TW440772B - Point-of-sale system and distributed computer network for same - Google Patents

Abstract

A distributed computer network is disclosed for use with a general purpose computer having a communications port and capable of running applications software for controlling the network. The distributed computer network includes a master controller having first and second communications ports, the first communications port of the master controller for operatively communicating with a general purpose computer. The distributed network further includes one or more input/output controllers, each having a first communications port for operatively communicating with the master controller and a second communications port for serially communicating with one or more peripheral devices. The peripheral devices are connected together in a serial daisy chain configuration. The master controller communicates with the input/output controllers via a multidrop RS-485 network bus. The master controller also communicates with the general purpose computer via a RS-232 serial bus, so that the master controller performs protocol management functions including conversion between RS-232 and RS-485 protocol, error correction and detection, bus arbitration and data buffering. In one embodiment, the present invention is configured as a kitchen system. In the kitchen system embodiment, one or more input/output controllers include an indicating device, such as a buzzer, or a visual or tactile indicating device. The I/O controller also includes a display, such as a video monitor. The I/O controller's Input/output peripheral device is preferably a bump bar.

Description

B7 V. Description of the Invention (/)-the present invention

Vf inventions are generally related to computer networks' and, in particular, to a decentralized computer network suitable for use with sales and point-of-sale systems. 5 Description of technology and art ^ In the point-of-sale system, 'there are many peripheral devices, such as cash registers,' displays', credit card readers, bar code scanners, etc., which need to communicate with a computer servo connection. Server H controls the data processing operations of the system when these peripheral devices are operated. However, computer networks are well-known for use in point-of-sale systems. These computer networks typically use standard computer components at each node of the point-of-sale system (see Figure 1). Some systems further include a complex and expensive server and hardware for implementing a software network communication management system to control communication connections with each node of the system. In addition, each-node typically needs to match network communication software and hardware, which increases the cost of the entire system. This network phasing (t0p0gy), which is accustomed to the standard computer data network, generates serious costs and processing expenses, which causes a burden on the point of sale system. (Printed by C. Please read the notes on the back and fill in this page.) In: X Traditional PC-based point-of-sale system, which is used to receive most peripheral components required for reception. The number of standard input / output ports is obviously limited significantly. Today, many different structures exist to overcome this shortage of input / output ports. However, these solutions typically require the addition of specialized hardware 'like special port concentrator units or% cards. These hardware add-ons not only increase the cost of the entire system, but also increase the burden on software developers. 'Software developers must write special application software, which will not cause — — Page 4 This paper Chinese National Standards (CNS) A4 Examination (by Xunfu and public works) ----- 4 4 07 7 2 A7 V. Description of the invention (2 ~ Input / output address and interrupt request (IRQ) number dual use of data conflict problem under the previous topic, Write the address of this plus non-standard input / wheel out port. Another problem related to the conventional point of sale system is that different peripheral devices have different interface requirements. Therefore, a single peripheral device can be directly connected to a computer Other peripheral devices may require a separate interface box to convert their output data into a format suitable for the computer. Furthermore, each input device requires a single software identification number and interrupts the communication between the computer and the device. This In order to generate considerable hardware costs, and each peripheral device added to the system requires more physical space. Therefore, 'there still exists in the field of point of sale system and other suitable The special requirements of the system choose the needs of the computer network. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the decentralized computer network used together with the network system. 15 Another purpose of the present invention is to provide A decentralized computer network that allows most peripherals to connect to the limited number of input / output ports available 5 10

— 装 ί --- 1- (please read the ii on the back of the page first: the matters before filling in this page)

