US 5,027,282 AGrant
Interactive Pump System
Issue Date:1991-06-25
•16 Claims
•7 Drawing Sheets
Abstract
An interactive pump system capable of interacting with and responding to responses from a user, having a pump (105), a central processing unit (705) connected to the pump (105), and a display and input unit (1407) including a plurality of instruction displays and being connected to the pump and the central processing unit. The pump transmits transaction data concerning fluid pumped to the display and input unit which displays the transaction data, displays one instruction display, and transfers input responses from a user to the central processing unit. The central processing unit processes the input responses and controls the pump according to the response.
Metadata
Inventor
- Peter W. Hollidge
Application Information
Application Number:US 4499700
Filing Date:1988-12-28
Priority Date:1987-08-06
Art Unit:236
Classifications
IPC:
G06F 1546
Field of Search:
364235340222429;465;510;131-136;188;189375;380;381;382.5825.3552;23-28;36;37;78
Patent Drawings (7 sheets)
Description
The invention relates to pump systems more particularly but not exclusively the invention relates to gasoline pump interactive systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For many years gasoline pumps were mechanical devices. They did not accept payment from customers prior to allowing the customer to pump gas. In self service operations, customers would often drive away from the station without paying for gas which they had pumped into their cars.
These mechanical devices did not keep track of transaction data for individual transactions.
In order to diagnose any problems the pump may have had, a serviceman was required to actually be at the pump location.
In the electronic age pumps are made to operate on electronic systems. These electronic pumps can accept prepayment when equipped with a card and note reading facility. Transaction data is displayed to customers via liquid crystal displays similar in function and layout to the mechanical display system used in mechanical pumps. The electronic pump can keep track of transaction data for itself.
Neither the mechanical pump nor the electronic pump is very user friendly. A customer encountering the pump for the first time is often intimidated by the cold look of the solely numerical display and the separate card and note reader. Even to a veteran self service pump user, pump problems encountered during use can cause this feeling of intimidation. The provision of a long list of printed instructions does not improve the situation.
The object of the invention is to provide improved prepayment, point of sale information, display, instruction, remote system problem diagnostic, and remote problem correction capabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An interactive pump system capable of interacting with and responding to responses from a user, comprises; a pump means; a central processing unit connected to the pump means; and a display and input means including a plurality of instruction displays, and being connected to the pump means and the central processing unit; wherein the pump means transmits transaction data concerning fluid pumped to the display and input means which displays the transaction data, displays one instruction display, and transfer input responses from a user to the central processing unit, and the central processing unit processes the input responses and controls the pump means according to the responses.
The invention can be capable of taking a user through a transaction with step by step instruction displays dependant on the input responses of the user.
Additionally the central processing unit can concurrently run separate tasks controlling the pump means and the display and input means, and an application task receiving and processing the input responses and transferring resultant pump directions to the task controlling the pump means.
The means of control may include the transfer of commands to, and receiving of responses from, the pump means and the display and input means. The display and input means processing the responses from the user and transferring resultant requests to the application task. The application task processing the requests and transferring directions to the pump task.
Similarly the pump task can be capable of processing responses from the pump means and transferring resultant pump requests to the application task. The application task would be capable of processing the requests and transferring resultant directions to the display and input task. The display and input task processes the display and input directions.
The system can employ a queue and queue task controlling the queue. The queue would accept requests from the controlling tasks and transfer them to the application task when required. Thus the system is capable of responding to responses from any of the controlling tasks.
The display and input means may be divided into separate display means and input means. Correspondingly the display and input task would be divided into a display task and an input task with corresponding command, response, requests, and direction flow. The application task would process each of the requests and transfer resultant directions.
The display means can employ a graphics generator, a video mixer, and a monitor. The graphics generator generating graphic displays. The mixer mixing the graphic displays with the transaction data and the monitor displaying the resultant instruction display.
A sync generator can be used to synchronize the transaction data with the graphic displays.
A motion display source may be used as an alternate source of displays. The motion display source output and the mixer output being selected and combined in a video combiner. The output of the video combiner being displayed on the monitor. The sync generator could be employed to synchronize the transaction data and both instruction display sources. The application task can direct the selection and combining through a switch task controlling a switch sending signals to the sync generator.
An audio signal source can be used by the display means to create audio instruction displays.
Payment means with a corresponding prepayment task transferring commands to and receiving responses from the payment means can be used to accept credit cards or cash prior to using the pump means. The payment means may include a card reader and a cash reader controlled by a card note controller. The card note controller being controlled by the payment means.
A kiosk computer added to the system can keep track of point of sale data received from the pump means via the central processing unit and control the pump via the central processing unit for transactions which do not employ the card and cash reader.
An external source connected to the central processing unit can be employed to access the central processing unit for remote diagnostics and remote system correction.
The input responses can be taken from a touch screen connected to the central processing unit.
The monitor can display graphic or motion instruction displays taking the customer step by step through the transaction, while the touch sensitive screen accepts the input responses from the user. The instructions displayed at any one time can be made to relate solely to the action with which the customer is involved at any given time. The display can relate a great deal of information while being simple, colourful and pleasing to the eyes and ears.
The task structure resists system failure caused by problems in any one task. Systems problems which are capable of software solutions may be corrected at remote locations using the external source.
The kiosk computer may be added to the system to keep track of point of sale information and to possibly forward the point of sale information to a centralized host computer. The kiosk computer could also reset price information at the pump. The price information may have originally been relayed from the host computer.
