Maintenance support system, maintenance support device, and control program thereof

Abstract

To provide a maintenance support system, a maintenance support device, and a control program thereof capable of performing maintenance work of a commodity registration device efficiently.SOLUTION: A maintenance support device includes first acquisition means, second acquisition means, generation means, and output means. The first acquisition means acquires first image data displayed on a screen of a display unit of a commodity registration device. The second acquisition means acquires operation data relating to the operation of the commodity registration device. The generation means generates first image data and second image data including operation data temporally corresponding to the first image data. The output means outputs the second image data generated by the generation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a maintenance support system, a maintenance support device, and a control program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] A product registration device such as a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal has a log management function. The log management function is a function for recording and managing occurrences of, for example, an update process for updating the version of an application program, an input operation by an operator to the product registration device, and occurrences of a malfunction of the product registration device as a log. For example, when a malfunction occurs in the product registration device, a worker performing maintenance work searches for the cause of the malfunction by analyzing the log. However, it may be difficult to identify the malfunction with only the log information. In this case, the worker may be able to identify the malfunction by, for example, separately checking what image was displayed on the screen of the touch panel of the product registration device when the malfunction occurred. Therefore, a mechanism for efficiently performing maintenance work is desired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-198523 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a maintenance support system, a maintenance support device, and a control program therefor that are capable of efficiently performing maintenance work on a product registration device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the maintenance support device includes a first acquisition means, a second acquisition means, a generation means, and an output means. The first acquisition means acquires first image data displayed on a screen of a display unit of the product registration device. The second acquisition means acquires operation data related to an operation of the product registration device. The generation means generates second image data including the first image data and operation data corresponding in time to the first image data. The output means outputs the second image data generated by the generation means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a maintenance support system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of an action file. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the maintenance support server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a management data record stored in the management database. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the operator terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of the processor in the POS terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of the processor in the maintenance support server. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of the processor in the operator terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of the processor in the maintenance support server. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the result list screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the maintenance support screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a maintenance support system 1 according to an embodiment. The maintenance support system 1 includes a plurality of POS terminals 10, a store server 20, a maintenance support server 30, and an operator terminal 40. The POS terminals 10, the store server 20, the maintenance support server 30, and the operator terminal 40 are connected to a communication network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0009] The POS terminal 10 registers sales data (sales quantity, sales price, etc.) of products purchased by customers, and calculates the price to be paid by the customer based on the registered sales data. The POS terminal 10 receives the payment and settles the commercial transaction with the customer. The POS terminal 10 can also be called a product registration device.

[0010] The store server 20 manages a product database. The product database stores product data records that record data on products sold in the store. The product data records include items such as product code, product name, and unit price. The product code is product identification information set for each product to identify the product individually. Each product is usually affixed with a barcode that represents the product code.

[0011] The maintenance support server 30 generates a maintenance support screen based on the data collected from each POS terminal 10. The maintenance support screen will be described later. The maintenance support server 30 provides the generated maintenance support screen to the operator terminal 40. The maintenance support server 30 can also be called a maintenance support device.

[0012] The worker terminal 40 is a terminal used by a worker who performs maintenance work on the POS terminal 10. The worker terminal 40 is, for example, an electronic device such as a tablet terminal or a notebook computer.

[0013] 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 10. The POS terminal 10 includes a processor 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a clock 104, a communication interface 105, a touch panel 106, a printer 107, a scanner 108, a reader 109, a change machine interface 110, and a system transmission path 111. The POS terminal 10 electrically connects the processor 101, the main memory 102, the auxiliary storage device 103, the clock 104, the communication interface 105, the touch panel 106, the printer 107, the scanner 108, the reader 109, and the change machine interface 110 directly or via a signal input / output circuit to the system transmission path 111. The POS terminal 10 constitutes a computer by the processor 101, the main memory 102, the auxiliary storage device 103, and the system transmission path 111 that connects them.

[0014] The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 101 controls each part to realize various functions of the POS terminal 10 according to an operating system and application programs. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0015] The main memory 102 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 102 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 102 stores an operating system and application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 102 may store data required for the processor 101 to execute processes for controlling each part in a nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 102 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 101. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0016] The auxiliary storage device 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) is used as the auxiliary storage device 103. The auxiliary storage device 103 stores data used by the processor 101 when performing various processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 101. The auxiliary storage device 103 may also store the above application programs.

