JP5850770B2 - Output system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an output system, and more particularly to an output system in which an output device such as a printer that receives and outputs information from a control device is connected via a communication network in a store or the like.

  In a store printer system in which a plurality of sales data processing devices and a plurality of printers are connected via a communication network, a store printer system that facilitates the setting and management of printer address information in the sales data processing device is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In this store printer system, the sales data processing device stores a printer connection table that associates the type of print data with printer identification information, and a printer network table that associates printer identification information with printer address information. To do. Then, the sales data processing apparatus transmits request data for printer identification information and printer address information to each printer. When the sales data processing apparatus receives the printer identification information and the printer address information transmitted by each printer in response to the request data, the sales data processing apparatus uses the received printer identification information and printer address information to generate a printer network. Update the table.

JP 2010-79337 A

  In the store printer system described above, it is assumed that the sales data processing apparatus has a printer connection table in advance. Therefore, for example, when a printer in which identification information different from the conventional identification information is set by replacing the printer, if the identification information set in the printer does not match the conventional identification information, Printer cannot be used normally. However, if all the setting operations for the identification information of the printer are manual operations by the operator, there is a possibility that the setting operation becomes inefficient, for example, a setting error occurs or it takes too much work time.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an output system that reduces a burden imposed on setting of device information of an output device.

  [1] In order to solve the above-described problem, an output system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a control device and a plurality of output devices that receive the output information transmitted by the control device and output the output information. In the output system, the control device includes a storage unit, relay path information indicating a relay path between the output device and the control device, and radio waves between the output device and other devices included in the output system. Information indicating strength, connection confirmation receiving unit for receiving connection confirmation information from the output device, and information indicating the relay path information and the radio field strength for each output device based on the connection confirmation information Are determined to be communicable with the output device for each of the plurality of output devices and the radio wave strength management table storage control unit that stores the associated radio wave intensity management table in the storage unit. The connection information storage control unit that stores the connection information in which the information indicating the determination result and the information indicating the relay path included in the connection confirmation information are associated with each other in the storage unit, and the output device A neighbor search request receiving unit that receives a neighbor search request transmitted by a device, a neighbor search response transmitting unit that transmits a neighbor search response in response to the neighbor search request, and device information that receives a device information request transmitted by the output device In the connection information stored in the request reception unit and the storage unit, when the connection state information corresponding to the transmission source of the device information request indicates that communication is impossible, the relay path information corresponding to the transmission source is included. An unconnected information generating unit that generates unconnected information; and a relay path information corresponding to a transmission source of the device information request and information indicating the radio field intensity from the radio field intensity management table stored in the storage unit. A radio field intensity information generating unit that generates radio field intensity information, and information including the unconnected information and the radio field intensity information is used as apparatus information, and the apparatus information is transmitted as an apparatus information response to a request source of the apparatus information request. A device information response transmission unit, and the output device includes a neighbor search request transmission unit that transmits the neighbor search request when device information is not set in the output device, and a neighbor that receives the neighbor search response A search response receiving unit; a radio field intensity value acquiring unit that acquires a radio field intensity value when the neighbor search response is received; and a maximum of the acquired radio field intensity values when the neighbor search response is received from a plurality of output devices. A relay destination determination unit that determines an output device corresponding to the value as a relay destination, a device information request transmission unit that transmits a device information request to the output device determined as the relay destination, and the device information requirement Included in the device information response is a device information response receiving unit that receives a device information response transmitted from the output device that has received the request, a relay path information extracting unit that extracts relay path information included in the device information response, and And a candidate determining unit that determines device information candidates for the output device based on the unconnected information and the radio wave intensity information.

[2] The output system according to [1], wherein each of the plurality of output devices further includes a candidate output unit that outputs device information candidates determined by the candidate determination unit.
[3] In the output system according to [2], each of the plurality of output devices may include a candidate designated by the operation input unit among operation input units and device information candidates output by the candidate output unit. And a first device information setting unit set in the output device.
[4] In the output system according to any one of [1] to [3], the candidate determination unit of each of the plurality of output devices has two or more types of device information candidates determined by the candidate determination unit. Determining whether there is a record of unconnected information common to the relay path indicated by the relay path information, and determining that there is a record of unconnected information common to the relay path indicated by the relay path information, The apparatus information included in the record is a candidate ranked according to the electric field strength.
[5] In the output system according to any one of [1] to [3], the candidate determination unit of each of the plurality of output devices has a record of unconnected information common to the relay path indicated by the relay path information. If it is determined that there is no device information included in the record of unconnected information that is not common to the relay route indicated by the relay route information, the device information is determined as a candidate ranked according to the electric field strength.
[6] In the output system according to [1] or [2], each of the plurality of output devices may receive the device information when only one type of device information is determined by the candidate determination unit. A second device information setting unit set in the output device is further provided.
[7] In the output system according to any one of [1] to [6], the device information includes device identification information of the output device.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the burden placed on the setting of the apparatus information of an output device can be reduced.

1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of an order management system to which an output system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic function structure of a control apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration of the printing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration of the printing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic function structure of a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the data structure of output setting information. It is a figure which shows the data structure of menu information. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the order information which the order terminal produced | generated. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the output information which the controller control part produced | generated. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the connection information updated regularly and memorize | stored in a memory | storage part. It is a sequence diagram which shows the mode of transmission and reception of a regular packet. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the field intensity table which the output device which received the regular packet produces | generates. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the electromagnetic wave intensity management table which a controller control part manages. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the connection information containing abnormal status. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure of the order management system after exchanging a printing apparatus to be maintained with a new printing apparatus (exchange apparatus) at the same place and starting the exchange apparatus. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a data configuration of unconnected information and radio wave intensity information included in the device information response in step S14 of FIG. 15. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the connection information containing abnormal status. The processing procedure of the order management system after exchanging the printing device and the printing device to be maintained with the new printing device (exchange device 1) and the printing device (exchange device 2) at the same place and starting these exchange devices is shown. It is a sequence diagram. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the electromagnetic wave intensity information and unconnected information which are contained in the apparatus information response which the control apparatus transmitted in FIG.18 S73 and step S76. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the field intensity table which an exchange apparatus produces | generates. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the connection information produced | generated based on the apparatus information response which the switching apparatus acquired from the control apparatus. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the electromagnetic wave intensity information which deleted the transmission source of various data received by the switching apparatus, and unconnected information. This is the radio wave intensity information obtained by detecting the apparatus identification information in the record common to the connection information relay path from the unconnected information, and extracting the record including the apparatus identification information from the radio wave intensity information. . It is a figure which shows the radio field strength difference table for every transmission source which is common in the radio field strength table shown in FIG. 20 and the radio field strength information shown in FIG. This is the radio wave intensity information obtained by detecting the apparatus identification information in the record that is not common to the connection information relay path from the unconnected information, and extracting the record including the apparatus identification information from the radio wave intensity information. . It is a figure which shows the radio field strength difference table for every transmission source which is common in the radio field strength table shown in FIG. 20 and the radio field strength information shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the candidate table which an exchange apparatus rearranges the apparatus identification information candidate of an own apparatus in the ascending order of a radio field intensity difference. It is a figure which shows the example of a presentation of an apparatus candidate list | wrist which an exchange apparatus shows. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of an exchange apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the identification information candidate selection process which an exchange apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a candidate list production | generation process in case a relay route corresponds, which an exchange apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a candidate list generation process in case a relay path is inconsistent which an exchange apparatus performs.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[1 Configuration]
FIG. 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of an order management system to which an output system (also referred to as a presentation system) according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, the order management system 1 includes a POS register 10, a control device 20, a printing device 30, a LAN 40, a printing device 50-1, a printing device 50-2, and a display device 60-. 1, a display device 60-2, and an order terminal 70.
In the present embodiment, the order management system 1 is an example of an order entry system installed in a restaurant store.

