JP2015035153A - Commodity sales data processor, information terminal and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a commodity sales data processor capable of improving the work efficiency by using a portable information terminal for commodity sales data processing.SOLUTION: The commodity sales data processor includes plural portable information terminals which can be mounted on a docking station and dismounted from the docking station. When a communication link is established with another information terminal via a radio in a state mounted on the docking station, the information terminal executes commodity sales data processing in combination with the linked information terminal and displays a display screen relevant to the execution while sharing with the linked information terminal. When a communication link is established with another information terminal via a radio in a state dismounted from the docking station, the information terminal executes commodity sales data processing in combination with the linked information terminal and displays a relevant screen in the display screen.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a merchandise sales data processing apparatus including a portable information terminal, an information terminal, and a control program.

  2. Description of the Related Art A merchandise sales data processing apparatus, such as a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal, is known which reads data of merchandise brought into a cashier counter by a shopper and processes the read data as merchandise sales data.

  This POS terminal is a stationary type installed at a cash register counter in a store.

  On the other hand, a portable information terminal capable of inputting information by a finger touch operation on the display screen, for example, a tablet information terminal has been widely spread and reduced in price.

JP 2006-139660 A

  By using the portable information terminal as described above as a POS terminal, it is considered that work efficiency is improved.

  A merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a stationary docking station and a plurality of portable information terminals that have display means and can be attached to and detached from the docking station. The information terminal includes communication link control means, attachment time control means, and separation time control means. The communication link control means forms a wireless communication link between terminals. When the communication link is formed in a state where it is attached to the docking station, the attachment control means executes product sales data processing in cooperation with the information terminal of the formation destination and communicates a display screen related to the execution. The information is displayed on the display means in a shared manner with the linked information terminal. When the communication link is formed in a state of being detached from the docking station, the leaving time control means executes the product sales data processing through connection with the information terminal of the formation destination, and displays a display screen related to the execution. The display screen for the share is displayed on the display means.

The figure which shows the external appearance of the docking station and tablet terminal of one Embodiment. The figure which shows the state which removed the tablet terminal of one Embodiment from the docking station, and the state which extended two arms for terminal attachment from the docking station. The figure which shows the state which mounted | wore the tablet terminal of one Embodiment with the docking station, and has arrange | positioned the tablet terminal for an extended display on the left side of the tablet terminal. The figure which shows the state which mounted | wore the docking station of the tablet terminal of one Embodiment, and has arrange | positioned the tablet terminal for an extended display on the upper side of the tablet terminal. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a POS system including an embodiment. FIG. The block diagram which shows the principal part of the docking station and tablet terminal of one Embodiment. The flowchart which shows control of the tablet terminal with which the docking station of one Embodiment was mounted | worn. The figure which shows the display screen of the merchandise sales data process at the time of the non-cooperation mode of the tablet terminal with which the docking station of one Embodiment was mounted | worn. The flowchart which shows control of the tablet terminal for extended display of one Embodiment. The figure which shows the expansion designation | designated screen which the tablet terminal for extended display of one Embodiment displays. The figure which shows the display format designation | designated screen which the tablet terminal for extended display of one Embodiment displays. The figure which shows the display screen of the tablet terminal for extended display arrange | positioned on the left side and the display screen of the tablet terminal with which the docking station of one Embodiment was mounted | worn. The figure which shows the display screen of the tablet terminal mounted in the docking station of one Embodiment, and the display screen of the tablet terminal for extended display arrange | positioned on the upper side. The figure which shows the link destination designation | designated screen which the tablet terminal for extended display of one Embodiment displays.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a merchandise sales data processing apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment exemplifies a merchandise sales data processing apparatus that uses a tablet information terminal to realize a function as a POS terminal.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a stationary docking station, which is installed at a cash register counter in a store. Reference numeral 10a denotes an information terminal that can be freely attached to and detached from the docking station 1, for example, a tablet information terminal (hereinafter abbreviated as a tablet terminal). A state where the tablet terminal 10a is mounted on the docking station 1 is shown in FIG. 1, and a state where the tablet terminal 10a is detached from the docking station 1 is shown in FIG.

  The docking station 1 includes a reading window 2 for a scanner on the front surface of a box-shaped housing, and a paper issue port 3 on the left side surface of the housing. When the tablet terminal 10a is lifted and detached from the docking station 1, the inclined terminal mounting portion 4 is exposed at the upper part of the casing of the docking station 1 as shown in FIG. The terminal mounting unit 4 includes an expansion connector 5 for connecting a tablet terminal.

  The docking station 1 includes a plate-like arm 6 that can be pulled out to the left side and stored in the housing at the upper part of the left side surface of the housing where the paper issue port 3 is disposed. Further, the docking station 1 includes a plate-like arm 7 that can be pulled out obliquely upward and stored in the housing at the upper part of the rear surface of the housing.

