JP2009015750A - Network system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system and a program that enable control of a device without installation of a device driver in a client. <P>SOLUTION: Upon receiving an application execution request involving a device operation, a control server 3 generates device control information for device control, saves the device control information, and then generates and sends to the client terminal 31 first response data to the application execution request. Upon receiving the first response data, the client terminal 31 sends a device operation request to the device 4. Upon receiving the device operation request, the device 4 sends a device control information request to the control server 3 to receive the device control information from the control server 3, then operates according to the device control information, and sends the result as second response data to the client terminal 31. The client terminal 31 receives the second response data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a network system and a program for controlling devices via a network such as a LAN or the Internet.

Conventionally, when a device is generally used from a computer, a device driver for a specific OS provided by a device manufacturer is installed in the computer to operate the device (peripheral devices such as a printer and a scanner). In addition, when a device is shared by many computers, a method is known in which device drivers corresponding to the device are collectively managed by a server (centralized driver storage) provided on the network and distributed to each computer (client). (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In this case, the server manages the device driver for each OS such as Windows 2000 (registered trademark) or Windows XP (registered trademark), and also manages the version (version number) of the device driver according to the OS of each client. By distributing device drivers, devices (shared devices) can be used from each client.
JP 2004-303252 A

  However, in the above, in order to use a device, it is necessary to install a device driver in each client. Since this device driver operates depending on the OS, the processing load on the client increases. Also, the device manufacturer has to develop a corresponding device driver for each client OS type, which increases the development cost.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a network system and a program capable of controlling a device without installing a device driver in a client.

  The network system of the present invention includes one or more client terminals that request execution of an application, one or more devices that operate in accordance with the operation of the client terminal, and one or more control servers that execute the application and control the devices A network system in which at least a client terminal and a control server, a device and a control server, and a client terminal and a device are connected to a network, respectively, and the control server executes an application with device operation from the client terminal. Execution request receiving means for receiving a request, device control information generating means for generating device control information for controlling a device upon reception of an application execution request, and storing the generated device control information in a queue for each device Device control information storing means, first response data generating means for generating first response data including an execution result of the application in association with storage of the device control information, and first information for transmitting the first response data to the client terminal Response data transmission means, and the client terminal sends an operation request means for transmitting a device operation request to the device in response to the reception of the first response data from the control server, and the operation result of the device in response to the device operation request. Operation result receiving means for receiving the second response data including the device, and the device transmits a device control information request to the control server in response to the reception of the device operation request from the client terminal. In response to a device control information request, the device fetched from the device-specific queue by the control server Receiving the control information, an operation unit which operates in accordance with the device-control information, the operation result of the operation means, the operation result transmission means for transmitting a second response data to the client terminal, comprising the.

  According to this configuration, when the client terminal transmits an application execution request accompanied by a device operation, the control server generates device control information for controlling the target device based on the application execution request. Save to another queue. Then, after storing the device control information, first response data including the execution result of the application is generated, and the first response data is transmitted to the client terminal. The client terminal transmits a device operation request to the target device based on the received first response data. The device that has received the device operation request requests device control information from the control server, and receives device control information stored in the device-specific queue corresponding to the device from the control server. Then, the device operates itself based on the device control information, transmits the operation result to the client terminal, and the client terminal receives the operation result, thereby completing a series of processing relating to the device operation. As a result, the control server manages device control information of each device, and each device performs operation control based on the device control information. Therefore, an operation request from the client terminal can be made without installing a device driver in the client terminal. Based on the device can be used. In addition, since a device driver is not required for the client terminal, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the client terminal related to the use of the device. Further, for the device manufacturer, there is no need to create a device driver for each type of OS of each client terminal, and there is an effect that the development cost related to this can be reduced.

  In this case, the control server includes an HTTP server, the device includes an HTTP server and an HTTP client, the client terminal includes a single function browser having no plug-in function, and the control server, the client terminal, and the device Communication is preferably performed based on a text transfer protocol.

  According to this configuration, the client terminal communicates with the control server and the device based on the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) using a single function browser, so that the environment of the client terminal (the type of OS of the client terminal) And the like (for example, peripheral devices such as a printer and a scanner) can be accessed. In addition, since the client terminal does not require a plug-in module depending on the type of OS or browser, for example, the plug-in module is not provided and the device cannot be used. The single-function browser here is a standard browser in which no plug-in module is installed.

  In these cases, the first response data includes a tag including at least device specifying information for specifying the device and operation information for specifying the operation of the device, and the operation requesting means Preferably, an operation request is transmitted.

  In these cases, the operation requesting unit inserts a tag including at least device specifying information for specifying the device and operation information for specifying the operation of the device into the received first response data, and based on the information of the tag Preferably, the device operation request is transmitted.

