JP4900096B2 - Network system and program - Google Patents

Description

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

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

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

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

  The network system of the present invention includes at least one application execution server that executes an application, at least one client terminal that requests the application execution server to execute the application, and at least one that operates in accordance with the operation of the client terminal. A device and one or more device servers that control the device, and at least the application execution server and the client terminal, the device server and the device, the application execution server and the device server, and the client terminal and the device are connected to the network. In the network system, the application execution server includes an execution request receiving unit that receives an application execution request accompanied by a device operation from a client terminal, and an application execution Generate device control information for controlling the device in response to the reception of the request, and transmit the device control information to the device server, and execute the application in response to receiving the response from the device server to the transmission of the device control information First response data transmitting means for generating first response data including a result and transmitting the first response data to the client terminal. The client terminal receives the first response data from the application execution server. An operation request means for transmitting an operation request; and an operation result receiving means for receiving second response data including a device operation result in response to the device operation request. The device server receives device control information from the application execution server. Command converted according to the device to be controlled Command conversion information storage means for storing the command conversion information in a queue for each device, and storage response means for transmitting a response accompanying the storage of the command conversion information to the application execution server. In response to the reception of the device operation request, the command request transmission means for transmitting the device command request to the device server, and the command conversion information received from the device-specific queue by the device server in response to the device command request An operation means that operates according to the command conversion information; and an operation result transmission means that transmits an operation result of the operation means to the client terminal as second response data.

  According to this configuration, when the client terminal transmits an application execution request involving device operation, the application execution server generates device control information for controlling a target device based on the application execution request, Send to device server. The device server converts the device control information into a command according to the target device and stores it in a queue for each device. Then, the device server transmits a response to the effect that the processing related to the device control information has been completed to the application execution server. The application execution server generates an application execution result as first response data in response to the response, and transmits the first response data to the client terminal. The client terminal transmits a device operation request to the target device based on the received first response data. The device that has received the device operation request requests a device command from the device server, and receives command conversion information stored in the device-specific queue corresponding to the device from the device server. Then, the device operates itself based on the command conversion information, transmits the operation result to the client terminal, and the client terminal receives the operation result, thereby completing a series of processing relating to the device operation. As a result, the device server manages the control information of each device and functions as a device driver for each device. Therefore, the device is used based on the operation request from the client terminal without installing the device driver in the client terminal. can do. In addition, since a device driver is not required for the client terminal, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the client terminal related to the use of the device. Further, for the device manufacturer, there is no need to create a device driver for each type of OS of each client terminal, and there is an effect that the development cost related to this can be reduced.

  In this case, the application execution server and the device include an HTTP server and an HTTP client, the device server includes an HTTP server, and the client terminal includes a single function browser having no plug-in function. The terminal, device server, and device preferably communicate based on the hypertext transfer protocol.

  According to this configuration, the client terminal communicates with the application execution server and the device based on the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) using a single function browser, so that the environment of the client terminal (the OS of the client terminal OS) It is possible to access a device (for example, a peripheral device such as a printer or a scanner) without depending on the type. In addition, since the client terminal does not require a plug-in module depending on the type of OS or browser, for example, the plug-in module is not provided and the device cannot be used. The single-function browser here is a standard browser in which no plug-in module is installed.

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

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

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

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

  According to this configuration, the device main body, the client terminal, and the device server can be connected to the network via the device adapter. The device adapter receives a device operation request or the like from the client terminal, and transmits a device command request to the device server in accordance with this request to control the operation of the device body. Thereby, even when the device body cannot be directly connected to the network, the device can be used from the client terminal via the network.

  In these cases, the application execution server further includes device exclusive request means for transmitting a device exclusive request for exclusive use of the device to the device server, and the device server is configured to transmit the device exclusive request based on the device exclusive request. Device exclusive control means that restricts the use to a single application execution server, and when there is a use request from another application execution server to a dedicated device, And a notification means for notifying that the use of the device is prohibited.

  According to this configuration, the device server performs exclusive control of the target device in response to a device exclusive request from the application execution server. This allows a single application execution server to occupy the corresponding device. For example, when the application execution server performs high-priority processing involving device operations, Processing delay can be prevented. It should be noted that a device that is not requested for device exclusive use can be shared by a plurality of application execution servers.

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

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

In these cases, it is preferable that the application execution server functions as a POS server, and the client terminal functions as a POS terminal in cooperation with the device .