Order — I The Central Bureau of Standards, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Pager, Consumer Cooperatives, China. Another object of the present invention is to provide a decentralized computer network that allows the connection of additional peripheral devices without the need to shut down the computer or reset the software. To reduce the system downtime, another object of the present invention is to provide a decentralized computer network that eliminates the specific hardware and / or software drivers required by peripheral devices, thereby allowing better component selection flexibility. Another object of the invention is to provide a decentralized computer circuit, which allows one to ________ Page 5 ----- β --- ί ------------- 1 44 07 7 2 A7 -------- B7 V. Description of the invention (.) ~-Freely arrange the placement of components. Abstract of the main invention (please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) In order to achieve the aforementioned needs, purposes and objectives of the present invention, one embodiment of the present invention 5 provides-a kind of decentralized computer used in conjunction with a general-purpose computer The network has-a communication port and its executable-application software used to control the network. The decentralized computer network includes a main controller with first and second communication ports, and the first-communication of the main controller Tan is used to communicate with the general purpose brain. 10 The decentralized computer network further includes one or more input / output (I / O) controllers, each of which has a communication with the main controller. The first communication port for operation and a second communication port for communication with one or more peripheral devices. These peripheral devices are connected together in a daisy wreath structure. The main controller is connected by a multi-point branch RS_458 network 15 buses communicate with the general purpose computer. The main controller also communicates with the general purpose computer through an RS-232 serial bus. Including the conversion of rS_232 and rs-485 protocols, error correction and detection, converging arbitration and data buffering. The Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Consumer Goods Cooperatives, printed the best, the network includes a communication port with General-purpose 20 computers. The computer can execute application software used to control a point-of-sale system. Each input / output unit preferably includes a limited number of peripheral device interface ports so that one or more point-of-sale peripheral devices can operate with it. According to the present invention, 'through the daisy wreath expansion technology, allows these peripheral devices to be freely integrated into the system without reforming or resetting the system. ) 8 4 threats (2H) X297 mm) ~ " 44 07 7 2 Printed by the Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and printed by the Industrial Cooperative Cooperative A7 Β7 V. Description of the invention (#) The I / O controller can supply most peripheral devices to each other. Each input peripheral device preferably includes an electronic interface 'for operating the input device to the serial peripheral device bus' to convert the serial data format of a particular input device into a suitable input / input / output controller. Data format. The interface monitors the peripheral device bus' to determine when the bus can be used to transmit data and select those input devices that are not connected to the bus, and the bus is further away from the input / output bus placement (i.e. downstream location) In one embodiment, the present invention is a kitchen system. In the embodiment of the kitchen system, one or more input / roll-out controllers include an indicating device, such as a buzzer. Or an image or tactile pointing device. The input / output controller includes a display, like a low image monitor. The input / output peripheral device of the input / output controller is preferably an impact rod. 15 These of the invention Or other purposes, objectives and advantages will become clearer from the embodiments described later along with detailed descriptions of the drawings related to it. Detailed Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a block 20 of a conventional computer network based on a personal computer. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a master controller of a decentralized computer network phase science formed according to the present invention. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a master controller formed according to the present invention. Block diagram of the main control circuit 〇-page 7 No. The wave ruler uses the Chinese national standard (CNS) from the threat (21〇χ Norwegian mm -'--------- I equipment 丨 ^ --- ---- Order ----, --- Spicy C, please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) 440772 Printed bags A7 B7 of the Consumer Cooperatives of the Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 5. Description of the invention (5) Picture 4 The circuit diagram of the exemplary main control circuit formed according to the present invention 'and its block diagram depicted in Fig. 3e Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a wheel-in / output controller circuit formed according to the present invention. 5 Section 6 The diagram is a circuit diagram of an exemplary input / output controller circuit formed according to the present invention, and it is depicted by the block diagram of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a point of sale system formed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A block diagram of an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram 10 of a conventional point-of-sale device interactive connection and installation. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a phase-sequence interactive connection of peripheral devices of the point of sale formed according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a wedge-shaped interface device formed according to the present invention, which is related to A point of sale peripheral equipment is integrated. 15 Figure 11 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary wedge-shaped interface circuit formed according to the present invention, which is depicted by the block diagram of Figure 8. Figure 12 is formed according to the present invention A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an I / O controller node, which includes an I / O controller and related point of sale peripheral equipment. 20 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment A typical conventional decentralized computer shown in FIG. 1 Network, which has a plurality of personal computer (PC) workstations directly connected to a personal computer network server through a shared data bus. With this topology, page 8 this paper standard applies to the Chinese national ladder Standard (CNS > A4 specifications (210X297 male splash > --------- 丨 install ---.--- order ----, I, line (please read the precautions on the back before filling (This page) Printed by the Consumer Standards Cooperative of the Central Bureau of Standards of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 440772 A7 r ---- 5L___ 5. Explanation of the invention (6) The related disadvantages have been discussed previously. Figure 2 generally illustrates a block diagram of a decentralized computer network formed in accordance with the present invention. Referring to Figure 2, the computer network includes a conventional computer network server 2 for executing application software that controls the entire system. The server 2 is best able to cooperate with the traditional 5 [winner is made by IBM or its equivalent. The server 2 communicates with a decentralized network through an i-serial communication port. It is better to integrate an RS-232 port to the server 2. The decentralized computer network of the present invention further includes a main controller 4 /, preferably a hardware base. The main controller 4 is used as a contact point of the interface 10 of the decentralized computer network to communicate with the server 2 and receive instructions from the server 2. It is best that the main controller 4 uses an RS-232 The communication cable is connected to the server 2. The main controller preferably converts the received serial communication from the server 2 into a multipoint branch line communication protocol, and more preferably an RS-485 protocol for distribution along the network. On the other hand, other serial communication formats already familiar to the 15 artists are used in the main controller 4 to convert the serial protocol used for communication connection with the server 2 to use with the computer network Agreement on communication connection with other nodes. The main controller 4 further performs protocol management functions including error detection / correction, data converging arbitration, data buffering, and hardware peripheral drivers. By using the functions in these main controllers 4 instead of the server 2, the server 2 relieves the burdensome communication network control work 'and therefore can operate in a faster and more efficient state. Such use is close to an RS-485 system, for example, a serial data communication or a data rate of 1, 15 200 baud or higher can be achieved. The paper size of the 9th edition of this paper applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 rule "Grid (210X297 mm) I 1 I —I 1 1 ΊΙ I Jf i IIT — I Green (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page ) Α7 Β7 Printed by the Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Consumer Cooperatives. V. Description of the Invention (;?) Refer to the block diagram in Figure 3 'A preferred embodiment of the main controller 4 includes a main control processor. 8, a server communication port 10 and a network communication port 12. The main control processor 8 performs most of the above-mentioned agreement administrative tasks, including data communication control between the server communication bee 10 and the network communication link 5 1 2. The server communication port 10 provides an interface between the server 2 and the main control processor 8. As mentioned before, even if other similar data communication protocols can be expected to be achieved, the server communication port 10 preferably exchanges data with the server 2 through a serial RS-232 communication cable. The network communication port 12 similarly provides an interface between the main controller 8 and the multidrop branch network, preferably an RS-4 8 5 bus. A circuit diagram of an exemplary main controller circuit 4 formed in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. The circuit includes a microprocessor 14 connected to a programmable read-only memory (PROM) 18, a random access memory (RAM) 16 and related peripheral components. The main control processor 8 makes the . Preferably, 'The PROM 18 is a 512K electronic erasable PR0m (EEPROM)' like an industrial component number 29EE512 or equivalent, and it uses a common address and data bus to communicate with the microprocessing The device 14 is operatively connected. The EEPR0M 18 stores application program instructions executed by the microprocessor 14 and is the best programmable environment to help the system upgrade β. Furthermore, the random access memory module 16 is preferably a 256K static A random access memory, such as SONY company component number CXK58257AM or its equivalent, is preferably connected to the microprocessor 14 in a similar manner to provide data storage and retrieval space. For those who are familiar with many microprocessor circuits and structures, it is quite clear that the minutiae suitable for the use of the present invention are 10 15 20 and 101. The paper size is common Chinese national standard (CNS specification {210x297 mm f pack 丨^ ------- Order --r--! Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs

