Management device, processing system, and information processing program

Abstract

To enable reduction of burdens when replacing devices.SOLUTION: A management apparatus according to an embodiment comprises management means, determination means, acquisition means, control means, and notification means. The management means manages individual identifiers for identifying individuals of devices in association with network identifiers assigned to identify the devices on a communication network. The determination means determines an individual identifier of a detached device. The acquisition means acquires an individual identifier of a device that is connected in place of the detached device. The control means controls the management means so as to cancel the association between the individual identifier determined by the determination means and the network identifier, and associate the network identifier with the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means. The notification means notifies the device identified by the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means of the network identifier associated with the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means under control of the control means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device, a processing system, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in point-of-sale (POS) systems and the like, stand-alone processing devices have been widely used, which are equipped with various devices and configured to execute required information processing while utilizing these devices. However, systems are also being considered in which the various devices that were previously installed in stand-alone processing devices are treated as independent devices, and these devices work together via a communication network to perform the required information processing. For example, when building a POS system using this type of network connection, multiple devices of the same type installed in multiple checkout lanes will be connected to the same communication network. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the associations between devices used in each checkout lane. Furthermore, when a device is replaced due to a malfunction or other reason, the data used to manage these associations must be updated, which is cumbersome. Given these circumstances, it has been desirable to reduce the effort required for replacing equipment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-204034 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a management device, a processing system, and an information processing program that can reduce the effort required when replacing equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A management device according to an embodiment includes a management means, a determination means, an acquisition means, a control means, and a notification means. The management means manages individual identifiers for identifying individual devices connected to a communication network in association with network identifiers assigned to identify devices identified by the individual identifiers on the communication network. The determination means determines the individual identifier of a device removed from the communication network. The acquisition means acquires the individual identifier of a device connected to the communication network in place of the device removed from the communication network. The control means controls the management means to cancel the association between the individual identifier determined by the determination means and the network identifier, and to associate the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means with the network identifier. The notification means notifies the device identified by the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means of the network identifier associated with the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means under the control of the control means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a POS system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the processing device in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the structure of one of the data records included in the association table in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the scanner in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the management server in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the structure of one of the data records included in the management table in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart of a control process performed by a processor in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart of a management process performed by a processor in FIG. 5; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example of configuring a processing system as a POS system will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a POS system 100 according to this embodiment. The POS system 100 includes a processing device 1, two device groups 2, and a management server 3.

[0008] The processing device 1 performs information processing for processing transactions such as product sales in a store. The processing device 1 is connected to a LAN (local area network) 200. Each of the two device groups 2 includes a display 21, a keyboard 22, a magnetic reader 23, a scanner 24, a printer 25, and a payment machine 26. The number of device groups 2 included in the POS system 100 may be one or three or more. An appropriate number of device groups 2 is provided depending on the size of the store in which the POS system 100 is provided. Typically, one device group 2 is associated with one of the checkout lanes formed in the store. Each device group 2 is used to process transactions related to customers who enter the associated checkout lane. The display 21, the keyboard 22, the magnetic reader 23, the scanner 24, the printer 25, and the payment machine 26 are each configured as independent devices and are installed, for example, near the checkout lane to which the device group 2 belongs. The display 21, the keyboard 22, the magnetic reader 23, the scanner 24, the printer 25, and the payment machine 26 are each individually connected to the LAN 200. In the following description, the display 21, keyboard 22, magnetic reader 23, scanner 24, printer 25 and payment machine 26 may be referred to as "devices" without distinction.

[0009] The device group 2 may include any device other than the display 21, keyboard 22, magnetic reader 23, scanner 24, printer 25, and payment machine 26, or the device group 2 may not include some of the display 21, keyboard 22, magnetic reader 23, scanner 24, printer 25, and payment machine 26. Furthermore, multiple device groups 2 may include different devices. Examples of devices that may be included in the device group 2 include a touch panel, a wireless tag reader, a weighing scale, or a contactless card reader. For example, the device group 2 may include multiple devices of the same type, such as a display.