Through the modem connection the system may be used to authorize credit cards via a remote authorization computer.
A laser disc player and signal decoder may be employed as the motion display signal source.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings, which show a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and in which;
FIG. 1 is a pump system hardware block diagram according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a pump circuit employed in the system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a video circuit employed in the pump system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an audio circuit employed in the pump system of FIG. 1;
FIG 5 is a block diagram of a touch circuit employed in the pump system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a payment circuit employed in the pump system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a kiosk computer circuit employed in the pump system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an external source circuit employed in the pump system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a detailed block diagram of a data decipher unit employed in the video circuit of FIG. 3;
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a character generator used in the video circuit of FIG. 3;
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a sync generator used in the video circuit of FIG. 3;
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a video combiner used in the video circuit of FIG. 3; and
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the task structure according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a gasoline station island employing a pump system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a drawing of a language choice display employed in the system of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a drawing of preset choices display employed in the system of FIG. 14.
FIG. 17 is a drawing of payment choices display employed in the system of FIG. 14.
FIG. 18 is a drawing of card selection display employed in the system of FIG. 14.
FIG. 19 is a drawing of pay at the kiosk display employed in the system of FIG. 14.
FIG. 20 is a drawing of thank you display employed in the system of FIG. 14.
FIG. 21 is a drawing of cash deposit display employed in the system of FIG. 14.
FIG. 22 in a drawing of receipt and refund display employed in the system of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Reference will now be made to FIG. 1 showing system hardware 101 for a gasoline pump interactive system. The hardware 101 is composed of eight elements; system microcomputer element (PC) 103, pump element 105, video element 107, audio element 109, touch element 111, payment element 113, kiosk microcomputer element 115, and external source element 117.
The microcomputer 103 is connected to elements 105 through 117. The pump 105 is additionally connected to the video element 107.
As shown in FIG. 14, the pump 105 sits on a gasoline station island 1403. The pump 105 shown is actually designed to handle two systems. The three hoses 1405 on one side of the pump 105 can be used by one customer while the three hoses on the other side are used by another.
Correspondingly there are shown two interactive columns 1407. The columns 1407 each service one system. Each column 107 contains a video, audio, touch, and payment element 107, 109, 111, 113. The touch and video elements 111, 107 lie one behind the other and therefore occupy the same space on the figure. Column and pump speakers 409, 411, part of the audio element 109, appear on the column 1407 and the pump 105.
The PC and external source elements 103, 117, not shown, are shared by two systems.
The kiosk computer 115, shared by all the systems in the station, is situated in a kiosk, not shown, central to the station.
Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 8 which detail how the various elements 103 through 117 make up seven corresponding circuits; pump circuit 201, video circuit 301, audio circuit 401, touch circuit 501, payment circuit 601, kiosk circuit 701, and external circuit 801.
SYSTEM MICROCOMPUTER
The PC 103 maintains control over all functions of the system. A Tandy HD3000, AT class, was used as the system PC 103 in the preferred embodiment. The PC 103 operated on the QNX operating system manufactured by Quantum Software Systems, Ltd. The compiler supported the C computer language.
It will be evident to those skilled in the art that it is not necessary to use this particular brand of microcomputer, operating system or language. Any computer of sufficient size and speed, having the required number of input/output lines, and supporting a task driven operating system with intertask communication will be suitable. The system software which controls the PC 103 will be described later in this description.
PUMP CIRCUIT
Reference will now be made to FIG. 2 in detailing the pump circuit 201. The pump 105 used in the preferred embodiment was a LTS Sierra 7000 multiple product dispenser (MPD) having six hoses capable of serving two customers one of three different types of gasoline at any one time.
The liquid crystal display of the pump 105 has been removed and the display lines fed to the PC 103 and the video circuit 301. The pump 105 connection to the PC 103 is a 20 mAMP current loop control link 203. The information flow on the control link is full duplex. The microcomputer 103 is an active transmitter and receiver to the pump passive receiver and transmitter. Signal speed is selectable between 4800 and 1200 Baud. In the preferred embodiment 4800 Baud was used.
Data transfer is asynchronous. Character length is 7 data bits with one even parity bit. There is one start bit and two stop bits. The character set is in ASCII code. The bit sequence is least significant bit first while the byte sequence is most significant byte first. The byte sequence therefore starts with the beginning of the message.
It is not necessary to use this particular pump to produce the desired results, an electronically controlled pump having similar functions would be suitable. Modifications would have to be made to the system software and possible the hardware connections to correspond with the changes in the pump 105 control sequence and command set.
The control sequence and command set of the pump 105 used in the preferred embodiment will now be outlined:
PROTOCOL SPECIFICATION
The Protocol consists of a series of command strings sent from the PC 103 to the MPD 105. The MPD 105 responds to these commands by returning Data or Status or by controlling hardware within the MPD 105.
There are two modes of the application, an event driven system where the MPD 105 generates event-messages as a result of actions in the MPD 105 and a polling system where the PC 103 is interrogating the MPD 105 to find out about actions of the MPD 105. In both instances, actions of the MPD 105 are controlled by the PC 103.
SUMMARY OF MESSAGES
A. Events
Only one type of event message exists: the MPD 105 status message with the same contents as returned in function `S`.
B. Functions
Functions are initiated by the PC 103 controlling the MPD 105 and replied by the MPD 105.
Events
The MPD 105 will optionally send status messages as events.
Any change of the contents of the regular status bytes is sent as an event once only. The status bytes reflect the operational status of the MPD 105.
1. CODE `S`
This command returns MPD 105 pump status and error information at any time.