4 4 077 P A7 ---------- B7 V. Description of the invention (8) The processor circuit is a technology that can be implemented and is quite familiar / for example Moharaed

Textbook Mlc-rPRjlcece_ssor and Microprocessor-Base System Design written by Rafiquzzaman (CRC, Du, AD 910), provides a detailed discussion of various microprocessor circuits and phase science 5 The main control circuit 4 includes a string The serial RS-232 transceiver 20 is like the component number of the company MAX MAX232 or its equivalent function, which is used as the server communication unit 10 of the main controller unit. The RS_232 transceiver 20 is operatively connected to the microprocessor 14 and provides a data exchange interface between the server and the microprocessor 14. Furthermore, a multi-drop branch line RS_485 10 transceiver 22, such as Maxil0Products company's component number ΜAX49ΙΣ or its equivalent function / network communication port 1 used as the main controller unit is few. The RS-485 transceiver 22 is connected to the microprocessor 4 / 'in a similar manner and provides an interface between the multi-drop branch network bus and the microprocessor M. 15 Optimally, the main controller circuit 4 includes a built-in power supply 21. The power supply 21 preferably provides a rectified DC power supply to meet the needs of the main controller circuit 14 & It is worth noting that the power supply 21 can provide power to the main controller 4 Other system components connected to one of communication ports 1 & 12 can reduce the number of external power supplies 20 required. Referring to FIG. 2 here, the decentralized computer network of the present invention further includes one or more input / output (I / O) controller nodes 6 ,. Preferably, the input / output controller node 6 is connected to each other through a multi-point branch line anti-485 communication connection line, and the data input and data output are connected to each other. The standard on page 11 applies Chinese national standards (CNS ) Eight 4 (210X297 mm) --- Pack ^ Order ^ ------ Grade (please read the note on the back before filling this page)

