Information processing device and program

Abstract

To prevent an unauthorized operation in an information processing apparatus which connects a portable POS terminal and a peripheral device and allows for screen operation.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a connecting unit, a display unit, an operation unit, a function restriction unit, and a connection control unit. The connection unit is connected to an external device and a peripheral device of the external device so as to be able to communicate with them and is configured so that it can relay communication between the external device and the peripheral device. The display unit is configured so that it can display an operation window. The operation unit is configured so that it can receive an operation input of an operator to the operation window. The function restriction unit is configured so that, when being activated, it can execute a first application which performs resident display of a first operation window throughout a screen by the display unit. The connection control unit is configured so that a second application which manages connection of the peripheral device to the external device can be executed with the resident display of the first operation window.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technology for constructing a tablet POS system by installing a POS app that realizes a POS (Point of Sales) function on a portable terminal such as a lightweight, space-saving, and portable tablet terminal. In many cases, portable terminals are not provided with I / O ports corresponding to connections to peripheral devices such as printers and automatic change dispensers. For this reason, an information processing apparatus (IO-BOX) having a plurality of I / O ports for expanding (adding) an I / O port usable in a portable POS terminal and connecting to a plurality of peripheral devices is known.

[0003] Under such circumstances, for example, from the viewpoints of improving operability and functionality, or reducing development costs by sharing and diverting parts with other devices, a touch panel display may be installed in the IO-BOX. In this case, there is a risk of unauthorized operations such as unnecessary tools being activated or OS settings being changed by operating the screen.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to suppress unauthorized operations in an information processing apparatus capable of screen operation that connects a portable POS terminal and peripheral devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing device according to this embodiment comprises a connection unit, a display unit, an operation unit, a function restriction unit, and a connection control unit. The connection unit is connected to an external device and a peripheral device of the external device so as to be able to communicate with each of them, and is configured to relay communication between the external device and the peripheral device. The display unit is configured to be able to display an operation screen. The operation unit is configured to be able to receive operation input from an operator to the operation screen. The function restriction unit controls a first application that is permanently displayed across the entire screen by the display unit. to The connection control unit is configured to be able to run a second application that manages the connection of the peripheral device to the external device while the first operation screen is constantly displayed. The first operation screen includes the display of a first operation button for instructing a restart, a second operation button for instructing a shutdown, and a third operation button for instructing the execution of other applications or OS settings of the first application. The function restriction unit executes the first application when the OS starts up in conjunction with the startup of its own device, thereby performing a permanent display of the first operation screen across the entire screen before other applications of the first application or the OS display an operation screen on the display unit for accepting user input after startup. When the operation of the third operation button is accepted by the operation unit, the function restriction unit displays a second operation screen on the display unit for authenticating the user. When the user is authenticated, the function restriction unit terminates the permanent display of the first operation screen across the entire screen. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a POS system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a peripheral device control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a peripheral device control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a peripheral device control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5-1] Figure 5-1 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed in the peripheral device control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5-2] Figure 5-2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed in the peripheral device control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the cover screen displayed during the process shown in Figure 5-1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the authentication screen displayed during the process shown in Figure 5-2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following description will refer to the drawings and explain the information processing device, information processing system, and program according to the embodiment. The embodiments described below are just one example of the information processing device, information processing system, and program according to the embodiment, and do not limit their configuration, specifications, etc. The embodiments described below are examples of applications to a POS (Point of Sales) system installed in stores such as supermarkets.

[0008] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a POS system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the POS system 1 includes a portable POS terminal 3, a peripheral device control device 5, and peripheral devices 7.

[0009] Note that Figure 1 illustrates two peripheral devices 71 and 72 as peripheral devices 7, but is not limited to these. In the POS system 1, there may be one peripheral device 7, or there may be three or more. That is, the POS system according to this embodiment includes at least one peripheral device 7.

[0010] Here, the POS system 1 according to this embodiment is an example of an information processing system. The portable POS terminal 3 according to this embodiment is an example of an external device. The peripheral device control device 5 according to this embodiment is an example of an information processing device.

[0011] In the POS system 1, a portable POS terminal 3 is connected to the peripheral device control unit 5 via wired or wireless communication. Note that communication between the portable POS terminal 3 and the peripheral device control unit 5 may be conducted via a communication device such as an access point, i.e., via a network such as a store's LAN (Local Area Network).

[0012] Furthermore, in the POS system 1, peripheral devices 7 are connected to the peripheral device control device 5 via wired or wireless communication. Note that communication between the peripheral device control device 5 and the peripheral devices 7 may be conducted via communication equipment such as an access point, i.e., via a network such as a LAN within the store.