  According to these configurations, the first response data in which the tag including the device identification information and the operation information is inserted by the control server, or the first response in which the tag including the device identification information and the operation information is dynamically inserted by the client terminal A device operation request is transmitted based on the data. Thereby, even when the domains of the control server and the device are different, the control server and the device can cooperate seamlessly. In addition, a user who uses the client terminal can use the device without being aware of information about the device.

  In these cases, a plurality of control servers are connected to the network, the operation requesting means has control server specifying information for specifying the control server accessed by the device, and the device control information request transmitting means is the control server. It is preferable to transmit a device control information request to the target control server based on the specific information.

  According to this configuration, when there are a plurality of control servers, the control server from which the client terminal requests application execution and the control server from which the device requests device control information must be the same control server, It is necessary to specify the target control server. In this case, the device can specify the control server from which the client terminal requested the application execution based on the control server specifying information from the client terminal, and can reliably request the device control information from the same control server. it can.

  In these cases, the control server includes a user authentication unit that manages a user account using the client terminal and performs user authentication, and a device authentication unit that manages the device account and performs device authentication. It is preferable.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent falsification or leakage of information due to unauthorized access by performing user account management and user authentication. In addition, by performing device account management and device authentication, the device can be reliably identified, and troubles such as sending data to another device by mistake can be prevented.

  In these cases, the device is composed of a device body and a device adapter, the device body is connected to the client terminal and the control server via the device adapter, and the device adapter is based on a device operation request from the client terminal, It is preferable to send a device control information request to the control server.

  According to this configuration, the device main body, the client terminal, and the control server can be connected to the network via the device adapter. The device adapter can receive a device operation request from the client terminal, transmit device control information to the control server, and perform operation control of the device body based on the result. Thereby, even when the device body cannot be directly connected to the network, the device can be used from the client terminal via the network.

  In these cases, it is preferable that the control server and the client terminal, and the control server and the device are respectively connected to the Internet.

  According to this configuration, by arranging the control server on the Internet, it is possible to access the control server and use the application and the device regardless of the installation location of the client terminal and the device.

  In these cases, it is preferable that the control server functions as a POS server and the client terminal functions as a POS terminal.

  According to this configuration, since it is not necessary to install an application or a device driver in each POS terminal, it is possible to reduce the cost of the POS terminal and reduce the time and cost required for maintenance and management.

  In these cases, a proxy control server that is connected to the control server and performs processing similar to that of the control server is further provided, and the proxy control server substitutes processing of the control server when the control server is in an abnormal state. It is preferable to carry out.

  According to this configuration, when the control server is in an abnormal state, the proxy control server can execute a processing request from the client terminal and a device control information request from the device. Thereby, the proxy control server can be used as a backup server of the control server, and the client terminal and the device can acquire the execution result of the application and the device control information without being aware of the malfunction of the control server. The abnormal state is a state that is not a normal state, and refers to, for example, a case where there is no response from the control server application or a case where the control server fails.

  In this case, it is preferable to synchronize information regarding application execution requests between the control server and the proxy control server.

  According to this configuration, the control server and the proxy control server can be synchronized. For example, even when the control server is in an abnormal state, the client terminal displays the same execution result as when the control server requests execution. The device can acquire the same response result as when the control information is requested from the control server.

  In these cases, the control server and the proxy control server are preferably connected to the Internet, and the control server, the client terminal, and the device are preferably connected to the LAN.

  According to this configuration, since the control server, the client terminal, and the device are LAN-connected, compared with the case where the control server is installed on the Internet, between the control server and the client terminal and between the control server and the device. The response speed can be increased.

  In these cases, it is preferable that the device includes device setting means for performing a setting service for the device, and the client terminal uses the setting service provided by the device setting means to perform device setting.

  According to this configuration, since it is possible to set the device using the setting service from the client terminal, it is not necessary to provide an input device in the device, and the device can be set easily and at low cost. Note that the setting service here refers to initial setting of a device (setting of an IP address, a control server name to be communicated, etc.) by a UI via a Web page, a Web service API, or the like.

  In these cases, the control server includes device environment setting means for performing an environment setting service for the device to be controlled, and the client terminal uses the environment setting service provided by the device environment setting means to perform device environment setting. It is preferable.

  According to this configuration, by using the device environment setting service provided by the control server, the environment setting of the device to be controlled from the client terminal (device registration / deletion, device name / ID setting, device property Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an input device for setting the environment for each device, and the device environment can be set easily and at low cost. Note that the environment setting service here is for setting the environment of a device by a UI using a Web page, a Web service API, or the like.

  The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as each means of a control server in the network system described above.

  By using this program, the device can be operated based on an operation request from the client terminal without installing a device driver in the client terminal.

  Hereinafter, a network system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The network system according to the present embodiment is a system that can use a target device based on a device operation request from a client terminal without installing a device driver in the client terminal. Hereinafter, a case where the network system of the present invention is applied to a POS system used in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store will be described as an example. The device of the present invention is intended for non-standard devices other than keyboard devices and pointer devices.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a POS system 1 (network system) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of POS terminals 2 (two in FIG. 1) that receive merchandise information and calculates a settlement amount. The POS terminal 2 is connected to the POS terminal 2 via the Internet 5 and includes a POS server 3 (control server) that manages the POS terminal 2. By installing the POS server 3 on the Internet 5, it is possible to access the POS terminal 2 regardless of the installation location of the POS terminal 2, and the POS service having the same quality can be provided to many users.

