In-store multiple device communications unit and centralized data system utilizing same
First Claim
1. In a store data communications system wherein at a store location multiple different types of devices comprised of at least three different types of devices selected from the group consisting of an automatic teller device, a credit/debit authorization terminal, a point of sale terminal, a fuel volume sensing device, and a video rental terminal, are to be coupled with remote processing means,coupling means coupling such multiple different types of devices with a single communications line for coupling of the devices with remote processing means,said coupling means comprising a multiple device communications unit having respective device interface means for local coupling with respective ones of said multiple different types of devices,device interface buffer memory means for storing device data from each of said devices, andsaid multiple device communications unit having main channel interface means coupled with each of the device interface means and said device interface buffer memory means for assembling data from each of the device interface buffer memory means and for transmitting the assembled data utilizing a common protocol via a single communications line to a remote processing means.
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Accused Products
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.
101 Citations
20 Claims
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1. In a store data communications system wherein at a store location multiple different types of devices comprised of at least three different types of devices selected from the group consisting of an automatic teller device, a credit/debit authorization terminal, a point of sale terminal, a fuel volume sensing device, and a video rental terminal, are to be coupled with remote processing means,
coupling means coupling such multiple different types of devices with a single communications line for coupling of the devices with remote processing means, said coupling means comprising a multiple device communications unit having respective device interface means for local coupling with respective ones of said multiple different types of devices, device interface buffer memory means for storing device data from each of said devices, and said multiple device communications unit having main channel interface means coupled with each of the device interface means and said device interface buffer memory means for assembling data from each of the device interface buffer memory means and for transmitting the assembled data utilizing a common protocol via a single communications line to a remote processing means.
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10. In a centralized data communications system, a central station having coupling means for
coupling with a corporate network, a credit/debit network, and a local processing system, said central station having microprocessor means and respective central communications port means, and said microprocessor means controlling communication between said coupling means and the respective central communications port means, and a plurality of multiple device communications units each communicating with one of said central communications port means via a single telephone line, each of said multiple device communications units being located at a separate store location and having respective removable and replaceable device interface units customized to communicate with respective disparate data sources at the store location.
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15. In a data communications system,
a multiple device communications controller unit having a series of device interfaces each capable of coupling with a data source, and main channel means having memory means storing data for each of said device interfaces, and having programmable multiple protocol controller means for assembling data from said memory means substantially as it arrives from said device interfaces, and for transmitting assembled data via a single telephone line to a remote station, said multiple protocol controller means being programmable to accommodate device interfaces operating with a plurality of different communications standards.
Specification