Method and apparatus for converting a printer firmware download port to a communicatons port
US8085418B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/42
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for converting a firmware download port on a printer to a communications port are provided. The apparatus includes a printed circuit board arrangement connected to the firmware download port of the printer. A secondary communications port is provided on the printed circuit board arrangement for enabling communications between the printer and a central system controller. The printer may include one or more primary communications ports. Each of the one or more primary communications ports may be selectable for enabling communications between the printer and a local controller. The local controller may provide data to the printer via a selected one of the primary communications ports indicative of cash information to be printed on a voucher. The central system controller may provide data to the printer via the secondary communications port indicative of non-cash data to be printed on a coupon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.