JP3343489B2 - Product sales data processing system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a PO
The present invention relates to a merchandise sales data processing system used as an S (Point Of Sales: point of sale information) system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a mass merchandise store having a grocery store, a clothing store, a daily necessities store, etc., a file control device comprising a server computer or the like is installed in each store, and each file control device is installed. A terminal for product sales registration in the same sales floor, a so-called POS terminal, using SDLC (Sy
In addition to connecting via a communication line such as an nchronous data link control (LAN) line, a store control device such as a host computer is installed in a store office or the like, and a file control device for each sales floor is connected to the store control device via a LAN (Local Arrangement)
A so-called POS system has been constructed in which a merchandise sales data processing system is connected by a communication line such as ea Network) and centralized management of merchandise sales registration at each POS terminal is performed by a store control device.

[0003] In a mass merchandising store in which such a POS system is constructed, it is necessary to set the selling price change data and other necessary data of the day in each POS terminal before the opening of the business day. It is called business. Further, after the store is closed, it is necessary to calculate sales data for the entire store and each sales floor by summing up the sales data of each product registered at each POS terminal, and such a business is referred to as a store closing business.

In a conventional POS system of this type, a system in which each file control device performs opening / closing operations for each POS terminal connected to a line under the control of a store control device, and a system in which each file control device operates. There is a system that performs opening and closing operations for each POS terminal that is independently connected to a line.

[0005] The former store control device-driven system comprises:
The store control device is equipped with a program for controlling the execution timing of the opening and closing operations of each file control device,
Based on the program, control commands for opening and closing operations are transmitted to each file control device in a timely manner. Accordingly, when each file control device receives a control command for opening a store from the store control device, it synchronously downloads the selling price change data and the like stored in the setting data file to each POS terminal connected to the line. When the control command for the store closing operation is received and the control command for the store closing operation is received, the sales data and the like of each registered product are collected from each POS terminal connected to the line in synchronization with the control command, and the sales data file is totaled and stored. Was to be closed.

On the other hand, in the latter system using only a file control device, the start times of opening and closing operations are set in advance in each file control device. Then, each file control device monitors the timer time, and executes the same opening operation as described above when the opening time of the opening operation is reached, and executes the same closing operation as described above when the starting time of the closing operation is reached. Was.

[0007]

As described above, in this type of conventional POS system, as a control method of opening / closing business, there are a control method led by a store control device and a control method solely by a file control device. In the case of the store control device, the store control device adds the selling price change data to the setting data file of each file control device or collects the data aggregated in the sales data file of each file control device. Although there is an advantage that maintenance can be performed in a timely manner, abnormalities in the store control device,
If a failure occurs in the communication line connecting the store control device and each file control device and the control command for the opening / closing operation cannot be transmitted, the opening and closing operations will not be executed, which will hinder the store operation. There were challenges.

On the other hand, in the case of the control method using only the file control device, although the above-mentioned problem is solved, the store control device always monitors each file control device to check whether the opening / closing operation has been executed normally. However, it is troublesome to perform file maintenance for each file control device based on the above.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. It is an object of the present invention to control the opening / closing operation under the control of the store control device when the store control device is normal, and to control the file opening and closing operation when the store control device is abnormal. An object of the present invention is to provide a merchandise sales data processing system capable of stably executing opening / closing operations without increasing the load on the store control device by controlling the opening / closing operations by the control device alone.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a file control device is connected to a store control device via a first communication means, and the file control device is connected to the file control device via a second communication means. Commodity sales in which a plurality of merchandise sales registration terminals are connected, and the file control device performs store opening and closing operations in synchronization with a control command given from the store control device via the first communication means. In the data processing system, the file control device has a clock unit for measuring the current time, a time storage unit for storing preset start times of the opening and closing operations, and monitoring an operation state of the store control device. Operation monitoring means is provided, and while the normal state of the store control device is detected by the operation monitoring means, the store is opened in synchronization with a control command given from the store control device. And while the operation monitoring means detects an abnormal state of the store control device, it checks whether the current time measured by the time keeping means has reached the start time stored by the time storage means, and opens the store. , The store opening operation is started when the start time is reached, and the store closing operation is started when the start time of the store closing time is reached.