Hereinafter, the printing device 50-1 and the printing device 50-2 may be referred to as the printing device 50, and the display device 60-1 and the display device 60-2 may be referred to as the display device 60, respectively.
In addition, each of the printing device 30, the printing device 50, and the display device 60 may be referred to as an output device (also referred to as a presentation device).
In the present embodiment, the order management system 1 includes two printing apparatuses 50, two display apparatuses 60, and one order terminal 70. These numbers are shown in this example. It is not limited.

  The POS register 10, the control device 20, and the printing device 30 are connected via the LAN 40. The LAN 40 is, for example, a wired local area network (LAN).

  The POS register 10 is an accounting processing device that executes merchandise sales accounting processing according to the contents of the guest slip. The POS register 10 is installed, for example, at an accounting counter of a restaurant store.

  The control device 20 is a controller device having a system control function for controlling the entire order management system 1. In addition, the control device 20 has a communication function for communicating with devices (for example, the POS register 10 and the printing device 30) connected to the LAN 40, and a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication with communication devices existing in a communicable area. Have. The control device 20 stores in advance device identification information (for example, “EST1”) that is information for identifying the device itself. The control device 20 is installed, for example, in a restaurant backyard.

  The printing device 30 is, for example, a printing function for printing a guest slip, a communication function for communicating with devices connected to the LAN 40 (for example, the POS register 10 and the control device 20), and wireless communication with a communication device existing in a communicable area. And a wireless communication function for performing communication. The printing device 30 stores device identification information (for example, “EPR1”) of the device itself in advance. The printing device 30 is installed, for example, at a serving counter in a kitchen.

  The printing device 50-1 is a wireless printer device having a printing function for printing a drink slip, for example, and a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication with a communication device existing in a communicable area. The printing device 50-1 stores device identification information (for example, “RPR2”) of the device itself in advance. The printing device 50-1 is arranged at a place where wireless communication with the printing device 30 is possible, and communicates with the control device 20 via the printing device 30. In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 50-1 is installed in a drink counter, for example.

  The printing device 50-2 is a wireless printer device having a printing function for printing a cooking slip, for example, and a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication with a communication device existing in a communicable area. The printing device 50-2 stores device identification information (for example, “RPR3”) of the device itself in advance. The printing apparatus 50-2 is disposed at a place where wireless communication with the printing apparatus 50-1 is possible. The printing device 50-2 transmits data to the control device 20 via the printing device 50-1 and the printing device 30 sequentially, and the data transmitted from the control device 20 is transmitted to the printing device 30 and the printing device 50-1. Are received sequentially. In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 50-2 is installed in a cooking counter, for example.

  The display device 60-1 is, for example, a wireless display device having a display function for displaying first dessert information and a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication with a communication device existing in a communicable area. The display device 60-1 stores device identification information (for example, “RMD4”) of the device itself in advance. The display device 60-1 is disposed at a place where wireless communication with the printing device 30 is possible, and communicates with the control device 20 via the printing device 30. In the present embodiment, the display device 60-1 is installed in a first dessert counter, for example.

  The display device 60-2 is a wireless display device having, for example, a display function for displaying second dessert information and a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication with a communication device existing in a communicable area. The display device 60-2 stores device identification information (for example, “RMD5”) of the device itself in advance. The display device 60-2 is disposed at a place where wireless communication with the printing device 50-1 is possible. The display device 60-2 transmits data to the control device 20 via the printing device 50-1 and the printing device 30 sequentially, and the data transmitted from the control device 20 is transmitted to the printing device 30 and the printing device 50-1. Are received sequentially. In the present embodiment, the display device 60-2 is installed in, for example, a second dessert counter.

The order terminal 70 has an order reception function for inputting customer order details in accordance with an operation by an operator (for example, a store clerk), and a wireless terminal (with a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication with a communication device existing in a communicable area). Handy terminal device). The order terminal 70 stores device identification information (for example, “RHT01”) of its own device in advance.
The order terminal 70 includes an operation unit (not shown). The operation unit includes, for example, keys such as a product key for specifying a product, a numeric keypad for specifying a quantity, a confirmation key for confirming input, and a cancel key for canceling input. The order terminal 70 captures the customer's order contents according to the operation of the operation unit by the operator and generates order information. A specific example of this order information will be described later. The ordering device 70 wirelessly transmits order information to the control device 20.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration of the control device 20. As shown in the figure, the control device 20 includes a controller control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

  The controller control unit 21 realizes a system control function. The controller control unit 21 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). As a functional configuration, the controller control unit 21 includes a connection information storage control unit, a radio wave intensity management table storage control unit, an unconnected information generation unit, and a radio wave intensity information generation unit, although not shown.

  The storage unit 22 stores output setting information, menu information, connection information, a radio wave intensity table, and a radio wave intensity management table. Details of these pieces of information will be described later. Further, the storage unit 22 stores device identification information (“EST1”) of the control device 20. The storage unit 22 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic hard disk device, or the like.

  The communication unit 23 realizes a communication function and a wireless communication function. Specifically, the communication unit 23 includes a communication interface that communicates with devices (for example, the POS register 10 and the printing device 30) connected to the LAN 40. The communication unit 23 includes a wireless communication interface that performs wireless communication with a communication device that exists in the communicable area. As a functional configuration, the communication unit 23 includes a connection confirmation receiving unit, a neighbor search request receiving unit, a neighbor search response transmitting unit, a device information request receiving unit, and a device information response transmitting unit, although not shown.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration of the printing apparatus 30. As shown in the figure, the printing apparatus 30 includes a print control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a printing unit 34.

The print control unit 31 implements a print function. The print control unit 31 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU).
The storage unit 32 stores device identification information (“EPR1”) of the printing device 30. The storage unit 32 is realized by a semiconductor storage device, for example.
The communication unit 33 realizes a communication function and a wireless communication function. Specifically, the communication unit 33 includes a communication interface that communicates with devices connected to the LAN 40 (for example, the POS register 10 and the control device 20). The communication unit 33 includes a wireless communication interface that performs wireless communication with a communication device that exists in the communicable area.
The printing unit 34 realizes a printing function and prints a guest slip, for example.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration of the printing apparatus 50. As shown in the figure, the printing apparatus 50 includes a print control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, and a printing unit 54.

