JP2007193635A - Computer and pos terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a computer or the like not only allowing even a person except a professional repairer to easily perform module replacement or repair, but also allowing reduction of TCO (total cost of ownership). <P>SOLUTION: This computer 40 has a plurality of function units 41, 42 having: function modules 71, 81 each modularized with a hardware element by functions; unit casings 72, 82 storing the function modules in an extractable state from opening parts 70, 80 each formed in one side face; and opening/closing lids 73, 83 openably closing the opening parts. In the computer 40, the function units 41, 42 are vertically overlapped, and are integrally assembled. The plurality of opening parts are disposed on one common side face with the plurality of function units overlapped, and the front faces of the plurality of opening/closing lids are flush disposed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a computer and a POS terminal.

POS (Point Of Sales) introduced at supermarkets and convenience stores
Computers for terminals are generally receipt printers, drawers, customer displays,
Many peripheral devices such as a barcode reader are connected and used (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-024939

For this reason, when replacing or repairing a module (hardware) such as at the time of a failure, it is necessary to remove and reconnect all the connected devices, which is troublesome. In addition, since the structure of this kind of POS terminal computer is complicated, it is necessary for a specialized contractor to perform replacement work, and for work sites that are urgently required to recover, the work efficiency is reduced due to the fact that the POS terminal cannot be used. In addition, the burden of replacement and repair costs paid to the contractor was a problem.

In view of such problems, the present invention provides a computer and a POS terminal that can be easily replaced or repaired even by a non-specialist and can reduce TCO (total cost of ownership). For the purpose.

Each of the computers according to the present invention includes a functional module in which hardware elements are modularized according to function, a unit housing in which the functional module is removably accommodated from an opening formed on one side surface, and the opening can be opened and closed. A computer in which a plurality of functional units each including an openable / closable lid are integrally assembled by vertically superimposing the plurality of functional units. The front surfaces of the plurality of opening / closing lids are flush with each other.

According to this configuration, it is possible to easily construct a computer by simply inserting each functional module obtained by modularizing hardware elements into the opening of the unit housing of each functional unit. That is, since a complicated process of disassembling the unit housing using a tool or the like and incorporating hardware elements is not required, module replacement and repair can be easily performed even without a specialist. In addition, since the openings of each functional unit are arranged on a common side surface in a state where a plurality of functional units are overlapped, the computer is once taken out even when stored in a narrow place such as a shelf. It is not necessary to carry out the work, and the work is easy. Furthermore, since the front surfaces of the plurality of opening / closing lids are disposed flush with each other, it is preferable in terms of design.

In the above computer, the plurality of functional units include a base unit in which a CPU module, which is a functional module obtained by modularizing a CPU, is housed in a CPU casing, which is a unit casing. It is preferable to have a front panel that also serves as at least a part of the open / close lid of the housing.

According to this configuration, since the CPU module is housed in a freely removable manner, the CPU module can be easily replaced. In addition, since the CPU module has a front panel that also serves as at least a part of the opening / closing lid, it is possible to save time for opening / closing the opening / closing lid when the CPU module is attached to and detached from the CPU casing.

In the above computer, the CPU housing is provided with a lateral connector facing the opening, an upward / downward connector facing upward and / or downward, and a connector board on which a plurality of peripheral device connectors are formed or connected. The CPU module is connected to the lateral connector from the opening side, and the functional unit stacked on the upper side and / or the lower side of the base unit is connected to the upper / downward connector from the upper side and / or the lower side. It is preferred that

According to this configuration, since the connector board on which a plurality of peripheral device connectors are formed or connected is arranged in the CPU casing, the peripheral device connector remains connected when each functional module is replaced. Work can be done. In addition, because it has a horizontal connector,
As the CPU module is mounted from the opening side, it can be automatically connected to the connector board. Furthermore, since the up / down-facing connector is provided, there is no need for cable connection, and the cable and the connector do not get in the way even when the computer is placed in a narrow place.

In the above computer, the plurality of functional units include a hard disk unit in which a hard disk module that is a functional module obtained by modularizing a hard disk drive is housed in a disk housing that is a unit housing. With the top of the base unit superposed and the top plate of the CPU housing removed,
It is preferable to connect to the downward connector from above.

According to this configuration, since the hard disk module is housed in a removable manner,
The hard disk drive can be easily replaced. In addition, the hard disk unit is an upward / downward connector (upward connector) with the top plate of the CPU casing removed.
In other words, in the non-connected state, the up / down connector is not exposed, so that it is possible to cope with a configuration that does not require a hard disk unit.

In the above-described computer, the plurality of functional units include a power unit in which a power module, which is a functional module obtained by modularizing a power adapter and a battery, is housed in a power casing that is a unit casing. It is preferable that the unit is superposed on the lower side of the base unit and connected to the up / down-facing connector from the lower side or connected to a plurality of peripheral device connectors.

According to this configuration, the battery (uninterruptible battery) is a member that needs to be replaced every predetermined period. However, since these are housed in a freely removable manner, the replacement can be easily performed. Also,
The power supply unit is configured to be connected to the upper / downward connector (downward connector) from the lower side or connected to the power connector which is one of a plurality of peripheral devices. Space can be achieved, and the latter is compatible with other power sources (external AC adapter, etc.).

In the above computer, an auto-lock mechanism that locks / unlocks the overlapping state and the CPU module mounting state is interposed between the plurality of functional units, and the CPU housing has an auto-lock mechanism. It is preferable that a locking device for switching between locking and unlocking of the mechanism is provided.

According to this configuration, only the user who has the key can attach and detach the CPU module by the lock device, so that the security can be improved. Also lock the polymerization state
Since it can be unlocked, safety can be improved.

In the computer described above, the auto-lock mechanism is preferably incorporated in the lateral connector and the up / down connector.

According to this configuration, since the connector and the auto-lock mechanism are not required separately, the device cost can be reduced.

In the above computer, the auto-lock mechanism is turned on in the base unit.
It is preferable to enter a locked state with an operation as a trigger.