[0011] The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is the above-described claim 1.
In the invention according to the invention, the operation monitoring means is a means for periodically transmitting an operation state confirmation command from the file control device to the store control device via the first communication line, and monitoring the presence or absence of a response command, The store control device adds a control command for synchronizing a store opening operation and a store closing operation to a response command.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the POS shown in FIG.
An embodiment applied to a system will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, 1 is a store processor that functions as a store control device, 2 is a file processor that functions as a file control device,
The store processor 1 and each file processor 2 are connected by a LAN 3 which is a first communication line. Further, each file processor 2 is connected to a plurality of merchandise sales registration shelves, so-called POS terminals 5, via SDLC lines 4 as second communication lines.

The store processor 1 is constituted by, for example, a host computer, and at least as shown in FIG. 2, a CPU (Central Processing) constituting a main control unit.
Unit) 11 and a ROM (Read Onl) constituting a main storage unit.
y Memoly) 12 and RAM (Random Access Memoly) 1
3, a clock unit 14 for measuring the current date and time, and
A LAN communication controller 15 that controls data communication through the AN 3 and an HDD (Hard Disk) that constitutes an auxiliary storage device.
Disc Drive) device 16 and FDD (Floppy Disk Driv
e) Each controller 16C, 17C of the device 17 and an I / O device interface 18 for connecting various input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a scanner, a display, and a printer. Then, the CPU 11 and the ROM 1
2, the RAM 13, the clock unit 14, the LAN communication controller 15, the HDD controller 16C, the FDD controller 17C, and the I / O device interface 18 are electrically connected by bus lines 19 such as an address bus and a data bus.

The file processor 2 is constituted by, for example, a server computer, and at least as shown in FIG. 3, a CPU 21 constituting a main storage unit, a ROM 22 and a RAM 23 constituting a main storage unit, and clocking a current date and time. A clock unit 24 as a time measuring means for performing
3, a LAN communication controller 25 for controlling data communication through the SDLC line 3, an SDLC communication controller 26 for controlling data communication through the SDLC line 4, and a controller 17C of the HDD device 16 constituting an auxiliary storage device. Then, the CPU 21 and the ROM 22, R
AM23, clock unit 24, LAN communication controller 25,
The SDLC communication controller 26 and the HDD controller 17C are electrically connected by a bus line 28 such as an address bus and a data bus.

The POS terminals 5 connected to the HDD device 27 of each file control device 2 for line-opening operations
A setting data file FL1 for storing sales price change data and the like to be downloaded to the customer, and a sales data file FL2 for summing up product sales data collected from each POS terminal 5 connected to the line in the closing operation. I have.

The RAM 23 of each file control device 2
As shown in FIG. 4, a setting area R1 for opening a business opening time, an area R2 for setting a closing business starting time, a setting area R3 for setting a transmission timer, and a timer counter area R4.
A flag area R5 of the SP abnormality flag F is formed. The SP abnormal flag F is a flag that is reset to [0] when the store processor 1 is normal and is set to [1] when abnormal. Here, the setting areas R1 and R2 constitute time storage means.

In the POS system having such a configuration, the store processor 1 preliminarily stores each data of the store opening operation start time, the store closing operation start time and the transmission timer set value in the LA.
RAM area R of each file processor 2 through N3
Download to 1, R2, R3. Here, the work start time and the transmission timer setting value may be common to each file processor or different for each file processor.

Thus, the CP of each file processor 2
U21 is program-controlled to execute the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the counting operation of the timer counter R4 is started as ST (step) 1, and a predetermined monitoring command is transmitted to the store processor 1 through one line of the LAN 3 under the control of the LAN communication controller 15 as ST2 (operation monitoring means).

In response, when a response command is received from the store processor 1 as ST3, it is determined that the operation state of the store processor 1 is normal, and as ST4, the SP abnormality flag F in the flag area R5 is examined to indicate an abnormal state [ If it is set to [1], it is reset to [0] as ST5.

Next, in step ST6, it is determined whether or not file maintenance data is added to the response command from the store processor 1. If it is added, the setting data file FL1 or the sales data file FL2 is maintained according to the data as ST7. If no file maintenance data is added to the response command in ST6,
In ST8, it is determined whether or not a synchronous command for instructing execution of a store opening operation or a store closing operation is added to the response command. If it is added, in ST9, in synchronization with the synchronization command, store price change data and the like stored in the setting data file FL1 are downloaded to each of the POS terminals 5 connected to the line, or each store connected to the line is connected. A store closing operation is performed such as collecting sales data of each registered product from the POS terminal 5 and totaling and storing the sales data in the sales data file FL2.