2. CODE `C`
This command initiates a MPD 105 segment test and reset and authorizes the MPD 105 for a new transaction. ##STR6##
The `Zero Fuel` bit of the first status byte is interrogated as an indication of a successful MPD 105 Clear & Authorization Cycle. The pump motor is turned on subsequently, a separate Pump ON command is not required.
3. CODE `D`
This command returns last/current pump transaction data along with status information at any state of a transaction.
4. CODE `N`
This command initiates switching the Pump Motors on. ##STR8##
The Status is checked for successful `Pump Motors On`.
5. CODE `F`
This command initiates switching the Pump Motors off. ##STR9##
6. CODE `T`
This command sets the Sale Complete bit in the status byte. ##STR10## The status is checked for `Sale Complete`.
7. CODE `E`
This command sends a string of Pre-Payment Data to the MPD 105. ##STR11##
Data Format:
If there is no Pre-Payment Data within 3 seconds of the MPD 105 sending the `OK` response, or if there is a break in the Pre-Payment Data Transmission greater then 3 seconds then the MPD 105 will abort the `E` command and return to a general `LISTEN` mode.
If any errors are detected in the Transmission, Data or setting up of the Pre-Payment Data within the MPD 105, then an error is indicated that can be extracted via code `R`.
All Data is in ASCII numeric.
8. CODE `R`
This command usually follows a code `E` command and extracts the status of the setting up of the Pre-Payment file within the MPD 105. ##STR12##
9. CODE `G`
This command primes the MPD 105 to receive a string of Central Product Price Data. ##STR13##
The hose number is implied by the position of PPU.
If there is no Product Data within 3 seconds of the MPD 105 sending the `OK RESPONSE`, or if there is a break in the Product Data Transmission greater than 3 seconds then the MPD 105 will abort the `G` command and return to a general `LISTEN` mode.
If any errors are detected in the transmission, Data, or setting up of the Central Price File within the MPD 105, then the appropriate error bit is set in the error byte of the Pump Status (extracted via CODE `S`).
All Data is in ASCII Numeric, decimal point is implied.
10. CODE `B`
This command allows the PC 103 to read back the Product Price File in the MPD 105. ##STR14##
11. CODE `O`
12. CODE `P`
This command resets the Power-Up bit of the MPD 105 status byte which was set upon power-up/restart of the MPD 105. ##STR16##
13. CODE `V`
This command returns the MPD 105 S/W Version number.
14. CODE `X`
Read Cash Totals form MPD 105 by Hose. Only valid Hose # will be replied. Otherwise a NAK message will be sent. ##STR18##
CODE `Y`
Read Credit Totals from MPD 105 by Hose. Only valid Hose # will be replied. Otherwise a NAK message will be sent. ##STR19##
VIDEO CIRCUIT
Reference will now be made to FIG. 3 which depicts the video circuit 301 in detail. The microcomputer 103 controls three video sources; a graphics board 303, a laser video disc player 305, and the pump 105.
The output of the player 305 is sent to an NTSC to RGB decoder 307.
To produce a usable video signal the pump data is deciphered by a data decipher unit 309. The output of the data decipher unit 309 is connected to a character generator 311.
The output of the graphics board 303, the decoder 307, and the character generator 311 are fed into a video combiner unit 312.
The graphics board 303, player 305, data decipher unit 309, character generator 311, and video combiner unit 312 are each connected to a sync generator 313.
The output of the combiner 312 is sent to a red-green-blue monitor 317.
A switch 319 is connected to the combiner 312.
GRAPHICS BOARD
The graphics board 303 used in the preferred embodiment is an AT&T True Vision advanced raster graphics adaptor, Targa M8. The User's Guide for this adaptor dated Sep. 1986, published by AT&T Electronic Photography and Imagery Center, Indianapolis, IN., is hereby incorporated by reference. As the system software used on the PC 103 is written in the C language, as has been mentioned previously, a C language source file diskette of routines for the Targa M8 supplied by AT&T's EPICenter was used.
It is not necessary to use this particular board - any graphics equipment capable of storing frames and generating, in conjunction with the PC 103 and an external sync signal, red-green-blue video signals from the stored frames would be suitable.
The features of the graphics board 303 used in the preferred embodiment include the following:
Display Memory:
A digitized image is stored as a 512-row by 512-column array int he graphics board 305 display memory. Each pixel is saved as an 8-bit value in the 256 K bytes of display memory. The memory is dual-ported enabling the PC 103 to read and write information while the graphics board 303 maintains the display output. The graphics board 303 uses row address able random access memory (RARAM). The display memory is bank switched into a single 64 K memory segment in the PC 103 memory address space.
Input Lookup Tables:
256 input levels can be mapped to new values by eight input tables.
Output Lookup Tables:
The graphics board 303 can display 256 colours from a palette of over 64 million colours (24 bits). The output lookup tables allow the PC 103 to generate full colour RGB images. Eight tables may be selected from. The lookup tables may be written into by setting an individual colour component (i.e. red, green or blue) of a map entry.
Display Modes:
The graphics board 303 may be employed in the memory mode displaying the image stored in its display memory. In this mode captured frames or computer generated frames may be displayed. As well the border may be set to any colour.
Genlock:
The graphics board 303 can be operated in two synchronization modes. In the preferred embodiment the graphics board 303 is always operated in the above mode. In slave mode, it 303 synchronizes with an input video signal. The graphics board 303 can synchronize to a composite sync signal.