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

  In these cases, an application proxy execution server that is connected to the application execution server and performs processing similar to the application execution server, and a proxy device server that is connected to the device server and performs processing similar to the device server The application proxy execution server and the proxy device server are connected to the network, and the application proxy execution server performs proxy processing of the application execution server when the application execution server is in an abnormal state. In the case where the device server is in an abnormal state, it is preferable to execute the processing of the device server as a proxy.

  According to this configuration, when the application execution server is in an abnormal state, the application proxy execution server can execute a processing request from the client terminal as a proxy. When the device server is in an abnormal state, the proxy device server can execute a device command request request from the device by proxy. As a result, the application proxy server can be used as a backup server for the application execution server, and the client terminal can acquire the execution result of the application without being aware of the malfunction of the application execution server. In addition, since the proxy device server can be used as a backup of the device server, the device can be reliably operated without being aware of the state of the device server. The abnormal state is a state that is not a normal state, for example, a case where there is no response from the application of the application execution server, or a case where the application execution server or the device server fails.

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

  According to this configuration, the application execution server and the application proxy execution server can be synchronized. For example, even when the application execution server is in an abnormal state, the client terminal executes when the execution request is made to the application execution server. The same execution result as the result can be acquired from the application proxy execution server. In addition, by synchronizing the device server and the proxy device server, for example, even when the device server is in an abnormal state, the device is the same as the response result (command conversion information and print data) when requested to the device server. Can be obtained from the proxy device server.

In these cases, the application execution server and the application proxy execution server, the device server and the proxy device server are connected to the Internet, the application execution server, the device server, the client terminal, and the device are connected to the LAN , and the client terminal and the device are It is preferable to be connected to the Internet via the LAN connection .

  According to this configuration, since the application execution server, the device server, the client terminal, and the device are LAN-connected, compared to the case where the application execution server and the device server are installed on the Internet, between the application execution server and the client terminal, In addition, the response speed between the device server and the device can be increased.

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

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

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

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

  The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as each means of an application execution server or a device server in the network system described above.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, a POS system 1 (network system) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of POS terminals 2 (two in FIG. 1) that receive merchandise information and calculates a settlement amount. A POS server 3 (application execution server) that is connected to the POS terminal 2 via the Internet 6 and manages the POS terminal 2, and various devices that are connected to the POS terminal 2 via the Internet 6 and are components of the POS terminal 2 And a device server 4 that manages the device 5. By installing the POS server 3 and the device server 4 on the Internet 6, it becomes possible to access regardless of the installation location of the POS terminal 2, and to provide a POS service and a device service of the same quality to many users. it can.

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

  The POS server 3 communicates with the POS terminal 2 (the browser 71 of the host device 51) based on the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) via the HTTP server 21. That is, the CPU 11 of the POS server 3 receives an application execution request including a device operation from the POS terminal 2 (host device 51) as an HTTP request via the communication interface 18 (execution request receiving means), and receives the application execution request. Is transmitted (response) to the POS terminal 2 as data (page) in HTML format or XML format (first response data transmission means). In this case, when the CPU 11 receives the application execution request including the device operation from the POS terminal 2, the device specification that specifies the device 5 (for example, the peripheral device such as the printing apparatus 54 or the scanner) as the operation target as the response data. Data (page) in which information (IP address of the device 5), operation information for specifying the operation of the device 5 (for example, information such as API for device operation) and the like are inserted as tags, or a device server 4 described later The processing result in step S1 is transmitted to the POS terminal 2 as data (page) in HTML format or XML format.

  On the other hand, communication with the device server 4 (HTTP server 41) is performed based on SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) via the HTTP client 22 of the POS server 3 (the transfer protocol uses HTTP). The CPU 11 of the POS server 3 generates device control information (information of the target device 5) based on the application execution request including the above device operation, and the device control information and data to be processed (for example, print data) Etc.) as an HTTP request to the device server 4 (device control information transmitting means). Then, the processing result for the request is received from the device server 4. The device control information is generated as data in XML format (or HTML format).

  The POS application 23 is for performing a payment process based on a request from the POS terminal 2. For example, when product input information is transmitted from the POS terminal 2, the CPU 11 executes the POS application 23, and extracts information on the product code, product name, and price from the product master 24 based on the input information. Product data used for printing the receipt and displaying on the customer display 52 of the POS terminal 2 is generated. Further, the CPU 11 generates settlement information print data for printing on a receipt from the input information from the POS terminal 2 and the generated product data. These generated data are transmitted to the device server 4 together with the device control information in accordance with the application execution request from the POS terminal 2. Each data generated here is data in HTML format or XML format.

