CN1269031A - Point-of-sale system and distributed computer network for same - Google Patents
Point-of-sale system and distributed computer network for same Download PDFInfo
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- CN1269031A CN1269031A CN 98805154 CN98805154A CN1269031A CN 1269031 A CN1269031 A CN 1269031A CN 98805154 CN98805154 CN 98805154 CN 98805154 A CN98805154 A CN 98805154A CN 1269031 A CN1269031 A CN 1269031A
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
- G07G1/00—Cash registers
- G07G1/12—Cash registers electronically operated
- G07G1/14—Systems including one or more distant stations co-operating with a central processing unit
Abstract
A distributed computer network for use with a general purpose computer (2) has a communications port and capable of running applications software for controlling the network. The network includes a master controller (4) and one or more input/output controllers (6).
Description
The technical field of the invention
The present invention is about computer network generally, and particularly relevant for a kind of distributed computer network of using with a point of sales system of being suitable for.
Prior art related to the present invention
In a point of sales system, include a plurality of peripheral equipments, for example be cashier's machine, display, credit card reading machine, barcode scanner and so on, need communicate to connect the data processing operation of the system of this computer servomechanism control peripheral equipment operation with a computer servomechanism.Though computer network has been to use as everyone knows at point of sales system, these computer networks typically use standard computer components (with reference to Fig. 1) on each node of point of sales system.These systems more include a complicated and expensive servomechanism and a hardware, and it utilizes software network communication management system to go to control and the communicating by letter of this each node of system.In addition, each node typical case needs matching network bitcom and hardware, and this further increases the expense of total system.This networking layout that is customarily used in standard computer data network road produces serious cost and handles overload, causes the burden of point of sales system.
In the point of sales system based on conventional personal computer (PC), the number that can be used as standard I/O (I/O) port that receives needed a plurality of peripheral elements clearly is restricted.Now, exist many different structures in order to overcome the input/output end port problem of shortage.Yet these solutions typically need to add special hardware, for example are special port concentrator unit or PC card.The additional cost that not only increases total system of these hardware, more increased software developer's burden, the software developer must write special application software, under the preceding topic that can not cause the data collision problem that produces by the dual uses of I/O address and interrupt request (IRQ) number, come the address of the non-standard input/output end port that addressing increases.
The problem that another is relevant with the prior art point of sales system, normally different peripheral equipments have different interface requirements.Therefore, though a peripheral equipment can be connected directly to computer, other peripheral equipments may need an interface group body independently, become the form that is applicable to this computer to change its output data.Moreover each input media needs the special software recognition number and is used for the interruption of the communication of this computer and equipment room.This will produce quite high hardware cost, and is added in the more physical space of each peripheral equipment needs of this system.
Therefore, the needs that still have the replacement computer network that reaches other special demands that are suitable for network system customizations in the point of sales system field.
So one of the object of the invention is to provide a kind of improvement distributed computer network of using with a network system of being suitable for.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a kind of distributed computer network, it allows multiple peripheral equipment to be connected with available a limited number of input/output end port.
Another purpose of the present invention provides a kind of distributed computer network, and it allows not need to turn-off computer or organize structure software again when connecting extra peripheral equipment, and reduction system whereby decommissions the time.
A further object of the present invention provides a kind of distributed computer network, and it gets rid of needed specific hardware of peripheral device and/or software driver, allows preferable element to select dirigibility whereby.
A further object of the present invention provides a kind of distributed computer network, and it allows freely to arrange the actual components position.
For reaching the aforesaid demand of the present invention, purpose and target, one of embodiment of the invention provides a kind of distributed computer network that uses with general-use computer collocation, has a PORT COM and can carry out an application software that is used for controlling this networking.This distributed computer network includes a master controller with first and second PORT COM, and first PORT COM of this master controller is used for and a general-use computation communication.
This distributed computer network more includes one or more I/O (I/O) controller, each have one with first PORT COM of above-mentioned master controller operation communication, and one with second PORT COM of one or more peripheral equipment serial communications.These peripheral equipments are to link together with the serial daisy chain structure.This master controller is connected with this general-use i/o controller by a multistation RS-485 networking bus.This master controller also is connected with this general-use compunlcation by a RS-232 universal serial bus, and this master controller management function that carries on an agreement includes the conversion of RS-232 and RS-485 agreement whereby, error correction and detection, and bus is secondary carries and data buffering.
Best, this networking includes a general-use computer with COM port.This computer can be carried out the application software that is used for controlling a point of sales system.Each I/O control module preferably includes a limited number of peripheral equipment interface port, and one or more point of sales peripheral equipment can be operatively connected with it.