[0010] The display 21 displays a screen for presenting information to an operator such as a store clerk or a customer. The keyboard 22 has a plurality of keys operable by an operator, and the operator inputs instructions by pressing these keys on the keyboard 22. The magnetic reader 23 reads data magnetically recorded on a magnetic card, such as a membership card or a point card. The scanner 24 reads the barcode or two-dimensional code displayed on the product. The printer 25 prints an image of a receipt, invoice, sales slip, or other voucher onto receipt paper, and then ejects the receipt paper with the image printed on it from the receipt ejection port to the outside. The payment machine 26 performs processing for payment using a predetermined payment method among various payment methods, such as cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, or barcode payment.

[0011] The management server 3 is capable of communicating with each device included in the device group 2 via a WAN (wide area network) 300 and a LAN 200. The management server 3 manages each device included in the device group 2. The management server 3 is realized as, for example, a cloud server. The LAN 200 is, for example, an in-store LAN. The LAN 200 is connected to the WAN 300. The WAN 300 is, for example, the Internet. The WAN 300 may be another type of communication network such as a virtual private network (VPN), or may be a combination of multiple types of communication networks.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the processing device 1. The processing device 1 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a transmission path 15. As the hardware of the processing device 1, for example, a general-purpose server device can be used.

[0013] The processor 11, main memory 12, and auxiliary storage unit 13 are connected by a transmission line 15 to form a computer for carrying out transaction processing using the group of devices 2. The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 executes information processing for transaction processing by executing information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main memory 12 and the auxiliary storage unit 13.

[0014] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores the information processing program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may also store data required for the processor 11 to execute various information processes in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 11 as needed.

[0015] Auxiliary storage unit 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. Auxiliary storage unit 13 includes well-known storage devices, such as an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), and an SSD (solid state drive). Auxiliary storage unit 13 stores data used by processor 11 in performing various information processing operations and data generated by the processing operations of processor 11. Auxiliary storage unit 13 may also store the information processing programs. In this embodiment, auxiliary storage unit 13 stores transaction processing program PRA, which is one of the information processing programs. Transaction processing program PRA is an application program that describes the procedure for information processing for processing a transaction (hereinafter referred to as transaction processing). A portion of the storage area of ​​auxiliary storage unit 13 is used as association table TAA. Association table TAA is a data table that shows the association between checkout lanes and each device included in device group 2.

[0016] The communication unit 14 performs processing for data communication via the LAN 200 . The transmission path 15 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The transmission path 15 transmits data and signals exchanged between the components connected thereto.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of one of the data records REA contained in the association table TAA. The data record REA is associated with each checkout lane set in the store where the POS system 100 is installed. If multiple checkout lanes are set in the store, the association table TAA is a collection of multiple data records REA.

[0018] The data record REA includes fields FAA, FAB, FAC, FAD, FAE, FAF, and FAG. Field FAA contains a lane code defined to identify the associated checkout lane. Field FAB contains an Internet Protocol (IP) address as a network identifier assigned to the display 21 installed in the associated checkout lane. Field FAB contains an IP address assigned to the keyboard 22 installed in the associated checkout lane. Field FAD contains an IP address assigned to the magnetic reader 23 installed in the associated checkout lane. Field FAE contains an IP address assigned to the scanner 24 installed in the associated checkout lane. Field FAF contains an IP address assigned to the printer 25 installed in the associated checkout lane. Field FAG contains an IP address assigned to the payment machine 26 installed in the associated checkout lane. The association table TAA is written to the auxiliary storage unit 13, for example, when the POS system 100 is configured. Thus, the auxiliary storage unit 13 that stores the association table TAA corresponds to a first storage means.

[0019] Each device included in device group 2 is equipped with a control function using a computer or the like, and autonomously performs the required functions. The configuration of the scanner 24 will be described below as an example. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the scanner 24. The scanner 24 includes a processor 241 , a main memory 242 , an auxiliary storage unit 243 , a scanning device 244 , a communication unit 245 and a transmission path 246 .

[0020] A processor 241, a main memory 242, and an auxiliary storage unit 243 are connected by a transmission line 246 to form a computer for realizing functions similar to those of a scanner in an existing POS terminal. The processor 241 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 241 executes information processing based on information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main memory 242 and the auxiliary storage unit 243, thereby executing information processing to realize the functions of the scanner.

[0021] The main memory 242 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 242 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 242 stores the information processing programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 242 may also store data required for the processor 241 to execute various information processes in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 242 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 241 as needed.

