DE2909899A1 - Fast data acquisition system for cash desk computer - has autonomous portable data acquisition units connectable to computer for data transfer - Google Patents

Abstract

The data acquisition system has data acquisition devices acquiring data regarding stores materials and passing them to the computer for processing. The acquisition devices are each located in an acquisition unit that can be disconnected from the computer. Data relating to the materials are stored in a memory located in the disconnectable autonomous and portable data acquisition unit. This data can be transferred to the comparator when the acquisition unit is connected to the computer. The materials data is stored by connecting the price generator and the acquisition unit. This data connection is accomplished with a data transfer unit that also connects the acquisition unit to the computer.

Description

Data acquisition system for cash register computers, especially

especially for warehouse management The invention relates to a data acquisition system for cash register computers, in particular for warehouse management, where goods are specific Data from data acquisition devices can be acquired, fed to the cash register computer and can be processed by this, including invoice printouts, data display and Datenfortschreibund In the recording of data from goods are currently essentially uses two different principles. One principle is coded with Goods with tags or stickers delivered to a data reader at the checkout, whereupon the data assigned to the respective goods are evaluated by the checkout computer will. With the second principle, in particular in pharmacy warehouse administrations used; is, the individual goods are assigned data carriers such as ABDA cards from the operator filling out the individual order parallel to the Goods are collected, and the data carriers are then inserted into a reader at the cash register will.

The cash register computer generally has a central unit, the a memory, etue tllaslature for 15LnLrabe external DnLo.n, e.g. customer number Or the like, possibly a remote data transmission device and output devices such as printers and visual displays, the data acquisition devices are provided in the cash register computer and connected to the central unit.

The disadvantage here is that there can be waiting times because the cash register computer must process individual pieces of information one after the other, the input of the individual data but this constitutes the greatest expenditure of time. However, this also results in a data update delayed.

Another disadvantage of the known data acquisition systems is that for each individual product a tag or sticking or coded printing must be provided. Especially if such product-specific data is already available the goods are printed on by the iierJ <t; ellet, for example by means of a Barcodes, this code must contain a large number of characters, as each The printed code is compatible with all retailers regardless of their range of goods have to be. In particular when using stickers, if in particular the price is changed, not only all goods already labeled to be awarded the new price again but it must also have the new price tag be attached in such a way that the old, invalid price tag is hidden, including large ones Care is required.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a data acquisition system Specify the type mentioned at the beginning, in which the work was carried out with as little delay as possible can be.

The object is achieved according to the invention in that the data acquisition devices are each housed in a data acquisition device that is processed by the cash register computer can be separated, the goods-specific data in a memory of the separated, autonomous and portable data acquisition device are controllable and storable after Establishing a data transfer connection with the cash register computer controlled by the latter are supplied.

Due to the design of the data acquisition system according to the invention Operation in the event of failure of the (central) cash register computer is also possible, preferably when the data acquisition device has a storage capacity that is suitable for a larger amount of data, for example two daily sales, is sufficient.

It is of particular advantage if the product-specific data Establishing a data transfer connection between a price generator and the data collection device can be fed to this for storage in a controlled manner.

A data transmission unit of the data acquisition device can advantageously be used here for the data transfer connection between both the price giver and the data collection device as well as the data acquisition device and the cash register computer.

In a data acquisition system designed in this way, there is no need individual labeling of the goods. The individual, assigned to each type of goods Namely, the price giver gives the customer sufficient information about the type of goods, Price and other goods-specific data. Simultaneously with the removal of a Goods are these goods-specific data by establishing a data transfer connection stored between the price transmitter and the data collection device in its memory. At the Point of sale computer is now only a customer-specific invoice, whereby At the same time, a cross check can be carried out to determine whether all are out of the warehouse The goods that have been taken away have been sent to the account.