According to the present invention, each i/o controller can be supported by the interconnective a plurality of peripheral equipments of serial daisy chain extended technology, allow these peripheral equipments not need overline group structure or guidance system again, both can freely be integrated into system or by removing in the system.Each input peripheral equipment preferably comprises an electronic interface, is used for being operatively connected this input equipment to the peripheral equipment bus of contacting, and converts the serial data format of a specific input equipment to be suitable for this i/o controller data layout.This interface monitors this peripheral equipment bus, with decision when this bus can be used for transmitting data and can select those to be positioned at not being connected with this bus further from (that is downstream position) input media of this i/o controller.
In one embodiment, the present invention is construed as a Kitchen System (kitchen system).In the embodiment of this Kitchen System, one or more i/o controllers include an indicating equipment, for example are hummers, or a vision or sense of touch indicating equipment.This i/o controller also includes a display, for example video monitor.The I/O peripheral equipment of this i/o controller is a testing rod preferably.
These or other purpose of the present invention, target and advantage will become clearer by being described in detail of explanation that read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings the back.
Brief Description Of Drawings
Fig. 1 is the calcspar of a kind of computer network based on PC commonly known in the art.
Fig. 2 is the calcspar according to the formed distributed computer network layout of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is the calcspar of the formed main control circuit according to the present invention.
Fig. 4 is the circuit diagram of the formed demonstration main control circuit according to the present invention, and is described by the calcspar of Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is the calcspar of the formed i/o controller circuit according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 be according to the present invention formed demonstration i/o controller electricity circuit diagram, described by the calcspar of Fig. 5.
Fig. 7 is the calcspar of the embodiment of formed point of sales system according to the present invention.
Fig. 8 connects the calcspar of configuration alternately for point of sale commonly known in the art peripheral equipment.
Fig. 9 is the calcspar of peripheral equipment mutual connection configuration in point of sale formed according to the present invention.
Figure 10 is the calcspar of the capable interface equipment of wedge formed according to the present invention, and itself and a point of sale peripheral equipment internal junction lump together.
Figure 11 is the circuit diagram of the capable interface circuit of demonstration wedge formed according to the present invention, and it is described by Fig. 8 calcspar.
Figure 12 is the synoptic diagram of the embodiment of i/o controller node formed according to the present invention, and it includes an i/o controller and relevant point of sale peripheral equipment.
Detailed description of preferred embodiment
The distributed computer network of typical prior art shown in Figure 1, it has a plurality of a plurality of PC (PC) workstations that are connected directly to a PC network server by a shared data bus.The shortcoming that layout is relevant was discussed by previous therewith.Fig. 2 points out the calcspar according to the formed distributed computer network of the present invention generally.With reference to figure 2, this computer network includes a traditional computer network servomechanism 2, is used for carrying out the application software of the whole point of sales system of control.This servomechanism 2 preferably can be taked traditional PC form, for example make by IBM or with its equivalent.This servomechanism 2 is connected with a distributed networking communication by a serial communication port, preferably a RS-232 port is engaged to this servomechanism 2.
Distributed computer network of the present invention more includes a master controller 4, preferably based on hardware.This master controller 4 uses as the interface contact of this distributed computer network, is connected with these servomechanism 2 communications and receives the instruction that comes from this servomechanism 2.Best, this master controller 4 is connected to this servomechanism 2 by a RS-232 communication wire.This master controller preferably will convert the multistation communications protocol to from the reception serial communication of servomechanism 2, and a RS-485 agreement preferably, in order to along with this networking is distributed.As alternative scheme, be familiar with other known serial communication forms of present technique field personnel and also can be used, will carry out the serial protocol that will be used in this master controller 4 and convert the agreement that use is connected with other node communications of this computer network to this servomechanism 2 communicates to connect.
This master controller 4 management function that more carries on an agreement comprises error detection/correction, data bus stamping-out, data buffering, and hardware peripheral drive device.By these master controllers 4 of use, rather than the function in this servomechanism 2, this servomechanism 2 has been removed burdensome communication network Control work, and therefore may operate in quicker, a more efficient state.Use this measure in the RS-485 system, for example can reach the data transfer rate of serial data communication or 115,200 bauds, or higher.