The print control unit 51 implements a print function. The print control unit 51 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU).
The storage unit 52 stores device identification information (“RPR2” or “RPR3”) of the printing device 50. The storage unit 52 is realized by a semiconductor storage device, for example.
The communication unit 53 realizes a wireless communication function. Specifically, the communication unit 53 includes a wireless communication interface that performs wireless communication with a communication device that exists in a communicable area.
The printing unit 54 realizes a printing function and prints a drink slip or a cooking slip, for example.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration of the display device 60. As shown in the figure, the display device 60 includes a display control unit 61, a storage unit 62, a communication unit 63, and a display unit 64.

The display control unit 61 realizes a display function. The display control unit 61 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU).
The storage unit 62 stores device identification information (“RMD4” or “RMD5”) of the display device 60. The storage unit 62 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor storage device.
The communication unit 63 implements a wireless communication function. Specifically, the communication unit 63 includes a wireless communication interface that performs wireless communication with a communication device that exists in a communicable area.
The display unit 64 realizes a display function and displays, for example, first dessert information or second dessert information.

Each of the print control unit 31, the print control unit 51, and the display control unit 61 has a functional configuration (not shown), but a radio wave intensity value acquisition unit, a relay destination determination unit, a relay path information extraction unit, and a candidate determination unit. A candidate output unit, and a device information setting unit (a first device information setting unit and a second device information setting unit).
Each of the communication unit 33, the communication unit 53, and the communication unit 63 is not illustrated as a functional configuration, but a neighborhood search request transmission unit, a neighborhood search response reception unit, a device information request transmission unit, and a device information response reception unit. Including.
Each of the printing device 30, the printing device 50, and the display device 60 includes an operation input unit (not shown).

[2 operations]
In the order management system 1 in this embodiment, the control device 20 manages the order information acquired from the order terminal 70, and causes the appropriate output device to output the information. Therefore, what information (type of slip, type of menu, etc.) is output to which output device, and which other output device is to be displayed when it cannot be displayed on that output device, etc. Yes.

For example, the storage unit 22 of the control device 20 stores output setting information in advance.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the output setting information. As shown in the figure, the output setting information includes, for each output device, device identification information (“device” in the drawing), device name (“name” in the drawing), and output type information (“ This is a data table having records (row data) in which output information ”), output symbols (“ output symbols ”in the figure), and detour destination information (“ detour destination ”in the diagram) are associated with each other. This record is device information.
The device identification information is information for identifying the output device. The device name is the name of the output device. The output type information is information indicating the type of output information output by the output device. The output symbol is a symbol (including numbers, the same applies hereinafter) associated with the output type information. The output symbols are, for example, “1” for the guest slip, “2” for the drink slip, “3” for the cooking slip, “4” for the dessert slip 1, and 2 dessert slips so that each output device can easily read (determine). Is defined as “5”. The detour destination information is information indicating the detour destination of the output device in wireless communication. The detour destination information is, for example, device identification information of an output device as a detour destination.

The storage unit 22 stores menu information in advance.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of menu information. As shown in the figure, the menu information includes product identification information ("product number" in the figure), product name ("product name" in the figure), and output type information (in the figure, for each sale product). This is a data table having a record in which “output information”) is associated with an output symbol (“output symbol” in the figure). The product identification information is information for identifying the sales product. The product name is the name of the product for sale. The output type information is information indicating the type of output information about the sales product. The output symbol is a symbol associated with the output type information.

[2-1. Normal operation (order management)]
The normal operation of the order management system 1 will be described.
The order terminal 70 takes in the details of the customer's order in accordance with the operation of the operation unit by the operator, generates order information, and transmits the order information to the control device 20. Next, the communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives the order information transmitted from the order terminal 70 and supplies this order information to the controller control unit 21.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of order information generated by the order terminal 70. As shown in the figure, the order information corresponds to product identification information (“product number” in the figure), product name (“product name” in the figure), and quantity (“quantity” in the figure). Record, order time information (“order time” in the figure), and device identification information (“terminal number” in the figure). The product identification information and the product name are information included in the product identification information and the product name in the menu information shown in FIG. The quantity is a number indicating the sales quantity of the sales product corresponding to this quantity. The order time information is, for example, time information indicating the time when the order terminal 70 captures and confirms the order contents of the customer. The device identification information is device identification information of the own device stored in the order terminal 70.
Specifically, this figure shows the order contents of the order terminal 70 whose device identification information is “RHT01”, one item of yakiniku, one item of hamburger, two items of rice, two items of coffee, and one item of shortcake. The order information is received at 12:30 and received at 12:30.

  When the controller control unit 21 of the control device 20 fetches the order information supplied from the communication unit 23, the controller control unit 21 reads the menu information from the storage unit 22, and indicates the output contents for each output symbol based on the order information and the menu information. Generate output information.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of output information generated by the controller control unit 21. As shown in the figure, output information 1 is output information whose output symbol is “1”. The output information 2 is output information whose output symbol is “2”. The output information 3 is output information whose output symbol is “3”. The output information 4 is output information whose output symbol is “4”. The order time information (“order time” in the figure) and the device identification information (“terminal number” in the figure) of the output information 1 to 4 are information generated from the same order information, and the output information 1 to 4 This is a common item.

For example, the controller control unit 21 classifies the order information for each output symbol based on the menu information shown in FIG. 7 and the order information shown in FIG. 8, and outputs the output information 1 to output information shown in FIG. 4 is generated.
In other words, the controller control unit 21 specifically records the product identification information (“2”), the product name (“Yakiniku”), and the quantity (“1”) from the order information shown in FIG. To extract. Then, the controller control unit 21 uses the product identification information (“2”) or the product name (“barbecue”) as a key, and outputs the output destination of the slip of the product (barbecue) from the menu information shown in FIG. The symbols (“1” and “3”) are extracted. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the controller control unit 21 stores the product name (“Yakiniku”) and quantity (“1”) in the output information 1, and the product name (“Yakiniku”) in the output information 3. The quantity (“1”) is stored. The controller control unit 21 executes the same process as in the above example for all records in the order information, and generates output information 1 to 4.

  Next, the controller control unit 21 reads the output setting information from the storage unit 22 and associates the device identification information with each output information (each of the output information 1 to the output information 4) using the output symbol as a key to the communication unit 23. Supply.

  Next, the communication unit 23 transmits the output information to the output device indicated by the device identification information. For example, the communication unit 23 transmits the output information 1 to the printing apparatus 30 whose apparatus identification information is “EPR1”. In addition, the communication unit 23 transmits the output information 2 to the printing apparatus 50-1 whose apparatus identification information is “RPR2”. In addition, the communication unit 23 transmits the output information 3 to the printing apparatus 50-2 whose apparatus identification information is “RPR3”. In addition, the communication unit 23 transmits the output information 4 to the display device 60-1 whose device identification information is “RMD4”.

  Next, the output device receives the output information transmitted by the control device 20. Specifically, the printing device 30 receives the output information 1, the printing device 50-1 receives the output information 2, the printing device 50-2 receives the output information 3, and the display device 60-1 outputs the output information. 4 is received.

  Next, the output device that has received the output information prints the output information in a format corresponding to the output symbol. That is, the printing apparatus 30 prints the output information 1 in a preset format. Also, the printing apparatus 50-1 prints the output information 2 in a preset format. The printing apparatus 50-2 prints the output information 3 in a preset format. In addition, the display device 60-1 displays the output information 4 in a preset format.

