System including multiple device communications controller which coverts data received from two different customer transaction devices each using different communications protocols into a single communications protocol
US5239662A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M11/002
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a store data communications system, multiple data sources having disparate communications standards are connected with respective device interfaces of a multiple device communications controller unit. Multiple protocol controllers are coupled with the respective device interfaces and convert the data from each to a common protocol for transmission via a single telephone line. The interface units preferably can be customized to operate with various data sources, a fiber optic coupler, or a modem, or another controller unit for convenient expansion. The device interfaces preferably have snap-in assembly with the controller unit so that device interfaces customized to different standards can be inserted or replaced at any interface receptacle, the multiple protocol controllers preferably being capable of corresponding re-programming by downloading from a remote station preferably via one of the device interfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.