Printer Firmware Port Conversion for Multi-Protocol Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer systems in self-service terminals, such as gaming machines and POS terminals, lack the capability to print coupons separately from vouchers without requiring new proprietary hardware and software, making it costly for facilities to offer coupon printing services.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that convert a firmware download port on a printer to a communications port, enabling a local controller to print vouchers and a central system controller to print coupons using different communication protocols, allowing existing printers to support multiple communication protocols like USB, RS-232, and Netplex without the need for new hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new terminals with proprietary software and hardware are purchased to enable coupon printing, then the capability to print both vouchers and coupons is achieved, but the cost becomes prohibitive for facilities with hundreds of terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single printer to perform multiple functions by allowing it to communicate with both the local controller (for voucher printing) and the central system controller (for coupon printing) through different communication ports. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated terminals for coupons and vouchers, significantly reducing facility costs while maintaining full printing capabilities for both document types
2Reliability
If the secure processing channel is used for both vouchers and coupons, then security requirements are met, but the ability to print coupons separately from vouchers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication paths by providing separate communication ports: one port dedicated to the secure processing channel for vouchers and another port for coupon communications. This segmentation allows the secure channel to maintain its security requirements for vouchers while enabling a separate, independent path for coupon printing, thus achieving both security and functional versatility simultaneously
3Ease of manufacture
If existing printers are used without modification, then cost is reduced, but the capability to print coupons is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication interface that bridges the existing printer with the central system controller. This intermediary layer, implemented through additional communication ports and control logic, enables coupon printing functionality on existing printers without requiring hardware replacement, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness while adding the desired functionality
Data Source
AI summary
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.