JP6214470B2 - Merchandise sales data processing apparatus, stationary apparatus, information terminal and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention, product sales data processing apparatus, stationary device, a program of the information terminal and its.

  In recent years, merchandise sales data processing apparatuses in which a portable information terminal equipped with a touch panel, a so-called tablet terminal, is combined with a stationary apparatus formed by connecting a printer, a drawer, and the like have become widespread. This type of merchandise sales data processing apparatus utilizes wireless communication as a communication method between the tablet terminal and the stationary apparatus in order to make use of the portability of the tablet terminal. By utilizing wireless communication, for example, it is possible to register the sales data of products purchased by customers while serving customers at the sales floor, which is convenient.

  However, since a portable information terminal such as a tablet terminal is separable from a stationary apparatus, information may be taken away by a third party and used illegally, for example, when a store clerk looks away.

JP 2012-252605 A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to prevent unauthorized use of an information terminal even if the information terminal is taken away by a third party.

In one embodiment, the merchandise sales data processing apparatus includes a stationary apparatus and a portable information terminal that is detachably connected to the stationary apparatus. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus periodically transmits and receives radio signals between the stationary apparatus and the information terminal to establish a communication line and processes the merchandise sales data.
The stationary apparatus includes a connection confirmation unit, a sign-on processing unit, and a take-out processing unit. The connection confirmation unit confirms whether or not the information terminal is connected. The sign-on processing means receives a sign-on command including a user ID from the information terminal on the condition that the connection of the information terminal is confirmed, and stores the user ID included in the sign-on command in the storage unit. The take-out processing unit receives a take-out request command including a user ID from the information terminal on the condition that the connection of the information terminal is confirmed, and the user ID included in the take-out request command is stored in the storage unit When they match, an invalidation release command is transmitted to the information terminal that is the transmission source of the take-out request command.
The information terminal includes an input device, a sign-on command transmission unit, a take-out request command transmission unit, a detection unit, an invalidation unit, and an invalidation release unit. Detecting means detects the received signal strength of the stationary apparatus or we received wireless signal. The invalidating means invalidates the input from the input device when the received signal strength detected by the detecting means is less than a predetermined threshold value. When the invalidation cancellation unit receives the invalidation cancellation command from the stationary apparatus, the invalidation cancellation unit invalidates the operation of the invalidation unit.

Schematic of the product sales data processing apparatus using a tablet terminal. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of a tablet terminal and a stationary apparatus. The top view which shows the layout example of the store to which a merchandise sales data processing apparatus is applied. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram when the accounting counter is viewed from the side in the layout example shown in FIG. 3. The flowchart which shows the main information processing procedures which the processor of a stationary apparatus performs. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the reception interruption process which the processor of a tablet terminal performs. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the timer interruption process which the processor of a tablet terminal performs. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the timer interruption process which the processor of a tablet terminal performs in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the input interruption process which the processor of a tablet terminal performs in 2nd Embodiment The schematic diagram which shows embodiment at the time of using an antenna with strong directivity.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information terminal capable of preventing unauthorized use even if taken away by a third party will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is a case where merchandise sales data is processed using a portable tablet terminal 10 (see FIG. 1) as an information terminal.

[First Embodiment]
An outline of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 using the tablet terminal 10 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the product sales data processing apparatus 1 includes a tablet terminal 10 and a stationary apparatus 20. The tablet terminal 10 is separable from the stationary device 20 and can realize the function as the product sales data processing device 1 not only when it is attached but also when it is separated.

  The tablet terminal 10 has a portable rectangular plate-shaped casing. And the tablet terminal 10 arrange | positions the touch panel 11 in one surface (it is called the surface) of this housing | casing. A magnetic card reader 12 is attached to the right side of the peripheral portion of the housing in the figure.

  The stationary apparatus 20 has a box-shaped housing that can be stationary. The stationary apparatus 20 is inclined with the upper surface of the housing facing the front side, and this upper surface is used as the mounting surface 21 of the tablet terminal 10.

  The tablet terminal 10 and the stationary device 20 are not limited to a one-to-one relationship, and a plurality of tablet terminals 10 may be connected to one stationary device 20.

  The principal part structure of the tablet terminal 10 and the stationary apparatus 20 is shown with the block diagram of FIG. As illustrated, the tablet terminal 10 includes a processor (Central Processing Unit) 31, a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a clock unit 34, a touch panel controller 35, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector. 36 and a wireless interface 37 as a wireless unit are mounted. The tablet terminal 10 connects the processor 31, the flash ROM 32, the RAM 33, the clock unit 34, the touch panel controller 35, the USB connector 36, and the wireless interface 37 through a bus line 38 such as an address bus or a data bus. The tablet terminal 10 is equipped with a battery 39 as a driving power source.