44 07 7 P —- A7 -_____ B7 V. Description of the invention (7 ~~ · ---- Cheng-㈣ chain. On the other hand, other network phasics that are familiar to those skilled in the art can also be used to provide Each data input and output controller node 6 and the main controller 4 are interactively connected to each other. ---------—— 装 ---- ^ --- Order ---- Ί-, line (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Please refer to Figure 5 for a block diagram showing a 5 input / output controller 6-a preferred embodiment formed according to the present invention. The input and output control The device 6 preferably performs a local network management function, including receiving and transmitting data between the multidrop branch network bus and the peripheral devices, and transmitting by the application software to the commands controlled by the peripheral devices. Fortunately, the input / output controller 6 includes a hardware interface 32 for communication connection with the 10 RS-485 bus. 32 / The input / output control device 6 of the central government bureau of the Ministry of Economy staff consumer cooperative prints 6 There is an input / output (I / O) node processor 30 for performing the functions of the input / output controller 6. Optimally The input / output controller 6 includes a limited peripheral device interface, including a keyboard interface 24, an image display interface 26, and a serial communication input / output interface 28. The 15 input / output node processor 30 preferably passes the _ The column input / output interface 28 and / or the keyboard interface 24 are communicatively connected to the aforementioned peripheral devices of the point of sale ^ Furthermore, the input / output controller preferably includes an indicator 31. The indicator 31 may be a light display device (for example Light) _ (such as a clock or buzzer) or a haptic device (such as a vibrating element) to indicate that 20 has received data from the main controller. Because the peripheral equipment at the point of sale includes integrated control of itself Therefore, the input / output node processor 30 of the round-in / output controller 6 only needs to include sufficient capabilities to perform network interface functions and peripheral communication control functions. This significantly reduces the input / output node. The 121st processor of the processor is applicable to the national standard (CNS) A4 (2 丨 0X297mm) / 44077 2 A7 B7 of the Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed 5. The processing burden of the invention description (AO) 30 and allows the design of these components to be simplified. Ί The circuit diagram of an exemplary input / output controller circuit as shown in FIG. 6 formed according to the present invention is worthy of attention here. It is to be understood that suitable input / output controller circuits for use with the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art, so 'the in-depth discussion of this input / output controller circuit will not be repeated here. Figure 6 Shown is an embodiment of a point-of-sale system formed according to the present invention./This system has a point-of-sale peripheral device attached to each input / output controller 6 as shown in the figure / actual The system shown in Figure 2 is an example of the point-of-sale system shown in Figure 6 / Figure 6 / suitable for use in a meal or similar food store. It has been sold under the trade name of IBM Kitchen System by IBM Corporation before welding. ) "For commercial sale. The kitchen system is a completely open system. It can be easily used. 15--232 port to attach any personal computer-based computer connection is widely included in the IBM kitchen system. One is a main controller and one or more input / wheel-out units. 7 Attached to each input / output unit is a "bump bar" / which is preferably connected directly to one of the input / wheel-out units. The impact stick is used as a special keyboard device, which can provide a code to move (impact) the item previously displayed on the image monitor ^ The image display is preferably a VGA or super VGA monitor or equivalent /, Which is directly connected to the image of the input / output unit. The mill system provides sixteen input / wheel-out units / and each input / output unit supports an impact rod and an image monitor. {An external power supply provider 1 1 I- n in I — private clothing J (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page)-,? R

• ϋ— 4 4 077 2 A7 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Central Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. 5. Description of Invention (//) Meets the power requirements of the point of sale system. The operation of the input / output unit to control the input is the best environmental control, which can upgrade the system and enhance the system's plasticity. = In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each input / output controller is preferably capable of supporting most peripheral devices at the point of sale by using a universal code cable and peripheral expansion technology. The peripheral device expansion technology is described and described in US Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 011,461 filed on January 26, 1993 by the same inventor (now abandoned). The previous application is for reference only. See "Monthly Reference No. 7 ®", which shows a conventional technology system where a point of sale is connected to a personal computer (PC) workstation (see Figure 1). Using this technology, each peripheral device needs a separate interface card. Therefore, the number of devices supported by a particular personal computer workstation is limited by the number of available slots in that workstation to receive interface cards. In addition, adding or removing an interface card requires partial disassembly of the computer, resetting the software, and restarting the system, thereby increasing the downtime of the system. In FIG. 8, according to one of the peripheral expansion technologies shown in the present invention, the input peripheral device 40 (such as a bar code reader, a point of sale control, 'electronic chip scale' magnetic strip reader, etc.) is preferably The keyboard cock 34 connected to the input / output controller 6 in a daisy wreath structure, and the output peripheral f 38 (such as a pole display, video monitor, printer, etc.) are preferably connected to the input / output control.器 6 的 串 tical port 36. Furthermore, only two input / output bees named keyboard port 36 and serial port 38 are used to support many peripheral devices. The input peripheral device can be easily connected or connected on page 14 5 10 20 _____ _ ____ Brother 14 Negative Table Paper Scale Suitable for Finance% (⑽) -------- IT ------- ^ (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) ^ 44 07 7 2 A7 B7 Printed by the Employees' Cooperative of the Central Ramp Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 5. Description of the invention (4) Disconnect the corresponding cables to integrate with the system freely Or removed by the system. In the keyboard chain of this device, an RS-232 input eight peripheral device 40 (or other peripheral device that does not need to output data in keyboard format) can best use a smart keyboard wedge interface to cooperate with the point of sale system. The 5-keyboard wedge-shaped interface converts the serial data format of the input device 40 into a standard keyboard data format. Generally speaking, the actual location of the input peripheral device is not critical. However, <Because the traditional 101-key computer keyboard does not have a wedge-shaped interface (Because its input is already in the standard keyboard data format> / It is best connected as the last component of such a device chain./ The wedge interface 10 can be part of the device's network connection (that is, external to the input Peripheral device 40) | Or it can be optionally integrated into the input device 40, as shown in Fig. 9 1 Please refer to Fig. 9 f. The wedge-shaped interface circuit includes a pair of switches 42 and an interface control Circuit 44γ The switch 42 may be in a pass 15-through state (not set) or may be in a transmission state / when an input peripheral device 40 has no data to use During transmission, the switch 42 will be in the absence of a trip state (as shown in Figure 9) 丨 as its name suggests, / an input device 40 is combined with the switch 42 in the trip state / basically as a The conduit for the free flow of data is used to allow other input peripheral devices to communicate directly with the input / output controller. When the switch 42 is in the transmission state / all with the specific input device 40 (such as those The downstream device that is further away from the connected input / output controller in the keyboard daisy wreath) is selected to be separated from the data bus / and the input device 40 cannot communicate with the input / output controller /

