Management device and information processing program

Abstract

To enable a processing device to accurately grasp a state of device.SOLUTION: A management device is for managing a processing system in which each of a plurality of processing devices utilizes one device to perform predetermined processing. The management device includes imparting means and notifying means. The imparting means is for imparting an exclusive right to any of the plurality of processing devices to utilize the device. The notifying means is for notifying all of the plurality of pieces of processing means that the device is in a predetermined state of requiring notification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Point-of-sale (POS) systems using tablet terminals as POS terminals are already known. When multiple tablet terminals share various peripheral devices, such as printers, it is possible to increase the flexibility of the system configuration by using a management device to grant exclusive rights to the peripheral devices to the multiple tablet terminals. It should be noted that a similar configuration can be adopted in processing systems other than POS systems, as long as multiple processing devices perform processing using different devices. In such a processing system, the processing device cannot check the status of the device unless it obtains exclusive access to the device. Therefore, the processing device can only recognize an abnormality occurring in the device after obtaining exclusive access to the device. This makes it difficult to quickly deal with the abnormality. Under these circumstances, it has been desired that the state of the device be accurately grasped by the processing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-147045 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 and an information processing program that enable a processing device to accurately grasp the state of a device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The management device of the embodiment manages a processing system in which a plurality of processing devices each perform a predetermined process using one device, and includes a granting unit and a notifying unit. The granting unit grants an exclusive right to use the device to any of the plurality of processing devices. The notifying unit notifies the processing device that the device has entered a predetermined notification-required state. If the granting means is granting the exclusive right, the granting means notifies the processor to which the exclusive right is granted among the plurality of processors. If the granting means is not granting the exclusive right, All of the plurality of processing means are notified. [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 management device in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the contents of a setting table in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the contents of a management table in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart of a usage management process performed by a processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart of a device management process performed by a processor in FIG. 2; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, a POS system configured using a management device will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a POS system 100 according to this embodiment. The POS system 100 includes tablet terminals 1-1 and 1-2, handy readers 2-1 and 2-2, change dispensers 3-1 and 3-2, printers 4-1 and 4-2, a batch tag reader 5, a payment terminal 6, and a management device 7.

[0008] The POS system 100 is an example configured for use in a store that displays and sells products such as clothing, each equipped with a wireless tag that stores tag data including a product code for identifying the product. The POS system 100 is an example configured for use in a store that has two checkout corners: a first checkout corner and a second checkout corner. The tablet terminal 1-1, handy reader 2-1, change dispenser 3-1, and printer 4-1 are used at the first checkout corner. The tablet terminal 1-2, handy reader 2-2, change dispenser 3-2, and printer 4-2 are used at the second checkout corner. The batch tag reader 5 and payment terminal 6 are shared by the first checkout corner and the second checkout corner. In the following explanation, when it is not necessary to distinguish whether the tablet terminals 1-1 and 1-2, the handy readers 2-1 and 2-2, the change machines 3-1 and 3-2, and the printers 4-1 and 4-2 are used at the first or second checkout corner, they will be referred to as the tablet terminal 1, the handy reader 2, the change machine 3, and the printer 4.

[0009] Tablet terminal 1 is a tablet-type information processing device. The hardware of tablet terminal 1 can be a ready-made tablet computer device on which any application program can be installed and executed. Tablet terminal 1 executes information processing for transaction processing, such as registering products to be transacted and calculating the payment amount for the registered products, in accordance with the installed application program for POS processing, while appropriately utilizing handy reader 2, change dispenser 3, printer 4, batch tag reader 5, and payment terminal 6. In other words, tablet terminal 1 corresponds to the main processing device of a well-known POS terminal, and handy reader 2, change dispenser 3, printer 4, batch tag reader 5, and payment terminal 6 correspond to peripheral devices provided in a well-known POS terminal.