[2-2. Normal operation (connection management)]
The order management system 1 performs appropriate order management by appropriately outputting information at an appropriate timing. In order to realize this, the control device 20 collects and regularly updates the communication status of the counterpart device to which the own device sends various information.
For example, the output device (printing device 30, printing device 50, and display device 60) transmits a connection confirmation command (connection confirmation information) to the control device 20 periodically (for example, every minute). The control device 20 receives the connection confirmation command and monitors the state, thereby recognizing that the output device that is the transmission source of the connection confirmation command is currently in the connection state, and stores the result of the recognition in the storage unit 22. Update connection information.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of connection information that is periodically updated and stored in the storage unit 22. As shown in the figure, for each output device, connection information includes device identification information (“device” in the figure), connection state information (“connection state” in the drawing), and communication method (“ Communication method "), first relay device (" Relay 1 "in the figure), second relay device (" Relay 2 "in the figure), and third relay device (" Relay 3 "in the figure) It is a data table which has the record which matched.
The device identification information is information for identifying the output device. The connection state information is information (status) indicating a connection state between the output device and the control device 20. For example, the connection status (communicable / not communicable) is changed to “normal / abnormal”, “O / X”, “OK / NG”, “1/0 (zero)”, etc., symbols, numbers, or combinations thereof. Is represented by
The communication method is information indicating a communication method between the output device and the host device. For example, the communication method is represented by “LAN / wireless”. LAN here means wired.
The first relay device to the third relay device are information that sequentially indicates devices that relay communication when performing communication between the output device and the control device 20, that is, the output device, the control device 20, and the like. It is the relay route information indicating the relay route (relay route, communication route).
Specifically, the first relay device to the third relay device are device identification information of the relay device from the control device 20 to the output device. For example, the printing apparatus 50-2 whose apparatus identification information is “RPR3” sequentially relays information from the control apparatus 20 to the printing apparatus 30 (“EPR1”) and the printing apparatus 50-1 (“RPR2”). Is done. Conversely, the printing device 50-2 relays the printing device 50-1 (“RPR2”) and the printing device (“EPR1”) sequentially, and transmits information to the control device 20. Note that the number of items of the relay device is not limited to three.

  In the connection information of FIG. 10, the connection state information is an item that reflects the result of regular monitoring by the controller control unit 21. The communication method and the first to third relay devices are items set in advance.

  Further, the storage unit 22 of the control device 20 displays the connection information when the connection state for all output devices is normal as a data table different from the connection information periodically updated as shown in FIG. I remember it.

  In addition, each device in the order management system 1 acquires the radio wave intensity in communication between itself and another device capable of transmitting and receiving information by transmitting and receiving periodic packets, and stores the radio wave intensity as a radio wave intensity table. .

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing how a regular packet is transmitted and received. In the figure, first, the control device 20 broadcasts a periodic packet, and peripheral devices (printing device 30, printing device 50-1, and printing device 50-2) existing in the communicable area of the control device 20 are shown. The periodic packet is received and the radio wave intensity is stored.
Here, when paying attention to the printing apparatus 30, since the relay apparatus of the printing apparatus 30 is the control apparatus 20, the printing apparatus 30 broadcasts a periodic packet with the transmission source as its own apparatus. Then, peripheral devices (the control device 20, the printing device 50-1, and the display device 60-1) existing in the communicable area of the printing device 30 receive the regular packet and store the radio wave intensity.
Next, when paying attention to the printing apparatus 50-1, since the relay apparatus of the printing apparatus 50-1 is the control apparatus 30, the printing apparatus 50-1 broadcasts a periodic packet with the transmission source as its own apparatus. Then, the peripheral devices (the control device 20, the printing device 30, the printing device 50-2, and the display device 60-2) that exist in the communicable area of the printing device 50-1 receive this regular packet and receive the radio wave intensity. Remember.

  As described above, when the regular packet is received, the transmission source and the radio wave intensity are stored. For example, when the regular packet is received from the relay destination for the own device, the own device also broadcasts the regular packet. Thereby, each device included in the order management system 1 can periodically check and store the radio wave intensity of the device communicable with the own device. Therefore, each device can use the information when determining the optimum communication destination with respect to the radio wave intensity, for example.

  When each output device receives the periodic packet, each output device acquires the radio field intensity, generates a radio field intensity table in which the apparatus identification information of the own apparatus, the apparatus identification information of the transmission source, and the radio field intensity are associated with each other. It transmits with respect to the control apparatus 20 regularly (for example, every 1 minute). The radio wave intensity is a value obtained by normalizing an electric field intensity measured when a communication unit included in the output device receives a regular packet to an integer value of “10” or less, for example. Alternatively, the radio field intensity may be the electric field intensity value itself.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a radio wave intensity table generated by an output device that has received a regular packet. This figure is an example of a radio wave intensity table generated by the printing device 30 receiving periodic packets from the control device 20, the printing device 50-1, and the display device 60-1. As shown in the figure, the radio wave intensity table includes a pair of transmission source identification information ("transmission source" in the figure) and radio wave intensity ("radio wave intensity" in the figure) as device identification information (in the figure, It is a data table associated with “device”). The device identification information is identification information of a device that has received a periodic packet. The transmission source identification information is device identification information of the transmission source of the regular packet. The radio field intensity is the radio field intensity acquired by the device that has received the regular packet.

  Each output device causes the control device 20 to acquire the radio wave intensity table by including the radio wave intensity table in the connection confirmation command that is periodically transmitted to the control device 20. The controller control unit 21 of the control device 20 that has acquired the radio wave intensity tables from all the output devices generates a radio wave intensity management table that summarizes the captured radio wave intensity tables, and stores the radio wave intensity management table in the storage unit 22.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a radio wave intensity management table managed by the controller control unit 21. As shown in the figure, the radio wave intensity management table is a data table in which the radio wave intensity table for each device is used as a record.

[2-3. Operation when the printing apparatus 50-2 is replaced]
For example, if the wireless communication function does not function due to a failure of the printing apparatus 50-2, the printing apparatus 50-2 cannot normally transmit a connection confirmation command to be transmitted periodically. And the controller control part 21 of the control apparatus 20 cannot acquire a connection confirmation command from the printing apparatus 50-2, and the connection state in the order management system 1 becomes abnormal. In this state, in the connection information stored and managed by the controller control unit 21 in the storage unit 22, the connection state is normal in all output devices as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the connection state information of the printing apparatus 50-2 changes to a status indicating abnormality (for example, “x”).

When the printing device 50-2 is replaced with a new printing device 50-2 (exchange device) at the same place by the maintenance work by the worker, and this exchange device is activated, the order management system 1 operates as described below. .
Since the installation location of the exchange device is the same as the installation location of the printing device 50-2 before the exchange, the exchange device uses the relay path (RPR2 →) in the record corresponding to the printing device 50-2 in the connection information shown in FIG. By EPR1), a device information request is transmitted with the control device 20 as the final destination. More specifically, the operation flow will be described.

FIG. 15 is a sequence showing a processing procedure of the order management system 1 after the printing device 50-2 to be maintained is replaced with a new printing device 50-2 (exchange device) at the same place and the exchange device is activated. FIG.
In step S <b> 1, the exchange apparatus in a state where communication with the control apparatus 20 has been interrupted broadcasts a neighbor search request. The neighborhood search request is information including location information of the switching device (for example, an Internet protocol address (IP address). Data transmitted wirelessly by the switching device installed in the same place as the printing device 50-2 is: As shown in the radio wave intensity management table of FIG. 13, it is received by the printing device 50-1, the display device 60-2, and the control device 20.