According to this configuration, since the design is a foolproof design in which the functional units cannot be separated when the power is on, the user is not exposed to danger.

In the above computer, when the base unit is powered on and the locking device is unlocked, the base unit is preferably turned off.

According to this configuration, the power supply is turned off as the lock device is unlocked, which is useful for fail-safe.

  The POS terminal of the present invention is characterized by applying the above computer.

As described above, it is often arranged in a narrow place such as a cashier counter, and by applying the present invention to a POS terminal having a complicated structure, it is more effective in reducing TCO.

Hereinafter, a computer and a POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a remote maintenance system 1 including a POS terminal 10 to which a computer of the present invention is applied and a server 20 that remotely maintains the POS terminal via a network. In order to make the description easier to understand, the POS terminal 10 to be maintained is referred to as “client terminal”, and the server 20 to be maintained is referred to as “maintenance terminal”.

As shown in the figure, the client terminal 10 is connected to a computer 40 composed of one or more functional modules 71 and 81 (see FIG. 4) obtained by modularizing hardware elements by function, and the client terminal 10 POS peripheral device 60 that functions as a part of the POS.

The computer 40 includes a functional unit 41 containing the functional modules 71 and 81,
It is comprised by superposing | polymerizing 42 or more. For example, in the case of “client terminal 1” shown in the figure, the base unit 41 and the hard disk unit 42 (hereinafter “
Functional units are stacked in the order of “HDD unit”. On the other hand, the computer 40 ′ of “client terminal 2” transfers the HDD unit 42 from “client terminal 1”.
The configuration is omitted, and is configured only by the base unit 41. in this way,
The computer 40 can be configured by adding units as necessary to the base unit 41. In the illustrated example, the AC adapter 44 is connected to the computer 40, but instead, a power adapter 91a and a battery 9 as shown in FIG.
It is also possible to add a power supply unit 43 accommodating 1b (uninterruptible battery).

On the cash drawer 61, the POS peripheral device 60 includes a keyboard 62 on which an operator inputs information such as product information and customer information, an operator display 63 on which the operator confirms input information, and a receipt printer 65. Has been placed. On the upper surface of the receipt printer 65, a receipt discharge port 65a for discharging printed receipts is formed. Further, the POS peripheral device 60 includes a barcode reader 66 for reading a barcode attached to or printed on a product, and a card reader for reading a credit card presented by a customer is provided on the right side of the keyboard 62. A slot 67 is provided. Further, on the back side of the cash drawer 61, a customer display 64 is arranged for the customer to confirm product information and the like. These POS peripheral devices 60 can be connected via a plurality of connectors formed on the back panel 76 (see FIG. 7) of the base unit 41.

On the other hand, the maintenance terminal 20 includes a maintenance computer 21 and a database D.
In addition to registering, changing, and deleting each client terminal 10 connected via a network, these client terminals 10 can be managed in units of folders for each store or for each floor. . Also, acquisition of information about the client terminal 10, P
Various maintenance processes such as rewriting definition data and firmware of the OS peripheral device 60 are executed in units of jobs. Specifically, the maintenance terminal 20 performs in advance a selection of a job to be executed, a setting relating to the execution time, a setting of a definition file, and the like.
A job is transmitted in response to a job inquiry from the client terminal 10. On the other hand, the client terminal 10 executes the job and returns the execution result to the maintenance terminal 20, thereby completing the maintenance process.

The maintenance terminal 20 includes a one-chip CPU 30 (monitoring controller, mounted on the base unit 41 of the computer 40) as another maintenance process.
Processing for guiding the assembly and replacement of the computer 40 (remote guide processing, see FIG. 13) is performed through communication with the computer. Details will be described later.

Next, the device configuration of the computer 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the configuration of “client terminal 1” in FIG. 1 (configuration with HDD unit 42 attached) is illustrated. The illustration of the AC adapter 44 is omitted. 2 is an external perspective view of the computer 40 with the CPU module 71 removed, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the front panel 73 of the base unit 41, and FIG. 4 is a hard disk drive 81 (hereinafter referred to as “HDD drive”). 5) is a perspective view of the computer 40 with the CPU module 71 removed, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the computer 40 with the HDD drive 81 and the CPU module 71 mounted, and FIG. 6 is a rear view of FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base unit 4
2 is a plan view of one rear panel 76. FIG.

As shown in these drawings, the base unit 41 includes a CPU module 71 and a CP.
A CPU casing 72, which is a unit casing in which the U module 71 is removably accommodated (attached), and an opening / closing lid 73 (73a, 73) that closes the opening 70 of the CPU casing 72 so as to be freely opened and closed.
b). The CPU module 71 is a C of the general personal computer 40.
It has the same configuration as the PU board (CPU board unit), and is assembled into a chassis. The front panel 7 also serves as the above-mentioned opening / closing lid on the front surface.
3a. Further, the CPU module 71 can be slidably inserted using a pair of shelf plates (not shown) formed on the CPU casing 72 in contact with the lower ends of the left and right side surfaces as guides. When the CPU module 71 is mounted on the CPU casing 72, the front surface of the computer 40 is flush with the front panel 73a.