[0010] Note that, to accommodate a store with three or more checkout corners, three or more of each of the tablet terminal 1, handy reader 2, change dispenser 3, and printer 4 may be provided. When configuring the POS system 100 to accommodate a store with three or more checkout corners, any peripheral device, such as the batch tag reader 5, may be shared among any number of checkout corners. Any peripheral device may be shared among multiple checkout corners, such as by providing a single printer shared by the first and second checkout corners instead of the printers 4-1 and 4-2. Furthermore, for example, instead of the payment terminal 6, multiple payment terminals dedicated to each of the multiple checkout corners may be provided. Furthermore, some of the handy reader 2, change dispenser 3, printer 4, batch tag reader 5, and payment terminal 6 may not be provided, or any peripheral device other than these peripheral devices may be provided, or some of these peripheral devices may not be provided. Furthermore, the combination of peripheral devices used at each of the multiple checkout corners does not need to be the same at all checkout corners.

[0011] The handy reader 2 is handheld and operated by an operator such as a store clerk in charge of the checkout corner, and reads tag data stored in a wireless tag attached to a product. The change machine 3 counts the value of coins inserted through the coin insertion slot and stores them in an internal storage. The change machine 3 discharges the coins stored in the storage to a coin tray through the coin discharge port. The change machine 3 counts the value of banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion slot and stores them in an internal storage. The change machine 3 discharges the banknotes stored in the storage from the banknote discharge port.

[0012] The printer 4 prints various images on receipt paper and issues various vouchers such as receipts and receipt certificates. The batch tag reader 5 reads tag data stored in a wireless tag located within a predetermined reading space. If multiple wireless tags are located within the reading space, the batch tag reader 5 can read tag data from each of the multiple wireless tags. The payment terminal 6 performs processing for payment using online payment services such as credit card payment, electronic money payment, debit card payment, or barcode payment.

[0013] The management device 7 is capable of data communication with each of the tablet terminal 1, handy reader 2, change dispenser 3, printer 4, batch tag reader 5, and payment terminal 6. This data communication may be realized by wired communication using, for example, a wired LAN or a USB (universal serial bus), or by wireless communication using a wireless LAN (local area network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The management device 7 is an information processing device that executes management processing, described below, for the tablet terminal 1 to use peripheral devices.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the management device 7. The management device 7 includes a processor 71, a main memory 72, an auxiliary storage unit 73, a communication unit 74, and a transmission path 75. As the hardware of the management device 7, for example, a general-purpose computer device on which any application program can be installed and executed can be used. A processor 71, a main memory 72, and an auxiliary storage unit 73 are connected by a transmission line 75 to form a computer capable of executing any information processing.

[0015] The processor 71 corresponds to the central part of the computer and executes information processing based on information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main memory 72 and the auxiliary storage unit 73.

[0016] The main memory 72 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 72 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 72 stores the information processing program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 72 may also store data required for the processor 71 to execute various information processes in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 72 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 71 as needed.

[0017] The auxiliary storage unit 73 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 73 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). The auxiliary storage unit 73 stores data used by the processor 71 in performing various information processing operations and data generated by the processing operations of the processor 71. The auxiliary storage unit 73 may also store the information processing programs. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 73 stores a management program PRA, which is one of the information processing programs. The management program PRA is an application program that describes the procedures for management processing, which is information processing for managing the use of peripheral devices by the tablet terminal 1. A portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 73 is used as a setting table TAA and a management table TAB.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the setting table TAA. The setting table TAA is a data table that indicates the settings of which tablet terminals 1 can use each peripheral device. The setting table TAA is created in accordance with the configuration of the POS system 100, for example, by another information processing device in response to an operation by an operator or the like when the POS system 100 is constructed, and is written to the auxiliary storage unit 73. The example in Fig. 3 shows the contents of the setting table TAA created in accordance with the configuration shown in Fig. 1.

[0019] The device codes "00-01" and "00-02" represent identifiers for identifying tablet terminals 1-1 and 1-2. The device codes "01-01" and "01-02" represent identifiers for identifying handheld readers 2-1 and 2-2. The device codes "02-01" and "02-02" represent identifiers for identifying change dispensers 3-1 and 3-2. The device codes "03-01" and "03-02" represent identifiers for identifying printers 4-1 and 4-2. The device code "04-01" represents an identifier for identifying batch tag reader 5. The device code "05-01" represents an identifier for identifying payment terminal 6. For example, the "1" associated with the combination of device code "00-01" and device code "01-01" indicates that handheld reader 2-1 can be used by tablet terminal 1-1. For example, the "0" associated with the combination of the device code "00-02" and the device code "01-01" indicates that the handheld reader 2-1 cannot be used by the tablet terminal 1-2. However, a device code such as "00-01" is a simplified representation, and in reality, for example, a MAC address or the like may be used.