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

  The device server 4 is constructed as a Web application server, and includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an HDD 34, an input device 35, a display 36, an input / output interface 37, and a communication interface 38 as shown in FIG. 2, and is stored in the ROM 32. The data in the RAM 33 is processed according to the control program. The HDD 34 stores an HTTP server 41, a device management application 42 (Web application), and a device management database 43.

  The device server 4 communicates with the POS server 3 based on SOAP via the HTTP server 41 (HTTP is used as a transfer protocol). That is, the CPU 31 of the device server 4 receives the device control information from the POS server 3 (HTTP client 22) and the data to be processed (print data and the like) as an HTTP request via the communication interface 38. The CPU 31 uses the device management application 42 to refer to the device management database 43 to convert the device control information so as to correspond to the device 5 to be controlled, and to convert the converted command conversion information for each device. Save in queue (command conversion information storage means). Thereafter, the CPU 31 transmits (responds) the result (success / failure of the storage) associated with the command conversion information storage processing to the POS server 3 as XML format data (storage response means). The device management database 43 records device driver information corresponding to each device 5, and based on this information, the CPU 31 converts the device control information into a command suitable for the device 5 to be controlled. To do. Also, a job ID is assigned to each processing request from the POS server 3, and for example, when a print canceling process or the like occurs, the job ID is specified to perform processing.

  The device server 4 also communicates with the device 5 (or the device adapter 53) based on HTTP via the HTTP server 41. The CPU 31 of the device server 4 receives a device command request from the device 5 (HTTP clients 86 and 96) as an HTTP request. Then, on the basis of the device command request, device control information (command or the like) stored in the target device 5 queue is sequentially extracted and transmitted to the device 5 as response data. Further, when there is data that is a target for data output or data writing on the device 5 side, the data is converted into data in a format that can be processed by the target device 5, and the above device control information And send it together.

  Further, the CPU 31 of the device server 4 performs account management of the device 5 and identifies the device 5. The CPU 31 receives the device ID and password transmitted from the device 5 and authenticates whether or not they match those registered in the device server 4. If the authentication is successful, access to the device server 4 is permitted. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the access to the device server 4 is rejected and the device 5 is notified of this. As a result, the device 5 can be reliably identified, and troubles such as sending data to another device 5 by mistake can be prevented.

  The device server 4 also includes an environment setting service for setting the environment of each device 5 managed by the device server 4 and provides a device environment setting function to the POS terminal 2 (host device 51) (device environment setting means). . In this environment setting service, for example, registration / deletion of the device 5, device name / ID setting, property setting of the device 5, and the like can be performed. The environment setting service is preferably provided as, for example, a UI (User Interface) or a Web service API (Application Program Interface) using a Web page. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide an input device for setting the environment for each device 5, and the device 5 can be set easily and at low cost.

  On the other hand, the POS terminal 2 includes a host device 51 (client terminal) that acquires product data from the POS server 3, a customer display 52 (device body) that displays product names, sales amounts, and the like, and a customer display 52 that displays the customer display 52. A device adapter 53 for connecting to a network and a printing device 54 for printing payment information on a receipt are connected via a LAN 55 (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the host device 51 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, an HDD 64, an input / output interface 65, a standard input device 66, and a communication interface 67. The HDD 64 stores a browser 71 (Web browser). Yes. The CPU 61 processes data in the RAM 63 according to a control program stored in the ROM 62. The standard input device 66 includes a keyboard 72 and a barcode scanner 73 (barcode reader). The CPU 61 receives a product code, a product name, a price, and the like from the POS server 3 by inputting with the keyboard 72 and reading with the barcode scanner 73. Get product data about.

  The browser 71 is a single function browser (standard browser) having no plug-in module, and the CPU 61 is connected to the network (Internet connection or LAN connection) via the communication interface 67 using the browser 71. It communicates with the POS server 3 and the devices 5 such as the customer display 52 (device adapter 53) and the printing apparatus 54. This communication is performed based on HTTP, http (s): // x. x. x. This is done by connecting to the POS server 3 and each device 5 by specifying a URI such as x /.

  The CPU 61 transmits an application execution request to the POS server 3 based on the input information from the standard input device 66 using the browser 71. At this time, when the response data from the POS server 3 is displayed on the customer display 52 or accompanied by a device operation such as printing by the printing device 54, the application execution request is transmitted including information indicating that the device operation is accompanied. . Then, the CPU 61 inserts information (device specifying information) for specifying the device 5 (customer display 52, printing device 54, etc.) to be operated from the POS server 3 and operation information for specifying the operation of the device 5 as tags. Receive (acquire) response data in HTML format or XML format. Thereafter, the CPU 61 transmits a device operation request to the target device 5 based on the received response data (operation request unit). Further, the CPU 61 receives response data including an operation result for the device operation request from the device 5 (operation result receiving means), determines the operation result of the device based on this response data, and performs a predetermined process. In other words, when the device 5 is operated, the host device 51 only needs to transmit a device operation request (HTTP request) to the device 5 using the browser 71. There is no need to control. As a result, the host device 51 does not require a device driver depending on the environment (such as the type of OS) of the host device 51. Further, since the browser 71 may be a single function browser and does not require a plug-in module, it can access the device 5 without depending on the environment of the host device 51.