Changed product-specific data can therefore be taken into account very quickly will. It is only necessary to display the data of the price giver accordingly to adjust. This adjustment can either be done mechanically on site or can also be done electronically by using remote data transmission take place. In the latter case in particular, data can be transmitted from the price giver very fast information to a central unit, preferably in the cash register computer be done via the inventory, which makes it very quick and independent from Subsequent to settlement of the respective goods; or even better, no shouldn't be. In addition, it is possible to avoid accidentally assigned other goods Data is entered into the data collection device.

Preferably, each data acquisition device is in the form of a pocket calculator designed, shaped asymmetrically so that it is when inserted into the data transfer connection Reaching transmission station in a clear relationship with the sending price giver or to the receiving cash register computer. This is preferably done with the price giver or the till computer set up a paired data transmission path. Included the transmission of data takes place by radio or acoustically, but preferably each via a light source, such as a light-emitting diode, in particular infrared diode, and a corresponding photosensitive cooler. Upon request from the cash register computer the data stored in the data acquisition device are then sent along the light path to the Transfer the cash register computer, with the transfer, for example, through additional information, Prudata or the like. Is secured. The process is carried out by a transfer procedure in which the reactions to errors are also specified.

By the data acquisition system according to the invention with the by hand portable data acquisition devices, a high degree of flexibility is achieved.

The recording is easy to carry out even for unskilled workers and extremely safe. Leave with the data acquisition system according to the invention Very high input rates are achieved, especially with the use of multiple data acquisition devices reach.

The aforementioned special transmission between the data acquisition devices and the cash register computer on the light path advantageously achieves a high level of freedom from interference, especially with infrared diodes, the price being low and the flexibility being high are. This type of transmission is very useful for the short range and has opposite acoustic couplers advantageously have a lower construction. Compared to wireless transmission by means of bunk is the high immunity to interference and the low effort, in addition, no telecommunications license is required.

When using the price generator, the approach of the data acquisition device the data transmission is achieved at this point. The dialog is started by sending a Identification information initiated.

In response to this, the price giver then sends a character string bit-serial, which contains the information about the product-specific data. The data acquisition device checks this information for uniqueness and acknowledges. In the event of an error, the Repeated transmission. After several unsuccessful attempts, an ad can be triggered be, for example a signal lamp. If namely no clear information is entered, it is an indication that the data collector is not approximated sufficiently close to the price giver, i.e. that the data collection device also receives information from neighboring price providers. The data acquisition system is advantageous therefore designed so that the individual data acquisition device as close as possible the price giver must be approximated, for example, a price giver in a Kind must be used, the insertion of the data acquisition device in the cash register computer is equivalent to.

The data acquisition device can be used for monitoring by the customer himself also contain a preferably 16-digit display unit.

For certain goods it can be useful if with these data carriers such as ABDA cards or the like. Can be used. In this case it is the data acquisition device advantageously also has a scanning unit for scanning the disk provided. This scanning unit can work optoelectronically.

The invention is illustrated by the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing explained in more detail. The figures show: FIG. 1 schematically the structure of the data acquisition system according to the invention, Figure 2 schematically shows the structure of a data acquisition device, Figure 3 shows the connection between a data acquisition device and the cash register computer or the price generator, Figure 4 schematically shows the structure of a price generator.

The cash register computer 1 shown in Figure 1 has a central unit 2, to which data can be supplied and from which data can be discharged, which is represented by arrows is. In particular, the central unit 2 is in operative connection with a memory 3, one formed by a printer 4 and a display 5 such as a screen Data output unit and a keyboard 6, with the keyboard 6 customer-specific Data such as a customer number, an order number, and other data for recipes how insurance companies or the like can be entered. Remote data transmission can also be used 7 may be provided. The central unit 2 of the cash register computer 1 with data acquisition devices is also located in connection, through which product-specific data can be entered in the central unit are. According to the invention, data acquisition devices 81, 82 .. 8n are separable for this purpose Data transfer connections 91 92 9n 9 can be connected to the cash register computer 1.

Several data acquisition devices 8 thus work with a central one Cash register computer 1 together, with the necessary for the formulation of calculations Information can be displayed on the display 5 and / or output by the printer 4 are.