[0022] The auxiliary storage unit 243 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 243 includes well-known storage devices such as an EEPROM, HDD, and SSD. The auxiliary storage unit 243 stores data used by the processor 241 in performing various information processing operations and data generated by the processing operations of the processor 241. The auxiliary storage unit 243 may also store the information processing programs. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 243 stores a control program PRB, which is one of the information processing programs. The control program PRB is an application program that describes the procedures for information processing (hereinafter referred to as control processing) for controlling the functions of the scanner 24. Part of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 243 is used as a number area ARA, an address area ARB, and a setting data area ARC. The number area ARA stores serial numbers as individual identifiers for identifying each of the multiple scanners 24. The address area ARB stores IP addresses assigned to the scanners 24. The setting data area ARC stores setting data representing various operational settings. Thus, the auxiliary storage unit 243 stores an IP address as a network identifier in the address area ARB, and corresponds to a second storage means.

[0023] The communication unit 245 performs processing for data communication via the LAN 200 . The transmission path 246 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The transmission path 246 transmits data and signals exchanged between the components connected thereto.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the management server 3. The management server 3 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage unit 33, a communication unit 34, and a transmission path 35. As the hardware of the management server 3, for example, a server device for a cloud server can be used.

[0025] A processor 31, a main memory 32, and an auxiliary storage unit 33 are connected by a transmission line 35 to form a computer for managing each device included in the device group 2. The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 executes information processing based on information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main memory 32 and the auxiliary storage unit 33, thereby executing the information processing for the management described above.

[0026] 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 the information processing program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 32 may also store data required for the processor 31 to execute various information processes in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 31 as needed.

[0027] The auxiliary storage unit 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 33 includes well-known storage devices such as an EEPROM, HDD, and SSD. The auxiliary storage unit 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various information processing operations, and data generated by the processing operations of the processor 31. The auxiliary storage unit 33 may also store the information processing programs. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 33 stores a management program PRC, which is one of the information processing programs. The management program PRC is an application program that describes the procedures for information processing (hereinafter referred to as management processing) for managing each device included in the device group 2. A portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 33 is used as a management table TAB.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of one of the data records REB contained in the management table TAB. The data record REB is associated with each of all devices included in the device group 2. In other words, the management table TAB is a collection of multiple data records REB. The data record REB includes fields FBA, FBB, and FBC. The IP address assigned to the associated device is set in field FBA. The serial number of the associated device is set in field FBB. The setting data for the associated device is set in field FBC. The management table TAB is written to the auxiliary storage unit 13 when the POS system 100 is constructed, for example.

[0029] The communication unit 34 performs processing for data communication via the WAN 300 . The transmission path 35 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The transmission path 35 transmits data and signals exchanged between the components connected thereto.

[0030] Next, the operation of the POS system 100 configured as described above will be described. Note that the content of the processes described below is an example, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processes, omit some of the processes, or add other processes as appropriate. Also, the following will describe in detail the operation of the scanner 24, one of the devices included in the device group 2, and will omit detailed explanations of the operation of the other devices.

[0031] For example, when a transaction processing start request is made by a predetermined operation on the keyboard 22, the keyboard 22 notifies the processing device 1 of this request via the LAN 200. In response, the processor 11 in the processing device 1 starts the transaction processing for the checkout lane to which the notifying keyboard 22 belongs. For example, the processor 11 searches the association table TAA for a data record REA in which the IP address of the notifying keyboard 22 is set in field FAC, and executes the transaction processing targeting the lane code set in field FAA of the corresponding data record REA. The transaction processing may be substantially similar to the processing performed by, for example, an existing POS terminal. However, the processor 11 communicates with the display 21, keyboard 22, magnetic reader 23, scanner 24, printer 25, and payment machine 26 via the LAN 200, using the IP addresses set in fields FAB to FAG of the data record REA in which the target lane code is set in field FAA, i.e., the data record REA found as described above. Thus, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, and the computer with the processor 11 as its central part functions as a processing means.

[0032] As a result, processor 11 executes transaction processing using each device included in device group 2 corresponding to the checkout lane identified by the lane code being processed. At this time, processor 11 selects the device to be used by IP address based on association table TAA. Processor 11 can also execute transaction processing for each of two checkout lanes in parallel.