[0020] The setting table TAA is updated in response to an operator's operation when the operation or configuration of the POS system 100 is changed. For example, if the operation is changed so that both handy readers 2-1 and 2-2 can be used at either the first checkout corner or the second checkout corner, the "0" associated with the combination of device code "00-02" and device code "01-01" can be changed to "1," and the "0" associated with the combination of device code "00-01" and device code "01-02" can be changed to "1." For example, if the operation is changed so that the payment terminal 6 is dedicated to the first checkout corner and the second checkout corner accepts cash payments only, the "1" associated with the combination of device code "00-02" and device code "05-01" can be changed to "0." Furthermore, if the configuration is changed so that a new batch tag reader 5 with a device code of "04-02" is added and dedicated to the second checkout lane, and the existing batch tag reader 5 with a device code of "04-01" is dedicated to the first checkout lane, the "1" associated with the combination of device code "00-02" and device code "04-01" is rewritten to "0", and the setting table TAA is updated so that a "0" is associated with the combination of device code "00-01" and device code "04-02", and a "1" is associated with the combination of device code "00-02" and device code "04-02".

[0021] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the management table TAB. The management table TAB is a data table for managing which tablet terminal 1 has been granted exclusive rights for each peripheral device. The example in Figure 4 shows a state in which the exclusive right of the peripheral device identified by the device code "01-01," i.e., handy reader 2-1, is granted to the tablet terminal 1 identified by the device code "00-01," i.e., tablet terminal 1-1. The example in Figure 4 shows a state in which the exclusive right of the peripheral device identified by the device code "04-01," i.e., batch tag reader 5, is granted to the tablet terminal 1 identified by the device code "00-02," i.e., tablet terminal 1-2. The example in Figure 4 shows a state in which the exclusive right of the other peripheral devices is not granted to any tablet terminal 1.

[0022] Next, the operation of the POS system 100 configured as described above will be explained, focusing on the management process by the management device 7. Note that the content of the process explained 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. When a transaction process is to be executed by the POS system 100, the processor 71 in the management device 7 executes a usage management process as part of the management process in accordance with the management program PRA. The usage management process is a management process for enabling the tablet terminal 1 to use peripheral devices.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the usage management process by the processor 71. In ACT11, the processor 71 checks whether a grant request has been made. If the processor 71 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT12. In ACT 12, the processor 71 checks whether a release request has been made. If the processor 71 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 11. Thus, the processor 71 waits for a grant request or a release request in ACT11 and ACT12.

[0024] When the tablet terminal 1 needs to use a peripheral device to process a transaction, it requests the management device 7 to grant exclusive rights to the peripheral device. For example, when the tablet terminal 1 is in a situation where it needs to start transaction registration using the handy reader 2, it transmits predetermined request data to the management device 7 to request the management device 7 to grant exclusive rights to the handy reader 2. When this request data is received by the communication unit 74, the processor 71 determines YES in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT13.

[0025] In ACT13, the processor 71 determines, as a compatible device, a peripheral device that is permitted to be used by the requesting tablet terminal 1, among the peripheral devices requested for use. For example, if tablet terminal 1-2 requests the granting of exclusive rights for handy reader 2, the processor 71 determines, based on the setting table TAA, handy reader 2-2, identified by device code "01-02," as a compatible device.

[0026] In ACT 14, the processor 71 checks whether the corresponding device is available. If the processor 71 can check that no device code is written in the management table TAB in association with the device code of the corresponding device, the result of the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to ACT 15. In ACT15, the processor 71 notifies the requesting tablet terminal 1 that the exclusive right for the compatible device is being granted. The grant request and the notification here are sent, for example, via HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol). That is, the processor 71 sends the notification here, for example, as a response to the grant request.