The data acquisition devices 8 receive the goods-specific data assigned to the individual types of goods via a separable data transfer connection individual price givers 261, .. 26i 'where the data transfer connection between the data acquisition devices 8 and the price transmitters 26 are preferably designed in the same way is like the data transfer connection 9 between the data acquisition devices 8 and the cash register computer 1.

Current data are stored via the preferably magnetic memory 5 found for every article or product, such as prices, and can be updated such as the inventory numbers.

The stock issue and the stock receipt can be recorded. Inventory data can also be used can be recorded and issued and expiry dates can also be monitored, what is particularly important for pharmacy warehouse administrations. Further the storage occupancy and usage can be recorded, such as the access time and the departure time of an item. Finally is also the on a product group or sales related to an article can be recorded. Next are them Master data for the individual articles or goods can be exchanged and exchanged, whereby a seamless transition to newer price lists is possible. Finally you can also the sales data of a seller or the individual goods per order compiling operator can be detected. Finally, as mentioned at Pharmacy warehouse administrations a prescription-specific breakdown possible. Further This enables direct labeling of the recipes. Finally you can Sales data are also stored over long periods of time, for example for annual overviews will.

As the goods-specific data in the individual data collection devices 8 can be saved - the data acquisition system can also be saved if the central Point of sale computer 1 are used. Preferably, the data acquisition devices 8 has an input capacity for the data of around two daily sales.

Each data acquisition device 8 is essentially constructed in the same way and designed to be portable. It is preferably the size of a pocket calculator and is, as shown schematically in Figure 2, asymmetrically shaped such that when inserting the data acquisition device 8 in the price transmitter 26 or the cash computer 1 (see FIG. 7) there is a clear relationship between the two devices. The data acquisition device 8 can in addition to the scanning of the goods-specific Data carriers can be designed. Such data carriers can, for example Be ABDA cards that are scanned by means of a scanning unit 10 of the data device 8 will. The data acquisition device 8 stores larger ones by means of a memory 11 Amounts of recorded product-specific data and manages them when requested by the cash register computer 1 via a transmission unit 12 to this.

Depending on the type of data carrier used, the scanning unit 10 accordingly designed so that data read out and decoded from the data carrier are fed to the memory 11.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2 is an optoelectronic Scanning unit 10 for scanning perforated ABDA 13 in a correspondingly designed slot 14 of the data acquisition device 8 can be inserted into the scanning unit 10. The scanning unit 10 has a Beuchtdiodenfeld 15 that all possible hole positions of the data carrier illuminated. Correspondingly symmetrically arranged photodiodes 16 on the other Side of the slot 14 capture the information recorded on the data carrier. These Information is decoded in a decoder 17 and supplied to the memory 11. The scanning unit 10 can be in an opaque or light-shielding one Resin block must be potted. The function of the scanning unit 10 can be triggered by ignition in each case a light emitting diode 15 and by scanning the corresponding receiver diode 16 are checked, this with a corresponding end card or a corresponding Data card is scanned.

Of course, depending on the type of data carrier used appropriately designed scanning units 10 may be provided.

To save data in large quantities and for a longer period of time A CMOS semiconductor memory 1 with a capacity of about 1000 data units are used. The control of the units of the data acquisition device 8 takes place by means of a controller 18, which is preferably programmed by a or programmable microprocessor is formed. Next is in the data acquisition device 8 a (only shown schematically) power supply 19 is provided, which is advantageous a Tangzeitapeicherung the data in the memory 11 enables. The power supply 19 is preferably formed by rechargeable batteries ge, which is from a external charger can be supplied. For example, the supply of the accumulators automatically each time the data acquisition device 8 is inserted into the cash desk computer 1 take place.

The transmission unit 12 preferably has a transmitter 20 and a receiver 21, which is connected to a corresponding receiver 20 'or transmitter 21' of the price giver 26 or the POS computer 1 come into operative connection if the Data acquisition device 8 in the price generator 26 or the till computer 1, as mentioned, is unequivocally @ inserted (see # inserted 3).