  The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each unit to realize various functions as a tablet terminal according to an operating system and application programs.

  The flash ROM 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The flash ROM 32 stores the above operating system and application programs. The flash ROM 32 may store data necessary for the processor 31 to execute various processes.

  The RAM 33 corresponds to a main storage part of the computer. The RAM 33 stores data necessary for the processor 31 to execute various processes as necessary. The RAM 33 is also used as a work area when the processor 31 performs various processes. The work area includes an invalidation flag F0 storage area and a threshold SHL storage area. The invalidation flag F0 and the threshold value SHL will be described later.

The clock unit 34 measures the current date and time.
The touch panel controller 35 controls the touch panel 11. The touch panel 11 is configured by arranging a touch sensor 11b as an input device on a display portion of a panel type display 11a as a display device. The touch panel controller 35 controls the screen display of the display 11a and monitors the signal of the touch sensor 11b. The touch panel controller 35 detects input data from the position coordinate information on the touch operation and the screen information at that time.

  The USB connector 36 is a connector for detachably connecting various USB devices having a communication method compliant with the USB standard. In the present embodiment, a USB card reader / writer 12 capable of reading and writing data on a card medium such as a credit card or an electronic money card is connected to the USB connector 36.

  The wireless interface 37 transmits data using wireless and receives data transmitted wirelessly.

  The stationary apparatus 20 includes a processor 41, a flash ROM 42, a RAM 43, a wireless interface 44, a network interface 45, a plurality of device interfaces 46 and 47, and a power supply unit 48. The stationary apparatus 20 connects the processor 41, the flash ROM 42, the RAM 43, the wireless interface 44, the network interface 45, the plurality of device interfaces 46 and 47, and the power supply unit 48 through a bus line 49 such as an address bus or a data bus. To do.

  The processor 41 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 41 controls each unit to implement various functions as the stationary apparatus 20 according to an operating system and application programs.

  The flash ROM 42 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The flash ROM 42 stores the above operating system and application programs. The flash ROM 42 may store data necessary for the processor 41 to execute various processes.

  The RAM 43 corresponds to a main storage part of the computer. The RAM 43 stores data necessary for the processor 41 to execute various processes as necessary. The RAM 43 is also used as a work area when the processor 41 performs various processes. The work area includes a storage area for the sign-on flag F1. The sign-on flag F1 will be described later.

The wireless interface 44 transmits data using wireless and receives data transmitted wirelessly.
The network interface 45 transmits and receives data to and from a store server connected via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The device interfaces 46 and 47 electrically connect various device devices and transmit / receive data signals to / from these device devices. In the stationary apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, a drawer 51 is connected to the device interface 46 and a receipt printer 52 is connected to the device interface 47. The number of device interfaces 46 and 47 is not limited to two, but may be only one, or may be three or more. Further, the device equipment is not limited to the drawer 51 and the receipt printer 52. For example, a bar code scanner, a display used as a customer display, and the like can be connected to the device interfaces 46 and 47.

  The power supply unit 48 generates power necessary for driving the stationary apparatus 20 and supplies it to each unit. The power supply unit 48 has a function of charging the battery 39 of the tablet terminal 10 in a non-contact manner. With this function, the battery 39 of the tablet terminal 10 is charged while the tablet terminal 10 is mounted on the mounting surface 21 of the stationary apparatus 20.

  Data communication between the tablet terminal 10 and the stationary apparatus 20 is performed wirelessly. That is, the wireless interface 44 of the stationary apparatus 20 is set to perform wireless communication with the wireless interface 37 of the tablet terminal 10. Then, the wireless interface 44 wirelessly transmits an inquiry command to the wireless interface 37 at a constant cycle. Upon receiving this inquiry command, the wireless interface 37 transmits a response command including a unique ID to the wireless interface 44. The wireless interface 44 detects the ID included in the response command. Then, while receiving the response command including the same ID, the wireless interface 44 establishes a communication line with the wireless interface 37 that is the source of the response command. While the communication line is established, the tablet terminal 10 can perform data communication with the stationary apparatus 20 using radio.