Next, in step S4, the printing apparatus 50-1 that has received the neighbor search request transmitted from the exchange apparatus transmits a neighbor search response to the address (address) indicated by the location information included in the neighbor search request. The neighborhood search response is information including location information of the device (in this case, the printing device 50-1), and is information transmitted from a device that is connected to the control device 20 and receives the neighborhood search request. Then, the exchange apparatus receives the neighborhood search response.
Next, in step S5, the control device 20 that has received the neighborhood search request transmitted from the exchange device transmits a neighborhood search response to the address indicated by the location information included in the neighborhood search request. This neighborhood search response is information including location information of the control device 20. Then, the exchange apparatus receives the neighborhood search response.

Next, in step S11, the exchange apparatus selects the transmission source (in this case, the printing apparatus 50-1) of the neighborhood search response having the strongest radio wave intensity in the two neighborhood search responses received by the processes in steps S4 and S6. The device is designated as a relay device, and a device information request is transmitted to the relay device. Then, the printing apparatus 50-1 as the relay apparatus receives the apparatus information request.
Next, in step S12, the printing apparatus 50-1 uses the transmission source (in this case, the printing apparatus 30) having the highest radio wave intensity as a relay apparatus in the radio wave intensity table that is generated by receiving periodic packets periodically. A device information request is transmitted to this relay device. Then, the printing apparatus 30 as a relay apparatus receives the apparatus information request.
Next, in step S13, the printing apparatus 30 designates a transmission source (in this case, the control apparatus 20) having the highest radio wave intensity in the radio wave intensity table generated by periodically receiving periodic packets. A device information request is transmitted to the designated device. And the control apparatus 20 which is a designation | designated apparatus receives an apparatus information request | requirement.

Next, in step S14, the control device 20 generates a device information response. The device information response is information including unconnected information and radio wave intensity information, and including information indicating the relay device and the final destination. The unconnected information is information obtained by extracting, from the connection information stored in the storage unit 22, device identification information corresponding to an output device whose connection state information indicates an abnormality, information indicating a communication method, and a relay path. The radio wave intensity information is information obtained by extracting a record (corresponding to the radio wave intensity table) including the device identification information corresponding to the output device in the unconnected information from the radio wave intensity management table stored in the storage unit 22. Specific examples of the unconnected information and the radio wave intensity information will be described later.
Next, the control device 20 transmits the generated device information response to the printing device 30 that is a relay device. Then, the printing apparatus 30 receives the apparatus information response.

Next, in step S15, the printing apparatus 30 transmits a device information response to the printing apparatus 50-1 that is a relay apparatus. Then, the printing apparatus 50-1 receives the apparatus information response.
Next, in step S <b> 16, the printing apparatus 50-1 transmits an apparatus information response to the exchange apparatus that is the final destination. Then, the exchange device receives the device information response.

On the other hand, the switching device receives a periodic packet that has reached its own device from among the periodic packets broadcast from surrounding devices having a wireless communication function.
Specifically, for example, in step S21, the exchange apparatus receives a regular packet transmitted from the display apparatus 60-2.
Next, in step S22, the exchange apparatus receives the periodic packet transmitted from the printing apparatus 50-1.
Next, in step S <b> 23, the exchange device receives the regular packet transmitted from the control device 20.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a data structure of unconnected information and radio wave intensity information included in the device information response in step S14 of FIG. In the figure, unconnected information is information indicating device identification information, a communication method, and a relay path corresponding to an output device (printing device 50-2) whose connection state is abnormal. The radio wave intensity information is information corresponding to a radio wave intensity table corresponding to the output device in the unconnected information.
As shown in the figure, if there is one record of unconnected information in the device information response, the exchange sets the device identification information (in this case, “RPR3”) in the record as the device identification information of its own device. To do.
Thereby, when installing the output device, setting of device information such as device identification information can be automated, and errors due to work load and work mistakes can be reduced with respect to manual setting.

[2-4. Operation when the printing apparatus 50-1 and the printing apparatus 50-2 are replaced]
For example, if a problem occurs in the printing device 50-1 and the printing device 50-2 and the wireless communication functions of the printing device 50-1 and the printing device 50-2 do not function, the controller control unit 21 of the control device 20 The connection states of the printing device 50-1 and the printing device 50-2 that are regularly monitored become abnormal. In addition, the connection state of the display device 60-2 that relays the printing device 50-1 is also in a state indicating an abnormality. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, in the connection information that the controller control unit 21 stores and manages in the storage unit 22, the printing device 50-1, the printing device 50-2, and the display device 60-2, respectively. The connection status information changes to a status indicating abnormality (for example, “×”).

  By the maintenance work by the operator, the printing device 50-1 and the printing device 50-2 are respectively replaced with new printing device 50-1 (exchange device 1) and printing device 50-2 (exchange device 2) at the same place. When the exchange device 1 and the exchange device 2 are activated, the order management system 1 operates as described below.

  In FIG. 18, the printing device 50-1 and the printing device 50-2 to be maintained are replaced with a new printing device 50-1 (exchange device 1) and a printing device 50-2 (exchange device 2) at the same place. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence of the order management system 1 after starting the exchange apparatus 1 and the exchange apparatus 2. FIG.

  In each of step S51 and step S52, the display device in a state where communication with the control device 20 is interrupted 60-2 periodically broadcasts a neighborhood search request.

  In step S61, the switching apparatus 1 in a state where communication with the control apparatus 20 is interrupted broadcasts a neighborhood search request. As shown in the radio wave intensity management table in FIG. 13, the data wirelessly transmitted by the exchange device 1 installed at the same place as the printing device 50-1 is the printing device 30, the exchange device 2, the display device 60-2, and Received by the controller 20. However, since the display device 60-2 and the exchange device 2 are also transmitting a neighborhood search request in the same manner as the exchange device 1 and are not connected to the control device 20, a neighborhood search response is made. Absent.

Next, in step S63, the printing apparatus 30 that has received the neighborhood search request transmitted from the exchange apparatus 1 transmits a neighborhood search response to the address indicated by the location information included in the neighborhood search request. Then, the exchange device 1 receives the neighborhood search response.
Next, in step S64, the control device 20 that has received the neighborhood search request transmitted from the exchange device 1 transmits a neighborhood search response to the address indicated by the location information included in the neighborhood search request. Then, the exchange device 1 receives the neighborhood search response.

  In step S <b> 65, the exchange device 2 in a state where communication with the control device 20 has been interrupted broadcasts a neighborhood search request. Data exchanged wirelessly by the exchange device 2 installed at the same place as the printing device 50-2 is transmitted by the exchange device 1, the display device 60-2, and the control device 20 as shown in the radio wave intensity management table of FIG. Received. However, since the display device 60-2 and the exchange device 1 are also transmitting a neighborhood search request like the exchange device 2 and are not connected to the control device 20, a neighborhood search response is made. Absent.