[0027] Upon receiving the notification of the grant, tablet terminal 1 can access the peripheral device and use the functions of the peripheral device. For example, if tablet terminal 1-2 is granted exclusive rights to handheld reader 2-2, it can acquire tag data read by handheld reader 2-2 from handheld reader 2-2 and register the product code included in the tag data as the product code of the product to be traded.

[0028] When the tablet terminal 1 needs to settle the price of a transaction in cash, it receives exclusive access to the change dispenser 3 from the management device 7 and uses the functions of the change dispenser 3. When the tablet terminal 1 needs to print a receipt or the like, it receives exclusive access to the printer 4 from the management device 7 and uses the functions of the printer 4. When the tablet terminal 1 needs to read the tag data of multiple items placed in a basket or the like all at once, it receives exclusive access to the batch tag reader 5 from the management device 7 and uses the functions of the batch tag reader 5. When the tablet terminal 1 needs to settle the price of a transaction using an online payment service, it receives exclusive access to the payment terminal 6 from the management device 7 and uses the functions of the payment terminal 6.

[0029] In ACT 16, the processor 71 updates the management table TAB to reflect the granting of the exclusive right this time. For example, the processor 71 updates the management table TAB to indicate the device code of the tablet terminal 1 to which the exclusive right of the compatible device has been granted, in association with the device code of the compatible device. Then, the processor 71 returns to the standby state of ACT11 and ACT12.

[0030] On the other hand, if the processor 71 confirms that a device code has already been written in the management table TAB in association with the device code of the compatible device, the processor 71 determines NO in ACT 14 and proceeds to ACT 17. For example, if the granting of exclusive rights to the batch tag reader 5 is requested from the tablet terminal 1-1 when the management table TAB is in the state shown in Fig. 4, the processor 71 determines NO in ACT 14 because a device code has already been written in the management table TAB in association with the device code "04-01" of the batch tag reader 5, which is the target device.

[0031] In ACT 17, processor 71 notifies requesting tablet terminal 1 that the grant request is being denied. Processor 71 then returns to the standby state in ACT 11 and ACT 12. In this way, processor 71 does not grant exclusive rights to both tablet terminals 1-1 and 1-2 simultaneously for a peripheral device shared by tablet terminals 1-1 and 1-2.

[0032] Now, when the tablet terminal 1 that has been granted the exclusive right of a peripheral device completes the processing using the peripheral device, it transmits predetermined request data to the management device 7 to request the management device 7 to release the exclusive right. When this request data is received by the communication unit 74, the processor 71 determines YES in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT18. In ACT18, the processor 71 notifies the requesting tablet terminal 1 of the release of the exclusive right.

[0033] In ACT 19, the processor 71 updates the management table TAB to reflect the release of the exclusive right this time. For example, the processor 71 deletes the device code of the tablet terminal 1 that has made the request from the management table TAB. Then, the processor 71 returns to the standby state of ACT11 and ACT12. As described above, the use management process by the processor 71 enables the tablet terminal 1 to execute transaction processing using peripheral devices under the management of the management device 7.

[0034] Meanwhile, the processor 71 starts device management processing as part of management processing in accordance with the management program PRA each time a predetermined check timing occurs. The device management processing is processing for making peripheral devices available to the tablet terminal 1. The check timing is determined, for example, as a timing at regular time intervals. The timing of the check may be determined arbitrarily, for example, by the designer or administrator of the management device 7. The processor 71 executes this device management processing, for example, as processing in a separate thread from the usage management processing.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the device management process performed by the processor 71. In ACT21, the processor 71 selects one of all peripheral devices included in the POS system 100 as a target device. However, the target device may be selected from a portion of peripheral devices that have been previously determined to be monitoring targets among all peripheral devices included in the POS system 100.

[0036] As ACT22, the processor 71 checks the device status of the target device. The device status checked here may be, for example, whether an error has occurred. The type of device status to be checked may be determined arbitrarily by, for example, the designer of the management device 7. Furthermore, the device status to be checked may differ depending on the type of target device.

