Patent Description:
In the related art, a money receiving and dispensing apparatus such as a change machine is used together with a sales data processing apparatus such as a POS terminal apparatus. The change machine is accommodated in a lower portion of a rack on which the POS terminal apparatus is mounted and so forth. Furthermore, the change machine is connected to the POS terminal apparatus in a wired manner. Moreover, for operation, the change machine receives electric power supply separately from the POS terminal apparatus. For this reason, a service person takes pains to lay out cable runs in order not for cables to be exposed in an unsightly sprawl from the rack.

The problem as described above is solved by connecting the change machine and the POS terminal apparatus in a manner that enables wireless communication with each other (for example, <CIT> and <CIT>), but there remains the following problem with this technique.

In the normal state, the change machine in the related art operates under the control of the POS terminal apparatus, and, also when powered on or off, operates under the control of the POS terminal apparatus. Furthermore, the change machine in the related art receives electric power supply separately from the POS terminal apparatus for operation, more precisely, operates by electric power of which supply is different from supply of electric power to the POS terminal apparatus. For this reason, if the change machine reaches a state of not being under the control of the POS terminal apparatus, and is thus desired to be powered off and restart up, there is a need to directly physically operate a power source switch of the change machine.

However, this operation is a job that is performed by the service person who makes a visit to the change machine, or is a job that is performed by a sales person according to an instruction from the service person. Thus, this operation is performed with long downtime or is complex, so is not preferable.

As described above, the money receiving and dispensing apparatus is described that is used together with the sales data processing apparatus, but the same problem occurs in peripheral equipment that is used together with the information processing apparatus.

A beneficial aspect of the exemplary embodiment is to enable an operation of powering off and on peripheral equipment operating under the control of an information processing apparatus to be performable even in a state where the peripheral equipment is not under the control.

According to an aspect of the exemplary embodiment, there is provided a wireless communication module that is attached to peripheral equipment that is used together with an information processing apparatus and operates by electric power of which supply is different from supply of electric power to the information processing apparatus, the module including: a wireless communication unit configured to enable wireless communication between the information processing apparatus and the peripheral equipment; and a power source control processing unit configured to transmit a control signal that causes a circuit which receives electric power supply to be switched from one of an open state and a closed state to the other, to the peripheral equipment, according to a request that is received from the information processing apparatus. According to another aspect, a wireless communication method involves wirelessly communicating between an information processing apparatus and a peripheral equipment, the peripheral equipment is operated by electric power of which a supply is different from a supply of electric power to the information processing apparatus; and
transmitting a control signal that causes a circuit which receives the supply of electric power to be switched from one of an open state and a closed state to the other, to the peripheral equipment, according to a request that is received from the information processing apparatus.

The wireless communication module further comprises a storage unit configured to store a setting for the peripheral equipment, which relates to cooperation with the information processing apparatus; and a setting transmission unit configured to transmit the setting to the peripheral equipment, wherein the wireless communication module is removably attached to the peripheral equipment through a wired connection.

Preferably, the wireless communication module is a short distance wireless communication module.

Preferably, the wireless communication module is configured to communicate sales data processing information to the peripheral equipment.

The present invention further relates to a system, comprising:
peripheral equipment that is used together with an information processing apparatus; and a wireless communication module.

The information processing apparatus is a POS terminal, preferably having a supply of electric power different from a supply of electric power to the peripheral equipment.

Preferably, the wireless communication module is attached to a money receiving and dispensing apparatus that is used together with a sales data processing apparatus registering a sale of a commodity and receives and dispenses at least one of a bill and a coin according to an output signal of the sales data processing apparatus.

Preferably, the money receiving and dispensing apparatus is a change machine.

The information processing apparatus is a POS terminal.

Preferably, the wireless communication module is configured to communicate sales data processing information from the information processing apparatus to the peripheral equipment.

The present invention further relates to a wireless communication method, comprising: wirelessly communicating between an information processing apparatus and a peripheral equipment, the peripheral equipment is operated by electric power of which a supply is different from a supply of electric power to the information processing apparatus; and transmitting a control signal that causes a circuit which receives the supply of electric power to be switched from one of an open state and a closed state to the other, to the peripheral equipment, according to a request that is received from the information processing apparatus.