  Next, in step S66, the control device 20 that has received the neighborhood search request transmitted from the exchange device 2 transmits a neighborhood search response to the address indicated by the location information included in the neighborhood search request. Then, the exchange device 2 receives the neighborhood search response.

In step S71, the exchange apparatus 1 uses the transmission source (in this case, the printing apparatus 30) of the neighborhood search response having the stronger radio wave intensity as the relay device in the two neighborhood search responses received by the processes in steps S63 and S64. A device information request is transmitted to this relay device. Then, the printing apparatus 30 as a relay apparatus receives the apparatus information request.
Next, in step S <b> 72, the printing apparatus 30 designates the control apparatus 20 as the designated destination apparatus, and transmits a device information request to the designated destination apparatus. And the control apparatus 20 which is a designation | designated apparatus receives an apparatus information request | requirement.

Next, in step S73, the control device 20 generates a device information response and transmits this device information response to the printing device 30 that is a relay device. Then, the printing apparatus 30 receives the apparatus information response.
Next, in step S74, the printing apparatus 30 transmits an apparatus information response to the exchange apparatus 1 that is the final destination. Then, the exchange device 1 receives the device information response.

In step S75, the exchange device 2 designates the control device 20 as a designated device, and transmits a device information request to the designated device. And the control apparatus 20 which is a designation | designated apparatus receives an apparatus information request | requirement.
Next, in step S76, the control device 20 generates a device information response and transmits the device information response to the exchange device 2 that is the destination. Then, the exchange device 2 receives the device information response.

On the other hand, in step S77, the control device 20 broadcasts a regular packet. Then, each of the printing apparatus 30 and the exchange apparatus 1 receives the regular packet that has reached the self apparatus.
In step S81, the printing apparatus 30 broadcasts a regular packet. Then, the exchange device 1 receives the periodic packet that has reached its own device.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a data configuration of the radio wave intensity information and the unconnected information included in the device information response transmitted by the control device 20 in step S73 and step S76 in FIG. As shown in the figure, the radio wave intensity information and the non-connection information are transmitted to the printing device 50-1 ("RPR2" in the figure) and the printing device 50-2 (not shown) that have not established a communication connection with the control device 20. The radio wave intensity management table and the contents of the connection information managed when the control device 20 has established the communication connection for the display device 60-2 (“RMD5” in the drawing) in FIG. have.

Hereinafter, the exchange apparatus 1 will be described as an example.
After the exchange apparatus 1 is installed, a periodic packet (for example, data in step S77) periodically transmitted from the control apparatus 20 and a neighbor search response (for example, data in step S64) transmitted from the control apparatus 20 are installed. And receive. Further, the exchange apparatus 1 prints a periodic packet (for example, data in step S81) periodically transmitted from the printing apparatus 30, a neighborhood search response (for example, data in step S63) transmitted from the printing apparatus 30, and printing. A device information response (for example, data in step S74) transmitted from the device 30 is received. Further, the exchange device 1 receives a neighborhood search request (for example, data in step S52) transmitted from the display device 60-2.

As described above, the exchange device 1 has an opportunity to receive various data from various devices. At that time, the exchange device 1 acquires the radio wave intensity for each transmission source apparatus and generates a radio wave intensity table.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a radio wave intensity table generated by the exchange apparatus 1. As shown in the figure, the radio wave intensity when the exchange device 1 receives the periodic packet and the neighborhood search response transmitted from the control device 20 (“EST1”) is “4”. In addition, the radio field intensity when the exchange device 1 receives the periodic packet, the neighborhood search response, and the device information response transmitted from the printing device 30 (“EPR1”) is “6”. In addition, the radio field intensity when the exchange device 1 receives the neighborhood search request transmitted from the display device 60-2 (“RMD5”) is “5”.

Next, the exchange device 1 extracts the device identification information of the relay device from the device information response supplied from the control device 20, and generates connection information.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of connection information generated based on a device information response acquired by the exchange device 1 from the control device 20. The connection information shown in the figure is data generated by the exchange apparatus 1 in response to the apparatus information response in S73 and S74 of FIG. Since the exchange device 1 receives this device information response not from the control device 20 but via the printing device 30 (“EPR1”), the connection information shown in FIG. 21 is generated.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the exchange apparatus in the sequence shown in FIG. 18 after obtaining the device information and the regular packet will be described by taking the exchange apparatus 1 as an example. First, a data table necessary for explaining the operation of the exchange apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the radio wave intensity information and the unconnected information from which the transmission source of various data received by the exchange apparatus 1 is deleted. In the figure, the apparatus identification information included in the radio wave intensity table generated by the exchange apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 20 is obtained from the radio wave intensity information and the unconnected information received as the apparatus information shown in FIG. The radio wave intensity information and the unconnected information from which the record including the record (record including “RMD5”) is deleted. That is, the candidate of the device identification information of the exchange device 1 cannot be “RMD5” that has transmitted data to the exchange device 1, but is “RPR2” and “RPR3”.

  FIG. 23 is obtained by the exchange apparatus 1 detecting the apparatus identification information in the record common to the connection information relay path from the unconnected information, and extracting the record including the apparatus identification information from the radio wave intensity information. It is radio wave intensity information. That is, in FIG. 22, the switching apparatus 1 detects the apparatus identification information (“RPR2”) in the record common to the connection information relay path shown in FIG. 21 from the unconnected information shown in FIG. Radio wave intensity information obtained by extracting a record including the device identification information (“RPR2”) from the radio wave intensity information. That is, since the exchange apparatus 1 transmits and receives apparatus information using the printing apparatus 30 (“EPR1”) as a relay path as in the connection information illustrated in FIG. 21, an apparatus that employs a relay path similar to its own apparatus The device identification information of the device is extracted from the unconnected information on the assumption that the device is likely to be the device itself.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a radio field intensity difference table for each transmission source that is common in the radio field intensity table shown in FIG. 20 and the radio field intensity information shown in FIG. In the figure, “the radio field intensity of the unconnected device” is the radio field intensity obtained from the radio field intensity information shown in FIG. 23, and “the received radio field intensity” is the radio field intensity obtained from the radio field intensity table shown in FIG. is there.

  FIG. 25 is obtained by the exchange apparatus 1 detecting the apparatus identification information in the record that is not common to the connection information relay path from the unconnected information, and extracting the record including the apparatus identification information from the radio wave intensity information. It is radio wave intensity information. That is, in FIG. 22, the switching apparatus 1 detects apparatus identification information (“RPR3”) in a record that is not common to the connection information relay path shown in FIG. 21 from the unconnected information shown in FIG. Radio wave intensity information obtained by extracting a record including the device identification information (“RPR3”) from the radio wave intensity information. That is, since the exchange apparatus 1 transmits and receives apparatus information using the printing apparatus 30 (“EPR1”) as a relay path as in the connection information shown in FIG. 21, the apparatus to be extracted here is the same relay path as its own apparatus. However, even in such a device, device identification information of the device is extracted in order to check which device has a radio wave condition closer to that of the device itself.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a radio field intensity difference table for each transmission source that is common in the radio field intensity table shown in FIG. 20 and the radio wave intensity information shown in FIG. In the figure, “the radio field intensity of the unconnected device” is the radio field intensity obtained from the radio field intensity information shown in FIG. 25, and “the received radio field intensity” is the radio field intensity obtained from the radio field intensity table shown in FIG. is there.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a candidate table obtained by the exchange apparatus 1 by rearranging the apparatus identification information candidates of the own apparatus in ascending order of the radio field intensity difference. As shown in the figure, in the candidate table, candidates for device identification information of the exchange device 1 are ranked and stored in ascending order of radio field intensity difference.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a presentation example of the device candidate list presented by the exchange device 1. As shown in the figure, information included in the candidate table shown in FIG. 27 is presented in the apparatus candidate list.