[0033] In the scanner 24, the processor 241 always executes control processing based on the control program PRB during normal operation. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the control process by the processor 241.

[0034] In ACT1, the processor 241 checks whether a new connection has been made to the LAN 200. If the processor 241 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT2. In ACT2, the processor 241 checks whether an instruction has been issued to change the settings related to the operation of the scanner 24. If the processor 241 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 241 checks whether a command to start reading has been issued. If the processor 241 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT1. Thus, in ACT1 to ACT3, the processor 241 waits for any one of a new connection to the LAN 200, an instruction to change the settings, and an instruction to start reading.

[0035] In the scanner 24, several settings related to its operation can be changed according to the user's needs. For example, the function of reading barcodes can be turned on / off. Also, for example, the function of reading two-dimensional codes can be turned on / off. Or, for example, the volume of the operation confirmation sound can be set as desired. Such setting changes can be specified using a user interface device not shown in FIG. 4, or can be specified from any external information terminal via the LAN 200.

[0036] If an instruction to change the settings is given, the processor 241 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT4. As ACT4, the processor 241 updates the setting data stored in the setting data area ARC of the auxiliary storage unit 243 in response to an instruction.

[0037] In ACT5, the processor 241 notifies the management server 3 that the settings have been changed. Specifically, the processor 241 sends notification data for notifying the change, addressed to the preset address of the management server 3, from the communication unit 245 to the LAN 200. The processor 241, for example, indicates the setting item that was the subject of the change and the changed setting for that item in the notification data. For example, the processor 241 may include the setting data stored in the setting data area ARC of the auxiliary storage unit 243 as is in the notification data. Then, the processor 241 thereafter returns to the standby state of ACT1 to ACT3.

[0038] On the other hand, in the management server 3, the processor 31 executes management processing based on the management program PRC when it is necessary to provide a management service. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the management process by the processor 31.

[0039] In ACT21, the processor 31 checks whether a connection notification has been sent from any of the devices belonging to the device group 2. If the processor 31 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT22. In ACT22, the processor 31 checks whether or not a change notification has been made from any of the devices belonging to the device group 2. If the processor 31 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT21. Thus, the processor 31, as ACT21 and ACT22, waits for a connection notification or a change notification.

[0040] As described above, when the notification data for change notification is transmitted over the LAN 200 and WAN 300 and received by the communication unit 34, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT22 and proceeds to ACT23. In ACT23, processor 31 updates the setting data based on the change notification. For example, processor 31 searches management table TAB stored in auxiliary storage unit 33 for a data record REB in which the IP address of the sender of the notification data for the change notification is set in field FBA. Then, processor 31 updates the setting data set in field FBC of the corresponding data record REB according to the notification content in the notification data. Then, processor 31 returns to the standby state of ACT21 and ACT22. It should be noted that each device other than the scanner 24 can also be configured according to its own device, and in response to an instruction to change the setting, the change is notified to the management server 3 in the same manner as above. Thus, the management server 3 manages the current settings of the various devices already installed in the POS system 100 using a management table TAB.

[0041] When the processor 11 in the processing device 1 is ready to accept a product designation during a transaction, it instructs the scanner 24 installed in the checkout lane that is the target of that transaction to begin reading. For example, the processor 11 searches the association table TAA for a data record REA in which the lane code that is the target of that transaction is set in field FAA. The processor 11 then sends instruction data from the communication unit 14 to the LAN 200, addressed to the IP address set in field FAE of the corresponding data record REA. The processor 11 includes a command indicating that this is an instruction to start reading in the instruction data. When this instruction data is transmitted via the LAN 200, it is received by the communication unit 245 of the scanner 24 to which the destination IP address is assigned. In response to this, the processor 241 of the scanner 24 determines YES in ACT 3 in FIG. 7 and proceeds to ACT 6.

[0042] In ACT6, the processor 241 checks whether a scan has been performed by the scan device 244. If the processor 241 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT7. In ACT7, the processor 241 checks whether an instruction to end reading has been issued. If the processor 241 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT6. Thus, in ACT6 and ACT7, the processor 241 waits for scanning to be performed or for an instruction to end reading to be given.

