JPH0215901B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a portable electronic device such as a portable data terminal that is most suitable for use in collecting insurance, savings deposits, etc.

Generally, in the collection of insurance, reserve deposits, etc., a list of customers to be collected is first created, and a sales representative visits each customer based on this customer list, receives a predetermined amount of money, and issues a receipt. . When the collection of money from each customer is completed in this manner, the sales representative returns to the office, etc., tallies the collected money, and inputs the data into a computer. Based on the data entered into this computer, a customer list for the next collection operation will be created.

By the way, in this kind of conventional collection work, money is collected based on a customer list issued by a computer, but this work involves receiving cash, issuing receipts, totaling the amount collected, and collecting money. Since there is a large amount of manual work involved, such as inputting various data into a computer and creating a list of uncollected customers, there is a high risk of errors occurring.

The present invention has been made for the purpose of providing a portable electronic device that eliminates the conventional problems as described above.In order to achieve this purpose, the portable electronic device of the present invention is provided with insurance and a first storage means for storing a collection business processing program for reserve deposits, etc.;
In accordance with the processing program stored in the first storage means, there is an input means for inputting each customer code or amount information, etc., information input by this input means or collection work related information, and collection work for each customer is completed. A second memory that stores information indicating whether or not
a storage means, a transmission means for transmitting the stored information stored in the second storage means to a computer installed in a business office or the like via a telephone line or receiving data from this computer, and a transmission means for each customer. a printing means for issuing a receipt for each customer; and a processing means for creating a customer list of accounts receivable based on information stored in a second storage means for storing information as to whether or not the collection work for each customer has been completed. , and a battery power source for supplying power to each of the above-mentioned means, and is configured to be able to issue an uncollected customer list based on the information stored in the second storage means. Accordingly, the present invention can provide a portable electronic device that minimizes manual work in bill collection operations, extremely reduces the error rate, and is ideal for bill collection operations that can issue a list of uncollected customers.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a portable electronic device embodying the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a central processing unit (CPU) 1 that comprehensively controls various operations includes a read-only memory (mask ROM) 2 that stores fixed programs that control the basic operations of the device, and a read-only memory (mask ROM) 2 that stores fixed programs that control the basic operations of the device. A first storage means (RAM) 3 that stores an application program that controls how to handle the data, and a second storage means (RAM) 3 that stores various input data.
storage means (data RAM) 4 (this second storage means also includes an area for storing information indicating whether or not each customer's payment collection work has been completed), and a display means for displaying the various input data, etc. 5, a printing means 6 that similarly prints this data etc. on a slip etc., various key groups such as a numerical key N□ and a function key group for inputting various registered data, and a mode setting that defines the handling mode of this device. an input means 7 having a means M; and a transmission means 8 such as an acoustic coupler for transmitting the data stored in the data RAM 4 to a computer 9 installed in a business office or the like via a public telephone line L. , an application program that specifies how to handle this device.
An input/output (I/O) interface 11 for connecting a magnetic tape device 10 etc. for writing to the RAM 3, a data bus 13 and an address bus 1.
Connected via 4. Further, this device is configured to be supplied with power by a battery power source 12.

Further, 15 is a decoder, and the decoder 15 is configured to decode address information on the address bus 14 and select each of the above-mentioned components. Furthermore, this device is configured to be supplied with power by a battery power source 12, and the first and second storage means 3 and 4 are constantly supplied with battery power, and the other components are The configuration is such that power is supplied via a power switch P.

A LOAD program is fixedly stored in area a of the ROM 2, and data RAM 4, which is a second storage means, stores an area b for storing each customer's name or code, a collection amount area c, and a collection completion flag. Area d is established,
The mode setting means M has a load mode key.
LOAD, registration mode key registration, transmission mode key transmission, write mode key WRITE, and read mode key READ are provided, and the input means 7 is provided with a numerical key N□, a read instruction key R□, a write instruction key W□, and a transmission instruction key. Key T□, Program load instruction key L□, Customer code (name) key A□, Data input key D□, Collection completion instruction key F□, Transmission request key
Function keys such as TR and print instruction key P□ are provided.