LASER DISC PLAYER
The player 305 used in the preferred embodiment was a McDonnell Douglas LFS-4400. The connection to the PC 103 is via an RS-232 series connector.
The player 305 accepts, among others, the following commands:
Acx--Audio Control:
"c" is the audio output port of the player 305 (c=1 for CH-1, c=2 for CH-2) to which the command is applied, and "x" corresponds to the following code (1 to 5) which indicates the audio source used.
0: Output channel OFF
3: Normal audio of disc channel 1 is output
4: Normal audio of disc channel 2 is output
L--Load the disc:
It may be used to reload a disc that has unloaded, provided that the disc has not been removed. If the "L" command is received when no disc is in the player 305, or if the disc has already been loaded, the load command will be discarded and the error flag will be raised. Status "N" is reported while the load operation is in progress. Status "R" is reported following successful completion.
Pxxxxx--Play up to frame number xxxxx:
By inputting a command consisting of P followed by a number of up to five digits, the disc will be played from the present frame up to the frame corresponding to the specified frame number. If the specified frame number is larger than the present frame number, forward play will take place. Conversely, if it is smaller than the specified frame number, reverse play will take place. Status "P" is returned.
Sxxxxx--Seek:
By inputting a command consisting of S followed by a number of up to five digits, you can perform a fast search operation from the present frame to the specified frame. Once the specified frame is reached, video will be muted, until the unit is commanded into the play mode using Pxxxxx.
If a seek is command to a frame outside the playable area of the disc, such as a lead-in or lead-out frame, then the player 305 will seek to the first or last playable frame, whichever is nearest to the target, and the error flag will be raised.
STATUS REPORTING
The PC 103 may determine the state of the player 305 by requesting a status report (transmitting an ASCII "?"). The player 305 will send a report only when requested to do so by the PC 103. The status report consists of eight characters. The first five characters are the present frame number, the sixth character indicates the present state of the player 305, and the seventh character is used to pass RCU keystrokes to the microcomputer 103. A carriage return ends the message.
As the output of the player 305 is an NTSC signal. It must be decoded to become a red-green-blue video signal to be used in conjunction with the graphics board 303 output signal. Thus the output of the player 305 is sent to an NTSC to RGB decoder 307.
PUMP VIDEO
A third video source, the pump 105, constantly outputs serial transaction data signals. The signals are a repeated serial string, each string being equivalent to the data contained in a pump D command without the product code information. A load pulse used to synchronize with the pump data is sent on a separate line every three strings, or 384 bits. The data is clocked out of the pump 105 by a pump clock. The data is sent in the form necessary to turn on the liquid crystal display segments as this was the original purpose of the pump 105.
Data Decipher Unit:
Reference will now be made to FIG. 9. The data decipher unit 309 employs a 1K by one line serial random access memory buffer 901. The data input to the buffer 901 is taken from the serial data output of the pump 105 as shown by the incoming arrow 903. The address in the buffer 901 is supplied by a write address generator 905 through one of two inputs to a two to one multiplexer 907. The input to the generator 905 is a clock pulse from the pump 105 clock as shown by the incoming arrow 909. The generator 905 begins to count clock pulses when it is enabled by the output of an R-S flip flop 911. The write enable input to the buffer 901 is connected to the generator 905 enabling data to be written into the buffer 901 while the generator 905 is correspondingly enabled.
The generator 905 is initially enabled by a signal from a microcontroller 913 to the R-S flip flop 911. After 384 bits have been sent along the data line 903 the pump 105 sends a load pulse to the flip flop 911 on a load pulse line 912. The pulse toggles the flip flop 911 disabling the generator 905 and the buffer 901.
The microcontroller 913 is made aware of the change in status by a second line connecting the microcontroller 913 to the flip flop 911. The address of the last bit of information written into the buffer 901 is provided to the microcontroller 913 on an output line directly connecting the generator 905 and microcontroller 913.
The microcontroller 913 verifies the validity of the data written into the buffer 901 by reading certain bits out of the buffer 901. The read address is sent by the microcontroller 901 to a read address port 915 which is the second input to the multiplexer 907. The select input to the multiplexer 907 is connected to the output of the flip flop 911 and would have been previously altered by the load pulse.
After validating the data the microcontroller 913 causes bits of data from the buffer 901 to move into a shift register 917. The data is shifted out of the register 917 on seven parallel lines to a lookup table 919. Shifts are caused by an input to the register 917 from the clock output of the microcontroller 913. The lookup table 919 converts the segment generating data from the register 917 to four bit ASCII numerals (0 through 9). Once all of the information in the buffer 901 is thus converted, the microcontroller 913 resets the flip flop 911. The buffer 901 and generator 905 are then free to resume accepting data from the pump 105.
A further input to the microcontroller 913 is an output field idenfication line 912. The microcontroller 913 has three further outputs; a four bit parallel data in line 923, a five bit parallel write address line 925 and a two bit parallel control line.
When the output field line 912 changes state, the microcontroller 913 sends the four bit numerals along the data line 923 to be written at the addresses given by the line 925.
Character Generator:
Reference will now be made to FIG. 10. A one kilo bit by four output bits serial random access memory buffer 1001 has the control and data in lines 927, 923 as inputs and the write address line 925 as a selectable input. The addresses in the buffer 1001 for the numerals on the data in line 923 are given on the write address line 925.