[0037] In ACT23, the processor 71 checks whether a predetermined notification condition is met with respect to the device status checked in ACT22. This notification condition is expected to be, for example, "an error has occurred." The notification condition may be determined arbitrarily by, for example, the designer of the management device 7. Individual notification conditions may also be determined depending on the type of target device. For example, if the target device is the printer 4, one of the notification conditions is expected to be that the printer is out of paper. If the processor 71 checks that the notification condition is met, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT24.

[0038] In ACT 24, the processor 71 checks whether the exclusive right for the target device is being granted. If the processor 71 can check that the device code of the tablet terminal 1 is associated with the device code of the target device and written in the management table TAB, for example, the result of the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to ACT 25. In ACT25, processor 71 notifies tablet terminal 1, which has been granted exclusive rights to the target device, that the notification condition for the target device has been met. In other words, for example, if processor 71 determines that printer 4-1 has run out of print paper while tablet terminal 1-1 has been granted exclusive rights to printer 4-1, it notifies tablet terminal 1-1 to that effect.

[0039] On the other hand, if, for example, no device code is written in the management table TAB in association with the device code of the target device, the processor 71 determines NO in ACT24, assuming that exclusive rights are not being granted to the target device, and proceeds to ACT26. As ACT26, processor 71 notifies tablet terminals 1 that are permitted to use the target device that the notification conditions for the target device have been met. That is, for example, if processor 71 confirms that printer 4-1 has run out of print paper when no tablet terminal 1 has been granted exclusive access to printer 4-1, processor 71 notifies tablet terminal 1-1 of that fact. Also, for example, if processor 71 confirms that a network communication error has occurred in payment terminal 6 when no tablet terminal 1 has been granted exclusive access to payment terminal 6, processor 71 notifies both tablet terminals 1-1 and 1-2 of that fact.

[0040] It is assumed that notifications from the management device 7 to the tablet terminal 1 use, for example, the MQTT (message queuing telemetry transport) protocol. In this case, the management device 7 serves as an MQTT broker and an MQTTP publisher. For example, tablet terminal 1-1 subscribes to the management device 7 to a first topic predetermined for notifications to only tablet terminal 1-1 and a second topic predetermined for notifications to multiple tablet terminals 1. Similarly, tablet terminal 1-2 subscribes to the management device 7 to the second topic and a third topic predetermined for notifications to only tablet terminal 1-2. As a result, both tablet terminals 1-1 and 1-2 become MQTT subscribers. In ACT25, the processor 71 in the management device 7 distributes the notification data predetermined for the notification of ACT25 over the first topic if the notification destination is tablet terminal 1-1, and over the third topic if the notification destination is tablet terminal 1-2. In ACT26, the processor 71 also distributes predetermined notification data for the notification of ACT26 on the second topic.

[0041] Upon receiving the notification in ACT25 or ACT26, the tablet terminal 1 performs a predetermined operation. The operation of the tablet terminal 1 at this time may be determined as appropriate, for example, by the creator of the application program for POS processing. In this embodiment, the tablet terminal 1 displays, for example, a predetermined warning screen on the display device and waits for an operation by the operator to indicate that the warning screen has been confirmed. Then, once the tablet terminal 1 confirms the operation, it notifies the management device 7 that confirmation has been completed.

[0042] When the processor 71 completes the notification in ACT 25 or ACT 26, it proceeds to ACT 27. If the processor 71 determines NO in ACT 23 because the notification condition is not met, it passes both ACT 25 and ACT 26 and proceeds to ACT 27 without notifying the tablet terminal 1.

[0043] In ACT27, the processor 71 checks whether there are any peripheral devices that have not been selected as target devices among the peripheral devices that are candidates for selection as target devices in ACT21. If there are any unselected peripheral devices, the processor 71 determines YES and repeats the processing from ACT21 onwards in the same manner as described above. However, when the processor 71 executes ACT21 for the second time or later, it selects peripheral devices that have not been selected as target devices in ACT21 so far among the peripheral devices that are candidates for selection as target devices in ACT21. If the processor 71 proceeds to ACT27 after selecting all peripheral devices that are candidates for selection as target devices in ACT21 as target devices, the processor 71 determines NO as there are no unselected peripheral devices and proceeds to ACT28.