[0043] The operator holds a barcode or two-dimensional code, etc., displayed on a product to be registered as a transaction object over the scanning device 244. The scanning device 244 then optically scans the barcode or two-dimensional code, etc., and outputs scan data represented by the barcode or two-dimensional code, etc. The scanning device 244 outputs scan data obtained by scanning the barcode if the setting data stored in the setting data area ARC of the auxiliary storage unit 243 turns on the function for reading barcodes. The scanning device 244 also outputs scan data obtained by scanning the two-dimensional code if the setting data stored in the setting data area ARC of the auxiliary storage unit 243 turns on the function for reading two-dimensional codes. For example, in response to the output of scan data from the scanning device 244 in this manner, the processor 241 determines YES in ACT6 and proceeds to ACT8.

[0044] In ACT8, the processor 241 notifies the processing device 1 of the scan results. Specifically, the processor 241 sends notification data for the scan notification, addressed to the preset IP address of the processing device 1, from the communication unit 245 to the LAN 200. The processor 241 includes in the notification data at least the product code included in the scan data output from the scan device 244. The processor 241 may include the scan data as is in the notification data. In this way, the processor 241 executes information processing based on the control program PRB, and the computer, with the processor 241 as its central part, functions as a providing means for providing the processing device 1 with a scan function, which is a predetermined function. The processor 241 then returns to the standby state of ACT1 to ACT3.

[0045] When the processor 11 in the processing device 1 receives a scan notification from the scanner 24 performed as described above, it finds in the association table TAA a data record REA in which the IP address of the scanner 24 that sent the notification is set in the field FAE. The processor 11 then adds the product code contained in the notified data to the product list for the transaction being executed for the lane code set in the field FAA of the corresponding data record REA.

[0046] When processor 11 is notified by any device that the operator has instructed to proceed to checkout, it sends instruction data addressed to scanner 24 to instruct the scanner to end reading from communication unit 14 to LAN 200. When this instruction data is transmitted by LAN 200 and received by communication unit 245, processor 241 determines YES in ACT7 in Figure 7 and returns to the standby state of ACT1 to ACT3.

[0047] Now, when a failure occurs in one of the devices included in device group 2 or when updating a device, the device may need to be replaced. In this case, the worker first removes the device to be replaced from LAN 200 and then connects the new device to LAN 200. In such a case, the processor 241 of the scanner 24 newly connected to LAN 200 determines that this is a new connection based on the establishment of predetermined conditions, such as the IP address used by the connected LAN 200 being unassigned, and determines YES in ACT1, and proceeds to ACT9.

[0048] As ACT9, the processor 241 acquires an IP address to be used in the LAN 200. For example, the processor 241 accesses a DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) server belonging to the LAN 200 and receives an IP address assignment. The processor 241 then writes the assigned IP address to the address area ARB of the auxiliary storage unit 243.

[0049] As ACT10, the processor 241 notifies the management server 3 that a new connection has been made to the LAN 200. Specifically, the processor 241 sends notification data for the connection notification, addressed to a predetermined address as the destination of the connection notification, from the communication unit 245 to the LAN 200. The processor 241 includes in the notification data at least the serial number and IP address stored in the number area ARA and address area ARB of the auxiliary storage unit 243. Note that the processor 241 may include predetermined data other than the serial number and IP address in the notification data. For example, if a vendor ID (identify) or product ID is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 243, the processor 241 may include the vendor ID or product ID in the notification data. Note that the vendor ID is an identifier for identifying the manufacturer of the scanner 24. The product ID is an identifier for identifying multiple products manufactured by a single manufacturer.

[0050] When the notification data for notifying the connection is transmitted to the management server 3 via the LAN 200 and the WAN 300, the notification data is received by the communication unit 34. In response to this, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT21 in FIG. 8 and proceeds to ACT24. As ACT24, the processor 31 determines the IP address of the sender of the received notification data. The processor 31 temporarily stores the determined IP address in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33. The determined IP address corresponds to the individual identifier of the device connected to the LAN 200 as the communication network in place of the removed device. The determination of the IP address here results in the acquisition of the corresponding individual identifier. Thus, the processor 31 executes information processing based on the management program PRC, and the computer with the processor 31 as its central part functions as an acquisition means.

[0051] In ACT 25, the processor 31 acquires the serial number from the notification data. The processor 31 temporarily stores the acquired serial number in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33.

