JP2013054572A - Commodity sales data processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a commodity sales data processor which achieves reduction of consumption power by enabling driving for a long time even using a battery as a drive power source, for example.SOLUTION: A POS terminal for processing sales data of a commodity on the basis of data related to the commodity input through an input part has a clock generator for generating a clock signal used for synchronized processing in a processing part and a CPU which reduces the frequency of the clock signal by controlling the clock generator when recognizing completion of a sales transaction with one customer in processing by a processing part.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a merchandise sales data processing apparatus such as a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal that performs settlement processing for a commercial transaction.

  Existing merchandise sales data processing apparatuses (for example, electronic cash registers and POS terminals) use a normal commercial power source as a drive power source. On the other hand, a product sales data processing apparatus equipped with a battery has been put into practical use. However, this battery is mounted as a power failure countermeasure. That is, the product sales data processing apparatus equipped with the battery switches the power source to the battery when a power failure occurs in the commercial power source, thereby preventing the loss of data being processed due to the power failure. As described above, a battery is not used as a drive power source for a merchandise sales data processing apparatus that frequently executes an operation with large power consumption.

JP 2011-39685 A

  A conventional merchandise sales data processing apparatus uses a commercial power source as a driving power source. For this reason, when using a merchandise sales data processing apparatus in an event hall, outdoors, etc., it becomes a problem how to secure a drive power supply. If the battery can be used as a drive power source, this problem can be solved. However, unlike other information processing apparatuses such as PCs, the merchandise sales data processing apparatus is difficult to be driven for a long time using only a battery as a driving power source.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a merchandise sales data processing apparatus that realizes reduction of power consumption so that it can be driven for a long time even when a battery is used as a driving power source.

  In one embodiment, the merchandise sales data processing apparatus includes a processing unit, a clock oscillator, and a clock frequency control unit. The processing unit processes the sales data of the product based on the data related to the product input via the input unit. The clock oscillator generates a clock signal used for processing synchronization in the processing unit. When the clock frequency control unit learns that the business transaction with one customer has been completed in the processing by the processing unit, the clock frequency control unit controls the clock oscillator to lower the frequency of the clock signal.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a configuration example of a main part of a POS terminal according to each embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration example of the POS terminal according to each embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a relationship between a command output from the CPU and a clock signal generated by the clock oscillator. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a registration process under the control of the CPU of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a registration process under the control of the CPU of the POS terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a registration process under the control of the CPU of the POS terminal according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus will be described by taking a POS terminal used in, for example, a store or outdoors as an example.
[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the POS terminal according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of the POS terminal according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the POS terminal 1 includes a main body 10 in which each constituent member described later is accommodated, and a display 12 disposed on the main body 10. Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the POS terminal 1 includes a drawer 16 for storing cash and the like, merchandise sales data for the shopper, a total amount related to the transaction, and the like. Is provided with a display for customer 17 and a scanner 18 for reading a barcode or the like attached to the product.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 10 includes a power supply circuit 101, a charge / discharge circuit 103, a battery 105, a power switch 107, a CPU 109, a clock oscillator 109c, an I / O controller 111, a ROM (Read Only). Memory (RAM) 113, RAM (Random Access Memory) 115, communication I / F 117, HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 119, and printer 121. The display 12 includes a touch panel 12-1 and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 12-2.

  The power switch 107 is a main power switch of the POS terminal 1. The power switch 107 connects the charge / discharge circuit 103 and the power circuit 101 in the ON state. A battery 105 is connected to the charge / discharge circuit 103. The battery 105 is a battery for operating the POS terminal 1 without using a commercial power source. The battery 105 functions as a driving power source used when it is difficult to secure a commercial power source such as outdoors. Further, the charge / discharge circuit 103 is configured to be connected to a commercial power supply. The charge / discharge circuit 103 supplies the power of the commercial power source to the power source circuit 101 when the power switch 107 is turned on when the commercial power source is used. The charging / discharging circuit 103 charges the battery 105 by applying a commercial power supply voltage to the battery 105 when the battery 105 is charged, and supplies the discharged power of the charged battery 105 to the power circuit 101 when the battery 105 is discharged. . When the power switch 107 is turned on and power is supplied from the charge / discharge circuit, the power supply circuit 101 applies the voltage of the battery 105 or the commercial power supply to each part of the POS terminal 1 and supplies power to each part.