[0013] The portable POS terminal 3 is a portable terminal device configured to perform POS functions, including product registration and accounting (settlement). The portable POS terminal 3 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a tablet PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone, and is carried by store staff within the store.

[0014] As an example, the portable POS terminal 3 is configured to run POS applications. Specifically, the portable POS terminal 3 implements POS functionality by having a processor (not shown) execute a program (POS application program) stored in internal memory (not shown).

[0015] As an example, the portable POS terminal 3 is configured to be connectable to the peripheral device control unit 5 in a first connection configuration. Specifically, the portable POS terminal 3 has a connection part for connecting to the peripheral device control unit 5 in a first connection configuration. This connection part is, for example, a communication interface (I / F) for wireless communication, but it may also be a communication I / F using a connector (communication port) for connecting a general-purpose cable compliant with any standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), ANSI / EIA / TIA-232-F, or Ethernet® standard.

[0016] The peripheral device control device 5 is an information processing device (IO-BOX) for expanding (adding) the I / O ports that can be used in the portable POS terminal 3. The peripheral device control device 5 is provided with a connection unit 56 (see FIG. 3) for communicably connecting to each of the portable POS terminal 3 and a plurality of peripheral devices 7. The peripheral device control device 5 relays communication between the portable POS terminal 3 and the peripheral device 7. Details of the peripheral device control device 5 will be described later.

[0017] The peripheral device 7 is configured to be connectable to the peripheral device control device 5 in a second connection mode. The peripheral device 7 is various information processing devices configured to be able to cooperate with the portable POS terminal 3 via the peripheral device control device 5. For example, the peripheral device 7 may be a device that operates in response to an operation request from the portable POS terminal 3 via the peripheral device control device 5. For example, the peripheral device 7 may be a device that outputs information or an operation request to the portable POS terminal 3 via the peripheral device control device 5 along with its operation.

[0018] As an example, the peripheral device 7 realizes the functions of each peripheral device 7 by executing a control program stored in an internal memory (not shown) by a processor (not shown).

[0019] As an example, the peripheral device 7 has a connection unit for connecting to the peripheral device control device 5 in a second connection mode. The connection unit is an input / output I / F using a connector (I / O port) for connecting a general-purpose cable or a dedicated cable conforming to a standard such as the USB standard, the ANSI / EIA / TIA-232-F standard, the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, etc., but may also be an input / output I / F that connects by wireless communication to transmit and / or receive information.

[0020] As an example, the peripheral device 7 may be a printer that prints documents such as receipts and labels in response to an operation request from the portable POS terminal 3 via the peripheral device control device 5.

[0021] As an example, the peripheral device 7 may be an automatic change dispenser that performs cash receipt and payout in response to an operation request from the portable POS terminal 3 via the peripheral device control device 5.

[0022] As an example, the peripheral device 7 may be a drawer for storing cash (currency) that opens and closes or operates a locking mechanism for opening and closing in response to an operation request from the portable POS terminal 3 via the peripheral device control device 5.

[0023] As an example, the peripheral device 7 may be a code reader that reads code information such as product information from code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes and outputs a reading result via the peripheral device control device 5 in response to an operation request from the portable POS terminal 3 via the peripheral device control device 5 or in response to an operation by an operator on the device itself.

[0024] As an example, the peripheral device 7 may be a card reader that reads card information in contact or non-contact from a magnetic card or an IC card and outputs a reading result via the peripheral device control device 5 in response to an operation request from the portable POS terminal 3 via the peripheral device control device 5 or in response to an operation by an operator on the device itself.

[0025] As an example, the peripheral device 7 may be an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse that outputs an input result via the peripheral device control device 5 in response to an operation by an operator on the device itself.

[0026] Note that some functions of these peripheral devices 7 may be mounted on the peripheral device control device 5. That is, the peripheral device control device 5 may be configured as a function expansion device that enables the use of the functions of the device itself or the functions of the peripheral devices 7 connected to the device itself in the connected portable POS terminal 3.

[0027] In this embodiment of the POS system 1, the connection configuration between the peripheral device control device 5 and each peripheral device 7 (second connection configuration) is different from the connection configuration between the portable POS terminal 3 and the peripheral device control device 5 (first connection configuration). In other words, the peripheral device control device 5 is connected to at least one peripheral device 7 that the portable POS terminal 3 cannot directly connect to. Of course, the peripheral device control device 5 may also be connected to a peripheral device 7 that the portable POS terminal 3 can directly connect to. Furthermore, the connection configuration between peripheral devices 71 and 72 and the peripheral device control device 5 may be different or the same.