  The tablet terminal 10a is covered with a rectangular casing that can be held with one hand, and includes a touch panel display unit (display means) 11 on an upper surface of the casing. The touch-panel display unit 11 can be touched with fingers, and accepts the touch operation as data input. In addition, the tablet terminal 10a includes a docking connector 68 described later on the back surface of the casing, and a holding member for holding the casing on the docking station 1 by sandwiching either of the arms 6 and 7 in the casing. Prepare for the back of the.

  By placing the back side of the tablet terminal 10a on the terminal mounting portion 4 of the docking station 1 and fitting the docking connector 68 of the tablet terminal 10a into the expansion connector 5, the electrical connection between the tablet terminal 10a and the docking station 1 is achieved. Connection is complete. When the electrical connection is completed, the mounting of the tablet terminal 10a to the docking station 1 is completed.

  The electrical connection between the tablet terminal 10a and the docking station 1 is released by lifting the mounted tablet terminal 10 and removing the docking connector 68 from the expansion connector 5. With this release, the detachment of the tablet terminal 10a from the docking station 1 is completed.

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which the tablet terminal 10 a is mounted on the terminal mounting portion 4 of the docking station 1, the arm 6 is pulled out, and the tablet terminal 10 x for extended display is mounted on the arm 6. In this case, the touch panel display unit 11 of the tablet terminal 10x and the touch panel display unit of the tablet terminal 10a are aligned in the left-right direction.

  FIG. 4 shows a state in which the tablet terminal 10 a is attached to the terminal attachment portion 4 of the docking station 1 and the arm 7 is pulled out and the tablet terminal 10 x for extended display is attached to the arm 7. In this case, the touch panel display unit 11 of the tablet terminal 10x and the touch panel display unit of the tablet terminal 10a are arranged in the vertical direction.

  It is also possible to mount the tablet terminal 10a on the terminal mounting portion 4 of the docking station 1, and pull out the arms 6 and 7 together and attach two tablet terminals for extended display to the arms 6 and 7.

  Since the tablet terminal 10x attached to the arm 6 or the arm 7 of the docking station 1 is not electrically connected to the docking station 1, it can be said that the tablet terminal 10x is detached from the docking station 1.

  The tablet terminal 10x has exactly the same configuration and function as the tablet terminal 10a, and is prepared on an inner shelf of a cashier counter where the docking station 1 is installed. When the cashier of the cashier counter feels that the display screen is small only with the tablet terminal 10 a attached to the docking station 1, the cashier takes out the tablet terminal 10 x in the cashier counter and attaches it to the arm 6 or the arm 7.

  When a plurality of cashier counters are installed in the store, one docking station 1 is placed on each cashier counter. Regarding tablet terminals, not only tablet terminals 10a and 10x but also tablet terminals 10b, 10c,. The number of tablet terminals 10a, 10b, 10c,..., 10n, 10x is the number including one for each docking station 1 and one for the staff to work by hand or for extended display.

  When the tablet terminals 10a, 10b, 10c,... 10n, 10x approach each other, a wireless communication link can be formed between the terminals, and data can be transmitted and received by radio waves.

  At least one docking station 1 and a plurality of tablet terminals 10a, 10b, 10c,... 10n, 10x constitute a product sales data processing apparatus. An outline of a POS system using this merchandise sales data processing apparatus is shown in FIG.

  The POS system includes a plurality of product sales data processing devices and a store server 20 that centrally manages these product sales data processing devices. The docking station 1 and the store server 20 of each merchandise sales data processing apparatus are connected to each other via a communication network 21 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. In addition, each tablet terminal and the store server 20 are connected so as to be capable of bidirectional communication by the communication network 21 and one or a plurality of wireless relay devices 22 connected to the communication network 21. Each tablet terminal can realize a function as a POS terminal when it is attached to the docking station 1 or detached from the docking station 1.

  When a cashier works for a cashier at a cashier counter, he / she attaches his / her tablet terminal to the docking station 1 on the cashier counter and follows the same accounting work as a normal POS terminal according to the display on the touch panel display unit 11 of the tablet terminal. I do. In addition, the clerk can also carry out, for example, inventory management work using the tablet terminal on hand while moving around the store with the tablet terminal.

The main parts of the docking station 1 and the tablet terminal 10a are shown in FIG.
In addition to the expansion connector 5, the docking station 1 includes a bus line 40, a communication interface 41, an auxiliary storage device (storage means) 42, a power supply unit 43, a scanner 44, a printer 45, I / O controllers 46 and 47, and the like. Prepare. The bus line 40 includes an address bus and a data bus. A communication interface 41, an auxiliary storage device 42, a power supply unit 43, a scanner 44, a printer 45, and I / O controllers 46 and 47 are connected to the bus line 40.

