Data processing system, data processing apparatus, mobile terminal device, and program

Abstract

To provide a sales data processing system, a sales data processor, a portable terminal device, and a program that can continue coordinated operation during a power outage period.SOLUTION: A sales data processing system includes: a sales data processor that can continue to operate with a standby power supply in the event of an external power outage and that processes sales data for commercial transactions; and a portable terminal device that can be operated by an internal power supply and that makes a first communication connection with the sales data processor via a predetermined relay communication device. The sales data processor and the portable terminal device initiate a second communication connection by direct wireless communication without intervention of the relay communication device when the first communication connection is disconnected due to the cessation of external power supply to the relay communication device, and resumes the first communication connection via the relay communication device when the sales data processor detects the restoration of power supply after the start of the second communication connection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention , De relates to a data processing system , De a data processing apparatus, a mobile terminal device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a sales data processing apparatus (for example, an ECR (Electronic Cash Register)) installed in a store and used for accounting to process sales data of commercial transactions. In recent years, there has also been known a technique of performing various processes related to accounting by a cooperative operation between a sales data processing apparatus and a mobile terminal device using a sales data processing system further provided with a mobile terminal device that performs wireless communication connection with the sales data processing apparatus. According to this sales data processing system, for example, a cooperative operation such as receiving an input operation related to accounting in the mobile terminal device to generate sales data and transmitting the sales data to the sales data processing apparatus, and performing screen display for customers, receipt printing, etc. in the sales data processing apparatus becomes possible.

[0003] In addition, by connecting the sales data processing apparatus and the mobile terminal device via a relay communication apparatus such as an access point of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a plurality of mobile terminal devices can be communicatively connected to one sales data processing apparatus. As a result, a plurality of users each having a mobile terminal device can share the sales data processing apparatus. In addition, by using a relay communication apparatus connected to an external network such as the Internet, data communication can be performed between the mobile terminal device or the sales data processing apparatus and a server or the like on the network. As a result, for example, it becomes possible to store and manage sales data in a server on the network, or to inquire credit card information to a management server on the network.

[0004] Among sales data processing systems, it is desirable that the sales data processing device usually operates on an external power supply and has a function to hold the sales data being processed when the power supply stops due to a power outage or the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which when the external power supply to the sales data processing device stops, the accounting process is interrupted and the sales data is saved to a predetermined backup memory, and when the power supply is restored, the accounting process is resumed using the saved sales data. However, when configuring a sales data processing system by combining a sales data processing device with a mobile terminal device, it is more preferable to provide an emergency power supply to the sales data processing device so that the operation can continue even during a power supply interruption and the cooperative operation with the mobile terminal device can be maintained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, when the sales data processing device and the mobile terminal device are communicatively connected via a relay communication device as described above, during a power outage, the power supply to the relay communication device also stops and the communication connection between the sales data processing device and the mobile terminal device is disconnected, so that the cooperative operation between the sales data processing device and the mobile terminal device cannot be performed. In addition, it is not easy to reliably and promptly resume the communication connection via the relay communication device when the power supply is restored. As described above, the conventional technology has a problem that the cooperative operation of the sales data processing system cannot be continued during a power supply interruption.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to be able to continue the cooperative operation during a power supply interruption De that - data processing system , DeTo provide a data processing apparatus, a mobile terminal device, and a program.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To solve the above problems, the data processing system of the present invention includes a data processing apparatus capable of continuing operation with a backup power supply when the external power supply stops and performing predetermined processing, a mobile terminal device capable of operating with an internal power supply and establishing a first communication connection with the data processing apparatus via a predetermined relay communication apparatus, and the data processing apparatus and the mobile terminal device when the external power supply to the relay communication apparatus stops and the first communication connection is disconnected, start a second communication connection by direct wireless communication without passing through the relay communication apparatus, after starting the second communication connection, if the data processing apparatus detects the restoration of the external power supply to the data processing apparatus and the relay communication apparatus or the restoration of the external power supply to the relay communication apparatus, resume the first communication connection via the relay communication apparatus Do, At least one of the data processing device and the mobile terminal device switches the setting of its own device so as to perform communication processing by preferentially using the first communication connection with respect to the second communication connection.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to continue the cooperative operation during and around the power supply interruption period.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the sales data processing system, sales data processing apparatus, mobile terminal apparatus, and program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <Configuration of Sales Data Processing System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sales data processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. The sales data processing system 1 includes a sales data processing apparatus 10, a mobile terminal apparatus 20, and an access point 30. The sales data processing system 1 is installed in a store such as a retail store, a supermarket, or a restaurant and is used for accounting.

[0013] The sales data processing apparatus 10 and the mobile terminal apparatus 20 can be communicatively connected (first communication connection) via a wireless LAN using the access point 30 (relay communication apparatus), here Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "Wi-Fi connection"). The sales data processing system 1 performs various processes such as registration of sales data of commercial transactions in the store by the cooperative operation of the sales data processing apparatus 10 and the mobile terminal apparatus 20. Hereinafter, the objects of commercial transactions such as goods and services will be collectively referred to as "goods". In addition, the access point 30 has a router function and can connect the sales data processing apparatus 10 and the mobile terminal apparatus 20 to an external network N (for example, the Internet). Therefore, the sales data processing apparatus 10 and the mobile terminal apparatus 20 can access external apparatuses such as a sales data management server 2 and a card information management server 3 via the access point 30 and the network N. Note that only one of the sales data processing apparatus 10 and the mobile terminal apparatus 20 may be configured to access the external apparatus.

[0014] The portable terminal device 20 is a terminal device held by a user such as a store clerk, and is, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The portable terminal device 20 receives an input operation for specifying the content of accounting from the user at the time of accounting, generates and registers (stores) sales data including information such as the name, quantity, and amount of the products to be sold. The portable terminal device 20 transmits the registered sales data to the sales data processing device 10, or transmits the sales data to the sales data management server 2 for managing the sales data via the access point 30. Further, when performing settlement by credit card, the portable terminal device 20 also performs data communication with the card information management server 3 such as a credit card company via the access point 30 for inquiring credit card information and the like. The portable terminal device 20 can operate by a battery 26 (internal power supply) (see FIG. 3).