  The POS server 3 is constructed as a so-called Web application server. As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 11 (Central Processing Unit), ROM 12 (Read Only Memory), RAM 13 (Random Access Memory), HDD 14 (Hard Disk Drive), input device 15, a display 16, an input / output interface (Input / Output) 17, and a communication interface 18, and processes data in the RAM 13 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 12. The HDD 14 stores an HTTP server 21, a POS application 22 (Web application), a product master 23 (database), a device management application 24 (Web application), and a device management database 25.

  The POS server 3 communicates with the POS terminal 2 (the browser 51 of the host device 31) via the HTTP server 21 based on the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). That is, the CPU 11 of the POS server 3 receives an application execution request including a device operation from the POS terminal 2 (host device 31) as an HTTP request via the communication interface 18 (execution request receiving means). Based on the application execution request, the CPU 11 generates device control information (device command or the like) corresponding to the target device 4 by using the device management application 24 (device control information generation unit), and the device management database 25. Is stored in the device-specific queue (device control information storage means). Further, when there is data that is a target for data output or data writing on the device 4 side, the CPU 11 converts the data into a format that can be processed by the target device 4 by the device management application 24. And is stored in the device management database 25 together with the device control information. The POS server 3 assigns a job ID to each processing request from the POS terminal 2 and manages it. For example, when a print canceling process or the like occurs, the canceling process is performed by specifying the job ID. Do.

  After storing the device control information, the CPU 11 generates an execution result (first response data) for the application execution request (first response data generation means) and transmits it to the POS terminal 2 (host device 31) (first device). Response data transmission means). In this case, the CPU 11 specifies, as response data, device specifying information (IP address of the device 4) for specifying the device 4 to be operated (for example, a peripheral device such as the printing apparatus 34 or a scanner), and the operation of the device 4. Operation information (for example, information such as API for device operation), POS server specifying information (control server specifying information) for specifying the POS server 3 (self), and a result of the storage process of the device control information ( Data in HTML format or XML format (page) in which “success / failure of storage” or the like is inserted as a tag is transmitted to the POS terminal 2 (host device 31).

  On the other hand, the POS server 3 also communicates with the device 4 (or the device adapter 33) based on HTTP via the HTTP server 21. The CPU 11 of the POS server 3 receives the device control information request from the device 4 as an HTTP request. Based on the device control information request, device control information (device command or the like) stored in the target device queue is sequentially extracted and transmitted as response data to the device 4. Further, when there is data that is a target for data output or data writing on the device 4 side, the data is transmitted together with the device control information. The device control information is generated as data in XML format (or HTML format).

  The POS application 22 is for performing a payment process based on a request from the POS terminal 2. For example, when product input information is transmitted from the POS terminal 2, the CPU 11 executes the POS application 22 and extracts information on the product code, the product name, and the amount of money from the product master 23 based on the input information. Product data used for printing a receipt and displaying on the customer display 32 of the POS terminal 2 is generated. Further, the CPU 11 generates settlement information print data for printing on a receipt from the input information from the POS terminal 2 and the generated product data. These generated data are stored in the device management database 25 together with the device control information in accordance with the application execution request from the POS terminal 2. Each data generated here is data in HTML format or XML format.

  The CPU 11 of the POS server 3 performs account management of a user (employee) who uses the POS terminal 2 and identifies the user (user authentication means). The CPU 11 receives the user ID and password transmitted from the POS terminal 2 and authenticates whether or not the user ID and password registered in the POS server 3 match. If the authentication is successful, access to the POS server 3 is permitted. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the user ID and password are input again, or an access rejection notification is transmitted. Thereby, falsification or leakage of information due to unauthorized access to the POS server 3 can be prevented.

  Further, the CPU 11 of the POS server 3 performs account management for the device 4 and identifies the device 4 (device authentication means). The CPU 11 receives the device ID and password transmitted from the device 4 and authenticates whether or not the device ID and password registered in the POS server 3 match. When the authentication is successful, access to the POS server 3 is permitted, and when the authentication is unsuccessful, the access to the POS server 3 is rejected and the device 4 is notified of this. As a result, the device 4 can be reliably identified, and troubles such as erroneous transmission of data to another device 4 can be prevented.

  The POS server 3 includes an environment setting service for setting the environment of each device 4 managed by the POS server 3 and provides a device environment setting function to the POS terminal 2 (host device 31) or the like (device environment setting means). . In this environment setting service, for example, registration / deletion of the device 4, setting of the device name / ID, property setting of the device 4 and the like can be performed. The environment setting service is preferably provided as, for example, a UI (User Interface) or a Web service API (Application Program Interface) using a Web page. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide an input device for setting the environment for each device 4, and the device 4 can be set easily and at low cost.

