Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Generic control system – apparatus or process – Sequential or selective
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-13
2004-03-02
Starks, Jr., Wilbert L. (Department: 2127)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Generic control system, apparatus or process
Sequential or selective
C235S002000, C705S016000, C705S021000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06701192
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to retail terminal systems and, more particularly, to a wiring hub for retail terminal systems.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Electronic systems known as point-of-sale (POS) retail terminals are used extensively in retail businesses for consummating the purchase of goods and/or services by a consumer. Various types of POS retail terminals are in use such as check-out stations and kiosks, both self-service and clerk/operator assisted. These POS retail terminals are essentially functionally and structurally identical. In
FIG. 1
there is shown a prior art POS retail terminal system generally designated
10
. The prior art POS retail terminal system
10
as shown in
FIG. 1
is exemplary of prior art POS retail terminal systems in general in order to explain the current state of retail terminal system configuration.
The retail terminal system
10
includes a main processing unit/terminal
12
that is coupled to a source of electricity via a power cord
44
and to a network, such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or the like (not shown), via a network cable
46
. A display
13
may be optionally provided as well as an input device
17
(i.e. a keyboard). The retail terminal system
10
also typically includes a POS keyboard
14
to allow alphanumeric input to the main processing unit/terminal
12
via a keyboard communication cable
16
. The keyboard communication cable
16
is coupled to and in communication with the main processing unit/terminal
12
via a suitable keyboard connector (not shown) associated with the main processing unit/terminal
12
. A customer display
18
is also typically provided to allow the display of data/information to the customer during the particular transaction. Such data/information for the display
18
is received from the main processing unit/terminal
12
via a display communication/data cable
20
. The display communication cable
20
is coupled to and in communication with the main processing unit/terminal
12
via a suitable display connector (not shown) associated with the main processing unit/terminal
12
. The keyboard cable
16
and the display cable
20
each comprise a plurality (bundle) of separate wires surrounded by a fairly inflexible sheath.
The retail terminal system
10
may further include a scanner
26
to read bar codes such as universal product code (UPC) labels and other scan-readable coding from various products/merchandise being purchased, coupons, and the like. The scanner is coupled to and in communication with the main processing unit/terminal
12
via a scanner communication cable
28
. The scanner communication cable
28
is connected to the main processing unit/terminal
12
via a scanner connector (not shown). The scanner
26
further includes a scanner power cord
30
adapted to be coupled to an electricity outlet (not shown) for supplying electricity to the scanner
26
.
The retail terminal
10
still further may include a POS printer
32
that is operable to print receipts and or the like. The POS printer
32
is coupled to and in communication with the main processing unit/terminal
12
via a POS printer communication cable
34
. The POS printer communication cable
34
is coupled to the main processing unit/terminal
12
via a POS printer connector (not shown). The POS printer
32
further includes a POS printer power cord
36
adapted to be coupled to an electricity outlet (not shown) for supplying electricity to the POS printer
32
.
The retail terminal
10
even further may include a coupon printer
38
that is operable to print coupons and or the like. The coupon printer
38
is coupled to and in communication with the main processing unit/terminal
12
via a coupon printer communication cable
40
. The coupon printer communication cable
40
is coupled to the main processing unit/terminal
12
via a coupon printer connector (not shown). The coupon printer
38
further includes a coupon printer power cord
42
adapted to be coupled to an electricity outlet (not shown) for supplying electricity to the coupon printer
38
.
The various communication cables each comprise a plurality (bundle) of separate wires surrounded by a fairly inflexible sheath. The various power cords are standard power cords. It is evident from the foregoing that the prior art retail terminal system
10
includes a plethora of cords and cables that must be routed from the various peripherals to the main processing unit/terminal
12
. As well, the main processing unit/terminal
12
includes various cables and/or cords.
A challenge facing users of retail terminal systems such as that shown in
FIG. 1
, is the tremendous amount of wiring that must be routed and attached between the main processing unit/terminal
12
and the various peripherals. In addition, it is necessary to separately route the power cords of each peripheral to an electricity outlet. Thus, in typical retail terminal systems there are a number of wires/cables to route, attach, and then try to conceal from the customer due to appearances and safety concerns. Retailers prefer to hide cabling both to improve the appearance of the premises, to prevent tampering or inadvertent damage, and/or safety concerns.
In current typical retail terminal systems, as shown in
FIG. 1
, virtually all of the cables terminate at the main processing unit/terminal where there are many I/O connectors, power jacks, and expansion slots. With the compact design of most modern checkout stands or retail furniture, it can be very difficult to route the many cables from their respective peripheral to the main processing unit/terminal as they must often pass through small mounts, hard to reach holes and crevices, and then be plugged into cramped connector panels—often in the most inaccessible area of the main processing unit/terminal.
Further complicating the wiring is the fact that many of the electronics of the terminal are now integrated with the main display unit. Instead of routing cables to an electronics box which is located on or in a counter top, all of these cables must be routed to a display, which is often elevated and/or in plain view of the customer.
It is thus desirable to minimize the amount of wiring between various peripherals and a main unit of a retail terminal system.
It is also desirable to consolidate the wiring between various peripherals and a main unit of a retail terminal system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a wiring hub for a retail terminal system that provides an interface between a main terminal of the retail terminal system and a plurality of associated peripherals such that the amount of wiring necessary between the main terminal and the plurality of peripherals is reduced. The wiring hub includes a plethora of power and communication ports for both the main terminal and the plurality of peripherals. A network connection is also provided for the main terminal.
The wiring hub is coupled to a source of electricity and includes circuitry to distribute the electricity in the same form as received and/or in a converted form suitable for use by the plurality of peripherals. Also included is circuitry for converting communication protocols of the plurality of peripherals to a communication protocol utilized by the main terminal. The main terminal is coupled to the wiring hub via one or two cables carrying power, peripheral communications and network data. Each peripheral includes a single cable supporting communication and power, if necessary. The present invention is thus a self-contained enclosure providing a plethora of functions, and is specifically provided for retail or self-service terminals.
In one form, the present invention is a retail terminal system having a main unit, a plurality of peripherals, and a wiring hub. The wiring hub includes a variety of features including a chassis carrying a plurality of AC electricity outlets and in communication with a source of AC electricity. A power supply, in communication with the source of AC electricity, is adapted to provide DC ele
Hartmgn, Jr. Ronald D
Maginot Moore & Beck LLP
Martin Paul W.
NCR Corporation
Starks, Jr. Wilbert L.
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