[0044] In ACT28, the processor 71 checks whether or not the notification in ACT25 or ACT26 has been executed at least once while repeating the processing loop of ACT21 to ACT27. If the notification condition is not met for any of the peripheral devices that are the subject of selection as target devices in ACT21 and the notification in ACT25 or ACT26 has never been executed, the processor 71 determines the answer as NO and ends the device management process.

[0045] However, if the processor 71 has executed the notification in ACT25 or ACT26 at least once, it determines YES in ACT28 and proceeds to ACT29. In ACT29, the processor 71 waits for a confirmation completion notification regarding the notification from the tablet terminal 1 that was the notification destination in ACT25 or ACT26. Then, if the processor 71 confirms that a confirmation completion notification has been received from the tablet terminal 1 as described above, the processor 71 determines YES and proceeds to ACT30.

[0046] In ACT30, the processor 71 checks whether confirmation has been completed on all tablet terminals 1 that were the target of notification at the same time, based on the confirmation completion notification confirmed as described above. For this confirmation, the processor 71 stores in the main memory 72 or the auxiliary storage unit 73, for example, history data representing the association between the notification conditions that were established as the trigger for the notification and the device codes of the tablet terminals 1 that were the notification destinations, when the notification in ACT25 or ACT26 was executed. If the processor 71 cannot confirm that confirmation has been completed on all of the relevant tablet terminals 1, it determines NO and returns to the standby state in ACT29. However, if the processor 71 can confirm that confirmation has been completed on all of the relevant tablet terminals 1, it determines YES in ACT30 and proceeds to ACT31.

[0047] In ACT31, the processor 71 checks whether the notification condition that caused the notification that has been confirmed on all tablet terminals 1 as described above has been resolved. If the notification condition is still met, the processor 71 determines the answer as NO and proceeds to ACT32. In ACT32, processor 71 notifies tablet terminals 1 that are permitted to use the peripheral device related to the notification condition determined to be still satisfied in ACT31 that the notification condition has been satisfied. In other words, if processor 71 completes confirmation at one tablet terminal 1 that was the notification destination of the notification sent in ACT25 but the notification condition is still satisfied, processor 71 sends a second notification to that tablet terminal 1. If there is another tablet terminal 1 that is permitted to use the peripheral device related to the notification condition, processor 71 also sends a notification to that tablet terminal 1. For example, if tablet terminal 1-1 has exclusive access to payment terminal 6 and the notification in ACT25 is sent to tablet terminal 1-1 in response to the satisfaction of the notification condition for payment terminal 6, and then tablet terminal 1-1 completes confirmation while the notification condition remains satisfied, processor 71 sends a second notification to tablet terminal 1-1 in ACT32, and also sends a notification to tablet terminal 1-2. Then, processor 71 returns to the standby state in ACT29.

[0048] If the processor 71 determines YES in ACT31 because the corresponding notification condition has been resolved, it proceeds to ACT33. In ACT 33, the processor 71 checks whether confirmation of all notifications made in the current device management process has been completed. If there are any notifications that have not been confirmed, the processor 71 determines NO and returns to the standby state in ACT 29. If confirmation of all notifications made in the current device management process has been completed, the processor 71 determines YES in ACT 33 and ends the device management process.

[0049] As described above, in the POS system 100, the tablet terminals 1-1 and 1-2 each share a single batch tag reader 5 or a single payment terminal 6, and each performs information processing for transaction processing. In other words, the POS system 100 corresponds to a processing system in which the tablet terminals 1-1 and 1-2, each serving as a plurality of processing devices, perform predetermined processing using a single device, the batch tag reader 5 or the payment terminal 6. The processor 71 in the management device 7 grants the exclusive right of the batch tag reader 5 or the payment terminal 6 to either the tablet terminal 1-1 or the tablet terminal 1-2. The processor 71 also notifies both the tablet terminals 1-1 and 1-2 that a notification is required, i.e., the device status of the batch tag reader 5 or the payment terminal 6 is met. Thus, by the processor 71 executing information processing based on the management program PRA, the computer with the processor 71 as its central component functions as a granting means and a notification means.