Next, the specific operation of the portable electronic device of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 will be explained in detail with reference to the operation flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 to 6.

Figure 2 is an operation flow diagram showing the operation program write operation, Figure 3 is an operation flow diagram showing the customer data write operation, and Figure 4a is an operation flow diagram showing the registration operation of bill collection completion data in bill collection operations. Figure 4b is an operation flow diagram showing the operation of transmitting collection data, Figure 5 is an operation flow diagram showing the operation of reading collection data, and Figure 6 is an operation flow diagram showing the operation of creating an uncollected customer list. be.

First, the write operation of the operation program will be explained with reference to the operation flow diagram shown in FIG.

Writing the operation program When using this device, the operator first presses the load mode key LOAD of the mode setting means M in order to write the program that specifies how to use this device, that is, the application program for collection, into the RAM 3. to operate the device.
Set to LOAD mode (step in Figure 2)
n1), input/output (I/O) interface 1
1 is connected to a magnetic tape device 10 on which a magnetic tape on which a desired program, ie, a bill collection application program is written, is set. When the device is selected to the LOAD mode by operating the mode setting means M, the CPU 1 selects and specifies the LOAD program stored in area a of the mask ROM 2 (step n2), and thereafter controls the device according to this program. .

Next, the operator presses the program load instruction key l□ to instruct the input means 7 to load the program.
Press and connect magnetic tape device 1 to CPU 1.
Load the program from 0 (step
n3). When this key l□ is pressed, RAM3, which is the first storage means, is selected and designated (step
n4), the bill collection program information read from the magnetic tape device 10 is written into the RAM 3 (steps n5 to n7).

In the case of the present invention, FIGS. 3, 4a, and 4a, which will be described later,
b. Respective programs for executing the operational flows shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are input and stored in the RAM 3, which is the first storage means.

Note that the operation program stored in this RAM 3 is stored in the battery power source 1 so that it will not be erased even if the power switch P of the device is turned off.
Backup with 2.

Next, the writing operation of customer data will be explained with reference to the operation flow diagram shown in FIG.

Writing of customer data When the writing of the operation program is completed as described above and the operator visits each customer to collect insurance, reserve deposits, etc., the operator writes each customer's collection data into a second file prior to the visit. It is written to RAM4 which is a storage means.

Specifically, first, the write mode key WRITE of the mode setting means M is pressed to instruct the CPU 1 that the write mode has been selected (step n11 in FIG. 3). CPU1 that received this instruction
Select and specify RAM4 (step n12). Next, when the operator presses the write instruction key W□ of the input means 7 (step n13) and gives a write instruction to the CPU 1, the CPU 1 becomes an input/output (I/O)
Select interface 11 (step
n14), each customer's name/code and bill collection stored on the magnetic tape set in the magnetic tape device 10 (a floppy disk may be used) connected to the input/output (I/O) interface 11. Instructs to read the amount data (step n15), and writes the read data to RAM4, which is the second storage means (step n15).
n16). (Please note that each customer's name and code is Area B.
Then, the collection amount data is written in area c. ) The data written in this RAM 4 is backed up by the battery power supply 12 so that the stored data will not be erased even if the power switch P of the device is turned off.

Next, the registration operation of collection completion data in the collection service will be explained with reference to the operation flow diagram shown in FIG. 4a.

Collection operations (registration of collection completion data) As described above, each customer's collection amount data is
Once the writing to RAM4 is complete, the operator (exchange agent) visits each customer with this device.
Collect money.

Specifically, as shown in the operational flowchart of FIG. 4a, first, the registration mode key REGISTER of the mode setting means M is pressed to instruct the CPU 1 that the apparatus is selected in the registration mode (step n21).
Upon receiving this instruction, CPU1 selects and specifies the registration processing program stored in RAM3 (step
n22), the data that will be input from now on will be processed according to this program.