[0015] The sales data processing device 10 is an ECR installed at the store cash register. The sales data processing device 10 displays information related to accounting on the customer display unit 152 or outputs a receipt from the printing unit 16 according to the content of the sales data received from the access point 30. Further, when performing settlement in cash, the drawer 17 (see FIG. 2) is opened to conduct cash receipt and payment. Further, the sales data processing device 10 can also receive an input operation from the user who specifies the accounting content on behalf of the portable terminal device 20 at the time of accounting, and generate and register sales data. The sales data processing device 10 operates by receiving external power supply. Further, the sales data processing device 10 is provided with an emergency power supply 19 (see FIG. 2), and can continue to operate by the emergency power supply 19 when the external power supply stops.

[0016] The access point 30 is a device that interconnects devices (in this embodiment, the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20) that perform wireless communication via Wi-Fi, or connects such devices to the network N. Multiple Wi-Fi devices can be connected to the access point 30. Therefore, by using the access point 30, it is possible to interconnect multiple Wi-Fi devices with each other. Thus, a plurality of mobile terminal devices 20 can be communicatively connected to one sales data processing device 10. That is, although only one mobile terminal device 20 is depicted in FIG. 1, the sales data processing system 1 may include a plurality of mobile terminal devices 20 that are each communicatively connected to the sales data processing device 10 via the access point 30. The access point 30 operates by receiving power supply from the outside.

[0017] The sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 can also perform a direct wireless communication connection (second communication connection) without going through the access point 30 instead of the communication connection via Wi-Fi. As the wireless communication in this case, various short-range wireless communications can be used, and in this embodiment, BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) is used. The communication connection by BLE (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "BLE connection") has the advantage of lower power consumption than Wi-Fi connection, although the communication speed is slower and the connectable distance is shorter than Wi-Fi connection. BLE corresponds to the "second communication method".

[0018] In a BLE connection, a plurality of slave devices can be connected to one master device. From the perspective of the slave device side, each slave device can perform a BLE connection only to one master device. In this embodiment, since the mobile terminal device 20 corresponds to the master device and the sales data processing device 10 corresponds to the slave device, the sales data processing device 10 can perform a BLE connection only with one mobile terminal device 20.

[0019] Thus, when using the BLE connection, one sales data processing device 10 cannot be shared by multiple mobile terminal devices 20, and data communication with an external server via the network N cannot be performed either. Therefore, normally, Wi-Fi connection via the access point 30 is used, and the BLE connection is used as a temporary alternative communication connection when the external power supply to the sales data processing device 10 and the access point 30 stops due to a power outage or the like and the Wi-Fi connection is disconnected. The operations related to the switching between the Wi-Fi connection and the BLE connection will be described in detail later.

[0020] <Configuration of Sales Data Processing Device> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the sales data processing device 10. The sales data processing device 10 includes a CPU 11 (Central Processing Unit) (computer), a RAM 12 (Random Access Memory), a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14 having a Wi-Fi communication unit 141 and a BLE communication unit 142, an operation display unit 151, a customer display unit 152, a printing unit 16, a drawer 17, a power supply unit 18 having an ADC 181 (analog-to-digital conversion circuit) and a detection circuit 182, a backup power supply 19, a bus B1, and the like. Each unit of the sales data processing device 10 is connected by the bus B1.

[0021] The CPU 11 is a processor that controls each unit of the sales data processing device 10. The CPU 11 reads out the program 131 stored in the storage unit 13, expands it in the RAM 12, and executes the program 131 to perform various arithmetic processes. By executing the program 131, the CPU 11 functions as a processing means for generating sales data, a communication control means for controlling the operation of the communication unit 14, and a power restoration detection means for detecting the restoration of power supply based on the detection signal received from the detection circuit 182.

[0022] The RAM 12 provides a working memory space for the CPU 11 and stores temporary data. The RAM 12 may include a non-volatile memory. Sales data received from the mobile terminal device 20 or generated in the sales data processing device 10 is temporarily stored in the RAM 12.

[0023] The storage unit 13 stores a program 131 executed by the CPU 11, various setting data, etc. The program 131 is stored in the storage unit 13 in the form of computer-readable program code. As the storage unit 13, a storage device that does not require power for data retention, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), is used. The setting data stored in the storage unit 13 includes identification data for identifying and specifying the mobile terminal device 20, the access point 30, and external servers, etc., which are the targets for which the communication unit 14 performs wireless communication.

[0024] The Wi-Fi communication unit 141 and the BLE communication unit 142 are each communication modules having an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a signal processing circuit, etc. The Wi-Fi communication unit 141 performs wireless data communication with the access point 30 (and thus, with the communication unit 24 (see FIG. 3) of the mobile terminal device 20 via the access point 30) in accordance with the communication standard related to Wi-Fi wireless communication. The BLE communication unit 142 performs wireless data communication with the communication unit 24 of the mobile terminal device 20 in accordance with the communication standard related to BLE wireless communication.

[0025] The operation display unit 151 includes a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and a touch panel provided overlaid on the display screen of the display unit. The operation display unit 151 receives, for example, an input operation for specifying the above-mentioned accounting content from the user at the time of accounting. Note that an input device other than the touch panel, such as a keyboard or a mouse, may be further provided in the operation display unit 151.

[0026] The customer display unit 152 is composed of an LCD, an organic EL display, etc., and displays various information such as product names and prices to customers who face the user operating the sales data processing device 10.

[0027] The printing unit 16 prints and outputs receipts, journals, etc. on paper according to the control signal output from the CPU 11.

[0028] The drawer 17 is a drawer for storing money, gift certificates, etc., and has an opening mechanism that is opened under the control of the CPU 11.