So there is a paired transmission path from each data acquisition device 8 with the respective price generator 26 or the central cash register computer 1. The output element of the transmitter 20, 21 'is preferably through a light source 22, like a light-emitting diode, in particular an infrared diode, and is that Input element of the receiver 21, 20 'through a corresponding light-sensitive Sensor 23 such as a photodiode or the like.

educated.

The housing of the data acquisition device 8 is as shown designed so that at the connection point between the data acquisition device 8 and the price generator 26 or the cash register computer 1, the transmission path cannot be interchanged is built up, which in particular on the one hand by the asymmetrical shape and on the other hand by providing a recess 24 and a corresponding projection 25 is achieved in each of the two parts 8, 1, 26.

For example, depressions and projections 24, 25 can be so be designed that only a specific data acquisition device 8i in a specific Transfer point 9i of the cash register computer can be used, whereby, for example, the data acquisition processes carried out by means of a specific data acquisition device 8i can be recorded and evaluated.

On the one transmission path from the cash register computer 1 to the data acquisition device 8 request signals are transmitted, whereby the controller 18 the transmission the itn memory 11 stored data via the other transmission path to POS computer 1 triggers. The transmission can be secured by additional information be. The process of transferring the data is. through a transfer procedure in which the reactions to errors are also specified. This can be done by the central unit 2 of the cash register computer 1 and / or the controller 18 of the data acquisition device 8 take place.

The special data transmission on the light path between the data acquisition device 8 and the price generator 26 or the cash register computer 1 has compared to other transmission methods advantageously higher freedom from interference, especially when using infrared diodes, the transmission being inexpensive and flexible. This type of transmission is particular advantageous at close range and has advantages over acoustic couplers less effort.

Compared to wireless transmission (radio), transmission is via the Light path advantageously insensitive to interference and especially with regard to weight little effort. In addition, the otherwise required telecommunications license is not required.

Due to the data acquisition according to the invention by means of hand-portable Data acquisition devices 8 high flexibility can be achieved.

In addition, the collection is also made by unskilled workers very simple and extremely secure. In particular, the inventive Data acquisition system by means of the several independently manageable data acquisition devices 8 achieve high input rates in the cash register computer 1, reducing the occupancy time of the checkout computer 1 for an accounting and processing operation on the Äßerse is decreased.

By suitably designing the data carrier and the scanning unit 10 of the data acquisition device 8 can also be rotations of the data carrier by one Avoid transverse and / or a longitudinal axis of symmetry. For example, an asymmetrical arranged always present test hole be provided. There can be several Test holes may be provided. This renders data entry largely against errors secured.

The data acquisition system according to the invention is of particular advantage in pharmacy warehouse administrations, as data acquisition systems are often already provided there that are particularly useful for updating and monitoring valid data are. The conversion of conventional data acquisition systems can be done with relatively less Effort is made, since only the previous data entry systems, which are connected to the cash register computer 1 are connected, are to be replaced by the transfer devices 9, in the then Corresponding data acquisition devices 8 which enable a clear assignment are set can be. The data carriers that have been used can continue to be used.

As already mentioned, each represented in FIG. 4 has a specific one Product group associated price transmitter 26 one with the data transmission unit 12 each DatenerfassungsgeiäL-es 8 data transmission unit which can be brought into a data transfer connection 12 'on. This data transmission unit 12 'has a receiver 20' and a Transmitter 21 'as well as a projection 25, so as to enable a clear assignment to the structure a paired transmission path between the price transmitter 26 and the data acquisition device 8 reach. When the data acquisition device 8 approaches the price giver 26, which is sufficient to provide unambiguous information, i.e. only one of a single piece of information Information originating from the price generator 26 can be transmitted to a data acquisition device 8 can, which is preferably done in the manner shown in Figure 3 by inserting the correspondingly trained data acquisition device takes place in the price giver controlled, for example by pressing a button and one preferably by means of one programmed microprocesses formed controller 27 in the price generator 26 and the controller 18 in the data acquisition device 8, the corresponding goods-specific information transferred to the memory 11 of the data acquisition device 8. To this end, assigns the pricing device also includes an encoder / decoder 28.