First, the operator inputs the code of the customer to be collected by operating the numerical key N□ of the input means 7, and then instructs the CPU 1 that the previously input numerical information is the customer code by pressing the A□ key ( Steps n23 to n26). CPU that received this instruction
Step 1 checks whether the customer code is stored in area b of RAM4 (step
n27), if not stored, display means 5
Displays an error (steps n29 and n30). On the other hand, if it is stored, the CPU 1 checks whether or not a collection completion flag is set in area d of the RAM 4 (step n30), and if there is a flag, it displays a collection completion flag on the display means 5 and prints it. 6 to print that effect (step
n44, n45).

On the other hand, if this flag is not set, the process moves to step n31, where the CPU 1 reads and displays the collected amount of the customer, and prints the amount on a slip etc. using the printing means 6 (steps n31 to
n36). The operator collects money from the customer by looking at the displayed or printed amount, and when the operator inputs the deposited amount from the input means 7, the CPU 1 calculates change between the deposited amount and the collected amount (step n37). The operator transfers money to and from the customer while looking at the change display etc. displayed in step n38, and when the transfer of money is completed, the operator input means 7
Press the collection completion instruction key F□ to instruct the CPU 1 to complete the collection operation (step n40). Upon receiving this instruction, the CPU 1 sets a flag indicating completion of collection in the corresponding customer area d of the RAM 4 (step n41) and issues a receipt on which the above various information is printed (step n42).

Next, return to step n23 to collect money from the next customer, and repeat the same process (step n23).
~n43) Repeat.

As described above, each customer's money is collected and a receipt is issued to each customer, but if the collection of all customers stored in the RAM 4 is completed and you want to continue collecting money, ,
The operator stores the data stored in the RAM 4 for which the collection has been completed in accordance with the operation flow diagram in FIG. 4b.
It will be transmitted to a computer 9 installed at a business office or the like.

Next, the transmission operation of collection completion data, etc. in the collection service will be explained with reference to the operation flow diagram shown in FIG. 4b.

Bill collection operations (data transmission) After completing the collection of all customer charges stored in RAM 4 as described above, if the operator wishes to continue collecting charges, the operator transfers the data stored in RAM 4 from which the collection has been completed. The data is transmitted to a computer 9 installed at a location, etc., and the collection data for new customers is received.

Specifically, the transmission mode key transmission of the mode setting means M is operated to set the device to the transmission mode (step n51), and the computer 9 at the office etc. is called from a nearby telephone (a public telephone may be used), and the It is checked whether the computer 9 is ready to receive data (step n62). If data can be received, a tone signal is sent from the computer 9 side to notify that fact (step n63). The operator confirms that connection with the computer 9 is possible based on this tone signal (step n53), sets the telephone receiver to the acoustic coupler 8, presses the transmission instruction key T□ of the input means 7, and instructs the CPU 1 to transmit data. (Step n54).
Upon receiving this instruction, the CPU 1 transmits the collection completion data stored in the RAM 4 to the computer 9 via the public line L from the acoustic coupler 8 (step
n55). When data transmission is completed, the data stored in RAM4 is cleared (step n56,
n57).

On the other hand, the computer 9 installed at the business office, etc. that has received the collected money collection completion data etc. transmitted in this way (step n64) stores the data (step n65) and prints out the received data etc. Output (step n66).

Further, in order to request the code and collection data of another customer, the operator uses the numerical key N□ of the input means 7 and the transmission request key TR to request the computer 9 to transmit the customer data of the desired region. Do it (step n58).

Upon receiving this request, the computer 9 selects desired data from the storage device (step n68) and transmits the data to the operator's terminal device (steps n69, n70). CPU that received this data
1 (step n59) stores this data in a predetermined area of the RAM 4 (step n60).
When data transmission and reception between the computers is completed in this manner (step n61), the operator can resume the bill collection operation again as described above.

On the other hand, if the collection operation is not to be continued, the operator takes the device back to the office, connects the magnetic tape device 10 or floppy disk to the device, and executes the operation of writing the collection completion data onto the magnetic tape or floppy disk. become.

Next, the operation of reading out the collection completion data will be explained with reference to the operation flowchart shown in FIG.