[0017] The application programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 include a maintenance support application program. Hereinafter, the maintenance support application program is abbreviated as a maintenance support application. The maintenance support application is an application for acquiring image data of a frame image (captured image) displayed on the screen of the touch panel 106 of the POS terminal 10 installed in a store where the maintenance support system 1 is introduced, at a fixed cycle. The fixed cycle is, for example, one second. The fixed cycle can be set arbitrarily. The image data of the frame image can also be called the first image data. The method of installing the maintenance support application in the auxiliary storage device 103 is not particularly limited. The control program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or the control program can be distributed by communication via a network, and installed in the auxiliary storage device 103. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device. The maintenance support application may be installed in the main memory 102, not in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0018] The clock 104 functions as a time information source for the POS terminal 10. The processor 101 keeps track of the current date and time (date and time) based on the time information kept by the clock 104.

[0019] The communication interface 105 is connected to the communication network 2. The communication interface 105 performs data communication with other devices connected via the communication network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0020] The touch panel 106 functions as an input device and a display device of the POS terminal 10. The touch panel 106 detects a touch position on a displayed image, and outputs the touch position information to the processor 101. The touch panel 106 can also be called a display unit (first display unit) of the POS terminal 10.

[0021] The printer 107 prints on receipt paper. The printed receipt paper is issued as, for example, a purchase receipt, a credit slip, etc. The printer 107 is, for example, a thermal printer, an inkjet printer, etc.

[0022] The scanner 108 reads code symbols such as bar codes and two-dimensional data codes attached to products, and outputs the read data to the processor 101. The scanner 108 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or of a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0023] Reader 109 reads data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to processor 101. Reader 109 is a magnetic card reader when the recording medium is a magnetic card, and is an IC card reader when the recording medium is a contact IC card. In the case of a recording medium using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) such as a contactless IC card or a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as reader 109.

[0024] The change machine interface 110 inputs and outputs data signals to and from the automatic change machine. For example, the change machine interface 110 inputs inserted amount data from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 110 also outputs change amount data to the automatic change machine. Incidentally, the automatic change machine dispenses bills or coins equivalent to the change amount according to the change amount data.

[0025] The POS terminal 10 having such a configuration stores a terminal ID in a non-volatile memory area in the main memory 102. The terminal ID is terminal identification information set for each POS terminal 10 in order to identify each POS terminal 10 individually. The POS terminal 10 also uses a part of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 102 as an area for an image file 1021 and an operation file 1022 (see FIG. 3). In the image file 1021, image data of frame images acquired at a certain period are saved in chronological order. In the operation file 1022, the operation date and time, which will be described later, and the operation content are described in association with each other. Note that the storage destination of the terminal ID, the image file 1021, and the operation file 1022 is not limited to the main memory 102. The terminal ID, the image file 1021, and the operation file 1022 may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the operation file 1022. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation file 1022 is a data file in which the operation date and time and the operation content are associated with each other for each terminal ID. The operation date and time is the date and time when the operation of the POS terminal 10 occurred. For example, in the case of 15:30:10 on July 1, 2021, the operation date and time is described as "20210701153010". The operations recorded as logs in the POS terminal 10 include, for example, the execution of an update process for updating the version of an application program, the operation input to the POS terminal 10 by an operator, the communication connection between the POS terminal 10 and another device, the occurrence of a malfunction (error) in the POS terminal 10, and the like. The operation input to the POS terminal 10 includes, for example, the touch panel 106 being touched, the scanner 108 reading a code symbol, and the like. The operation content is, for example, details of the operation that occurred, such as "start of update process", "end of communication connection", and "display of error message". The operation details are described in the order of earliest operation date and time in the operation file 1022. The operation date and time and the operation details may also be referred to as operation data relating to the operation of the POS terminal 10.

[0027] The processor 101 has functions as a first transmission means 1011 and a second transmission means 1012. The first transmission means 1011 is a function of transmitting first image data displayed on the first display unit, i.e., the screen of the touch panel 106, to the maintenance support device, i.e., the maintenance support server 30.

