Patent Publication Number: US-2013229352-A1

Title: POS System, Control System, and Control Method of a Control System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-048498, filed on Mar. 5, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a control system having a recording device and an information processing device with a touch panel, as well as to a control method of the control system and the information processing device. 
     2. Related Art 
     An information processing device that displays a virtual keyboard on a touch panel and enables data input through the virtual keyboard is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-2012-27643. When data can be input using a virtual keyboard as in the terminal disclosed in JP-A-2012-27643, and an input field for inputting information is selected, the virtual keyboard is automatically displayed, thereby improving usability. 
     This type of information processing device could also be installed at a checkout counter in a shopping center, department store, or other retail store with a recording device connected thereto at the checkout register, with a user interface for the recording device displayed on the information processing device. In order to improve the productivity of the checkout clerks, the user interface must be made as user-friendly as possible, and the likelihood of input errors resulting from the checkout clerk inadvertently touching the touch panel must be reduced as much as possible. More specifically, because every checkout clerk is not necessarily well-versed in operating the information processing device or particularly familiar with the functions of the user interface, there is a strong need to improve the usability of the user interface and reduce the potential for input errors. 
     Improving the usability of the user interface and reducing the potential for input errors is thus desirable in an environment where the information processing device may be operated by people that are not well-versed in the operation or functions of a user interface displayed on a touch panel. 
     SUMMARY 
     An object of the present invention is to improve the usability of the user interface and reduce the potential for input errors when using a user interface displayed on the touch panel of an information processing device. 
     One aspect of the invention is a POS system including: a scanner that reads product information and transmits the product information; a recording device that communicates with the scanner, receives the product information transmitted by the scanner, and transmits the received product information; and an information processing device having a touch panel that displays a web browser with an input field and is operated by touch, and a controller that executes a transaction process based on the product information transmitted from the recording device, and selectively prohibits display of a virtual keyboard on the touch panel. 
     Preferably, the controller in the information processing device prohibits display of the virtual keyboard based on input of the product information transmitted from the recording device to the input field. 
     Further preferably, the controller in the information processing device prohibits display of the virtual keyboard when the input field to which the product information transmitted from the recording device is input is selected on the touch panel. 
     Further preferably, the information processing device transmits receipt information generated by a transaction process of the control unit to the recording device. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the recording device has a print unit; and the print unit prints a receipt based on the receipt information transmitted from the information processing device. 
     Another aspect of the invention is a control system including an input device that acquires input information; a recording device that communicates with the input device and receives the input information; and an information processing device that communicates with the recording device, has a touch panel, and displays a virtual keyboard on the touch panel for inputting information. When an input field for inputting information from the input device is selected, the information processing device prohibits display of the virtual keyboard in conjunction with selection of the input field. 
     In this aspect of the invention, the information processing device prohibits display of the virtual keyboard when an input field to which information from an input device is input is selected. As a result, unnecessary interference with the appearance and ease of use of the touch panel by the presence of a virtual keyboard can be prevented, and the risk of input errors caused by unintentionally touching the area of the virtual keyboard in the user interface can be reduced. The user also does not need to do anything to cancel display of the virtual keyboard, and user productivity can be improved. 
     In this aspect of the invention, the information processing device has a touch-operated input unit that inputs to the input field in response to a touch operation on the touch panel and prohibits display of the virtual keyboard when a touch operation is performed on the touch-operated input unit. 
     The information processing device in this aspect of the invention prohibits display of the virtual keyboard when the input field is selected by a touch operation on the touch-operated input unit. As a result, unnecessary interference with the appearance and ease of use of the user interface by the presence of a virtual keyboard can be prevented, and the risk of input errors caused by unintentionally touching the area of the virtual keyboard in the user interface can be reduced. The user also does not need to do anything to cancel display of the virtual keyboard, and user productivity can be improved. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the input device is a barcode scanner; the recording device and the barcode scanner communicate by wireless near-field communication; and the information processing device prohibits displaying the virtual keyboard in conjunction with selection of the input field whether or not a communication between the recording device and the barcode scanner is established. 
     When the recording device and barcode scanner communicate by wireless near-field communication and a communication link between the devices is not established, a function of the terminal OS may try to automatically display a virtual keyboard when the input field is selected because input from the barcode scanner is disabled. By prohibiting display of the virtual keyboard even when a communication link is not established, this aspect of the invention can prevent displaying the virtual keyboard on the touch panel even when the input field is selected while the communication link is temporarily interrupted or some other transient communication error occurs, and thereby improve the usability of the touch panel and reduce input errors. 