The wireless communication method further comprises:.

The wireless communication method may further comprise: registering a sale of a commodity and receiving and dispensing at least one of a bill and a coin according to an output signal of a sales data processing apparatus.

Preferably, wirelessly communicating between the information processing apparatus and the peripheral equipment comprises using short distance wireless communication methods.

The wireless communication method may further comprise communicating sales data processing information to the peripheral equipment.

Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. <FIG> is a perspective diagram illustrating external appearances of a point-of-sales (POS) terminal apparatus <NUM> and a change machine <NUM> that are included in a system <NUM> according to the present embodiment.

The POS terminal apparatus <NUM> is an example of a sales data processing apparatus that registers a sale of a commodity. The sales data processing apparatus is an example of an information processing apparatus. The change machine <NUM> is an example of a money receiving and dispensing apparatus that receives and dispenses at least one of a bill and a coin according to an output signal of the sales data processing apparatus. The money receiving and dispensing apparatus is an example of peripheral equipment that is used together with the information processing apparatus.

<FIG> is a diagram for briefly describing a connection between the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> and the change machine <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> and the change machine <NUM> wirelessly communicate with each other through short-distance wireless modules 800A and 800B. The short-distance wireless modules 800A and 800B are examples of a wireless communication module and are essential units of the system <NUM>.

The short-distance wireless module 800A is removably attached to the change machine <NUM> through a wired connection. The short-distance wireless module 800B is removably attached to the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> through a wired connection. Then, the short-distance wireless module 800A and the short-distance wireless module 800B wirelessly transmit and receive a signal to and from each other. Accordingly, a wireless connection is realized between the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> and the change machine <NUM>.

It is noted that, as long as there is no need to distinguish between the short-distance wireless modules 800A and 800B, the short-distance wireless modules 800A and 800B are expressed as simply a short-distance wireless module <NUM>.

Electric power for operation is provided individually to the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> and the change machine <NUM>. More precisely, the change machine <NUM> operates by electric power of which supply is different from supply of electric power to the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>. The configuration of the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The POS terminal apparatus <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, includes a display <NUM>, a customer-side display <NUM>, a touch panel <NUM>, a keyboard <NUM>, a scanner <NUM>, a printer <NUM>, and a casing <NUM>. Moreover, the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, includes a communication interface (I/F) <NUM>, a connector <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, and a storage unit <NUM>. Except for the casing <NUM>, these units are connected to each other with the bus line <NUM> in a manner that possibly transmits and receives a signal.

The communication I/F <NUM> or the connector <NUM> is provided to the casing <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM> and the storage unit <NUM> are accommodated within the casing <NUM>.

Under the control of the control unit <NUM>, various pieces of information destined for a sales person who is an operator of the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> are displayed on the display <NUM> that is provided on the casing <NUM>. Under the control of the control unit <NUM>, various pieces of information destined for a customer who faces the operator are displayed on the customer-side display <NUM>.

The touch panel <NUM> is provided on a surface of the display <NUM> in a superimposed manner. An operation in accordance with content that is displayed on the display <NUM> is applied, as an input, by touching on the touch panel <NUM>, and a signal of the operation that is applied is transferred to the control unit <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> is provided on a front-side upper surface of the casing <NUM>, and a signal of an operation that is applied, as an input, by striking many physical keys provided on the keyboard <NUM> is transferred to the control unit <NUM>.

The scanner <NUM> obtains code information by reading and decoding a symbol image such as a barcode and outputs the obtained code information. The code information that is obtained by decoding the symbol image attached to a commodity is, for example, information, such as a JAN code, that possibly specifies the commodity. The printer <NUM> prints and dispenses a piece of paper, such as a receipt, on which information on a commodity that is purchased is described for each transaction.

The communication I/F <NUM> communicates with an apparatus (a server for a store or a different POS terminal apparatus within the store) that is connected through a prescribed network. The network, for example, is a local area network (LAN) within the store or is a dedicated line.

The connector <NUM> is a socket into which to insert an end of a cable that connects to the short-distance wireless module 800B in a wired manner.