  The wireless interface 37 includes a received signal strength indication (RSSI) detection unit 371. This detection means 371 detects the strength (dB: decibel) of the radio wave transmitted wirelessly from the wireless interface 44 of the stationary apparatus 20, and is a well-known technique. The above-described threshold value SHL is a threshold value for the received signal strength.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a layout example of the store 60. In the store 60, a transaction counter 62 is disposed in front of the entrance / exit 61, and a plurality of product shelves 63 are disposed from the transaction counter 62 toward the store. In other words, the shopper who enters the store through the entrance / exit 61 obtains a purchased product from the products displayed on the product shelf 63, performs accounting at the accounting counter 62, and then opens the store through the entrance / exit 61.

  In such a store 60, the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 has the stationary device 20 mounted on the accounting counter 62, and the tablet terminal 10 is mounted on the mounting surface 21 of the stationary apparatus 20. The function as the sales data processing apparatus 1 is realized. Further, for example, even if a store clerk takes out the tablet terminal 10 from the stationary device 20 and operates the touch panel 11 in a store where the product shelf 63 is arranged, for example, the function as the product sales data processing device 1 can be realized. Therefore, the radio interfaces 37 and 44 between the tablet terminal 10 and the stationary apparatus 20 have a radio wave intensity so that bidirectional wireless communication is possible even if the tablet terminal 10 is taken out of the stationary apparatus 20 in the store. Is set.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram when the accounting counter 62 is viewed from the side. 3 and 4, a broken line 70 indicates a boundary where the received signal strength detected by the detecting unit 371 of the tablet terminal 10 becomes the level of the threshold value SHL. That is, the radio wave reception intensity is greater than or equal to the threshold value SHL if it is inside the broken line 70, but the radio wave reception intensity is less than the threshold value SHL outside the broken line 70. The range of the broken line 70 is not limited to the ranges of FIGS. 3 and 4 and can be changed as appropriate.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main information processing procedures executed by the processor 41 of the stationary apparatus 20. This procedure follows a control program installed in the flash ROM 42. Note that the contents of the process illustrated in FIG. 5 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  First, the processor 41 resets the sign-on flag F1 to “0” (Act1). Next, the processor 41 accepts sign-on by the operator (Act 2). When sign-on is not performed (NO in Act 2), the processor 41 waits for sign-on.

  If the sign-on command is received from the tablet terminal 10 with which the communication line is established by the wireless interface 44 (YES in Act 2), the processor 41 determines that the command transmission source tablet terminal 10 is electrically connected to the stationary apparatus 20. (Act 3).

  For example, the processor 41 checks whether or not the battery 39 of the tablet terminal 10 is charged by the power supply unit 48. When charging, the processor 41 determines that the tablet terminal 10 is mounted on the mounting surface 21 of the stationary apparatus 20 and is being electrically connected. On the other hand, when it is not in the charged state, the processor 41 determines that the tablet terminal 10 is not mounted on the mounting surface 21 of the stationary apparatus 20 and is being separated.

  When the tablet terminal 10 is not connected (NO in Act 3), the processor 41 returns to the process of Act 2 and accepts sign-on again. When the tablet terminal 10 is being connected (YES in Act 3), the processor 41 determines whether or not sign-on is valid.

  For example, a store clerk who is permitted to operate the merchandise sales data processing device 1 operates the touch panel 11 of the tablet terminal 10 to input a unique store clerk ID set for the clerk and touches a key button that declares sign-on. Sign on. By this operation, a sign-on command including a clerk ID is wirelessly transmitted from the tablet terminal 10.

  The sign-on command including the clerk ID is received by the stationary apparatus 20 in which the communication line is established. In the flash ROM 42 of the stationary apparatus 20, the clerk IDs of all clerk who are permitted to operate the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 are registered in advance. The processor 41 confirms whether or not the store clerk ID included in the sign-on command is registered in the flash ROM 42. If registered, the processor 41 approves sign-on. If it is not registered, the processor 41 does not approve sign-on.

  The ID storage destinations of all store clerk who are permitted to operate the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 are not limited to the flash ROM 42. For example, a storage device of a store server connected via the network interface 45 may be used.

  If sign-on is not approved (NO in Act 4), the processor 41 returns to Act 2 and accepts sign-on again.

  When sign-on is approved (NO in Act 4), the processor 41 stores the store clerk ID included in the sign-on command in the RAM 43 and sets the sign-on flag F1 to “1” (Act 5). Further, the processor 41 wirelessly transmits an invalidation setting command to the tablet terminal 10 with the established communication line (Act 6). The operation of the tablet terminal 10 that has received this command will be described later.

  After transmitting the invalidation setting command, the processor 41 waits to receive a take-out request command or a sign-off command from the tablet terminal 10 with the established communication line (Act7, 8). .