  The communication interface 41 is connected to the communication network 21. The communication interface 41 performs data transmission / reception between the tablet terminal 10 a and the store server 20 via the communication network 21.

  The auxiliary storage device 42 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 42 is, for example, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage device 42 stores data used when the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10a performs various processes, and data generated by the processes of the CPU 60. The auxiliary storage device 42 may store an application program.

  The power supply unit 43 converts the voltage of the commercial AC power supply 30 into an operation voltage for the docking station 1 and outputs it. Further, the power supply unit 43 outputs a charging voltage for the tablet terminal 10a. This charging voltage is transmitted to the tablet terminal 10 a via the expansion connector 5. The scanner 44 optically reads a bar code or the like put on the reading window 2. The scanner 44 may be of a type that reads a barcode or the like attached to a product from a product image captured by a camera.

  The printer 45 is loaded with receipt or journal roll paper, and performs, for example, thermal printing on the roll paper. The printed paper is discharged from the paper issuing port 3 and cut at a predetermined length. The I / O controller 46 controls a device such as a drawer 51 that is externally connected to the rear surface or side surface of the casing of the docking station 1. The I / O controller 47 controls a device such as a card reader / writer 52 that is externally connected to the back or side of the casing of the docking station 1. The card reader / writer 52 can read and write data with respect to the electronic money card.

  On the other hand, the tablet terminal 10 a includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 60 and a bus line 61 connected to the CPU 60. Furthermore, the tablet terminal 10a includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 62, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 63, a touch panel controller 64, a wireless communication unit 65, a clock unit 66, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 67, a docking connector 68, A battery 69 is provided. The bus line 61 includes an address bus and a data bus. A ROM 62, a RAM 63, a touch panel controller 64, a wireless communication unit 65, a clock unit 66, a USB connector 67, and a docking connector 68 are connected to the bus line 61.

  The CPU 60 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 60 controls each unit to implement various functions as a POS terminal according to a control program such as an operating system and an application program.

  The ROM 62 corresponds to a main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 62 stores control programs such as the operating system and application programs. The ROM 62 may store data necessary for the CPU 60 to execute various processes.

  The RAM 63 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 63 stores data necessary for the CPU 60 to execute various processes as necessary. The RAM 63 is also used as a work area when the CPU 60 performs various processes.

  The touch panel display unit 11 includes a display 11d that displays characters and images, and a touch sensor 11t that detects a touch operation on the display 11d. The touch panel controller 64 controls the display of the display 11d and detects the position coordinates of the touch operation from the output signal of the touch sensor 11t. Furthermore, the touch panel controller 64 detects a touch operation on the touch panel display unit 11 as an input of data based on the detected position coordinates and the display content of the display 11d.

  The wireless communication unit 65 transmits and receives data to and from the wireless repeater 22 using wireless communication. Further, the wireless communication unit 65 forms a wireless communication link with the wireless communication unit 65 of another tablet terminal based on a command from the CPU 60. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or near field communication technology is used to form the communication link. The clock unit 66 measures the current date and time.

  The USB connector 67 is for detachably connecting various USB devices having a communication method compliant with the USB standard. The drawer 51 or the card reader / writer 52 can be connected to the USB connector 67.

  The docking connector 68 is for connecting the tablet terminal 10a to the docking station 1, and is disposed on the back surface of the casing of the tablet terminal 10a.

  The battery 69 outputs a voltage for operating the tablet terminal 10 a and is charged by a charging voltage supplied from the docking station 1 via the expansion connector 5 and the docking connector 68.

The CPU 60 has the following means (1) to (6) as main functions based on the control program in the ROM 62.
(1) An input unit that receives a touch operation on the touch panel display unit 11 as an input of data related to sales of a product based on a detection result of the touch panel controller 64.

  (2) An input means for receiving the reading data of the scanner 44 in the docking station 1 as an input of data relating to the sale of goods.

  (3) Detection means for detecting attachment to the docking station 1 and separation from the docking station 1. Specifically, this detection means sends a confirmation signal through the docking connector 68, and when this confirmation signal returns to the docking connector 68, it determines that the device is attached, and the confirmation signal is sent to the docking connector 68. If it does not return to, it is determined that it has left.

  (4) Communication link control means for forming a wireless communication link with another tablet terminal by controlling the wireless communication unit 65.

  (5) When the communication link is formed while attached to the docking station 1, the product sales data processing based on the input data received by the input means is executed in cooperation with the tablet terminal of the formation destination. , And a control means at the time of mounting that displays the display screen related to the execution with the tablet terminal of the communication link destination and displays it on the touch panel display unit 11.

  (6) When the communication link is formed in a state of being detached from the docking station 1, the product sales data processing is executed by connection with the tablet terminal of the formation destination, and the display screen related to the execution is the above A control unit at the time of separation for displaying a shared display screen on the touch panel display unit 11.