  The response data from the device 5 includes not only information on the success / failure of the device operation but also data (image data, document data, etc.) generated by the device 5. In this case, the CPU 61 of the host device 51 can transmit (upload) the data to the POS server 3. Further, since a tag including information about the device 5 (the address of the device 5) is inserted in the response data from the POS server 3, even if the domains of the POS server 3 and the device 5 are different, the device 5 can be used without any problem. Can be accessed (cross-site access is possible), and the POS server 3 and the device 5 can cooperate seamlessly. Thereby, the user can access the device 5 without being aware of information related to the device 5. The tag may be inserted into the response data on the POS server 3 side, or a tag may be generated on the host device 51 side and dynamically inserted into the response data.

  The customer display 52 displays product information input (read) by the standard input device 66, and presents a list of purchased products, a price, etc. to the customer. The customer display 52 described in the present embodiment assumes that a single unit cannot be connected to the network, and is connected to the host device 51 via the device adapter 53 via the LAN 55 and to the device server 4 and the Internet 6. Connected. Thereby, even if the device 5 cannot be connected to the network, the device 5 can be used from the host device 51 via the network.

  The device adapter 53 includes a CPU 81, a storage unit 82, and a communication interface 83, and the storage unit 82 includes an HTTP server 85 and an HTTP client 86. The device adapter 53 communicates with the host device 51 (browser 71) via the HTTP server 85 based on HTTP. The CPU 81 receives a display request (device operation request) to the customer display 52 as an HTTP request from the host device 51 (browser 71) connected via the LAN 55 via the communication interface 83. Then, the CPU 81 transmits a device command request (HTTP request) to the device server 4 (HTTP server 41) via the HTTP client 86 based on the display request on the customer display 52 received from the host device 51 ( Command request transmission means). At this time, the device adapter 53 (CPU 81) transmits its own device ID and password together and is authenticated by the device server 4. After successful authentication, the CPU 81 receives a device command (device control information) and display data corresponding to the request from the device server 4. Then, the CPU 81 controls the customer display 52 based on this device command and display data to display a desired character or image (operation means), and the result (whether it can be normally displayed) is displayed on the HTTP server. It is transmitted to the host device 51 (browser 71) via 85 (operation result transmitting means).

  In the above description, the device adapter 53 is configured as hardware, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured as software. In this case, it is preferable to incorporate the software device adapter 87 into the host device 51 and display desired information on the customer display 52 (see FIG. 3).

  The printing device 54 is a receipt printer that prints settlement information on a receipt, and includes a CPU 91, a storage unit 92, a printing unit 93, and a communication interface 94, and is connected to the host device 51 via the communication interface 94 via the LAN 55. The device server 4 is connected to the Internet 6. In addition, the storage unit 92 includes an HTTP server 95 and an HTTP client 96 (see FIG. 2).

  The printing apparatus 54 communicates with the host apparatus 51 (browser 71) based on HTTP via the HTTP server 95. The CPU 91 receives a print request (device operation request) as an HTTP request from the host device 51 (browser 71) connected by the LAN 55 via the communication interface 94 by the HTTP server 95. Then, the CPU 91 transmits a device command request (HTTP request) to the device server 4 (HTTP server 41) via the HTTP client 96 based on the print request received from the host device 51 (command request transmitting means). . At this time, the printing device 54 (CPU 91) transmits its own device ID and password together and is authenticated by the device server 4. After successful authentication, the CPU 91 receives a device command (device control information) and print data corresponding to the request from the device server 4. Then, the CPU 91 controls the printing unit 93 based on the device command and the print data to perform the printing process (operation means), and the printing process result (success / failure) is sent via the HTTP server 95 to the host device. 51 (browser 71) (operation result transmission means).

  Further, the printing apparatus 54 includes a setting service for performing its own initial setting, and provides a device setting function to the host apparatus 51 and the like (device setting means). This setting service is preferably provided as, for example, a UI (User Interface) or a Web service API (Application Program Interface) using a Web page. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide an input device in the printing apparatus 54 (device 5), and the setting of the printing apparatus 54 (device 5) can be performed easily and at low cost.

