with reference to Figure 4. The peripheral device identification process is a process executed by the control unit 20 when a peripheral device 30 is electrically connected to the relay device 12.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, in step S31, the control unit 20 performs peripheral device detection processing. In this process, the control unit 20 detects that the peripheral device 30 has been connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 recognizes the connection port to which the peripheral device 30 has been connected to the relay device 12.

[0057] In step S32, the control unit 20 executes a peripheral device identification request process. In this process, the control unit 20 outputs a peripheral device identification request to the connected peripheral device 30. The peripheral device identification request is a request to obtain a peripheral device identifier.

[0058] In step S23, the peripheral device 30 executes the peripheral device identification request acquisition process. In this process, the peripheral device 30 receives the peripheral device identification request transmitted from the relay device 12. As a result, the peripheral device 30 acquires the peripheral device identification request.

[0059] In step S24, the peripheral device 30 performs peripheral device identifier output processing. In this process, the peripheral device 30 outputs the peripheral device identifier to the relay device 12. The peripheral device identifier is registered in the memory of the peripheral device 30.

[0060] In step S33, the control unit 20 performs a peripheral device identifier acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 20 receives the peripheral device identifier from the connected peripheral device 30. As a result, the control unit 20 obtains the peripheral device identifier of the connected peripheral device 30.

[0061] In step S34, the control unit 20 performs a peripheral device identifier registration process. In this process, the control unit 20 registers the acquired peripheral device identifier in the storage unit 21. In particular, the control unit 20 associates the connection port to which the peripheral device 30 is connected in the relay device 12 with the peripheral device identifier and registers this in the storage unit 21. This allows the control unit 20 to identify the acquired peripheral device 30.

[0062] <Accounting control processing> Here, a specific example of accounting control processing will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 10. Accounting control processing is control processing for performing accounting processing. Accounting control processing is a process executed in the POS system 11. In particular, accounting control processing is executed in the terminal device 15, the relay device 12, and the peripheral devices 30.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, in step S41, the first terminal device 15A performs a product identifier acquisition process. In this process, when a read instruction is input, the first terminal device 15A controls the reader 35 to enable reading. When the first terminal device 15A obtains the product identifier from the reader 35, it compares it with the product data registered in memory. As a result, the first terminal device 15A obtains the product name and price corresponding to the product identifier. The first terminal device 15A calculates the subtotal result of the price corresponding to the product identifier.

[0064] In step S42, the first terminal device 15A determines whether or not a subtotal confirmation instruction has been entered by the operator. If the first terminal device 15A determines that no subtotal confirmation instruction has been entered, it proceeds to step S41. If the first terminal device 15A determines that a subtotal confirmation instruction has been entered, it proceeds to step S43. In this way, the first terminal device 15A executes step S41, obtains product identifiers, and calculates the subtotal result until a subtotal confirmation instruction is entered.

[0065] In step S43, the first terminal device 15A performs a communication identifier acquisition process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A acquires a communication identifier by receiving a beacon identifier from the transmitting unit 23 via wireless communication. The first terminal device 15A may also acquire a communication identifier by wireless communication with the short-range wireless communication tag 24.

[0066] The communication identifier is an identifier corresponding to the relay device 12. The communication identifier is an identifier used to identify the relay device 12 to which communication is to be conducted. The first terminal device 15A registers the acquired communication identifier in its memory. This allows the first terminal device 15A to recognize the relay device 12 to which it will communicate regarding accounting processing.

[0067] In step S44, the first terminal device 15A executes a control request process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A sends a control request for the peripheral device 30 to the relay device 12, which is the communication destination. The control request is a request for the relay device 12 to become the control entity for the peripheral device 30 connected to the relay device 12 and to control the peripheral device 30 in response to the control request.

[0068] In the relay device 12, in step S101, the control unit 20 performs control request reception processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a control request from the first terminal device 15A. As a result, the control unit 20 acquires the control request from the first terminal device 15A.

[0069] In step S102, the control unit 20 determines whether a control flag is set. The control flag may be assigned to the storage unit 21. The control flag is a flag that indicates whether or not control of the peripheral device 30 is permitted.

[0070] More specifically, when the control flag is set, control of the peripheral device 30 is permitted for one terminal device 15, but control of the peripheral device 30 is not permitted for any other terminal device 15. When the control flag is deactivated, control of the peripheral device 30 is not permitted for any terminal device 15, but control of the peripheral device 30 is permitted for any one of the terminal devices 15.

[0071] If the control unit 20 determines that the control flag is set, it terminates the accounting control process. This invalidates the control request from the first terminal device 15A. In other words, the control of the peripheral device 30 in response to the control request from the first terminal device 15A is restricted. If the control unit 20 determines that the control flag is not set, it proceeds to step S103.

[0072] In step S103, the control unit 20 executes a control flag setting process. In this process, the control unit 20 sets a control flag. As a result, the control unit 20 disables control requests from terminal devices 15 other than the first terminal device 15A.

[0073] In step S104, the control unit 20 executes a control start notification process. In this process, the control unit 20 sends a control start notification to the first terminal device 15A that sent the control request, indicating that control can be started in response to the control request.

[0074] In step S45, the first terminal device 15A performs a control start notification reception process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A receives a control start notification from the relay device 12. This allows the first terminal device 15A to recognize that control can be started in response to the control request. In this way, the first terminal device 15A communicates with the relay device 12 based on the communication identifier.

[0075] In step S46, the first terminal device 15A executes a display control request process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A sends a common command indicating a display control request to the relay device 12. The display control request is a request to control the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12.

[0076] In the relay device 12, in step S105, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a common command indicating a display control request from the first terminal device 15A. Based on the peripheral device identifier registered in the storage unit 21, the control unit 20 identifies the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12 as a peripheral device 30 of the category corresponding to the display control request.

[0077] The control unit 20 converts a common command indicating a display control request into a unique command indicating a display control request corresponding to the peripheral device identifier of the display device 34, based on the peripheral device identifier of the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 outputs the converted unique command to the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12.

[0078] In step S71, the display device 34 executes a display control request acquisition process. In this process, the display device 34 receives a unique command indicating a display control request. As a result, the display device 34 acquires a unique command indicating a display control request.

[0079] In step S72, the display device 34 executes a control permission transmission process. In this process, the display device 34 outputs a unique command indicating control permission to the relay device 12. Control permission is data indicating that control has been permitted.

[0080] In the relay device 12, in step S106, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a unique command indicating control permission from the display device 34.

[0081] The control unit 20 converts a unique command indicating control permission into a common command indicating control permission based on the peripheral device identifier of the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 then transmits the converted common command to the first terminal device 15A that sent the display control request.

[0082] In step S47, the first terminal device 15A performs a control permission reception process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A receives a common command indicating control permission from the relay device 12. As a result, the first terminal device 15A can recognize that it is able to control the display device 34.

[0083] In step S48, the first terminal device 15A executes the subtotal display control request transmission process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A transmits a common command indicating a subtotal display control request to the relay device 12. The subtotal display control request is a request to display subtotal information on the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12. The subtotal information may include the subtotal amount of the goods read by the reading device 35.

[0084] In the relay device 12, in step S107, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a common command indicating a subtotal display control request from the first terminal device 15A. Based on the peripheral device identifier registered in the storage unit 21, the control unit 20 identifies the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12 as a peripheral device 30 of the category corresponding to the subtotal display control request.

[0085] The control unit 20 converts a common command indicating a subtotal display control request into a unique command indicating a subtotal display control request corresponding to the peripheral device identifier of the display device 34, based on the peripheral device identifier of the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 outputs the converted unique command to the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12.

[0086] In step S73, the display device 34 executes the subtotal display control request acquisition process. In this process, the display device 34 receives a unique command indicating a subtotal display control request. As a result, the display device 34 acquires a unique command indicating a subtotal display control request.

[0087] In step S74, the display device 34 executes subtotal display control processing. In this processing, the display device 34 displays subtotal information based on a specific command indicating a subtotal display control request.