[0028] Here, the hardware configuration of the peripheral device control device 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the external appearance of the peripheral device control device 5 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the peripheral device control device 5 according to the embodiment.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the enclosure of the peripheral device control device 5 includes a main body 51 and a top panel 53 that can be opened and closed relative to the main body 51. The peripheral device control device 5 also has a power switch 52, an operation unit 54, and a display unit 55.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the power switch 52 is located, for example, on the lower side of the main unit 51. The power switch 52 is an ON / OFF switch. When the operator switches the power switch 52 to the ON position, the power line is connected, and power from the built-in battery is supplied to various parts of the main unit 51 and the peripheral devices 7 described later. When the operator switches the power switch 52 to the OFF position, the power line is disconnected, the power supply stops, and the peripheral device control device 5 is forcibly shut down. The power switch 52 may also be configured as a power button to switch the power line between open and closed in response to detection of pressing by the operator.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the operation unit 54 is provided, for example, on the top panel 53. The operation unit 54 is an input interface that receives user input. The operation unit 54 is a touch panel that is, for example, placed on the display surface (screen) of the display unit 55 and detects the operator's touch operation and outputs a signal to the control unit 57 (see Figure 3). As an example, the operation unit 54 is configured to receive operator input for the operation screen displayed on the display unit 55 (see Figures 6 and 7). Various input devices such as keyboards, switches, and buttons may be provided as appropriate for the operation unit 54.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the display unit 55 is provided, for example, on the top panel 53. The display unit 55 is configured to display various screens generated in accordance with the control unit 57. As an example, the display unit 55 is configured to display an operation screen (see Figures 6 and 7) in accordance with the control unit 57. Various display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic electroluminescent (EL) displays can be used as the display unit 55 as appropriate.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the peripheral device control unit 5 further includes a connection unit 56, a control unit 57, and a storage unit 58. The connection unit 56, control unit 57, and storage unit 58 are located inside the housing, for example, inside the main body 51, inside the top panel 53, or on the side opposite to the display unit 55 (the back side). The operation unit 54, display unit 55, connection unit 56, control unit 57, and storage unit 58 are connected to each other via a bus 59 or the like for communication.

[0034] The connection unit 56 is connected to the portable POS terminal 3 and the peripheral devices 7 of the portable POS terminal 3 so as to be able to communicate with each of them. The connection unit 56 is configured to relay communication between the portable POS terminal 3 and the peripheral devices 7. Specifically, the connection unit 56 has a communication interface 561 and an input / output interface 562. Here, the communication interface 561 according to this embodiment is an example of a first connection unit. The input / output interface 562 according to this embodiment is an example of a second connection unit.

[0035] Communication I / F 561 is a wireless communication interface for connecting to the portable POS terminal 3 in a first connection mode that enables communication. The peripheral device control unit 5 uses communication I / F 561 to send and receive various information with the portable POS terminal 3. Alternatively, communication I / F 561 may be a communication interface for connecting to the portable POS terminal 3 via a wired connection. In this case, the connector (communication port) for the wired connection of communication I / F 561 may be provided, for example, on the back of the main unit 51.

[0036] The input / output interface (I / O port) 562 is a connection interface using connectors (I / O ports) for connecting each of the multiple peripheral devices 7 to the peripheral device control device 5 in a second connection manner. Multiple input / output interfaces (I / O ports) 562 are provided. Various peripheral devices 7 can be detachably connected to each of the multiple input / output interfaces (I / O ports) 562. The peripheral device control device 5 transmits and receives various information with each of the multiple peripheral devices 7 using the input / output interfaces (I / O ports) 562. The connectors (I / O ports) of the multiple input / output interfaces (I / O ports) may be provided, for example, on the back of the main unit 51.

[0037] The control unit 57 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor and memory of the control unit 57 are connected to each other via an internal bus for communication. The control unit 57 is configured, for example, in the same way as a general computer, and is configured to control the operation of each part of the peripheral device control device 5 by loading various programs stored in the ROM and storage unit 58 into the RAM, and having the processor execute the loaded programs.

[0038] In this embodiment, the processor in the control unit 57 may be a processor other than the CPU, or in addition to the CPU. Suitable alternative processors include various types of processors such as GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), as well as dedicated arithmetic circuits implemented using ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0039] The memory unit 58 is a storage device equipped with a non-volatile storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory unit 58 stores various programs and data related to the operation of the peripheral device control device 5, as well as device drivers for the peripheral devices 7.

[0040] For example, the memory unit 58 stores the control program 581. For example, the control program 581 includes firmware such as a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) for starting the OS (Operating System) that controls the entire peripheral device control device 5. For example, the control program 581 includes programs for realizing each of the functional units of the peripheral device control device 5 described later. For example, the control program 581 includes application programs executed by each of the functional units described later. These application programs include the cover application, connection application, and application executed in maintenance and management processing described later. These programs may be configured as any one or more programs as appropriate.

