POS Printer Asynchronous Duplex Communication for Network Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing POS control systems face challenges in executing processes based on print control data sent from a POS terminal to a printer, especially when the printer and control device communicate through a network, requiring compatibility with various configurations and efficient data processing.
Innovation Solution
A POS control system that includes a POS terminal generating print control data, a printer with asynchronous duplex communication capabilities to send and receive data, and a control device that processes and stores print control data for analysis and reprinting, enabling the system to execute processes and maintain compatibility with network communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the printing device connects through a network to a server or control device, then the control device can execute processes based on print control data, but the system complexity increases due to network communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The printing device serves as an intermediary between the POS terminal and the control device. It receives print control data from the POS terminal, processes it locally, and then transmits necessary information to the control device through network communication. This intermediary approach enables automated process execution while managing system complexity by having the printing device handle data processing before network transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the printing device and control device communicate through a network, then remote process execution is enabled, but compatibility issues may arise with different communication configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The printing device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various communication configurations. It can receive print control data from the POS terminal through different communication interfaces, process the data locally, and transmit it to the control device via network protocols. This universal design enables remote process execution while maintaining compatibility with different communication configurations through standardized interfaces and protocols.
3Loss of information
If print control data is processed and stored for analysis, then data utility is enhanced, but the storage requirements and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and stores only the necessary information from the print control data for analysis purposes. The printing device processes the incoming print control data, identifies relevant information elements, and transmits only these extracted data points to the control device for storage and analysis. This extraction approach enhances data utility by focusing on meaningful information while reducing processing complexity by avoiding unnecessary data handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A POS control system 1 has a POS terminal 8 that transmits print control data; a printer 12 including a print unit 41, a print control unit 29 that controls the print unit 41 based on the print control data, and a print data communication unit 26 that transmits the print control data by a first WebSocket connection CT1; and a print data process unit 51 that executes a process based on the received print control data.