  On the other hand, the POS terminal 2 includes a host device 31 (client terminal) that acquires product data from the POS server 3, a customer display 32 (device main body) that displays product names, sales amounts, and the like, and the customer display 32 as the host device 31. A device adapter 33 for connecting to a network and a printing device 34 for printing payment information on a receipt are connected via a LAN 35 (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the host device 31 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, an HDD 44, an input / output interface 45, a standard input device 46, and a communication interface 47. A browser 51 (Web browser) is stored in the HDD 44. Yes. The CPU 41 processes data in the RAM 43 according to a control program stored in the ROM 42. The standard input device 46 includes a keyboard 52 and a barcode scanner 53 (barcode reader), and the CPU 41 receives a product code, a product name, a price, and the like from the POS server 3 by inputting with the keyboard 52 and reading with the barcode scanner 53. Get product data about.

  The browser 51 is a single function browser (standard browser) having no plug-in module, and the CPU 41 is connected to the network (Internet connection or LAN connection) via the communication interface 47 using the browser 51. It communicates with the POS server 3 and the devices 4 such as the customer display 32 (device adapter 33) and the printing device 34. This communication is performed based on HTTP, http (s): // x. x. x. This is done by connecting to the POS server 3 and each device 4 by designating a URI such as x /.

  The CPU 41 uses the browser 51 to transmit an application execution request to the POS server 3 based on input information from the standard input device 46. At this time, when the response data from the POS server 3 is displayed on the customer display 32 or accompanied by a device operation such as printing by the printing device 34, the application execution request is transmitted including information indicating that the device operation is accompanied. . Then, the CPU 41 stores information (device specifying information) for specifying the device 4 (customer display 32, printing device 34, etc.) to be operated from the POS server 3, operation information for specifying the operation of the device 4, and storage of device control information. As a result, it receives (acquires) response data in HTML format or XML format in which information (control server specifying information) or the like for specifying the POS server 3 that transmitted the application execution request is inserted as a tag. Thereafter, the CPU 41 transmits a device operation request to the target device 4 based on the received response data (operation request unit). The device operation request includes information (control server specifying information) for specifying the POS server 3 that has transmitted the application execution request. By transmitting this information to the device 4, the device 4 can identify the POS server 3 that the host apparatus 31 has requested to execute the application, and reliably requests device control information from the same POS server 3. be able to.

  Further, the CPU 41 receives response data including an operation result for the device operation request from the device 4 (operation result receiving means), determines an operation result (operation success / failure) of the device 4 based on the response data, Process. In other words, when the device 4 is operated, the host device 31 only needs to transmit a device operation request (HTTP request) to the device 4 using the browser 51. There is no need to control. As a result, the host device 31 does not require a device driver depending on the environment (such as the type of OS) of the host device 31. Further, the browser 51 may be a single-function browser and does not require a plug-in module, so that the device 4 can be accessed without depending on the environment of the host device 31.

  Note that since a tag including information (device 4 address) on the device 4 is inserted in the response data from the POS server 3, even if the domains of the POS server 3 and the device 4 are different, the device 4 can be used without any problem. Can be accessed (cross-site access is possible), and the POS server 3 and the device 4 can cooperate seamlessly. Thereby, the user can access the device 4 without being aware of the information related to the device 4. The tag may be inserted into the response data on the POS server 3 side, or a tag may be generated on the host device 31 side and dynamically inserted into the response data.

  The customer display 32 displays product information input (read) by the standard input device 46 and presents a list of purchased products, a price, etc. to the customer. The customer display 32 described in the present embodiment assumes that a single unit cannot be connected to the network, and is connected to the host device 31 via the device adapter 33 via the LAN 35 and to the POS server 3 and the Internet 5. Connected with. Thereby, even the device 4 that cannot be connected to the network can be used from the host device 31 via the network.

  The device adapter 33 includes a CPU 61, a storage unit 62, and a communication interface 63, and the storage unit 62 includes an HTTP server 65 and an HTTP client 66. The device adapter 33 (CPU 61) communicates with the host device 31 (browser 51) based on HTTP via the HTTP server 65. The CPU 61 receives a display request (device operation request) to the customer display 32 as an HTTP request from the host device 31 (browser 51) connected via the LAN 35 via the communication interface 63. The display request includes information for specifying the POS server 3 to which the host device 31 has transmitted the application execution request. Based on this information, the CPU 61 transmits a display request (device control information request). 3 is specified. Then, the CPU 61 transmits a device control information request (HTTP request) to the POS server 3 (HTTP server 21) via the HTTP client 66 (device control information request transmitting means). At this time, the device adapter 33 (CPU 61) transmits its device ID and password together and receives device authentication by the POS server 3. After successful authentication, the CPU 61 receives device control information (for example, a device command) and display data corresponding to the request from the POS server 3. Then, based on these, the CPU 61 controls the customer display 32 to display a desired character or image (operation means), and the result (whether it has been displayed normally) is hosted via the HTTP server 65. It transmits to the apparatus 31 (browser 51) (operation result transmission means).