  Next, a procedure for operating the device 5 from the host device 51 in the POS system 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the printing device 54 is taken as an example of the target device 5, and a procedure for printing a receipt based on the input product information will be described. First, when the host device 51 connects to the POS server 3, the POS server 3 performs an authentication process for a user who uses the host device 51 (S01, details will be described later). After the user authentication is completed, the host device 51 inputs (reads) product information using the standard input device 66 (keyboard 72 or bar code scanner 73), and receives a receipt print request (application) based on the product information input to the POS server 3. (Execution request) is transmitted (S02). The receipt print request is transmitted from the browser 71 of the host device 51 to the POS server 3 (HTTP server 21) as an HTTP request.

  When the POS server 3 receives the receipt print request (S03, execution request receiving means), the POS server 23 executes the POS application 23 based on the request and becomes the device control information in the XML format (information on the printing apparatus 54) and the print target. Payment information print data is generated (S04) and transmitted to the device server 4 (S05, device control information transmission means). The device server 4 receives the device control information and the payment information print data (S06), converts the device control information into a command so as to correspond to the printing device 54 to be controlled, and generates command conversion information (device command). In step S07, the data is stored in the queue for the printing apparatus 54 (step S08, command conversion information storage unit). Then, the device server 4 transmits a result (success / failure of the storage) accompanying the storage process to the POS server 3 (S09, storage response means).

  When receiving the processing result from the device server 4 (S10), the POS server 3 generates first response data (page) in HTML format (or XML format) (S11). The first response data includes specific information (such as an IP address) of the printing apparatus 54, information related to activation of the printing apparatus 54 (such as an activation API name), and JavaScript (registered) for receiving a callback from the printing apparatus 54. Trademark) function is embedded. Then, the POS server 3 transmits the first response data (page) to the host device 51 (S12, first response data transmission means).

  The host device 51 (browser 71) receives the first response data (S13), and based on the first response data, the printing device activation request (device activation) as an HTTP request to the printing device 54 (HTTP server 95). Request) is transmitted (S14, operation request means).

  The printing apparatus 54 (HTTP server 95) receives the printing apparatus activation request from the host apparatus 51 (S15), and accordingly transmits its own device ID and password to the device server 4. The device server 4 performs authentication processing (device authentication) of the printing apparatus 54 based on the received ID and password of the printing apparatus 54 (S16, details will be described later). After the device authentication is completed, the printing apparatus 54 (HTTP client 96) transmits a device command request as an HTTP request to the device server 4 (HTTP server 41) (S17, command request transmitting means).

  The device server 4 receives the device command request (S18). Based on this request, the device server 4 retrieves the saved command conversion information (device command) from the queue for the printing device 54 and sets the payment information to be printed. The print data is converted into data in a format that can be output by the printing device 54 and transmitted to the printing device 54 (S19). The printing apparatus 54 receives the device command and payment information print data (S20), and operates the printing unit 93 based on the device command to perform print processing (S21, operation means). Thereafter, the printing apparatus 54 generates information about the execution result (success / failure, etc.) of the printing process and the state of the printing apparatus 54 as second response data (S22). The second response data is generated as a callback function of JavaScript (registered trademark) by JSONP (JSON with Padding). Then, the printing apparatus 54 transmits the second response data to the host apparatus 51 (S23, operation result transmission means).

  The host device 51 that has received the second response data (S24, operation result receiving means) discriminates the operation result of the printing device 54 based on the second response data (S25). Specifically, the host device 51 executes the JavaScript (registered trademark) of the second response data and calls the callback function to acquire and determine the operation result of the printing device 54. When the printing process is normally completed (S26: Yes), the host device 51 notifies the POS server 3 that the printing process in the printing device 54 has been normally completed (S27), and the POS server 3 notifies the notification. Receive (S28). On the other hand, if the printing process has not ended normally (S26: No), the host apparatus 51 transmits a printing apparatus activation request to the printing apparatus 54 again, or performs error processing based on the state of the printing apparatus 54. Perform (S29).