[0028] The second transmission means 1012 is a function for transmitting operation data relating to the operation of the merchandise registration device, that is, the POS terminal 10, to the maintenance support device, that is, the maintenance support server 30.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the maintenance support server 30. As shown in Fig. 4, the maintenance support server 30 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a communication interface 34, and a system transmission path 35. The system transmission path 35 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The maintenance support server 30 connects the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, and the communication interface 34 to the system transmission path 35. In the maintenance support server 30, a computer is configured by the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, and the system transmission path 35 that connects them.

[0030] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part to realize various functions of the maintenance support server 30 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU.

[0031] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 32 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 32 may store data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0032] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 31. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store the application programs described above.

[0033] The communication interface 34 is connected to the communication network 2. The communication interface 34 performs data communication with other devices connected via the communication network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0034] The maintenance support server 30 having such a configuration stores a management database 331 in the auxiliary storage device 33 .

[0035] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a management data record 3311 stored in the management database 331. As shown in Fig. 5, the management data record 3311 includes a terminal ID, management date and time, an image file, an operation file, image data of a maintenance support screen, data capacity, etc. The management date and time includes a management start date and time and a management end date and time. The management start date and time and the management end date and time will be described later. The data capacity is the capacity of the image data of the maintenance support screen. Note that the management data record 3311 is not limited to the data of the above-mentioned items.

[0036] The processor 31 has functions as a first acquiring means 311, a second acquiring means 312, a generating means 313, an output means 314, a first receiving means 315, a second receiving means 316, and a third transmitting means 317. The first acquiring means 311 is a function of acquiring first image data displayed on the display unit of the product registration device, i.e., the screen of the touch panel 106 of the POS terminal 10.

[0037] The second acquisition unit 312 is a function for acquiring operation data relating to the operation of the merchandise registration device, that is, the POS terminal 10.

[0038] The generating means 313 is a function for generating second image data including first image data and action data corresponding in time to the first image data.

[0039] The output means 314 has the following two functions: The first is a function to output the second image data generated by the generation means 313. The second is a function to output a list of information for identifying the second image data.

[0040] The first receiving means 315 is a function for receiving the first image data transmitted by the first transmitting means 1011 .

[0041] The second receiving means 316 is a function for receiving the operation data transmitted by the second transmitting means 1012 .

[0042] The third transmission means 317 is a function of transmitting the second image data generated by the generation means 313 to the worker terminal 40. The third transmission means 317 functions as the output means 314 for the worker terminal 40.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the worker terminal 40. As shown in Fig. 6, the worker terminal 40 includes a processor 41, a main memory 42, an auxiliary storage device 43, a touch panel 44, a communication interface 45, and a system transmission path 46. The system transmission path 46 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The worker terminal 40 connects the processor 41, the main memory 42, the auxiliary storage device 43, the touch panel 44, and the communication interface 45 to the system transmission path 46. In the worker terminal 40, the processor 41, the main memory 42, the auxiliary storage device 43, and the system transmission path 46 that connects them together form a computer.

[0044] The processor 41 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 41 controls each part to realize various functions of the operator terminal 40 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU.

[0045] The main memory 42 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 42 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 42 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 42 may store data required for the processor 41 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 42 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 41. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0046] The auxiliary storage device 43 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 43. The auxiliary storage device 43 stores data used by the processor 41 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 41. The auxiliary storage device 43 may also store the application programs described above.

[0047] The touch panel 44 functions as an input device and a display device of the worker terminal 40. The touch panel 44 detects a touch position on a displayed image, and outputs the touch position information to the processor 41. The touch panel 44 can also be called a second display unit.

[0048] The communication interface 45 is connected to the communication network 2. The communication interface 45 performs data communication with other devices connected via the communication network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0049] The processor 41 has functions as a third receiving means 411 and a second output means 412. The third receiving means 411 is a function of receiving the second image data transmitted by the third transmitting means 317.

[0050] The second output unit 412 has a function of outputting the second image data to the second display unit, that is, the touch panel 44.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing the main information processing procedure executed by the processor 101 of the POS terminal 10. Figs. 8 and 10 are flow charts showing the main information processing procedure executed by the processor 31 of the maintenance support server 30. Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the main information processing procedure executed by the processor 41 of the worker terminal 40. The operation of the maintenance support system 1 will be explained below using these figures. Note that the operation explained below is an example. As long as similar results are obtained, the procedure etc. are not particularly limited.