The control unit <NUM> is configured with a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and the like and generally controls each of the units that make up the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> functions as various functional units by the CPU executing a program that is stored in the ROM.

The storage unit <NUM>, for example, is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive (SDD). The storage unit <NUM> stores various programs that are executable by the control unit <NUM>, setting information, and the like. Furthermore, the storage unit <NUM> stores basic commodity information or sales data.

To obtain the basic commodity information, pieces of information on each commodity, such as a Japanese article number (JAN) code that is indicated by a symbol image such as a barcode attached to the commodity, a name of the commodity, a price (unit price) of the commodity, and a categorization code, are determined in a manner that is associated with a commodity code (a commodity identification information) of the commodity that is a sale registration target. The sales data is information that is described on a receipt that is dispensed each time transaction occurs, and includes at least a price of the purchased commodity, a total amount of payment, information on discount or price reduction if any, and a coupon given due to the transaction.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the change machine. The configuration of the change machine <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The change machine <NUM> according to the present embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, is configured with a bill change machine 300A and a coin change machine 300B. In <FIG>, it is illustrated that the change machine <NUM> has the same configuration as both (the bill change machine 300A and the coin change machine 300B).

The change machine <NUM> (the bill change machine 300A and the coin change machine 300B) includes a display <NUM>, an operation unit <NUM>, a money receiving unit <NUM>, a money dispensing unit <NUM>, an electric power-supply receiving unit <NUM>, a power source switch <NUM>, a casing <NUM>, a connector <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, and a storage unit <NUM>. Except for the casing <NUM>, these units are connected to each other with a bus line <NUM> in a manner that possibly transmits and receives a signal.

The display <NUM>, the operation unit <NUM>, the electric power-supply receiving unit <NUM>, the power source switch <NUM>, and the connector <NUM> are provided to the casing <NUM>. On the other hand, the money receiving unit <NUM>, the money dispensing unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM>, and the storage unit <NUM> are accommodated within the casing <NUM>. Under the control of the control unit <NUM>, various pieces of information destined for an operator of the change machine <NUM> are displayed on the display <NUM>. A signal of an operation that is applied, as an input, by striking physical keys on the operation unit <NUM> is transferred to the control unit <NUM>.

Under the control of the control unit <NUM>, the money receiving unit <NUM> receives a bill or a coin, and the received bill or coin is stored in the casing <NUM>. Under the control of the control unit <NUM>, the money dispensing unit <NUM> carries the bill or coin within the casing <NUM> out of the casing <NUM>.

The electric power-supply receiving unit <NUM> includes a connector into which an end of a power supply cable is inserted, and receives electric power supply from a power supply unit by way of the power supply cable and supplies the supplied electric power to each of the units.

By being manually operated by the operator, the power source switch <NUM> causes the electric power-supply receiving unit <NUM> to operate. Thus, a circuit for electric power supply by the electric power-supply receiving unit <NUM> switches from one of a closed state and an open state to the other. It is noted that the closed state of the circuit for power supply is in an electrically conducted state, more precisely, in a powered-on state. Furthermore, the opened state of the circuit for power supply is in a disconnected (or electrically non-conducted) state, more precisely, a powered-off state.

The connector <NUM> is a socket into which to insert an end of a cable that connects to the short-distance wireless module 800A in a wired manner. Furthermore, the connector <NUM> is connected to the bus line <NUM> and in addition, is joined to a circuit from the power source switch <NUM> to the electric power-supply receiving unit <NUM>. Thus, the connector <NUM> is connected to the electric power-supply receiving unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> is configured with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and generally controls each of the units that make up the change machine <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> functions as various functional units (a resetting processing unit <NUM>, the setting acquisition unit <NUM>, and the like) by the CPU executing a program that is stored in the ROM.

The storage unit <NUM> is a storage device, such as an HDD or an SSD. The storage unit <NUM> stores various programs that are executable by the control unit <NUM>, setting information, and the like. Furthermore, the storage unit <NUM> stores an operation setting <NUM> for the change machine <NUM>.