The 15S paper size applies to the national standard of the country (CNS &gt; A4 size (2iOX29? Mm) I ---------- install-- (please read the precautions on the back first and fill in this page) )

1T 4407 7 2 A7 B7 Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Central Standard Vehicle Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 5. Description of the invention (d) If an input peripheral device 40 has data transmitted to the input / output controller, the production interface will first monitor the data The status of data transmission on the bus to determine whether another input device can immediately communicate with the input / output controller. Preferably / at a given time / only one input device 40 can be communicatively connected to the input / output controller / so avoiding the possibility of a streamline contention issue. Therefore, when the —round-in equipment is in communication with the output controller, all other in-line equipment will look at the bus and maintain their jump-through structure. ^ Forget it. 丨 Regardless of whether there is any data to be transmitted. J When the bus is used for transmission (for example, an empty slot in the test section) |, the interface control circuit 44 of the input peripheral device 40 changes the state of the switch 42 '[so that these downstream inputs are damaged by The data bus is electrically separated 'thereby allowing the input device 40 to transmit its data to the input / output controller f once transmitting its data / such upstream input devices (such as those connected in series with a keyboard daisy) The peripheral device in the flower shape that is very close to the input / wheel-out controller) monitors the bus and maintains its trip state / After the input device 40 completes its data transfer, the interface control circuit 40 changes the The state of the switch 42 returns to the default trip state. / If an input peripheral device 40 has data to be transmitted to the input / output controller and the bus is busy, / the interface control circuit 44 will preferably store the data from the Data of the input device 40 / for example, using memory 丨 until the short-term idle on the bus is detected, but when the bus is ready for use, the stored data from the interface control circuit 44 is then used to The described embodiment is supplied to the wheel into the I / O controller /. If an input device is 40 packs, 5 10 15 20, 161th, this paper size applies to the Chinese national standard (CNS &gt; A4 size (210X 297)) -¾ -------- 1T ------- -Grade (please read the notes on the back before filling this page) 2 A7 B7 Ministry of Economic Affairs 4 * Printed by the Central Bureau of Quasi-Bureau Consumer Cooperatives V. Invention Description (/ β) Includes many interfaces, each one The interface will preferably store its data independently and monitor the data bus until the bus is not occupied and / or each interface will take turns transmitting his stored data, preferably the keyboard wedge interface performs its reception from the input The data f of the peripheral device 40 is for example rs-232 format; it is converted into a standard keyboard data format. This method / all peripheral devices will be controlled in a suitable data format (eg keyboard data format) with the input / output control. Communication interface. This eliminates the need for an I / O controller to have multiple interface cards) and each data format requires its own interface card /. When the noodle circuit is not in communication with the I / O controller, it is better to monitor and record all actions between the keyboard and the I / O controller. For example, if the "Caps Lock" key When pressed, /, the interface circuit will perform the appropriate data set conversion, such as the input / output controller receives correction characters from the input peripheral device at any time. 7 If the standard is used or not properly When the function is executed ^ The interface circuit is also commanded, and supports two-way communication with the I / O controller / This allows the I / O controller to be used &lt; even when the standard keyboard and / or input peripherals have not been installed γ will not generate a "Keyboard Error" interrupt signal / The wedge interface circuit may form an external unit γ and preferably can be integrated with the surrounding Hanbei Line 丨 This peep line will allow standards (ie, not yet (Captured) Peripheral equipment at the point of sale does not need to output data in a standard keyboard format and does not need to have a built-in wedge interface One system cost, one formed according to the present invention 5 10 15 20 The first top --------- i — (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Application system for off-duty consumer cooperatives 44 07 7 2 A7 _______B7_____ V. Description of the invention (/ factory) Exemplary external wedge-shaped interface circuit is illustrated in the circuit diagram in Figure 10 / as shown in Figure 10 / The interface circuit includes a Operate the connector 50 that connects the interface circuit to the output of an input peripheral device. The connector 50 is preferably a 25_pin DB25 connector / &gt; The circuit further includes a microprocessor or 5 a microcontroller 54, For example, an 80C51 microcontroller or an equivalent function / 7 is used to perform the aforementioned required data format conversion and bus control functions. The power of the interface circuit of Fig. 9 can be connected via the lg of the connector 50. Pin Y or / on the other hand, external power can be supplied through the connector: Gan 4 steam supply. The wedge interface circuit is connected between the keyboard and the top 10 devices in the daisy ring (connectors 60 and 62 are preferably keyboard types Connector〆Lu; 矣 5-PIN DIN connector or equivalent Connector 60 preferably receives data from downstream input peripherals connected to it./Connector 62 preferably outputs data directly from an adjacent downstream peripheral via connector 60 (for example, when the interface is in a trip state) / or It is after the 15 data has been converted by the microcontroller 54 (for example, the interface is in the transmission state) to output data. Regardless of the state of the interface circuit, the data output from the connector 62 will be recorded and suitable for connection. The format status of the input / output controller port of the peripheral device circuit /. It is worth noting here that, if the interface circuit is internally integrated into the input peripheral device / connector, 20 can be removed 7 and from the The input device information will preferably appear directly on the microcontroller 54. / Before the microcontroller 54 is provided, the data signal from the input peripheral device must first be converted by a conversion circuit, preferably with a general-purpose transistor 52? The microcontroller 52 is preferably constructed to accept—the larger first paper size is subject to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (2 丨 〇297mm--1 -------- install- (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) Order printed by the Central Bureau of Quasi-Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by Shellfish Consumer Cooperative 440772 A7 ------- ^ _____ V. Description of Invention (, RS-232 Agreement Parameters and to manipulate many attributes / such as those commanded by the group of switches 56 operatively connected to the microcontroller 54; the switch 56 is preferably a double-row standard pin (DIP) switch group that operates together with communication parameters such as y 'For example, baud rate / data / number of stop bits and parity selection (on or off) ^ 5 It can be set by the switch 56. / best' / forming the input peripherals connected to each other in the point of sale system The clock and data lines of the bus are connected to a pair of commercial analog multiplexers or switches 58. Each analog switch 58 has a control input and is ideally used as a single-pole single-throw mechanical switch. The signal at the control input 10 is preferably a two-bit logic signal (such as 0 or 5 volts) It controls whether the switch is in an open or closed circuit state &lt; connects the microcontroller 54 to one of the control inputs of the analog switch 58. The switch control line 56 allows the microcontroller 54 to be turned on or off simultaneously under program control. Wait for the switch 58. 15 It is better that the microcontroller 54 preferably generates a correct logic signal on the switch control line 66 'The switch control line 66 maintains the switches in a closed state / when the analog switch 58 is closed / the The interface circuit is constructed as a jump-through device, thereby allowing a downstream peripheral device connected by the connector 60 to communicate with the input / output controller (ie, the 20 clocks of the connectors 60 and 62 and The data lines are separately operated and connected together) / when the analog switch 58 is open, the device is connected to the connector 60 and becomes electrically separated from the busbar f and the microcontroller 54 and the input / output controller Communication between them can begin through the connector 62, and the microcontroller 54 preferably monitors the clock line from the connector 60 / to determine whether the bus is used or not, and accordingly is the first required paper size Applicable Chinese national standard (CNS) 8 4 gauge pan (2 丨 0X297mm) --------- 1itch ---- ^ --- Order ---- ^^ (Please read the notes on the back before filling (This page) 77 2 A7 B7 '____ V. Description of the invention (/ 7 ^)