[0088] In step S75, the display device 34 executes a control completion notification process. In this process, the display device 34 outputs a unique command indicating a control completion notification to the relay device 12. The control completion notification is a notification indicating that the control in response to the display control request has been completed.

[0089] In the relay device 12, in step S108, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a unique command indicating control completion notification from the display device 34.

[0090] The control unit 20 converts a unique command indicating control completion notification into a common command indicating control completion notification, based on the peripheral device identifier of the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 then transmits the converted common command to the first terminal device 15A that sent the subtotal display control request.

[0091] In step S109, the control unit 20 executes a control flag release process. In this process, the control unit 20 releases the control flag assigned to the storage unit 21. As a result, the control unit 20 enables control requests from any of the terminal devices 15.

[0092] In step S49, the first terminal device 15A performs a control completion notification reception process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A receives a common command indicating a control completion notification from the relay device 12. This allows the first terminal device 15A to recognize that control of the display device 34 has been completed.

[0093] As shown in Figure 6, in step S50, the first terminal device 15A determines whether or not a cash payment instruction has been entered by the operator. If the first terminal device 15A determines that no cash payment instruction has been entered, it proceeds to step S63 in Figure 9. If the first terminal device 15A determines that a cash payment instruction has been entered, it executes steps S43 to S45. Similarly, in the relay device 12, the control unit 20 executes steps S101 to S104.

[0094] When step S45 is completed, in step S51, the first terminal device 15A executes a change dispenser control request process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A sends a common command indicating a change dispenser control request to the relay device 12. The change dispenser control request is a request to control the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12.

[0095] In the relay device 12, in step S110, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a common command indicating a change dispenser control request from the first terminal device 15A. Based on the peripheral device identifier registered in the storage unit 21, the control unit 20 identifies the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12 as a peripheral device 30 of the category corresponding to the change dispenser control request.

[0096] The control unit 20 converts a common command indicating a change dispenser control request into a unique command indicating a change dispenser control request corresponding to the peripheral device identifier of the automatic change dispenser 31, based on the peripheral device identifier of the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 outputs the converted unique command to the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12.

[0097] In step S76, the automatic change dispenser 31 executes a process to acquire a change dispenser control request. In this process, the automatic change dispenser 31 receives a unique command indicating a change dispenser control request. As a result, the automatic change dispenser 31 acquires a unique command indicating a change dispenser control request.

[0098] In step S77, the automatic change dispenser 31 performs a control permission transmission process. In this process, the automatic change dispenser 31 outputs a unique command indicating control permission to the relay device 12. In the relay device 12, in step S111, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a unique command indicating control permission from the automatic change dispenser 31.

[0099] The control unit 20 converts a unique command indicating control permission into a common command indicating control permission, based on the peripheral device identifier of the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 then transmits the converted common command to the first terminal device 15A that sent the change dispenser control request.

[0100] In step S52, the first terminal device 15A performs a control permission reception process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A receives a common command indicating control permission from the relay device 12. As a result, the first terminal device 15A can recognize that it is able to control the automatic change dispenser 31.

[0101] In step S53, the first terminal device 15A executes a cash settlement control request transmission process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A transmits a common command indicating a cash settlement control request to the relay device 12. The cash settlement control request is a request to cause the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12 to perform a cash settlement. The cash settlement control request may also include the subtotal amount to be settled in cash.

[0102] In the relay device 12, in step S112, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a common command indicating a cash settlement control request from the first terminal device 15A. Based on the peripheral device identifier registered in the storage unit 21, the control unit 20 identifies the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12 as a peripheral device 30 of the category corresponding to the cash settlement control request.

[0103] The control unit 20 converts a common command indicating a cash settlement control request into a unique command indicating a cash settlement control request corresponding to the peripheral device identifier of the automatic change dispenser 31, based on the peripheral device identifier of the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 outputs the converted unique command to the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12.

[0104] In step S78, the automatic change dispenser 31 executes a process to acquire a cash settlement control request. In this process, the automatic change dispenser 31 receives a unique command indicating a cash settlement control request. As a result, the automatic change dispenser 31 acquires a unique command indicating a cash settlement control request.

[0105] In step S79, the automatic change dispenser 31 performs a cash settlement control process. In this process, the automatic change dispenser 31 performs a cash settlement based on a specific command indicating a cash settlement control request.

[0106] More specifically, the automatic change dispenser 31 controls itself to accept cash. When cash is inserted, the automatic change dispenser 31 outputs a unique command indicating the amount inserted to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 receives the unique command indicating the amount of cash inserted from the automatic change dispenser 31. Based on the peripheral device identifier of the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12, the control unit 20 converts the unique command indicating the amount of cash inserted into a common command indicating the amount of cash inserted. The control unit 20 transmits the converted common command to the first terminal device 15A that sent the cash settlement control request.

[0107] When the first terminal device 15A receives a common command indicating the amount of cash inserted, it calculates the change based on the difference between the subtotal and the amount of cash inserted. The first terminal device 15A transmits the common command indicating the amount of change to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 receives the common command indicating the amount of change from the first terminal device 15A. Based on the peripheral device identifier of the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12, the control unit 20 converts the common command indicating the amount of change into a unique command indicating the amount of change corresponding to the peripheral device identifier of the automatic change dispenser 31. The control unit 20 outputs the converted unique command to the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12. When the automatic change dispenser 31 receives the unique command indicating the amount of change from the relay device 12, it dispenses cash corresponding to the amount of change. In this way, when change is due, the automatic change dispenser 31 dispenses cash corresponding to the amount of change.

[0108] In step S80, the automatic change dispenser 31 performs a control completion notification process. In this process, the automatic change dispenser 31 outputs a unique command indicating control completion to the relay device 12.

[0109] In the relay device 12, in step S108, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a unique command from the automatic change dispenser 31 indicating control completion notification.

[0110] The control unit 20 converts a unique command indicating control completion notification into a common command indicating control completion notification, based on the peripheral device identifier of the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 then transmits the converted common command to the first terminal device 15A that sent the cash settlement control request.

[0111] In step S54, the first terminal device 15A performs a control completion notification reception process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A receives a common command indicating a control completion notification from the relay device 12. This allows the first terminal device 15A to recognize that control of the automatic change dispenser 31 has been completed.

[0112] As shown in Figure 7, when step S54 is completed, the first terminal device 15A executes steps S46 and S47. In the relay device 12, the control unit 20 executes steps S104 and S105. The display device 34 executes steps S71 and S72.

[0113] When step S47 is completed, in step S55, the first terminal device 15A executes the payment display control request transmission process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A sends a common command indicating a payment display control request to the relay device 12. The payment display control request is a request to display payment information on the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12. The payment information may include the payment details. The payment information may include the subtotal amount and the payment amount. In the case of cash payment, the payment information may include the amount of change. As will be described in detail later, in the case of electronic payment by the payment terminal device 32, the payment information may include the payment details of the electronic payment.

[0114] In the relay device 12, in step S114, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a common command indicating a payment display control request from the first terminal device 15A. Based on the peripheral device identifier registered in the storage unit 21, the control unit 20 identifies the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12 as a peripheral device 30 of the category corresponding to the payment display control request.

[0115] The control unit 20 converts a common command indicating a payment display control request into a unique command indicating a payment display control request corresponding to the peripheral device identifier of the display device 34, based on the peripheral device identifier of the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 outputs the converted unique command to the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12.

[0116] In step S81, the display device 34 executes a payment display control request acquisition process. In this process, the display device 34 receives a unique command indicating a payment display control request. As a result, the display device 34 acquires a unique command indicating a payment display control request.

[0117] In step S82, the display device 34 executes payment display control processing. In this processing, the display device 34 displays payment information based on a specific command indicating a payment display control request.

[0118] In step S83, the display device 34 executes a control completion notification process. In this process, the display device 34 outputs a unique command indicating a control completion notification to the relay device 12. The control completion notification is a notification indicating that the control in response to the display control request has been completed.

