Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Distributed data processing – Client/server
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-15
2001-08-07
Meky, Moustafa M. (Department: 2153)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Distributed data processing
Client/server
C709S201000, C709S208000, C709S209000, C710S105000, C705S016000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06272529
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to computer networks and more specifically relates to a distributed computer network suitable for use with a point-of-sale system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a point-of-sale system, a plurality of peripherals, such as cash registers, displays, credit card readers, bar code scanners and the like, need to communicate with a computer server which controls the data processing operations for the system in which these peripherals operate. While computer networks are known for use in point-of-sale systems, these computer networks typically employ standard computer components at each node in the point-of-sale system (see FIG.
1
). These systems further include a complex and costly server and hardware which employs a software network communications management system to control communications with each node in the system. Additionally, each node typically requires matching network communications software and hardware which further increases the cost of the system. This network topology, which is conventional to a standard computer data network, results in severe cost and processing overheads which burden a point-of-sale system.
In a conventional personal computer (PC)-based point-of-sale system, the number of standard input/output (I/O) ports available to accept the numerous peripheral components that may be required is clearly limited. Currently, there exist various configurations used to overcome the I/O shortage problems. However, these schemes typically require the addition of dedicated hardware, such as special port concentrator units or PC cards. These hardware additions not only increase the overall system cost but they also burden software developers, who must write special application software to address the added non-standard I/O ports without causing data contention problems created by the duplicate usage of I/O addresses and interrupt request (IRQ) numbers.
An additional problem associated with prior art point-of-sale systems is that, generally, different peripheral devices have different interface requirements. Thus, while one peripheral device may be directly connected to the computer, other devices may require a separate interface box to convert its output data to a format that is compatible with the computer. Furthermore, each input device requires a unique software identification number and interrupt for the computer to communicate with the device. This results in higher hardware costs and more physical space for each peripheral device added to the system.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the fields of point-of-sale systems and others for an alternative computer network tailored to the particular requirements of a network system.
It is, therefore, a goal of the present invention to provide an improved distributed computer network adapted for use with a network system.
It is another goal of the present invention to provide a distributed computer network that allows the connection of multiple peripheral devices with the limited number of input/output ports available.
It is yet another goal of the present invention to provide a distributed computer network that allows the connection of additional peripheral devices without shutting down the computer or reconfiguring the software, thereby reducing system down-time.
It is a further purpose of the present invention to provide a distributed computer network that eliminates the need for special hardware and/or software drivers for peripheral devices, thereby allowing more flexibility in component selection.
It is still a further purpose of the present invention to provide a distributed computer network that allows freedom of physical component placement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing needs, purposes and goals are satisfied in accordance with the present invention, which, in one embodiment provides a distributed computer network 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 (I/O) 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.
Preferably, the network includes a general purpose computer having a serial communications port. The computer is capable of running applications software for controlling a point-of-sale system. Each I/O controller unit preferably includes a limited number of peripheral device interface ports, to which one or more point-of-sale peripheral devices are operatively connected.
According to the present invention, each I/O controller is capable of supporting a plurality of peripheral devices interconnected by a serial daisy chain expansion technique which allows peripheral devices to be freely integrated with or removed from the system without the need for reconfiguring or rebooting the system. Each input peripheral device preferably includes an electronic interface, operatively connecting the input device to the serial peripheral device bus, which converts the serial data format of a particular input device into a data format compatible with the I/O controller. The interface monitors the peripheral device bus to determine when the bus is available for transmitting data and is able to selectively disconnect input devices from the bus that are located further away from the I/O controller (i.e., downstream).
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.
These and other purposes, goals and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Hoffman & Baron LLP
Logic Controls, Inc.
Meky Moustafa M.
Salad Abdullahi Elmi
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