In this way, information from the price generator 26 can only be sent on request are transmitted from the customer to the data acquisition device 8. Next, the award giver points 26 a data display 29, by means of which at least the price of the individual goods of the Product group of the same price is displayed visibly for the customer.

Thus, for all similar goods of a group of goods only a single award giver 26 is required, and t is also the individual award of the respective goods is not applicable.

This is particularly of great advantage when the product-specific Data, in particular the price, must be changed.

Namely, only the display of the data display 29 and the Information transmitted via the data transmission unit 12 'is changed accordingly will. Another award of the goods is not required. The price generator can be adjusted mechanically. Preferably it takes place by means of a remote data transmission 30 from a central facility from, at the same time via this remote data transmission information about the inventory can be transferred to the product group to which the respective price transmitter is assigned. on in this way, a much faster filling and reordering can be achieved will.

Advantageously, there is no price labeling on the packaging of the goods. This also eliminates the need for agreements between the manufacturer and the distributor About the unambiguousness of the article or goods designation and the expensive imprint the marking of goods by means of, for example, a bar cookie in the European standard. This procedure is independent of specified article numbering systems usable. A compatibility of individual labeling regulations within various distribution facilities such as department stores or the like. Is no longer necessary.

In addition, by switching off manual data acquisition An extensive safeguarding of incorrect entries is ensured during the purchase process. Furthermore, dex achieves the division of the data acquisition system in certain goods or price indicators 26 assigned to product groups, in the respective sales process associated data acquisition devices 8 and at least one reaching the final billing Point of sale computer 1 a high degree of operational security even in the event of individual failure of these components. In particular if there are at least two units of each of these components If one unit fails, the data acquisition system is full functioning. Only the processing speed is reduced. At a The average 1Ca ufha us is, for example, with a requirement of around 1000 Price givers 26, 100 data acquisition devices 8 and 5 cash register computers 1, which is why the availability is then not essential even if a checkout computer 1 fails is restricted.

When entering the sales or distribution facility, for example the department store, the buyer holds a date sensor 8 with an erased memory 11. He selects the respective desired goods and calls for example by pressing a button the information about the article or the goods and thus also about the price the respective price giver 26. Transmission of the information is preferred displayed on the data acquisition device 8, for example by means of a signal lamp. While the sales process can have several different or identical goods-specific Transfer information one after the other to the data acquisition device and its Memory 11 are stored. At the end of the shopping process, i.e.

at the exit of the department store, the respective goods-specific Data transmitted in a corresponding manner to the cash register computer 1 and according to the appropriate Completion of the memory 3 of the cash register computer 1 in readable form on the screen 5 displayed and optionally printed out by means of the printer 4. The cashier now hands over the goods and can also carry out a check between collected goods-specific Dates and goods picked carry out to ensure that only those Goods are taken from the department store that have also been billed.

The data acquisition system can also be designed so that Simultaneously with the transfer of the goods speci: Cischen data from the price giver 26 to the data acquisition device, customer-specific information from the data acquisition device 8 is transferred to the price generator 26, thereby resulting in a corresponding removal of the respective goods and their supply to an output is triggered. In this way it is achieved that on the one hand the customer is relieved of collecting the goods and on the other hand it is ensured that all goods removed are also billed will.

Finally, individual customer care is also possible.

For this purpose, the data acquisition device 8 contains, for example 16-digit display unit. The price is recorded in the manner explained. However, the billing takes place so that the data collection device 8 via the data transfer connection 9 in the water computer 1 from this or thorns Memory 3 an alphanumeric article and price information for each stored Reads out article information, for example after activation by pressing a button is shown. Thus, for example, at a # pharmacy warehouse in the present the customer provides the recipe with the desired price information and acknowledges it will. A conversation with the customer can be carried out without this the sales staff is significantly disturbed during billing and valuation.

As mentioned, the price generator 26 is assigned to each group of identical goods and preferably has dimensions of about 80 x 40 x 20 mm. The prize giver 26 can be integrated into advertising and advertising panels for the respective goods. Since the price transmitter 26 is arranged essentially stationary, it can be of a be supplied from the central power supply, but can also be an internal power source own.