[0119] In the relay device 12, in step S115, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a unique command indicating control completion notification from the display device 34.

[0120] The control unit 20 converts a unique command indicating control completion notification into a common command indicating control completion notification, based on the peripheral device identifier of the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 then transmits the converted common command to the first terminal device 15A that sent the payment display control request.

[0121] In step S56, the first terminal device 15A performs a control completion notification reception process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A receives a common command indicating a control completion notification from the relay device 12. This allows the first terminal device 15A to recognize that control of the display device 34 has been completed.

[0122] As shown in Figure 8, in step S57, the first terminal device 15A executes a printer control request process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A sends a common command indicating a printer control request to the relay device 12. The printer control request is a request to control the printer 33 connected to the relay device 12.

[0123] In the relay device 12, in step S116, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a common command indicating a printer control request from the first terminal device 15A. Based on the peripheral device identifier registered in the storage unit 21, the control unit 20 identifies the printer 33 connected to the relay device 12 as a peripheral device 30 of the category corresponding to the printer control request.

[0124] The control unit 20 converts a common command indicating a printer control request into a unique command indicating a printer control request corresponding to the peripheral device identifier of the printer 33, based on the peripheral device identifier of the printer 33 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 outputs the converted unique command to the printer 33 connected to the relay device 12.

[0125] In step S84, the printing device 33 executes a printing device control request acquisition process. In this process, the printing device 33 receives a unique command indicating a printing device control request. As a result, the printing device 33 acquires a unique command indicating a printing device control request.

[0126] In step S85, the printing device 33 executes a control permission transmission process. In this process, the printing device 33 outputs a unique command indicating control permission to the relay device 12. In the relay device 12, in step S117, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a unique command indicating control permission from the printing device 33.

[0127] The control unit 20 converts a unique command indicating control permission into a common command indicating control permission, based on the peripheral device identifier of the printing device 33 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 then transmits the converted common command to the first terminal device 15A that sent the printing device control request.

[0128] In step S58, the first terminal device 15A performs a control permission reception process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A receives a common command indicating control permission from the relay device 12. As a result, the first terminal device 15A can recognize that it is able to control the printing device 33.

[0129] In step S59, the first terminal device 15A executes a print control request transmission process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A sends a common command indicating a print control request to the relay device 12. The print control request is a request to print settlement information to the printing device 33 connected to the relay device 12.

[0130] In the relay device 12, in step S118, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a common command indicating a print control request from the first terminal device 15A. Based on the peripheral device identifier registered in the storage unit 21, the control unit 20 identifies the printing device 33 connected to the relay device 12 as a peripheral device 30 of the category corresponding to the print control request.

[0131] The control unit 20 converts a common command indicating a print control request into a unique command indicating a print control request corresponding to the peripheral device identifier of the printing device 33, based on the peripheral device identifier of the printing device 33 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 outputs the converted unique command to the printing device 33 connected to the relay device 12.

[0132] In step S86, the printing device 33 executes a print control request acquisition process. In this process, the printing device 33 receives a unique command indicating a print control request. As a result, the printing device 33 acquires a unique command indicating a print control request.

[0133] In step S87, the printing device 33 performs a print control process. In this process, the printing device 33 prints payment information based on a specific command indicating a print control request.

[0134] In step S88, the printing device 33 executes a control completion notification process. In this process, the printing device 33 outputs a unique command indicating control completion to the relay device 12. The control completion notification is a notification indicating that control in response to a print control request has been completed.

[0135] In the relay device 12, in step S119, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a unique command from the printing device 33 indicating control completion notification.

[0136] The control unit 20 converts a unique command indicating control completion notification into a common command indicating control completion notification, based on the peripheral device identifier of the printing device 33 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 then transmits the converted common command to the first terminal device 15A that sent the print control request.

[0137] In step S120, the control unit 20 executes a control flag release process. In this process, the control unit 20 releases the control flag assigned to the storage unit 21. As a result, the control unit 20 enables control requests from any of the terminal devices 15.

[0138] In step S60, the first terminal device 15A performs a control completion notification reception process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A receives a common command indicating a control completion notification from the relay device 12. This allows the first terminal device 15A to recognize that control of the printing device 33 has been completed.

[0139] As shown in Figure 9, in step S61, the first terminal device 15A determines whether or not an electronic payment instruction has been entered by the operator. If the first terminal device 15A determines that no electronic payment instruction has been entered, it proceeds to step S50 in Figure 6. If the first terminal device 15A determines that an electronic payment instruction has been entered, it executes steps S43 to S45. Similarly, in the relay device 12, the control unit 20 executes steps S101 to S104.

[0140] When step S45 is completed, in step S62, the first terminal device 15A executes a payment terminal control request process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A sends a common command indicating a payment terminal control request to the relay device 12. The payment terminal control request is a request to control the payment terminal device 32 connected to the relay device 12.

[0141] In the relay device 12, in step S121, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a common command indicating a payment terminal control request from the first terminal device 15A. Based on the peripheral device identifier registered in the storage unit 21, the control unit 20 identifies the payment terminal device 32 connected to the relay device 12 as a peripheral device 30 of the category corresponding to the payment terminal control request.

[0142] The control unit 20 converts a common command indicating a payment terminal control request into a unique command indicating a payment terminal control request corresponding to the peripheral device identifier of the payment terminal device 32, based on the peripheral device identifier of the payment terminal device 32 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 outputs the converted unique command to the payment terminal device 32 connected to the relay device 12.

[0143] In step S89, the payment terminal device 32 executes a payment terminal control request acquisition process. In this process, the payment terminal device 32 receives a unique command indicating a payment terminal control request. As a result, the payment terminal device 32 acquires a unique command indicating a payment terminal control request.

[0144] In step S90, the payment terminal device 32 executes a control permission transmission process. In this process, the payment terminal device 32 outputs a unique command indicating control permission to the relay device 12.

[0145] In the relay device 12, in step S122, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a unique command indicating control permission from the payment terminal device 32.

[0146] The control unit 20 converts a unique command indicating control permission into a common command indicating control permission, based on the peripheral device identifier of the payment terminal device 32 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 then transmits the converted common command to the first terminal device 15A that sent the payment terminal control request.

[0147] In step S63, the first terminal device 15A performs a control permission reception process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A receives a common command indicating control permission from the relay device 12. As a result, the first terminal device 15A can recognize that it is able to control the payment terminal device 32.

[0148] In step S64, the first terminal device 15A executes the electronic payment control request transmission process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A sends a common command indicating an electronic payment control request to the relay device 12. The electronic payment control request is a request to cause the payment terminal device 32 connected to the relay device 12 to perform a payment. The electronic payment control request may include the subtotal amount to be paid electronically. The electronic payment control request may also include the payment method for the electronic payment.

[0149] In the relay device 12, in step S123, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a common command indicating an electronic payment control request from the first terminal device 15A. Based on the peripheral device identifier registered in the storage unit 21, the control unit 20 identifies the payment terminal device 32 connected to the relay device 12 as a peripheral device 30 of the category corresponding to the electronic payment control request.

[0150] The control unit 20 converts a common command indicating an electronic payment control request into a unique command indicating an electronic payment control request corresponding to the peripheral device identifier of the payment terminal device 32, based on the peripheral device identifier of the payment terminal device 32 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 outputs the converted unique command to the payment terminal device 32 connected to the relay device 12.

[0151] In step S91, the payment terminal device 32 executes the electronic payment control request acquisition process. In this process, the payment terminal device 32 receives a unique command indicating an electronic payment control request. As a result, the payment terminal device 32 acquires a unique command indicating an electronic payment control request.

[0152] In step S92, the payment terminal device 32 executes electronic payment control processing. In this processing, the payment terminal device 32 performs electronic payment based on a specific command indicating an electronic payment control request.

[0153] More specifically, the payment terminal 32 acquires data related to electronic payments. The payment terminal 32 may acquire data related to credit cards as data related to electronic payments. The payment terminal 32 may acquire the PIN (Personal Identification Number) set on the credit card as data related to electronic payments. The PIN may be a Personal Identification Number code. The payment terminal 32 may acquire data related to payment methods as data related to electronic payments.