Next, the operation of the exchange apparatus in the sequence shown in FIG. 18 will be described.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the exchange apparatus. When the switching apparatus is powered on and starts up itself, execution of the processing shown in this flowchart is started.
In step S101, the exchange apparatus broadcasts a neighbor search request.
Next, in step S102, the exchange apparatus receives a neighbor search response transmitted from a peripheral apparatus that has received the neighbor search request. For example, when the exchange device is the exchange device 1, the exchange device receives the neighborhood search response transmitted from each of the printing device 30 and the control device 20 that has received the neighborhood search request. For example, when the exchange device is the exchange device 2, the exchange device receives the neighborhood search response transmitted from the control device 20.

Next, in step S103, the exchange apparatus determines the transmission source of the neighborhood search response having the strongest radio wave intensity as the relay device in the received neighborhood search response.
Next, in step S104, the exchange device transmits a device information request to the control device 20 via the relay device.
Next, in step S105, the exchange apparatus receives the apparatus information response supplied from the control apparatus 20 via the relay apparatus.
Next, in step S106, the exchange apparatus extracts the apparatus identification information of the relay apparatus from the received apparatus information response, generates the connection information shown in FIG. 21, and stores this connection information in the storage unit.
Next, in step S107, the exchange apparatus extracts, for example, the radio wave intensity information and unconnected information shown in FIG. 19 from the apparatus information response.

By the way, the exchange device has an opportunity to receive data from various devices until the processing of step S107. Based on the radio field intensity of each transmission source device measured at the time of reception, for example, the radio wave shown in FIG. An intensity table is generated.
Therefore, the exchange apparatus deletes the record including the apparatus identification information included in the radio wave intensity table from the radio wave intensity information and the unconnected information, and generates, for example, the radio wave intensity information and the unconnected information illustrated in FIG. The radio field intensity information and the unconnected information are stored in the storage unit.

  Next, in step S108, the exchange apparatus determines whether there is one record included in the unconnected information. When the switching apparatus determines that there is one record included in the unconnected information (S108: YES), the processing proceeds to step S109, and when it is determined that there are a plurality of records included in the unconnected information. (S108: NO) moves to the process of step S110.

  In step S109, the exchange apparatus sets the apparatus identification information in the record as the apparatus identification information of the own apparatus. Then, the exchange device ends the process of this flowchart.

  On the other hand, in step S110, the exchange apparatus executes identification information candidate selection processing for selecting candidates from apparatus identification information in a plurality of records included in the unconnected information. Details of this identification information candidate selection process will be described later.

Next, in step S111, for example, the exchange apparatus presents the apparatus candidate list shown in FIG. 28 in a selectable manner and waits for an operation input by the operator.
Next, when one piece of apparatus identification information is selected by the operator in step S112, the exchange apparatus sets the apparatus identification information as the apparatus identification information of the own apparatus. Then, the exchange device ends the process of this flowchart.
In the process of step S112, when there is no operation input within a certain time, the exchange apparatus may set the apparatus identification information that is the highest candidate as the apparatus identification information of the own apparatus.

Next, identification information candidate selection processing will be described.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of identification information candidate selection processing executed by the exchange apparatus.
In step S201, the exchange apparatus performs initialization. Specifically, for example, the contents of the candidate table shown in FIG. 27 are reset.
Next, in step S202, the exchange apparatus determines whether there is a record of unconnected information common to the connection information relay path. If the switching apparatus determines that there is a record of unconnected information that is common to the connection information relay path (S202: YES), the switching apparatus proceeds to the process of step S203. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no record of unconnected information common to the connection information relay path (S202: NO), the switching apparatus proceeds to the process of step S204.

In step S203, the exchange apparatus executes candidate list generation processing when the relay paths match. Details of the candidate list generation process when the relay paths match will be described later.
Next, in step S204, the exchange apparatus executes a candidate list generation process when the relay paths do not match. Details of the candidate list generation process when the relay paths do not match will be described later. Then, the exchange device ends the process of this flowchart.
Note that this completes the process of step S203 in FIG. 30, and thus proceeds to the candidate list generation process in step S204 of FIG. 30 when the relay paths do not match.

Next, the details of the candidate list generation process when the relay paths match will be described.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of candidate list generation processing executed by the exchange apparatus when the relay paths match.
In step S301, the exchange apparatus detects the apparatus identification information in the record common to the connection information relay path from the unconnected information, and extracts the radio wave obtained by extracting the record including the apparatus identification information from the radio wave intensity information. Intensity information (eg, FIG. 23) is generated.

  Next, in step S302, the exchange apparatus selects one record (here, a record including “RPR2”) from the radio wave intensity information generated in the process of step S301. Then, the exchange device has device identification information (here, “EST1”, “EPR1”, and “RMD5”) indicating the common transmission source in the record and the radio wave intensity table (here, FIG. 20) generated by the exchange device. )) Is extracted.

  Next, in step S303, the exchange apparatus generates a radio field intensity difference table for each transmission source that is common to the radio field intensity table (here, FIG. 20) and the radio field intensity information (here, FIG. 23) (for example, FIG. 24). Next, the switching apparatus calculates an average value of differences (here, (0 + 1 + 0) /3=0.33) based on the radio wave intensity difference table, and sets the average value as the radio wave intensity difference. However, when there is no common transmission source in the record and the radio wave intensity table generated by the exchange device, the exchange device sets a value larger than the maximum value in the already calculated radio wave intensity difference as the radio wave intensity difference. Next, the exchange apparatus deletes the selected record from the radio wave intensity information.

  Next, in step S304, the exchange apparatus determines whether or not all records included in the radio wave intensity information have been selected. If it is determined that all records have been selected (S304: YES), the process of step S305 is performed. Move to. Here, since there is only one record including “RPR2”, the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an unselected record (S304: NO), the exchange apparatus returns to the process of step S302.

  In step S305, the exchange apparatus rearranges the apparatus identification information candidates of the own apparatus in ascending order of the radio field intensity difference to generate a candidate table (here, FIG. 27). Then, the exchange device ends the process of this flowchart.

Next, details of candidate list generation processing when the relay paths do not match will be described.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of candidate list generation processing executed by the exchange apparatus when the relay paths do not match.
In step S401, the exchange apparatus detects the apparatus identification information in the record that is not common to the connection information relay path from the unconnected information, and extracts the record including the apparatus identification information from the radio wave intensity information. Intensity information (for example, FIG. 25) is generated.

  Next, in step S402, the switching apparatus selects one record (here, a record including “RPR3”) from the radio wave intensity information generated in the process of step S401. Then, the switching device extracts device identification information (here, “EST1” and “RMD5”) indicating a common transmission source in the record and the radio wave intensity table (here, FIG. 20) generated by the switching device. .