[0052] First, the person in charge of payment operations at the store who is the operator of the POS terminal 10 starts up the POS terminal 10. When the POS terminal 10 is started up, the maintenance support application installed in the POS terminal 10 is started up. When the maintenance support application is started up, the processor 101 of the POS terminal 10 starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0053] The processor 101 generates an image file 1021 and an action file 1022 in a non-volatile memory area in the main memory 102 as ACT1. Each time the processor 101 generates an image file 1021, it assigns a file name to the image file 1021. The file name is unique and will not overlap with other image files 1021. The file name of the image file 1021 may include, for example, a terminal ID and a date and time when the image file 1021 was generated.

[0054] The processor 101 starts acquiring image data of a frame image to be displayed on the screen of the touch panel 106 of the POS terminal 10 as ACT2. Every time the processor 101 acquires image data of a frame image, it saves the image data in the image file 1021. The processor 101 assigns a data name to each piece of image data. The data name includes the date and time, measured by the clock 104, at the time the image data is acquired.

[0055] The processor 101 waits for various actions to occur in ACT 3. If an action has occurred, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT 3 and proceeds to ACT 4.

[0056] In ACT4, the processor 101 acquires the current date and time measured by the clock 104. In ACT5, the processor 101 associates the current date and time acquired in the processing of ACT4 with the content of the action that has occurred and stores them in the action file 1022. Then, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT6.

[0057] If no action occurs, the processor 101 determines NO in ACT3, skips the processing in ACT4 and ACT5, and proceeds to ACT6.

[0058] The processor 101 checks whether the maintenance support app has been terminated in ACT6. When the processor 101 recognizes that an end operation to terminate the maintenance support app has been performed, it recognizes that the maintenance support app has been terminated. For example, when a payment operator touches the end button of the maintenance support app after closing time each business day, the processor 101 recognizes that the maintenance support app has been terminated. When the maintenance support app has not been terminated, the processor 101 determines NO in ACT6 and returns to ACT3. That is, the processor 101 executes the processes of ACT3 to ACT6 in the same manner as described above.

[0059] If the maintenance support application is ended, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT 6 and proceeds to ACT 7. In ACT 7, the processor 101 ends the acquisition of image data of the frame image.

[0060] The processor 101, as ACT8, controls the communication interface 105 using the functions of the first transmission means 1011 and the second transmission means 1012 to transmit a management command to the maintenance support server 30. This control causes the management command to be transmitted via the communication interface 105. The management command is received by the maintenance support server 30 via the communication network 2. The management command includes a terminal ID, an image file 1021, and an operation file 1022. With this, the processor 101 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0061] The processor 31 of the maintenance support server 30 waits to receive a management command from the POS terminal 10 as ACT11 in Fig. 8. When a management command is received by the functions of the first receiving means 315 and the second receiving means 316, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT12.

[0062] The processor 31 as ACT12 acquires the terminal ID, the image file 1021, and the action file 1022 from the management command by using the functions of the first acquisition unit 311 and the second acquisition unit 312.

[0063] The processor 31 generates a maintenance support screen as ACT13 based on the image file 1021 and the operation file 1022 acquired in the processing of ACT12 by using the function of the generating means 313.

[0064] The processor 31 adds a management data record 3311 to the management database 331 as ACT14. Specifically, the processor 31 stores in the management database 331 the terminal ID, the image file 1021 and the operation file 1022 acquired in the processing of ACT12, the image data of the maintenance support screen generated in the processing of ACT13, the data capacity of the image data of the maintenance support screen, and the management date and time (management start date and time and management end date and time) in association with each other. The management start date and time is, for example, the operation date and time written earliest in the operation file 1022. The management end date and time is, for example, the operation date and time written latest in the operation file 1022. It is assumed that the management start date and time and the management end date and time are the same day. With this, the processor 31 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0065] Now, a worker who performs maintenance work on the POS terminal 10 connects the worker terminal 40 to the maintenance support server 30 via the communication network 2. When the connection between the worker terminal 40 and the maintenance support server 30 is completed, the processor 41 starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0066] The processor 41, as ACT21, causes the touch panel 44 to display a search screen. The search screen is a screen for searching for a maintenance support screen to be viewed. On the search screen, for example, an input field for inputting the terminal ID of the POS terminal 10 performing maintenance work and a Confirm button for instructing input confirmation are displayed. The Confirm button is touched when the terminal ID is input in the input field. The Confirm button may be enabled, for example, when the terminal ID is input in the input field. The Confirm button may be displayed in grayscale, for example, until the terminal ID is input in the input field.