     Another aspect of the invention also has a server that communicates with the information processing device through a network and transmits information related to a transaction process to the information processing device. 
     The information processing device accesses the server, gets a file that is displayed on the web browser, and displays the file on the touch panel. 
     Another aspect of the invention has a server that communicates with the information processing device through a network and provides an application to the information processing device. The information processing device accesses the server, acquires a display file that displays a user interface, displays the user interface on the touch panel using a web browser, and prohibits display of the virtual keyboard based on a program contained in the display file. 
     In this aspect of the invention the information processing device accesses a server, and controls the recording device using a function of an application provided by the server. A function that prohibits display of the virtual keyboard can therefore be desirably installed on the information processing device even when the information processing device is a general-purpose device only having a simple browser installed instead of being a dedicated device that controls the recording device using a function of an application installed on the information processing device. 
     Another aspect of the invention is a control method of a control system that displays an input field for displaying input information transmitted from an input device to an information processing device that has a touch panel and displays a virtual keyboard in conjunction with a touch operation on the touch panel; and prohibits display of the virtual keyboard when a touch operation is performed on the input field. 
     The control method according to this aspect of the invention prohibits display of the virtual keyboard even when the input field to which input information from the input device is input is selected by being touched. As a result, unnecessary interference with the appearance and ease of use of the touch panel by the presence of a virtual keyboard can be prevented, and the risk of input errors caused by unintentionally touching the area of the virtual keyboard in the user interface can be reduced. The user also does not need to do anything to cancel display of the virtual keyboard, and user productivity can be improved. 
     The touch operation is an operation that selects input information transmitted from the input device. 
     Further preferably, the information processing device has a touch-operated input unit that inputs to the input field in response to a touch operation on the touch panel, and prohibits display of the virtual keyboard when the touch-operated input unit is touched. 
     Another aspect of the invention is an information processing device having a connection unit that communicates with a recording device; a touch panel that is operated by touch, displays an input field for displaying input information input from an input device connected to the recording device, and displays a virtual keyboard; and a control unit that prohibits display of the virtual keyboard when a touch operation is performed on the input field displayed on the touch panel. 
     This aspect of the invention prohibits displaying the virtual keyboard even when the input field to which input information from the input device is input is selected by being touched. As a result, unnecessary interference with the appearance and ease of use of the touch panel by the presence of a virtual keyboard can be prevented, and the risk of input errors caused by unintentionally touching the area of the virtual keyboard in the user interface can be reduced. The user also does not need to do anything to cancel display of the virtual keyboard, and user productivity can be improved. 
     Other objects and attainments together with a fuller understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system. 
         FIG. 3  shows an example of a dedicated user interface displayed on a touch panel. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart showing the operation of devices in the control system. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures. 
     In  FIG. 1  control system  1  is part of a POS system, which is a system used in shopping centers, department stores, and other retail businesses to manage product marketing, inventory, and product sales in the business, and typically includes at least a function for processing sales based on products purchased by customers, and a function for issuing receipts according to the sale amount and payment provided by the customer, at each of the plural checkout counters L in the store. 
     Multiple checkout counters L are typically provided in a store in which the control system  1  is deployed, and a tablet terminal  10  (information processing device) and a printer  11  (recording device) connected to the tablet terminal  10  are installed at each checkout counter L. The tablet terminal  10  and printer  11  are connected to communicate with each other over a wireless LAN  5  (network) using the Ethernet or other suitable protocol. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the tablet terminal  10  is a tablet computer. In this embodiment the tablet terminal  10  has a touch panel  10   a  (display unit, see  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 ) covering substantially all of the surface that enables inputting information by touching the touch panel  10   a,  and is not connected to an external keyboard and display panel. 
     The printer  11  has a function for printing at least receipts. As shown in  FIG. 2 , external devices connected to the printer  11  include a barcode scanner  12  (input device) that reads product information barcodes on individual products or product packaging, a card reader  13  (input device) for reading cards such as customer membership cards, and a customer display  15  for displaying transaction information for the customer. Of these external devices, the barcode scanner  12  communicates with the printer  11  using wireless near-field communication based on the Bluetooth or other suitable protocol. The card reader  13  is connected to the printer  11  by a USB cable or other wired cable, and communicates with the printer  11  based on a specific communication protocol. 