  For example, a store clerk who works by taking out the tablet terminal 10 operates the touch panel 11 to input his / her store clerk ID and touches a key button declaring the take-out. By this operation, a take-out request command including a clerk ID is wirelessly transmitted from the tablet terminal 10 to the stationary apparatus 20. Further, the store clerk who finishes the operation of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 touches a key button that declares sign-off of the touch panel 11. By this operation, a sign-off command is wirelessly transmitted from the tablet terminal 10 to the stationary apparatus 20.

  When a take-out request command is received from the tablet terminal 10 with the established communication line (YES in Act 7), the processor 41 confirms whether or not to approve this command (Act 9), that is, the processor 41 It is confirmed whether or not the clerk ID included in the command matches the clerk ID stored in the RAM 43 at the time of sign-on. If they match, the processor 41 approves the take-out request command. If they do not match, the processor 41 ignores the take-out request command.

  If ignored (NO in Act 9), the processor 41 again receives a take-out request command or waits to receive a sign-off command (Act 7 and 8). When approving the take-out request command (YES in Act 9), the processor 41 wirelessly transmits the invalidation release command to the tablet terminal 10 with the established communication line (Act 10). The operation of the tablet terminal 10 that has received this command will also be described later.

  After transmitting the invalidation release command, the processor 41 waits for the tablet terminal 10 to be separated from the stationary apparatus 20 (Act 11). For example, the processor 41 checks whether or not the battery 39 of the tablet terminal 10 is charged by the power supply unit 48. When in the charged state, the processor 41 determines that the tablet terminal 10 is not separated. When the battery is no longer charged, the processor 41 determines that the tablet terminal 10 has been separated.

  When the tablet terminal 10 is separated from the stationary apparatus 20 (YES in Act 11), the processor 41 determines that the tablet terminal 10 in the communication line establishment state is electrically connected to the stationary apparatus 20. Wait (Act12). For example, the processor 41 confirms whether or not to start charging the battery 39 mounted on the tablet terminal 10 by the power supply unit 48. And when not charging, the processor 41 judges that the tablet terminal 10 is isolate | separated. When charging of the battery 39 is started, the processor 41 determines that the tablet terminal 10 is electrically connected. When the tablet terminal 10 is electrically connected (YES in Act 12), the processor 41 wirelessly transmits an invalidation setting command to the tablet terminal 10 for which the communication line has been established (Act 6).

  Note that the method for confirming whether or not the tablet terminal 10 is electrically connected to the stationary apparatus 20 is not limited to monitoring the state of charge of the battery. For example, a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the tablet terminal 10 may be provided on the mounting surface 21 of the stationary apparatus 20 and the signal from this sensor may be monitored for confirmation. Alternatively, the radio interface 44 of the stationary apparatus 20 is provided with a means for detecting the radio wave reception intensity, and is determined to be connected when the radio wave intensity from the tablet terminal 10 is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, and to be separated when the radio wave intensity is lower than the predetermined level. May be. This predetermined level may be a value equal to or greater than the threshold value SHL.

  After wirelessly transmitting the invalidation setting command, the processor 41 waits to receive a take-out request command or a sign-off command from the tablet terminal 10 (Act7, 8).

  When the sign-off command is received (YES in Act 8), the processor 41 returns to the process of Act 1. That is, the processor 41 resets the sign-on flag F1 to “0”. Thereafter, the processor 41 executes the processes after Act2 again.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of reception interrupt processing executed by the processor 31 of the tablet terminal 10. This procedure follows a reception interrupt program installed in the flash ROM 32. Note that the contents of the process shown in FIG. 6 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  Each time the processor 31 receives various commands wirelessly transmitted from the stationary apparatus 20 with the communication line established by the wireless interface 37, the processor 31 starts processing of the procedure shown in FIG. That is, the processor 31 identifies the type of the received command (Act 21, 23).

  If the received command is an invalidation setting command (YES in Act 21), the processor 31 sets the invalidation flag F0 to “1” (Act 22). If the received command is a command for canceling invalidation (YES in Act 23), processor 31 resets invalidation flag F0 to “0” (Act 24).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of timer interrupt processing executed by the processor 31 of the tablet terminal 10. This procedure follows a timer interrupt program installed in the flash ROM 32. Note that the contents of the process shown in FIG. 7 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  The processor 31 starts the process of the procedure shown in FIG. 7 every time the time counted by the clock unit 34 elapses, for example, 1 second. That is, the processor 31 checks the invalidation flag F0 (Act41).