[0067] The processor 41 waits for the Confirm button to be touched in ACT 22. If the Confirm button is touched, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT 22 and proceeds to ACT 23.

[0068] The processor 41 controls the communication interface 45 as the ACT 23 so as to transmit a search request command to the maintenance support server 30. By this control, the search request command is transmitted via the communication interface 45. The search request command is received by the maintenance support server 30 via the communication network 2. The search request command includes a terminal ID.

[0069] The processor 31 of the maintenance support server 30 waits to receive a search request command from the operator terminal 40 in ACT41 of Fig. 10. When a search request command is received, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT41 and proceeds to ACT42.

[0070] The processor 31 acquires the terminal ID from the search request command in ACT 42. The processor 31 extracts, in ACT 43, from the management database 331, all management data records 3311 that include the terminal ID acquired in the processing of ACT 42.

[0071] The processor 31 generates, in ACT 44, a result list screen based on the management data records 3311 extracted in the processing of ACT 43. The result list screen will be described later.

[0072] The processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 as ACT45 using the function of the output means 314 to transmit a search response command to the worker terminal 40. This control causes the search response command to be transmitted via the communication interface 34. The search response command is received by the worker terminal 40 via the communication network 2. The search response command includes image data of the result list screen generated by the processing of ACT44.

[0073] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 41, which has transmitted the search request command, waits for a search response command in ACT 24. If a search response command is received, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT 24 and proceeds to ACT 25.

[0074] The processor 41 causes the touch panel 44 to display a result list screen 50 (see FIG. 11) in ACT25.

[0075] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a result list screen 50. As shown in FIG. 11, the result list screen 50 includes a list area 51, an image of a play button 52, and an image of an end button 53. The list area 51 includes a list of the terminal ID, the management date and time (management start date and time and management end date and time), and the data capacity included in the management data record 3311, and an image of a sort button 54. The sort button 54 is touched when sorting according to the order of priority. The sort button 54 is touched when sorting according to, for example, the earliest or latest management date and time. The sort button 54 is touched when sorting according to, for example, the smallest or largest data capacity. The play button 52 is displayed corresponding to each row displayed in the list area 51. The play button 52 is touched when reproducing the maintenance support screen to be viewed from the list area 51. The end button 53 is touched when returning to the search screen. The result list screen 50 can also be called a list of information for identifying the second image data. The second image data will be described later. The content of the text data displayed in FIG. 11 is just an example.

[0076] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 41 checks whether or not the play button 52 has been touched in ACT 26. If the play button 52 has not been touched, the processor 41 judges NO in ACT 26 and proceeds to ACT 27.

[0077] The processor 41 checks whether or not the end button 53 has been touched in ACT 27. If the end button 53 has not been touched, the processor 41 determines NO in ACT 27 and returns to ACT 26.

[0078] When the play button 52 is touched in the standby state of ACT26 to ACT27, the processor 41 judges YES in ACT26 and proceeds to ACT28.

[0079] The processor 41 controls the communication interface 45 to transmit a screen request command to the maintenance support server 30 as ACT 28. This control causes the screen request command to be transmitted via the communication interface 45. The screen request command is received by the maintenance support server 30 via the communication network 2. The screen request command includes the terminal ID included in the row displayed in the list area 51 corresponding to the play button 52, and the management date and time.

[0080] The processor 31 of the maintenance support server 30 waits to receive a screen request command from the operator terminal 40 in ACT46 of Fig. 10. When a screen request command is received, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT46 and proceeds to ACT47.