The other selectable input to the bufffer 1001 is a read address line 1003. When all of the character data from the data decipher unit 309 has been written into the buffer 1001, the read address line 1003 is selected. The data in the buffer 1001 at the address given by the line 1003 is put on a four bit data out line to a lookup table 1005. The output of the buffer 1001 is used as a pointer to the addresses in the lookup table 1005. The lookup table 1005 contains the character graphics, for the line presently being read, corresponding to the data originating on the pump data line 903. The output of the lookup table 1005 is blank until the correct line is given on a four bit character line number input 1007 to the lookup table 1005. The signal 1007 dictates that characters are in fact to be generated as the correct line number on the screen has been reached. The ouput of the lookup table is an eight-bit parallel signal to an eight to one multiplexer 1009. Only one output line is necessary as the characters displayed on the screen are either white or black. The use of the multiplexor 1009 can increase the bit rate up to 14.3 MHz for improved character resolution.
VIDEO COMBINER
Reference will now be made to FIG. 12, detailing the structure of the combiner 312. The three line red-green-blue video signal from the graphics board 303 is fed into an input 1202 of a video mixer 1201 where it is overlayed with the one bit character signal 1013 from the character generator 311. The character signal 1013 is fed through another input 1203 including a potentiometer to adjust the signal level before it enters the video mixer 1201. The output of the video mixer 1201 is a three line red-green-blue signal fed through the potentiometers 1205, only one representative potentiometer being shown, to a two to one video multiplexer 1207. The other input to the multiplexer 1207 is a three line red-green-blue signal from the output of the NTSC decoder 307. The select input of the multiplexer 1207 is a one video control signal 1208.
The output of the multiplexer 1207 is a three line red-green-blue signal which is fed to a clamp 1209. The red- green-blue outputs of the multiplexer 1207 are clamped during blanking time to make them insensitive to average picture level. The output of the clamp 1209 is a three line red-green-blue signal fed through low output impedance driving amplifiers 1211 to produce an output red-green-blue signal 1213.
SYNC GENERATOR
Reference will now be made to FIG. 11 in detailing the sync generator 313. A free-running 14.3 MHz. crystal oscillator 110 clocks a horizontal counter 1103. The output of the horizontal counter 1103 is a ten-bit address signal connected to a pair of programmable read-only memories (PROMs) 1105, 1107. The outputs of PROM 1105 are latched by a latch 1109, whose outputs are the control line 1011 and the read address line 1003 to the character generator 311.
The three outputs of the PROM 1107 are latched by latch 1111. One of the outputs of the latch 1111 is a one bit signal 1113 to the character generator 311. The second output signal is a three-bit signal to a composite sync PROM 1115. The third output of the latch 1111 is a one bit signal to a vertical counter 1117.
The output of the vertical counter 1117 is fed to a vertical PROM 1119 which produces three outputs. The three outputs are fed through a latch 1121 producing a three-bit signal to the composite sync PROM 1115, the four bit character line number signal 1007 to the character generator 311, and the one bit output field ID signal 921 to the data decipher unit 309.
The outputs 1011, 1003, 1113 and 1007 to the character generator 311 determine the horizontal and vertical positioning of the characters from the pump 105 in a screen.
The output field ID signal 921 causes the numerals from the data decipher unit to be written to the character generator and eventually the combiner 312 at the same rate as the frame lines from the graphics board 303 are sent to the combiner. This causes the characters from the pumps 105 to be displayed on an even or odd line to eliminate flicker when they are displayed.
A third input to the PROM 1115 is a two bit split control signal 1123. This signal 1123 comes from a hardware switch 319. The hardware switch 319 has two banks, each bank having four output ports. To trigger a switch event, a bank and a data port must be selected, then a trigger pulse is sent.
The outputs of the PROM 1115 are a composite sync signal 1125 which is fed through a driving amplifier 1127, and the one bit video control signal 1208. The composite sync signal 1125 synchronizes the graphics board 303 to the rest of the video circuit 301.
The signal 1208 is controlled by the signal 1123. The signal 1208 has one of two values: video on, video off. When the signal 1123 is at a video off value the PROM 1115 selects the output of the video mixer 1201 for the time it takes a whole screen to be output from the combiner 315. When the signal 1123 is at a video on value the PROM 1115 selects the output of the player 305 for two-thirds of a screen and the output of the mixer 1201 for the other third. Thus the output of the graphics board 303 and pump 105 are always on the lower part of the screen while the upper part of the screen is selectable between the output of the board 303 and pump 105, and the output of the player 305.
RGB MONITOR
An example of the display shown at the monitor 317 is given in FIG. 15. The top portion 1501 of the display shows the output of the player 305 or the mixer 1201 depending on the value of the control signal 1208. The bottom portion 1503 of the display always shows the output of the mixer 1201.
AUDIO CIRCUIT
Reference will now be made to FIG. 4 in detailing the audio circuit 401. The PC 103 is connected to the player 305 as outlined in the description in the video circuit portion of this specification. The stereo outputs of the player 305 are fed to a four by two audio mixer 403. The other two inputs to the audio mixer 403 are not presently used but have the potential to accept computer generated voice and tone signals from the PC 103.
The output of the audio mixer 403 is fed into an audio amplifier 405. The output of the audio amplifier 405 is connected to an automatic ambient noise level feedback circuit 407 whose output is then fed back into the input to the audio amplifier 405. The feedback circuit adjusts the gain on the audio amplifier 405 to compensate for changing background noise levels. For instance the gain of the amplifier 405 would be low during the quiet hours of the evening, while the gain would be relatively high during the noisy levels of the day.
The stereo output of the audio amplifier 405 is also fed to column speakers 409 and pump speakers 411.