  When invalidation flag F0 is set to “1” (YES in Act 31), processor 31 obtains the radio wave reception intensity detected by detection means 371 (Act 32). Then, the processor 31 confirms whether or not the radio wave reception intensity is equal to or higher than the threshold value SHL (Act 33).

  If the radio wave reception intensity is greater than or equal to threshold value SHL (YES in Act 33), processor 31 sets the touch panel 11 to be enabled for touch panel controller 35 (Act 34). Even when the invalidation flag F0 is reset to “0” (NO in Act 31), the processor 31 sets the touch panel 11 to be valid for the touch panel controller 35 (Act 34).

  On the other hand, when the radio wave reception intensity is less than threshold value SHL (NO in Act 33), processor 31 sets invalidation of touch panel 11 to touch panel controller 35 (Act 35).

  When the activation of the touch panel 11 is set, the touch panel controller 35 controls screen display on the display 11a. The touch panel controller 35 monitors signals from the touch sensor 11b. The touch panel controller 35 detects input data from the position coordinate information on the touch operation and the screen information at that time.

  On the other hand, when invalidation of the touch panel 11 is set, the touch panel controller 35 does not control screen display on the display 11a. As a result, the screen of the display 11a is erased. Further, the touch panel controller 35 does not monitor a signal from the touch sensor 11b. As a result, even if the screen of the display 11a is touched, the input becomes invalid.

  Here, the invalidation flag F0 functions as information for identifying whether to invalidate the invalidation means. The RAM 33 functions as a storage unit for the information. Each process of Acts 21, 22, 23, and 24 in FIG. 6 functions as a setting unit that sets the invalidation flag F0 in the RAM 33.

  Each of the processes of Acts 33 and 35 in FIG. 7 includes invalidating means for invalidating input from the input device (touch sensor 11b) when the received signal intensity detected by the detecting means 371 is less than a predetermined threshold value SHL. Function as. Specifically, the invalidating means detects the touch sensor 11b from the touch sensor 11b when the invalidation flag F0 is set to “1” and the received signal strength detected by the detecting means 371 is less than a predetermined threshold value SHL. When the invalidation flag F0 is reset to “0”, the input from the touch sensor 11b is validated regardless of the received signal strength.

  Each of the processes of Acts 33 and 34 in FIG. 7 is an enabling unit that validates an input from the input device (touch sensor 11b) when the received signal strength detected by the detecting unit 371 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold SHL. Function as. More specifically, the enabling means detects that the touch sensor 11b detects that the received signal strength detected by the detecting means 371 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value SHL in a state where the invalidation flag F0 is set to “1”. Is valid and the received signal strength is less than the predetermined threshold value SHL, the input from the touch sensor 11b is invalidated, and in the state where the invalidation flag F0 is reset to “0”, the received signal The input from the touch sensor 11b is validated regardless of the strength.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a case is assumed where the stationary apparatus 20 is mounted on the accounting counter 62 and the tablet terminal 10 is mounted on the mounting surface 21 of the stationary apparatus 20. The stationary apparatus 20 and the tablet terminal 10 have a communication line established wirelessly. However, the stationary apparatus 20 is in the sign-off state because the sign-on flag F0 is reset to “0”. In the sign-off state, the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 cannot process merchandise sales data.

  When a store clerk who is permitted to operate the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 performs a sign-on operation, the stationary apparatus 20 sets the sign-on flag F0 to “1” in the process of Act 5 in FIG. It becomes a state. When in the sign-on state, the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 can process merchandise sales data.

  In the stationary apparatus 20, the invalidation setting command is wirelessly transmitted to the tablet terminal 10 in the process of Act 6 in FIG. 5. In the tablet terminal 10 that has received this command, the invalidation flag F1 is set to “1” in the process of Act22 in FIG.

  In the tablet terminal 10 in which the invalidation flag F1 is set, the radio wave reception intensity is detected by the processing of Act 32 in FIG. 7 every time a timer interrupt occurs. The radio wave reception intensity is compared with the threshold value SHL in the process of Act33. As a result, when the radio wave reception intensity is equal to or higher than the threshold value SHL, the activation of the touch panel 11 is set in the process of Act 34 in FIG. On the other hand, when the radio wave reception intensity is less than the threshold value SHL, invalidation of the touch panel 11 is set in the process of Act 35 in FIG.

