POS Terminal Diagnostic Control via Server Command
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network systems, there is a need for a method to effectively check the operation of devices connected to clients by servers, allowing the server to execute appropriate processes based on the operation status, especially in scenarios where peripheral devices are involved, such as print units.
Innovation Solution
A network system where a client with a device control function and a diagnostic function communicates with a server, allowing the server to send control commands to initiate the diagnostic function on the client, which checks the device's operation, stops any executing device control functions, and returns the results to the server, enabling the server to manage device operations and execute processes accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device control function is executing when a diagnostic function is requested, then the device control function continues to control the device, but the server cannot check the operation of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The client stops the device control function in advance before executing the diagnostic function. This preliminary action ensures that the device control function does not interfere with the diagnostic process, allowing the server to reliably check device operation without concurrent control functions blocking the diagnostic flow.
2Loss of information
If the server wants to check device operation, then the server can execute appropriate processes, but the device control function may be interfering with the diagnostic process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device control function from the diagnostic process by stopping the device control function before executing the diagnostic function. This separation ensures that the diagnostic function can check device operation status without interference from concurrent control functions, allowing complete and accurate operation status information to be obtained and returned to the server.
3Measurement precision
If the client stops the device control function to enable diagnostic function, then the diagnostic function can check device operation, but the device control is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The client implements a periodic or on-demand diagnostic function that can be activated at appropriate intervals. The diagnostic function is executed periodically to check device operation status, allowing the system to maintain accurate measurement of device operation while managing the interruption time through scheduled execution rather than continuous interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
In a system in which a server and a client to which a device is connected communicate, the server can execute processes based on the result of checking device operation. The POS terminal of a network system has a device control function for controlling the device, and a diagnostic function for checking operation of the device. To check the operation of the device connected to the client, a maintenance server sends a control command instructing starting the diagnostic function to the POS terminal. The POS terminal stops the device control function if the device control function is executing, starts the diagnostic function, checks operation of the device with the diagnostic function, and returns the result of the checked operation to the maintenance server.