[0052] When the processor 241 in the scanner 24 has completed the connection notification in ACT10 in FIG. 7 as described above, the process proceeds to ACT11. In ACT11, the processor 241 waits for a barcode or the like to be scanned.

[0053] The worker uses the new scanner 24 connected to the LAN 200 to read the barcode or two-dimensional code representing the serial number of the scanner 24 that was removed from the LAN 200 for replacement. For example, this work can be facilitated by displaying the barcode representing the serial number on a rating plate attached to the scanner 24. However, the barcode representing the serial number of the scanner 24 may be provided by any other method.

[0054] When the scanning device 244 reads a barcode or the like representing a serial number, the processor 241 determines YES in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT12. In ACT12, the processor 241 notifies the management server 3 of the replacement of the device. Specifically, the processor 241 sends notification data for notifying the replacement addressed to the address of the management server 3 from the communication unit 245 to the LAN 200. The processor 241 includes the serial number represented in the barcode read by the scan device 244 in the notification data.

[0055] After the processor 31 in the management server 3 acquires the serial number through the connection notification in ACT25 in FIG. 8 as described above, the process proceeds to ACT26. In ACT 26, the processor 31 waits for a replacement notification. Then, when the notification data for the replacement notification is transmitted via the LAN 200 and the WAN 300 and received by the communication unit 34, and the IP address of the sender of the notification data matches the IP address determined in ACT 24, the processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 27.

[0056] In ACT27, the processor 31 notifies the replaced device of the settings related to the device before replacement. For example, the processor 31 searches the management table TAB for a data record REB in which the serial number included in the notification data received by the communication unit 34 as described above is set in field FBB. The processor 31 then sends notification data from the communication unit 34 to the WAN 300, which includes the IP address and setting data set in fields FBA and FBC of the corresponding data record REB and is addressed to the IP address determined in ACT24. In this way, the processor 31 executes information processing based on the management program PRC, and the computer with the processor 31 as its central part functions as a notification means.

[0057] In ACT28, the processor 31 updates the management table TAB to reflect the notified replacement. For example, the processor 31 rewrites the fields FBB and FBC of the data record REB found in ACT28 to the serial number acquired in ACT25 and the setting data included in the notification data received by the communication unit 34 as described above. The processor 31 then returns to the standby state in ACT21 and ACT22.

[0058] In this way, processor 31 determines the serial number as the individual identifier of the removed device based on the replacement notification. Processor 31 also uses management table TAB to associate and manage the serial number as the individual identifier of the device with the IP address as the network identifier. By updating as described above, processor 31 disassociates the individual identifier of the removed device from the network identifier and associates the individual identifier of the connected device with the network identifier instead. By having processor 31 execute information processing based on management program PRC in this way, the computer with processor 31 as its central part functions as a determination means, a management means, and a control means.

[0059] The processor 241 in the scanner 24 issues a replacement notification in ACT12 in FIG. 7 as described above, and then proceeds to ACT13. In ACT 13, the processor 241 waits for a setting notification. Then, when the notification data sent from the management server 3 for the setting notification as described above is transmitted via the WAN 300 and LAN 200 and received by the communication unit 245, the processor 241 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 14.

[0060] In ACT14, the processor 241 rewrites the IP address and setting data stored in the address area ARB and setting data area ARC of the auxiliary storage unit 243 with the IP address and setting data included in the notification data received by the communication unit 245 as described above. In this way, the processor 241 executes information processing based on the control program PRB, and the computer with the processor 241 as its central part functions as a rewriting means. The processor 241 then returns to the standby state of ACT1 to ACT3.

[0061] Thus, in response to the replacement of the scanner 24, the IP address that was assigned to the removed scanner 24 is assigned to the newly installed scanner 24. As a result, even after the scanner 24 is replaced, the processing device 1 can use the newly connected scanner 24 in accordance with the association table TAA without distinguishing it from the removed scanner 24. In other words, there is no need to update the association table TAA when a device is replaced, and the processing device 1 can operate without any change before and after the replacement. Because there is no need to update the association table TAA, the effort required for doing so can be reduced.

[0062] Furthermore, in response to the replacement of the scanner 24, the setting data representing the settings of the removed scanner 24 is downloaded as setting data representing the settings of the newly installed scanner 24. In this way, the newly installed device can be operated in the same way as the removed device without the need to change the settings of the newly installed device.