  The display screen includes a detail screen showing the contents of the product sales data processing and an operation key screen necessary for executing the product sales data processing. The assignment of the display screen is specified as a display format by the staff. The mounting control means (5) and the detachment control means (6) display the detail screen and the operation key screen on the touch panel display 11 in a shared manner based on the designation of the display format.

The communication link control means (4) specifically includes the following means (41) to (43).
(41) Display control means for displaying, on the touch panel display unit 11, an extended designation screen for designating whether or not to use the tablet terminal as an extended display screen when leaving the docking station 1.

  (42) Request means for requesting other tablet terminals to form the communication link wirelessly when it is designated as an extended display screen on the extended designation screen.

  (43) When the above request is received in a state where it is mounted on the docking station 1, it is wireless with the requesting tablet terminal on the condition that the requesting tablet terminal is a pre-registered tablet terminal. Forming means for forming a communication link by

The forming means (43) specifically includes the following means (43a) to (43e).
(43a) When the above request is received in the state where it is mounted on the docking station 1, the requesting tablet terminal is accepted on the condition that the requesting tablet terminal is a pre-registered tablet terminal. Means to send a reply by radio.

  (43b) Means for wirelessly instructing the return-source tablet terminal to form the communication link when a response of acceptance of the request is received from one tablet terminal in a state of being detached from the docking station 1.

  (43c) A link destination for causing one of the plurality of tablet terminals to be designated as a communication link destination when a response of acceptance of the request is received from the plurality of tablet terminals in a state of being detached from the docking station 1 Means for displaying a designation screen on the touch panel display unit 11.

  (43d) Means for wirelessly instructing the designated tablet terminal to form the communication link when one tablet terminal is designated on the link destination designation screen.

  (43e) Means for forming a wireless communication link with the instruction source tablet terminal when the instruction is received with the docking station 1 mounted.

  The function of the tablet terminal 10a has been described so far, but the other tablet terminals 10b, 10c,... 10n, 10x also have the same function as the tablet terminal 10a.

  [1] Control of the tablet terminal 10a attached to the docking station 1 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10a monitors the designation of work on the initial screen of the touch panel display unit 11 (Act 1). For example, when an accounting operation is designated by a touch operation on the initial screen (YES in Act 1), the CPU 60 activates an application program for accounting operation (Act 2), and one of merchandise sales data processing based on the application program. The accounting process is executed (Act 3). During this execution, the CPU 60 displays a display screen relating to the execution of the accounting process on the touch panel display unit 11 as shown in FIG. This display screen is a screen in which, for example, the detail screen 81 and the operation key screens 82, 83, 84 are integrated into one screen.

  The detail screen 81 arranges the character display indicating the name, unit price, number, etc. of the registered products in the order of registration, as well as the total price of the registered products, the deposit amount from the shopper, the change amount to the shopper, etc. Includes character display. The operation key screen 82 is configured by vertically and horizontally arranging operation keys for product registration on which product names are described. The operation key screen 83 is configured by vertically and horizontally arranging product registration operation keys on which product names are described and business designation operation keys on which business names are described. The operation key screen 84 is a so-called numeric keypad screen in which operation keys for inputting numerical values are arranged vertically and horizontally.

  As the accounting process is executed, the CPU 60 monitors whether there is a request for wireless communication link formation from another tablet terminal (Act 4). When there is no request (NO in Act 4), the CPU 60 monitors an end operation by a touch operation of, for example, an end key on the display screen of the touch panel display unit 11 (Act 12). If there is no end operation (No in Act 12), the CPU 60 returns to Act 3 and continues the accounting process.

  When a request for communication link formation is received during execution of the accounting process (YES in Act 4), the CPU 60, on the condition that the requesting tablet terminal is a pre-registered tablet terminal (YES in Act 5) A response to the request of the tablet terminal is sent wirelessly (Act 6).

  If the requesting tablet terminal is not a pre-registered tablet terminal (No in Act 5), the CPU 60 monitors the end operation in Act 12. If there is no end operation (NO in Act 12), the CPU 60 returns to Act 3 and continues the accounting process in the linkage mode.

  The CPU 60 determines whether the requesting tablet terminal is a pre-registered tablet terminal by comparing the terminal identification code included in the communication link formation request with the terminal identification code registered in the ROM 62 in advance. . That is, when the terminal identification code included in the request for communication link formation matches the terminal identification code in the ROM 62, the CPU 60 determines that the requesting tablet terminal is a pre-registered tablet terminal. When the terminal identification code included in the communication link formation request does not match the terminal identification code in the ROM 62, the CPU 60 determines that the requesting tablet terminal is not a pre-registered tablet terminal.