  In the above description, the device adapter 33 is configured as hardware, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured as software. In this case, it is preferable to incorporate the software device adapter 36 in the host device 31 and display desired information on the customer display 32 (see FIG. 3).

  The printing device 34 is a receipt printer that prints settlement information on a receipt, and includes a CPU 71, a storage unit 72, a printing unit 73, and a communication interface 74, and is connected to the host device 31 via the communication interface 74 via the LAN 35. The POS server 3 is connected to the Internet 5. The storage unit 72 includes an HTTP server 75 and an HTTP client 76 (see FIG. 2).

  The printing device 34 communicates with the host device 31 (browser 51) based on HTTP via the HTTP server 75. The CPU 71 receives a print request (device operation request) as an HTTP request from the host device 31 (browser 51) connected via the communication interface 74 via the communication interface 74 via the HTTP server 75. The print request includes information for specifying the POS server 3 to which the host apparatus 31 has transmitted the application execution request. Based on this information, the CPU 71 specifies the POS server 3 to which the device control request is transmitted. Then, the CPU 71 transmits a device control information request (HTTP request) to the POS server 3 (HTTP server 21) via the HTTP client 76 based on the print request received from the host device 31 (device control information request). Transmission means). At this time, the printing apparatus 34 (CPU 71) transmits its own device ID and password together and is authenticated by the POS server 3. After successful authentication, the CPU 71 receives device control information (for example, a device command) and print data corresponding to the request from the POS server 3. Then, based on the device control information and the print data, the CPU 71 controls the printing unit 73 to perform print processing (operation means), and the print processing result (success / failure) is hosted via the HTTP server 75. It transmits to the apparatus 31 (browser 51) (operation result transmission means).

  Further, the printing apparatus 34 includes a setting service for performing its own initial setting, and provides a device setting function to the host apparatus 31 and the like (device setting means). This setting service is preferably provided as, for example, a UI (User Interface) or a Web service API (Application Program Interface) using a Web page. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide an input device in the printing apparatus 34 (device 4), and the setting of the printing apparatus 34 (device 4) can be performed easily and at low cost.

  In the case where data generation (for example, image data generation by a scanner) or data reading (for example, data reading from a storage device) is performed on the device 4 side in response to a device operation request from the host device 31, the device 4 These data (image data, files, etc.) can be transmitted (uploaded) to the POS server 3 as an HTTP request.

  Next, a procedure for operating the device 4 from the host device 31 in the POS system 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the printing device 34 is taken as an example of the target device 4, and a procedure for printing a receipt based on the input product information will be described. First, when the host device 31 connects to the POS server 3, the POS server 3 performs an authentication process for a user who uses the host device 31 (S01, details will be described later). After the user authentication is completed, the host device 31 inputs (reads) product information using the standard input device 46 (keyboard 52 or barcode scanner 53), and receives a receipt print request (application) based on the product information input to the POS server 3. (Execution request) is transmitted (S02). The receipt print request is transmitted from the browser 51 of the host device 31 to the POS server 3 (HTTP server 21) as an HTTP request.

  When the POS server 3 receives the receipt print request (S03, execution request receiving means), the POS server 3 executes the POS application 22 and the device management application 24 based on the request, and prints the payment information print data to be printed and the XML format. Device control information (information relating to the printing apparatus 34) is generated (S04) and stored in the queue for the printing apparatus 34 (S05). The payment information print data is converted into a format that can be output by the target printing device 34. For example, the payment information print data is converted into data in the XHTML-Print format by XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformation). Thus, printing processing can be performed without a device driver corresponding to the printing apparatus 34.

  Then, the POS server 3 generates the first response data (page) in the HTML format (or the XML format) with the end of the storage process (S06, first response data generating means). The first response data includes specific information (such as an IP address) of the printing apparatus 34, information related to activation of the printing apparatus 34 (such as an API name for activation), identification information of the POS server 3 (control server identification information), device A JavaScript (registered trademark) function for receiving a callback from the printing apparatus 34 as a result of storing the control information is embedded. Then, the POS server 3 transmits the first response data (page) to the host device 31 (S07, first response data transmission means).

  The host device 31 (browser 51) receives the first response data (S08), and based on the first response data as an HTTP request to the printing device 34 (HTTP server 75) based on the first response data. A printing apparatus activation request (device activation request) including identification information (control server identification information) of the POS server 3 is transmitted (S09, operation requesting means).