The front panel 73a can be opened and closed with its lower side as a base point, and has a notch 78 in the lower right portion thereof. The notch 78 has connector terminals formed on the CPU module 71 (two front panel USB connector terminals 31 and an audio output volume 32).
Is facing. The former USB connector terminal 31 is for facilitating wiring from the front side, and the latter audio output volume 32 is a volume output adjustment for adjusting the recognition sound when an error sound or a product barcode is read. Is the volume.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the front panel 73a is provided with a power switch 33 and a reset switch 34, and an LED 35 indicating a power supply state and a hard disk activation state. Further, when the front panel 73a is opened, a compact flash (registered trademark) CF (nonvolatile memory) insertion slot CFS faces the left side of the CPU casing 72. HD
In the case of the configuration without the D unit 42 (in the case of the configuration of “client terminal 2” in FIG. 1)
The CompactFlash (registered trademark) CF functions as a storage device. That is, when the client terminal 10 is used as a store server, the HDD unit 42 is attached when a large storage capacity is required, and when it is not, the HDD unit 42 is not attached. It has become. In addition, compact flash (
Of course, other recording media can be used instead of the registered trademark CF.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the CPU casing 72 has a PCI slot 74 into which expansion PCI cards (two in the illustrated example) such as a plurality of LAN cards are inserted on the rear left side.
And a connector board 75 on which various connectors are formed or connected on the right side. The connector board 75 is connected to an upward connector 101 to which the HDD unit 42 is connected from above and a lateral connector 102 to which the CPU module 71 is connected from the opening side, and a rear panel 76 (see FIG. 7). A peripheral device connector 103 to which a POS peripheral device 60, an AC adapter 44 and the like (see FIG. 1) are connected is mounted from the side. The connector board 75 has a one-chip CPU 30 attached to the front side thereof for monitoring each functional module (CPU module 71, HDD drive 81, etc.) and communicating with the maintenance terminal 20.

The upward connector 101 is assigned a signal line and a power line for transmitting and receiving signals and power to and from the HDD unit 42 (HDD drive 81), and the HDD unit 42.
It also functions as an auto-lock mechanism that locks and unlocks the polymerization state. HD
In the case where the D unit 42 is not attached, a top plate (not shown) is attached to the CPU casing 72, and the upward connector 101 is not exposed. That is, the HDD unit 42
At the time of connection, the top plate is removed, the upward connector 101 is exposed, and the connector on the HDD unit 42 side (HDD side connector 121, see FIG. 4 etc.) is connected thereto. Although not shown in particular, the top plate is slidable from the front side of the case made of the side surface and bottom plate of the CPU casing 72, and the removed top plate can be used as the top plate of the HDD unit 42. It can be used. For the top panel of the CPU casing 72, an opening is provided directly above the upward connector 101, instead of removing the top panel itself.
A detachable or slide type lid may be attached to the opening. If so,
It is preferable to provide the upward connector 101 so that it can be moved up and down. As an auto-lock mechanism for locking / unlocking the overlapping state with the HDD unit 42, an upward connector 101 is used.
It is also possible to provide a separate auto-lock mechanism instead of using both.

In addition, the CPU casing 72 includes a display device 36 that displays guide information for guiding assembly and replacement of the computer 40 on the left side of the front panel 73b. A speaker 37 (FIG. 5) that outputs voice guide information in synchronization with the display.
Etc.). The display of the display device 36 and the sound output of the speaker 37 are controlled by the one-chip CPU 30 based on an instruction from the maintenance terminal 20 (details will be described later).

Further, the CPU casing 72 includes a lock device 38 on the right side of the front panel 73b. The lock device 38 includes a superposition state between the functional units 41 and 42 and a CPU.
This is for switching between locking and unlocking of the upward connector 101 and the lateral connector 102 (auto-lock mechanism) that lock and unlock the mounting state of the module 71. Further, an automatic lock mechanism (not shown) that restricts the attachment / detachment of the CompactFlash (registered trademark) is also locked / unlocked by the lock device 38. That is, when the lock device 38 is unlocked, the functional units 41 and 42 are separated (removed) and the CPU module 7 is disconnected.
1 and CompactFlash (registered trademark) can be attached and detached.

Further, when the lock unit 38 is unlocked when the base unit 41 is powered on, the power is turned off (the power input from the AC adapter 44 is stopped). The one-chip CPU 30 also performs locking / unlocking of the auto-lock mechanism accompanying the locking and power-off control. In addition to this, the one-chip CPU 30 uses the power ON operation (pressing the power switch) as a trigger to set the auto-lock mechanism to the locked state,
Control that cancels the lock state is performed by using the power OFF operation as a trigger. That is, the computer 40 of the present embodiment has a foolproof design in which the functional units 41 and 42 cannot be separated when the power is on. The lock / unlock control of the lock device 38 is not a software control by the one-chip CPU 30, but may be a control directly connected to ON / OFF of the power switch 33, such as a relay interlock such as a solenoid.

In addition, on the back side of the CPU casing 72, a large number of connector terminals (peripheral connector 10
3) is provided. As shown in FIG.
6 include a plurality of serial ports 131 and USB ports 132, a LAN port 133 for network connection, a power connector 134, a mouse port 135, a keyboard port 136, an audio input / output connector 137, a display connector 138, and a drawer connector 139. And a terminal for connection with various POS peripheral devices 60 (see FIG. 1). In addition, an expansion PCI card can be inserted into the two PCI slots 74. This makes it easy to enhance expandability (shift from a legacy configuration to a new configuration). For example, by inserting the additional USB card 140b shown in FIG. 5B in place of the additional serial card 140a shown in FIG.
B (peripheral devices using B) can be connected.

Further, the bottom plate of the CPU casing 72 is provided with a leg portion 79 for supporting the base unit 41 at each corner. These leg portions 79 are rubber feet having high adhesiveness, and function as an impact absorbing material when the base unit 41 is installed, and also have a function of preventing displacement due to vibration or the like.

On the other hand, the HDD unit 42 is superposed on the upper side of the base unit 41.
One HDD drive 81, a disk housing 82 which is a unit housing in which these two HDD drives 81 are detachably accommodated (mounted), and an opening 80 of the disk housing 82
And an open / close lid 83 that can be freely opened and closed. The two HDD drives 81 are each assembled and can be inserted and removed individually. Each HDD drive 81 has levers 161a and 161b on the front surface thereof.
When the lever 161a, 161b is released after the insertion, the latching portions 162a, 162b formed on the top of each HDD drive 81 become cover frames 8 described later.
5 is locked to locking receiving portions 89a and 89b formed at corresponding positions. At the time of detachment, the levers 161a and 161b are raised to release the locked state, and the HDD drive 81 is removed.