     A POS server  17  (server) is also connected to the wireless LAN  5 . The POS server  17  stores a product management database, a sales management database, and a product inventory database, and uses these databases to centrally manage the control system  1 . The relationship between the POS server  17  and the tablet terminal  10  is described in detail below. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the basic functional configuration of the tablet terminal  10 , printer  11 , and POS server  17 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the printer  11  has a printer-side controller  20 , printer unit  21 , wireless communication unit  22 , wired communication unit  24 , and printer interface  23 . 
     The printer-side controller  20  centrally controls other parts of the printer  11 , and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and other peripheral circuits. A printer driver for controlling the printer unit  21  and a communication driver for communicating with the tablet terminal  10  according to a specific protocol are installed in the printer  11 . The function blocks of the printer-side controller  20  include a printer driver execution unit  20   a  that executes the printer driver, and a communication driver execution unit  20   b  that executes the communication driver. The operation of these function blocks is described further below. 
     The printer unit  21  is a unit that produces receipts by recording images on recording paper and then cutting the paper, and in addition to a control circuit that controls the component mechanisms has a paper feed mechanism that conveys the recording paper in a specific direction, a recording mechanism that records images on the roll paper with a recording head, and a cutting mechanism that cuts the roll paper. 
     The wireless communication unit  22  handles wireless near-field communication based on the Bluetooth protocol with input devices including at least a barcode scanner  12 , and includes a link manager, link controller, high frequency circuit, and antenna. 
     The communication controller  20   c,  which is one function block of the printer-side controller  20 , controls the wireless communication unit  22  to communicate with the barcode scanner  12  using Bluetooth-based near-field wireless communication by reading and executing the Bluetooth driver stack for controlling Bluetooth hardware. 
     The wired communication unit  24  handles wired communication according to a specific protocol with input devices including at least the card reader  13  and customer display  15 , and includes a network card connected to a physical port. The communication controller  20   c  of the printer-side controller  20  controls the wired communication unit  24  to communicate by wire with the card reader  13  and customer display  15 . 
     The interface  23  communicates according to a specific communication standard with the tablet terminal  10  as controlled by the printer-side controller  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the tablet terminal  10  includes a tablet-side controller  26 , touch panel  10   a,  and terminal interface  27 . The tablet-side controller  26  centrally controls tablet terminal  10  operation, and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and other peripheral circuits. The tablet-side controller  26  includes a browser execution unit  26   a,  which is a function block that executes a specific browser. 
     The touch panel  10   a  displays information on an LCD panel or other display panel and detects touches on the touch panel  10   a  as controlled by the tablet-side controller  26 , and outputs to the tablet-side controller  26 . The terminal interface  27  communicates according to a specific communication standard with the printer  11  and POS server  17  as controlled by the tablet-side controller  26 . In this embodiment of the invention the tablet-side controller  26  and interface  27  work together to function as a connection unit that connects to a recording device. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the POS server  17  includes a  30 , server-side memory  31 , and server interface  32 . 
     The server-side controller  30  centrally controls operation of POS server  17  and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and other peripheral circuits. The server-side memory  31  includes a hard disk drive, EEPROM or other nonvolatile memory, and stores data rewritably. The server interface  32  communicates with the tablet terminal  10  according to a specific protocol as controlled by the server-side controller  30 . 
     The server-side memory  31  stores a loadable web application  35  (application). The application execution unit  30   a  of the server-side controller  30  is the function block that runs the web application  35 . A function of the web application  35  is described below. Operation when the devices rendering the control system  1  work together and run a transaction process is described next. 
     The tablet terminal  10  first performs the following processes before executing the transaction process. 
     The checkout clerk or other operator first starts the browser on the tablet terminal  10  to display a dedicated user interface UI (a user interface such as shown in  FIG. 3 ) on the touch panel  10   a.  In response to these commands, the browser execution unit  26   a  of the tablet-side controller  26  accesses a specific address on the POS server  17 , gets an HTML file (display file) for displaying the dedicated user interface UI, and displays the dedicated user interface UI based on this file. This HTML file includes a program written in a specific scripting language to provide a function that works with the application execution unit  30   a  of the POS server  17  to execute the transaction-related processes (described below). 
       FIG. 3  shows an example of a dedicated user interface UI displayed on the touch panel  10   a.    
     A list display area  39  for displaying the names, prices, and quantities of the products purchased by a customer is displayed in the top left part of the dedicated user interface UI shown in  FIG. 3 . Transaction amount fields  40  for inputting or displaying the total of the products purchased by the customer, the amount input as received from the customer for payment, and the amount of change due to the customer, are displayed on the right beside the list display area  39 . 