[0029] The power supply unit 18 is connected to an external AC power supply via the power plug 183 shown in FIG. 1, and supplies the power supplied by this AC power supply to each part of the sales data processing device 10 including the CPU 11, the RAM 12, the storage unit 13, the communication unit 14, the operation display unit 151, the customer display unit 152, the printing unit 16, and the drawer 17. In FIG. 2, the power supply path from the power supply unit 18 to each part is omitted from the description. The power supply unit 18 includes an ADC 181 that converts an AC voltage from an AC power supply into a DC voltage, and a detection circuit 182 that detects the power supply state of the power from the AC power supply. The detection circuit 182 detects the power supply state and outputs a detection signal related to the detection result to the CPU 11. For example, when the detection circuit 182 detects the stop of the power supply from the AC power supply, it outputs a power failure detection signal, and when it detects the restoration of the power supply from the AC power supply, it outputs a power restoration detection signal. With this power restoration detection signal, the CPU 11 can detect the restoration of the power supply that has been stopped due to a power failure or the like.

[0030] The backup power supply 19 temporarily supplies power to predetermined components of the sales data processing device 10 in place of the power supply unit 18 when the power supply from an external AC power supply stops. As the backup power supply 19, for example, dry batteries, rechargeable batteries, or the like can be used. The backup power supply 19 of the present embodiment is provided so as to be able to supply power to the CPU 11, the RAM 12, the storage unit 13, the BLE communication unit 142, the operation display unit 151, the customer display unit 152, the printing unit 16, the drawer 17, and the detection circuit 182. Therefore, when the power supply from the AC power supply stops due to a power outage or the like, the sales data processing device 10 can be operated for a certain period by the power of the backup power supply 19. For example, the data stored in the RAM 12 can be held by the power of the backup power supply 19, and communication connection with the portable terminal device 20 by BLE can be performed by the BLE communication unit 142. Hereinafter, supplying power from the backup power supply 19 to each part of the sales data processing device 10 to maintain the operation is also referred to as "backup". Note that power is not supplied from the backup power supply 19 to the Wi-Fi communication unit 141 because, as will be described later, the access point 30 does not operate during a power outage, so Wi-Fi connection with the access point 30 cannot (and need not) be performed by the Wi-Fi communication unit 141. However, this is not restrictive, and power may be supplied from the backup power supply 19 to the Wi-Fi communication unit 141. In this way, in a situation where only the power supply to the sales data processing device 10 stops, such as when the power plug 183 is accidentally disconnected, and power is supplied to the access point 30, the Wi-Fi connection with the access point 30 can be continued.

[0031] <Configuration of Portable Terminal Device> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the portable terminal device 20. The portable terminal device 20 includes a CPU 21 (computer), a RAM 22, a storage unit 23, a communication unit 24 having a Wi-Fi communication unit 241 and a BLE communication unit 242, an operation display unit 25, a battery 26, a bus B2, and the like. Each part of the portable terminal device 20 is connected by the bus B2.

[0032] The CPU 21 is a processor that controls each part of the mobile terminal device 20. The CPU 21 reads out the program 231 stored in the storage unit 23, expands it in the RAM 22, and executes the program 231 to perform various arithmetic processes. By executing the program 231, the CPU 21 functions as a processing means for generating sales data, a communication control means for controlling the operation of the communication unit 24, and the like.

[0033] The RAM 22 provides a working memory space for the CPU 21 and stores temporary data. The RAM 22 may include a non-volatile memory. Sales data generated in the mobile terminal device 20 is temporarily stored in the RAM 22.

[0034] The storage unit 23 stores the program 231 executed by the CPU 21, various setting data, and the like. The program 231 is stored in the storage unit 23 in the form of computer-readable program code. As the storage unit 23, for example, an HDD or an SSD is used. The setting data stored in the storage unit 23 includes identification data for identifying and specifying the sales data processing device 10, the access point 30, and external servers, etc., which are the targets for which the communication unit 24 performs wireless communication. One of this identification data is unique ID data indicating that it is a packet from the sales data processing device 10 included in the advertising packet of BLE described later.

[0035] The Wi-Fi communication unit 241 and the BLE communication unit 242 are each communication modules having an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a signal processing circuit, and the like. The Wi-Fi communication unit 241 performs wireless data communication with the access point 30 (and thus, with the communication unit 14 of the sales data processing device 10 via the access point 30) in accordance with the communication standard related to wireless communication by Wi-Fi. The BLE communication unit 242 performs wireless data communication with the communication unit 14 of the sales data processing device 10 in accordance with the communication standard related to wireless communication by BLE.

[0036] The operation display unit 25 includes a display unit such as an LCD or an organic EL display, and a touch panel provided so as to overlap the display screen of the display unit. The operation display unit 25 receives, for example, an input operation for specifying the above-described accounting content from the user at the time of accounting. Note that the operation display unit 25 may be further provided with an input device other than the touch panel that receives an input operation from the user.

[0037] The battery 26 supplies power to each part of the portable terminal device 20 including the CPU 21, the RAM 22, the storage unit 23, the communication unit 24, and the operation display unit 25. As the battery 26, for example, a rechargeable battery can be used, but it is not limited thereto, and a disposable battery such as a dry battery may be used. In FIG. 3, the power supply path from the battery 26 to each part is not shown. Since the portable terminal device 20 operates with the power supplied from the battery 26 in this way, it can continue to operate even if the power supply from the AC power source stops due to a power outage or the like.

[0038] <Switching operation of communication connection in the sales data processing system> Next, the operation of the sales data processing system 1 will be described centering on the switching operation of the communication connection between the sales data processing device 10 and the portable terminal device 20.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, in the sales data processing system 1, when power is supplied from an external AC power source to the sales data processing device 10 and the access point 30, the sales data processing device 10 and the portable terminal device 20 perform Wi-Fi connection via the access point 30.