  Next, a procedure for authenticating a user who uses the host device 51 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when a user ID and a password (hereinafter referred to as user authentication information) are input by the user (S31), the host device 51 transmits the user authentication information to the POS server 3 (S32). The POS server 3 that has received the user authentication information refers to a user authentication database (not shown) and authenticates whether the password for the user ID matches that registered (S33). If the authentication is successful (S34: Yes), the POS server 3 permits the user (host device 51) to use the POS application 23 (S35). On the other hand, if the authentication fails (S34: No), the POS server 3 notifies the host device 51 (user) to that effect (for example, redisplays the user authentication information input screen), and the host device. 51 (user) inputs the user ID and password again (S36), and transmits the re-input user ID and password to the POS server 3 (S32). Note that when the password is erroneously input a predetermined number of times, it is preferable to perform processing such as disconnecting the connection to the POS server 3 or invalidating the user ID.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a procedure for authenticating the device 5 (or the device adapter 53) accessing the device server 4 will be described. First, the device 5 transmits a device ID and a password (hereinafter, device authentication information) to the device server 4 (S41). The device server 4 that has received the device authentication information refers to a device authentication database (not shown) and authenticates whether the password for the device ID matches that registered (S42). When the authentication is successful (S43: Yes), the device server 4 permits the device 5 to access itself (device server 4) (S44). On the other hand, when the authentication fails (S43: No), the device server 4 notifies the device 5 to that effect. The device 5 that has received the notification of the authentication failure (S45) notifies the host device 51 that the authentication has failed and the device server 4 cannot be accessed (S46), and the host device 51 detects an error based on the notification. Processing is performed (S47).

  Next, an operation procedure when a failure occurs in the printing apparatus 54 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the printing apparatus 54 detects an error (failure) (S51), the printing apparatus 54 stops its own printing operation (S52). Then, the printing apparatus 54 transmits its own event information, status information (hereinafter, device information) and the like to the device server 4 as an HTTP request (S53). The device server 4 receives the device information (S54), and performs processing such as changing the status (status) of the printing apparatus 54 by the device management application 42 based on the device information (S55). A notification that the information has been received (reception completion notification) is transmitted to the printing apparatus 54 (S56). The printing apparatus 54 that has received the reception completion notification stops the operation of itself and returns response data to the device operation request from the host apparatus 51 as a callback function of JavaScript (registered trademark) by JSONP (JSON with Padding). The response data is generated (S57), and the response data is transmitted to the host device 51 (S58, operation result transmission means). When the host device 51 receives the response data from the printing device 54 (S59, operation result receiving means), it calls the callback function to determine the state of the printing device 54 (S60), and according to the state (error content). Error processing is performed (S61).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the operation procedure of the pause operation, the recovery operation, and the stop operation of the printing operation of the printing apparatus 54 will be described. Since these operation procedures are basically the same except that the contents of data to be transmitted / received are different, here, the pause operation of the printing apparatus 54 will be described.

  First, the host device 51 uses the browser 71 to transmit a print operation suspension request (application execution request) as an HTTP request to the POS server 3 (HTTP server 21) (S71). The POS server 3 receives the printing operation suspension request (S72, execution request receiving means), executes the POS application 23 based on the printing operation suspension request, and a first response in HTML format (or XML format). Data (page) is generated (S73). The first response data includes specific information (such as an IP address) of the printing apparatus 54, information related to the suspension of the printing apparatus 54 (such as an API name for suspension), and JavaScript for receiving a callback from the printing apparatus 54. (Registered trademark) function is embedded. Then, the POS server 3 transmits the first response data (page) to the host device 51 (S74, first response data transmission means).

  The host device 51 (browser 71) receives the first response data (S75), and based on the first response data, the printing device temporary stop request (device) as an HTTP request to the printing device 54 (HTTP server 95). Operation request) is transmitted (S76, operation request means). When the printing apparatus 54 receives the printing apparatus suspension request from the host apparatus 51 (S77), the printing apparatus 54 transmits its own event information, status information (hereinafter, device information) and the like to the device server 4 as an HTTP request (S78). The device server 4 receives the device information (S79), and performs processing such as changing the state (status) of the printing apparatus 54 to a paused state by the device management application 42 based on the device information (S79). In step S80, a notification that the device information has been received and a device command for temporary suspension (response notification) are transmitted to the printing apparatus 54 (step S81). The printing apparatus 54 that has received the response notification pauses its own operation (S82, operation means), and sends a second response with information on the result of the suspension process (success / failure, etc.) and the status (status) of the printing apparatus 54. Data is generated (S83). The second response data is generated as a callback function of JavaScript (registered trademark) by JSONP (JSON with Padding). Then, the printing apparatus 54 transmits the second response data to the host apparatus 51 (S84, operation result transmission means).