  The CPU 109 is a control unit that comprehensively controls each unit of the POS terminal 1. The CPU 109 operates by reading out various programs stored in the ROM 113 and the HDD 119 and executing them. The clock oscillator 109 c is a clock generator that supplies a clock signal to the CPU 109. The frequency (clock frequency) of the clock signal generated by the clock oscillator 109c changes according to a command from the CPU 109. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the CPU 109 transmits a command com1 to the clock oscillator 109c, the clock oscillator 109c that has received the command com1 sets the frequency of the generated clock signal to a low frequency. On the other hand, for example, when the CPU 109 transmits the command com2 to the clock oscillator 109c, the clock oscillator 109c that has received the command com2 sets the frequency of the generated clock signal to a high frequency. The clock signal is supplied from the clock oscillator 109c to the CPU 109 via a line CLK for transmitting a clock signal, not a bus used for transmission / reception of a control signal. The CPU 109 operates in synchronization with the clock signal supplied from the clock oscillator 109c.

  The ROM 113 stores various programs executed by the CPU 109, various data tables, and the like. The RAM 115 is a memory that temporarily stores data and programs when the CPU 109 executes various programs. The RAM 115 includes at least a transaction memory that stores product sales data indicating a sales record of products, and a display data memory that stores various screen display data to be displayed on the display 12 or the customer display 17.

  The I / O controller 111 is a controller connected to the CPU 109 and each I / O device via a data bus. The CPU 109 controls the entire system of the POS terminal 1 via the I / O controller 111. The communication I / F 117 functions as a communication unit. The communication I / F 117 is a communication interface for controlling wireless communication / wired communication with a host server or a management center.

  The HDD 119 is a storage medium that stores various types of information, and stores, for example, product data files. The product data file is a data file in which product data such as a product name and a unit price is preset in correspondence with, for example, a product identification code for identifying each product (hereinafter abbreviated as a product code). When the product code is input to the POS terminal 1, the CPU 109 retrieves the product data file stored in the HDD 119, takes in the product data corresponding to the product code, and registers the product sales data based on the product data. Execute. The HDD 119 may store, for example, sales data for each accounting described later, in addition to the above-described product data file.

  The merchandise code is input by a store clerk who operates the POS terminal 1 by reading a barcode with the scanner 18 or using the touch panel 12-1 or a keyboard (not shown). Note that the product code input method does not relate to the feature of the present invention, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The touch panel 12-1 is, for example, a resistive film type touch panel. The touch panel 12-1 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to a position where the user performs a touch operation touched with a fingertip or a touch pen. The I / O controller 111 calculates the contact position coordinates based on the electrical signal output from the touch panel 12-1 and notifies the CPU 109 of the contact position coordinates.

  The LCD 12-2 is a display panel composed of a liquid crystal display. The LCD 12-2 includes a backlight 12b and a light control circuit 12m. The backlight 12b is an illuminating unit that is disposed on the back surface of a display panel (not shown) and illuminates the display panel from the back surface side. Based on the control signal received from the CPU 109, the dimming circuit 12m controls the level of brightness of the backlight 12b and lighting / extinguishing. The luminance control by the light control circuit 12m is performed based on, for example, a data table in which a plurality of luminance data indicating luminance values are set. This data table is stored, for example, in the ROM 113, the HDD 119, or a memory (not shown) in the dimming circuit 12m.