The operation setting <NUM> is received from the short-distance wireless module 800A. The operation setting <NUM> is initial setting data and a setting for the change machine <NUM>, which relates to cooperation with the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>. The setting is necessarily performed if the change machine <NUM> is introduced or replaced.

The change machine <NUM> needs an initial setting in order to communicate with the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> or to perform an operation (for example, receiving and dispensing money) in cooperation with the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>. In the related art, the initial setting is performed on each apparatus by a service person who connects the change machine <NUM> to the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> in a wired manner, by connecting a personal computer (PC) to the change machine <NUM> and so forth. However, because this operation is complex and takes time to perform, it is desirable that the operation is simplified. According to the present embodiment, in this respect, an improvement is also performed. That is, a configuration is employed in such a manner that the initial setting data is acquired from the short-distance wireless module 800A that is connected by way of the connector <NUM>.

If a resetting instruction from the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> is received by way of the connector <NUM> and the short-distance wireless module <NUM>, the resetting processing unit <NUM> resets the change machine <NUM>. It is noted that the resetting here is restarting-up, that is, restarting-up without powering-off.

The setting acquisition unit <NUM>, for example, operates when the change machine <NUM> starts up, and acquires an operation setting from the short-distance wireless module 800A and stores the acquired operation setting, as the operation setting <NUM>, in the storage unit <NUM>.

Next, a configuration of the short-distance wireless module <NUM> (800A and 800B) will be described. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the short-distance wireless module 800A that is attached to the change machine <NUM>. Furthermore, <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the short-distance wireless module 800B that is attached to the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>.

The short-distance wireless module <NUM> (800A and 800B), for example, is realized by a printed circuit board (PCB) that results from mounting electronic components on a printed board, and includes a wireless communication unit <NUM>, a connector <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, and a storage unit <NUM>. These units are connected to each other with a bus line <NUM> in a manner that possibly transmits and receives a signal.

The connector <NUM> is a socket into which to insert an end of a cable that connects to the change machine <NUM> or the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> in a wired manner. The wireless communication unit <NUM> realizes short-distance wireless communication with the short-distance wireless modules <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> is configured with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and generally controls each of the units that make up the short-distance wireless module <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> functions as various functional units by the CPU executing a program that is stored in the ROM.

The storage unit <NUM> is a storage device such as a flash ROM. The storage unit <NUM> stores various programs that are executable by the control unit <NUM>, firmware, setting information, and the like. Furthermore, the storage unit <NUM> stores an operation setting <NUM> for and a change machine ID <NUM> of the change machine <NUM>.

The operation setting <NUM> has the same contents as the operation setting <NUM> that the storage unit <NUM> of the change machine <NUM> stores, and a setting for the change machine <NUM>, which relates to the cooperation with the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>. The change machine ID <NUM> is identification data on the change machine <NUM> that is connected to the short-distance wireless module 800A in a wired manner. The change machine ID <NUM> is acquired from the change machine <NUM> at a prescribed timing such as when the change machine <NUM> starts up, and the acquired change machine ID <NUM> is stored. Referring to the change machine ID <NUM>, the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> identifies a neighboring apparatus that communicates by way of the connector <NUM>, as the change machine <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> of the short-distance wireless module 800A functions as a powering-off and -on instruction unit <NUM>, a resetting instruction unit <NUM>, a setting transmission unit <NUM>, and the like, by executing a prescribed program.

The powering-off and -on instruction unit <NUM> is an example of a power source control processing unit, and, according to a request (a command) that is received from the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>, transmits a power source control command to the change machine <NUM>. The power source control command is a control signal that causes a circuit that receives electric power supply to be switched from one of an open state and a closed state to the other.

If the wireless communication unit <NUM> receives the resetting instruction (the command) from the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> through the short-distance wireless module 800B, the resetting instruction unit <NUM> transmits the command, that is, the resetting instruction, to the change machine <NUM>, by way of the connector <NUM>.

The resetting instruction is not received when the change machine <NUM> is in a locked state. The locked state, for example, is a state where an instruction is not received from the outside and where there is no response, such as a state where processing goes into an endless loop and where a next instruction is not received. For this state to return to a normal state, there is a need to restart up after a power source is temporarily turned off (turning off and on the power source).