[0041] Here, the functional configuration of the peripheral device control device 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the peripheral device control device 5 according to this embodiment.

[0042] The control unit 57, by having the processor execute the control program 581 loaded into memory, realizes the functions of a function limiting unit 501, a connection management unit 502, and a maintenance management unit 503, as shown in Figure 4.

[0043] The function restriction unit 501 is configured to enable the execution of a cover application (cover app) that performs a permanent display across the entire screen of the cover screen 810 (see Figure 6) by the display unit 55 when the peripheral device control device 5 is started. Here, the cover application according to the embodiment is an example of a first application. Also, the cover screen 810 displayed by the cover application according to the embodiment is an example of a first operation screen.

[0044] For example, the peripheral device control unit 5 is configured to run the cover application when it starts up. In this case, the function restriction unit 501 runs the cover application when the peripheral device control unit 5 starts up. As a result, the function restriction unit 501 displays the cover screen 810 in a resident state across the entire screen before other applications of the cover application or the OS display an operation screen in the display unit 55 to accept user input after the peripheral device control unit 5 has started up.

[0045] For example, when the operation unit 54 receives an operation of the "Return to Windows®" button 815 (see Figure 7) on the cover screen 810, the function restriction unit 501 displays an authentication screen 820 (see Figure 7) for authenticating the operator using the display unit 55. Furthermore, once the operator is authenticated, the function restriction unit 501 terminates the resident display across the entire cover screen 810. Here, the "Return to Windows®" button 815 in this embodiment is an example of the operation unit 54 for instructing the execution of other applications or OS settings for the cover application, and is an example of a third operation button. Also, the authentication screen 820 in this embodiment is an example of a second operation screen.

[0046] The function limiting unit 501 terminates the resident display across the entire screen, for example, by terminating the cover application, but it may also be configured to terminate the resident display across the entire screen as a function of the cover application.

[0047] The connection management unit 502 manages communication between the portable POS terminal 3 and the peripheral device 7. Specifically, the connection management unit 502 is configured to run a connection application (connection app) that manages the connection of the peripheral device 7 to the portable POS terminal 3 while the cover screen 810 is constantly displayed. The connection application may be configured as a function of the OS. Here, the connection application according to this embodiment is an example of a second application.

[0048] For example, the connection management unit 502 sends and receives various types of information to and from the portable POS terminal 3 via the communication interface 561.

[0049] For example, the connection management unit 502 receives operation requests regarding peripheral devices 7 transmitted from the portable POS terminal 3. Furthermore, for example, the connection management unit 502 causes the peripheral device 7, as instructed by the operation request, to perform the requested operation via the input / output interface 562. Also, for example, the connection management unit 502 transmits the operation result of the peripheral device 7 in response to the operation request to the portable POS terminal 3.

[0050] For example, when the connection management unit 502 receives notification from the peripheral device 7 of an operation result, such as the operator's input result, via the input / output interface 562, it transmits that operation result to the portable POS terminal 3 via the communication interface 561.

[0051] The maintenance management unit 503 executes maintenance and management processing when the operator is authenticated on the authentication screen 820. Here, the maintenance management unit 503 in this embodiment is an example of an execution unit.

[0052] As an example, in maintenance and management processing, the maintenance management unit 503 receives operation input from the operator to the operation unit 54 related to the execution of other applications of the cover application or the settings of the OS.

[0053] Here, with reference to the drawings, an example of the operation of the POS system 1 with the above configuration will be described. Figures 5-1 and 5-2 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing flow executed in the peripheral device control device 5 according to the embodiment. In the following description, Figures 5-1 and 5-2 may be collectively referred to simply as Figure 5. Note that the flow in Figure 5 is merely an example, and steps can be added, deleted, and their order changed as desired. For example, the order in which the pressing of each operation button is determined can be rearranged.

[0054] The control unit 57 starts the peripheral device control device 5 in response to, for example, the power switch 52 being turned on. Specifically, the control unit 57 starts the OS (for example, Windows®) of the peripheral device control device 5 by executing firmware such as a BIOS stored in memory such as ROM (S101). Subsequently, the function limiting unit 501 starts the cover application (S102) and displays the cover screen 810 in full screen and always at the foreground on the display unit 55 (S103). At the same time, the connection management program (connection application) is also started by the connection management unit 502.