With reference to the calcspar of figure 3, a preferred embodiment of this master controller 4 includes a main processing controller 8, a servomechanism PORT COM 10 and a network communication port one 2 as shown in the figure.This main processing controller 8 is carried out above-mentioned most consultative management work, includes the data communication amount control between this servomechanism PORT COM 10 and this network communication port one 2.This servomechanism PORT COM 10 provides an interface between this servomechanism 2 and this main processing controller 8.As previously mentioned, even other similar data communications protocol expects that this servomechanism PORT COM 10 is preferably carried out exchanges data by a serial RS-232 communication wire and this servomechanism 2.This network communication port one 2 similarly provides an interface between this master controller 8 and this multistation networking, preferably a RS-485 bus.
According to the formed demonstration main controller circuit 4 of the present invention circuit diagram as shown in Figure 4.This circuit comprises that one makes the microprocessor 14 that main processing controller 8 uses with a programmable read-only memory (prom) 18, a random-access memory (ram) 16 and relevant peripheral combination of elements.Best, this PROM18 is that the electricity of a 512K can be smeared PROM (EEPROM), for example is industrial element number 29EE512 or equivalent function person, and by a common land location and data bus and this microprocessor 14 be operatively connected.
This EEPROM18 stores the application program instructions of being carried out by this microprocessor 14, but be preferably field programming so that make system update.Moreover, this random access memory component 16 is the static RAM of a 256K preferably, for example be the element number CXK58257AM of Sony Corporation or its equivalent function person, and the best mode with similar is connected to this microprocessor 14, data storing to be provided and to fetch the space.Will be very clear for being familiar with present technique field personnel, the microcontroller circuit that many present invention of being suitable for use and structure can be used and be conventional, well-known.For example the textbook Microprocessorand Microprocessor-Base System Design that write of MohamedRafiquzzaman (CRC publishing house, nineteen ninety) provides going through of multiple microcontroller circuit and layout.
This main control circuit 4 more includes with serial RS-232 transceiver 20, and for example element number MAX232 or its equivalent function person of MaximProducts company use to be the servomechanism port 10 of this Main Control Unit.This RS-232 transceiver 20 is operatively connected with this microprocessor 14, and the data-switching interface between this servomechanism and this microprocessor 14 is provided.Moreover, a multistation RS-485 transceiver 22, for example element number MAX491E or its equivalent function person of Maxim Products company use to be the network communication port one 2 of this Main Control Unit.This RS-485 transceiver 22 is connected with this microprocessor 14 in a similar fashion, and the interface between this multistation networking bus and this microprocessor 14 is provided.
Best, this main controller circuit 4 includes a built-in power supply unit 21.This power supply unit 21 preferably provides a direct current of voltage regulation potential source, to meet the demand of this main controller circuit 14.Desired in addition is, this power supply unit 21 can provide power supply to other system unit that is connected with one of PORT COM 10,12 of this master controller 4, thereby reduces the number of required external power supply.
Refer again to Fig. 2, distributed computer network of the present invention more includes one or more i/o controller nodes 6.Best, this i/o controller 6 is for through there being a multistation RS-485 communication wire to be connected to each other, and data input and data output are interconnected to form a serial chain.On the other hand, known other networking layouts of prior art also can be used in and be provided at each i/o controller node 6 and be connected with data interaction between this master controller 4.
Calcspar shown in Figure 5 is one of preferred embodiment of the formed i/o controller 6 according to the present invention.These i/o controller 6 best execution area NM network management functions are included in the reception between multistation networking bus and these peripheral equipments and transmit data, and by the translation of this application software to the instruction of peripheral equipment control.
And best, this i/o controller 6 includes one and is used for the hardware interface 32 that is connected with this RS-485 bus communication.This i/o controller 6 more includes an I/O modal processor 30, in order to control the function of this i/o controller 6.Best, this i/o controller 6 comprises limited peripheral device interface, comprising keyboard interface 24, and a video display interface 26 and a serial communication I/O interface 28.This I/O modal processor 30 preferably is connected with the peripheral equipment communication of aforementioned point of sale via this serial I/O interface 28 and/or keyboard interface 24.Moreover this i/o controller preferably comprises an indicator 31.This indicator 31 can be a visual apparatus (for example lamp), a sensation of tone equipment (for example bell or hummer) or a haptic apparatus (for example vibrating elements), has received the data of autonomous controller in order to indication.
Because this point of sale peripheral equipment includes overall treatment and controls the function of self, so the I/O modal processor 30 of this i/o controller 6 only needs to include the enough processing execution network interface functions and the ability of peripheral Communication Control function.So clearly reduce the processing burden of this I/O modal processor 30, and allow to simplify these circuit elements design.
Demonstration i/o controller circuit formed according to the present invention, circuit diagram as shown in Figure 6.This significant be, quite know as those of ordinary skill in the industry with the suitable i/o controller circuit that the present invention uses, therefore, thoroughly discussing of this i/o controller circuit will do not given unnecessary details at this.