  With the reply of Act6, the CPU 60 monitors whether there is an instruction to form a communication link from the requesting tablet terminal (Act7). If there is no instruction (NO in Act7), the CPU 60 executes a time count t1 (Act8), and compares the time count t1 with a predetermined set time t1s (Act9). The set time t1s is, for example, about 5 seconds to 10 seconds.

  When the time count t1 reaches the set time t1s without an instruction to form a communication link (NO in Act7, YES in Act8, Act9), the CPU 60 monitors the end operation in Act12. If there is no end operation (No in Act 12), the CPU 60 returns to Act 3 and continues the accounting process.

  When there is an instruction to form a communication link before the time count t1 reaches the set time t1s (NO in Act9, YES in Act7), the CPU 60 forms a wireless communication link with the instruction source tablet terminal. (Act 10). Then, the CPU 60 sets a linkage mode for executing the accounting process in cooperation with the tablet terminal of the communication link destination (Act 11).

  Subsequently, the CPU 60 monitors the end operation in Act12. If there is no end operation (NO in Act 12), the CPU 60 returns to Act 3 and starts accounting processing in the linkage mode.

  In the accounting process in the linked mode, the CPU 60 displays either one of the detail screen 81 and the operation key screens 82, 83, and 84 shown in FIG. 8 according to the display format notified from the tablet terminal of the communication link destination. Displayed in part 11.

  In the case of a display format in which the detail screen 81 is displayed on the tablet terminal 10a, the CPU 60 enlarges and displays the detail screen 81 to fill the display screen of the touch panel display unit 11. Accordingly, the CPU 60 displays the operation key screens 82, 83, and 84 as enlarged as possible on the communication link destination tablet terminal. Further, the CPU 60 accepts the touch operation on the detail screen 81 in the tablet terminal 10a and the touch operation on the operation key screens 82, 83, and 84 in the communication linked tablet terminal as input of data related to the sale of the product. . And CPU60 continues the accounting process of a connection mode based on the received input data.

  In the case of a display format in which the operation key screens 82, 83, and 84 are displayed on the tablet terminal 10 a, the CPU 60 displays the operation key screens 82, 83, and 84 as enlarged as possible on the display screen of the touch panel display unit 11. Accordingly, the CPU 60 enlarges and displays the detail screen 81 on the full display screen of the communication link destination tablet terminal. Further, the CPU 60 accepts the touch operation on the operation key screens 82, 83, and 84 in the tablet terminal 10a and the touch operation on the detail screen 81 on the communication linked tablet terminal as input of data relating to the sale of the product. . And CPU60 continues the accounting process of a connection mode based on the received input data.

  If there is an end operation (YES in Act 12), the CPU 60 ends the linkage mode accounting process (Act 13). This termination includes an instruction to terminate the process with respect to the communication link destination tablet terminal in the linked state. The CPU 60 returns to Act 1 and monitors the designation of the job.

  On the other hand, the CPU 60 monitors whether or not there is a request for wireless communication link formation from another tablet terminal even when there is no business designation (Act 1 NO) (Act 14). When there is no request (NO in Act 14), the CPU 60 returns to Act 1 and continues monitoring the designation of work.

  When a request for forming a communication link is received in a state where no business is specified (Yes in Act 14), the CPU 60 is on condition that the requesting tablet terminal is a pre-registered tablet terminal (Yes in Act 15). A response to the request is made wirelessly to the requesting tablet terminal (Act 16).

  If the requesting tablet terminal is not a pre-registered tablet terminal (No in Act 15), the CPU 60 returns to Act 1 and continues monitoring the designation of the task.

  The CPU 60 monitors whether there is an instruction to form a communication link from the requesting tablet terminal in response to the reply of Act 16 (Act 17). If there is no instruction (NO in Act 17), the CPU 60 executes the time count t1 (Act 18), and compares the time count t1 with the set time t1s (Act 19).

  If the time count t1 has reached the set time t1s without an instruction to form a communication link (NO in Act17, Act18, YES in Act19), the CPU 60 returns to Act1 and continues monitoring the designation of the task.

  If there is an instruction to form a communication link before the time count t1 reaches the set time t1s (NO in Act 19 and YES in Act 17), the CPU 60 forms a wireless communication link with the original tablet terminal. (Act 20). Then, the CPU 60 sets a link mode for executing the process of the business designated in the future in cooperation with the tablet terminal of the communication link destination (Act 21).

  Thus, when the connection mode is set before the processing is executed, the CPU 60 executes the processing in the connection mode from the beginning when the next job designation, application program activation, and processing execution are performed (YES in Act1, Act2, Act3). To do.

  [2] Control of, for example, the tablet terminal 10x that has left the docking station 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x displays the extended designation screen shown in FIG. 10 on the touch panel display unit 11 as an initial screen after activation (Act 31). The extended designation screen is for allowing the staff to designate whether or not to use the tablet terminal 10x as the extended display screen. ”, A YES button 102, and a NO button 103 are displayed.