Thereafter, in step ST10, the process waits for the count value of the timer counter R4 to reach the transmission timer set value in the setting area R3, and if so, returns to ST1 to restart the counting operation of the timer counter R4. At the same time, the monitoring command is retransmitted to the store processor 1.

Thus, each file processor 2 periodically sends a monitoring command to the store processor 1 to monitor the operation state of the store processor 1. And
While the response command to the monitoring command is being received, the store processor 2 determines that it is normal, and if the file maintenance data is added to the response command, performs the file maintenance of the setting data file FL1 or the sales data file FL2. If a synchronization command for opening or closing business is added, the opening or closing operation is executed in synchronization with the command.

On the other hand, if the response command to the monitoring command is not received within the predetermined time in ST3, it is determined that the operation state of the store processor 1 is abnormal. Then, the CPU 21 executes the SP abnormality processing specifically shown in FIG. First, the flag area R is set as ST11.
The SP abnormality flag F of No. 5 is checked, and if it has been reset to [0] indicating a normal state, it is set to [1] in ST12.

Next, in ST13, it is determined whether or not the current time measured by the clock unit 24 coincides with the opening business start time set in the RAM area R1. If the opening time coincides with the opening time, the same opening operation as above is started in ST14. If the current time does not coincide with the opening business start time in ST13, ST
As 15, it is determined whether or not the current time matches the closing business start time set in the RAM area R2.
Then, if the time coincides with the closing business start time, ST1
As 6, the store closing operation similar to the above is started.

Thereafter, as ST17, it waits until the count value of the timer counter R4 reaches the transmission timer set value in the setting area R3, and if it has reached, returns to ST1 to restart the counting operation of the timer counter R4. At the same time, the monitoring command is retransmitted to the store processor 1.

FIG. 7 shows the CPU 11 of the store processor 1 which has received the monitoring command from the file processor 2.
4 is a flowchart showing main part processing of FIG. That is, the CPU 11
Starts this processing when command data is received via the LAN communication controller 15, and when it confirms that the received command data is a monitoring command from the file processor 2 in ST1, it sends it to the file processor 2 of the command transmission source in ST2. It is determined whether there is data for file maintenance. Then, if there is file maintenance data, the corresponding file maintenance data is added to the response command to the confirmation command as ST3, and the data is transmitted to the file processor 2 as the command transmission source.

If there is no file maintenance data in ST2, it is determined in ST4 whether or not it is time to execute a store opening operation or a store closing operation in the command source file processor 2. If it is the execution timing, a synchronization command corresponding to the response command to the confirmation command is added as ST5, and the command is transmitted to the file processor 2 as the command transmission source. If it is not the opening timing of the store opening operation or the store closing operation in ST4, a response command to the confirmation command is transmitted to the file processor 2 of the command transmission source in ST6.

In the present embodiment configured as above, the store processor 1 is operating normally, and a response command is returned in response to the confirmation command periodically transmitted from each file processor 2. During the period
Each file processor 2 executes a store opening operation and a store closing operation in synchronization with a synchronization command from the store processor 1. That is, the store opening operation and the store closing operation are performed by the store processor 1.

On the other hand, if the response command is not returned in response to the confirmation command from each file processor 2 because the store processor 1 itself fails or the LAN 3 fails, 2 waits for the current time measured by the clock unit 24 to coincide with one of the preset business opening start time and the business closing start time. Then, when the opening time coincides with the opening time, the opening operation is started. If the time coincides with the closing business start time, the closing business is started. That is, the opening and closing operations are performed by each file processor 2 alone.

Each file processor 2 periodically transmits a confirmation command even after confirming the abnormality of the store processor 1. Then, when the store processor 1 recovers and a response command is returned in response to the confirmation command, the store opening operation and the store closing operation are performed in synchronization with the synchronization command from the store processor 1. That is, the format is returned to the format led by the store processor 1.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, each file processor 2 constantly monitors the operation state of the store processor 1 and synchronizes with the control command given from the store processor 1 while detecting the normal state. While the store opening and closing operations are executed and an abnormal condition is detected, it is checked whether the current time has reached the start time stored in the RAM areas R1 and R2 in advance, and when the start time of the store opening operation is reached The store opening operation is started when the start time of the store closing time is reached. Therefore, when the store processor 1 is normal, the opening / closing operation is controlled under the initiative of the store processor 1, and when the store processor 1 is abnormal, each file processor 2 is independently opened / closed.
Since the closing operation is controlled, the opening and closing operation can always be performed stably without increasing the load on the store processor 1.