At an embodiment who Figure 6 shows that formed point of sales system according to the present invention.This system has the additional point of sale peripheral equipment thereon as many as system shown in Figure 2 except each i/o controller 6 as shown in the figure.One example of the point of sales system of Fig. 6 is suitable for using in a dining room or similar provisions shop, is peddled as commerce with trade name " IBM kitchen system (IBM Kitchen System) " by IBM Corporation at present.
This Kitchen System is a complete open system, and it can use a RS-232 port to append to any computer based on PC at an easy rate.Be included in a master controller and one or more I/O unit are arranged among the IBMKitchen System.Being attached to each I/O unit is one " testing rod (bumpbar) ", and it preferably is connected directly to one of this I/O unit keyboard port.This testing rod is used as a special keyboard equipment, and it can provide coding to go to move the project that (correction) before had been presented at this video monitor.This video display is a VGA or Super VGA monitor or equivalent function person preferably, and it is connected directly to the video port of this I/O unit.This KitchenSystem preferably supports nearly 16 I/O units, and each I/O unit is supported a testing rod and a video monitor.Moreover an external power source supply provides the electricity needs that meets this point of sales system.The firmware of controlling the operation of this I/O unit preferably can make field programming so that system update and the system flexibility of reinforcement is provided.
In preferred embodiment of the present invention, each i/o controller preferably can be by using communication and peripheral extended technology to support a plurality of point of sales peripheral equipment, this peripheral equipment extended technology explanation and being described in is all in the U.S. Patent application that this case inventor proposes on January 26th, 1993 the 08/011st, No. 461 (now abandoning).Should be only for referencial use at this in first to file.
Now please refer to Fig. 7, it shows a point of sale peripheral equipment and the interconnective prior art systems of a PC (PC) workstation (please see Figure 1).Use this technology, each peripheral equipment needs other interface card.Therefore, the number of devices that can support of unique individual's computer work is subjected to being used in this workstation the utilized slot limited in number of reception interface card.And then increasing or removing interface card needs this computer of exploded, organizes structure software again and restarts this system, thereby increase the off-air time of system.
In Fig. 8, the peripheral extended technology of demonstration one of according to the present invention, wherein should input peripheral equipment 40 (bar code reading machine for example, the point of sale control panel, electronic platform scale claims, magnetic stripe readers etc.) preferably be connected to the keyboard port 34 of this i/o controller 6 with daisy chain structure, and this output peripheral equipment 38 (polarity indicator for example, video monitor, printer or the like) preferably is connected to the serial port 36 of this i/o controller 6.Moreover, have only two input/output end ports, promptly keyboard port 36 and serial port 38 are made and are supported many peripheral equipments.This input peripheral equipment can be simply by connecting or taking that corresponding cable freely combine with this system apart or by this system's removal.
In the keyboard chain of this equipment, RS-232 input peripheral equipment 40 (or other are not with peripheral equipment of keyboard format output data) can preferably use an intelligent keyboard wedge interface and this point of sales system cooperation use, and the serial data format that this keyboard wedge interface is changed this input equipment 40 becomes the QWERTY keyboard data layout.Generally speaking, the physical location of this input peripheral equipment is not have to be strict with.Yet because 101 traditional key computor-keyboards do not have wedge interface (because his input has been the QWERTY keyboard data layout), he preferably connects the last element as these equipment chains.This wedge interface can be the part (that is being external in this input peripheral equipment 40) that this equipment cable connects, or it can select to be integrated among this input equipment 40, as shown in Figure 9.
Now please refer to Fig. 9, the wedge interface circuit shown in the figure includes a pair of switches 42 and an interface control circuit 44.This switch 42 can be maybe can be at transmission state by (pass-through) state (default attitude).When an input peripheral equipment 40 did not have data to be used for transmitting, this switch 42 will be default by state (as shown in Figure 9).As its name hint, be can to use by freely through conduit for data basically with the input equipment 40 that is in by 42 groups of structures of state of switch as one, allow direct and this i/o controller of other input peripheral equipment to communicate to connect whereby.When this switch 42 is in transmission state, the upstream device of (for example those with in this keyboard daisy chain further from the connected input media of i/o controller) that all are connected with this specific input equipment 40 by and the electric disconnecting of this data bus, and this input equipment 40 can be connected with this i/o controller communication.
