JPH01118958A - Data processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To ensure the effective use of a memory means by realizing a communication test even in a data processing mode and at the same time omitting the need of a memory means exclusive for the communication test. CONSTITUTION:A file 6a, for example, can be defined as a communication test file among those files 6a-6d with the operation of a key input part 7. At the same time, the set state of the communication test file can be released with the operation of the part 7. When the file 6a is set for communication test with an electronic cash register 10, the communication test can be performed without breaking the data showing the sale, etc. Thus it is possible to carry out a communication test even in a normal register working mode. Furthermore the file 6a can be used for the normal communication after the end of the communication test. In such a way, the effective use of a memory means is ensured.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Industrial Application Field The present invention relates to a sales management system that connects a main store and each store via an online line, for example, which is placed in each store and performs transmission with a host computer installed at the main store, etc. The present invention relates to a data processing system suitably implemented in electronic cash registers and the like.

Prior Art Conventionally, the head office or central processing center and each store have been connected through an online line, and sales data from the electronic cash register at each store is processed by the host computer at the head office or the central processing center, or the host computer is used to A sales management system is being implemented in which the unit price of a product and department code are sent to an electronic cash register at each store, and sales management for all stores is performed collectively by a host computer.

In such a sales management system, when communicating between the host computer at the head office or central processing center and the electronic cash register at each store, it is necessary to conduct a communication test to confirm that transmission and reception can be performed correctly. There is.

In a conventional electronic cash register, a file for such a communication test is specially provided, and when a communication test is performed, data for the communication test is transmitted from a host computer. This data is stored in a communication test file in the electronic cash register and sent back to the host computer. The host computer compares the transmitted data with the received data to test whether normal communication can be performed.

Although such a communication test can be performed by normal transmission and reception between the host computer and the electronic cash register, there is a risk that the data stored in the electronic cash register may be corrupted by the communication. Yes, and cannot be executed during electronic cash register transactions, that is, while cash register operations are in progress.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention In the above-mentioned prior art, it is necessary to interrupt the cash register operation during the communication test or to use an electronic cash register with a dedicated memory as a file for the communication test. However, since the communication test is only performed, for example, when the store opens, even if such a dedicated memory is provided, it cannot be used in normal data processing and is wasted.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, to be able to perform a communication test even during data processing, and to effectively use the storage means without requiring a dedicated storage means for the communication test. An object of the present invention is to provide a data processing device.

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention provides a data processing apparatus that communicates data with the outside and has a storage means, in which when inputting specific data from the outside, a specific area is set in advance in the storage means. The data processing apparatus is characterized in that the specific data is stored in the specific area, and the setting state of the specific area is canceled when the specific data is not input from the outside.

According to the present invention, in a data processing apparatus that communicates data with the outside and has a storage means, when inputting specific data from the outside, a specific area is set in the storage means in advance, and the specific area is set in advance in the storage means. Data is stored in this specific area.

Further, when specific data is not input from the outside, the setting state of the specific area is canceled.

Therefore, for example, when performing a communication test between an external device and a data processing device, data for the communication test is stored as specific data in the specific area, and this data is communicated to perform a communication test, allowing the data processing device to perform the original processing. Since data is not destroyed, communication tests and original processing can be performed at the same time. Furthermore, if the specific area setting state is canceled, the data processing device can use the area where the specific area was set for original data processing.

Embodiment No. 1121 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic cash register 10 which is an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic cash register 10 includes a processing circuit 4, an interface 2, a key manual section 7, a printer section 8, and a file 6 which is a storage means.
a to 6d (hereinafter collectively referred to as files 6).

The processing circuit 4 transmits and receives signals to and from the host computer 1 via the interface 2. The processing circuit 4 also receives signals from the key power section 7 according to the program in the read-only memory 5, and outputs signals from the display section 3 and printer section 8. control.

Among the files 6a to 6d, for example, file 6a can be set as a communication test file by operating the key manual unit 7, and the setting status of the communication test file can be canceled by operating the key manual unit 7. Can be done.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electronic cash register 10. This will be explained below with reference to the same figure.

In step n1, a data transmission command for a communication test is received from the host computer 1.

Thereafter, communication test data is received from the host computer 1 in step n2. At this time, if the electronic cash register 10 has set the file 6a for a communication test in step n3, the process moves to step n4.

The communication test data received in step n4 is written into the communication test file 6a, and in step n5, a read command for communication test data is transmitted from the host computer 1. In step n6, the electronic cash register 1o that has received the communication test data read command reads data from the communication test file 6a.

In step n7, the read data is sent to the host computer 1.

In step n3, if the file 6a of the electronic cash register 1° is not set for the communication test, the process moves to step n8, and a signal indicating an error is sent to the postcomputer 1.

In this way, the file 6a can be set for a communication test at any time by operating the key manual section 7 of the electronic cash register 10, and the setting state can be canceled at any time. Therefore, the file 6a can be set for a communication test only when performing a communication test.

In this way, in the electronic cash register 1o, the file 6
Since a is set for the communication test, the communication test can be performed without destroying data representing sales and the like. Therefore, it is possible to conduct a communication test even during normal cash register operations.

Furthermore, when the communication test is completed, the file 6a can be used for normal communication by releasing the file 6a from the communication test setting state.

In the electronic cash register 10 described above, the setting and cancellation of the communication test of the file 6a was performed manually by operating the key human power section 7;
It is also possible to automate the setting/cancellation of communication test a. The operation of the electronic cash register 10a in which setting/cancellation of the communication test of the file 6a is automated will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the electronic cash register 10a, the same reference numerals are used for parts corresponding to those of the electronic cash register 1o described above.

When a data transmission command for a communication test is received from the host computer 1 in step m1, the file 6a is set for a communication test in step m2.

In step m3, communication test data is received from the host computer 1. The subsequent operations are similar to those of the electronic cash register 10 from step n4 in FIG. 2 described above.

When the same operation as step n7 in FIG. 2 is completed, the settings of the communication test file 6a are automatically canceled.

Even in such an electronic cash register 10a, the same effects as the above-mentioned cash register 1o can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the electronic cash register machines 1o and 10a have been described, but the present invention can also be implemented in other data processing devices.

Effects As explained above, according to the present invention, in a data processing device that communicates data with the outside and has a storage means,
When inputting specific data from the outside, a specific area is set in advance in the storage means, and the specific data is stored in this specific area. Further, when specific data is not input from the outside, the setting state of the specific area is canceled.

Therefore, for example, when performing a communication test between an external device and a data processing device, data for the communication test is stored as specific data in the specific area, and this data is communicated to perform a communication test, allowing the data processing device to perform the original processing. Since data is not destroyed, communication tests and original processing can be performed at the same time. Furthermore, if the specific area setting state is canceled, the data processing device can use the area where the specific area was set for original data processing.

Therefore, a communication test can be performed during data processing, and the storage area of the storage means can be used effectively.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 shows an electronic cash register v11 which is an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electronic cash register 10, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the cash register a l Oa according to another embodiment of the present invention 2. Interface, 3. Display section, 4.
Processing circuit, 5... Read only memory, 6a to 6d.
...File, 7...Key personnel department, 8...Printer department, 10...Electronic cash register agent Patent attorney Number of strokes Keiichi, i. Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a data processing device that communicates data with the outside and has a storage means, when inputting specific data from the outside, a specific area is set in the storage means in advance, and the specific area is A data processing device, wherein the specific data is stored, and the setting state of the specific area is canceled when the specific data is not input from the outside.