The data acquisition system according to the invention is therefore not just for that purpose suitable to speed up the sales process, but also to accelerate the shopping process Overall cheaper æu design, since cost-intensive individual labeling is unnecessary is and since it can be ensured as far as possible that only such goods from the Department store can be removed, which are also settled.

Claims (19)

Claims 1. Data acquisition system for cash register computers, in particular for warehouse management, where goods-specific data from data acquisition devices can be detected, fed to the cash register computer and processed by it, including Invoice printout, data display and data update, thus no e n c e i c h n e t that the data acquisition devices are each in a data acquisition device are housed, which can be separated from the cash register computer (1), the goods-specific fish Data in a memory (11) of the separate, autonomous and portable data acquisition device (8) can be stored in a controlled manner and after a data transfer connection has been established with the checkout computer (1) can be fed to this in a controlled manner. 2. Data acquisition system according to claim 1, characterized in that that the goods-specific data by establishing a data transfer connection between a price transmitter (26 # and the data acquisition device (8) this for storage can be fed in a controlled manner. 3. Data acquisition system according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that that a data transfer unit (12) of the data acquisition device (8) for the data transfer connection between both the price transmitter (26) and the data acquisition device (8) as well as the data acquisition device (8) and cash register computer (1) are used. 4. Data acquisition system according to claim 3, characterized in that that the data acquisition device also has a scanning unit (10) for scanning has data carriers assigned to certain goods. 5. Data acquisition system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized characterized in that the data from the data acquisition device (8) to the cash register computer (1) transferrable by this upon request are. 6. Data acquisition system according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized characterized in that the data transmission unit (12) has a transmitter (20) and a Receiver (21) which, when the data transfer connection is established, with a corresponding receiver (20 ') or transmitter (21') in the price generator (26) or in the till computer (1) cooperate. 7. Datenerfasa ungssystem according to claim 6, characterized in that that the transmitter (20, 21 ') by a light source (22) and the receiver (21, 20') are formed by a light sensitive sensor (23). 8. Data acquisition system according to claim 7, characterized in that that when the data transfer connection is established ilichtqeulle (22) and more light-sensitive Sensor (23) are directly opposite each other. 9. Data acquisition system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized characterized in that the data acquisition device (8) is approximately the size of a pocket calculator possesses and is designed asymmetrically so that the data acquisition device (8) only in the best possible spatial relationship with the price giver (26) or the cash register computer (1) can be connected. 10. Data acquisition system according to claim 9, characterized by a Cam or projection (25) on one of the two parts (1, 26; 8), which is in a corresponding Groove or recess (24) engages on the respective other part (8; 1, 26). 11. Data acquisition system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized characterized in that the]) data acquisition device (8) has an input capacity for has the data of about two days of sales. 12. Data acquisition system according to claim 11, characterized by a memory (11), in particular a CMOS memory, with a capacity of about 1000 Data units. 13. Data acquisition system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by an autonomous power supply (19) of the data acquisition device (8) through rechargeable batteries is formed. 14. Data acquisition system according to claim 4, characterized in that that the scanning unit (10) has a Beuchtdiodenfeld (15), which depends on in data carrier cards provided holes encoded data contained corresponding Data, if necessary decoded, supplies the memory (11). 15. Data acquisition system according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized characterized in that the controller (18) is a programmed or programmable Having microprocessor. 16. Data acquisition system according to one of claims 2 to 15, characterized characterized in that the price generator (26) has a visual display (29) for displaying goods-specific Contains data, in particular the price. 17. Data acquisition system according to claim 16, characterized in that that the data shown can be adjusted by means of mechanical links. 18. Data acquisition system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that that the price generator (26) has a remote data transmission (30) via the goods-specific Data can be fed to and / or output from the price generator (26). 19. Data acquisition system according to claim 18, characterized in that that the incoming and outgoing data send inventory data of the goods.