If an input peripheral equipment 40 has data and is transferred to this i/o controller, this interface is the data transmission state on the monitoring data bus at first, and another input equipment is current with decision is to communicate to connect with this i/o controller.Best, in given time, have only an input equipment 40 to communicate to connect, therefore avoid contingent bus conflict problem with this i/o controller.Therefore, when an input equipment communicates to connect with this i/o controller, all other input equipment with best monitor bus and keep them pass through the group structure, and whether pipe does not have data to transmit.
When can be used to transmit, (for example detect a disconnection), the interface control circuit 44 of this input peripheral equipment 40 will change the state of this switch 42, make the downstream input equipment be separated by electricity in this data bus, the data that allow this input equipment 40 to go to transmit him whereby arrive i/o controller.When transmitting its data, upstream input equipment (being those peripheral equipments that very closely are connected with this i/o controller in polyphone keyboard daisy chain) monitors this bus and keeps it and pass through state.After input equipment 40 was finished its data transmission, this interface control circuit 44 changed the replying state of these switches 42 to the default state that passes through.
If an input peripheral equipment 40 has data will be sent to this i/o controller and this data bus just on the jump, this interface control circuit 44 will preferably store the data from this input equipment 40, for example use storer, be detected up to a disconnection on this bus.In case bus becomes in the time of can using, be transferred into this i/o controller in aforesaid mode subsequently from the storage data of this interface control circuit 44.If an input equipment 40 includes a plurality of interfaces, data and monitoring data bus that each interface preferably independently stores it become the free time until this bus, and then each interface will be transmitted his storage data in turn.
Best, this keyboard wedge interface is carried out its data from this input peripheral equipment 40, and for example the RS-232 form converts the QWERTY keyboard data layout to.Use this disposal route, all peripheral equipments will a suitable data form (for example keyboard data form) down and this i/o controller communicate to connect.Exempt an i/o controller like this and had the demand that each data layout need use a plurality of interface card of an interface card.
When this interface circuit did not communicate to connect with this i/o controller, it preferably monitored and is recorded in the everything between this keyboard and this i/o controller.For example, if should be pressed by " Caps lock " key, this interface circuit will be carried out suitable condition conversion, so that this i/o controller receives the correct character from this input peripheral equipment at any time.If this QWERTY keyboard is not used or when normally not carrying out function, this interface circuit preferably also can support and this i/o controller between bidirectional dialog.So allow this i/o controller, even when QWERTY keyboard and/or input peripheral equipment are not installed, the running that also can not produce " keyboard error (Keyboard Error) " look-at-me.
This wedge interface circuit can be to form as an external unit, and preferably can combine with this peripheral equipment cable.This cable will allow standard (that is finished product) point of sale peripheral equipment not need with QWERTY keyboard form output data, and not need to have a built-in wedge interface, use and can make with point of sales system of the present invention, reduce the cost of total system whereby.The outside wedge interface circuit description of formed demonstration is at the circuit diagram of Figure 10 according to the present invention.As shown in figure 10, this interface circuit includes one and is used for being operatively connected the connector 50 that this interface circuit to one input peripheral equipment is exported, and this connector 50 is one 25 pin DB 25 connectors preferably.This circuit more comprises a microprocessor or a microcontroller 54, and for example 80C51 microcontroller or equivalent function person are in order to carry out aforementioned desired data format conversion and bus control function.The power supply of the interface circuit of Fig. 9 can provide via the 16th pin of this connector 50, perhaps, can provide external power source via connector body 64.This wedge interface circuit preferably comprises connector 60 and 62 and is operatively connected interface circuit, and therefore form one in this keyboard daisy chain the upstream and upstream device between the input peripheral equipment that is connected with this interface.Connector 60 and 62 is the keyboard type connector preferably, for example 5-pin din connector or equivalent function person.
The data of trip peripheral equipment under connector 60 preferably receives and is connected to wherein.Connector 62 preferably via connector 60 (for example when this interface be to pass through state) directly by an adjacent downstream peripheral equipment output data, or (for example this interface is in transmission state) is by the peripheral device output data that is connected to connector 50 after these data are by these microcontroller 54 conversions.Regardless of this interface circuit state, output will preferably be suitable for being connected to the form state of the i/o controller port of this peripheral equipment chain from the data of this connector 62.It should be noted that at this connector 50 can be removed if this interface circuit is bonded to this input peripheral equipment by internal junction, and will preferably directly deliver to microcontroller 54 from the data of this input equipment.
Before being provided for microcontroller 54, at first must will importing peripheral equipment from this by a negater circuit, to be attached to the data signals of connector 50 reverse, preferably realizes with a general-use electric transistor 52.This microcontroller 54 preferably be constructed as accept one in a big way the RS-232 protocol parameter and go operation with many attributes, designed as this group switch 56 that is operatively connected with this microcontroller 54, this switch 56 is double standard pin (DIP) switch preferably.Such communications parameter, those special rates for example, data/stop figure place and odd even is selected (close or open) preferably can be set by this switch 56.