  That is, when the tablet terminal 10 is separated from the stationary apparatus 20 and taken out to the outside of the area indicated by the broken line 70 in FIG. 3 or FIG. Is invalidated. When the touch panel 11 is invalidated, the display screen is deleted. Even if the screen is touched, the input is invalid. Therefore, for example, even if a third party takes away the tablet terminal 10 when the store clerk has taken his eyes off, the tablet terminal 10 cannot be used illegally.

  By the way, a store clerk who has signed on may take out the tablet terminal 10 and register sales data of a product purchased by the customer while serving in the store. In such a case, the store clerk operates the touch panel 11 to declare a take-out request before taking out the tablet terminal 10. Then, in the stationary apparatus 20, the invalidation cancellation command is wirelessly transmitted to the tablet terminal 10 in the process of Act 10 in FIG. 5. In the tablet terminal 10 that has received this command, the invalidation flag F1 is reset to “0” in the processing of Act 24 in FIG.

  In the tablet terminal 10 in which the invalidation flag F1 is reset, the activation of the touch panel 11 is set in the process of Act 34 in FIG. 7 regardless of the strength of the radio wave reception intensity. That is, even if the tablet terminal 10 is separated from the stationary apparatus 20 and taken out to the outside of the area indicated by the broken line 70 in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the touch panel 11 is not invalidated. Accordingly, the store clerk can process the product sales data while taking the tablet terminal 10 into the store and serving customers.

  When the tablet terminal 10 taken out by the store clerk is returned to the mounting surface 21 of the stationary apparatus 20, an invalidation setting command is wirelessly transmitted to the tablet terminal 10 in the process of Act 6 in FIG. Therefore, even if the tablet terminal 10 is subsequently taken out by a third party, since the touch panel 11 is invalidated when the radio wave reception intensity becomes less than the threshold value SHL, the tablet terminal 10 is also illegally used. Can be prevented.

[Second Embodiment]
In the case of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment, after a take-out request and an authorized clerk take out the tablet terminal 10, for example, if it is left on the merchandise shelf 63, it is illegally used by a third party. There is a risk. Therefore, a second embodiment having a function for preventing such unauthorized use will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In addition, according to the schematic structure of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1, the principal part structure of the tablet terminal 10 and the stationary apparatus 20, the information processing procedure executed by the processor 41 of the stationary apparatus 20 according to the control program, and the reception interrupt program Since the information processing procedure executed by the processor 31 of the tablet terminal 10 is the same as that in the first embodiment, FIGS. 1 to 6 are used as they are in the second embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of timer interrupt processing executed by the processor 31 of the tablet terminal 10. This procedure follows a timer interrupt program installed in the flash ROM 32. Note that the contents of the process illustrated in FIG. 8 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to the processing steps common to the same procedure of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the processing when the invalidation flag F0 is reset to “0”.

  If the invalidation flag F0 is reset to “0” when the timer interrupt occurs (NO in Act 31), the processor 31 sets the touch panel 11 to be valid for the touch panel controller 35 (Act 41). Further, the processor 31 counts up the timer counter t by “1” (Act 42). The timer counter t is formed in the RAM 33, for example.

  The processor 31 confirms whether or not the timer counter t exceeds the upper limit value T (Act 43). If timer counter t does not exceed upper limit value T (NO in Act 43), processor 31 ends this timer interrupt process. If the timer counter t exceeds the upper limit value T (YES in Act 43), the processor 31 sets the invalidation flag F0 to “1” (Act 44). Thus, the processor 31 ends the timer interrupt process.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of input interrupt processing executed by the processor 31 of the tablet terminal 10. This procedure follows an input interrupt program installed in the flash ROM 32. The contents of the processing shown in FIG. 9 and described below are merely examples, and various processing that can obtain the same result can be used as appropriate.

  When the processor 31 detects a touch input on the touch panel 11 via the touch panel controller 35, the processor 31 starts processing of the procedure illustrated in FIG. That is, the processor 31 resets the timer counter t to “0” (Act 51). Next, the processor 31 executes an information input process corresponding to the touch input (Act 52). The information input process corresponding to the touch input may be executed first, and then the timer counter t may be reset to “0”.

  In the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment configured as described above, after a take-out request and an approved clerk take out the tablet terminal 10, for example, if it is left on the merchandise shelf 63, the tablet terminal Since no input interrupt is generated at 10, the timer counter t gradually counts up. When the timer counter t eventually exceeds the upper limit value T, the invalidation flag F0 is set to “1”.

  When the invalidation flag F0 is set, the radio wave reception intensity is detected and compared with the threshold value SHL every time a timer interrupt occurs. As a result, when the radio wave reception intensity is equal to or higher than the threshold value SHL, validation of the touch panel 11 is set, and when it is less than the threshold value SHL, invalidation of the touch panel 11 is set.

