Point-of-sale system and distributed computer network for same
US7203728B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q20/202
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A distributed network is for use with a general purpose computer having a communications port. The network includes a master controller having first and second communications ports. The first communications port communicates with a general purpose computer. The network includes input/output controllers, having a first communications port for communicating with the master controller and a second communications port for communicating with peripheral devices. The peripheral devices are connected together in a serial daisy chain configuration. The master controller communicates with the input/output controllers via an RS-485 or Ethernet network bus. The master controller also communicates with the general purpose computer via an RS-232, USB, Ethernet, or wireless communication links. The master controller performs protocol management functions including conversion between RS-232 or Ethernet and RS-485, USB, Ethernet, or wireless protocols, error correction and detection, bus arbitration and data buffering.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.