Best, in this point of sales system, form the clock line and the data line of the bus that interconnects these input peripheral equipments, be connected to a pair of commercially available simulation Port Multiplier or switch 58 respectively.Each analog switch 58 has a control input end and uses as a single-pole single-throw mechanical switch ideally.At the signal of this a control input end binary logic signal (for example being 0 or 5 volt) preferably, control this switch at " open circuit " or " closure " state.Connecting this microcontroller 54 a to thread switching control 66 of the control input end of this analog switch 58 preferably can allow this microcontroller 54 to open or close switch 58 simultaneously under programmed control.
On the whole go up, this microcontroller 54 is preferably in and produces a suitable logical signal on this thread switching control 66, keeps switch 58 at closure state.When these analog switch 58 closures, this interface circuit is passed through equipment by construction as one, allow whereby can communicate to connect (that is connector 60 and 62 time kind and data line are operatively connected together respectively) with this i/o controller by the downstream perimeter equipment that this connector 60 connects.When these analog switch 58 closures, the equipment that is connected to this connector 60 becomes and the bus electrical separation, and the communication between this microcontroller 54 and this i/o controller can be by this connector 62 beginnings.Whether this microcontroller 54 preferably monitors the clock line from this connector 60, available with the decision bus.And the correct decision of do analog switch 58 should be in which kind of state (meaning promptly should be passed through state or this transmission state) in view of the above.
Merit attention at this, the peripheral equipment of any kind all can remove to be connected to this microcontroller 54 by suitable selection connector 50, change-over circuit and the firmware of carrying out on this microcontroller 54.Moreover once should the periphery output data be converted into the QWERTY keyboard data layout, then any amount of peripheral equipment can be linked at together.When another peripheral equipment operation, remaining peripheral equipment just is sent to data this i/o controller and can cause interference.The special like this system's expansion capacity that helps.
With reference to Figure 12, show the preferable i/o controller node that one of forms according to the present invention.This i/o controller node preferably comprises an i/o controller 6, and this i/o controller 6 is connected with a cathode-ray tube display or monitor 38 on its COM port 35.This i/o controller 6 more includes a keyboard port 34, and a plurality of point of sale is connected to this keyboard port 34 with the serial daisy chain arrangement.The typical point of sale peripheral equipment that uses for the present invention includes a bar code reading machine 70, one point of sale operating key plates 72, one magnetic stripe readers 74, one electronic platform scales and claims 76 and one standard computor-keyboard 78.As shown in figure 12, the POS input peripheral device (for example, this bar code reading machine 70 or electronic platform scale claim 76) of exporting its data with the QWERTY keyboard data layout preferably is connected to this daisy chain bus by the capable interface of intelligent wedge by cable 80 and 82 improperly.This interface is preferably received and changed this non-standard data layout by cable 80 and 82 be that a QWERTY keyboard data output format (or other suitable data forms) is in order to be connected with these i/o controller 6 communications as previously mentioned.
In communicating to connect with a plurality of i/o controllers 6, to the data that receive from this servomechanism 2 (with reference to figure 2), for example the form with a data head or similar identification label is added on these data this master controller 4 with best additional identification information.This identifying information preferably specifies specific peripheral equipment finally to receive institute's transfer instruction or data.Each i/o controller 6 is connected to this networking bus and receives data stream from this master controller 4.Subsequently, each i/o controller 6 is analyzed and the relevant header information of these transmission data.If this header information comprises identification information and other i/o controller 6 corresponding identifying informations, then this specific i/o controller 6 will transmit data to coupled peripheral equipment.
Though master controller 4 and i/o controller 6 are illustrated as an autonomous device, but should understand, this master controller 4 is combined in the servomechanism 2, or i/o controller 6 combines with the related system peripheral equipment, should be expectedly within the scope of the present invention.
Formed distributed computer network provides and is particularly suitable for using with a point of sales system according to the present invention.Distributed computer network of the present invention is that a permission in fact unrestrictedly connects peripheral device, and can not reduce the open system of available input/output end port.Moreover this distributed computer network allows the connection/separation of this peripheral equipment not need to decompose, reset or restarting systems, therefore the off-air time of reducing system.
Though embodiments of the invention are described with reference to relevant indicators at this, yet should understand, the present invention is not limited by those clear and definite embodiment, and is familiar with other different variations or modification that this technology personage can do and will can deviate from scope of the present invention and spirit.