The disk housing 82 includes a central rail 84 that guides the insertion and removal of these two HDD drives 81, and a cover frame 85 that protects the HDD drives 81 and increases unit rigidity. In addition, two cooling fans 86 for cooling the HDD drive 81 are provided on the back side, and a cooling slit 87 for releasing heat of the cooling fan 86 is formed on the back panel 88. Further, a front panel that opens and closes with the lower side as a base point is provided as the opening / closing lid 83 on the front side of the disk housing 82. After the HDD drive 81 is installed, the front panel is closed to close the front of the computer 40. Is the same.

Further, on the front side of the back plate of the cover frame 85, the upward connector 1 of the base unit 41 is provided.
The HDD side connector 121 (see FIG. 4 and the like) connected to 01 is provided, and the HDD drive 81 is connected to the HDD side connector 121 from the opening side. That is, the HDD drive 81 and the base unit 4 are connected via the HDD-side connector 121.
1 (connector board 75) and power are exchanged.

The computer 40 configured as described above includes, for example, the CPU module 71 or the HD
When the D drive 81 fails, the CPU is released by unlocking the locking device 38 after the power is turned off.
The module 71 or the HDD drive 81 can be replaced. At this time, the base unit 41 and the HDD unit 42 are in a superposed state, and the peripheral device connector 103 connected to the connector board 75 is also connected. That is, the CPU module 71 or the HDD drive 81 can be easily replaced without using any tools or the like, and with the base unit 41 being connected with a large number of cables and connectors. Yes.

By the way, as described above, the computer 40 may be configured such that the power supply unit 43 is added instead of the AC adapter 44 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, FIG. 8 and FIG.
The apparatus configuration of the power supply unit 43 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the power supply unit 43 is superposed on the lower side of the base unit 41, and the power supply adapter 91a and the battery 91b (uninterruptible battery) and these are accommodated (attached) in a detachable manner. The power supply housing 92 is a unit housing, and an open / close lid 93 that closes the opening 90 of the power supply housing 92 so as to be freely opened and closed.

The power supply casing 92 is a metal box and has a shielding function. Similarly to the HDD unit 42, the opening / closing lid 93 includes a front panel that opens and closes with the lower side as a base point. After the power adapter 91a and the battery 91b are installed, the front panel of the computer 40 is closed by closing the front panel. Become one. Although not particularly shown, the top plate of the power supply housing 92 is complementary to the portion that contacts the four legs 79 (see FIG. 4) of the base unit 41 (CPU housing 72). A target-shaped groove is formed, and the base unit 41 is positioned by these. The base unit 41 is also provided on the bottom plate of the power supply housing 92.
Similarly to the above, four leg portions 99 are formed.

In addition, when it is set as the structure which added the power supply unit 43, you may make it remove | superpose the leg part 79 of the base unit 41 instead of said structure. In such a case, a positioning piece is formed by extending the side plate of the base unit 41, and the positioning piece is used as the power supply unit 43.
Positioning may be performed over the upper part of the head. In this case, the power supply unit 4
It is also possible to provide a stepped portion that engages with the positioning piece on the upper portion of 3 and to join so that no protruding portion is caused by the positioning piece.

When the front panel is opened, as shown in FIG. 9, as a functional module, the power adapter 91a
A battery 91b is housed. These power adapter 91a and battery 91
“b” is accommodated on both sides (left and right) of a center rail (not shown), and can be individually inserted and removed from the front side by sliding (see the configuration of the HDD unit 42 in FIG. 4). Power adapter 91a
Receives a primary power supply (AC power supply) from a commercial power supply 45 (see FIG. 11) and converts it into a DC power supply. The converted DC power is output as a secondary power to the base unit 41 via the power output connector 123 and a power cable (not shown). For the input of the power source on the base unit 41 side, a power connector 134 (see FIG. 7) formed on the back panel 76 of the base unit 41 is used. On the other hand, the battery 91b has a plurality of battery cells 94 and a power adapter 91.
Between a, charging at normal time and discharging at power failure are performed.

Although not particularly illustrated, the connection between the base unit 41 and the power supply unit 43 may be the same as the connection between the base unit 41 and the HDD unit 42. That is, the base unit 41 may be provided with a downward connector, and the power supply unit 43 may be provided with a power supply side connector connected to the downward connector so that the power supply side connector is connected from below. In this case, the top plate of the power supply unit 43 is removable, and when connecting using a power supply side connector, the structure which removes and connects this top plate is preferable.

Next, the control configuration of the computer 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Here, the configuration shown in FIG. 8 (from the bottom, the power supply unit 43, the base unit 41, the H
A configuration in which the DD units 42 are polymerized in this order is illustrated. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the remote maintenance control with the maintenance terminal 20 will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of the computer 40, FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal flow with each hardware centering on the one-chip CPU 30, and FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the computer 40.

As shown in FIG. 10, the computer 40 is composed of a power supply unit 43, a base unit 41, and an HDD unit 42 from the lower side, each of which is a functional module (a power adapter 91a and a battery 91b, a CPU module). 71 and HDD drive 81).

The base unit 41 is connected to the connector board 75 of the CPU casing 72 with the LAN port 133.
A one-chip CPU 30 that communicates with the maintenance terminal 20 via (see FIG. 7) is attached. The one-chip CPU 30 has a dedicated power supply 38, and the power supply unit 43 is not connected (or the power adapter 91 is connected even if the power supply unit 43 is connected).
a and the battery 91b are not mounted). Also,
The one-chip CPU 30 receives various information transmitted from the maintenance terminal 20 (computer 4
(Such as guide information for guiding assembly or replacement of 0) is displayed on the display device 36, or audio guide information is provided to the audio reproduction circuit 39, thereby performing control such as audio output from the speaker 37. The display device 36, the sound reproduction circuit 39, and the speaker 37 are also
The power supply from the dedicated power supply 38 is received, and the device can function even when the power supply unit 43 is not connected.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the one-chip CPU 30 is connected to the C board via the connector board 75.
PU module 71, HDD unit 42 (HDD drive 81), and power supply unit 4
3 (power adapter 91a and battery 91b) is monitored. Taking the CPU module 71 as an example, the CPU module 71 and CP
There is a switch 120 that closes by fitting with the U casing 72, and the status signal of the switch 120 is electrically connected to the interrupt input of the one-chip CPU 30, and is input via the lateral connector 102 and the module side connector 122. 1 chip CP by the inverted signal
U30 detects an interrupt signal.