[0063] In addition, when replacing a device other than the scanner 24, the serial number of the removed device may be entered using some kind of user interface device provided on the device, or may be entered using some kind of user interface device provided on a different type of device from the replaced device, or may be entered using any information terminal that is not included in the device group 2 to which the replaced device belongs.

[0064] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. The management server 3 may not manage the setting data and download the setting data.

[0065] A plurality of processing devices 1 may be provided, each associated with one or more device groups.

[0066] There may be provided a plurality of management servers 3, each associated with one or more device groups.

[0067] The functions of the management server 3 may be provided to the processing device 1. Conversely, the functions of the processing device 1 may be provided to the management server 3.

[0068] It is also possible to implement the processing system for performing any information processing other than the POS system 100. For example, the processing system of the present invention can also be implemented in an inventory management system in a warehouse or a management system for transported goods at a transport base.

[0069] Some or all of the functions realized by the processors 11, 31, and 241 through information processing can also be realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining software control with hardware such as the logic circuit.

[0070] Although several 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 embodied 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 and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1...processing device, 2...group of equipment, 21...display, 22...keyboard, 23...magnetic reader, 24...scanner, 25...printer, 26...payment machine, 3...management server, 11,241,31...processor, 12,242,32...main memory, 13,243,33...auxiliary memory unit, 14,245,34...communication unit, 15,246,35...transmission path, 244...scanning device, 100...POS system.

Claims

1. a management means for managing an individual identifier for identifying each device connected to a communication network in association with a network identifier assigned to identify the device identified by the individual identifier on the communication network; a determination means for determining an individual identifier of a device removed from the communication network; an acquisition means for acquiring an individual identifier of a device connected to the communication network in place of a device removed from the communication network; a control means for controlling the management means to disassociate the individual identifier determined by the determination means with the network identifier and to associate the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means with the network identifier; a notification means for notifying a device identified by the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means of a network identifier associated with the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means under the control of the control means; A management device comprising:

2. the management means manages the individual identifier by associating setting information related to the operation of the device identified by the individual identifier with the network identifier; the notification means notifies the device identified by the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means of the setting information associated with the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means together with the network identifier; The management device according to claim 1 .

3. the determination means determines the individual identifier of the device removed from the communication network based on a notification from a device connected to the communication network in place of the device removed from the communication network; The management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system includes a plurality of processing devices, a plurality of devices, and a management device, each of which is connected to a communication network and is individually assigned a network identifier on the communication network; a first storage means provided in the processing device for storing a network identifier assigned to a device that has been set for use among the plurality of devices; a processing means provided in the processing device, for accessing the device using the network identifier stored in the first storage means, and for executing predetermined information processing using a function provided in the device; a second storage means provided in the device for storing a network identifier assigned to the device; a providing means provided in the device, which receives access from the processing device via the communication network using the network identifier stored in the second storage means and provides a predetermined function to the processing device; a management means provided in the management device for managing an individual identifier for identifying each of the devices in association with a network identifier assigned to identify the device identified by the individual identifier on the communication network; a determination means provided in the management device for determining an individual identifier of the device removed from the communication network; an acquisition means provided in the management device, for acquiring an individual identifier of a device connected to the communication network in place of the device removed from the communication network; a control means provided in the management device, for controlling the management means to disassociate the individual identifier determined by the determination means from the network identifier and to associate the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means with the network identifier; a notification means provided in the management device for notifying a network identifier associated with the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means under the control of the control means to a device identified by the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means; a rewriting means provided in the device for rewriting the network identifier stored in the second storage means with the network identifier notified by the notifying means; A processing system comprising:

5. The computer provided in the management device a management means for managing an individual identifier for identifying each device connected to a communication network in association with a network identifier assigned to the device identified by the individual identifier for identifying the device on the communication network; a determination means for determining an individual identifier of a device removed from the communication network; an acquisition means for acquiring an individual identifier of a device connected to the communication network in place of a device removed from the communication network; a control means for controlling the management means to disassociate the individual identifier determined by the determination means with the network identifier and to associate the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means with the network identifier; a notification means for notifying a device identified by the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means of a network identifier associated with the individual identifier acquired by the acquisition means under the control of the control means; An information processing program that makes it function as such.

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