[0055] Figure 6 shows an example of a cover screen 810 displayed during processing performed by the peripheral device control device 5. The cover screen 810 includes a display 811 of an ID that uniquely identifies the logged-in operator. The cover screen 810 also includes displays of a "Restart" button 813 and a "Shutdown" button 814. Here, the "Restart" button 813 in this embodiment is an example of an operation unit 54 for instructing the restart of the peripheral device control device 5, and is an example of a first operation button. The "Shutdown" button 814 in this embodiment is an example of an operation unit 54 for instructing the power off, i.e., shutdown, of the peripheral device control device 5, and is an example of a second operation button. The cover screen 810 also further includes a display of a "Return to Windows®" button 815.

[0056] As described above, in the peripheral device control device 5 according to this embodiment, the cover screen 810 is displayed in its entirety when it starts up. Note that logging into the OS in the peripheral device control device 5 may be done automatically, i.e., without user input, or it may be done manually. Furthermore, in the peripheral device control device 5 according to this embodiment, after logging into the OS, the cover application is launched, for example by the Task Scheduler, which initiates the display of the cover screen 810. In other words, the full-screen display of the cover screen 810 starts when the peripheral device control device 5 starts up, specifically after logging into the OS, but before other applications of the cover application can accept input operations on the display unit 55's operation screen, thereby disabling operations on other applications or the OS. Additionally, operation buttons on the cover screen 810 allow for restarting or shutting down the peripheral device control device 5 and terminating the cover application, as described below.

[0057] The function limiting unit 501 determines whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since the permanent display across the entire screen of the cover screen 810 was started or restarted, or since the most recent operation by the operator (S104). This certain amount of time can be set arbitrarily and, for example, is set in advance and stored in the internal memory of the control unit 57 or the storage unit 58.

[0058] If a certain period of time has elapsed (S104: Yes), the function restriction unit 501 turns off the screen of the display unit 55, i.e., turns off the display (S105). After that, the function restriction unit 501 waits if there is no operation by the operator on the operation unit 54, i.e., no screen touch (S106: No). On the other hand, if there is a screen touch (S106: Yes), the process in Figure 5 returns to the process in S103, and the permanent display across the entire screen of the cover screen 810 is resumed.

[0059] As described above, the peripheral device control device 5 according to this embodiment is configured to interrupt the cover screen 810 by turning off the backlight of the display when there is no operation for a certain period of time, in order to prevent the cover application operation screen from remaining displayed, and to restart the display of the cover screen 810 by turning on the backlight when the operator performs an operation on the screen. This not only reduces power consumption but also suppresses unnecessary operations by preventing the operator from being prompted to perform operations by the screen display, thereby suppressing unauthorized operations.

[0060] On the other hand, if a certain amount of time has not elapsed (S104: No), the function restriction unit 501 determines whether the "Return to Windows" button 815 has been pressed (S107). If the "Return to Windows" button 815 has not been pressed (S107: No), the function restriction unit 501 determines whether the "Restart" button 813 has been pressed (S108).

[0061] If the "Restart" button 813 is pressed (S108: Yes), the function restriction unit 501 displays a restart confirmation dialog box via the display unit 55 (S109) and determines whether to restart the peripheral device control device 5 (S110).

[0062] If it is determined that a restart is necessary (S110: Yes), the function limiting unit 501 restarts the peripheral device control unit 5 (S111). After that, the flow in Figure 5 returns to the process in S102. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a restart is necessary (S110: No), the flow in Figure 5 returns to the process in S103.

[0063] On the other hand, if the "restart" button 813 is not pressed (S108: No), the function restriction unit 501 determines whether the "shutdown" button 814 has been pressed (S112).

[0064] If the "Shutdown" button 814 is pressed (S112: Yes), the function restriction unit 501 displays a termination confirmation dialog box using the display unit 55 (S113) and determines whether to shut down the peripheral device control device 5 (S114).

[0065] If it is determined that a shutdown is to be performed (S114: Yes), the function limiting unit 501 shuts down the peripheral device control device 5 (S115). After that, the flow shown in Figure 5 ends. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a shutdown is to be performed (S114: No), the flow shown in Figure 5 returns to the process in S103.

[0066] The restart confirmation dialog (S109) and the shutdown confirmation dialog (S113) are displayed as pop-ups on the screen of the display unit 55, for example, on the cover screen 810, but they may also be displayed as full-screen displays similar to the cover screen 810. Furthermore, the function restriction unit 501 determines whether to restart or shut down the peripheral device control device 5 based on the operator's input to these confirmation dialogs. For example, these confirmation dialogs include the display of operation buttons (operation unit 54), such as a "yes" button and a "no" button. In this case, the function restriction unit 501 may determine not to restart or shut down if a predetermined time has elapsed since the dialog was displayed, not limited to the operator's operation of these operation buttons. These predetermined times are, for example, set in advance and stored in the internal memory of the control unit 57 or the storage unit 58.