When detecting the interrupt signal, the one-chip CPU 30 notifies the maintenance terminal 20 of an interrupt signal indicating the removal of the CPU module 71 via the network. In addition,
The notification means may be a specific protocol, but the Internet protocol SMN
P or mail may be used. The one-chip CPU 30 starts a remote guide process (see FIG. 13), which will be described later, triggered by detection of an interrupt signal by extracting the CPU module 71. When an interrupt signal is detected, a message to that effect (a message such as “CPU module 71 is not installed”) is displayed on the display device 36. The control program and control data for performing the display control are stored in the ROM 331 (EEPROM) in the one-chip CPU 30.

In FIG. 11, only the switch 120 for detecting the mounting of the CPU module 71 has been described.
Mounting, superposition of the power supply unit 43, power supply adapter 91a and battery 9 to the power supply housing 92
The same mechanism for mounting 1b (upward connector 101 and HDD side connector 121)
, A power connector 134 and a power output connector 123 (when using a power cable), a downward connector and a power supply side connector (including connections similar to those of the HDD unit 42, both of which are not shown) can be detected. Yes. And 1-chip CPU3
0 can detect them as different interrupt signals, and notifies the maintenance terminal 20 of the detected interrupt signals. At the same time, the display device 36 displays that they are attached / detached. At this time, it may be notified by voice guidance at the same time. The maintenance terminal 20 returns appropriate guide information and voice guide information to the client terminal 10 in accordance with the type of interrupt signal transmitted from the one-chip CPU 30, and returns display control and voice based on the guide information to the one-chip CPU 30. Output control will be performed.

In addition, as a part of remote maintenance, the one-chip CPU 30 monitors not only the installation or connection of each hardware but also the status (error occurrence, voltage, temperature, etc.) and operation of each hardware (functional module). Then, the monitoring result is sent to the maintenance terminal 20
Send to. Based on the acquired monitoring result, the maintenance terminal 20 transmits information for performing error notification through the display device 36 and the speaker 37, acquires various data (client information and event log), rewrites data, transmits a correction program, and the like. Execute the necessary fault repair process.

Next, components for realizing the remote maintenance system 1 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. Note that only the hardware mechanism necessary for the description of each component is shown. The client terminal 10 includes a one-chip CPU 30 in the base unit 41 of the computer 40. The one-chip CPU 30 includes a power control unit 310, an audio reproduction unit 320, a test program execution unit 330, and a use permission unit 340.
Module monitoring means 350, memory monitoring means 360, display means 370, transmission / reception means 38
0 and locking means 390 are provided.

The power control means 310 is a front panel 73 of the base unit 41 when the power is on.
When the unlocking of the locking device 38 provided in b is detected, the power supply from the power supply unit 43 is stopped. In addition, when any of the functional modules (any one of the HDD drive 81, the CPU module 71, the power adapter 91a, and the battery 91b) is not normally mounted or connected, the control for invalidating the power ON operation of the power switch 33 is also performed. (Power invalidation means) However, if it is detected by monitoring of the power connector 134 that the AC adapter 44 is connected, the power ON operation is disabled even if it is detected that the power adapter 91a and the battery 91b are not connected. No control is performed. If the HDD unit 42 is not connected (information regarding whether or not the HDD unit 42 is provided is stored in the RAM in the one-chip CPU 30 in accordance with an instruction from the maintenance terminal 20 in advance.
332 (stored in FIG. 11)), by monitoring the upward connector 101, the HDD
Even if it is detected that the drive 71 is not connected, control for invalidating the power ON operation is not performed.

The audio reproducing means 320 provides the audio reproducing circuit 39 with audio guide information transmitted from the maintenance terminal 20 for audio guidance of the function module assembly or replacement work. When the voice guide information is provided, the voice reproduction circuit 39 outputs the voice guide information to the speaker 37. The voice guide information includes guide information (function modules 71, 81,
91 and information for guiding the assembly or replacement work of the functional units 41, 42, 43 by the display of the display device 36).

The test program execution means 330 provides the CPU module 71 with a test program transmitted from the maintenance terminal 20 after the replacement work of the CPU module 71 is completed.
To be executed. The test program is stored in the ROM 331 in the one-chip CPU 30.
(Refer to FIG. 11), and a test program may be executed by itself (regardless of an instruction from the maintenance terminal 20) using a detection of a work end detection unit 352 described later as a trigger.

The use permission means 340 sets the computer 40 in a use permission state based on reception of a use permission signal transmitted from the maintenance terminal 20 when the execution of the test program is completed. Specifically, the “use permission state” means that the input signal from the POS peripheral device 60 can be input to the computer 40 and that the display device 36 indicates that it is in the use permission state. Indicates to display.

The module monitoring means 350 is mounted or connected to each functional module 71, 81, 91.
In addition, an interrupt signal detecting unit 351 and a work end detecting unit 35 are monitored.
2 and program execution end detection means 353. Interrupt signal detection means 351
Detects an interrupt signal indicating attachment / detachment or connection / non-connection of each functional module 71, 81, 91. Further, the work end detection means 352 includes function modules 71, 81,
The end of the assembly or replacement work 91 is detected. In the case of assembly, this detection is detected when all the function modules existing in the function module table written in the ROM 331 in the one-chip CPU 30 are mounted or connected in advance according to an instruction from the maintenance terminal 20. . On the other hand, in the case of replacement, it is detected when the extracted functional module is mounted or connected. Further, program execution end detection means 35
3 monitors the operation of the CPU module 71 and detects the end of program execution.

The memory monitoring unit 360 monitors the number of times the CompactFlash (registered trademark) CF is rewritten. The monitoring information as the monitoring result is transmitted to the maintenance terminal 20 by a monitoring information transmitting unit 384 described later at every predetermined time or every rewriting. On the other hand, based on the received monitoring information, the maintenance terminal 20 predicts the memory life by the memory life prediction means 220 described later.