  The host device 51 that has received the second response data (S85, operation result receiving means) determines the operation result of the printing device 54 based on the second response data (S86). Specifically, the host device 51 executes the JavaScript (registered trademark) of the second response data and calls the callback function to acquire and determine the operation result of the printing device 54. When the temporary stop process is normally completed (S87: Yes), the host apparatus 51 completes the process related to the temporary stop of the printing apparatus 54 (S88). On the other hand, if the pause process has not ended normally (S87: No), the host device 51 sends a printing device pause request again to the printing device 54, or an error based on the state of the printing device 54. Processing is performed (S89). When canceling the printing operation, the printing apparatus 54 and the device server 4 perform processing for deleting the print job of the printing operation to be canceled in accordance with the above processing.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when the device 5 is operated from the host device 51 (client terminal), the device server 4 manages the control information of each device 5 and functions as the device driver of each device 5. Therefore, the device 5 can be used without installing a device driver in the host device 51. Further, since no device driver is required for the host device 51, the processing load of the host device 51 related to the use of the device 5 can be reduced. Furthermore, for the device manufacturer, there is no need to create a device driver for each OS type of each host device 51, and there is an effect that the development cost related to this can be reduced.

  Further, since it is not necessary to install the POS application 23 or device driver in each POS terminal 2 (host device 51), the POS terminal 2 (host device 51) can be reduced in cost and time required for maintenance and management. And cost can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the POS system 1 described above, when the POS server 3 is in an abnormal state, a proxy POS server 101 (application proxy execution server) that performs proxy processing requests from the host device 51, and a device server And a proxy device server 102 that executes a processing request from the device 5 when the device 4 is in an abnormal state, and the POS server 3, the device server 4, and the POS terminal 2 are placed on the same LAN 55, the proxy POS server 101 and the proxy The device server 102 may be installed on the Internet 6. In this case, the processing status of the execution request from the host device 51, information on the product master 24, data such as user authentication information (user ID and password) is synchronized between the POS server 3 and the proxy POS server 101 at predetermined intervals. Thus, even when the POS server 3 is in an abnormal state and the processing is shifted to the proxy POS server 101, the processing is surely taken over. Further, even between the device server 4 and the proxy device server 102, device control information from the POS server 3 (proxy POS server 101), processing status for a request from the device 5, information in the device management database 43, device authentication information ( Data such as device IDs and passwords are synchronized at predetermined intervals, so that even when the device server 4 becomes in an abnormal state and the processing shifts to the proxy device server 102, the processing is surely taken over. As a result, the host device 51 can obtain the same execution result from the proxy POS server 101 when the execution request is made to the POS server 3. On the other hand, the device 5 can acquire from the proxy device server 102 the same response result (command conversion information and print data) as the response result when a command request is made to the device server 4. That is, as a result, each device 5 can be reliably operated from the host device 51.

  Further, since the proxy POS server 101 can be used as a backup server for the POS server 3 and the proxy device server 102 can be used as a backup for the device server 4, the host device 51 can recognize application problems without being aware of problems with the POS server 3. The execution result can be acquired, and the device 5 can be reliably operated without being aware of the state of the device server 4. The abnormal state is a state that is not a normal state. For example, when there is no response from the POS application 23 of the POS server 3 or the device management application 42 of the device server 4, the POS server 3 or the device server 4 has failed. This is the case. Further, since the POS server 3, the device server 4, and the POS terminal 2 (the host device 51 and the device 5) are installed on the same LAN 55, the response is compared with the case where the POS server 3 and the device server 4 are installed on the Internet 6. The speed can be increased, and the processing efficiency of the entire POS system 1 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the POS server 3 and the device server 4 are configured as separate servers. However, the POS server 3 and the device server 4 are configured as a single server. Also good. Thereby, the data communication between the POS server 3 and the device server becomes unnecessary, and the processing speed of the entire POS system 1 is improved. In addition, a system can be constructed at a low cost, and system management becomes easy.

In the present embodiment, the customer display 52 and the printing apparatus 54 (receipt printing apparatus) have been described as examples of the device 5. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is intended for consumers such as home printers, image scanners, and various storages. It can be applied to devices, office devices, and business devices.
Further, the POS system 1 of the above-described embodiment is an example, and the application is not limited. For example, the present invention can be applied to a form input / output system using a laser printer and an image scanner in an office.

  The device server 4 preferably has a function of limiting the use of the device 5 managed by itself to a single POS server 3 (application execution server) (device exclusive control means). In this case, the POS server 3 (application execution server) transmits a device exclusive request for exclusive use of the device 5 to the device server 4 (device exclusive request means), and the device server 4 The use of the device 5 is limited to the POS server 3 (application execution server). Then, when there is a use request from another POS server 3 (application execution server) to the dedicated device 5, it notifies that the use of the device 5 is prohibited (notification means). Thus, for example, when the POS server 3 (application execution server) performs a process with a high priority accompanied by a device operation, the processing delay can be prevented by exclusively using the corresponding device 5.