Generally, the store processor 1 and each file processor 2 are used as a logical line of the LAN 3 for interactive use, for transaction data collection,
Each business is performed using three batch business lines.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, it is necessary for each file processor 2 to always communicate between applications in order to monitor the state of the store processor 1, and it is difficult to use an existing logical line.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the store processor 1 is monitored by adding a line dedicated to store processor monitoring to the LAN 3 and periodically transmitting a monitoring command. In addition, when the store processor 1 is normal, a synchronous command for instructing execution of the store opening and closing operations is added to the response command to the confirmation command and transmitted. Therefore, when the store processor 1 is normal, the status monitoring of the store processor 1 and the execution control of the opening / closing business are reliably performed without being affected by the business on other logical lines. In addition, since the file maintenance that has been conventionally performed as a part of the batch operation is performed in parallel with the monitoring operation of the store processor 1, the load on the existing batch operation is reduced.

Also, for example, even if the store processor 1 goes down during operation, the store opening and closing operations can be executed by the file processor alone in the state of the file maintenance just before the store processor 1 goes down, so that the reliability of the system is greatly enhanced. That effect can also be achieved.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the file processor 2 periodically transmits a monitoring command to the store processor 1 and monitors the state of the store processor 1 based on whether or not there is a response to this command. May be transmitted to each file processor 2, and each file processor 2 may monitor the status of the store processor 1 based on the presence or absence of this command.

In the above-described embodiment, the POS system in which a plurality of file processors 2 are connected to one store processor 1 has been exemplified. However, the present invention is similarly applied to a system having one file processor 2. It goes without saying that you can do it. In addition, it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0037]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
When the store control device is normal,
The store closing operation is controlled, and when the store control device is abnormal, the file control device alone controls the opening and closing operations, so that the product sales data processing system can stably execute the opening and closing operations without increasing the load on the store control device. Can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram showing a main configuration of a store processor according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the file processor according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing main memory areas formed in a RAM of the file processor according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control processing of opening / closing operations executed by the CPU of the file processor in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart specifically showing SP abnormality processing in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows C of the store processor according to the embodiment;
5 is a flowchart showing a main part of a command receiving process executed by a PU.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Store processor (store control device) 2 ... File processor (file control device) 3 ... LAN (1st communication line) 4 ... SDLC line (2nd communication line) 5 ... POS terminal (terminal for merchandise sales registration)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G07G 1/00-5/00 G06F 17/00-17/42 G06F 17/60-17/60 124 G06F 17 / 60 126 G06F 17/60 128-176 G06F 17/60 234 G06F 17/60 300-342 G06F 17/60 414 G06F 17/60 500-19/00 140 G06F 19/00 600

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] A file control device is connected to a store control device via a first communication means, and a plurality of merchandise sales registration terminals are connected to the file control device via a second communication means. A merchandise sales data processing system in which the file control device performs a store opening operation and a store closing operation in synchronization with a control command given from the store control device via the first communication unit; A time measuring means for measuring the current time, a time storage means for storing a preset start time of the opening and closing business, and an operation monitoring means for monitoring the operation state of the store control device, While the normal state of the store control device is detected by the operation monitoring means, the store opening operation and the store operation are synchronized with a control command given from the store control device. While the store operation is being performed and the abnormal state of the store control device is detected by the operation monitoring unit, it is checked whether the current time measured by the clock unit has reached the start time stored by the time storage unit. A merchandise sales data processing system for starting a store opening operation when the start time of the store opening operation is reached and starting the store closing operation when the start time of the store closing time is reached. 2. The operation monitoring means is means for periodically transmitting a command for confirming the operation state from the file control device to the store control device via the first communication line, and monitoring the presence or absence of a response command. 2. The merchandise sales data processing system according to claim 1, wherein the store control device adds a control command for synchronizing a store opening operation and a store closing operation to the response command.