     A barcode data input field  41  in which the information expressed by the barcode that is read by the barcode scanner  12  (the “barcode information” below) is input and displayed is formed below the list display area  39 . The barcode information is basically identification information uniquely assigned to each product. 
     A customer number input field  42  to which the acquired customer number is input when a frequent customer card is presented by the customer and read with the card reader  13  is displayed below the barcode data input field  41 . 
     A virtual keypad  43  (touch-operated input unit) is displayed on the right beside the barcode data input field  41  and customer number input field  42 . The virtual keypad  43  can be used to input information to the input fields of the dedicated user interface UI described above, and the virtual keypad  43  includes all keys required to input the required information. 
     An address input field  44  in which the accessed address is displayed is presented at the top of the dedicated user interface UI. 
     Operation of the components of the control system  1  configured as described above when executing a transaction process is described below referring to the flow chart in  FIG. 4  and using a customer purchasing one product as an example. Note that for simplicity in the following description, all of the steps in the flow chart in  FIG. 4  are not performed by the same subject. 
     At the checkout counter L, the checkout clerk first reads the barcode on the single product with the barcode scanner  12  (step SA 1 ). The communication controller  20   c  of the printer-side controller  20  then acquires the data indicating the result of scanning with the barcode scanner  12  through the wireless communication unit  22  (step SA 2 ). Based on the data indicating the scanning result, the communication controller  20   c  then generates data indicating the barcode information, and outputs the data indicating the barcode information to the communication driver execution unit  20   b  (step SA 3 ). 
     The communication driver has a function for outputting the data indicating the barcode information according to a specific protocol to the browser execution unit  26   a  of the tablet-side controller  26  of the tablet terminal  10 . Using this function, the communication driver execution unit  20   b  outputs the data indicating the barcode information to the browser execution unit  26   a  (step SA 4 ). 
     When the data indicating the barcode information is input, the browser execution unit  26   a  of the tablet-side controller  26  of the tablet terminal  10  inputs the barcode information to the barcode data input field  41  using a function of the program (a “dedicated script”) contained in the HTML file related to the dedicated user interface UI (step SA 5 ). Using a function of the dedicated script, the browser execution unit  26   a  then prohibits displaying a virtual keyboard in conjunction with inputting barcode information to the barcode data input field  41  (selecting the barcode data input field  41 ) (step SA 6 ). Automatically displaying a virtual keyboard when an input field is selected is normally handled by a function of the tablet terminal  10  operating system. 
     The process of step SA 6  and the effect thereof are described in detail below. 
     As described above, the browser execution unit  26   a  prohibits displaying a virtual keyboard in conjunction with inputting barcode information to the barcode data input field  41  in step SA 6  using a function of the program contained in the HTML file. For example, the browser execution unit  26   a  prohibits displaying the virtual keyboard by disabling the interrupt process that is executed by the OS to cause a virtual keyboard to pop-up in a specific area on the touch panel  10   a  when triggered by selecting an input field. 
     The effect of this is described below. More specifically, because barcode information is input automatically to the barcode data input field  41  based on the result of reading the barcode, there is no need to input information using the virtual keyboard if the barcode is read correctly and the content of the barcode information is correct. Therefore, by prohibiting displaying the virtual keyboard in conjunction with input of barcode information to the barcode data input field  41 , unnecessary interference with the readability and usability of the dedicated user interface UI by the presence of a virtual keyboard can be prevented while also eliminating any disadvantage of not displaying the virtual keyboard. In addition, the risk of input errors resulting from unintentionally touching the area in the dedicated user interface UI corresponding to the virtual keyboard can be reduced. More specifically, because the checkout clerk is not necessarily familiar with operating a tablet terminal  10  and may not fully understand the functions of the dedicated user interface UI, the foregoing effect of the invention is particularly great when a person that is thus unfamiliar with operating a touch tablet is operating the checkout register. The checkout clerk can also work more productively with this embodiment of the invention because the checkout clerk does not need to perform a specific process to cancel the virtual keyboard display. This is also related to reducing the time that the customer spends at the checkout counter L, and therefore leads to increased customer satisfaction. 
     After step SA 6  completes, the browser execution unit  26   a  communicates with the application execution unit  30   a  of the POS server  17  using a function of the dedicated script to request the name and price of the product indicated by the barcode information (step SA 7 ). The application execution unit  30   a  receiving this inquiry accesses the appropriate database using a function of the web application  35 , gets the required information, and outputs the acquired information to the browser execution unit  26   a  of the tablet terminal  10  (step SA 8 ). 