[0040] From this state, when the external power supply to the sales data processing device 10 and the access point 30 stops due to a power outage or the like, the sales data processing device 10 continues to operate by backup from the backup power source 19, while the access point 30 stops operating. Therefore, the Wi-Fi connection between the sales data processing device 10 and the portable terminal device 20 is disconnected. At the time of a power outage, the external power supply to the sales data processing device 10 and the access point 30 stops simultaneously. For this reason, the sales data processing device 10 can detect the stop of the external power supply to the access point 30 when the device switches to operation by the backup power supply 19, and can also determine that the Wi-Fi connection with the access point 30 has been disconnected.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the sales data processing system 1 when the power supply stops. When the sales data processing device 10 detects the stop of the external power supply, as shown in FIG. 4, the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 start a BLE connection (second communication connection) as a communication connection to replace the disconnected Wi-Fi connection. By performing a direct communication connection using BLE at the time of a power outage, the cooperative operation of the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 can be continued. After starting the BLE connection, the sales data processing device 10 monitors the status of the external power supply.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of the sales data processing system 1 when the power supply is restored. When the power supply is restored, the sales data processing device 10 switches from operation by the backup power supply 19 to operation by the external power supply. Also, the access point 30 is activated and the Wi-Fi connection becomes available. The sales data processing device 10 can detect that the power supply to the access point 30 has been restored, that is, that the access point 30 has been restored to a state where Wi-Fi connection is possible, when the device switches to operation by the external power supply. In response to this detection, the sales data processing device 10 starts a Wi-Fi connection with the access point 30 as shown in FIG. 5. In parallel with this, the sales data processing device 10 transmits predetermined power restoration notification data for notifying the restoration of the power supply to the mobile terminal device 20 via the BLE connection. By receiving this power restoration notification data, the mobile terminal device 20 can immediately detect the restoration of power supply to the sales data processing device 10 and the access point 30. In response to the reception of the power restoration notification data, the mobile terminal device 20 starts a Wi-Fi connection with the access point 30, and then resumes the Wi-Fi connection via the access point 30 with the sales data processing device 10. Also, when the Wi-Fi connection is resumed after the restoration of power supply, the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 terminate the BLE connection. Note that only one of the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 may perform the process for terminating the BLE connection. Thereby, the sales data processing system 1 returns to the normal communication connection state shown in FIG. 1.

[0043] <Control Procedure for Communication Connection Switching Process> Next, the detailed control procedure of the communication connection switching process for causing the sales data processing system 1 to perform the above-described communication connection switching operation will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control procedure by the CPUs 11 and 21 of the communication connection switching process. In FIG. 6, the communication connection switching process on the sales data processing device 10 side (the process executed by the CPU 11) and the communication connection switching process on the mobile terminal device 20 side (the process executed by the CPU 21) are shown together. At the start of the communication connection switching process, it is assumed that the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 are performing a Wi-Fi connection as shown in FIG. 1.

[0044] When the communication connection switching process is started, the CPU 11 of the sales data processing device 10 determines whether or not it has detected the stop of power supply from the AC power supply (step S101). Here, the CPU 11 detects the stop of power supply in response to the reception of the power failure detection signal from the detection circuit 182. If it is determined that the stop of power supply has not been detected (\"NO\" in step S101), the CPU 11 executes the process of step S101 again.

[0045] When it is determined that the power supply has stopped (i.e., "YES" in step S101), the CPU 11 switches the power supplied to each part of the sales data processing device 10 to the power from the backup power supply 19 (step S102).

[0046] When the power is switched to the power from the backup power supply 19, the CPU 11 performs advertising to start BLE communication with the mobile terminal device 20 (step S103). That is, the CPU 11 causes the BLE communication unit 142 to transmit a predetermined advertising packet including a unique ID indicating that it is a packet from the sales data processing device 10.

[0047] When the communication connection switching process is started, the CPU 21 of the mobile terminal device 20 determines whether the BLE communication unit 242 has received the advertising packet transmitted from the sales data processing device 10 (step S201). Note that the process of step S201 may be started when it is detected that the Wi-Fi connection between the sales data processing device 10 and the access point 30 has been disconnected due to the power supply stop. When it is determined that the advertising packet has not been received (i.e., "NO" in step S201), the CPU 21 executes the process of step S201 again.

[0048] When it is determined that the advertising packet has been received (i.e., "YES" in step S201), the CPU 21 performs pairing processing with the sales data processing device 10 and starts a BLE connection by the BLE communication unit 242 (step S202). Therefore, after the end of step S202, the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 are in a state of having a BLE connection. The operating state of the sales data processing system 1 when this BLE connection is established corresponds to FIG. 4.

[0049] When the wireless communication connection by BLE is started, the CPU 11 of the sales data processing device 10 determines whether the restoration of power supply has been detected (step S104). Here, the CPU 11 detects the restoration of power supply in response to the reception of the power restoration detection signal from the detection circuit 182. If it is determined that the restoration of power supply has not been detected ( "NO" in step S104), the CPU 11 executes the process of step S104 again.

[0050] If it is determined that the restoration of power supply has been detected ( "YES" in step S104), the CPU 11 switches the power supplied to each part of the sales data processing device 10 to the power from the external AC power supply (step S105). Also, the CPU 11 causes the BLE communication unit 142 to transmit, via BLE communication, the power restoration notification data for notifying the restoration of power supply to the portable terminal device 20. In parallel with this, the CPU 11 causes the Wi-Fi communication unit 141 to start a Wi-Fi connection with the access point 30 (step S106). The operating state of the sales data processing system 1 when step S106 is executed corresponds to FIG. 5.

[0051] On the other hand, when the process of step S202 ends and the BLE connection is started, the CPU 21 of the portable terminal device 20 determines whether the power restoration notification data has been received from the sales data processing device 10 (step S203). If it is determined that the power restoration notification data has not been received ( "NO" in step S203), the CPU 21 executes the process of step S203 again.

