Multi-drop bus to personal computer interface
OwnerChris Smolen, Glenn Schnauberinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In a vending system there is at least one vending device which transmits data across a multidrop bus to a personal computer. The vending system data includes a start bit, a plurality of data bits, a modal bit and a stop bit. A multidrop bus to personal computer interface polls each vending device and manages and removes the modal bit, thereby freeing up the personal computer for application oriented functions.
Claims9
A multi-drop bus vending system comprising;
- At least one vending device, said vending device including means for determining input data and means for generating an output signal responsive to said input data;
- A multi-drop bus for carrying said output signal, said output signal including modal information;
- A personal computer responsive to said vending device output signal, and connected between said multidrop bus and said personal;
- and
- A multidrop bus to personal computer interface circuit for transposing said output signal by managing and removing said modal information.
A data flow method for a multi-drop bus vending system, said method comprising:
- Inputting data into at least one multi-drop bus vending device;
- Outputting a first digital signal by said at least one multi-drop bus vending device responsive to said input data, wherein said first digital signal includes modal data;
- Receiving said first digital signal by a multi-drop bus to personal computer interface;
- Managing said modal data by said multi-drop bus to personal computer interface;
- Outputting a second output signal by said multidrop bus to personal computer interface, wherein said second output signal lacks modal data;
- and
- inputting said second output signal into a personal computer.
A multi-drop bus to personal computer interface for transposing vending system data from at least one vending device off of a multidrop bus,
- wherein said vending system data includes at least one start bit, a plurality of data bits, at least one modal bit and at least one stop bit, said multidrop bus to personal computer interface comprising:
- means for polling said at least one vending device;
- means for managing said at least one modal bit;
- means for transposing said vending system data including removing said at least one modal bit;
- and
- means for inputting said transposed data into a personal computer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.