[0050] In this way, when a peripheral device shared by multiple tablet terminals 1 enters a notification-required state, the management device 7 notifies all of the tablet terminals 1. Therefore, the device status of the peripheral device can be accurately grasped even on tablet terminals that are not using the peripheral device.

[0051] The management device 7 notifies the tablet terminals 1 when none of the tablet terminals 1 has been granted exclusive rights for a peripheral device that has entered a notification-required state, and when exclusive rights have been granted to any of the tablet terminals 1, the management device 7 notifies only the tablet terminal 1 to which the exclusive rights have been granted. As a result, when a peripheral device that has entered a notification-required state is being used by any tablet terminal 1, a notification is sent to the tablet terminal 1 that is using the peripheral device. Therefore, it is possible for the tablet terminal 1 using the peripheral device to accurately grasp the occurrence of a problem associated with the use of the peripheral device.

[0052] Furthermore, the management device 7 sends notifications about peripheral devices only to tablet terminals 1 that are permitted to use the peripheral device, i.e., to tablet terminals 1 that may be granted exclusive rights to the peripheral device. As a result, notifications are not sent to tablet terminals 1 that do not use the peripheral device related to the notification, and operators of the tablet terminals 1, i.e., operators who do not use the peripheral device related to the notification, are not bothered by notifications about peripheral devices that they do not use.

[0053] Furthermore, if any tablet terminal 1 has been granted exclusive rights to the peripheral device related to the notification, the management device 7 sends the notification only to that tablet terminal 1. In this case, the operator of the tablet terminal 1 to which the notification is sent is currently using the peripheral device related to the notification, and in most cases will quickly take action to resolve the malfunction of that peripheral device. For this reason, the importance of notifications to other tablet terminals 1 is low, and by not sending such notifications, the operators of other tablet terminals 1 will not be bothered by low-importance notifications.

[0054] Furthermore, if all of the tablet terminals 1 designated as notification destinations have confirmed the notification but the condition that caused the notification remains satisfied, the management device 7 re-notifies all tablet terminals 1 that may be granted exclusive rights to the peripheral device. As a result, if the peripheral device is shared by multiple tablet terminals 1 and the initial notification was to one tablet terminal 1 in ACT25 in Figure 6, a tablet terminal 1 other than the original notification destination will also be designated as a re-notification destination. As a result, if the operator of the tablet terminal 1 that was the original notification destination is unable to properly deal with a problem related to the notification, the operator of that tablet terminal 1 can deal with the problem in response to the notification sent to the other tablet terminal 1.

[0055] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. Notification regarding a peripheral device may be sent to all tablet terminals 1 regardless of whether or not there is a possibility that exclusive rights to that peripheral device will be granted. In this way, if all operators of tablet terminals 1 that may be granted exclusive rights to the peripheral device are busy and an operator of another tablet terminal 1 is free, that free operator can quickly take action to resolve the malfunction of the peripheral device.

[0056] The processor 71 may send the notification in ACT32 in Fig. 6 to tablet terminals 1 that are not permitted to use the peripheral device related to the notification condition determined to still be satisfied, in addition to or instead of the tablet terminals 1 that are permitted to use the peripheral device. For example, the processor 71 may set all tablet terminals 1 included in the POS system 100 as the notification destinations in ACT32. In this way, if the operators of the tablet terminals 1 that are the notification destinations in ACT25 or ACT26 are all busy, an operator of another tablet terminal 1 can quickly handle the notification.

[0057] The information processing executed by the tablet terminal 1 is not limited to transaction processing, and any information processing may be performed using peripheral devices as needed. Therefore, the processing system to be managed by the management device 7 is not limited to the POS system 100.

[0058] As the processing device, instead of the tablet terminal 1, various types of information processing devices such as a smaller information processing terminal or a stationary computer device may be used.