[0052] If it is determined that the power restoration notification data has been received ( "YES" in step S203), the CPU 21 causes the Wi-Fi communication unit 241 to start a Wi-Fi connection with the access point 30, and then resumes the Wi-Fi connection via the access point 30 with the sales data processing device 10. Also, the CPU 21 disconnects the BLE connection with the sales data processing device 10 (step S204). Therefore, after the end of step S204, the sales data processing device 10 and the portable terminal device 20 are in a state of performing Wi-Fi connection as shown in FIG. 1.

[0053] When the Wi-Fi connection is resumed, the CPU 21 aggregates and transmits to the sales data management server 2 the data among the sales data generated during the power outage period that could not be transmitted to the sales data management server 2 due to the disconnection of the Wi-Fi connection (step S205).

[0054] When the process of step S205 ends, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation of the sales data processing system 1 is to be continued (step S206). If it is determined that the operation of the sales data processing system 1 is to be continued ( "YES" in step S206), the process returns to step S201. If it is determined that the operation of the sales data processing system 1 has ended ( "NO" in step S206), the CPU 21 ends the communication connection switching process.

[0055] Also, when the process of step S106 ends, the CPU 11 of the sales data processing apparatus 10 determines whether the operation of the sales data processing system 1 is to be continued (step S107). If it is determined that the operation of the sales data processing system 1 is to be continued ( "YES" in step S107), the process returns to step S101. If it is determined that the operation of the sales data processing system 1 has ended ( "NO" in step S107), the CPU 11 ends the communication connection switching process.

[0056] In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the BLE connection was disconnected in the process of step S204. However, this is not the only case. After the power supply is restored, the BLE connection may not be immediately disconnected, and the use may be continued for a certain period of time, or the BLE connection and the Wi-Fi connection may be used in combination. However, since the communication speed of the Wi-Fi connection is faster than that of the BLE connection, efficient data communication can be performed by preferentially using the Wi-Fi connection. For example, the transmission of the printing data (data of the content to be printed on the receipt in the sales data processing device 10) that was being executed by the BLE connection may be continued for a certain period of time even after the power is restored, and may be switched to transmission by the Wi-Fi connection at a switchable timing. Also, a large amount of data including image data etc. may be transmitted by the Wi-Fi connection, and other small amounts of data may be transmitted in parallel by the BLE communication. In order to perform such an operation, in the process of step S204, the CPU 21 of the portable terminal device 20 switches the setting of its own device so as to perform communication processing by preferentially using the Wi-Fi connection for the BLE connection. This switching of the setting of its own device may be performed in the sales data processing device 10 instead of or in addition to the portable terminal device 20.

[0057] As described above, the sales data processing system 1 according to the present embodiment can continue to operate by the backup power supply 19 when the external power supply stops, and includes a sales data processing device 10 that processes sales data of commercial transactions, and a portable terminal device 20 that can operate by the battery 26 and performs a Wi-Fi connection as a first communication connection via the access point 30 with the sales data processing device 10. When the external power supply to the access point 30 stops and the Wi-Fi connection is disconnected, the sales data processing device 10 and the portable terminal device 20 start a BLE connection as a second communication connection by direct wireless communication without passing through the access point 30. After the start of the BLE connection, when the sales data processing device 10 detects the restoration of the power supply, the Wi-Fi connection via the access point 30 is restarted. In this way, by performing Wi-Fi connection via the access point 30 during normal times, it is possible to simultaneously establish communication connections between one sales data processing device 10 and multiple portable terminal devices 20, and data communication can be carried out between the sales data processing device 10 and the portable terminal devices 20, and an external server or the like via the access point 30. Also, according to the above configuration, even when the power supply to the access point 30 stops due to a power outage or the like and the Wi-Fi connection is disconnected, the communication connection between the sales data processing device 10 and the portable terminal device 20 can be maintained through BLE connection. Therefore, even during a power outage, the cooperative operation of the sales data processing device 10 and the portable terminal device 20 can be performed, improving user convenience. In addition, since there is no need to connect an uninterruptible power supply device to the access point 30 for backup during a power outage, the cost of introducing an uninterruptible power supply device can be reduced. Moreover, by restarting the Wi-Fi connection triggered by the sales data processing device 10 detecting the restoration of power supply, it is possible to reliably and promptly switch from BLE connection to Wi-Fi connection after the power is restored. Therefore, the cooperative operation of the sales data processing device 10 and the portable terminal device 20 can be continued from before the power outage, during the power outage period, and after the power outage.

[0058] Also, the sales data processing device 10 starts a communication connection with the access point 30 in response to detecting the restoration of power supply, and transmits restoration power supply notification data notifying the restoration of power supply to the portable terminal device 20 via BLE connection. The portable terminal device 20 resumes the Wi-Fi connection via the access point 30 with the sales data processing device 10 in response to receiving the restoration power supply notification data. In this way, by transmitting the restoration power supply notification data via BLE connection, it is possible to reliably and promptly notify the portable terminal device 20 of the restoration of power supply. Also, by the portable terminal device 20 performing Wi-Fi connection in response to receiving this restoration power supply notification data, the Wi-Fi connection can be resumed early after the power supply is restored.

[0059] In addition, when the sales data processing device 10 switches to operation by the backup power supply 19, it detects the stop of power supply to the access point 30, and when the device switches from operation by the backup power supply 19 to operation by external power supply, it detects the restoration of power supply to the access point 30. As a result, at the time of a power outage, even without using the Wi-Fi communication unit 141, it is possible to easily detect the stop of power supply to the access point 30 and the disconnection of the Wi-Fi connection with the access point 30. Also, at the time of power restoration, with one detection process for determining that the sales data processing device 10 has switched to operation by an external power source, it is possible to ensure both that the power for the sales data processing device to perform Wi-Fi connection is obtained from the external power source and that the operation of the access point 30 has been restored (can be regarded as restored) at the same time.

