JPH01130276A - Pos system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily detect an abnormal POS terminal by transmitting an abnormality command to the downstream from the upstream of a POS system when an abnormality is generated in a closed loop constituted of plural POS terminals. CONSTITUTION:A POS system consisting of an SDLC (synchronous data link control) loop is constituted of a file control part 10 and a POS terminal 11, and they are connected to a closed loop by a transmission line 12. A command data which is sent out of the file control part 10 is transmitted progressively from the POS terminal of the upstream side to the downstream side, and returned to the file control part 10 from a POS terminal 11f of the extreme downstream. When an abnormality is generated in the SDLC loop, an abnormality command is transmitted from the file control part 10, and from the POS terminal which has received this command, a fact of the abnormality is informed by a buzzer, etc., therefore, by confirming the informed state in order from the upstream side, an abnormal part can be confirmed.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention provides a POS system in which a plurality of POS terminals and one file control unit are connected in a closed loop through a transmission line.
Regarding OS system.

[Prior art] As a conventional POS system of this type, '5
DLC (Synchronous Data Link Control)
A transmission system using a loop is generally used. In this case, a file control unit is set as the primary station, and a plurality of POS terminals are set as the secondary stations. Then, the POS terminal that receives the command data sent from the file control section decodes the command, adds data regarding itself to the command data as necessary, and transmits it to the next PoS terminal. In this way, command data is sequentially transmitted from the upstream POS terminal to the downstream POS terminal, and is returned from the most downstream POS terminal to the file control section. For this reason, in this type of PoS system, disconnection may occur in a part of the transmission line, or the
If the communication function of even one OS system malfunctions and an abnormality occurs in the 5DLC loop, the entire system will go down.

Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the 5DLC loop, it is necessary to promptly detect the abnormality and perform restoration work.

However, conventionally, when an abnormality occurs in the 5DLC loop,
First, it is determined whether the communication function of the POS terminal is abnormal or not, and if the terminal is not abnormal, it is determined that the transmission line is abnormal and the location of the abnormality is searched. That is, each POS
The terminals are configured to automatically bypass the transmission line when you turn off the IIA, so first turn off all PoS terminals, then turn on each POS terminal one by one to bring them inline. An abnormal POS terminal is detected by checking whether or not the error occurs. Then, if no abnormalities are found in all POS terminals, turn off the power to all POS terminals again, bypass the transmission line at each terminal, and in this state output a predetermined signal from the file control unit to transmit. Check the signal waveform at multiple points on the line using a tester, etc. In this way, abnormalities in the transmission line can be detected by checking how far the signal reaches from the upstream side to the downstream side of the transmission line.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As mentioned above, in the conventional POS system of this type, when detecting an abnormal location in the 5DLC loop, a large number of P
It is necessary to turn on/off the power of the OS terminal.

Additionally, it is necessary to inspect multiple locations on the transmission line using a tester or the like. Normally, POS terminals are installed scattered throughout the sales floor, and the transmission lines are also intricately installed.

Therefore, detecting down points requires a lot of effort and time. Therefore, if the entire POS system goes down due to an abnormality in the 5DLC loop, it takes a long time to recover, which is not practical.

Therefore, the present invention aims to easily and quickly locate abnormal points in a closed loop.
The aim is to provide a PoS system that can be detected by RA and has improved practicality.

Means for Solving the Problem] The present invention, as shown in FIG.
and to the leap loop with transmission line 3, and file 1
The command data sent from the 111 section 2 is sequentially sent from the upstream POS terminal to the downstream POS terminal, and is sent from the most downstream POS terminal 1n to the file control section 2.
In a POS system that sends a reply to
The mode switching means 4 switches the lowest mpos POS terminals to the data receiving mode in response to the sending of command data, and the response data from the lowest downstream POS terminal 1n is switched to the data receiving mode by the switching means 4. a loop abnormality recognition means 5 which recognizes a leap loop abnormality by determining whether there is an abnormality; and an abnormality command transmitting means which sequentially transmits an abnormality command from the upstream side to the downstream side of the POS terminal 1 when the closed loop abnormality is recognized by this means 5. 6
Each PoS terminal 1 is equipped with an abnormality notification means 7 that notifies that the closed loop is abnormal when receiving the abnormality command transmitted by the abnormality command transmission means 6.

[Effect 1] If the POS system takes such measures, the command data sent by the file control unit will be sent to the most downstream POS.
If there is no reply from the terminal, there is a closed loop error.
Is the abnormal command detected at the POS? transmitted from the upstream side of the system to the downstream side.