[0081] The processor 31 acquires the terminal ID and the management date and time from the screen request command in ACT 47. The processor 31 extracts image data of the maintenance support screen in ACT 48. Specifically, the processor 31 extracts a management data record 3311 including the terminal ID and the management date and time acquired in the processing of ACT 47 from the management database 331. The processor 31 extracts image data of the maintenance support screen included in the management data record 3311.

[0082] The processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 as ACT49 using the function of the output means 314 (third transmission means 317) to transmit a screen response command to the worker terminal 40. This control causes the screen response command to be transmitted via the communication interface 34. The screen response command is received by the worker terminal 40 via the communication network 2. The screen response command includes image data of the maintenance support screen acquired in the processing of ACT48. With this, the processor 31 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0083] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 41, which has transmitted the screen request command, waits for a screen response command in ACT 29. When the processor 41 receives the screen response command by the function of the third receiving means 411, the processor 41 judges YES in ACT 29 and proceeds to ACT 30.

[0084] The processor 41 as ACT30 uses the function of the second output means 412 to cause the touch panel 44 to display a maintenance support screen 60 (see FIG. 12).

[0085] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a maintenance support screen 60. As shown in FIG. 12, the maintenance support screen 60 includes a frame image display area 61, an action display area 62, an operation button display area 63, a time display area 64, a seek bar 65, and an image of a result list screen button 66. The frame image display area 61 displays image data of frame images in chronological order. The action display area 62 displays a list of action data. In the list of action data, a row in which action data corresponding to the image data in time is displayed along with the image data of the frame images displayed in chronological order is updated to a selected state (for example, inverted display or display in a predetermined color). The operation button display area 63 includes an image of a play button, an image of a pause button, an image of a back button, and an image of a forward button. The play button is touched when playing back image data. The pause button is touched when pausing playback. The back button is touched when rewinding playback. The forward button is touched when advancing playback. The time display area 64 displays the time at which the processor 101 of the POS terminal 10 acquired the image data of the frame image. When the seek bar 65 is tapped or dragged by the worker, the frame image display area 61 displays the image data of the frame image at the selected time, and the row displaying the action data corresponding to that time becomes selected in the action display area 62. The maintenance support screen 60 can also be called second image data including first image data and action data corresponding in time to the first image data. The maintenance support screen 60 can also be called image data that transitions with time.

[0086] In the case of FIG. 12, the frame image display area 61 displays image data of the frame image at the time when the pop-up image is displayed on the product registration screen displayed on the touch panel 106 of the POS terminal 10. The product registration screen is an image displayed on the screen of the touch panel 106 while the operator is performing the operation of registering the purchased product. The product registration screen includes, for example, the product name, number of items, unit price, number of items, and sales amount of the registered purchased product, as well as the total number of items and the total amount. The sales amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price and the number of items. The total amount is the total of the sales amounts. The pop-up image is an image that notifies an error in the operation procedure. In the operation display area 62, the row in which the operation data corresponding to the time when this pop-up image was displayed on the product registration screen is displayed is in a selected state. Note that the contents of the text data displayed in FIG. 12 are only an example.

[0087] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. After causing the touch panel 44 to display the maintenance support screen 60, the processor 41 checks whether or not the result list screen button 66 has been touched in ACT 31. If the result list screen button 66 has been touched, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT 31 and returns to ACT 25. That is, the processor 41 causes the touch panel 44 to display the result list screen 50.

[0088] When the end button 53 is touched in the standby state of ACT26 to ACT27, the processor 41 judges YES in ACT27 and returns to ACT21. That is, the processor 41 executes the processes of ACT21 to ACT31 in the same manner as described above. With the above, the processor 41 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0089] Thus, according to this embodiment, when the maintenance support application is started, acquisition of image data of a frame image to be displayed on the touch panel 106 screen of the POS terminal 10 is started, and the image data is saved in the image file 1021. When various operations of the POS terminal 10 occur, the current date and time are stored in the operation file 1022 in association with the contents of the operation that occurred. A management command including the image file 1021, the operation file 1022, and the terminal ID is transmitted to the maintenance support server 30. The maintenance support server 30 that has received the management command generates a maintenance support screen 60 based on the image file 1021 and the operation file 1022. Furthermore, when the maintenance support server 30 receives a screen request command from the operator terminal 40, it transmits a screen response command including image data of the maintenance support screen 60 to the operator terminal 40. The maintenance support screen 60 is displayed on the touch panel 44 of the operator terminal 40 that has received the screen response command. Since the maintenance support screen 60 includes a frame image display area 61 and an operation display area 62, it is possible to simultaneously view the image data of the frame image and the operation of the POS terminal 10 that corresponds to the image data and the time. Therefore, the worker can perform the maintenance work efficiently.