[0060] Also, when the Wi-Fi connection is restarted after the restoration of power supply, at least one of the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 terminates the BLE connection. According to this, it is possible to reduce the power consumption while avoiding interference between the Wi-Fi connection and the BLE connection whose used frequency bands overlap.

[0061] Also, at least one of the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 switches the settings of its own device so that when the Wi-Fi connection is restarted after the restoration of power supply, it preferentially uses the Wi-Fi connection for communication processing with respect to the BLE connection. According to this, it is possible to perform flexible and efficient data communication while using both the BLE connection and the Wi-Fi connection.

[0062] Also, the second communication connection is performed by BLE, which is a second communication method with lower power consumption than Wi-Fi as the first communication method. According to this, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the backup power supply 19 and the battery 26 and extend the operation time of the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 at the time of a power outage.

[0063] In addition, the access point 30 is connected to an external network N, and when a Wi-Fi connection as a first communication connection is established, at least one of the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 performs data communication with an external device connected to the network N via the access point 30. According to this, data communication can be performed with a server or the like provided outside the sales data processing system via the access point 30 and the network N.

[0064] In addition, when the external power supply to the access point 30 stops and the Wi-Fi connection is disconnected, the sales data processing device 10 according to the present embodiment starts a BLE connection without going through the access point 30 with the mobile terminal device 20. When the restoration of the power supply is detected after the start of the BLE connection, the Wi-Fi connection via the access point 30 with the mobile terminal device 20 is resumed. According to this, when the power supply stops, the connection can be switched from Wi-Fi to BLE, and the cooperative operation of the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 can be continued. In addition, the Wi-Fi connection can be reliably and promptly resumed after the power is restored.

[0065] In addition, when the external power supply to the access point 30 stops and the Wi-Fi connection is disconnected, the mobile terminal device 20 according to the present embodiment starts a BLE connection without going through the access point 30 with the sales data processing device 10. After the start of the BLE connection, when the sales data processing device 10 detects the restoration of the power supply, the Wi-Fi connection via the access point 30 with the sales data processing device 10 is resumed. According to this, when the power supply stops, the connection can be switched from Wi-Fi to BLE, and the cooperative operation of the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 can be continued. In addition, the Wi-Fi connection can be reliably and promptly resumed after the power is restored.

[0066] In addition, when the external power supply to the access point 30 stops and the Wi-Fi connection is disconnected, the program 131 according to the present embodiment causes the CPU 11 as a computer provided in the sales data processing device 10 to start a BLE connection without going through the access point 30 with the mobile terminal device 20, and after the start of the BLE connection, when the restoration of the power supply is detected, it realizes the function of resuming the Wi-Fi connection via the access point 30 with the mobile terminal device 20. According to this, when the power supply stops, it is possible to shift from the Wi-Fi connection to the BLE connection and continue the cooperative operation of the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20, and it is possible to surely and promptly resume the Wi-Fi connection after the power is restored.

[0067] In addition, when the external power supply to the access point 30 stops and the Wi-Fi connection is disconnected, the program 231 according to the present embodiment causes the CPU 21 as a computer provided in the mobile terminal device 20 to start a BLE connection without going through the access point 30 with the sales data processing device 10, and after the start of the BLE connection, when the sales data processing device 10 detects the restoration of the power supply, it realizes the function of resuming the Wi-Fi connection via the access point 30 with the sales data processing device 10. According to this, when the power supply stops, it is possible to shift from the Wi-Fi connection to the BLE connection and continue the cooperative operation of the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20, and it is possible to surely and promptly resume the Wi-Fi connection after the power is restored.

[0068] Note that the description in the above embodiment is an example of the sales data processing system, sales data processing device, mobile terminal device, and program according to the present invention, and is not limited thereto. For example, the communication method of the second communication connection is not limited to BLE, and can be any communication method using direct wireless communication. For example, the ad-hoc mode of wireless LAN, Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), or Bluetooth may be used.

[0069] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the mobile terminal device 20 has been described by using an example in which it resumes the Wi-Fi connection with the access point 30 and the sales data processing device 10 in response to the reception of the power restoration notification data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the power is restored, the mobile terminal device 20 may detect a beacon transmitted from the access point 30 to start the Wi-Fi connection with the access point 30, and further attempt to establish a Wi-Fi connection with the sales data processing device 10.

[0070] Further, the sales data processing device 10 does not necessarily have to be provided with the backup power source 19. Instead, a configuration may be adopted in which an uninterruptible power supply device is externally attached as the backup power source, and the sales data processing device 10 may be configured to receive power supply from the uninterruptible power supply device during a power outage.

[0071] Also, the communication connection between the sales data processing device 10 and the access point 30 is not limited to wireless communication, and may be a wired communication connection.

[0072] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the sales data processing system 1 has been described by using an example in which it includes the access point 30 as the relay communication device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The access point 30 may be provided outside the sales data processing system 1. That is, the sales data processing system 1 may include the sales data processing device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20 that perform Wi-Fi connection via the access point 30 provided outside the sales data processing system 1.

[0073] Also, when the power supply to the access point 30 is stopped while the power supply to the sales data processing device 10 is maintained (for example, when the power plug of the access point 30 is accidentally disconnected), a communication connection switching operation similar to that of the above embodiment may be performed. In this case, when the Wi-Fi connection between the sales data processing device 10 and the access point 30 is disconnected, the sales data processing device 10 detects the stop of the power supply to the access point 30, and upon this detection, transmits an advertising packet to start a BLE connection with the mobile terminal device 20. Thereafter, the sales data processing device 10 continuously attempts to resume the Wi-Fi connection with the access point 30, and when the Wi-Fi connection can be resumed, detects the recovery of the power supply. The operation after detecting the recovery of the power supply is the same as that of the above embodiment.