Claims (20)
1. distributed computer network that uses with general-use computer collocation has a PORT COM and can carry out an application software that is used for controlling this networking, it is characterized in that including:
One master controller has first and second PORT COM, and first PORT COM of described master controller is used for operating with a general-use dataphone; An and i/o controller, has first and second PORT COM, the second PORT COM communication operation of first PORT COM of described i/o controller and above-mentioned master controller, and second PORT COM and a peripheral equipment communication of described i/o controller.
2. distributed computer network according to claim 1 is characterized in that described master controller is connected with a plurality of i/o controller communications, and described a plurality of i/o controllers link together by multistation networking bus operation.
3. distributed computer network according to claim 1, it is characterized in that second PORT COM and a plurality of peripheral equipment communication of described i/o controller, described a plurality of peripheral equipment links together with the serial daisy chain structure operation, and described serial daisy chain forms the peripheral equipment bus.
4. distributed computer network according to claim 3, it is characterized in that including the capable interface of wedge of a communication between second PORT COM of this i/o controller and a peripheral equipment, the capable interface of this wedge include one in order to the first wedge row communication port of the second PORT COM communication of this i/o controller, one is used for the second wedge row communication port that communicates to connect with one first peripheral equipment, and one is used for the 3rd wedge row communication port that communicates to connect with another all peripheral equipment.
5. distributed computer network according to claim 4 is characterized in that the capable interface of described wedge receives the data with the first tentation data form, and described data-switching is become the second tentation data form, communicates by letter with this i/o controller being suitable for.
6. distributed computer network according to claim 5 is characterized in that the described second tentation data form is the keyboard data form.
7. distributed computer network according to claim 4 is characterized in that the capable interface of described wedge more includes a Port Multiplier, in order to select that above-mentioned other peripheral equipment is lost and this i/o controller communication concatenation ability.
8. distributed computer network according to claim 7, it is characterized in that the capable interface of described wedge more includes one in order to monitor described peripheral equipment bus and to control the microprocessor of this Port Multiplier, whether this peripheral equipment bus can be used to transmit data to i/o controller in response, wherein this microprocessor has a memory, when this peripheral equipment bus can not be used for the data transmission, this storer was used for storing the data from peripheral equipment.
9. distributed computer network that uses with general-use computer collocation has a PORT COM and can carry out an application software that is used for controlling this networking, it is characterized in that comprising:
One master controller has first and second PORT COM, of this master controller
One PORT COM is used for operating with a general-use dataphone; And
One i/o controller has first PORT COM that is connected with a multipoint network operation communication, and second PORT COM that one and one display operation communicates to connect reaches the 3rd communication port that one and one I/O peripheral equipment communicates to connect.
10. distributed computer network according to claim 9, it is characterized in that described distributed networking includes a plurality of i/o controllers, described i/o controller links together by a shared multistation networking bus control operation, and this multi-master bus is to be used for communicating to connect with this master controller.
11. distributed computer network according to claim 10, it is characterized in that described multistation networking bus is a RS-485 bus, and wherein this master controller is connected with this general-use compunlcation by a RS-232 universal serial bus, this master controller is carried out the conversion that includes between RS-232 and RS-485 agreement whereby, error recovery and detection, the consultative management function of bus arbitration and data buffering.
12. distributed computer network according to claim 11, wherein this i/o controller includes an indicating device, described display is that a video monitor and described I/O peripheral equipment are a testing rod (bump bar), and wherein said distributed network road can structure as a Kitchen System (kitchen system).
13. a distributed computer network that uses with general-use computer collocation has a PORT COM and can carry out the application software that is used for controlling this networking, includes:
One master controller has first and second PORT COM, of this master controller
One PORT COM is used for operating with a general-use dataphone; And
One i/o controller has first PORT COM that is connected with this master controller operation communication, second PORT COM that is connected with a plurality of peripheral equipment serial communications.
14. distributed computer network according to claim 13 is characterized in that described a plurality of peripheral equipment is to link together with the series connection daisy chain structure.
15. distributed computer network according to claim 13 is characterized in that described master controller is connected with most i/o controller communications, described a plurality of i/o controller nationalitys are linked together by a multistation networking bus operation.
16. distributed computer network according to claim 15, it is characterized in that more including one between second PORT COM of this i/o controller and the wedge interface between the peripheral equipment, this wedge interface includes first a wedge shape PORT COM that communicates to connect in order to second PORT COM with this i/o controller, one is used for the second wedge shape PORT COM that communicates to connect with first peripheral equipment, and one is used for being connected in series with another peripheral equipment the 3rd wedge shape PORT COM that communicates to connect.