[0067] As described above, the peripheral device control device 5 according to this embodiment is configured to display a confirmation dialog when the "restart" button 813 or the "shutdown" button 814 is pressed, and to restart or shut down the terminal if "yes" is selected.

[0068] Furthermore, if the "Return to Windows" button 815 is pressed (S107: Yes), the function restriction unit 501 displays the authentication screen 820 on the display unit 55 (S116).

[0069] Figure 7 shows an example of an authentication screen 820 displayed during processing performed by the peripheral device control device 5. The authentication screen 820 includes a display 811 of an ID that uniquely identifies the logged-in operator. The authentication screen 820 also includes a password input field 823, a "Yes" button 824, and a "No" button 825. The password input field 823 is an example of an operation unit 54 for entering a password for operator authentication. The authentication screen 820 may also display message information such as "Returning to Windows(registered trademark). Please enter your password." along with the password input field 823. In this embodiment, the case of password authentication is illustrated, but other authentication methods such as biometric authentication or multi-factor authentication may be used instead of password authentication. The "Yes" button 824 is an example of an operation unit 54 for instructing the execution of password authentication. For example, the operator presses the "Yes" button 824 after entering the password. The "No" button 825 is an example of an operation unit 54 for instructing the end of password authentication, i.e., the end of the authentication screen 820. For example, if the operator wants to interrupt or terminate password authentication, they press the "No" button 825.

[0070] The authentication screen 820 may be a screen that occupies the entire screen, similar to the cover screen 810, or it may be a screen that pops up when the cover screen 810 is displayed.

[0071] Furthermore, after the authentication screen 820 is displayed, the function restriction unit 501 may control the on / off status of the display depending on whether or not there has been any operation for a certain period of time, in the same manner as in the processing of S104 to S106.

[0072] After the authentication screen 820 is displayed, the function restriction unit 501 determines whether the "Yes" button 824 has been pressed (S117). If the "Yes" button 824 has not been pressed (S117: No), the function restriction unit 501 determines whether the "No" button 825 has been pressed (S118). If the "No" button 825 has been pressed (S118: Yes), the flow in Figure 5 returns to the process in S103. On the other hand, if the "No" button 825 has not been pressed, the flow in Figure 5 returns to the process in S116.

[0073] On the other hand, if the "Yes" button 824 is pressed (S117: Yes), the function restriction unit 501 determines whether the password is correct (S119). If the correct password is not entered (S119: No), the function restriction unit 501 displays an error message using the display unit 55 (S120). The error message is displayed as a pop-up on the screen of the display unit 55, for example, on the authentication screen 820, but it may also be displayed as a full-screen display similar to the cover screen 810. After that, the flow in Figure 5 returns to the process in S116.

[0074] On the other hand, if the correct password is entered (S119: Yes), the function restriction unit 501 terminates the cover application (S120). In other words, after password authentication, the function restriction unit 501 terminates the cover application, thereby ending the resident display across the entire cover screen 810.

[0075] As described above, the peripheral device control device 5 according to this embodiment is configured to display an authentication screen 820 for password input when the "Return to Windows®" button is pressed, and to terminate the cover application when the correct password is entered on the authentication screen 820.

[0076] After the cover application has finished, the maintenance management unit 503 performs maintenance and management processing in response to the operator's input to the operation unit 54 (S122). As described above, the maintenance and management processing is performed after the cover application has finished, that is, when the screen operation disabled by the cover screen 810 has been released. After that, the flow shown in Figure 5 ends.

[0077] The peripheral device control unit 5 is, for example, set by default to run the cover application at startup, but is not limited to this. For example, the peripheral device control unit 5 may be set to run the cover application triggered by the connection (installation) of the peripheral device 7. In this case, the function restriction unit 501 runs the cover application when the peripheral device 7 is connected, thereby causing the cover screen 810 to remain resident across the entire screen before other applications of the cover application or the OS display an operation screen on the display unit 55 to accept operator input after the connection.

[0078] Furthermore, the peripheral device control device 5 may be configured to terminate the resident display across the entire screen of the cover screen 810 when, for example, the peripheral device 7 is disconnected (removed), i.e., when the peripheral device 7 is not connected. In this case, the maintenance management unit 503 performs maintenance and management processing in the same way as when authentication is performed on the authentication screen 820.

[0079] Furthermore, the permanent display across the entire screen of the cover screen 810 may be restarted when the peripheral device 7 is connected, or it may be restarted in response to an operation performed by an authenticated operator during maintenance and management processing.

[0080] In this embodiment, the example given is that maintenance and management processing is performed as processing related to the execution of other applications of the cover application or OS settings when the operator is authenticated on the authentication screen 820, but this is not limited to this. Processing related to the execution of other applications of the cover application or OS settings may include any processing that can be executed by the peripheral device control device 5.