[0154] The payment terminal device 32 performs electronic payments based on data related to electronic payments. The payment terminal device 32 performs electronic payments based on data related to electronic payments through communication with a payment server (not shown).

[0155] In step S93, the payment terminal device 32 executes a control completion notification process. In this process, the payment terminal device 32 outputs a unique command indicating a control completion notification to the relay device 12.

[0156] In the relay device 12, in step S124, the control unit 20 performs command conversion processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a unique command indicating control completion notification from the payment terminal device 32.

[0157] The control unit 20 converts a unique command indicating control completion notification into a common command indicating control completion notification, based on the peripheral device identifier of the payment terminal device 32 connected to the relay device 12. The control unit 20 then transmits the converted common command to the first terminal device 15A that sent the electronic payment control request.

[0158] In step S65, the first terminal device 15A performs a control completion notification reception process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A receives a common command indicating a control completion notification from the relay device 12. This allows the first terminal device 15A to recognize that control of the payment terminal device 32 has been completed. When step S54 is completed, the first terminal device 15A proceeds to step S46 in Figure 7.

[0159] In this manner, when the control unit 20 receives a control request from the first terminal device 15A to the peripheral device 30, it enables control of the peripheral device 30 with the first terminal device 15A as the controlling entity. More specifically, after the control in response to a control request from the second terminal device 15B is completed, when the control unit 20 receives a control request from the first terminal device 15A to the peripheral device 30, it enables control of the peripheral device 30 with the first terminal device 15A as the controlling entity.

[0160] If the control unit 20 receives a control request from the first terminal device 15A between the time it receives a control request from the second terminal device 15B and the time it completes the control in response to the control request, it restricts the control of the peripheral device 30 with the first terminal device 15A as the control entity.

[0161] When the control unit 20 receives a common command shared by the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B, it converts the common command into a unique command corresponding to the peripheral device 30. In particular, when the control unit 20 receives a common command, it converts the common command into a unique command corresponding to the type of peripheral device 30 connected to the peripheral device 30, from among several peripheral devices 30 with different unique commands. The control unit 20 outputs the converted unique command to the peripheral device 30.

[0162] When the control unit 20 receives a unique command corresponding to the peripheral device 30 from the peripheral device 30, it converts the unique command into a common command. The control unit 20 then transmits the converted common command to the first terminal device 15A.

[0163] Regardless of the operating system and application of the first terminal device 15A, when the control unit 20 receives a control request from the first terminal device 15A to the peripheral device 30, it enables the first terminal device 15A to control the peripheral device 30 as the controlling entity.

[0164] As shown in Figure 10, in step S41, the second terminal device 15B performs the product identifier acquisition process in the same way as the first terminal device 15A. In step S42, the second terminal device 15B determines whether or not a subtotal confirmation instruction has been entered by the operator, in the same way as the first terminal device 15A. If the second terminal device 15B determines that a subtotal confirmation instruction has not been entered, it proceeds to step S41. If the second terminal device 15B determines that a subtotal confirmation instruction has been entered, it proceeds to step S43.

[0165] In step S43, the second terminal device 15B performs the communication identifier acquisition process in the same way as the first terminal device 15A. As a result, the second terminal device 15B acquires the communication identifier by receiving the beacon identifier from the transmitting unit 23 via wireless communication. The second terminal device 15B may also acquire the communication identifier via wireless communication with the short-range wireless communication tag 24. In step S44, the second terminal device 15B performs the control request process in the same way as the first terminal device 15A.

[0166] In the relay device 12, in step S101, the control unit 20 performs control request reception processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a control request from the second terminal device 15B. As a result, the control unit 20 acquires the control request from the second terminal device 15B.

[0167] In step S102, the control unit 20 determines whether the control flag is set or not. If the control unit 20 determines that the control flag is set, it terminates the accounting control process. This invalidates the control request from the second terminal device 15B. In other words, the control of the peripheral device 30 in response to the control request from the second terminal device 15B is restricted. If the control unit 20 determines that the control flag is not set, it proceeds to step S103.

[0168] In step S103, the control unit 20 executes a control flag setting process. In this process, the control unit 20 sets a control flag. As a result, the control unit 20 disables control requests from terminal devices 15 other than the second terminal device 15B.

[0169] Thus, when the control unit 20 receives a control request from the second terminal device 15B to the peripheral device 30, it enables control of the peripheral device 30 with the second terminal device 15B as the controlling entity. More specifically, after the control in response to the control request from the first terminal device 15A is completed, when the control unit 20 receives a control request from the second terminal device 15B to the peripheral device 30, it enables control of the peripheral device 30 with the second terminal device 15B as the controlling entity.

[0170] If the control unit 20 receives a control request from the second terminal device 15B between the time it receives a control request from the first terminal device 15A and the time it completes the control in response to the control request, it restricts the control of the peripheral device 30 with the second terminal device 15B as the control entity.

[0171] Regardless of the operating system and application of the second terminal device 15B, when the control unit 20 receives a control request from the second terminal device 15B to the peripheral device 30, it enables the control of the peripheral device 30 with the second terminal device 15B as the controlling entity.

[0172] In particular, even after the control unit 20 has completed the control in response to the subtotal display control request from the first terminal device 15A, if it receives a control request for the peripheral device 30 from the second terminal device 15B, it will be able to control the peripheral device 30 with the second terminal device 15B as the control entity.

[0173] Accounting processing may include reading processing, subtotal display processing, cash settlement processing, electronic settlement processing, settlement display processing, and printing processing. Reading processing is the process of reading the product identifier. Reading processing may also include product identifier acquisition processing.

[0174] More specifically, the accounting process may include subtotal display processing in response to a subtotal confirmation instruction. The accounting process may include cash settlement processing, settlement display processing, and printing processing in response to a cash settlement instruction. The accounting process may include electronic settlement processing, settlement display processing, and printing processing in response to an electronic settlement instruction. In the accounting process, after the subtotal display processing is executed, the cash settlement processing, electronic settlement processing, settlement display processing, and printing processing are performed.

[0175] Subtotal display processing corresponds to an example of the first accounting process. A control request based on a subtotal confirmation instruction corresponds to an example of the first control request. Control related to the first accounting process corresponds to an example of the first control. At least one of cash settlement processing, electronic settlement processing, settlement display processing, and printing processing corresponds to an example of the second accounting process. A control request based on a cash settlement instruction or electronic settlement instruction corresponds to an example of the second control request. Control related to the second accounting process corresponds to an example of the second control.

[0176] The accounting process includes a first accounting process and a second accounting process. The second accounting process is performed after the first accounting process. The control request includes a first control request relating to the first accounting process and a second control request relating to the second accounting process. The second control is executed after the first control.

[0177] Thus, when the control unit 20 receives a control request from the second terminal device 15B between the completion of the first control in response to the first control request from the first terminal device 15A and the receipt of the second control request, it can control the second terminal device 15B as the control entity.