Reading the collection completion data If you have completed the collection work for each customer as described above and do not want to continue the collection work,
The operator takes the device back to the office etc.
It executes the operation of reading the collection completion data etc. stored in the RAM 4 and writing them to an external storage device such as a magnetic tape.

Specifically, the device is set to READ mode by operating the read mode key READ of the mode setting means M (step n71), and the write instruction key R□ of the input means 7 is pressed to give a data read instruction to the CPU 1. (Step n72). Upon receiving this instruction, the CPU 1 reads the collection completion data stored in the RAM 4 (step n73), and uses the read collection completion data for input/output (I/O).
O) Write to a storage medium such as a magnetic tape using the magnetic tape device 10 via the interface 11 (steps n74, n75). When this writing is completed (step n76), the RAM 4 is cleared in preparation for the next task (step n77).

Next, the operation of creating an uncollected customer list during the above-mentioned bill collection operation or at the end of the collection operation will be explained with reference to the operation flowchart shown in FIG.

Creation of a list of uncollected customers When the operator wants to create a list of uncollected customers during the above-mentioned collection operation or at the end of the collection operation, the operator must press the read mode key of the mode setting means M.
READ is operated to set the device to READ mode (step n81 in FIG. 6), and the print instruction key P□ of the input means 7 is pressed to instruct the CPU 1 to issue a list of uncollected customers (step n82).
Upon receiving this instruction, CPU1 sequentially reads out the data stored in RAM4 (step n83).
It is checked whether or not a flag is set in area d (step n84), and if there is a customer for which the flag is not set, data regarding that customer is printed by the printing means 6 (step n85).
In this way, all stored data stored in the RAM 4 is checked to create a list of uncollected customers (steps n86 and n87).

In this way, the list of uncollected customers is added to the second list.
It is created based on the stored information stored in the storage means (RAM) 4 of the system, and a series of collection operations such as insurance and reserve deposits are efficiently carried out.

As described above, according to the portable electronic device of the present invention, the issuance of receipts accompanying the collection work and the checking of whether the collection of each customer's money has been completed can be performed on the spot during the collection work without having to return to a business office or the like. As a result, it is possible to immediately recognize overlapping bill collection operations or omissions in bill collection operations for customers, as well as sending and receiving various data necessary for the collection operations via telephone lines to and from computers installed at business offices, etc. Therefore, it is possible to provide a portable electronic device that is extremely useful and practical for collection operations such as insurance and savings deposits.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 6 are operational flowcharts for explaining the operation in each operation mode of the apparatus of the present invention. 1... central processing unit (CPU), 3... first
storage means (program RAM), 4...second storage means (data RAM), 6...printing means, 7
...Input means, 8...Transmission means (acoustic coupler),
9...Calculator, 12...Battery power supply, L...Telephone line, b...Customer code storage area, c...Collection data storage area, d...Money collection completion data storage area, M...Mode setting means, F □...Collection completion instruction key, P□...Print instruction key.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A first storage means for storing a processing program for collection of insurance, reserve deposits, etc., and inputting each customer code or amount information, etc. according to the processing program stored in the first storage means. An input means equipped with numeric keys, a collection completion instruction key for inputting that the collection operation has been completed, a list print instruction key for instructing to create a list of uncollected customers, and information input by the input means or collection information. a second storage means for storing business-related information; and a third storage means for storing information indicating whether or not the collection work for each customer has been completed based on whether or not the collection completion instruction key has been input. a transmission means for transmitting the stored information stored in the second and third storage means to a computer installed in a business office or the like via a telephone line or receiving data from the computer; printing means for issuing a receipt; and when the customer code is input from the input means during collection work, reading the stored information corresponding to the customer code in the third storage means and confirming that the collection is completed. Based on the storage information of the third storage means, which enables the collection business for the customer only when there is no such customer, and stores information as to whether or not the collection business for each customer is completed according to the input of the list printing instruction key. A portable electronic device comprising: processing means for causing the printing means to print an uncollected customer list; and a battery power source for supplying power to each of the means.