The microcomputer 103 has an output to the hardware switch 319 as discussed previously. One of the outputs of the switch is capable of turning the column speakers 409 on and off, while another output of the switch 319 is capable of turning the pump speakers 411 on and off.
TOUCH CIRCUIT
Reference will now be made to FIG. 5 in detailing the structure of the touch circuit 501. An output of the PC 103 is connected to touch electronics 503 which control a touch screen 505. The particular touch screen and touch electronics 505, 503 used in the preferred embodiment are manufactured by Microtouch. The touch screen 505 is an anolog capacitive glass sheet with a conductive coating bonded into its surface. The glass surface of the screen 505 is resistent to penetration by sharp objects. The glass construction provides for improved optical clarity. The touch screen 505 is placed over the red- green-blue monitor 317.
The touch electronics 503 measure the position of a capactive coupling caused by a finger or conductive stylus touching the screen 505. The touch data, the position on the screen 505, is generated as an RS 232 signal and converted to current loop for transmission to the PC 103.
The commands, responses, command formats, and response formats for the microtouch touch screen as used in the preferred embodiment are as follows:
COMMAND/RESPONSE FORMATS
Each command is a string of ASCII characters consisting of the following: Header, Command, and Terminator. The first character (Header) in the command string is the ASCII Start-Of-Header character (ASCII 01 hex). This is followed by the command characters (capital letters, no blanks between characters). The last character (Terminator) in each command string is an ASCII carriage return (ASCII 0D hex).
CONTROLLER FIRMWARE
A command is sent to the electronics 503 from the PC 103 over the serial interface. After the electronics 503 executes a command, it returns a three character acknowledgment string to the PC 103. The string consists of a Header, the return code, and a Terminator, as follows:
The return code is 0 (ASCII 30 hex) for successful completion or any number ranging from 1 to 9 (ASCII 31 hex) for failure. Table 1 lists command/response formats for mux/nonmultiplexed applications. Table 2 lists point formats in decimal.
DATA FORMATS
The X, Y data points sent by the electronics 503 to the PC 103 can be encoded in an ASCII format that represents a decimal format. In the decimal format, each touch point is sent as a string of 9 ASCII characters. Each X and Y value is sent as three characters. A Delimiter (ASCII comma), which separates the X and Y coordinates, is place between the Header and Terminator characters, as follows:
In decimal format, the coordinate values range from 000 to 999.
OPERATING MODES
The electronics 503 has three modes of operation in decimal formats including:
Stream Mode--In stream mode, the electronics 503 sends a continuous stream of data points to the PC 103 while a touch is held on the screen 505.
Point Mode--In point mode, the electronics 503 sends a single data point when a touch is applied to the screen 505. No data is sent while the touch is held or the screen 505.
Inactive Mode--In this mode, no data is sent to the PC 103 by the electronics 503.
When you issue the interactive calibration command, the electronics 503 returns <Header>0<Terminator >.
The first touch is used by the electronics 503 to identify the lower-left corner of the display area. No point is sent by the electronics 503 for this touch, instead a <H>1<T> is sent to acknowledge the touch.
The second touch is used by the electronics 503 to identify the upper-right corner of the display area. The electronics 503 returns a <H>0<T>, indicating successful completion.
After calibration, the screen is set to Inactive mode. Issue a MODE command to set the desired mode.
PAYMENT CIRCUIT
Reference will now be made to FIG. 6 in detailing the structure of the payment circuit 601.
The PC 103 has an output to a card note controller (CNT) 603. The three outputs of the CNT 603 run to a card reader 605, a note reader 607 and a receipt printer 609.
The CNT 603 processes all signals destined for the card and note readers 605, 607 and the receipt printer 609 from the PC 103. In the preferred embodiment an AutoTank CNT was employed.
The commands, responses, command formats and response formats for this particular CNT 603 include the following:
The following sections describe the fields required for each of these commands. Each field is described individually; unless otherwise specified, all fields contain ASCII characters, i.e. a one byte ASCII field described as containing a 0 is represented by `30`H. The command/response itself immediately preceeds the data fields.
This command must be sent to the CNT for each bill that has been inserted into the acceptor.
The beep command may be sent without any parameters, in which case default values of dur=0025 and rep=0 would be used. To turn off the beeper after a repetitive cycling has been commanded, send a duration of "0000".
Any or all tracks may be activated for any card read, however, at least one of the tracks must be enabled for the card to open the shutter. The initial condition is all tracks disabled.
The card reader 605 will be disabled after a card is read, therefore, this command must be sent to the CNT 603 each time card data can be accepted by the PC 103. If there is a card in the CNT 603 when this message is received, the specified track will be read and the data transmitted immediately; if there is no card, all card data commands received will be pending and will be executed when a card is inserted.
GET NOTE DATA (n)
The note acceptor 607 will allow all bills to be inserted after this command is received. The note acceptor 607 will be disabled after a note is inserted, therefore, this command must be sent to the CNT 603 each time note data can be accepted by the PC 103.PRINT TO RECEIPT PRINTER (R)
CARD DATA (M)
The card reader data message will be in one of the following formats:
The CNT 603 will retry to read each enabled track for a total of three attempts; after which a read error message is sent. When the data is read from track 1, a 20H is added to each character before transmission, data from tracks 2 and 3 have 30H added before transmission.
The switch 319 is also a part of the payment circuit 601. The card reader, note reader, and print reader 605, 607, 609 are provided with lights 611, 613, 615 respectively. A further three outputs of the switch 319 are connected one to each of the lights 611, 613, 615. The use of the switch 319 allows these lights 611, 613, 615 to be turned on and off by the PC 103.