17. distributed computer network according to claim 16, it is characterized in that described wedge interface receives the data with one first tentation data form type, and described data-switching become the second tentation data form, be connected with this i/o controller communication being suitable for.
18. distributed computer network according to claim 17 is characterized in that the described second tentation data form is the keyboard data form.
19. distributed computer network according to claim 16 is characterized in that described wedge interface more includes a Port Multiplier, in order to select that above-mentioned other peripheral equipments are lost and this i/o controller communication concatenation ability.
20. distributed computer network according to claim 16, wherein this wedge interface more includes one in order to monitor this peripheral equipment bus and to control described Port Multiplier, whether this peripheral bus can be used to transmit the microprocessor of data to this i/o controller to respond, wherein this microprocessor has a storer, when this peripheral equipment bus can not be used for the data transmission, this storer was used for storing the data from peripheral equipment.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US4677997P | 1997-05-16 | 1997-05-16 | |
| US60/046,779 | 1997-05-16 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1269031A true CN1269031A (en) | 2000-10-04 |
| CN1110753C CN1110753C (en) | 2003-06-04 |
Family
ID=21945356
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN98805154A Expired - Fee Related CN1110753C (en) | 1997-05-16 | 1998-05-15 | Point-of-sale system and distributed computer network for same |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1010083A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2002510414A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1110753C (en) |
| AU (1) | AU7575098A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2289950A1 (en) |
| TW (1) | TW440772B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1998052124A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102710476A (en) * | 2012-05-15 | 2012-10-03 | 浪潮电子信息产业股份有限公司 | Multi-protocol centralized communication method for heterogeneous computer clusters |
| CN110505200A (en) * | 2019-07-09 | 2019-11-26 | 惠州市亿能电子有限公司 | A kind of multi-protocols daisy chain interface conversion chip |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002543479A (en) * | 1999-01-06 | 2002-12-17 | カタリナ マーケティング インターナショナル，インク． | Method, system, and computer readable storage medium for peripheral communication integration in a retail environment |
| US7133939B1 (en) * | 2000-11-20 | 2006-11-07 | Symbol Technologies, Inc. | Distributed-service architecture at the point of sale or service |
| JP4836925B2 (en) * | 2007-11-09 | 2011-12-14 | シャープ株式会社 | Terminal electronic device, transmission state control method of terminal electronic device, and terminal control system |
| CN106781117B (en) * | 2015-11-24 | 2020-10-02 | 富士电机株式会社 | POS (point of sale) cash register system and automatic change-giving machine control method of POS cash register system |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5465340A (en) * | 1992-01-30 | 1995-11-07 | Digital Equipment Corporation | Direct memory access controller handling exceptions during transferring multiple bytes in parallel |
| US5499384A (en) * | 1992-12-31 | 1996-03-12 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Input output control unit having dedicated paths for controlling the input and output of data between host processor and external device |
| US5644700A (en) * | 1994-10-05 | 1997-07-01 | Unisys Corporation | Method for operating redundant master I/O controllers |
| US5687393A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-11-11 | International Business Machines Corporation | System for controlling responses to requests over a data bus between a plurality of master controllers and a slave storage controller by inserting control characters |
-
1998
- 1998-05-15 JP JP54961398A patent/JP2002510414A/en active Pending
- 1998-05-15 WO PCT/US1998/010040 patent/WO1998052124A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1998-05-15 CA CA002289950A patent/CA2289950A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-05-15 AU AU75750/98A patent/AU7575098A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-05-15 CN CN98805154A patent/CN1110753C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-05-15 EP EP98923458A patent/EP1010083A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1998-07-03 TW TW87107688A patent/TW440772B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102710476A (en) * | 2012-05-15 | 2012-10-03 | 浪潮电子信息产业股份有限公司 | Multi-protocol centralized communication method for heterogeneous computer clusters |
| CN110505200A (en) * | 2019-07-09 | 2019-11-26 | 惠州市亿能电子有限公司 | A kind of multi-protocols daisy chain interface conversion chip |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU7575098A (en) | 1998-12-08 |
| EP1010083A1 (en) | 2000-06-21 |
| TW440772B (en) | 2001-06-16 |
| EP1010083A4 (en) | 2001-11-21 |
| WO1998052124A1 (en) | 1998-11-19 |
| CN1110753C (en) | 2003-06-04 |
| JP2002510414A (en) | 2002-04-02 |
| CA2289950A1 (en) | 1998-11-19 |
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