[0178] <Operation and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will now be described. (1-1) When the control unit 20 receives a control request from the first terminal device 15A to the peripheral device 30, it enables control of the peripheral device 30 with the first terminal device 15A as the control entity. After the control in response to the control request from the first terminal device 15A to the peripheral device 30 is completed, when the control unit 20 receives a control request from the second terminal device 15B to the peripheral device 30, it enables control of the peripheral device 30 with the second terminal device 15B as the control entity. With this configuration, the control entity of the peripheral device 30 connected to the relay device 12 can be switched in response to the control request from the first terminal device 15A and the control request from the second terminal device 15B. As a result, accounting processing can be performed on the peripheral device 30 using multiple terminal devices 15. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0179] (1-2) The peripheral equipment 30 includes an automatic change dispenser 31, a payment terminal device 32, a printing device 33, and a display device 34. With this configuration, multiple terminal devices 15 can be used to have the automatic change dispenser 31, the payment terminal device 32, the printing device 33, and the display device 34 perform accounting-related processing. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0180] (1-3) When the control unit 20 receives a control request for peripheral device 30 from the second terminal device 15B while the control request from the first terminal device 15A to peripheral device 30 is being completed, it restricts the control of peripheral device 30 with the second terminal device 15B as the control entity. With this configuration, exclusive control of the control entity of peripheral device 30 connected to the relay device 12 can be performed in response to the control request from the first terminal device 15A and the control request from the second terminal device 15B. As a result, accounting processing can be performed on peripheral device 30 using multiple terminal devices 15. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0181] (1-4) When the control unit 20 receives a control request from the second terminal device 15B between the completion of control in response to the first control request from the first terminal device 15A and the receipt of the second control request, it enables the control of the peripheral device 30 with the second terminal device 15B as the control entity. With this configuration, even if accounting processing by the first terminal device 15A is in progress, the peripheral device 30 can be controlled with the second terminal device 15B as the control entity as long as the control in response to the first control request has been completed and the second control request has not yet been received. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0182] (1-5) When the control unit 20 receives a common command common to both the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B, it converts the common command into a specific command corresponding to the peripheral device 30. With this configuration, a common command common to both the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B can be converted into a specific command corresponding to the peripheral device 30 connected to the relay device 12. As a result, the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B can request control of the peripheral device 30 even if they are unaware of the peripheral device 30 connected to the relay device 12. In addition, the degree of freedom in selecting the peripheral device 30 connected to the relay device 12 can be increased. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0183] (1-6) When the control unit 20 receives a common command, it converts the common command to a unique command corresponding to the type of peripheral device 30 connected to it, from among multiple peripheral devices 30, each with different unique commands. With this configuration, the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B can request control of the peripheral device 30 even if they do not recognize the type of peripheral device 30 connected to the relay device 12. Therefore, even if the type of peripheral device 30 connected to the relay device 12 is changed, the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B can control the peripheral device 30. Thus, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0184] (1-7) Regardless of the operating system and applications of the first terminal device 15A, when the control unit 20 receives a control request from the first terminal device 15A to the peripheral device 30, it enables the first terminal device 15A to control the peripheral device 30 as the controlling entity. Regardless of the operating system and applications of the second terminal device 15B, when the control unit 20 receives a control request from the second terminal device 15B to the peripheral device 30, it enables the second terminal device 15B to control the peripheral device 30 as the controlling entity. With this configuration, the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B can control the peripheral device 30 connected to the relay device 12 without changing their operating systems and applications. The first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B do not need to install multiple applications to correspond to the peripheral device 30, nor do they need to launch multiple applications. The degree of freedom in selecting peripheral devices 30 that can be connected to the relay device 12 can also be increased, without depending on the operating system and applications of the terminal device 15. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0185] (1-8) The relay device 12 can communicate with the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B via wireless communication. With this configuration, even if the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B are not wired to the relay device 12, they can still request control of peripheral devices 30 connected to the relay device 12. This enhances the portability of the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of accounting processing.

[0186] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, redundant explanations of the same configuration as in the previously described embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and configurations that differ from those in the previously described embodiment will be described.

[0187] As shown in Figure 11, in the second embodiment, the cloud server 14 may have a data conversion function. In this case, the terminal device 15 sends a common command to the cloud server 14. The cloud server 14 may store a conversion table.

[0188] The cloud server 14 receives a common command from the terminal device 15. The common command may include data that can identify the type of peripheral device 30 to be communicated with. Based on the common command from the terminal device 15, the cloud server 14 identifies the type of peripheral device 30 to be communicated with. The cloud server 14 converts the common command from the terminal device 15 into a specific command corresponding to the peripheral device 30. The specific command may include data that can identify the type of peripheral device 30 to be communicated with.

[0189] The cloud server 14 sends a unique command to the relay device 12. In the relay device 12, the control unit 20 sends the unique command from the cloud server 14 to the peripheral device 30 that is to communicate.

[0190] Peripheral device 30 sends a unique command to relay device 12. Relay device 12 sends the unique command from peripheral device 30 to cloud server 14. Cloud server 14 receives the unique command from relay device 12. Based on the unique command from relay device 12, cloud server 14 identifies the type of peripheral device 30 to communicate with. Cloud server 14 converts the unique command from peripheral device 30 into a common command. Cloud server 14 sends the common command to terminal device 15. In this way, the cloud server 14 can centrally manage command conversion.

[0191] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 12, in the third embodiment, the terminal device 15 may be equipped with a data conversion function. The terminal device 15 may store a conversion table. In this case, the terminal device 15 identifies the type of peripheral device 30 to be communicated with. The terminal device 15 converts a common command into a specific command corresponding to the peripheral device 30. The terminal device 15 transmits the specific command corresponding to the peripheral device 30 to the relay device 12. In the relay device 12, the control unit 20 transmits the specific command from the terminal device 15 to the peripheral device 30 to be communicated with.

[0192] Peripheral device 30 sends a unique command to relay device 12. Relay device 12 sends the unique command from peripheral device 30 to terminal device 15. Terminal device 15 converts the unique command from relay device 12 into a common command. In this way, command conversion is performed directly by terminal device 15.

[0193] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 13, in the fourth embodiment, the POS system 11 may include a plurality of relay devices 12. The POS system 11 may include a first relay device 12A and a second relay device 12B.

[0194] The first relay device 12A and the second relay device 12B have a configuration similar to the relay device 12 in the first embodiment. That is, the first relay device 12A can communicate with the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B. The second relay device 12B can communicate with the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B.

[0195] The first relay device 12A includes a first transmitting unit 23A. The first transmitting unit 23A transmits a first communication identifier that enables communication with the first relay device 12A. A reader 35 may be connected to the first relay device 12A as a peripheral device 30.

[0196] The second relay device 12B includes a second transmitting unit 23B. The second transmitting unit 23B transmits a second communication identifier that enables communication with the second relay device 12B. A reader device 35 may be connected to the second relay device 12B as a peripheral device 30.

[0197] The POS system 11 may include a first short-range wireless communication tag 24A and a second short-range wireless communication tag 24B. The first short-range wireless communication tag 24A may be built into the first relay device 12A by being bundled with the first relay device 12A, or it may be attached to the exterior of the first relay device 12A. The first short-range wireless communication tag 24A may be placed near the first relay device 12A.

[0198] The second short-range wireless communication tag 24B may be included with the second repeater 12B and thus built into the second repeater 12B, or it may be attached to the exterior of the second repeater 12B. The second short-range wireless communication tag 24B may be placed near the second repeater 12B.

[0199] <Accounting control processing> As shown in Figure 14, in step S43, the first terminal device 15A obtains a first communication identifier by receiving a beacon identifier from the first transmitter 23A of the first relay device 12A via wireless communication. The first terminal device 15A may also obtain the first communication identifier via wireless communication with the first short-range wireless communication tag 24A. The first communication identifier is an identifier corresponding to the first relay device 12A. In step S44, the first terminal device 15A transmits a control request to the first relay device 12A, which is the communication destination.

[0200] In the first relay device 12A, in step S101, the control unit 20 performs control request reception processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a control request from the first terminal device 15A. As a result, the control unit 20 acquires the control request from the first terminal device 15A.

[0201] In step S102, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the control flag is set. If the control unit 20 determines that the control flag is not set, it executes steps S103 and S104.

[0202] In step S45, the first terminal device 15A performs a control start notification reception process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A receives a control start notification from the first relay device 12A. As a result, the first terminal device 15A can recognize that it is possible to start control in response to the control request.

[0203] In this manner, the first terminal device 15A obtains the first communication identifier from the first transmitting unit 23A. The first terminal device 15A may also obtain the first communication identifier by communicating with the first short-range wireless communication tag 24A. Based on the first communication identifier, the first terminal device 15A communicates with the first relay device 12A.