KIOSK CIRCUIT
Reference will now be made to FIG. 7 in detailing the structure of the kiosk circuit 701.
The microcomputer 103 is connected by a RS-232 line to a bulloch BT-9000 kiosk computer 703. Data communication is asynchronous at a baud rate 1200. Character length is 7 data bits with 2 stop bits and one even parity bit.
The kiosk computer 703 is a further connected to a host computer 705. The host computer 705 may be connected to other kiosk computers 703 in other locations to remotely capture point of sale information form many systems. Credit cards may be credit authorized by the kiosk computer 703 over a phone line connected thereto. The computer 703 accepts and sends the following command response/request format, commands and responses/requests.
COMMAND FORMAT
There are two formats for messages. The first format is simply an emulation of a subset of the pump 105 message set. For example, if the PC 103 wants to tell the computer 703 that it has a stolen credit card in its card reader 605, then it sends the STX format message "I HAVE A HOT CARD" to the computer 703.
If a message includes data, then the data is placed after the PUMP ID field and before the DEL (message terminator).
COMMANDS
TAKE PUMP FROM ME
The PC 103 is requesting the computer 703 to take over control of the emulated pump. This is normally done prior to a kiosk authorization request or kiosk transaction payment request.
No data.
I HAVE A HOT CARD
The column is informing the computer 703 that it has a stolen card in its card reader 605. The PC 105 will not allow the card to be released until it 103 receives a "RELEASE CARD" request from the computer 703.
No data.
I NEED ATTENTION
The PC 103 is informing the computer 703 that it 103 has a system malfunction. A plain text description of the problem is sent in the data field of the message. The PC 103 will not resume processing transactions until it receives a "RESET YOURSELF PLEASE" request from the computer 703.
The data field contains the description of the problem.
GIVE ME PUMP MAP
The PC 103 is requesting the computer 703 to send it 103 a pump map. A pump map describes the association of hose numbers to grade numbers. For example, Hose 1 could be either regular or super unleaded.
No data.
HERE IS A TRANSACTION
The PC 103 is posting a PRE-PAY transaction to the computer 703.
The data field contains pump 105 D command data field appended with a 5 byte cash amount/authorization number field and a 2 byte response code field.
RESPONSES/REQUESTS
TAKE PUMP FROM ME
The computer 703 is releasing control of the emulated pump after either a kiosk authorization or the payment of a kiosk transaction.
No data.
HERE IS PUMP MAP
The computer 703 is requesting the PC 103 to update the pump map of the PC 103.
The data field contains a 3 byte pump map.
HERE IS TIMESTAMP
The computer 703 is requesting the PC 103 to update its time clock.
The data field contains a 12 byte timestamp, YYMMDDHHMMSS.
RESET YOURSELF PLEASE
The computer 703 is requesting that the pump 103 return to active service. This is normally sent subsequent to an "I NEED ATTENTION" request from the PC 103 to the computer 703.
No data.
RELEASE CARD PLEASE
The computer 703 is requesting that the PC 103 release a stolen card from the reader 605. This is normally sent some time after the PC 103 has sent a "I HAVE A HOT CARD" request to the computer 703.
No data.
CHANGE PRICES PLEASE
The computer 703 is requesting that the PC 103 commence a price change action.
No data.
HALT PUMP PLEASE
The computer 703 is requesting that the PC 103 turn the pump 105 motors off.
No data.
STATUS
The computer 703 is polling the PC 103 for status.
No data.
DISPLAY DATA
The computer 703 is requesting the current pump 105 transaction data.
No data.
AUTHORIZE
The computer 703 is requesting that the pump 105 be authorized.
No data.
SET SALE COMPLETE
The computer 703 is requesting that the "SALE COMPLETE" bit of the pump 105 status message be set.
No data.
EXTERNAL SOURCE CIRCUIT
Reference will now be made to FIG. 8 which depicts the external source circuit 801. The PC 103 has an output connected to a modem 803.
modem 803 may be connected to any external device which supports communication by way of modem. In the preferred embodiment an external diagnostics computer 805 was connected to the modem 803. This computer 805 as its name suggests is used to monitor the proper operation of the PC 103 and the system 101, and to provide system software corrections. Equally, the modem 803 may be used to telephone a centralized credit data bank to authorize credit cards for monetary amounts.
SET SALE COMPLETE
The computer 703 is requesting that the "SALE COMPLETE" bit of the pump 105 status message be set.
No data.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
The system software mentioned previously is annexed as schedule A to this description. The software is written in the C language for the QNX operating system running on a Tandy HD3000 microcomputer 103.
Referring to FIG. 13, the software implementation of the task structure will be discussed.
This operating system and language were chosen as the system may be required to operate unattended in potentially hazardous environments. The QNX operating system running in protected mode confines most software problems to the individual tasks. As well as adding to system reliability, the ability to prevent total system failure caused by software or hardware faults allows for remote diagnosis and remote software correction of problems.
The tasks 1303 through 1325 communicate with one another to run the system. All tasks 1303 through 1325 begin operation when the PC 103 is powered up and run as long as power remains.
The tasks 1303 through 1325 fall into three categories: applications 1303, servers 1307 through 1315, workers 1316 through 1325. One application task 1303 is required to control any one system. Each PC 103 in the preferred embodiment controls two systems, therefore the PC 103 will contain two application tasks 1303.