Then, the POS terminal that received the abnormal command is notified of this fact. Therefore, since the notification is sent to the POS terminal immediately before the part where the abnormality has occurred in the closed loop, the abnormality can be easily detected.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to a POS system consisting of 5 DLC loops will be described.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the PoS system, where 10 is a file control unit as a primary station, 11 (a to f) is a POS terminal as a secondary station, and these are connected to the transmission line 1.
2 in a closed loop. The command data sent from the file control unit 10 is sequentially sent from the upstream POS terminal to the downstream POS terminal as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and is returned from the most downstream PoS terminal 11f to the file control unit 1o. It looks like this.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the file control section 10.

In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a CPU (central processing unit) that constitutes the main body of the control unit, a ROM 23 that stores fixed data such as a data collection program and a report editing program via a pass line 22, and a unit price for each product code. , Hatake.

The RAM 24, which has a single item data file in which names are set, a totalizer for totaling sales data, etc., is operated. Also, a keyboard controller 26 inputs key signals from the keyboard 25, a display controller 28 that drives and controls the display section 27, a printer controller 30 that drives and controls the printer.5 Communication is performed with the POS terminal 11 via the DLC loop. A loop controller 31 is in charge of comprehensive control, and a clock circuit 32 is connected to the CPU 21 via a path line 22.

In addition, the RAM 24 includes each Pos as shown in FIG.
A transmission buffer 41 that stores transmission data to the S terminal 11, a reception buffer 42 that stores reception data from each POS terminal 11, a transmission/reception status 43 that indicates whether the mode is transmission mode or reception mode, and a transmission/reception status 43 that stores command data at the uppermost stream. After sending to POS terminal 11a, the most downstream P
A time counter 44 is set with the time until the command data is returned from the OS terminal 11f, and a retry counter 45 is set with the number of repetitions of command data transmission until an abnormality is recognized.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the POS terminal 11. The CPIJ 51 has a built-in arithmetic circuit, a memory control circuit, etc., and performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on various input data, as well as a ROM 53 that stores fixed data such as various business programs via a path line 52, and a ROM 53 that stores fixed data such as various business programs. The RAM 54, which stores variable data such as arithmetic processing data, is operated. Also, a keyboard controller 56 inputs key signals from a keyboard 55 for inputting product codes, amounts, etc. of sales products, and a display controller 56 drives and controls a display unit 57 for displaying the total amount of sales products, etc. 58. Printer/drawer controller 61.5 that controls the printer 59 for printing on receipts and the drawer 60 for storing cash; A 5DLC controller 65 that controls the portlo 4.5DLC loop and sends and receives data is connected to the CPU 51 via a path line 52.

The 5DLG controller 65 is connected to the transmission line 12 via a relay 66, and a receiver 67 for modulating the received data is interposed on the data receiving side, and a receiver 67 for demodulating the transmitted data is provided on the data transmitting side. driver 68
is mediated.

The relay 66 has contacts A on the transmitting side and the receiving side, respectively.
, B, and contact switching is controlled by the CPU 51. When connected to the contact A side, the POS terminal is disconnected from the transmission line 12 and bypassed, and when connected to the contact B side, the PoS terminal is connected to the transmission line 12.
2 and becomes inline.

Therefore, the CPU 21 of the file control unit 10
Execute interrupt processing using the timer shown in the figure. That is, as ST1, it is determined whether the transmit mode or the receive mode is selected based on the transmit/receive status 43. For example, the data in the transmission buffer 41 is transmitted via the loop controller 31. At this time, the time counter 44 and the retry counter 45 are cleared, the transmission/reception status 43 is switched to, for example, "1", and the reception mode is selected (mode switching means).

If the reception mode is selected in ST1, it is determined in ST2 whether or not there is reception data in the reception buffer 42, and if there is reception data, after confirming that it has been received normally,
Time counter 44. Clear retry counter 45,
The transmission mode is selected by switching the transmission/reception status 43 to "0", for example.

If there is no received data in the reception buffer 42 in ST2,
In ST3, it is determined whether the count value of the time counter 44 exceeds the aforementioned set time. If the time has not been exceeded, the time counter 44 is further updated and the reception mode is reset.

If the count value of the time counter 44 exceeds the set time in ST3, this counter 44 is cleared, and then ST
4, it is determined whether the count value of the retry counter 45 exceeds the aforementioned set value. If the number has not been exceeded, the retry counter 45 is updated, a retransmission command is set in the transmission buffer 41, and the mode is switched to transmission mode.

If the count value of the retry counter 45 exceeds the set value in ST4, the retry counter 45 is cleared, an abnormal command is set in the transmission buffer 41, and the mode is switched to the transmission mode (loop abnormality recognition means/abnormal command transmission means). At this time, the abnormal command is sent by global polling (specifying all addresses of secondary stations within the line).