  When the NO button 103 is touch-operated (NO in Act 32), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x displays a job designation screen on the touch panel display unit 11 (Act 33). Then, the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x monitors the designation of work on the work designation screen (Act 34). If there is no designation (NO in Act 34), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x executes the time count t2 (Act 35), and compares the time count t2 with a predetermined set time t2s (Act 36). The set time t2s is, for example, about 10 seconds to 15 seconds.

  When the time count t2 reaches the set time t2s without any instruction (NO in Act34, YES in Act35, Act36), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x returns to Act31 and displays the extended designation screen.

  If, for example, an inventory management operation is designated before the time count t2 reaches the set time t2s (NO in Act 36, YES in Act 34), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x activates an application program corresponding to the inventory management operation ( Act 37). Then, the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x executes an inventory management process, which is one of the merchandise sales data processes, based on the activated application program (Act 38). The CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10 x displays a display screen related to the execution of the inventory management process on the touch panel display unit 11.

  The CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x monitors the end operation on the display screen of the touch panel display unit 11 with the execution of the inventory management process (Act 39).

  If there is no end operation (NO in Act 39), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x continues the inventory management process (Act 38). When there is an end operation (YES in Act 39), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x ends the inventory management process (Act 40). After this end, the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x returns to Act 31 and displays the extension designation screen.

  On the other hand, when using the tablet terminal 10x as an extended display screen, the staff pulls out one of the arms 6 and 7 from the docking station 1 and attaches the tablet terminal 10x to the arm. Then, the staff touches the YES button 102 on the extended designation screen.

  When the YES button 102 is touched (YES in Act 32), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x requests the other tablet terminals to form a communication link wirelessly (Act 41). This request reaches the tablet terminal existing within the wireless communicable distance of the tablet terminal 10x. When the tablet terminal 10x is attached adjacent to the tablet terminal 10a on the docking station 1 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a request issued by the tablet terminal 10x reaches at least the tablet terminal 10a that is close to the distance.

  In response to this request, the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x monitors whether or not there is a response of acceptance from another tablet terminal (Act 42). When there is no acceptance (NO in Act 42), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x executes a time count t3 (Act 43), and compares the time count t3 with a predetermined set time t3s (Act 44). The set time t3s is, for example, about 5 seconds to 6 seconds.

  When the time count t3 has reached the set time t3s without a reply of acceptance (NO in Act42, Act43, YES in Act44), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x returns to Act31 and displays the extended designation screen.

  If there is a response of acceptance before the time count t3 reaches the set time t3s (NO in Act44, YES in Act42), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x determines whether the response is one or more. (Act 45).

When there is only one reply from the tablet terminal 10a (YES in Act 45), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x instructs the reply-source tablet terminal 10a to form a communication link wirelessly (Act 46). Upon receiving this instruction, the tablet terminal 10a forms a wireless communication link with the tablet terminal 10x (YES in Act7 in the flowchart of FIG. 7, Act10).
Following the instruction to form the communication link, the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x displays the display format designation screen shown in FIG. 11 on the touch panel display unit 11 (Act 47). The display format designation screen is for allowing a staff member to designate how the display screens of the two tablet terminals with communication links are arranged in the horizontal and vertical directions. The display format designation screen includes a display of guidance characters 104 and a confirmation button 109 “Please specify the display format”. The display format designation screen is a screen layout pattern 105 and its designation button 105a whose left is the detail screen and the right is the operation key screen, and the screen layout pattern 106 and its designation button whose left is the operation key screen and the right is the detail screen. The display of 106a is included. Further, the display format designation screen includes a screen layout pattern 107 whose upper screen is a detail screen and a lower screen which is an operation key screen and its designation button 107a, a screen layout pattern 108 whose lower is an operation key screen and whose top screen is a detail screen, and its This includes the display of the designation button 108a.

  As the display format designation screen is displayed, the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x monitors the touch operation on the display format designation screen (Act48).

  When there is a touch operation on the confirmation button 109 following the touch operation on any of the designation buttons 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a (Yes in Act 48), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x displays the display corresponding to the touch operation. The format is notified wirelessly to the tablet terminal 10a of the communication link destination (Act 49).

  For example, when the confirm button 109 is touched following the touch operation of the designation button 105a, the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x changes the display format of the screen layout pattern 105 in which the left is the detail screen and the right is the operation key screen. The previous tablet terminal 10a is notified.

  After the notification of the display format, the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x starts a linkage process with the tablet terminal 10a that is the communication link destination (Act 50). That is, the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x activates the same application program as the application program being activated on the tablet terminal 10a, and undertakes part of the processing of the tablet terminal 10a. Between the tablet terminals 10a and 10x, the tablet terminal 10a is a parent device and the tablet terminal 10x is a child device.