     The web application  35  includes functions normally included in a POS application, including product search, sales management, and inventory management functions. More specifically, in addition to each tablet terminal  10  having a locally installed POS application in the control system  1  according to this embodiment of the invention, each tablet terminal  10  installed in the store can also access the POS server  17  as necessary and use functions of the web application  35  to execute POS system processes. This configuration can ensure that each tablet terminal  10  runs the same application, eliminates the need to upgrade the application on each tablet terminal  10  every time the application is upgraded, and improve the ease of maintenance. There is also no need to provide special functions or connect special external devices to the tablet terminal  10 , and general-purpose tablets having a simple browser installed can be used as the tablet terminal  10 . 
     Using a function of the dedicated script, the browser execution unit  26   a  of the tablet terminal  10  displays the names, prices, and quantities of the products purchased by the customer in the list display area  39 , and displays the total of the purchased products in a specific field in the transaction amount fields  40  (step SA 9 ). 
     Next, the checkout clerk confirms the products in the transaction using the virtual keypad  43 , receives payment from the customer, and provides the appropriate change. In response to these operations, the browser execution unit  26   a  then communicates appropriately with the application execution unit  30   a,  and displays the appropriate information in the corresponding fields of the transaction amount fields  40  using a function of the dedicated script (step SA 10 ). 
     Next, the browser execution unit  26   a  generates information (print data) for the receipt to be issued by the printer unit  21  using a function of the dedicated script (step SA 11 ). This print data includes data for the text to be recorded on the receipt, image data for any logos, the positions of the text and images, information related to text styling, and any other information needed to record other text or images and produce a receipt. 
     The browser execution unit  26   a  then outputs the generated print data through the communication driver execution unit  20   b  of the printer  11  to the printer driver execution unit  20   a  according to the specific protocol (step SA 12 ). Based on the input print data, the printer driver execution unit  20   a  then generates control commands based on the control language of the printer unit  21  causing the printer unit  21  to execute the steps related to producing a receipt, and outputs to the printer unit  21  (step SA 13 ). The control circuit of the printer unit  21  then controls the relevant mechanisms based on the control commands, and produces a receipt (step SA 14 ). 
     As described above, displaying the virtual keyboard is prohibited in this embodiment when the barcode is read by the barcode scanner  12  and the barcode information is input to the barcode data input field  41 , but displaying the virtual keyboard may also be prohibited in the following situations in order to improve the usability of the dedicated user interface UI and reduce the risk of input errors. 
     More specifically, the browser execution unit  26   a  prohibits displaying the virtual keyboard through a function of the dedicated script while the dedicated user interface UI is displayed and any input field to which information can be input, that is, the transaction amount fields  40 , barcode data input field  41 , or customer number input field  42 , is selected by touch, or the virtual keypad  43  (touch-operated input unit) is touched. For example, the content of the input information can be changed using the virtual keypad  43  after information is input to the transaction amount fields  40 , barcode data input field  41 , and customer number input field  42  in this embodiment. The browser execution unit  26   a  also prohibits displaying the virtual keyboard through a function of the dedicated script when an input field is selected by touch in order to change the content of information input to that input field. Because the virtual keypad  43  contains all keys that are needed to input information to the input fields, this embodiment of the invention can prevent displaying the virtual keyboard when not needed, improve the usability and readability of the dedicated user interface UI, and reduce the risk of input errors. 
     In this embodiment the browser execution unit  26   a  also prohibits displaying the virtual keyboard through a function of the dedicated script regardless of whether a Bluetooth communication link is established between the barcode scanner  12  and printer  11 . Due to the nature of Bluetooth, communication between devices can be temporarily interrupted and the communication link therefore temporarily lost as a result of noise, interference, or other factor. When this happens and the barcode cannot be read with the barcode scanner  12 , a function of the operating system of the tablet terminal  10  may try to display the virtual keyboard in order to provide a means for inputting data other than the barcode scanner  12 . However, because the browser execution unit  26   a  uses a function of the dedicated script to prohibit displaying the virtual keyboard whether or not a communication link is established, information can still be input to the barcode data input field  41  through the virtual keypad  43  while limiting displaying an unnecessary virtual keyboard. 
     Note that in the implementation described above, the browser execution unit  26   a  functions as a control unit that prohibits display of the virtual keyboard when an input field displayed on a touch panel is operated by touch. 