The setting transmission unit <NUM> transmits the operation setting <NUM> to the change machine <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> of the short-distance wireless module 800B functions as a setting switch unit <NUM> or the like by executing a prescribed program. The setting switch unit <NUM> rewrites the operation setting <NUM> that the storage unit <NUM> stores, by receiving a setting update instruction by way of the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> (or an external apparatus such as a PC).

Furthermore, by receiving a signal of a prescribed operation that is applied by way of the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> (or an external apparatus such as a PC), it is possible that the control unit <NUM> performs an update on firmware, various programs, setting information, and the like that the storage unit <NUM> stores.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a flow for processing that is performed by each of the units that make up the system <NUM> according to the present embodiment. By an operation by the service person, the control unit <NUM> of the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> transmits the setting update instruction for instructing that the operation setting <NUM> is rewritten which is stored in the short-distance wireless module 800B which is connected in a wired manner by way of the connector <NUM> (Act <NUM>). When receiving the setting update instruction by way of the connector <NUM>, the control unit <NUM>, as the setting switch unit <NUM>, of the short-distance wireless module 800B performs an update on the operation setting <NUM> (Act <NUM>).

The change machine <NUM>, when is powered on to start up, requests the short-distance wireless module 800A, which is connected in a wired manner by way of the connector <NUM>, to provide the operation setting <NUM> (Act <NUM>). The control unit <NUM> of the short-distance wireless module 800A that receives this request requests the short-distance wireless module 800B to transmit the operation setting <NUM> by way of the wireless communication unit <NUM>, and not only updates the storage unit <NUM> with the received operation setting <NUM>, but also transmits a new operation setting <NUM> to the change machine <NUM> (Act <NUM>). The setting acquisition unit <NUM> of the change machine <NUM> that receives the operation setting from the short-distance wireless module 800A performs an update on the operation setting <NUM> (Act <NUM>).

The POS terminal apparatus <NUM> and the change machine <NUM> performs communication pertaining to sales data processing with each other. For example, the communication pertains to a money receiving and dispensing instruction from the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> to the change machine <NUM>, contact for notification of outstanding balance and a report on occurrence of an error from the change machine <NUM> to the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>, polling (periodic inquiry), and others (Acts <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>).

When communication fails in Act <NUM> (Acts <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>), the control unit <NUM> of the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> regards this as an abnormal state where it is impossible for the change machine <NUM> to perform communication, and thus first transmits the resetting instruction to the change machine <NUM>. Although the control unit <NUM> of the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> waits a prescribed time after the transmission is performed, if the communication is not resumed, the control unit <NUM> transmits a signal requesting powering-off to the short-distance wireless module 800B (Act <NUM>). The control unit <NUM> of the short-distance wireless module 800B that receives the signal requesting the powering-off transfers the received signal to the short-distance wireless module 800A. Then, the control unit <NUM>, as the powering-off and -on instruction unit <NUM>, of the short-distance wireless module 800A to which the signal requesting the powering-off is transferred transmits the power source control command to the change machine <NUM> that is connected in a wired manner by way of the connector <NUM> (Act <NUM>). The power source control command is a control signal that causes a circuit that receives electric power supply to be switched from one of the open state and the closed state to the other, and is a signal that is the same as a signal that is input into the electric power-supply receiving unit <NUM> if the power source switch <NUM> operates. When the power source control command is input from the connector <NUM> and reaches the electric power-supply receiving unit <NUM>, the change machine <NUM> is powered off.