  The printing apparatus 34 (HTTP server 75) receives the printing apparatus activation request from the host apparatus 31 (S10), and based on the specific information of the POS server 3 included in the request, the printing apparatus 34 (HTTP server 75) Send password. The POS server 3 performs authentication processing (device authentication) of the printing apparatus 34 based on the received ID and password of the printing apparatus 34 (S11, details will be described later). After the device authentication is completed, the printing apparatus 34 (HTTP client 76) transmits a device control information request as an HTTP request to the POS server 3 (HTTP server 21) (S12, device control information request transmitting means).

  The POS server 3 receives the device control information request (S13), and based on this request, extracts the device control information (device command, etc.) stored in the queue for the printing device 34, and sets the payment information to be printed. The print data (here, XHTML-Print format) is transmitted to the printing apparatus 34 (S14). The printing device 34 receives the device control information and the payment information print data (S15), interprets the payment information print data in the XHTML-Print format, and operates the printing unit 73 based on the device control information to perform the printing process. (S16, operation means). Thereafter, the printing apparatus 34 generates information about the execution result (success / failure etc.) of the printing process and the state of the printing apparatus 34 as second response data (S17). The second response data is generated as a callback function of JavaScript (registered trademark) by JSONP (JSON with Padding). Then, the printing device 34 transmits the second response data to the host device 31 (S18, operation result transmission means).

  The host device 31 that has received the second response data (S19, operation result receiving means) determines the operation result of the printing device 34 based on the second response data (S20). Specifically, the host device 31 executes the JavaScript (registered trademark) of the second response data and calls the callback function to acquire and determine the operation result of the printing device 34. When the printing process is normally completed (S21: Yes), the host apparatus 31 notifies the POS server 3 that the printing process in the printing apparatus 34 is normally completed (S22), and the POS server 3 notifies the notification. Receive (S23). On the other hand, if the printing process has not ended normally (S21: No), the host apparatus 31 transmits a printing apparatus activation request to the printing apparatus 34 again, or performs error processing based on the state of the printing apparatus 34. Perform (S24).

  Next, a procedure for authenticating a user who uses the host device 31 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when a user ID and a password (hereinafter referred to as user authentication information) are input by the user (S31), the host device 31 transmits the user authentication information to the POS server 3 (S32). The POS server 3 that has received the user authentication information refers to a user authentication database (not shown), and authenticates whether the password for the user ID matches that registered (S33, user authentication means). When the authentication is successful (S34: Yes), the POS server 3 permits the user (host device 31) to use the POS application 22 (S35). On the other hand, when the authentication fails (S34: No), the POS server 3 notifies the host device 31 (user) to that effect (for example, redisplays the user authentication information input screen), and the host device. 31 (user) inputs the user ID and password again (S36), and transmits the re-input user ID and password to the POS server 3 (S32). Note that when the password is erroneously input a predetermined number of times, it is preferable to perform processing such as disconnecting the connection to the POS server 3 or invalidating the user ID.

  Next, an authentication procedure for the device 4 (or the device adapter 33) accessing the POS server 3 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the device 4 transmits a device ID and a password (hereinafter, device authentication information) to the POS server 3 (S41). The POS server 3 that has received the device authentication information refers to a device authentication database (not shown) and authenticates whether the password for the device ID matches that registered (S42, device authentication means). If the authentication is successful (S43: Yes), the POS server 3 permits the device 4 to access itself (POS server 3) (S44). On the other hand, when the authentication fails (S43: No), the POS server 3 notifies the device 4 to that effect. The device 4 that has received the notification of the authentication failure (S45) notifies the host device 31 that the authentication has failed and the POS server 3 cannot be accessed (S46), and the host device 31 is based on the notification. Error processing is performed (S47).

  Next, an operation procedure when a failure occurs in the printing apparatus 34 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the printing apparatus 34 detects an error (failure) (S51), the printing apparatus 34 stops its own printing operation (S52). Then, the printing apparatus 34 transmits its own event information, status information (hereinafter, device information) and the like as an HTTP request to the POS server 3 (S53). The POS server 3 receives the device information (S54), and performs processing such as changing the status (status) of the printing apparatus 34 by the device management application 24 based on the device information (S55). A notification that the information has been received (reception completion notification) is transmitted to the printing apparatus 34 (S56). The printing apparatus 34 that has received the reception completion notification stops the operation of itself and returns response data to the device operation request from the host apparatus 31 as a callback function of JavaScript (registered trademark) by JSONP (JSON with Padding). The response data is generated (S57), and the response data is transmitted to the host device 31 (S58, operation result transmission means). When the host device 31 receives the response data from the printing device 34 (S59, operation result receiving means), the host device 31 calls the callback function to determine the state of the printing device 34 (S60), and according to the state (error content). Error processing is performed (S61).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the operation procedure of the pause operation, the recovery operation, and the stop operation of the printing operation of the printing apparatus 34 will be described. Since these operation procedures are basically the same except that the contents of data to be transmitted / received are different, here, the temporary stop operation of the printing apparatus 34 will be described.