[0090] Furthermore, when viewing the maintenance support screen 60, a result list screen 50 is displayed on the touch panel 44 of the worker terminal 40. A list of information for identifying the maintenance support screen 60 of the POS terminal 10 whose terminal ID has been input on the search screen is displayed in a list area 51 of the result list screen 50. Therefore, the worker can easily reproduce the maintenance support screen 60 that he or she wishes to view from the list area 51.

[0091] Furthermore, by connecting the operator terminal 40 to the maintenance support server 30 via the communication network 2, a search screen, a result list screen 50, and a maintenance support screen 60 are displayed on the touch panel 44. Therefore, even if a malfunction such as a breakdown occurs in the POS terminal 10, the operator terminal 40 can be used to find the cause of the malfunction. This makes it possible to prevent the maintenance work from being delayed.

[0092] Although the embodiments of the maintenance support system, the maintenance support device, and the control program therefor have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these.

[0093] In the above embodiment, when the payment operator terminates the maintenance support app after the store closes on each business day, the processor 101 of the POS terminal 10 transmits a management command to the maintenance support server 30. The timing of transmission to the maintenance support server 30 may be, for example, a predetermined time after the maintenance support app is terminated. The predetermined time may be set arbitrarily. The predetermined time may be a fixed time in the POS terminal 10, or may be changeable to a desired time by the store that manages the POS terminal 10.

[0094] In the embodiment described above, the management data record 3311 included in the search response command is stored in a part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 42. For example, the storage destination of the management data record 3311 may be the auxiliary storage device 43 or a storage device externally attached to the operator terminal 40.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the search screen is exemplified as displaying an input field for inputting the terminal ID of the POS terminal 10 performing the maintenance work and a confirmation button for instructing input confirmation. For example, an input field for inputting the malfunction occurrence date may be further displayed. The malfunction occurrence date is, for example, the year, month, and day when the malfunction occurred in the POS terminal 10. In this case, the search request command includes the terminal ID and the malfunction occurrence date input in the input field of the search screen. When the processor 31 of the maintenance support server 30 receives the search request command from the operator terminal 40, it extracts image data of the maintenance support screen 60 from the management data record 3311 including the terminal ID and the management start date and time or the management end date and time including the malfunction occurrence date. The processor 31 transmits a search response command including image data of the maintenance support screen 60 to the operator terminal 40 that is the sender of the search request command. The maintenance support screen 60 is displayed on the touch panel 44 of the operator terminal 40 that received the search response command. That is, in this case, the processes of ACT25 to ACT29 in FIG. 9 can be omitted.

[0096] In the embodiment, the search screen is exemplified as displaying an input field for inputting the terminal ID of the POS terminal 10 performing the maintenance work and a confirmation button for instructing the input confirmation. For example, the search screen may display an input field for inputting the above-mentioned malfunction occurrence date and a confirmation button for instructing the input confirmation. In this case, the search request command includes the malfunction occurrence date. When the processor 31 of the maintenance support server 30 receives the search request command from the operator terminal 40, it extracts all the management data records 3311 including the management start date and time or the management end date and time including the malfunction occurrence date from the management database 331, and generates the result list screen 50. When multiple terminal IDs are stored in the management database 331, a list including multiple terminal IDs is displayed in the list area 51 of the result list screen 50. In this case, a sort button 54 may be displayed in the terminal ID field of the result list screen 50. The sort button 54 is touched when sorting according to the terminal IDs, for example, in ascending or descending order. In this way, even if malfunctions occur on the same day in multiple POS terminals 10 installed in a store, the maintenance support screen 60 of each POS terminal 10 can be easily reproduced from the result list screen 50. Therefore, the worker can perform the maintenance work efficiently.