  The operation of the POS terminal 1 according to the present embodiment in merchandise sales will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a registration process controlled by the CPU 109 of the POS terminal 1. This registration process is started when the cashier operates the touch panel 12-1 of the POS terminal 1, for example, and selects a product registration service.

  In step S1, the CPU 109 determines whether an input has been made. Here, “input” means, for example, that the touch panel 12-1 or the scanner 18 is operated by the cashier. If no input is made (NO), that is, if the cashier is not operating the POS terminal 1, the process returns to step S1. That is, the process is in a standby state until an input is made. On the other hand, if an input has been made (YES), the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the CPU 109 outputs a command com2 that is a command for setting the frequency of the clock signal (clock frequency) to a high frequency to the clock oscillator 109c. As a result, the clock oscillator 109c sets the frequency of the generated clock signal to a high frequency. Here, the clock signal having a high frequency means that the clock signal has a frequency that sufficiently draws out the performance of the CPU 109 and causes the CPU 109 to perform high-speed computation.

  In step S3, the CPU 109 determines whether or not a product code has been input. If the product code has not been input (NO), the process returns to step S3. That is, the process is in a standby state until a product code is input. On the other hand, if an input is made (YES), the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the CPU 109 searches the product data file stored in the HDD 119 for the input product code, and detects and captures product information such as product name and unit price stored in correspondence with the product code. In step S5, the CPU 109 generates product sales data based on the product information acquired in step S4 and the number of sales points input by the cashier using the touch panel 12-1, for example, and registers the product sales data in the transaction memory of the RAM 115. Here, the product sales data includes, for example, at least a product code, a sales score, and a sales amount (unit price × sales score) of the sales product. In step S6, the CPU 109 displays the product sales data registered in step S5 on the display 12 and the customer display 17.

  In step S7, the CPU 109 determines whether or not a subtotal key has been input, that is, whether or not a “subtotal instruction” has been performed. Here, the “subtotal instruction” is an instruction made by the cashier touching a “subtotal key” displayed on the display 12, for example, and is an “instruction for closing the transaction”. If there is no subtotal key input (NO), that is, if “subtotal instruction” is not made, the process returns to step S3. At this time, the CPU 109 waits for input of the next product code. On the other hand, if a subtotal key is input (YES), that is, if a “subtotal instruction” is made, the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S <b> 8, the CPU 109 calculates the total amount (product price) related to the transaction and displays it on the display 12 and the customer display 17. In step S <b> 9, the CPU 109 determines whether or not a “current total key” has been input, that is, a “current total operation” has been performed. Here, the “actual operation” is an operation performed by the cashier touching an “actual key” displayed on the display 12, for example. Operation ”. If the “current key” is not input (NO), the process returns to step S9. That is, the process enters a standby state waiting for payment. On the other hand, if the “actual key” is entered (YES), the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S <b> 10, the CPU 109 calculates the “change amount” by subtracting the “total amount (product price) related to the transaction” from the “deposit amount from the customer”, and displays it on the display 12 and the customer display 17. In step S11, the CPU 109 transmits a receipt printing command for causing the printer 121 to print a receipt. As a result, the printer 121 starts printing a receipt describing the detailed information of the transaction.

  In step S <b> 12, the CPU 109 transmits a drawer release command to the drawer 16. The cashier accommodates the “deposit” in the opened drawer 16 and takes out the “change”. In step S13, the CPU 109 transmits sales data indicating detailed information of the transaction to a host server (not shown) via the communication I / F 117.

  In step S <b> 14, the CPU 109 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the receipt printing has been completed is input from the printer 121. If there is no input to end printing (NO), the process returns to step 14. That is, the process is in a standby state until the printing is completed. On the other hand, if there is an input to end printing (YES), the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the CPU 109 outputs a command com1 which is a command for setting the frequency of the clock signal (clock frequency) to a low frequency to the clock oscillator 109c. As a result, the clock oscillator 109c sets the frequency of the generated clock signal to a low frequency. The clock signal having a low frequency means that the clock signal has a frequency that reduces the calculation speed of the CPU 109 so that the processing speed is low but the power is saved.