[0204] As shown in Figure 15, in step S43, the first terminal device 15A obtains a second communication identifier by receiving a beacon identifier from the second transmitter 23B of the second relay device 12B via wireless communication. The first terminal device 15A may also obtain the second communication identifier via wireless communication with the second short-range wireless communication tag 24B. The second communication identifier is an identifier corresponding to the second relay device 12B. In step S44, the first terminal device 15A transmits a control request to the second relay device 12B, which is the communication destination.

[0205] In the second relay device 12B, in step S101, the control unit 20 performs control request reception processing. In this process, the control unit 20 receives a control request from the first terminal device 15A. As a result, the control unit 20 acquires the control request from the first terminal device 15A.

[0206] In step S102, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the control flag is set. If the control unit 20 determines that the control flag is not set, it executes steps S103 and S104.

[0207] In step S45, the first terminal device 15A performs a control start notification reception process. In this process, the first terminal device 15A receives a control start notification from the second relay device 12B. As a result, the first terminal device 15A can recognize that it is possible to start control in response to the control request.

[0208] In this manner, the first terminal device 15A obtains the second communication identifier from the second transmitting unit 23B. The first terminal device 15A may also obtain the second communication identifier by communicating with the second short-range wireless communication tag 24B. Based on the second communication identifier, the first terminal device 15A communicates with the second relay device 12B.

[0209] The second terminal device 15B can be controlled in the same way as the first terminal device 15A. The second terminal device 15B obtains the first communication identifier from the first transmitting unit 23A. The second terminal device 15B may also obtain the first communication identifier by communicating with the first short-range wireless communication tag 24A. The second terminal device 15B communicates with the first relay device 12A based on the first communication identifier.

[0210] The second terminal device 15B obtains the second communication identifier from the second transmitter 23B. The second terminal device 15B may also obtain the second communication identifier by communicating with the second short-range wireless communication tag 24B. The second terminal device 15B communicates with the second relay device 12B based on the second communication identifier.

[0211] <Operation and Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> The operation and effects of the fourth embodiment will now be described. (4-1) The first relay device 12A and the second relay device 12B are each capable of communicating with the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B. With this configuration, the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B can each control the peripheral devices 30 connected to the first relay device 12A and the peripheral devices 30 connected to the second relay device 12B. This allows the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B to switch their control target between the peripheral devices 30 connected to the first relay device 12A and the peripheral devices 30 connected to the second relay device 12B. For example, if the location of the first relay device 12A and the location of the second relay device 12B are far apart in a store, both the first relay device 12A and the second relay device 12B can be used to have the peripheral devices 30 perform accounting processing. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0212] (4-2) Each of the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B communicates with the first relay device 12A based on a first communication identifier obtained through communication with the first short-range wireless communication tag 24A. Each of the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B communicates with the second relay device 12B based on a second communication identifier obtained through communication with the second short-range wireless communication tag 24B. With this configuration, each of the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B can switch the control target between peripheral devices 30 connected to the first relay device 12A and peripheral devices 30 connected to the second relay device 12B. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0213] (4-3) Each of the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B communicates with the first relay device 12A based on a first communication identifier obtained from the first transmitting unit 23A. Each of the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B communicates with the second relay device 12B based on a second communication identifier obtained from the second transmitting unit 23B. With this configuration, each of the first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B can switch the control target between peripheral devices 30 connected to the first relay device 12A and peripheral devices 30 connected to the second relay device 12B. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0214] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0215] The POS system 11 may include three or more relay devices 12. The POS system 11 may include one or three or more terminal devices 15. In other words, the POS system 11 may include M relay devices 12 and N terminal devices 15. Peripheral devices 30 may be controlled by communication between the M relay devices 12 and the N terminal devices 15. M may be a natural number. N may be a natural number.

[0216] In the fourth embodiment, the POS system 11 may include one or more communication routers 13. The first relay device 12A and the second relay device 12B may communicate with multiple terminal devices 15 via one communication router 13. The first relay device 12A and the second relay device 12B may communicate with a cloud server 14 via one communication router 13.

[0217] The control unit 20 may store the connection history of the peripheral devices 30 in the storage unit 21. In this case, the control unit 20 may identify the peripheral devices 30 connected to the relay device 12 based on the connection history of the peripheral devices 30. The control unit 20 may communicate with the peripheral devices 30 connected to the relay device 12 based on the connection history of the peripheral devices 30.

[0218] The control unit 20 may download the conversion table from the cloud server 14 and store it in the storage unit 21. The control unit 20 may also download the conversion table from a management server (not shown) separate from the cloud server 14 and store it in the storage unit 21. The management server may manage the conversion table.

[0219] The control unit 20 may also control the second terminal device 15B as the control entity if it receives any control request from the second terminal device 15B between the completion of the first control in response to the first control request from the first terminal device 15A and the receipt of the second control request.

[0220] After completing control of the peripheral device 30 in response to a control request from the first terminal device 15A, the control unit 20 can receive an arbitrary control request from the second terminal device 15B and control the second terminal device 15B as the control entity.

[0221] The terminal device 15 may display the subtotal information on the display device 34 each time it acquires a product identifier. In this case, the terminal device 15 may execute steps S43 to S45 in Figure 5 before inputting the subtotal confirmation instruction, and execute steps S46 to S49 in Figure 5 each time it acquires a product identifier.

[0222] If a reader 35 is connected to the relay device 12 as a peripheral device 30, the terminal device 15 may display the subtotal information on the display device 34 each time it obtains a product identifier from the reader 35. In this case, the terminal device 15 may execute steps S43 to S45 in Figure 5 before inputting the subtotal confirmation instruction, and execute steps S46 to S49 in Figure 5 each time it obtains a product identifier.

[0223] The control unit 20 may clear the control flag when it has completed any control in response to a control request from the peripheral device 30. For example, the control unit 20 may clear the control flag when it has completed control in response to a cash payment control request. For example, the control unit 20 may clear the control flag when it has completed control in response to an electronic payment control request. For example, the control unit 20 may clear the control flag when it has completed control in response to a payment display control request.

[0224] The terminal device 15 may execute steps S43 to S45 in Figure 5 when predetermined conditions are met and send a control request for the peripheral device 30 to the relay device 12. For example, the terminal device 15 may execute steps S43 to S45 in Figure 5 in response to a read instruction before acquiring the product identifier and send a control request for the peripheral device 30 to the relay device 12. For example, the terminal device 15 may execute steps S43 to S45 in Figure 5 and send a control request for the peripheral device 30 to the relay device 12 before displaying the payment information on the display device 34. For example, the terminal device 15 may execute steps S43 to S45 in Figure 5 and send a control request for the peripheral device 30 to the relay device 12 before controlling the printing device 33.

[0225] The control unit 20 does not need to clear the control flag during the accounting process. For example, the control unit 20 does not need to clear the control flag when it completes the control in response to the subtotal display control request. In this case, the terminal device 15 does not need to execute steps S43 to S45 in Figure 5 in response to a cash payment instruction or an electronic payment instruction.

[0226] The control unit 20 may, in response to a control request from the terminal device 15, control a portion of the peripheral devices 30 connected to the relay device 12, primarily with the terminal device 15 as the main control unit. The control unit 20 may, in response to a control request from the terminal device 15, control each category of peripheral devices 30 connected to the relay device 12, primarily with the terminal device 15 as the main control unit. In such a case, the control unit 20 may control a control unit for each of the multiple peripheral devices 30.

[0227] For example, when the control unit 20 receives a display control request from the terminal device 15, it may be configured to control the display device 34 connected to the relay device 12, with the terminal device 15 acting as the control entity.

[0228] For example, when the control unit 20 receives a change dispenser control request from the terminal device 15, it may be configured to control the automatic change dispenser 31 connected to the relay device 12, with the terminal device 15 acting as the control entity.

[0229] For example, when the control unit 20 receives a payment terminal control request from the terminal device 15, it may be configured to control the payment terminal device 32 connected to the relay device 12, with the terminal device 15 acting as the control entity.