On the other hand, the CPU 51 of the POS terminal 11, which is powered on and has selected the 8 contacts of the receiver 66,
7 and 5. When data is received via the DLC controller 65, the processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed. That is, first, the address of the received data is read as 5T11, and it is determined whether or not it matches the address of the own station. If there is a mismatch, the received data is sent directly to the downstream side.

On the other hand, if the addresses match, it is determined as 5T12 whether it is a normal command or not, and if it is a normal command, current data is added to the end of the received data as necessary, and the downstream Send to.

On the other hand, if it is an abnormal command at 5T12, it is recognized that an abnormality has occurred in the 5DLC loop, and the buzzer 62 is sounded and the lamp 63 is lit to notify that the abnormal command has been received (abnormality notification means). Then, the abnormal command is sent to the downstream side.

In the POS system of this embodiment configured as described above, when the 5DLC loop is normal, the command data sent from the file control unit 10 is sequentially sent to the upstream mposPOS terminal and the downstream POS terminal. It is returned to the file wJII1 part 10 from the terminal 11f. In this state, for example, if a disconnection occurs in the transmission line 12 between the POS terminals 11d and 118, the command data from the file IIIJIII section 10 will be
Although it is transmitted to the OS terminal 11d, it does not reach downstream from the OS terminal 11e. Therefore, in the file control unit 10, after the command data is transmitted, the time counter 44 counts the time during which the data will be returned, and if the data is not returned within this time, the data will be replayed by the set value of the retry counter 45. Repeat sending. If the data is not returned even after repeated retransmissions, it is determined that the 5DLC loop is abnormal, and an abnormality command is sent. Then, the abnormal command reaches the POS terminal 11d, and since this abnormal command is sent by global polling, the buzzer 62 sounds and the lamp 63 lights up in the powered-on POS terminals up to the POS terminal 11d. Then, it is notified that an abnormality has occurred in the 5DLC loop. However, since the abnormal command does not reach the PoS terminals 11e to 11e, no notification of more than 5 DLC loops is made even if the power is turned on. Therefore, by checking the notification status of each POS terminal, it is determined that the 5DLC loop has become abnormal due to a break in the transmission line 1112 between the POS terminal 11d and the PoS terminal 11e, or a failure in the communication function of the POS terminal 11e. By checking either of them, you can confirm the abnormal location.

According to this embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the 5DLC loop, an abnormality command is sent from the file control unit 10, and the POS terminal 11, which has received this command, displays the buzzer 62 and the lamp to indicate that there is an abnormality. 63
Since the notification is made by the following, abnormal locations can be identified by sequentially checking the notification status from the upstream side. Furthermore, there is no need to turn on/off the power of all POS terminals 11, and there is no need for unnecessary checks by a tester. Therefore, abnormal locations can be detected efficiently in a short time without using any special equipment, and it is possible to recover from system failure in a short time.

In addition, although the buzzer 62 and the lamp 63 were illustrated as an abnormality notification means in the said Example, only either one may be sufficient. It goes without saying that a notification means such as printing may also be used.

It goes without saying that various other modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[Effects of the Invention] As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a POS system that can easily and quickly detect an abnormality in a closed loop and can improve its practicality.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram functionally showing a POS system of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 7 are diagrams showing an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the POS system, Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the file control unit, Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the RAM in the file control unit, Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the PoS terminal, and Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the file control unit. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the CPU interrupt processing in the file control unit. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the CPU interrupt processing in the POS terminal. 10...File control unit, 11...POS terminal. 12...Transmission line, 21.51...CPU12
3゜53...ROM, 24.54...RAM131
... loop controller, 44... time counter,
45... Retry counter, 62... Buzzer, 63
...Lamp, 65...5DLC controller. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 31! ! Figure 4 fl! E7 figure

Claims (1)

[Claims] Multiple POS terminals and one file control unit are connected in a closed loop using a transmission line, and the command data sent from the file control unit is sent sequentially from the upstream POS terminal to the downstream POS terminal, and P of
PO that returns from the OS terminal to the above file control section
In the S system, the file control unit includes a mode switching means for switching to a data reception mode from the most downstream POS terminal in response to the sending of command data, and a mode switching means for switching to a data reception mode from the most downstream POS terminal in response to the sending of command data, and a mode switching means for switching to a data reception mode from the most downstream POS terminal by the switching means. loop abnormality recognition means that recognizes an abnormality in the closed loop by determining whether there is no return data from the POS terminal;
abnormality command transmitting means for sequentially transmitting an abnormality command from the upstream side to the downstream side of the POS terminal when an abnormality in the closed loop is recognized by this means;
POS system characterized in that the OS terminal is provided with loop abnormality notification means for notifying that the closed loop is abnormal when receiving the abnormality command transmitted by the abnormality command transmission means.