  In step S16, the CPU 109 determines whether or not an instruction to end the main registration process has been input. If no end instruction is input (NO), the process returns to step S1. In this case, for example, until the next customer's response by the cashier, the process enters a standby state in step S1. On the other hand, if an end instruction is input (YES), the process ends.

  Thus, for example, the touch panel 12-1 or the scanner 18 functions as an input unit. For example, the CPU 109 functions as a processing unit that processes product sales data based on data related to a product input via the input unit. For example, the clock oscillator 109c functions as a clock oscillator that generates a clock signal used for processing synchronization in the processing unit. For example, the CPU 109 functions as a clock frequency control unit that controls the clock oscillator to lower the frequency of the clock signal when it is known that the commercial transaction with one customer has ended in the processing of step S14 to step S15. For example, when the CPU 109 knows that the commercial transaction with the next customer has started in the processing of step S1 to step S2, the clock frequency control unit controls the clock oscillator to return to the frequency before the frequency of the clock signal is reduced. Function as. For example, the printer 121 functions as a printing unit that prints the processing result of the processing unit.

  According to the present embodiment, after the clock frequency is set to a low frequency in step S15, until the clock frequency is set to a high frequency in step S2, that is, after completion of printing of the receipt is confirmed in step S14, step S1 is performed. Thus, for example, until the next customer process is input, the clock frequency decreases, and the CPU 109 executes the process in the low power saving mode. That is, during this time, the power consumption of the POS terminal 1 is kept low. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a merchandise sales data processing apparatus that realizes a reduction in power consumption that enables long-time driving even when a battery is used as a driving power source, for example. Thus, for example, even when a battery is used as the drive power supply, it is possible to secure a drive time that can withstand practical use.

  Note that the CPU 109 is in a standby state after the receipt is printed and until the next input is received, and does not perform processing requiring high-speed computation. Therefore, there is no functional problem even if the POS terminal 1 is operated as described above. Further, the CPU 109 consumes a relatively large amount of power in the POS terminal 1. Therefore, reducing the clock frequency of the CPU 109 contributes relatively greatly to the power saving of the entire POS terminal 1.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment will be described. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the POS terminal 1 according to the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the POS terminal 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In the first embodiment, when an input is made in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2, and the clock frequency is set to a high frequency. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in the flowchart in FIG. 5, when a product code is input in step S21, the process proceeds to step S22, and the clock frequency is set to a high frequency.

  That is, in step S21, the CPU 109 determines whether or not a product code has been input. If no input has been made (NO), the process returns to step S21, and the process enters a standby state. On the other hand, if the product code has been input (YES), the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the CPU 109 outputs a command com2 to the clock oscillator 109c so as to set the clock frequency to a high frequency. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S24. The processing from step S23 to step S36 is the same as the processing from step S3 to step S16 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. Here, the description of the processing from step S23 to step S36 is omitted.

  Also in the present embodiment, after the clock frequency is set to a low frequency in step S35, until the clock frequency is set to a high frequency in step S22, that is, after the receipt printing is completed in step S34, the product code is set in step S21. The clock frequency remains low until is input. Therefore, power consumption can be kept low during this period. Also according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a merchandise sales data processing apparatus that realizes a reduction in power consumption that enables long-time driving even with a battery as a driving power source, for example.

[Third Embodiment]
A third embodiment will be described. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the POS terminal 1 according to the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the POS terminal 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In the first embodiment, after the receipt is printed, the clock frequency is set to a low frequency. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the drawer 16 is closed after the drawer 16 is opened, the clock frequency is set to a low frequency. For this reason, the drawer 16 can detect the opening and closing thereof, and is configured to output a signal related to the opening and closing to the CPU 109. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of processing according to the present embodiment.