[0081] As described above, the function restriction unit 501 according to this embodiment executes a cover application (first application) at startup, thereby permanently displaying the cover screen 810 (first operation screen) across the entire screen on the display unit 55. The cover screen 810 is an operation screen that displays only the minimum necessary operation buttons, such as restarting or shutting down the peripheral device control device 5.

[0082] Furthermore, the person in charge of maintenance and management of the peripheral device control device 5 may, for example, launch other tools (applications) of the cover application or change OS settings for maintenance purposes. For this reason, the function restriction unit 501 according to the embodiment further displays an operation button (in this embodiment, a "Return to Windows®" button 815) on the cover screen 810 to terminate the cover application or the resident display across the entire screen. To ensure that only the person in charge of maintenance and management can terminate the cover application, the function restriction unit 501 according to the embodiment is configured to perform authentication using password input or the like by transitioning to the authentication screen 820 or displaying a pop-up.

[0083] According to the configuration in which the cover screen 810 is permanently displayed across the entire screen at startup, operations other than those performed by the operation buttons included in the full-screen display can be suppressed. In other words, according to the above configuration, the display of operation screens by other applications or the OS of the cover application can be suppressed. That is, according to the above configuration, operation input to the operator's operation screen related to the settings of other applications or the OS can be disabled. Therefore, according to the configuration according to the embodiment, in a screen-operable peripheral device control device 5 (information processing device) that connects the portable POS terminal 3 and peripheral devices 7, operations by anyone other than a specific operator can be restricted, and unauthorized operations by anyone other than a specific operator can be suppressed.

[0084] According to at least one embodiment described above, fraudulent operations can be suppressed in a screen-operable peripheral device control device 5 (information processing device) that connects a portable POS terminal 3 and a peripheral device 7.

[0085] In the embodiments described above, "determining whether it is A" may mean "determining that it is A," "determining that it is not A," or "determining whether or not it is A."

[0086] Furthermore, each control program executed by each device of the POS system 1 in this embodiment is provided pre-loaded into a storage medium such as ROM.

[0087] Each control program executed by each device of the POS system 1 in this embodiment may be configured to be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0088] Furthermore, the control programs executed by each device of the POS system 1 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Alternatively, the control programs executed by each device of the POS system 1 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0089] The control program 581 executed by the peripheral device control device 5 of this embodiment has a modular configuration that includes the above-mentioned parts (function limiting unit 501, connection management unit 502, and maintenance management unit 503). The CPU of the control unit 57 reads the control program 581 from the storage medium and loads the above-mentioned parts onto the main memory of the control unit 57, such as RAM. As a result, the above-mentioned parts are created on the main memory.