[0059] The tablet terminals 1-1, 1-2, handy readers 2-1, 2-2, change machines 3-1, 3-2, printers 4-1, 4-2, batch tag reader 5, payment terminal 6 and management device 7 are each connected to a communication network such as a LAN, and communication between the tablet terminals 1-1, 1-2 and the handy readers 2-1, 2-2, change machines 3-1, 3-2, printers 4-1, 4-2, batch tag reader 5 and payment terminal 6 may be performed without going through the management device 7.

[0060] 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. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below. [Supplementary Note 1] A management device that manages a processing system in which each of a plurality of processing devices performs a predetermined process using one device, granting means for granting an exclusive right to use the device to any one of the plurality of processing devices; a notification means for notifying all of the plurality of processing devices that the state of the device has become a predetermined notification-requiring state; A management device comprising: [Supplementary Note 2] The notification means notifies all of the plurality of processing devices when the exclusive right is not granted to any of the processing devices by the granting means. 2. The management device of claim 1. [Supplementary Note 3] The granting means grants an exclusive right to use the device to any one of a predetermined part of the processing devices among the plurality of processing devices; the notification means notifies only the processing devices to which the exclusive right may be granted by the granting means; 2. The management device of claim 1. [Supplementary Note 4] When the granting means grants an exclusive right to one of the processing devices, the notifying means notifies only the processing device to which the exclusive right has been granted. A management device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3. [Supplementary Note 5] The notifying means notifies some of the processing devices among the plurality of processing devices, and then notifies other processing devices in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied. A management device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4. [Supplementary Note 6] A computer provided in a management device that manages a processing system in which each of a plurality of processing devices performs a predetermined process using one device, granting means for granting an exclusive right to use the device to any one of the plurality of processing devices; a notification means for notifying all of the plurality of processing devices that the state of the device has become a predetermined notification-requiring state; An information processing program that makes it function as such. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1,1-1,1-2...tablet terminal, 2,2-1,2-2...handy reader, 3,3-1,3-2...change machine, 4,4-1,4-2...printer, 5...bulk tag reader, 6...payment terminal, 7...management device, 71...processor, 72...main memory, 73...auxiliary memory unit, 74...communication unit, 75...transmission path, 100...POS system.

Claims

1. A management apparatus that manages a processing system in which each of a plurality of processing apparatuses performs a predetermined process using one device, granting means for granting an exclusive right to use the device to any one of the plurality of processing devices; a notification means for notifying the processing device to which the exclusive right has been granted among the plurality of processing devices if the exclusive right is being granted by the granting means, and for notifying all of the plurality of processing devices if the exclusive right is not being granted by the granting means, that the state of the device has become a predetermined notification required state; A management device comprising:

2. the granting means grants an exclusive right to use the device to any one of the plurality of processing devices predetermined as a part of processing devices greater than the plurality of processing devices; the notification means notifies all the processing devices, regardless of whether there is a possibility that the exclusive right will be granted by the granting means, if the exclusive right is not being granted by the granting means; The management device according to claim 1 .

3. The system further comprises a notification receiving means for receiving a notification of completion of confirmation of notification from the processing device that is the target of the notification by the notification means, When the notification means has sent a notification to the processing device to which the exclusive right has been granted by the granting means and the notification receiving means receives a notification of confirmation completion from the processing device, or when the notification means has sent a notification to all of the plurality of processing devices and the notification receiving means receives a notification of confirmation completion from all of the plurality of processing devices, if the notification-required state that caused the notification has not been resolved, the notification means notifies all of the processing devices of the notification-required state regardless of whether there is a possibility that the exclusive right will be granted by the granting means. The management device according to claim 2 .

4. A computer provided in a management device that manages a processing system in which each of a plurality of processing devices performs a predetermined process using one device, granting means for granting an exclusive right to use the device to any one of the plurality of processing devices; a notification means for notifying the processing device to which the exclusive right has been granted among the plurality of processing devices if the exclusive right is being granted by the granting means, and for notifying all of the plurality of processing devices if the exclusive right is not being granted by the granting means, that the state of the device has become a predetermined notification required state; An information processing program that makes it function as such.

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