  Next, in step S403, the exchange apparatus generates a radio field intensity difference table for each transmission source that is common in the radio field intensity table (here, FIG. 20) and the radio field intensity information (here, FIG. 25) (for example, FIG. 26). Next, the switching apparatus calculates an average value (here, (3 + 3) / 2 = 3) of the difference based on the radio wave intensity difference table, and sets the average value as the radio wave intensity difference. However, when there is no common transmission source in the record and the radio wave intensity table generated by the exchange device, the exchange device sets a value larger than the maximum value in the already calculated radio wave intensity difference as the radio wave intensity difference. Next, the exchange apparatus deletes the selected record from the radio wave intensity information.

  Next, in step S404, the exchange apparatus determines whether or not all the records included in the radio wave intensity information have been selected. If it is determined that all the records have been selected (S404: YES), the process of step S405 is performed. Move to. Here, since there is only one record including “RPR3”, the process proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an unselected record (S404: NO), the exchange apparatus returns to the process of step S402.

In step S405, the exchange apparatus rearranges the apparatus identification information candidates of the own apparatus in ascending order of the radio field intensity difference, and adds the rearranged candidates after the lowest position in the candidate table. Then, the exchange device ends the process of this flowchart.
Note that this completes the process in step S <b> 110 in FIG. 29 because the process in step S <b> 204 in FIG. 30 ends and all the processes in FIG. 30 end. Therefore, as described above, the process moves to step S111 in FIG. 29, and an apparatus candidate list based on the completed candidate table is presented to be selectable. Thereafter, the apparatus identification information is set in the process of step S112 depending on whether or not an operation input is made by the operator.

As described above, the order management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention manages the communication state between each output device and the control device 20 by sending and receiving connection confirmations, and sends and receives periodic packets to and around its own device. Manages the radio field intensity in communication with other existing devices. For example, when re-installation such as replacement or replacement is performed for a certain device, an appropriate device can be derived as a candidate based on the information on the connection state and the radio wave intensity so far in the order management system 1. it can.
That is, the setting work of device information (device identification information) of output devices such as the printing device 30, the printing device 50, and the display device 60 is not manually performed by an operator. Therefore, there is no possibility that the setting work becomes inefficient, such as an error in setting or excessive work time.
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden imposed on the setting of the device information of the output device.

  In addition, you may make it implement | achieve a part of control apparatus 20 which is embodiment mentioned above, for example, the function of the controller control part 21 with a computer. In this case, a program for realizing the control function is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system and executed by the computer system. Also good.

  Moreover, you may make it implement | achieve a part of output device, for example, the function of each control part with a computer. In this case, a program for realizing the control function is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system and executed by the computer system. Also good.

  This computer system includes an operating system (OS) and hardware of peripheral devices. The computer-readable recording medium is a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a memory card, and a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk or a solid state drive provided in the computer system. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium dynamically holds a program for a short time, such as a computer network such as the Internet, and a communication line when transmitting a program via a telephone line or a cellular phone network. In addition, a server that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system serving as a server device or a client in that case, may be included. Each of the above programs may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions, and further, the above-described functions are realized by a combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. Also good.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the specific structure is not restricted to that embodiment, The design of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, etc. are included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Order management system 10 POS register 20 Control apparatus 21 Controller control part 22 Storage part 23 Communication part 30 Printing apparatus 31 Controller / print control part 32 Storage part 33 Communication part 34 Printing part 40 LAN
50-1, 50-2 Printing device 51 Print control unit 52 Storage unit 53 Communication unit 54 Printing unit 60-1, 60-2 Display device 61 Display control unit 62 Storage unit 63 Communication unit 64 Display unit 70 Order terminal

Claims (7)

In an output system including a control device and a plurality of output devices that receive the output information transmitted by the control device and output the output information,
The controller is
A storage unit;
Connection confirmation information including relay path information indicating a relay path between the output device and the control device, and information indicating radio wave intensity between the output device and another device included in the output system, A connection confirmation receiver for receiving from the output device;
On the basis of the connection confirmation information, a radio wave intensity management table storage control unit that stores, in the storage unit, a radio wave intensity management table in which the relay path information and information indicating the radio wave intensity are associated with each other for each output device. When,
For each of the plurality of output devices, when it is determined that communication with the output device is possible, information indicating the determination result and information indicating the relay path included in the connection confirmation information are associated with each other A connection information storage control unit for storing information in the storage unit;
A neighbor search request receiving unit that receives a neighbor search request transmitted by the output device;
A neighbor search response transmitter that transmits a neighbor search response in response to the neighbor search request;
A device information request receiving unit for receiving a device information request transmitted by the output device;
In the connection information stored in the storage unit, when the connection status information corresponding to the transmission source of the device information request indicates that communication is not possible, unconnected information including the relay path information corresponding to the transmission source is generated. An unconnected information generating unit to
A radio wave intensity information generating unit that generates radio wave intensity information including relay path information and information indicating the radio wave intensity, corresponding to the transmission source of the device information request, from the radio wave intensity management table stored in the storage unit; ,
Information including the unconnected information and the radio wave intensity information is set as device information, and the device information response transmitting unit that transmits the device information as a device information response to a request source of the device information request;
With
The output device is
A neighbor search request transmission unit that transmits the neighbor search request when device information is not set in the output device;
A neighbor search response receiver for receiving a neighbor search response;
A radio field intensity value acquisition unit that acquires a radio field intensity value when the neighborhood search response is received;
When receiving the neighborhood search response from a plurality of output devices, a relay destination determining unit that determines the output device corresponding to the maximum value of the acquired radio field intensity value as a relay destination;
A device information request transmission unit for transmitting a device information request to the output device determined as the relay destination;
A device information response receiving unit that receives a device information response transmitted from the output device that has received the device information request;
A relay path information extraction unit that extracts the relay path information included in the device information response;
An output system comprising: a candidate determination unit that determines a candidate of device information for the output device based on unconnected information and radio wave intensity information included in the device information response. Each of the plurality of output devices is
The output system according to claim 1, further comprising: a candidate output unit that outputs device information candidates determined by the candidate determination unit. Each of the plurality of output devices is
An operation input section;
Of the device information candidates output by the candidate output unit, a first device information setting unit that sets a candidate designated by the operation input unit in the output device;
The output system according to claim 2, further comprising: The candidate determination unit for each of the plurality of output devices is
When there are two or more types of device information candidates determined by the candidate determination unit, it is determined whether or not there is a record of unconnected information common to the relay path indicated by the relay path information, and the relay path information indicates When it is determined that there is a record of unconnected information that is common to the relay path, the device information included in the record is a candidate that is ranked according to the electric field strength. The output system described in the section. The candidate determination unit for each of the plurality of output devices is
When it is determined that there is no record of unconnected information common to the relay path indicated by the relay path information, the device information included in the record of unconnected information not common to the relay path indicated by the relay path information is determined according to the electric field strength. The output system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the candidates are ranked candidates. Each of the plurality of output devices is
The apparatus further comprises a second device information setting unit that sets the device information in the output device when there is only one type of device information candidate determined by the candidate determination unit. Output system described in.   The output system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device information includes device identification information of an output device.

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