[0230] For example, when the control unit 20 receives a printer control request from the terminal device 15, it may be configured to control the printer 33 connected to the relay device 12, with the terminal device 15 acting as the control entity.

[0231] The first terminal device 15A and the second terminal device 15B may have the same operating system and application. Multiple terminal devices 15 may have the same operating system and application.

[0232] When the control flag is set, the control unit 20 may, upon receiving a control request from the terminal device 15, prohibit the terminal device 15 from controlling the peripheral device 30, but may also postpone the terminal device 15's control of the peripheral device 30. When the control flag is cleared, the control unit 20 may initiate the postponed control of the peripheral device 30 by the terminal device 15.

[0233] The relay device 12 may be able to connect to at least one of several peripheral devices 30 that belong to the same category. Taking the payment terminal device 32 as a specific example, the relay device 12 may be able to selectively connect to a first payment terminal device and a second payment terminal device that belong to the same category of payment terminal device 32.

[0234] The control unit 20 may enable communication with peripheral devices 30 of the same category that respond to control requests from terminal devices 15 if multiple peripheral devices 30 of the same category are connected to the relay device 12. For example, if the control unit 20 is connected to both the first payment terminal device and the second payment terminal device, it may enable communication with the first payment terminal device that responds to control requests from terminal devices 15 to the first payment terminal device.

[0235] • Accounting processes do not necessarily have to include at least one of the following: reading, subtotal display, cash settlement, electronic settlement, settlement display, and printing. Accounting processes may include processes other than reading, subtotal display, cash settlement, electronic settlement, settlement display, and printing. Accounting processes may include at least one of the following: refund processing, point redemption processing, and service coupon redemption processing.

[0236] • Peripheral device 30 does not necessarily include at least one of the following: automatic change dispenser 31, payment terminal device 32, printing device 33, display device 34, and reader device 35. Peripheral device 30 may include devices other than the automatic change dispenser 31, payment terminal device 32, printing device 33, display device 34, and reader device 35. Peripheral device 30 may include, for example, a rewrite card reader.

[0237] Terminal device 15 does not have to be a portable terminal device. Terminal device 15 may be an unmanned reception terminal device. Terminal device 15 may be a self-checkout machine. Terminal device 15 may be a portable terminal device owned by the purchaser.

[0238] The relay device 12 may be partially connected to the terminal device 15 by wireless communication, or it may be entirely connected to the terminal device 15 by wireless communication. The relay device 12 may be entirely connected to the terminal device 15 by wired communication. The relay device 12 may be connected wirelessly to at least one of the peripheral devices 30.

[0239] As used herein, the expression "at least one of" means one or more of the desired options. For example, as used herein, if there are two options, the expression "at least one of" means either one option or both of the two options. As another example, as used herein, if there are three or more options, the expression "at least one of" means either one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0240] [Note] The following describes the technical concepts and their effects as understood from the embodiments and modifications described above. These technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0241] [1] A POS system relay device is a POS system relay device that can be connected to at least one peripheral device relating to accounting processing, and comprises a control unit, wherein when the control unit receives a control request to the peripheral device from a first terminal device that can input accounting processing, it enables the control of the peripheral device with the first terminal device as the control entity, and after the control in response to the control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device is completed, when it receives a control request to the peripheral device from a second terminal device that can input accounting processing, it enables the control of the peripheral device with the second terminal device as the control entity.

[0242] This configuration allows the control authority of peripheral devices connected to the relay device to be switched in response to control requests from the first terminal device and control requests from the second terminal device. This enables accounting processing to be performed by peripheral devices using multiple terminal devices. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0243] [2] In the relay device of the POS system described above, if the control unit receives a control request from the second terminal device to the peripheral device between the time it receives a control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device and the time when the control in response to the control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device is completed, it restricts the control of the peripheral device with the second terminal device as the control entity.

[0244] This configuration allows for exclusive control of the control entities of peripheral devices connected to the relay device in response to control requests from the first terminal device and the second terminal device. This enables accounting processing to be performed by peripheral devices using multiple terminal devices. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0245] [3] A relay device for the POS system described above, wherein the accounting process includes a first accounting process and a second accounting process performed after the first accounting process, the control request includes a first control request relating to the first accounting process and a second control request relating to the second accounting process, and the control unit, upon receiving a control request from the second terminal device to the peripheral device between the completion of control in response to the first control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device and the receipt of the second control request to the peripheral device, enables the control of the peripheral device with the second terminal device as the control entity.

[0246] With this configuration, even if accounting processing is in progress on the first terminal device, the second terminal device can control peripheral devices as the control entity, as long as the control in response to the first control request has been completed and before the second control request is received. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0247] [4] A relay device for the POS system described above, wherein the control unit, upon receiving a common command common to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, converts the common command into a specific command corresponding to the peripheral device and outputs the specific command to the peripheral device.

[0248] This configuration allows common commands shared by the first and second terminal devices to be converted into unique commands corresponding to peripheral devices connected to the relay device. This enables the first and second terminal devices to request control of peripheral devices even if they are unaware of the peripheral devices connected to the relay device. Therefore, it improves the convenience of accounting processing.

[0249] [5] A relay device for the POS system described above, wherein the relay device is connectable to a plurality of peripheral devices classified in the same category, the plurality of peripheral devices each have different unique commands, and when the control unit receives the common command, it converts the common command to a unique command corresponding to the type of peripheral device connected among the plurality of peripheral devices.

[0250] This configuration allows common commands shared by the first and second terminal devices to be converted into unique commands corresponding to the type of peripheral device connected to the relay device, even if the unique commands differ among multiple peripheral devices. This enables the first and second terminal devices to request control of peripheral devices even if they are unaware of the type of peripheral device connected to the relay device. Therefore, even if the type of peripheral device connected to the relay device changes, the first and second terminal devices can still control the peripheral device. Consequently, this improves the convenience of accounting processing.

[0251] [6] A relay device for the POS system described above, wherein the control unit, regardless of the operating system and application of the first terminal device, when it receives a control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device, enables the first terminal device to control the peripheral device as the control entity, and regardless of the operating system and application of the second terminal device, when it receives a control request from the second terminal device to the peripheral device, enables the second terminal device to control the peripheral device as the control entity.

[0252] With this configuration, the first and second terminal devices can control peripheral devices connected to the relay device without changing their operating systems and applications. In addition, the range of peripheral devices that can be connected to the relay device can be increased, without depending on the operating systems and applications of the terminal devices. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0253] [7] The POS system comprises at least one peripheral device related to accounting processing and a relay device, wherein the peripheral device and the relay device are connectable, and the relay device, upon receiving a control request from a first terminal device capable of inputting accounting processing to the peripheral device, enables the first terminal device to control the peripheral device as the control entity, and after the control in response to the control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device is completed, upon receiving a control request from a second terminal device capable of inputting accounting processing to the peripheral device, enables the second terminal device to control the peripheral device as the control entity. This configuration can achieve the same effects as [1].

[0254] [8] The POS system described above, comprising a second relay device, wherein the relay device is a first relay device, the first relay device and the second relay device are capable of communicating with the first terminal device, and the first relay device and the second relay device are capable of communicating with the second terminal device.

[0255] This configuration allows each of the first and second terminal devices to control both peripheral devices connected to the first relay device and peripheral devices connected to the second relay device. This enables each of the first and second terminal devices to switch between controlling peripheral devices connected to the first relay device and those connected to the second relay device. Therefore, convenience in accounting processing can be improved.

[0256] [9] The POS system described above, wherein the first terminal device and the second terminal device obtain a first communication identifier that enables communication with the first relay device by communicating with a first short-range wireless communication tag, and communicate with the first relay device based on the first communication identifier, and the first terminal device and the second terminal device obtain a second communication identifier that enables communication with the second relay device by communicating with a second short-range wireless communication tag, and communicate with the second relay device based on the second communication identifier.