The display unit 370 controls the display on the display device 36 and includes a guide information display unit 371 and a prediction result display unit 372. The guide information display unit 371 displays the guide information transmitted from the maintenance terminal 20. Moreover, the prediction result display means 37
2 displays the memory life prediction result of the CompactFlash (registered trademark) CF transmitted from the maintenance terminal 20. Specifically, the consumption rate of the rewrite spare area in the compact flash (registered trademark) CF is calculated and predicted, and for example, warning is given at 85% and replacement is given at 90%. Then, a message to that effect is displayed. When performing the latter display, it is preferable to display a message prompting the replacement of the CompactFlash (registered trademark) CF at the same time. Although it is not related to the display unit 370, when it is predicted that rewriting is impossible, the one-chip CPU 30 may perform control to prohibit the use of the compact flash (registered trademark) CF.

The transmission / reception unit 380 communicates with the maintenance terminal 20, and includes an interrupt signal transmission unit 381, a work end signal transmission unit 382, and a program execution end signal transmission unit 383.
And monitoring information transmission means 384. They transmit the detection result of the interrupt signal detection means 351, the work end detection means 352, the program execution end detection means 353, and the monitoring result of the memory monitoring means 360 to the maintenance terminal 20, respectively. Note that description of means for receiving reply information for these transmissions from the maintenance terminal 20 will be omitted.

On the other hand, the maintenance terminal 20 includes a storage unit 210, a memory life prediction unit 220, and a transmission / reception unit 230. The storage unit 210 corresponds to the database DB shown in FIG. 1 and includes a guide information storage unit 211, a voice guide information storage unit 212, and a test program storage unit 213.

The guide information storage unit 211 stores guide information corresponding to the type of interrupt signal transmitted from the client terminal 10. For example, the interrupt signal indicating the extraction of the CPU module 71 is associated with information for streaming playback of a moving image that guides the replacement of the CPU module 71. Similarly, information that guides the replacement of interrupt signals indicating the extraction of other functional modules is also associated. Furthermore, for the interrupt signal that indicates the insertion of any functional module,
Information for streaming reproduction of a moving image for guiding the assembly of the computer 40 is associated.

The voice guide information storage unit 212 stores voice guide information for voice guidance in synchronization with the moving image reproduction by the guide information storage unit 211 described above. Therefore, the information is transmitted to the client terminal 10 together with the information stored in the guide information storage unit 211.

The test program storage unit 213 stores a test program executed by the test program execution unit 330 described above. If the type of the CPU module 71 can be determined by the module monitoring unit 350, the type information is received from the client terminal 10, a test program suitable for the type is selected, and transmitted by the test program transmission unit 233 described later. It is preferable.

The memory life prediction unit 220 predicts the rewrite life of the CompactFlash (registered trademark) CF, that is, the memory life, based on the memory monitoring information transmitted from the client terminal 10 (monitoring information transmission unit 384). As described above, actually, the consumption rate of the rewrite spare area in the compact flash (registered trademark) CF is calculated and predicted, for example,
A warning is given at 85%, and a replacement instruction is given at 90%. Then, memory life prediction information indicating that is transmitted to memory life prediction information transmission means 235 described later.

The transmission / reception means 230 communicates with the client terminal 10 (one-chip CPU 30), and guide information transmission means 231, voice guide information transmission means 232, test program transmission means 233, use permission signal transmission means 234, and memory lifetime. Prediction information transmission means 23
5 The guide information transmission unit 231 and the voice guide information transmission unit 232 transmit information stored in the guide information storage unit 211 and the voice guide information storage unit 212 as reply information to the interrupt signal transmission unit 381 of the client terminal 10. It is. The test program transmission unit 233 transmits information stored in the test program storage unit 213 as return information to the work end signal transmission unit 382 of the client terminal 10. The use permission signal transmitting unit 234 transmits a use permission signal for permitting the use of the client terminal 10 as return information to the program execution end signal transmitting unit 383 of the client terminal 10. The memory life prediction information transmission unit 235 transmits memory life prediction information, which is a prediction result by the memory life prediction unit 220, to the client terminal 10. Note that description of means for receiving various types of information from the client terminal 10 is omitted.

Next, remote guide processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a case where an interrupt signal indicating extraction of the CPU module 71 is detected is illustrated.
When the client terminal 10 (one-chip CPU 30) detects the removal of the CPU module 71 (S01, interrupt signal detection means 351), an interrupt signal indicating that is transmitted to the maintenance terminal 20 (S02, interrupt signal transmission means 381). . When the maintenance terminal 20 receives an interrupt signal indicating the removal of the CPU module 71, the guide information storing means 2 receives guide information and voice guide information for guiding the replacement of the CPU module 71.
11 and the voice guide information storage means 212 and transmit to the client terminal 10 (S03, guide information transmission means 231 and voice guide information transmission means 232).

The client terminal 10 displays the received guide information on the display device 36 and also outputs the voice guide information to the speaker 37 to provide guidance for replacement of the CPU module 71 (S04, guide information display means 371 and voice reproduction means 320). . In streaming playback, when the end of work is detected before the end of playback, playback is stopped at that time. If the end of work is not detected after the end of playback, playback is repeated. Work done,
That is, when the replacement end of the CPU module 71 is detected (S05, work end detection means 35).
2) A work end signal indicating that is transmitted to the maintenance terminal 20 by the work end signal transmitting means 382. When receiving the work end signal, the maintenance terminal 20 reads the test program from the test program storage unit 213 and transmits it to the client terminal 10 (
S06, test program transmission means 233). The display device 3 of the client terminal 10
6 detects that the CPU module 71 has been replaced and displays that the CPU module 71 has been installed, and then displays a message such as “Execution of the test program. To do.