[0090] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0091] (Note) (1) A connection unit is configured to be able to communicate with an external device and a peripheral device of the external device, and to relay communication between the external device and the peripheral device. A display unit configured to display an operation screen, An operation unit configured to accept operator input on the aforementioned operation screen, A function restriction unit configured to enable the execution of a first application at startup, which performs a resident display across the entire screen of the first operation screen using the aforementioned display unit, The system includes a connection control unit configured to run a second application for managing the connection of the peripheral device to the external device while the first operation screen is constantly displayed, Information processing device. (2) The function restriction unit executes the first application at startup, thereby ensuring that the first operation screen is displayed resident across the entire screen before other applications or the OS of the first application display an operation screen on the display unit for accepting user input after startup. The information processing device described in (1) above. (3) The function restriction unit, when the external device is connected, executes the first application, thereby performing a permanent display of the first operation screen across the entire screen before other applications or the OS of the first application display an operation screen on the display unit for accepting user input after the connection. The information processing device described in (1) or (2) above. (4) The first operation screen includes the display of a first operation button for instructing a restart, a second operation button for instructing a shutdown, and a third operation button for instructing the first application to run other applications or configure the OS settings. An information processing device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (3). (5) The aforementioned function limiting unit is When the operation unit receives an operation of the third operation button, the display unit displays a second operation screen for authenticating the operator. If the aforementioned operator is authenticated, the persistent display of the first operation screen across the entire screen will be terminated. The information processing device described in (4) above. (6) If the aforementioned operator is authenticated, the first application further includes an execution unit that accepts operations related to the execution of other applications or OS settings. The information processing device described in (5) above. (7) A first connection part for connecting to the external device in a first connection configuration, The device further comprises a second connection part for connecting to the peripheral device in a second connection mode different from the first connection mode described above, An information processing device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (6). (8) The function limiting unit terminates the resident display of the entire first operation screen if the external device is not connected. An information processing device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (7). (9) If the aforementioned external device is not connected, the first application further includes an execution unit that accepts operations related to the execution of other applications or OS settings. The information processing device described in (8) above. (10) An information processing device described in any one of the above items (1) to (9), The external device is configured to run a POS application and to be connected to the information processing device in a first connection mode, The peripheral device is configured to be connectable to the information processing device in a second connection configuration different from the first connection configuration, Information processing system. (11) A connection unit is configured to be able to communicate with an external device and a peripheral device of the external device, and to relay communication between the external device and the peripheral device. A display unit configured to display an operation screen, An information processing device comprising an operation unit configured to accept operator input for the aforementioned operation screen, By executing a first application that performs a resident display of the first operation screen across the entire screen using the display unit at startup, the resident display of the first operation screen across the entire screen is performed before other applications or the OS of the first application display an operation screen on the display unit to accept user input after startup. To run a second application that manages the connection of the peripheral device to the external device while the first operation screen is displayed in the background, and to cause the computer to execute program. (12) A connection unit is configured to be able to communicate with an external device and a peripheral device of the external device, and to relay communication between the external device and the peripheral device. A display unit configured to display an operation screen, An information processing device comprising an operation unit configured to accept operator input for the aforementioned operation screen, The display unit executes a first application that provides a resident display of the first operation screen across the entire screen when the external device is connected, thereby enabling the resident display of the first operation screen across the entire screen before other applications or the OS of the first application display an operation screen on the display unit to accept user input after connection. To run a second application that manages the connection of the peripheral device to the external device while the first operation screen is displayed in the background, and to cause the computer to execute program. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1. POS system (Information Processing System) 3. Portable POS terminal (external device) 5. Peripheral device control device (information processing device) 501 Function Limitation Unit 502 Connection Management Department 503 Maintenance and Management Department (Execution Department) 51 Main unit 52 Power switch 53 Top panel 54 Operation section 55 Display section 56 Connection part 561 Communication I / F (First connection point) 562 Input / Output Interface (Second Connection Section) 57 Control Unit 58 Memory section 59 bus 7,71,72 Peripherals 810 Cover screen 820 Authentication screen [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0093] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-53836

Claims

1. A connection unit is configured to be able to communicate with an external device and a peripheral device of the external device, and to relay communication between the external device and the peripheral device. A display unit configured to display an operation screen, An operation unit configured to accept operator input on the aforementioned operation screen, The function restriction unit is configured to enable the execution of a first application that performs a resident display across the entire screen of the first operation screen using the display unit, The system includes a connection control unit configured to run a second application for managing the connection of the peripheral device to the external device while the first operation screen is permanently displayed, The first operation screen includes the display of a first operation button for instructing a restart, a second operation button for instructing a shutdown, and a third operation button for instructing the execution of another application or OS settings of the first application. The aforementioned function limiting unit is When the OS starts up in conjunction with the startup of the device, the first application is executed, and before other applications of the first application or the OS display an operation screen on the display unit to accept user input, the first operation screen is displayed permanently across the entire screen. When the operation unit receives an operation of the third operation button, the display unit displays a second operation screen for authenticating the operator. If the aforementioned operator is authenticated, the persistent display of the first operation screen across the entire screen will be terminated. Information processing device.

2. The function restriction unit, when the external device is connected, executes the first application, thereby performing a permanent display of the first operation screen across the entire screen before other applications or the OS of the first application display an operation screen on the display unit for accepting user input after the connection. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first application further comprises an execution unit that accepts an operation relating to the execution of another application or the setting of the OS when the operator is authenticated. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The function limiting unit terminates the permanent display of the first operation screen across the entire screen when the external device is not connected. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The first application further comprises an execution unit that accepts the execution of other applications or operations related to the settings of the OS when the external device is not connected. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. A connection unit is configured to be able to communicate with an external device and a peripheral device of the external device, and to relay communication between the external device and the peripheral device. A display unit configured to display an operation screen, An information processing device comprising an operation unit configured to accept operator input for the aforementioned operation screen, The display unit executes a first application that performs a resident display of the first operation screen across the entire screen when the OS starts up in conjunction with the startup of the device, thereby ensuring that the resident display of the first operation screen across the entire screen is performed before any other applications of the first application or the OS displays an operation screen on the display unit to accept user input after startup. A program to cause a computer to execute a second application for managing the connection of the peripheral device to the external device, while the first operation screen is displayed in the background, The first operation screen includes the display of a first operation button for instructing a restart, a second operation button for instructing a shutdown, and a third operation button for instructing the execution of another application or OS settings of the first application. When the operation unit receives an operation of the third operation button, the display unit displays a second operation screen for authenticating the operator. If the aforementioned operator is authenticated, the resident display across the entire screen of the first operation screen will be terminated, and further, to be performed program.

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