     As described above, while the dedicated user interface UI providing an interface for using a printer  11  is displayed on the touch panel  10   a  and an input field (transaction amount fields  40 , barcode data input field  41 , customer number input field  42 , or address input field  44 ) for inputting information from an input device connected to the printer  11  or inputting information through a virtual keypad  43  displayed on the dedicated user interface UI is selected, the tablet terminal  10  in the control system  1  according to this embodiment of the invention prohibits displaying the virtual keyboard in conjunction with selection of an input field. 
     This configuration eliminates any disadvantage of not displaying the virtual keyboard while preventing unnecessary interference with the appearance and usability of the dedicated user interface UI by the presence of a virtual keyboard, and reduces the risk of input errors resulting from unintentionally touching the area corresponding to the virtual keyboard in the dedicated user interface UI. The need for the checkout clerk (user) to cancel the virtual keyboard display is also eliminated, and the productivity of the checkout clerk can be improved. 
     The printer  11  in this embodiment is connected to a barcode scanner  12  as an input device, and sends barcode information representing the barcode to the tablet terminal  10  when a barcode is read with the barcode scanner  12 . The dedicated user interface UI also has a barcode data input field  41  for inputting barcode information, and a virtual keypad  43  for inputting information to the barcode data input field  41 . The tablet terminal  10  inputs the barcode information to the barcode data input field  41  when barcode information is received from the printer  11 , inputs information corresponding to the touches on the virtual keypad  43  to the barcode data input field  41  when the virtual keypad  43  is touched, and prohibits displaying the virtual keyboard in response to inputting information to the barcode data input field  41 . 
     This configuration eliminates the disadvantage of not displaying the virtual keyboard while preventing part of the customer number input field  42  or list display area  39 , for example, from being hidden by the virtual keyboard, reduces the risk of input errors, and contributes to improving the productivity of the checkout clerk. 
     The tablet terminal  10  according to this embodiment of the invention prohibits display of the virtual keyboard in conjunction with data input to the barcode data input field  41  whether or not a Bluetooth communication link is established between the printer  11  and barcode scanner  12 . 
     By prohibiting display of the virtual keyboard even when a communication link is not established, this embodiment of the invention can prevent displaying the virtual keyboard when the communication link is temporarily interrupted or other transient communication errors occur, and can improve the usability of the dedicated user interface UI and reduce input errors. 
     The tablet terminal  10  in this embodiment of the invention is connected through a wireless LAN  5  to the POS server  17  on which the web application  35  for controlling the printer  11  runs, accesses the POS server  17  and acquires the HTML file that displays the dedicated user interface UI, and displays the dedicated user interface UI on the touch panel  10   a  through a function of a specific browser. The function that prohibits displaying the virtual keyboard is embodied in a dedicated script (a dedicated program written in a specific scripting language) written in the HTML file. 
     A function that prohibits display of the virtual keyboard can therefore be desirably installed on the tablet terminal  10  even when the tablet terminal  10  is a general-purpose device only having a simple browser installed instead of being a dedicated device that controls the printer  11  using a function of an application installed on the tablet terminal  10 . 
     The tablet terminal  10  according to this embodiment has a virtual keypad  43  (touch-operated input unit) for inputting information to an input field by touching the touch panel  10   a,  and prohibits displaying the virtual keyboard when the virtual keypad is touched. 
     This configuration can prevent unnecessary interference with the appearance and usability of the dedicated user interface by the presence of a virtual keyboard even when the virtual keypad  43  is touched, and can reduce the risk of input errors resulting from unintentionally touching the area of the user interface corresponding to the virtual keyboard. The need for the user to cancel the virtual keyboard display is also eliminated, and user productivity can be improved. 
     A preferred embodiment of the invention is described above, but the invention is not so limited. Rather, the invention can be changed and adapted in many ways without departing from the scope of the accompanying claims. 
     For example, the control system according to the invention is described using a POS system in this embodiment of the invention, but the invention is not limited to being used in POS systems. More specifically, the invention can be broadly applied when selecting an input field for which a means of inputting information through an input device connected to a recording device or an input means similar to a virtual keypad  43  is assured. 
     The function blocks shown in  FIG. 2  can also be embodied as desired through the cooperation of hardware and software, and do not suggest a specific hardware configuration. Operations including the steps shown in the flow chart in  FIG. 4  can also be achieved by the devices executing a program stored on an externally connected storage medium. Also, connections between components may be of any suitable type, e.g., wired or any applicable type of wireless communication protocol. 
     The invention being thus described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this description that the invention may be varied or modified in many ways. Such variations or modifications are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. Rather, the invention is intended to embrace all such variations or modifications that fall within the scope of the following claims.