  Normally, in the tablet terminal 10 that is left behind on the product shelf 63, the radio wave reception intensity is less than the threshold value SHL. Therefore, since the touch panel 11 is invalidated, unauthorized use of the tablet terminal 10 by a third party can be prevented in advance.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the peripheral portion of the stationary apparatus 20 is set as the threshold range of the radio wave reception intensity in the tablet terminal 10, but as shown in FIG. A strong antenna may be used for the stationary apparatus 20, and the radio wave reception intensity in front of the product shelf 63 may be within the threshold range. By doing so, it is possible to work in front of the merchandise shelf 63 without making a take-out request, but it becomes impossible to operate the tablet terminal 10 if it is removed from the merchandise shelf 63.

  In the above embodiment, the touch panel 11 is enabled or disabled. However, the card reader / writer 12 may be set to enable or disable in the same manner. When invalidation is set for the card reader / writer 12, the card reader / writer 12 cannot read card data or write data to the card. Accordingly, there is no possibility that the card data is illegally read or tampered with by a third party.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the tablet terminal 10 as a merchandise sales data processing apparatus was illustrated as an information terminal, an information terminal is not limited to a tablet terminal. The present invention can be applied to any portable information terminal that includes an input device, a display device, and a wireless unit and is detachably connected to a stationary apparatus capable of wireless communication by the wireless unit.

  The merchandise sales data processing apparatus is generally transferred in a state where a program such as a control program is stored in the ROM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a control program or the like assigned separately from the computer apparatus may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer apparatus in accordance with an operation of a user or the like. The transfer of the control program or the like can be performed by recording on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and can be read by the apparatus. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) in the apparatus.

In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.
Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be appended.
[1] A portable information terminal that includes an input device, a display device, and a wireless unit, and is detachably connected to a stationary device capable of wireless communication by the wireless unit, and is transmitted from the stationary device, Detecting means for detecting a received signal strength of a wireless signal received by the wireless unit; and invalidating an input from the input device when the received signal strength detected by the detecting means is less than a predetermined threshold value. And an invalidating means.
[2] Storage means for storing information for identifying whether or not to invalidate the invalidation means, further comprising: information indicating that the invalidation means is validated by the storage means When the received signal strength detected by the detection means is less than a predetermined threshold value in a state where is stored, the input from the input device is invalidated and the invalidation means is validated. The information terminal according to [1], wherein the input from the input device is validated regardless of the received signal strength when no information is stored.
[3] The information terminal according to [2], further comprising setting means for setting the information in the storage means.
[4] A portable information terminal that includes an input device, a display device, and a wireless unit, and is detachably connected to a stationary device capable of wireless communication by the wireless unit, and is transmitted from the stationary device, Detecting means for detecting a received signal strength of a radio signal received by the radio unit;
An information terminal comprising: validation means for validating an input from the input device when the received signal strength detected by the detection means is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.
[5] Storage means for storing information for identifying whether or not to enable the enabling means is further provided, and the enabling means is information indicating that the enabling means is enabled by the storing means. Is stored, when the received signal strength detected by the detecting means is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the input from the input device is validated and the received signal strength is a predetermined threshold. When the value is less than the value, the input from the input device is disabled, and in the state where the information to enable the enabling means is not stored, the input from the input device is enabled regardless of the received signal strength. The information terminal according to Appendix [4].
[6] An input device, a display device, and a wireless unit are mounted, and transmitted from the stationary device to a computer in a portable information terminal that is detachably connected to a stationary device capable of wireless communication by the wireless unit, A function for determining whether or not a received signal strength of a wireless signal received by the wireless unit is less than a predetermined threshold, and invalidates an input from the input device when the received signal strength is less than a predetermined threshold Program to realize the function to make.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Merchandise sales data processing apparatus, 10 ... Tablet terminal (information terminal), 11 ... Touch panel, 12 ... Card reader / writer, 20 ... Stationary type device, 31, 41 ... Processor, 37, 44 ... Wireless interface, 371 ... Radio wave reception Intensity detection means.