Correctly determine what state the analog switch 58 should be in (meaning Λ the trip state or the transmission state) T It is worth noting here that any type of edge-to-edge device can properly select the connector 50 and the conversion circuit And the processor 5 executed on the microcontroller 54 is connected to the microcontroller 54. /Supply%•Fang..7 However, the peripheral output data is converted into the standard keyboard data format. The devices can be connected together. When another peripheral is operating / the remaining peripherals can simply pass through the input / output controller without interference. / This is especially helpful for system expansion. / 10 Refer to FIG. 12 and FIG. A, which shows a preferred round-in / out controller node formed according to the present invention. The round-in / out controller node preferably includes an input / output controller 6 /, and the input. / The output controller 6 is connected with a cathode ray tube display or monitor on its serial communication port. 38 / The input / output controller 6 further includes a keyboard 珲 34 y and most of them are sold at 15 o'clock in a daisy wreath arrangement. Connected to the keyboard 槔 34 / Typical point of sale peripheral equipment for use in the present invention includes a code reader 70 / a point of sale control pad 72 (— magnetic stripe reader 74 γ — electronic fragment scale 76 and a standard Computer keyboard 78. (As shown in Figure 12, the / point of sale system does not start outputting data in a standard keyboard data format (for example; the bar code reader 70 or electronic 20 pounds weighs 76 y and its most borrowed Smart wedge interface cables 80 and 82 are connected to the daisy garland bus. These interface cables 80 and 80 are best to receive and convert the non-standard data format into a standard keyboard data roll-out format (or other suitable Data format) as described previously Communication with the input / output controller 6 fiber ____ mm, 〇 x 297 / Av ^ _y ----------- installation-^ --------------------- -Mu (please read the notes on the back before filling this page) printed by the Central Laboratories of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, male workers' consumer cooperatives id〇7f2 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (/ teeth) 6 Communication connection / The main controller 4 will preferably attach identification information to receive data from the server 2 (refer to Section 2) / for example, add a header or equivalent identification tag to the data The on / the identification message is preferably a specific peripheral device to 5 to distinguish γ to facilitate receiving the transmission instruction or data./Each input / output controller 6 is connected to the network bus and receives from the main control The data string of the device 4, and then each input / output controller 6 analyzes the message header related to the transmitted data / if the message header includes an identification message r whose identification information matches an independent input / output controller 6, then The specific input 10 input / output controller 6 will pass the data mapping to the peripheral devices connected to it. The main controller 4 and the input / output controller 6 are described as a separate device. However, it is worth noting here that the main controller 4 is integrated into the server 2 or the input / output controller 6 and The integration of related system peripherals 15 should be expected to be within the scope of the present invention / The computer decentralized network formed according to the present invention is particularly suitable for use with a point of sale system. The computer decentralized network of the present invention allows substantial Unlimited peripheral device connection without reducing the usability of the input / output port. Printed by the Consumer Procurement Cooperative of the Central Procurement Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs ^ (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) • 4, The decentralized computer network allows the peripheral devices to be connected / detached without the need to disassemble / reset / restart the system V, thereby reducing the system's downtime. "However, it is easy to understand that the present invention should not be limited by those specific examples" and various other changes or sharpening of a one-page paper rule that those skilled in the art can make. Applicable to China National Standards (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) * 44077 2 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (/ f) can not deviate from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 5 ο 1Α (Read the precautions on the back before filling this page).

* 1T Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs ο 2 outlines This paper size applies to China National Standards (CNS) Α4 specifications (210 X 2W mm)

Claims (1)