  First, the host device 31 transmits a print operation suspension request (application execution request) as an HTTP request to the POS server 3 (HTTP server 21) via the browser 51 (S71). The POS server 3 receives the printing operation suspension request (S72, execution request receiving means), and executes the device management application 24 based on the printing operation suspension request to execute the first HTML format (or XML format). Response data (page) is generated (S73, first response data generation means). The first response data includes specific information (such as an IP address) of the printing device 34, information related to suspension of the printing device 34 (such as an API name for suspension), specific information (such as an IP address) of the POS server 3, A JavaScript (registered trademark) function for receiving a callback from the printing apparatus 34 is embedded. Then, the POS server 3 transmits the first response data (page) to the host device 31 (S74, first response data transmission means).

  The host device 31 (browser 51) receives the first response data (S75), and based on the first response data, the specific information of the POS server 3 as an HTTP request to the printing device 34 (HTTP server 75). A printer suspension request (device operation request) including (control server specifying information) is transmitted (S76, operation request means).

  When the printing apparatus 34 receives the printing apparatus suspension request from the host apparatus 31 (S77), the printing apparatus 34 transmits its own event information, status information (hereinafter, device information) and the like to the POS server 3 as an HTTP request (S78). The POS server 3 receives the device information (S79), and performs processing such as changing the state (status) of the printing apparatus 34 to a paused state by the device management application 24 based on the device information ( S80), device control information (device command or the like) for suspension, and notification (response notification) that device information has been received are transmitted to the printing apparatus 34 (S81). Upon receiving the response notification, the printing apparatus 34 temporarily stops its own operation (S82, operation means), and the second response includes information on the result of the suspension process (success / failure etc.) and the status (status) of the printing apparatus 34. Data is generated (S83). The second response data is generated as a callback function of JavaScript (registered trademark) by JSONP (JSON with Padding). Then, the printing apparatus 34 transmits the second response data to the host apparatus 31 (S84, operation result transmission means).

  The host device 31 that has received the second response data (S85, operation result receiving means) determines the operation result of the printing device 34 based on the second response data (S86). Specifically, the host device 31 executes the JavaScript (registered trademark) of the second response data and calls the callback function to acquire and determine the operation result of the printing device 34. When the temporary stop process is normally completed (S87: Yes), the host apparatus 31 completes the process related to the temporary stop of the printing apparatus 34 (S88). On the other hand, if the pause process has not been completed normally (S87: No), the host device 31 transmits a printing device pause request again to the printing device 34, or an error based on the state of the printing device 34. Processing is performed (S89). When canceling the printing operation, the printing apparatus 34 and the POS server 3 perform processing for deleting the print job (print job ID) of the printing operation to be canceled in accordance with the above processing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the device 4 is operated from the host device 31 (client terminal), the device is based on the device control information of each device 4 generated and stored (managed) by the POS server 3. 4 can be operated, the device 4 can be used without installing a device driver in the host device 31. In addition, since a device driver is not required for the host device 31, the processing load of the host device 31 related to the use of the device 4 can be reduced. Further, for the device manufacturer, it is not necessary to create a device driver for each OS type of each host device 31, and the development cost related to this can be reduced.

  Further, since it is not necessary to install the POS application 22 or device driver in each POS terminal 2 (host device 31), the POS terminal 2 (host device 31) can be reduced in cost and time required for maintenance and management. And cost can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a proxy POS server 81 (proxy control server) that executes a processing request from the host device 31 when the POS server 3 is in an abnormal state is installed in the POS system 1 described above. The server 3 and the POS terminal 2 may be installed on the same LAN 35 and the proxy POS server 81 may be installed on the Internet 5. In this case, between the POS server 3 and the proxy POS server 81, the processing status of the execution request from the host device 31, the information of the product master 23, the user authentication information (user ID and password), and the processing for the request from the device 4 The status, information in the device management database 25 (device control information and various data), data such as device authentication information (device ID and password) are synchronized at predetermined intervals, the POS server 3 becomes in an abnormal state, and the proxy POS server 81 Even when the process shifts to the above, it is ensured that the process is succeeded. As a result, the host device 31 can acquire the same execution result from the proxy POS server 81 when the execution request is made to the POS server 3. On the other hand, the device 4 can obtain from the proxy POS server 81 the same response result (device control information, print data, and the like) when the device control information is requested from the POS server 3. That is, as a result, each device 4 can be reliably operated from the host device 31 even when the POS server 3 is in an abnormal state.

  Further, since the proxy POS server 81 can be used as a backup server for the POS server 3, the host device 31 can acquire the execution result of the application without being aware of the malfunction of the POS server 3, and reliably. The device 4 can be operated. The abnormal state is a state that is not a normal state. For example, there is no response from the POS application 22 of the POS server 3 or a failure of the POS server 3. Further, since the POS server 3 and the POS terminal 2 (host device 31 and device 4) are installed on the same LAN 35, the response speed can be increased compared to the case where the POS server 3 is installed on the Internet 5, The processing efficiency of the entire POS system 1 can be improved.