[0257] With this configuration, each of the first and second terminal devices can switch the controlled device between the peripheral device connected to the first relay device and the peripheral device connected to the second relay device by communicating with each short-range wireless communication tag. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0258]

[10] The POS system described above, wherein the first relay device has a first transmitting unit that transmits a first communication identifier enabling communication with the first relay device, the second relay device has a second transmitting unit that transmits a second communication identifier enabling communication with the second relay device, the first terminal device and the second terminal device obtain the first communication identifier from the first transmitting unit and communicate with the first relay device based on the first communication identifier, and the first terminal device and the second terminal device obtain the second communication identifier from the second transmitting unit and communicate with the second relay device based on the second communication identifier.

[0259] With this configuration, each of the first and second terminal devices can switch the controlled device between the peripheral device connected to the first relay device and the peripheral device connected to the second relay device through communication with their respective transmitters. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0260]

[11] The above-mentioned POS system, wherein the first terminal device is a mobile terminal device, the second terminal device is a mobile terminal device, and the relay device is capable of communicating with the first terminal device and the second terminal device via wireless communication.

[0261] With this configuration, the first and second terminal devices can request control of peripheral devices connected to the relay device even if they are not wired to the relay device. This increases the portability of the first and second terminal devices. Therefore, it improves the convenience of accounting processing.

[0262]

[12] The above-mentioned POS system, wherein the peripheral equipment includes a printing device. This configuration allows the control authority of the printing device connected to the relay device to be switched in response to control requests from the first terminal device and the second terminal device. This enables the printing device to perform accounting-related printing using multiple terminal devices. Therefore, the convenience of accounting processing can be improved.

[0263]

[13] A control method for a POS system comprises at least one peripheral device related to accounting processing and a relay device, wherein the peripheral device and the relay device are connectable, and the relay device, upon receiving a control request from a first terminal device capable of input related to accounting processing to the peripheral device, controls the peripheral device with the first terminal device as the control entity, and after the control in response to the control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device is completed, upon receiving a control request from a second terminal device capable of input related to accounting processing to the peripheral device, controls the peripheral device with the second terminal device as the control entity. This configuration can achieve the same effect as [1].

[0264]

[14] The program causes at least one computer to control peripheral devices with the first terminal device as the control entity when it receives a control request for accounting processing from a first terminal device capable of inputting accounting processing, and to control the peripheral devices with the second terminal device as the control entity when it receives a control request for accounting processing from a second terminal device capable of inputting accounting processing after the control in response to the control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral devices has been completed. This configuration can produce the same effect as [1]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0265] 11...POS system, 12...Relay device, 12A...First relay device, 12B...Second relay device, 13...Communication router, 14...Cloud server, 15...Terminal device, 15A...First terminal device, 15B...Second terminal device, 20...Control unit, 21...Storage unit, 22...Communication interface, 23...Transmitting unit, 23A...First transmitting unit, 23B...Second transmitting unit, 24...Short-range wireless communication tag, 24A...First short-range wireless communication tag, 24B...Second short-range wireless communication tag, 30...Peripheral device, 31...Automatic change dispenser, 32...Payment terminal device, 33...Printing device, 34...Display device, 35...Reading device.

Claims

1. A relay device for a POS system that can be connected to at least one peripheral device related to accounting processing, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit, When a control request is received from the first terminal device, which is capable of inputting accounting information, the peripheral device is made controllable with the first terminal device as the control entity. After control is completed in response to a control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device, if a control request for the peripheral device is received from a second terminal device capable of inputting accounting information, the second terminal device will be made controllable to the peripheral device. A relay device for a POS system characterized by the following.

2. A relay device for a POS system according to claim 1, When the control unit receives a control request from the second terminal device to the peripheral device between the time it receives a control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device and the time it completes the control in response to the control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device, it restricts the control of the peripheral device with the second terminal device as the control entity. A relay device for a POS system characterized by the following.

3. A relay device for a POS system according to claim 2, The aforementioned accounting treatment includes a first accounting treatment and a second accounting treatment performed after the first accounting treatment, The control request includes a first control request relating to the first accounting process and a second control request relating to the second accounting process. The control unit, in the period between the completion of control in response to the first control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device and the receipt of the second control request to the peripheral device, receives a control request from the second terminal device to the peripheral device and enables control of the peripheral device with the second terminal device as the control entity. A relay device for a POS system characterized by the following.

4. A relay device for a POS system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit, When the first terminal device and the second terminal device receive a common command, they convert the common command into a specific command corresponding to the peripheral device. The aforementioned specific command is output to the peripheral device. A relay device for a POS system characterized by the following.

5. A relay device for a POS system according to claim 4, The relay device can connect to multiple peripheral devices classified in the same category. The aforementioned multiple peripheral devices have different unique commands. When the control unit receives the common command, it converts the common command into a specific command corresponding to the type of peripheral device connected among the plurality of peripheral devices. A relay device for a POS system characterized by the following.

6. A relay device for a POS system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit, Regardless of the operating system and applications of the first terminal device, when the first terminal device receives a control request to the peripheral device, the first terminal device becomes the control entity and enables control of the peripheral device. Regardless of the operating system and applications of the second terminal device, when the second terminal device receives a control request to the peripheral device, the second terminal device becomes the control entity and enables control of the peripheral device. A relay device for a POS system characterized by the following.

7. A POS system comprising at least one peripheral device related to accounting processing and a relay device, wherein the peripheral device and the relay device are connectable, The relay device is, When a control request is received from the first terminal device, which is capable of inputting accounting information, the peripheral device is made controllable with the first terminal device as the control entity. After control is completed in response to a control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device, if a control request for the peripheral device is received from a second terminal device capable of inputting accounting information, the second terminal device will be made controllable to the peripheral device. A POS system characterized by the following.

8. A POS system according to claim 7, Equipped with a second relay device, The relay device is the first relay device, The first relay device and the second relay device are capable of communicating with the first terminal device. The first relay device and the second relay device are capable of communicating with the second terminal device. A POS system characterized by the following.

9. A POS system according to claim 8, The first terminal device and the second terminal device obtain a first communication identifier that enables communication with the first relay device by communicating with a first short-range wireless communication tag, and communicate with the first relay device based on the first communication identifier. The first terminal device and the second terminal device obtain a second communication identifier that enables communication with the second relay device by communicating with a second short-range wireless communication tag, and communicate with the second relay device based on the second communication identifier. A POS system characterized by the following.

10. A POS system according to claim 8, The first relay device has a first transmitting unit that transmits a first communication identifier that enables communication with the first relay device, The second relay device has a second transmitting unit that transmits a second communication identifier that enables communication with the second relay device, The first terminal device and the second terminal device obtain the first communication identifier from the first transmitting unit and communicate with the first relay device based on the first communication identifier. The first terminal device and the second terminal device obtain the second communication identifier from the second transmitting unit and communicate with the second relay device based on the second communication identifier. A POS system characterized by the following.

11. A POS system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, The first terminal device is a mobile terminal device, The second terminal device is a portable terminal device, The relay device is capable of communicating with the first terminal device and the second terminal device via wireless communication. A POS system characterized by the following.

12. A POS system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, The aforementioned peripheral devices include a printing device. A POS system characterized by the following.

13. A control method for a POS system comprising at least one peripheral device related to accounting processing and a relay device, wherein the peripheral device and the relay device are connectable, The relay device is, When a control request for the peripheral device is received from the first terminal device, which is capable of inputting accounting information, the first terminal device controls the peripheral device, with the first terminal device acting as the control entity. After control is completed in response to a control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device, if a control request for the peripheral device is received from a second terminal device capable of inputting accounting information, the second terminal device will control the peripheral device as the control entity. A method for controlling a POS system, characterized by the following:

14. On at least one computer, When a control request for accounting-related peripheral devices is received from a first terminal device capable of inputting accounting-related information, the first terminal device controls the peripheral devices with the first terminal device acting as the control entity. After control is completed in response to a control request from the first terminal device to the peripheral device, when a control request for the peripheral device is received from a second terminal device capable of inputting accounting information, the second terminal device controls the peripheral device as the control entity. To execute A program characterized by the following features.

Images