Production 44077 2 A8 B8 C8 --------- D8 VI. Patent Application ^ '' 1 · A decentralized computer network used with a general-purpose computer / has a communication port and can be used for one purpose The application software to control the network includes: 丨 a main controller y has first and second communication ports 之 the first of the main controller 5-the communication port is used to communicate with a general-purpose computer Input / output controller /, having first and second communication ports / the first communication port of the input / output controller is in communication with the first communication port of the main controller, and the first / second of the input / output controller The two communication ports are widely used for communication with a peripheral device. 10 2 · The decentralized computer network as described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the main controller communicates with a plurality of input / output controllers A The input / wheel-out controllers are connected by a multi-drop branch network Road bus operations are connected together. 3. The decentralized computer network as described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, where the second communication port of the input 15 input / output controller communicates with a plurality of peripheral devices, and these peripheral devices are connected by a serial daisy wreath The structural operation is connected together 'the daisy garland forms a peripheral bus bar. Printed by the Consumers' Cooperatives of the Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs III --- ^ --- Install --r ---- 1-Order (please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) 4. The decentralized computer network described in 3) further includes a wedge-shaped interface between the second communication port of the input / output controller and a peripheral device / the wedge-shaped interface includes a The first wedge-shaped communication of the second communication port of the output controller for communication. Tan Yayi used the second wedge-shaped communication of a communication connection with a first peripheral device? And a third wedge-shaped communication port for serial communication with another peripheral device. "______ Miscellaneous_ This paper ruler and the applicable Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 gauge (210X297 mm) &quot; ------- Printed by the Shellfish Consumer Cooperative, Central Bureau of Standards, Ministry of Economic Affairs 4 007 7 2 A8 B8 C8-~ ^ _________ D8 &amp; 'Applicant's patent scope 5. The decentralized computer network as described in item 4 of the patent application scope / medium-sized interface receives data in the form of a first predetermined data format / and The data is converted into a second predetermined data format "to be suitable for communication connection with the input / output controller / 6. The decentralized computer network as described in item 5 of the scope of patent application 7 wherein the second predetermined data format is a keyboard Data format 7 7. The decentralized computer network described in item 4 of the scope of patent application /, wherein the wedge-shaped interface further includes a multiplexer / for selecting the other peripheral devices to be lost and the input / output controller Communication connection capability / ° The decentralized computer network described in item 7 of the patent application scope / wherein the wedge-shaped interface further includes a microprocessor for monitoring the peripheral device bus and controlling the multiplexer, /, in response Whether the peripheral equipment should The bank is used to transmit data to the input / roll-out controller / wherein the microprocessor has a memory. When the peripheral device bus is not used for data transmission, the 3 memory is used to store data from the peripheral device. a 9. A decentralized computer network used with a general-purpose computer * has a communication port and can execute an application software for controlling the network ^, including / a main controller, / has a first and The second communication port / the first communication port of the main controller 20 is used to communicate with a general-purpose computer for operation / f and—input / output controller, r has a first communication connection with a multipoint branch bus operation operation. Communication port: a second communication port that is in communication with a display and / or a third communication port that is in communication with an input / output peripheral device. The woven paper is also compatible with the China National Winter Standard (CNS) A4 specification (2丨 〇X has four public directors), equipment, -1T „—. ^. (Please read the notes on the back # .Fill in this page first) 440772 A3 B8 C8 D8 The scope of patent application 15 Industrial and consumer cooperation Printed 20 10, a decentralized computer network as described in item 9 of the scope of the patent application, where the decentralized network includes a plurality of input / output controllers, and the round-robin / output controllers use a common multidrop branch line. The network bus control operations are connected together, and the multi-drop branch bus is used to connect to the main controller. Γ i 11 · According to the decentralized computer network as described in item 10 of the scope of patent application, where The point branch network bus is an RS-485 bus, and / or the main controller communicates with the general-purpose computer through an RS-232 serial bus / * whereby the main controller performs protocol management functions , Including conversion of rs_232 and RS-485 protocols, ^ error correction and detection /, convergent arbitration and data buffering 6 12. The decentralized computer network as described in item 11 of the scope of patent application, where the input / output The controller includes an indicating device. The display is an image monitor and the input / output peripheral device is a bump bar. The decentralized network can be constructed as a kitchen system. / 13, A decentralized computer network user used with a general-purpose computer has a communication port and can execute an application used to control the network. Soft mold includes a main controller with first and second The communication bee / the first communication port of the main controller is used for communication operation with a general-purpose computer ^ and an input / output controller / has a first communication port which is in communication communication with the main controller /, and one The second communication port y is connected by serial communication (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) 21 OX 297 mm) Printed on A8 BB C8 D8 by Huanggong Consumer Cooperative of Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 6. Scope of patent application 14. The decentralized computer network as described in item 13 of the scope of patent application / where these peripheral devices are Connected together in a daisy-like wreath structure / 15_ The decentralized computer network described in item 13 of the scope of patent application /, where the main controller communicates with a plurality of input / output controllers / these 5 inputs / outputs The controllers are connected together through a multi-drop branch network bus operation. The decentralized computer network described in item 15 of the patent application scope further includes a second communication port between the input / output controllers. Wedge-shaped interface with a peripheral device. The wedge-shaped interface includes a first wedge-shaped communication port for communicating with the second communication port of the 10 I / O controller. One for communicating with a first peripheral device. The second wedge-shaped communication port f and the third wedge-shaped communication port which are connected in series with another peripheral device for communication communication. 17. A decentralized computer network as described in item 16 of the scope of patent application. The graphic interface receives data in the form of a first predetermined data format, and converts the data into a second predetermined data format, suitable for communication with the input / output controller, as described in item 17 of the patent scope Decentralized computer network /, wherein the second predetermined data format is a keyboard data format. 20 19. In the decentralized computer network described in item 16 of the scope of patent application, the wedge-shaped interface further includes a multiplexer; it is used to select a peripheral device that has lost its ability to communicate with the wheeler. 20. The decentralized computer network as described in item 19 of the scope of patent application; wherein the wedge-shaped interface further includes-for monitoring the peripheral devices, HSBC I-I — ^ 1 —1— II II -I— 111 — I 1 _ II— ___ (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) (cns) # 4077 ^ A8 B3 C8 D8 __ VI. Apply for a patent for the microprocessor of the multiplexer to respond to whether it should The peripheral device bus is used to transmit data to the input / output controller, where the microprocessor has a memory, and the memory is used to store data from the peripheral device bus when it is not used for data transmission. Peripheral overseas Chinese information 5 / l · — — ^ 1 1 ^ 1 ^^ 1 — ^ 1 -II-i ^ 1-1 Λ--I ^^ 1, —i-I.. (Please read the first (Note f, please fill in this page) Printed by the Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Consumer Cooperatives ___ 1 ^ 81 ______ This paper is in Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 format (210X297 mm) '~