When a prescribed time elapsed after Act <NUM> is performed, the control unit <NUM> of the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> transmits a signal requesting starting-up to the short-distance wireless module 800B (Act <NUM>). The control unit <NUM> of the short-distance wireless module 800B that receives the signal requesting the starting-up transfers the received signal to the short-distance wireless module 800A. Then, the control unit <NUM>, as the powering-off and -on instruction unit <NUM>, of the short-distance wireless module 800A to which the signal requesting the starting-up is transferred transmits the power source control command to the change machine <NUM> that is connected in a wired manner by way of the connector <NUM> (Act <NUM>). When the power source control command is input from the connector <NUM> and then reaches the electric power-supply receiving unit <NUM>, the change machine <NUM> starts up (Act <NUM>). It is noted that Act <NUM> is the same as Act <NUM>.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a configuration is employed in which a signal from the control unit <NUM> that operates independently of the control unit <NUM> of the change machine <NUM> and operates according to an instruction of the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> is input into a circuit from the power source switch <NUM> of the change machine <NUM> to the electric power-supply receiving unit <NUM>. With this configuration, the power source control command that is issued by the control unit <NUM> is input into the electric power-supply receiving unit <NUM>. Thus, although the control unit <NUM> of the change machine <NUM> enters a state where there is no response, under the control of the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>, the change machine <NUM> can be powered off or on without manually operating the power source switch <NUM>. More precisely, an operation of powering off and on the change machine <NUM> that operates under the control of the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> can be performable even in a state where the change machine <NUM> is not under the control.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration is employed in which the change machine <NUM> and the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> possibly communicate with each other by making a wireless connection. Accordingly, the change machine <NUM> can be more easily installed than in the related art.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration is employed in which the operation setting for the change machine <NUM> is retained in the short-distance wireless module <NUM> and in which the change machine <NUM> possibly acquires the operation setting suitably. Accordingly, for example, if the change machine <NUM> is replaced and so forth, the short-distance wireless module 800A that is connected to the pre-replacement change machine <NUM> is detached and is then connected to the post-replacement change machine <NUM>. Thus, the operation setting for the post-replacement change machine <NUM> can be finished.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration is employed in which an update or a firmware update on the operation setting for the change machine <NUM> is possible from the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> or an external apparatus such as a PC. Accordingly, it is possible that an appropriate action is taken to perform an update on a software version of the change machine <NUM> or the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>.

It is noted that in the embodiment described above, a configuration is employed in which the short-distance wireless module 800B is connected to the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>, but that in implementation, a configuration may be employed in which the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> includes a functional unit that is equivalent to the short-distance wireless module 800B.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the control unit <NUM> of the short-distance wireless module 800A is set to function as the powering-off and -on instruction unit <NUM>, the resetting instruction unit <NUM>, and the setting transmission unit <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM> of the short-distance wireless module 800B is set to function as the setting switch unit <NUM>. However, in implementation, no limitation to this functioning is imposed. For example, the powering-off and -on instruction unit <NUM>, the resetting instruction unit <NUM>, the setting transmission unit <NUM>, and the setting switch unit <NUM> may be provided in each of the control unit <NUM> of the short-distance wireless module 800A and the control unit <NUM> of the short-distance wireless module 800B. More precisely, the short-distance wireless module 800A and the short-distance wireless module 800B may be shared. In this instance, the setting switch unit <NUM> is not used in the short-distance wireless module <NUM> that is used as the short-distance wireless module 800A, and the powering-off and -on instruction unit <NUM>, the resetting instruction unit <NUM>, and the setting transmission unit <NUM> are not used in the short-distance wireless module <NUM> that is used as the short-distance wireless module 800B.

Next, a modification example of the embodiment described above will be described. In the modification example, a unit described, or the same unit as, in the embodiment described above is given the same reference character, and a detailed description thereof is not repeated.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system <NUM> in the modification example of the embodiment. The system <NUM> includes a system <NUM> and a system <NUM> in addition to the system <NUM> according to the embodiment, which is described above.

The system <NUM> is a system for checkout (registration of a sale of a commodity and payment) using the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> and the change machine <NUM> whose operator is a sales person. The system <NUM> is a system for semi-self-service checkout. The system <NUM> is a system for self-service checkout. The semi-self-service checkout is a method in which a sale is registered by the sales person and in which payment is made by a customer. The self-service checkout is a method in which a customer both registers a sale and makes payment.

The system <NUM> has a configuration in which checkout counters <NUM>, on each of which the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> and the change machine <NUM>, are mounted are lined up with each other, one after another. In the system <NUM>, an operator O who is a sales person and a customer C face each other with the checkout counter <NUM> in between.