[0074] Also, regarding the detailed configurations and detailed operations of the respective components of the sales data processing system 1, the sales data processing device 10, and the mobile terminal device 20 in the above embodiment, it goes without saying that they can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0075] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. The invention described in the claims first attached to the application of this application is appended below. The claim numbers described in the appendix are as in the claims first attached to the application of this application. 〔Appendix〕 <Claim 1> A sales data processing device capable of continuing operation with a backup power supply when the external power supply stops and performing processing of sales data of commercial transactions, and A mobile terminal device capable of operating with an internal power supply and performing a first communication connection with the sales data processing device via a predetermined relay communication device, and comprising the sales data processing device and the mobile terminal device When the external power supply to the relay communication device stops and the first communication connection is disconnected, start a second communication connection by direct wireless communication without going through the relay communication device, When the sales data processing device detects the restoration of the power supply after the start of the second communication connection, resume the first communication connection via the relay communication device. A sales data processing system characterized by this. <Claim 2> When detecting the restoration of the power supply, the sales data processing device starts a communication connection with the relay communication device and transmits restoration power supply notification data notifying the restoration of the power supply to the mobile terminal device via the second communication connection. The mobile terminal device resumes the first communication connection via the relay communication device with the sales data processing device in response to receiving the restoration power supply notification data. The sales data processing system according to claim 1, characterized by this. <Claim 3> The sales data processing device, Detects the stop of the power supply to the relay communication device due to the device switching to operation by the backup power supply, The sales data processing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device detects the restoration of the power supply to the relay communication device when the device switches from operation by the backup power supply to operation by external power supply. <Claim 4> When the first communication connection is resumed after the restoration of the power supply, at least one of the sales data processing device and the mobile terminal device terminates the second communication connection. The sales data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by this. <Claim 5> At least one of the sales data processing device and the mobile terminal device switches the setting of its own device so as to perform communication processing by preferentially using the first communication connection for the second communication connection when the first communication connection is resumed after the restoration of the power supply. The sales data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by this. <Claim 6> The first communication connection is performed by a first communication method, The second communication connection is performed by a second communication method that consumes less power than the first communication method, and the sales data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. <Claim 7> The relay communication device is a wireless communication access point connected to an external network, When the first communication connection is being performed, at least one of the sales data processing device and the portable terminal device performs data communication with an external device connected to the network via the relay communication device, and the sales data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. <Claim 8> A sales data processing device capable of continuing operation with a backup power supply when the external power supply stops, and performing processing of sales data of commercial transactions, A portable terminal device capable of operating with an internal power supply and performing a first communication connection via a predetermined relay communication device with the sales data processing device, A sales data processing device used in a sales data processing system including: When the external power supply to the relay communication device stops and the first communication connection is disconnected, a second communication connection is started by direct wireless communication without passing through the relay communication device with the portable terminal device, When the restoration of the power supply is detected after the start of the second communication connection, the first communication connection via the relay communication device with the portable terminal device is resumed, and the sales data processing device is characterized in that. <Claim 9> A sales data processing device capable of continuing operation with a backup power supply when the external power supply stops, and performing processing of sales data of commercial transactions, A portable terminal device capable of operating with an internal power supply and performing a first communication connection via a predetermined relay communication device with the sales data processing device, A portable terminal device used in a sales data processing system including: When the external power supply to the relay communication device stops and the first communication connection is disconnected, start a second communication connection by direct wireless communication without using the relay communication device with the sales data processing device, A mobile terminal device, characterized in that when the sales data processing device detects the restoration of the power supply after the start of the second communication connection, resume the first communication connection via the relay communication device with the sales data processing device. <Claim 10> A sales data processing device capable of continuing operation with a backup power supply when the external power supply stops, and performing processing of sales data of commercial transactions, A mobile terminal device capable of operating with an internal power supply and performing a first communication connection via a predetermined relay communication device with the sales data processing device, In a computer provided in a sales data processing device used in a sales data processing system including: When the external power supply to the relay communication device stops and the first communication connection is disconnected, a function of starting a second communication connection by direct wireless communication without using the relay communication device with the mobile terminal device, After the start of the second communication connection, when the restoration of the power supply is detected, a function of resuming the first communication connection via the relay communication device with the mobile terminal device, A program characterized by realizing the above. <Claim 11> A sales data processing device capable of continuing operation with a backup power supply when the external power supply stops, and performing processing of sales data of commercial transactions, A mobile terminal device capable of operating with an internal power supply and performing a first communication connection via a predetermined relay communication device with the sales data processing device, In a computer provided in a mobile terminal device used in a sales data processing system including: When the external power supply to the relay communication device stops and the first communication connection is disconnected, a function to start a second communication connection by direct wireless communication without using the relay communication device with the sales data processing device, When the sales data processing device detects the restoration of the power supply after the start of the second communication connection, a function to resume the first communication connection via the relay communication device with the sales data processing device, A program characterized by realizing the above.

Explanation of Signs

[0076] 1 Sales data processing system 2 Sales data management server (external device) 3 Card information management server (external device) 10 Sales data processing device 11 CPU 12 RAM 13 Storage unit 131 Program 14 Communication unit 141 Wi-Fi communication unit 142 BLE communication unit 151 Operation display unit 152 Customer display unit 16 Printing unit 17 Drawer 18 Power supply unit 182 Detection circuit 183 Power plug 19 Backup power supply 20 Mobile terminal device 21 CPU 22 RAM 23 Storage unit 231 Program 24 Communication unit 241 Wi-Fi communication unit 242 BLE communication unit 25 Operation display unit 26 Battery (internal power supply) 30 Access point (relay communication device) B1, B2 Bus N Network

Claims

1. A data processing device that can continue operation with a backup power supply when external power supply stops and performs predetermined processing, A portable terminal device that can operate with an internal power supply and establishes a first communication connection with the data processing device via a predetermined relay communication device, Comprising: The data processing device and the portable terminal device, When the external power supply to the relay communication device stops and the first communication connection is disconnected, start a second communication connection by direct wireless communication without using the relay communication device, After the start of the second communication connection, when the data processing device detects the restoration of the external power supply to the data processing device and the relay communication device or the restoration of the external power supply to the relay communication device, resume the first communication connection via the relay communication device, At least one of the data processing device and the portable terminal device switches the settings of its own device so as to preferentially use the first communication connection over the second communication connection for communication processing, A data processing system characterized by the above.