The client terminal 10 provides the received test program to the CPU module 71 to execute it (S07, test program execution means 330). When the execution end of the test program is detected (S08, program execution end detection means 353), a program execution end signal indicating that is transmitted to the maintenance terminal 20 by the program execution end signal transmission means 383. If the test program cannot be executed normally, a message to that effect is sent. When receiving the program execution end signal, the maintenance terminal 20 transmits a use permission signal for permitting the use of the maintenance terminal 20 to the client terminal 10 (S0).
9. Use permission signal transmission means 234).

When the client terminal 10 receives the use permission signal, the client terminal 10 displays a message to that effect on the display device 36 and enables the input signal from the POS peripheral device 60 to be input to the computer 40 (S10, use permission means 340). . In other words, the business can be resumed for the first time by receiving the use permission signal (S11). As a result, even when a store clerk replaces the CPU module 71 instead of a specialized trader, the maintenance terminal 20 can reliably guarantee the operation of the client terminal 10.

As described above, the computer 40 of the client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment has the hardware elements modularized in the openings 70, 80, 90 of the unit housings of the respective functional units 41, 42, 43. Assembly is possible by inserting the functional modules 71, 81, 91, respectively. In other words, it does not require a complicated process of disassembling the unit housing using tools and incorporating hardware elements, so even if you are not a specialist, you can easily replace and repair modules. , TCO can be effectively reduced. In addition, in a state where the plurality of functional units 41, 42, 43 are overlapped, the opening portions 70, 80, 90 of the respective functional units 41, 42, 43 are arranged on one common side surface, so that a narrow place such as a cashier counter is used. Even in the case of being housed in the storage room, it is not necessary to take out the computer 40 once and perform the work, and the work is easy. Furthermore, since all the side surfaces of the computer 40 are configured to be flush with each other (see FIG. 8), the design is preferable.

Further, the CPU casing 72 of the base unit 41 includes a plurality of peripheral device connectors 103.
Since the connector board 75 is formed or connected, when replacing each functional module, the work can be easily performed with the peripheral device connector 103 connected.
Further, since the connector 102 is connected to the lateral connector 102, it can be automatically connected to the connector board as the CPU module 71 is inserted. Further, since the upward connector 101 is provided, it is not necessary to connect the cable to the HDD unit 42, and the cable and the connector do not get in the way even when the computer 40 is arranged in a narrow place.

Further, between the plurality of functional units 41, 42, 43, the polymerization state and the CPU
Since an auto-lock mechanism for locking / unlocking the mounting state of the module 71 is provided, security and safety can be improved. Further, since the auto-lock mechanism is incorporated in the lateral connector 102 and the upward connector 101, the auto-lock mechanism is not required separately, and the device cost can be reduced.

Further, since the auto-lock mechanism is locked so that the functional units 41, 42, and 43 cannot be separated when the power is on, the user is not exposed to danger. In addition, power O
When the lock device 38 is unlocked in the N state, the base unit 41 is turned off, which is useful for fail-safe. In addition, when even one functional module is not normally mounted or connected, even if the lock device 38 is locked and the power is turned on, the power is not turned on.

Further, the client terminal 10 to be remotely maintained has its base unit 41.
1 is provided with a one-chip CPU 30 that communicates with the maintenance terminal 20, so that remote maintenance can be performed even when the CPU module 71 and the power supply unit 43 are not mounted or connected, that is, the computer 40 does not function. . Further, the one-chip CPU 30 detects an interrupt signal indicating attachment / detachment or connection / non-connection of the functional module, and transmits the interrupt signal to the maintenance terminal 20, so that the functional module 71, 81, 91 and the functional unit are transmitted from the maintenance terminal 20. Guide information and voice guide information for guiding the assembly or replacement work of 41, 42, 43 are received, and the display device 36 and the speaker 3 are received.
7 can be used for guidance. Thereby, the user (operator) can easily assemble or replace the functional modules 71, 81, 91 according to the guidance.

In addition, the rewrite life of the CompactFlash (registered trademark) CF is monitored by periodically acquiring information on the spare area from the CompactFlash (registered trademark) CF, and the monitoring result is transmitted to the maintenance terminal 20 to determine the memory life. And the prediction result is displayed on the display device 36, the user can know the replacement time of the compact flash (registered trademark) CF. Compact Flash (registered trademark) CF for monitoring and displaying this life
The lifetime management may be performed by the one-chip CPU 30 or the CPU module 71.

In the above example, the client terminal 10 and the maintenance terminal 20 are connected by the client server method, but may be connected by the peer-to-peer method. Further, although the monitoring result of the maintenance terminal 20 is acquired by the one-chip CPU 30 transmitting the monitoring result to the maintenance terminal 20, the monitoring result may be read by accessing the one-chip CPU 30 from the maintenance terminal 20 side. good.

In the above example, both the guide information and the voice guide information are reproduced and output in synchronization. However, only one of them may be reproduced and output. In addition, it may be possible to select on the client terminal 10 side which guide method using which information is better. Also,
The display device 36 may display a still image instead of streaming a moving image that guides assembly or replacement. In this case, for each detection of each hardware (functional units 41, 42, 43 and functional modules 71, 81, 91), it is preferable to display a still image indicating the detected hardware mounting method on the display device 36. .

In the above example, the display unit 36 is provided in the base unit 41 as means for displaying the guide information. However, instead of the display unit 36, the operator display 6
3 or a customer display 64 (see FIG. 1) may be used. Also, the means for outputting the voice guide information is replaced with the existing voice output means (for example, an error sound connected to the voice output connector terminal 137 or the recognition sound when the product barcode is read) instead of the speaker 37. An output speaker or the like may be used. According to this configuration, the device cost can be reduced accordingly.