  When the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10a serving as the parent device receives the notification of the display format of the screen arrangement pattern 105 from the tablet terminal 10x, the CPU 60 displays the detail screen 81 on the tablet terminal 10x serving as the child device and operates the operation key screens 82 and 83. , 84 are displayed on the tablet terminal 10a.

  In the case of a store in which a shopper with a product moves from the right side to the left side of the checkout counter, the clerk arranges the tablet terminal 10x on the left side of the tablet terminal 10a on the docking station 1 as shown in FIG. . Further, the clerk touches the designation button 105a and the confirmation button 109 on the display format designation screen of the tablet terminal 10x to designate the display format of the screen arrangement pattern 105.

  FIG. 12 shows a display example of the tablet terminals 10a and 10x when the display format of the screen arrangement pattern 105 is designated. The left tablet terminal 10x expands and displays the detail screen 81 on the entire display screen of the touch panel display unit 11. The right tablet terminal 10 a displays the operation key screens 82, 83, and 84 so as to fill the display screen of the touch panel display unit 11. The attendant checks the processing result by viewing the detail screen 81 on the left tablet terminal 10x while touching the operation key screens 82, 83, and 84 on the right tablet terminal 10a with fingers.

  In this manner, the detail screen 81 and the operation key screens 82, 83, 84, which originally fit on one screen, are shared and displayed by the two tablet terminals 10a, 10x. , 84 can be displayed as enlarged as possible on each display screen. Therefore, even if the tablet terminals 10a and 10x are small, it is possible to accurately notify the staff of the display contents.

  Since the detail screen 81 expands to fill the display screen, even when a shopper purchases a large amount of merchandise, a large amount of detail information related to the purchase can be displayed as much as possible in one screen. Therefore, the troublesome work of confirming the detailed information while scrolling the detailed screen 81 is reduced. As a result, the work efficiency of the staff is improved.

  Since the operation key screens 82, 83, and 84 are spread over the entire display screen, the operation keys are easy to see and the staff can easily operate. This also improves the work efficiency of the staff.

  In the case of a small store, the tablet terminal 10x may be arranged above the tablet terminal 10a on the docking station 1 as shown in FIG. In this case, the clerk touches the designation button 107a and the confirmation button 109 on the display format designation screen of the tablet terminal 10x to designate the display format of the screen arrangement pattern 107.

  FIG. 13 shows a display example of the tablet terminals 10a and 10x when the display format of the screen layout pattern 105 is designated. The upper tablet terminal 10x expands and displays the detail screen 81 on the entire display screen of the touch panel display unit 11. The lower tablet terminal 10 a displays the operation key screens 82, 83, and 84 so as to fill the display screen of the touch panel display unit 11. The attendant checks the processing result by viewing the detail screen 81 displayed on the upper tablet terminal 10x while touching the operation key screens 82, 83, and 84 displayed on the lower tablet terminal 10a with fingers.

  The CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x that is the slave unit monitors a process end instruction from the tablet terminal 10a that is the master unit with the start of the link process in Act 50 (Act 51).

  When an instruction to end the process is received from the tablet terminal 10a (Yes in Act 51), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x ends the accounting process being executed in cooperation with the tablet terminal 10a (Act 40).

  By the way, in Act 45, when there are replies from the plurality of tablet terminals 10a and 10b (NO in Act 45), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x displays the link destination designation screen shown in FIG. (Act 52).

  The link destination designation screen is used for allowing an attendant to designate any one of a plurality of tablet terminals that have received a reply as a communication link destination. The link destination designation screen includes a display of guide characters 111 and a confirmation button 114 that “please specify a link destination”. Further, the link destination designation screen includes the display of the guide character 112 “tablet terminal 10a” and its designation button 112a, the display of the guide character 113 “tablet terminal 10b” and its designation button 113a.

  The CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x monitors the touch operation on the link destination designation screen (Act 53). When there is no touch operation (NO in Act 53), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x executes a time count t4 (Act 54), and compares the time count t4 with a predetermined set time t4s (Act 55). The set time t4s is, for example, about 10 seconds to 15 seconds.

  When the time count t4 has reached the set time t4s without touching the confirm button 114 (NO in Act 53, YES in Act 44, Act 55), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x returns to Act 31 and displays the extended designation screen. .

  When there is a touch operation on the designation button 112a and a touch operation on the confirmation button 114 before the time count t4 reaches the set time t4s (NO in Act 55, YES in Act 53), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x displays the tablet terminal 10a. On the other hand, the communication link is instructed wirelessly (Act 56). When there is a touch operation on the designation button 113a and a touch operation on the confirmation button 114 before the time count t4 reaches the set time t4s (NO in Act 55, YES in Act 53), the CPU 60 of the tablet terminal 10x displays the tablet terminal 10b. On the other hand, the communication link is instructed wirelessly (Act 56).