2. A data processing device that can continue operation with a backup power supply when external power supply stops and performs predetermined processing, A portable terminal device that can operate with an internal power supply and establishes a first communication connection with the data processing device via a predetermined relay communication device, Comprising: The data processing device and the portable terminal device, When the external power supply to the relay communication device stops and the first communication connection is disconnected, start a second communication connection by direct wireless communication without using the relay communication device, After the start of the second communication connection, when the data processing device detects the restoration of the external power supply to the data processing device and the relay communication device or the restoration of the external power supply to the relay communication device, start a communication connection with the relay communication device and transmit restoration power supply notification data for notifying the restoration of the external power supply to the data processing device and the relay communication device or the external power supply to the relay communication device to the portable terminal device via the second communication connection, The portable terminal device resumes the first communication connection with the data processing device via the relay communication device in response to the reception of the restoration power supply notification data, A data processing system characterized by the above.

3. The data processing device starts a communication connection with the relay communication device in response to detection of restoration of external power supply to the data processing device and the relay communication device or restoration of external power supply to the relay communication device, and transmits restoration power supply notification data for notifying restoration of external power supply to the data processing device and the relay communication device or external power supply to the relay communication device to the portable terminal device via the second communication connection. The portable terminal device resumes the first communication connection via the relay communication device with the data processing device in response to reception of the restoration power supply notification data. The data processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. The data processing device detects a stop of external power supply to itself, and detects a stop of external power supply to itself and the relay communication device when the device switches to operation by the backup power supply. The data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the device detects restoration of external power supply to itself and the relay communication device when the device switches from operation by the backup power supply to operation by external power supply.

5. The data processing device detects a stop of external power supply to the relay communication device when the communication connection between the device and the relay communication device is disconnected, The data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device detects restoration of external power supply to the relay communication device when the communication connection between the device and the relay communication device can be resumed.

6. When the first communication connection is resumed after restoration of external power supply to the data processing device and the relay communication device or restoration of external power supply to the relay communication device, at least one of the data processing device and the portable terminal device ends the second communication connection. The data processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that.

7. At least one of the data processing device and the portable terminal device switches the setting of its own device so as to perform communication processing by preferentially using the first communication connection for the second communication connection when the first communication connection is resumed after the restoration of the external power supply to the data processing device and the relay communication device or after the restoration of the external power supply to the relay communication device. The data processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

8. The first communication connection is performed by a first communication method. The second communication connection is performed by a second communication method with a lower power consumption than the first communication method. The data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The relay communication device is a wireless communication access point connected to an external network. When the first communication connection is being performed, at least one of the data processing device and the portable terminal device performs data communication with an external device connected to the network via the relay communication device. The data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A data processing device capable of continuing operation with a backup power supply when the external power supply stops and performing predetermined processing, A portable terminal device capable of operating with an internal power supply and performing a first communication connection via a predetermined relay communication device with the data processing device, A data processing device used in a data processing system including: When the external power supply to the relay communication device stops and the first communication connection is disconnected, a second communication connection by direct wireless communication without passing through the relay communication device is started with the portable terminal device. When the restoration of the external power supply to the data processing device and the relay communication device or the restoration of the external power supply to the relay communication device is detected after the start of the second communication connection, the first communication connection via the relay communication device is resumed with the portable terminal device. Switch the setting of its own device so as to perform communication processing by preferentially using the first communication connection for the second communication connection. A data processing device characterized by the above.

11. A data processing device capable of continuing operation with a backup power supply when the external power supply stops and performing predetermined processing, A mobile terminal device capable of operating with an internal power source and performing a first communication connection with the data processing device via a predetermined relay communication device, A mobile terminal device used in a data processing system having, When the external power supply to the relay communication device stops and the first communication connection is disconnected, a second communication connection is started by direct wireless communication without using the relay communication device with the data processing device, After the start of the second communication connection, when the data processing device detects the restoration of the external power supply to the data processing device and the relay communication device or the restoration of the external power supply to the relay communication device, the first communication connection via the relay communication device with the data processing device is resumed, The setting of the own device is switched so that communication processing is performed using the first communication connection preferentially with respect to the second communication connection, A mobile terminal device characterized by the above.

12. A data processing device capable of continuing operation with a backup power source when the external power supply stops and performing predetermined processing, A mobile terminal device capable of operating with an internal power source and performing a first communication connection with the data processing device via a predetermined relay communication device, In a computer provided in a data processing device used in a data processing system having, When the external power supply to the relay communication device stops and the first communication connection is disconnected, a function of starting a second communication connection by direct wireless communication without using the relay communication device with the mobile terminal device, After the start of the second communication connection, when the restoration of the external power supply to the data processing device and the relay communication device or the restoration of the external power supply to the relay communication device is detected, a function of resuming the first communication connection via the relay communication device with the mobile terminal device, A function of switching the setting of the own device so that communication processing is performed using the first communication connection preferentially with respect to the second communication connection, A program characterized by realizing the above.

13. A data processing device capable of continuing operation with a backup power source when the external power supply stops and performing predetermined processing, A mobile terminal device capable of operating with an internal power source and performing a first communication connection with the data processing device via a predetermined relay communication device, A computer provided in a mobile terminal device used in a data processing system including a function of starting a second communication connection by direct wireless communication without using the relay communication device between the computer and a data processing device when an external power supply to the relay communication device stops and the first communication connection is disconnected; a function of resuming the first communication connection via the relay communication device between the computer and the data processing device when the computer detects restoration of external power supply to the data processing device and the relay communication device or restoration of external power supply to the relay communication device after the start of the second communication connection; a function of switching the setting of the own device so as to perform communication processing by preferentially using the first communication connection over the second communication connection; A program characterized by realizing the above.

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