The system <NUM> has a configuration in which the checkout counter <NUM> on which a commodity data registration apparatus <NUM> is mounted, and an accounting apparatus <NUM> are lined up with each other, one after another. In the system <NUM>, the operator O and the customer C face each other with the checkout counter <NUM> in between. After the operator O finishes registration of a sale of a commodity using the commodity data registration apparatus <NUM>, the customer C moves toward the accounting apparatus <NUM> and pays for the commodity of which the sale is registered, that is, makes payment of an amount of money for the commodity.

The system <NUM> has a configuration in which self-service checkout apparatuses <NUM> are lined up with each other, one after another. Basically, the operator O is not present at the system <NUM>. Thus, the customer C moves toward the self-service checkout apparatus <NUM> and registers the sale and makes payment.

The apparatuses (the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>, the commodity data registration apparatus <NUM>, the accounting apparatus <NUM>, and the self-service checkout apparatus <NUM>) are connected through a network NT in a manner that possibly communicates with each other. The network NT, for example, is a LAN that is installed within a store.

<FIG> is a perspective diagram illustrating an external appearance of the commodity data registration apparatus <NUM>. The commodity data registration apparatus <NUM> is a so-called vertical-type scanner, and includes a display unit <NUM>, a touch panel <NUM>, a keyboard <NUM>, a scanner <NUM>, a printer <NUM>, a casing <NUM>, and the like. A control unit or a storage unit is accommodated within the casing <NUM>.

The scanner <NUM> reads a barcode attached to a commodity and so forth, and thus the commodity data registration apparatus <NUM> in the system <NUM> registers a sale of the commodity. Furthermore, the commodity data registration apparatus <NUM> transmits sales data, which is registered, to the accounting apparatus <NUM> by way of the network NT.

<FIG> is a perspective diagram illustrating an external appearance of an apparatus that is used as the accounting apparatus <NUM> and the self-service checkout apparatus <NUM>. The accounting apparatus <NUM> (the self-service checkout apparatus <NUM>) includes a display unit <NUM>, a touch panel <NUM>, a scanner <NUM>, a printer <NUM>, a casing <NUM>, and the like. A control unit and storage unit, or a money receiving and dispensing apparatus is accommodated within the casing <NUM>. A money receiving and dispensing slot <NUM> through which the money receiving and dispensing apparatus receives and dispenses a bill or a coin is provided in the casing <NUM>.

In the system <NUM>, the accounting apparatus <NUM> makes settlement that is based on the sales data received from the commodity data registration apparatus <NUM>, using the money receiving and dispensing apparatus. Furthermore, in the system <NUM>, the scanner <NUM> reads a barcode attached to a commodity, and so forth, and thus the self-service checkout apparatus <NUM> registers a sale and makes settlement using the money receiving and dispensing apparatus.

<FIG> is a diagram for schematically describing a connection between the accounting apparatus <NUM> and the change machine <NUM>. In the same manner as in the embodiment described above, the change machine <NUM> is connected to the short-distance wireless module 800A in a wired manner. Furthermore, the short-distance wireless module 800B is connected to the accounting apparatus <NUM> in a wired manner. Accordingly, the accounting apparatus <NUM> and the change machine <NUM> are connected wirelessly through the short-distance wireless modules 800A and 800B, and possibly transmit and receive a signal to and from each other.

<FIG> is a diagram for schematically describing a connection between the self-service checkout apparatus and the change machine. In the same manner as in the embodiment described above, the change machine <NUM> is connected to the short-distance wireless module 800A in a wired manner. Furthermore, the short-distance wireless module 800B is connected to the self-service checkout apparatus <NUM> in a wired manner. Accordingly, the self-service checkout apparatus <NUM> and the change machine <NUM> are connected wirelessly through the short-distance wireless modules 800A and 800B, and possibly transmit and receive a signal to and from each other.

With the configuration described above, in the system <NUM>, principal information processing apparatuses (the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>, the accounting apparatus <NUM>, and the self-service checkout apparatus <NUM>) and peripheral equipment (the change machine <NUM>) are connected wirelessly in a manner that communicates with each other, and although the peripheral equipment is in the locked state, by transmitting the power source control command from the principal information processing apparatus, the peripheral equipment can be powered off and be caused to restart up.