  As described above, in a situation where there are a plurality of tablet terminals capable of forming a communication link, it is possible to allow the staff to select which tablet terminal actually forms the communication link.

  In the above embodiment, the two arms 6 and 7 are provided in the docking station 1, but the number and position of the arms can be appropriately selected.

  The merchandise sales data processing apparatus is generally transferred in a state where a program such as a control program is stored in the ROM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a control program or the like assigned separately from the computer apparatus may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer apparatus in accordance with an operation of a user or the like. The transfer of the control program or the like can be performed by recording on a removable recording medium or by communication via a communication network. 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 ... Docking station, 2 ... Reading window, 3 ... Paper issuing port, 4 ... Terminal mounting part, 5 ... Extension connector, 6, 7 ... Arm, 10a, 10b, 10c, ... 10n, 10x ... Tablet terminal (information Terminal), 11 ... Touch panel display, 61 ... CPU, 63 ... RAM, 65 ... Wireless communication unit, 68 ... Docking connector, 81 ... Detail screen, 82, 83, 84 ... Operation key screen

Claims (6)

A stationary docking station;
A plurality of portable information terminals that have display means and can be attached to and detached from the docking station;
With
The information terminal
Communication link control means for forming a wireless communication link between terminals;
When the communication link is formed in the state where it is attached to the docking station, the product sales data processing is executed in cooperation with the information terminal of the formation destination, and the display screen related to the execution is displayed on the information terminal of the communication link destination And mounting control means for sharing and displaying on the display means;
When the communication link is formed in a state of being detached from the docking station, the merchandise sales data processing is executed by interconnection with the information terminal of the formation destination, and the share of the display screen related to the execution is executed. A control unit for leaving when a display screen is displayed on the display unit;
including,
A product sales data processing apparatus characterized by that. The display means is a touch panel type display unit that accepts a touch operation as an input,
The display screen includes a detail screen showing the contents of the product sales data processing, and an operation key screen necessary for executing the product sales data processing,
The mounting control means displays either the detailed screen or the operation key screen on the touch panel display unit based on a display format designated in advance.
Based on the display format, the control unit at the time of leaving displays either the detailed screen or the operation key screen on the touch panel display unit.
The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1. The communication link control means includes
Display control means for displaying on the display means a designation screen for designating whether or not to use the tablet terminal as an extended display screen when leaving the docking station;
Requesting means for requesting the formation of the communication link by radio when designated to be used as the extended display screen on the designated screen;
A wireless communication link with the requesting information terminal on the condition that the requesting information terminal is a pre-registered information terminal when the request is received while attached to the docking station. Forming means for forming;
including,
The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1. The forming means includes
When the request is received while attached to the docking station, on the condition that the requesting information terminal is a pre-registered information terminal, the requesting information terminal is wirelessly notified. Means to reply,
Means for wirelessly instructing the reply source information terminal to form the communication link when a response to the request is received from one information terminal in a state of being detached from the docking station;
A link destination designation screen for causing one of the plurality of information terminals to be designated as a communication link destination when a response of compliance with the request is received from a plurality of information terminals in a state of being detached from the docking station. Means for displaying on said display means;
Means for instructing the designated information terminal to form the communication link by radio when one information terminal is designated on the link destination designation screen;
Means for forming a wireless communication link with the information terminal of the instruction source when receiving the instruction in a state of being attached to the docking station;
including,
The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 3. A portable information terminal having a display means, which can be freely attached to and detached from the docking station,
Communication link control means for forming a wireless communication link with other information terminals;
When the communication link is formed in the state where it is attached to the docking station, the product sales data processing is executed in cooperation with the information terminal of the formation destination, and the display screen related to the execution is displayed on the information terminal of the communication link destination And mounting control means for sharing and displaying on the display means;
When the communication link is formed in a state of being detached from the docking station, the merchandise sales data processing is executed by interconnection with the information terminal of the formation destination, and the share of the display screen related to the execution is executed. A control unit for leaving when a display screen is displayed on the display unit;
including,
An information terminal characterized by that. A portable information terminal having display means and a computer, which can be attached to and detached from the docking station,
The computer,
Communication link control means for forming a wireless communication link with other information terminals;
When the communication link is formed in the state where it is attached to the docking station, the product sales data processing is executed in cooperation with the information terminal of the formation destination, and the display screen related to the execution is displayed on the information terminal of the communication link destination And mounting control means for sharing and displaying on the display means;
When the communication link is formed in a state of being detached from the docking station, the merchandise sales data processing is executed by interconnection with the information terminal of the formation destination, and the share of the display screen related to the execution is executed. A control unit for leaving when a display screen is displayed on the display unit;
Control program to function.

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