In this embodiment, the customer display 32 and the printing device 34 (receipt printing device) have been described as examples of the device 4. However, the device 4 is not limited to this and is intended for consumers such as a home printer, an image scanner, and various storages. It can be applied to devices, office devices, and business devices.
Further, the POS system 1 of the above-described embodiment is an example, and the application is not limited. For example, the present invention can be applied to a form input / output system using a laser printer and an image scanner in an office.

  It is also possible to provide the function of the POS system 1 shown in the above example as a program. It is also possible to provide the program stored in a storage medium (not shown). As the recording medium, a CD-ROM, a flash ROM, a memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), a compact disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital versatile disk, a flexible disk, and the like can be used.

  Further, regardless of the above-described embodiments, the apparatus configuration, processing steps, and the like of the POS system 1 can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of a POS system. It is a system configuration diagram when a device adapter is realized by software. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for operating a printing apparatus from a host apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for operating a printing apparatus from a host apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the authentication processing procedure between a POS server and a host device. It is a flowchart explaining the authentication processing procedure between a POS server and a device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when an error occurs in the printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart for describing a processing procedure when the printing apparatus is temporarily stopped. 6 is a flowchart for describing a processing procedure when the printing apparatus is temporarily stopped. It is a system block diagram at the time of introducing a proxy POS server.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... POS system 2 ... POS terminal 3 ... POS server 4 ... Device 5 ... Internet 21, 65, 75 ... HTTP server 66, 76 ... HTTP client 31 ... Host apparatus 32 ... Customer display 33 ... Device adapter 34 ... Printing apparatus 35 ... LAN 51 ... Browser 81 ... Proxy POS server

Claims (15)

One or more client terminals that request execution of an application, one or more devices that operate in accordance with the operation of the client terminal, and one or more control servers that execute the application and control the devices A network system in which at least the client terminal and the control server, the device and the control server, and the client terminal and the device are network-connected, respectively.
The control server
Execution request receiving means for receiving an application execution request accompanied by a device operation from the client terminal;
Device control information generating means for generating device control information for controlling the device in accordance with reception of the application execution request;
Device control information storage means for storing the generated device control information in a queue for each device;
First response data generating means for generating first response data including an execution result of the application in association with storage of the device control information;
First response data transmitting means for transmitting the first response data to the client terminal,
The client terminal is
An operation requesting means for transmitting a device operation request to the device in accordance with reception of the first response data from the control server;
An operation result receiving means for receiving second response data including an operation result of the device in response to the device operation request;
The device is
Device control information request transmitting means for transmitting a device control information request to the control server in accordance with reception of the device operation request from the client terminal;
In response to the device control information request, the control server receives the device control information extracted from the device-specific queue, and operates according to the device control information.
An operation result transmitting means for transmitting the operation result of the operation means to the client terminal as the second response data. The control server includes an HTTP server,
The device comprises an HTTP server and an HTTP client,
The client terminal includes a single function browser having no plug-in function,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the control server, the client terminal, and the device communicate based on a hypertext transfer protocol. In the first response data, a tag including at least device specifying information for specifying the device and operation information for specifying an operation of the device is inserted,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the operation request unit transmits the device operation request based on information on the tag.   The operation requesting unit inserts a tag including at least device specifying information for specifying the device and operation information for specifying the operation of the device into the received first response data, and based on the information on the tag, 3. The network system according to claim 1, wherein a device operation request is transmitted. A plurality of the control servers are connected to the network,
The operation request means has control server specifying information for specifying the control server accessed by the device,
5. The device control information request transmission unit transmits the device control information request to the target control server based on the control server specifying information. 6. Network system. The control server
User authentication means for managing an account of a user who uses the client terminal and authenticating the user;
6. The network system according to claim 1, further comprising device authentication means for managing an account of the device and authenticating the device. The device is composed of a device body and a device adapter,
The device body is connected to the client terminal and the control server via the device adapter,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the device adapter transmits the device control information request to the control server based on the device operation request from the client terminal. .   The network system according to claim 1, wherein the control server and the client terminal, and the control server and the device are connected to the Internet. The control server functions as a POS server,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the client terminal functions as a POS terminal. A proxy control server that is connected to the control server and performs the same processing as the control server is further provided,
The proxy control server
The network system according to claim 1, wherein when the control server is in an abnormal state, the process of the control server is executed as a proxy.   The network system according to claim 10, wherein information regarding the application execution request is synchronized between the control server and the proxy control server. The control server and the proxy control server are connected to the Internet,
The network system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the control server, the client terminal, and the device are LAN-connected. The device includes device setting means for performing a setting service of the device,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the client terminal uses the setting service provided by the device setting unit to set the device. The control server includes device environment setting means for performing an environment setting service for the device to be controlled,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the client terminal uses the environment setting service provided by the device environment setting unit to perform environment setting of the device.   The program for functioning a computer as each means of the said control server in the network system of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 14.

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