Claims (6)

A stationary information device and a portable information terminal that is detachably connected to the stationary device, and periodically transmits and receives radio signals between the stationary device and the information terminal. In a product sales data processing device that establishes a communication line and processes product sales data,
The stationary device is:
Connection confirmation means for confirming whether the information terminal is connected;
Sign-on processing means for receiving a sign-on command including a user ID from the information terminal on the condition that the connection of the information terminal is confirmed, and storing the user ID included in the sign-on command in a storage unit; ,
The take-out request command including the user ID is received from the information terminal on the condition that the connection of the information terminal is confirmed, and the user ID included in the take-out request command is stored in the storage unit And a take-out processing means for sending an invalidation release command to the information terminal that is the transmission source of the take-out request command,
Comprising
The information terminal
An input device ;
Means for transmitting the sign-on command;
Means for transmitting the take-out request command;
Detecting means for detecting a received signal strength of the radio signal the stationary apparatus or et received,
When the received signal strength detected by said detecting means is below a predetermined threshold, and disabling means for disabling the input from the input device,
Upon receiving the invalidation cancellation command from the stationary apparatus, invalidation cancellation means for invalidating the operation of the invalidation means,
A product sales data processing apparatus comprising: The stationary device is:
A connection processing means for confirming the separation of the information terminal after transmitting the invalidation release command and confirming the connection of the information terminal again, and transmitting an invalidation setting command to the information terminal;
Further comprising
The information terminal
First invalidation setting means for validating the operation of the invalidation means invalidated by the invalidation release means when receiving the invalidation setting command from the stationary apparatus;
The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: The information terminal
    Monitoring means for monitoring the presence or absence of input to the input device;
    A second invalidation setting means for validating the operation of the invalidation means invalidated by the invalidation release means when the monitoring means confirms that there is no input to the input device for a predetermined time;
The product sales data processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: Input device, transmitting means signon command including the user ID, the transmission means of take-out request command including the user ID, the detection means to detect the received signal strength of the stationary apparatus or we received radio signal, said detecting means When the received signal strength detected in step (b) is less than a predetermined threshold value , the invalidation means for invalidating the input from the input device, and the invalidation release command received from the stationary apparatus, the invalidity A portable information terminal provided with an invalidation releasing means for invalidating the operation of the enabling means is separably connected, and a radio signal is periodically transmitted and received with the information terminal to establish a communication line, A stationary device for processing product sales data,
Connection confirmation means for confirming whether the information terminal is connected;
Signon processing means for receiving the signon command from the information terminal on the condition that the connection of the information terminal is confirmed, and storing the user ID included in the signon command in a storage unit;
The take-out request command is received from the information terminal on the condition that the connection of the information terminal is confirmed, and the user ID included in the take-out request command matches the user ID stored in the storage unit A take-out processing means for sending an invalidation release command to the information terminal that is the transmission source of the take-out request command ;
A stationary apparatus comprising: A sign-on command including a user ID is received from the information terminal on the condition that the information terminal is connected, the user ID included in the sign-on command is stored in a storage unit, and the information terminal is connected The take-out request command is received when the take-out request command including the user ID is received from the information terminal and the user ID included in the take-out request command matches the user ID stored in the storage unit. Is connected to a stationary apparatus that transmits an invalidation release command to the information terminal that is a transmission source of the communication terminal, and periodically transmits and receives radio signals to and from the stationary apparatus to communicate Is an information terminal that processes merchandise sales data,
  An input device;
  Means for transmitting the sign-on command;
  Means for transmitting the take-out request command;
  Detecting means for detecting a received signal strength of the radio signal received from the stationary apparatus;
  Invalidating means for invalidating an input from the input device when the received signal strength detected by the detecting means is less than a predetermined threshold;
  Upon receiving the invalidation cancellation command from the stationary apparatus, invalidation cancellation means for invalidating the operation of the invalidation means,
An information terminal comprising: A sign-on command including a user ID is received from the information terminal on the condition that an information terminal provided with an input device is connected, and the user ID included in the sign-on command is stored in a storage unit, and the information When a take-out request command including a user ID is received from the information terminal on the condition that a terminal is connected, and the user ID included in the take-out request command matches the user ID stored in the storage unit Detachably connected to a stationary apparatus that transmits an invalidation release command to the information terminal that is a transmission source of the take-out request command, and periodically transmit / receive radio signals to / from the stationary apparatus To establish a communication line and process the information terminal computer that processes product sales data ,
Means for transmitting the sign-on command;
Means for transmitting the take-out request command;
Detecting means for detecting a received signal strength of the radio signal the stationary apparatus or et received,
Invalidating means for invalidating an input from the input device when the received signal strength detected by the detecting means is less than a predetermined threshold; and
When receiving the invalidation cancellation command from the stationary apparatus, the invalidation cancellation means for invalidating the operation of the invalidation means,
Program to function as.