Further, by the one-chip CPU 30 (test program execution means 330, see FIG. 12),
Although the process for executing the test program is performed, the execution result may be printed out by the receipt printer 65 (see FIG. 1) as well as transmitted to the maintenance terminal 20. Further, instead of the print output, it may be displayed on the operator display 63 or the customer display 64. According to these configurations, the user (operator) who operates the client terminal 10 can be notified of the execution result of the test program.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the client terminal 10 is maintained by the maintenance terminal 20 (
For example, remode guide processing (see FIG. 13) and the like are different in this embodiment in that maintenance is performed by the client terminal 10 itself. That is, this embodiment is characterized in that the control by the maintenance terminal 20 and the one-chip CPU 30 is realized by only the one-chip CPU 30. Therefore, the following description will be focused on differences from the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of the client terminal 10 (computer 40) according to the second embodiment. A difference from the configuration of the first embodiment of FIG. 12 is that a storage unit 410 and a memory life prediction unit 420 are provided instead of the transmission / reception unit 380. The guide information storage unit 411, the voice guide information storage unit 412 and the test program storage unit 413 in the storage unit 410 are the guide information storage unit 211 in the storage unit 210 of FIG.
This corresponds to the voice guide information storage unit 212 and the test program storage unit 213. In addition, the storage unit 410 according to the present embodiment is a ROM 331 (
11). Further, the memory life predicting means 420 corresponds to the memory life predicting means 220 of FIG. 12, and is functioned by the one-chip CPU 30.

In other words, in the present embodiment, for example, when an interrupt signal indicating removal of the CPU module 71 is detected, guide information and voice guide information for guiding the replacement of the CPU module 71 are read from the ROM 331 and guidance is given by the display device 36 and the speaker 37. Do. When the end of replacement of the CPU module 71 is detected, the test program is read from the ROM 331 and provided to the CPU module 71. When the end of execution of the test program is detected, use permission control is performed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, since a series of maintenance processes can be executed with only one chip CPU 30, even a beginner can easily assemble it without using a large-scale system such as the remote maintenance system 1 as in the first embodiment. And replaceable computer 4
0 can be provided.

In the above two embodiments, the computer 40 for the POS terminal is exemplified.
The present invention can be applied not only to an OS terminal but also to a computer 40 in which hardware elements are modularized by function.

It is also possible to provide the functions of the computer 40 and the one-chip CPU 30 shown in the above two embodiments as programs. In addition, the program is recorded on a recording medium (
It is also possible to provide it by storing it in (not shown). CD-ROM, flash ROM, memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), compact disk, magneto-optical disk, digital versatile disk, flexible disk, hard disk, etc. can be used as the recording medium. is there.

In addition, the system configuration, the device configuration, the processing steps, and the like can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention, regardless of the example of the remote maintenance system or the computer 40 in the above embodiment.

It is a system configuration figure of a remote maintenance system. It is an external appearance perspective view of the computer of the state which removed the CPU module. It is a top view of the front panel of a base unit. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a computer with a hard disk drive and a CPU module removed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a computer with a hard disk drive and a CPU module installed. It is the perspective view which looked at FIG. 5 from the back side. It is a top view of the back panel of a base unit. It is an external appearance perspective view of the computer which superposed | stacked the power supply unit. It is a schematic diagram of a power supply unit. It is a control block diagram of a computer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of a signal with each hardware centering on 1-chip CPU. It is a functional block diagram of a computer. It is a flowchart which shows a remote guide process. It is a functional block diagram of a computer concerning a 2nd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1: remote maintenance system, 10: client terminal, 20: maintenance terminal, 30: 1 chip CPU, 36: display device, 40: computer, 60: peripheral device for POS, 41: base unit, 42: hard disk unit, 43: Power supply unit, 4
4: AC adapter, 71: CPU module, 72: CPU casing, 81: hard disk drive, 82: disk casing, 91a: power adapter, 91b: battery, 92:
Power supply housing, CF: Compact Flash (registered trademark)

Claims (10)

Each includes a functional module in which hardware elements are modularized according to function, a unit housing in which the functional module is removably accommodated from an opening formed on one side surface, and an opening / closing operation that closes the opening. A computer in which a plurality of functional units each including a lid are integrally assembled by vertically superimposing;
The computer, wherein the plurality of functional units are overlapped, the plurality of openings are arranged on a common side surface, and the front surfaces of the plurality of opening / closing lids are arranged flush with each other. The plurality of functional units include C, which is the functional module obtained by modularizing the CPU.
A base unit in which a PU module is housed in a CPU housing that is the unit housing is included,
The computer according to claim 1, wherein the CPU module includes a front panel that also serves as at least a part of the opening / closing lid of the CPU casing. The CPU casing is provided with a lateral connector facing the opening, an upward / downward connector facing upward and / or downward, and a connector board on which a plurality of peripheral device connectors are formed or connected,
The CPU module is connected to the lateral connector from the opening side, and the functional unit stacked on the upper side and / or the lower side of the base unit is connected to the upper side and / or the lower side. The computer according to claim 2, wherein the computer is connected from the side. The plurality of functional units include a hard disk unit in which a hard disk module, which is the functional module obtained by modularizing a hard disk drive, is housed in a disk housing that is the unit housing,
4. The hard disk unit according to claim 3, wherein the hard disk unit is superposed on the upper side of the base unit and connected to the upward / downward connector from above with the top plate of the CPU casing removed. Computer. The plurality of functional units include a power supply unit that accommodates a power supply module that is a functional module obtained by modularizing a power adapter and a battery in a power supply casing that is the unit casing,
4. The power supply unit is superimposed on a lower side of the base unit, and is connected to the upper / downward connector from the lower side or connected to a cable of any of the plurality of peripheral device connectors. Or the computer of 4. Between the plurality of functional units, an auto-lock mechanism for locking / unlocking the overlapping state and the mounting state of the CPU module is interposed, respectively.
6. The computer according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the CPU casing is provided with a lock device for switching between locking and unlocking of the auto-lock mechanism. The computer according to claim 6, wherein the auto-lock mechanism is incorporated in the lateral connector and the up / down connector. The auto-lock mechanism is triggered by a power ON operation in the base unit.
The computer according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the computer is locked. 9. The computer according to claim 6, wherein when the base unit is in a power-on state and the lock device is unlocked, the base unit is in a power-off state.   A POS terminal to which the computer according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is applied.

Images