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

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

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

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... POS system 2 ... POS terminal 3 ... POS server 4 ... Device server 5 ... Device 6 ... Internet 21, 41, 85, 95 ... HTTP server 22, 86, 96 ... HTTP client 51 ... Host apparatus 52 ... Customer display 53 ... Device adapter 54 ... Printer 55 ... LAN 71 ... Browser 101 ... Proxy POS server 102 ... Proxy device server

Claims (14)

One or more application execution servers that execute applications, one or more client terminals that request the application execution servers to execute the applications, one or more devices that operate in response to operations of the client terminals, and the devices One or more device servers to be controlled, and at least the application execution server and the client terminal, the device server and the device, the application execution server and the device server, and the client terminal and the device are connected to the network, respectively. Network system,
The application execution server is
Execution request receiving means for receiving an application execution request accompanied by a device operation from the client terminal;
Device control information transmitting means for generating device control information for controlling the device in response to reception of the application execution request, and transmitting the device control information to the device server;
First response data transmitting means for generating first response data including an execution result of the application in response to reception of a response from the device server in response to transmission of the device control information, and transmitting the first response data to the client terminal,
The client terminal is
An operation requesting means for transmitting a device operation request to the device in accordance with the reception of the first response data from the application execution server;
An operation result receiving means for receiving second response data including an operation result of the device in response to the device operation request;
The device server is
Command conversion information storage means for receiving the device control information from the application execution server and storing command conversion information converted according to the device to be controlled in a queue for each device;
Storage response means for transmitting a response accompanying storage of the command conversion information to the application execution server,
The device is
Command request transmitting means for transmitting a device command request to the device server in accordance with the reception of the device operation request from the client terminal;
In response to the device command request, the device server receives the command conversion information extracted from the device-specific queue, and operates according to the command conversion information.
An operation result transmitting means for transmitting the operation result of the operation means to the client terminal as the second response data. The application execution server and the device include an HTTP server and an HTTP client,
The device server includes an HTTP server,
The client terminal includes a single function browser having no plug-in function,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the application execution server, the client terminal, the device server, and the device communicate based on a hypertext transfer protocol. In the first response data, a tag including at least device specifying information for specifying the device and operation information for specifying an operation of the device is inserted,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the operation request unit transmits the device operation request based on information on the tag.   The operation requesting unit inserts a tag including at least device specifying information for specifying the device and operation information for specifying the operation of the device into the received first response data, and based on the information on the tag, 3. The network system according to claim 1, wherein a device operation request is transmitted. The device is composed of a device body and a device adapter,
The device body is connected to the client terminal and the device server via the device adapter,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the device adapter transmits the device command request to the device server based on the device operation request from the client terminal. The application execution server is
Device exclusive request means for transmitting a device exclusive request for exclusive use of the device to the device server, further comprising:
The device server is
Device exclusive control means for limiting the use of the device to a single application execution server based on the device exclusive request;
A notification means for notifying the other application execution server that use of the device is prohibited when there is a use request from the other application execution server to the dedicated device; The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein   The network system according to claim 1, wherein the application execution server and the client terminal, and the device server and the device are connected to the Internet. The application execution server functions as a POS server,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the client terminal functions as a POS terminal in cooperation with the device . An application proxy execution server connected to the application execution server and performing the same processing as the application execution server;
A proxy device server connected to the device server and performing the same processing as the device server;
The application proxy execution server and the proxy device server are connected to a network,
The application proxy execution server is
When the application execution server is in an abnormal state, the process of the application execution server is executed as a proxy,
The proxy device server is
The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the device server is in an abnormal state, the processing of the device server is executed as a proxy.   10. The network according to claim 9, wherein information regarding the application execution request is synchronized between the application execution server and the application proxy execution server, and between the device server and the proxy device server. system. The application execution server and the application proxy execution server, the device server and the proxy device server are connected to the Internet,
The application execution server, the device server, the client terminal, and the device are LAN-connected ,
The network system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the client terminal and the device are connected to the Internet via the LAN connection . The device includes device setting means for performing a setting service of the device,
12. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the client terminal uses the setting service provided by the device setting unit to set the device. The device server comprises device environment setting means for performing an environment setting service for the device to be controlled,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the client terminal uses the environment setting service provided by the device environment setting unit to set the environment of the device. The program for functioning a computer as each means of the said application execution server in the network system of any one of Claim 1 thru | or 13 , or the said device server.

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