Furthermore, in the system <NUM> as described above, the short-distance wireless module 800B may be set to be included in any information processing apparatus (the POS terminal apparatus <NUM>, the accounting apparatus <NUM>, or the self-service checkout apparatus <NUM>), and may be configured in such a manner that one short-distance wireless module 800B communicates wirelessly with multiple short-distance wireless modules 800A.

In this instance, among the principal information processing apparatuses, the power source control command that is issued by an apparatus (which is assumed to be an apparatus on the transmitting side) to which the short-distance wireless module 800B is not connected is set to be transferred to the information processing apparatus (which is assumed to be a relay apparatus) to which the short-distance wireless module 800B is connected by way of the network NT. In order to do this, the power source control command is transmitted from the short-distance wireless module 800B that is connected to the relay apparatus, to target peripheral equipment (an apparatus on the receiving side).

Accordingly, the need to provide the short-distance wireless module 800B to all the principal information processing apparatuses can be removed and a cost reduction can be achieved.

It is noted that in the embodiment and the modification example, which are described above, the change machine <NUM> is expressed as an example of the peripheral equipment, but in implementation, the peripheral equipment may be any other apparatus without being limited to the change machine <NUM>. In the same manner, in the embodiment and the modification example, which are described above, the sales data processing apparatus such as the POS terminal apparatus <NUM> is expressed as an example of the information processing apparatus, but in implementation, the information processing apparatus may be any other apparatus without being limited to the sales data processing apparatus.

Furthermore, in the embodiment and the modification example, which are described above, the short-distance wireless module 800A is preferentially connected to the change machine <NUM> in a removably attached manner. However, in implementation, regarding powering-on and -off control, the short-distance wireless module 800A may not be removably attached to the change machine <NUM>, and the change machine <NUM> may include the short-distance wireless module 800A (may function as the short-distance wireless module 800A).

It is noted that a program that is executed in the short-distance wireless module <NUM> according to the present embodiment is provided in a state of being in advance stored in a flash ROM or the like.

The program that is executed in the short-distance wireless module <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be configured in such a manner that the program is provided in a state of being recorded, in the installable or executable file format, in a computer-readable recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

Moreover, the program that is executed in the short-distance wireless module <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be configured to be provided in such a manner that the program is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and is downloaded by way of the network. Furthermore, the program that is executed in the short-distance wireless module <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be configured in such a manner that the program is provided or distributed by way of a network such as the Internet.

The program that is executed in the short-distance wireless module <NUM> according to the present embodiment is configured to include each of the units (the powering-off and -on instruction unit <NUM>, the resetting instruction unit <NUM>, the setting transmission unit <NUM>, the setting switch unit <NUM>, and the like) as modular software components.

The CPU (processor) loads each of the units onto a main memory device by reading and executing the program from the recording medium described above. Accordingly, the powering-off and -on instruction unit <NUM>, the resetting instruction unit <NUM>, the setting transmission unit <NUM>, the setting switch unit <NUM>, and the like are generated in the main memory device.

Claim 1:
A wireless communication module to be attached to peripheral equipment, the peripheral equipment being used together with an information processing apparatus and being operated by electric power of which a supply is different from a supply of electric power to the information processing apparatus, the wireless communication module comprising:
a wireless communication unit (<NUM>) configured to wirelessly communicate between the information processing apparatus and the peripheral equipment;
characterized by further comprising:
a power source control processing (<NUM>) unit configured to transmit a control signal that causes a circuit which receives the supply of electric power to be switched from one of an open state and a closed state to the other, to the peripheral equipment, according to a request that is received from the information processing apparatus;
a storage unit configured to store a setting for the peripheral equipment, which relates to cooperation with the information processing apparatus; and
a setting transmission unit configured to transmit the setting to the peripheral equipment when introducing or replacing the peripheral equipment,
wherein the wireless communication module is to be removably attached to the peripheral equipment through a wired connection, and
wherein the information processing apparatus is a POS terminal and the peripheral equipment is a money receiving and dispensing apparatus.