[0097] In the embodiment, the result list screen 50 includes the list area 51, an image of the play button 52, and an image of the end button 53. For example, the result list screen 50 may further include an image of a delete button. The delete button is displayed corresponding to each row displayed in the list area 51. The delete button is touched when deleting the maintenance support screen 60 from the list area 51. The maintenance support screen 60 is deleted when, for example, it is confirmed that no defect has occurred as a result of viewing the maintenance support screen 60. In this case, the processor 41 of the worker terminal 40 transmits, for example, a delete command to the maintenance support server 30. The delete command includes, for example, a terminal ID and a management date and time included in a row displayed in the list area 51 corresponding to the delete button. The processor 31 of the maintenance support server 30 that has received the delete command may delete the management data record 3311 including the terminal ID and the management date and time included in the delete command from the management database 331.

[0098] In the embodiment described above, the screen request command includes the terminal ID and the management date and time included in the row displayed in the list area 51 corresponding to the play button 52. For example, the management date and time may be only one of the management start date and time or the management end date and time. For example, the screen request command may further include the data capacity.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the maintenance support screen 60 is displayed on the touch panel 44 of the worker terminal 40. For example, the maintenance support screen 60 may be displayed on the touch panel 106 of the POS terminal 10.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the maintenance support application is executed to periodically acquire image data of a frame image displayed on the screen of the touch panel 106 of the POS terminal 10 installed in a store in which the maintenance support system 1 is installed. For example, a camera may be installed at a position where the touch panel 106 of the POS terminal 10 can be imaged, and image data output from the camera may be acquired. Also, for example, multiple cameras may be installed to acquire image data capturing an image of a transaction between an operator of the POS terminal 10 and a customer.

[0101] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1...maintenance support system, 2...communication network, 10...POS terminal, 20...store server, 30...maintenance support server, 31, 41, 101...processor, 32, 42, 102...main memory, 33, 43, 103...auxiliary storage device, 34, 45, 105...communication interface, 35, 46, 111...system transmission path, 40...operator terminal, 104...clock, 106...touch panel, 107...printer, 108...scanner, 109... Reader, 110...change machine interface, 331...management database, 1021...image file, 1022...operation file, 3311...management data record, 311...first acquisition means, 312...second acquisition means, 313...generation means, 314...output means, 315...first receiving means, 316...second receiving means, 317...third transmitting means, 411...third receiving means, 412...second output means, 1011...first transmitting means, 1012...second transmitting means.

Claims

1. A first acquisition means for acquiring first image data to be displayed on a screen of a display unit of the product registration device; A second acquisition means for acquiring operation data relating to an operation of the product registration device; a generating means for generating second image data including the first image data and the motion data corresponding in time to the first image data; an output unit that outputs the second image data generated by the generation unit; A maintenance support device comprising:

2. the output means outputs a list of information for identifying the second image data. The maintenance support device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The second image data is image data that transitions over time. The maintenance support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a product registration device, a worker terminal used by a worker who performs maintenance work on the product registration device, and a maintenance support device that communicates with the product registration device and the worker terminal, Including, The product registration device includes: A first display unit is provided, a first transmission means for transmitting first image data displayed on a screen of the first display unit to the maintenance support device; A second transmission means for transmitting operation data relating to an operation of the product registration device to the maintenance support device; Equipped with The maintenance support device includes: a first receiving means for receiving the first image data transmitted by the first transmitting means; a second receiving means for receiving the operation data transmitted by the second transmitting means; a generating means for generating second image data including the first image data and the motion data corresponding in time to the first image data; a third transmission means for transmitting the second image data generated by the generation means to the operator terminal; Equipped with The worker terminal includes: A second display unit is provided, a third receiving means for receiving the second image data transmitted by the third transmitting means; a second output unit configured to output the second image data to the second display unit; A maintenance support system comprising:

5. The computer of the maintenance support device, A first acquisition means for acquiring first image data to be displayed on a screen of a display unit of the product registration device; A second acquisition means for acquiring operation data relating to an operation of the product registration device; a generating means for generating second image data including the first image data and the motion data corresponding in time to the first image data; and an output unit for outputting the second image data generated by the generation unit; A control program that functions as a

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