  The processing in steps S41 to S53 in the present embodiment is the same as the processing in steps S1 to S13 in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. Here, description of step S41 thru | or step S53 is abbreviate | omitted. After the sales data indicating the detailed transaction information in step S53 is transmitted to the host server (not shown) via the communication I / F 117, the CPU 109 receives a signal related to opening / closing of the drawer 16 from the drawer 16 in step S54, It is determined whether the drawer 16 is closed. If the drawer 16 is not closed (NO), the process returns to step S54. That is, the processing is in a standby state until the drawer 16 is closed. On the other hand, if the drawer 16 is closed (YES), the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S55, the CPU 109 outputs a command com1 to the clock oscillator 109c so as to set the clock frequency to a low frequency. As a result, the clock signal output from the clock oscillator 109c has a low frequency. That is, the CPU 109 operates with power saving. In step S56, the CPU 109 determines whether or not an instruction to end the main registration process has been input. If no termination instruction has been input (NO), the process returns to step S41. On the other hand, if an end instruction is input (YES), the process ends.

  Thus, for example, the drawer 16 functions as a drawer that opens and closes. For example, the CPU 109 functions as a clock frequency control unit that controls the clock oscillator to decrease the frequency of the clock signal when it is known in the processing of step S54 to step S55 that the commercial transaction with one customer has ended.

  According to this embodiment, after the clock frequency is set to a low frequency in step S55, until the clock frequency is set to a high frequency in step S42, that is, in step S54, for example, the cashier draws the deposit from the customer. After receiving the signal that the drawer 16 is closed by being accommodated in the drawer 16 and closing the drawer 16, the clock frequency is kept until the cashier performs processing for the next customer in step S41, for example. Low frequency. Also according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a merchandise sales data processing apparatus that realizes a reduction in power consumption that enables long-time driving even with a battery as a driving power source, for example. Also in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, when a product code is input, the clock frequency may be set to a high frequency.

  In the above embodiment, a control program for realizing the functions of the invention is recorded in advance in the ROM 113 which is a program storage unit in the apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a similar program may be downloaded from the network to the apparatus. Alternatively, a similar program recorded on the recording medium may be installed in the apparatus. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and can be read by the apparatus. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) in the apparatus.

  In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

    DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... POS terminal, 10 ... Main body, 12 ... Display, 12-1 ... Touch panel, 12-2 ... LCD, 12b ... Back light, 12m ... Dimming circuit, 16 ... Drawer, 17 ... Display for customer, 18 ... Scanner, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Power supply circuit, 103 ... Charge / discharge circuit, 105 ... Battery, 107 ... Power switch, 109 ... CPU, 109c ... Clock oscillator, 111 ... I / O controller, 113 ... ROM, 115 ... RAM, 119 ... HDD, 121 ... Printer.

Claims (6)

A processing unit for processing the sales data of the product based on data related to the product input via the input unit;
A clock oscillator that generates a clock signal used for processing synchronization in the processing unit;
A clock frequency control unit that controls the clock oscillator to lower the frequency of the clock signal when it is known that a commercial transaction with a customer has been completed in the processing by the processing unit;
A merchandise sales data processing apparatus comprising: A printing unit for printing a processing result by the processing unit;
When the clock frequency control unit learns that the printing of the processing result by the printing unit is finished, it is assumed that the commercial transaction with the one customer is finished.
The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1. It further comprises a drawer that opens and closes,
When the clock frequency control unit learns that the drawer has been closed, it is assumed that the commercial transaction with the customer has ended.
The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The clock frequency control unit, after reducing the frequency of the clock signal and knowing that a commercial transaction with a next customer has started in the processing by the processing unit, controls the clock oscillator to control the clock signal. 4. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frequency is returned to a frequency before the decrease. 5.   The merchandise sales according to claim 4, wherein the knowledge that the commercial transaction with the next customer has started is the knowledge that the data related to the merchandise is input via the input unit. Data processing device. Further comprising a battery;
Driven using the battery as a driving power source,
The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein

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