Severs and workers 1307 through 1325 provide services and work for the application tasks 1303. Therefore, the applications 1303 are often referred to as clients in the software. The applications 1303 are also referred to as DAVEs for reasons which are unimportant.
Workers 1316 through 1325 work for only one application (client) 1303. Servers 1307 through 1315 are capable of providing their services to more than one application (client) 1303. Thus, for one PC 103 operating two systems only instance of each server 1307 through 1315 exists. Servers 1307 through 1325 provide serial access to hardware and system resources which must be accessed by more than one client 1203, but in a serial manner.
In operation the application 1303 requests an operating to take place by sending a request to a server or worker 1307 through 1325. The C language functions which accept these requests are contained in the /int sub-directory located after the main directory for each task.
WORKERS
The workers 1316 through 1325 do the following work:
BLINK:
Blink 1316 causes an introductory screen provided though the video circuit 307 to continuously switch from white to background colours and back again (blink).
EVENT QUEUE:
The event queue task 1317 provides a serialized first in first out (FIFO) event queue to its application task (client) 1303. The event requests come from CNT, POS, pump, touch, dc9, and bulloch tasks 1307, 1311, 1319, 1321, 1323, 1325 as shown by arrows 1327. The event queue allows for asynchronous transfer of communications to the application task 1303 from the servers and workers 1307 through 1325.
PUMP:
The pump task 1319 performs communications with the pump 105.
TOUCH:
The touch task 1321 performs communications with the touch electronics 503.
DC9:
The dc9 task 1323 performs communications with the laserdisk player 305.
BULLOCH:
The bulloch task 1325 performs communications with the kiosk computer 703.
SERVERS:
The server tasks 1307 through 1315 provide the following services:
CNT:
The CNT 1307 provides communication services to the CNT 603.
SWITCH:
The switch task 1398 provides serialized access to the hardware switch 319.
POS:
The POS task 1311 provides communication services to the host computer 705 via the kiosk computer 703. Sending of Point of Sale data to the centralized host computer 705.
LOGGER:
The logger task 1313 provides logging services to track the states of the various tasks 1303 through 1325.
GRAPH:
If the video is in the graphics board 303 memory, it is displayed via the graphics task 1315. If the video is in a disk of the player 305, the dc9 task 1313 is called. The transaction data from the pump 105 is always displayed via the hardward associated with the pump 105 in the video circuit 301.
APPLICATIONS
The application tasks 1303 steps through the steps of a sale transaction sending commands to the various servers and workers 1305 through 1325.
Some commands will take longer than a fraction of a second to respond to the command signal from the application task 1303 with the outcome. For the devices which take this longer period of time, their responses or requests to the application task are sent via the event queue task 1317.
This asynchronous process of comand/response frees up the application task 1303 to respond immediately to an event generated by the customer.
Servers and workers 1307 through 1325 also provide timeout functions so that a command is responded to within a given amount of time whether or not the customer performs a specified action.
OPERATION
The application task 1303 is passed a name and number, and the total number of application tasks 1303.
The application task 1303 initializes itself and then processes transactions.
Initialization:
Initialization is passed the same arguments as the application task. The task 1303 finds out which task it is from the arguments. The task 1303 calls the logger task 1313 logging the application 1303 status as start and printing the time in a log file.
The task 1303 checks to see that it is properly running within the operating system. The task 1303 sets up two records which will keep track of the current transaction and the previous transaction. The previous transaction record is important as regulatory bodies require transaction data to appear on the screen at all times and these records may be recalled to display the data. As well, the previous transactions record may be linked to determine past transaction data. A file is opened and zeroed where the transaction data will be kept track of. The previous transaction record takes data from the data file.
The event queue task 1317 is created. The number of the task 1317 is returned to the application task 1303. The task 1303 checks to see that the CNT, graphics, POS and switch tasks 1307, 1315, 1311, 1309 are running. The pump colour maps are brought in by the graphics task 1315. The touch zones are deactivated by the touch task 1321, a pump out of order screen is displayed via the graphics task 1315, and the touch zones are reactivated.
The video, card light, cash light and receipt light are turned off via the switch task 1209.
The blink task 1316 is created. The device ports for the player 305, touch electronics 503, pump 105, and kiosk computer 703 are opened. The CNT task 1303 and POS task 1311 queues are started. The CNT 603 is reset. The application task 1303 status is changed to ready by the logger task 1313.
This ends the initialization phase.
Process transactions:
The application task 1303 then processes transactions.
The task 1303 does a sale routine unless it encounters a transaction problem.
The sale routine resets all information and devices. First they cause the dc9 task 1323 to turn the player 305 show off (i.e. stop the disc presently in the player 305). Task 1303 switches the video off, both speakers off, and the column speaker back on via the switch task 1309. The current transaction record is cleared, the grade pumped is set to the previous grade pumped, English is assumed, and the transaction sequence number is updated.
The task 1303 asks the pump 105 to identify itself via the pump task 1319.
The bulloch task 1325 is checked to see if a price change has been requested. If so, it is performed by taking the prices from the kiosk computer 703 via the bulloch task 1325 and sending them to the pump task 1319.
The present prices are then read from the pump 105 to the task 1303 via the pump task 1319.
The time at which the prices were read is put into the current transaction record.
A language choice routine is then entered. The touch zones are deactivated, the language display, shown in FIG. 15, is displayed and the touch zones are reactivated. The English touch zone is that around "Touch here to start" while the French touch zone is around "Appuyez sur la touche". Other areas of the screen 505 are not touch sensitive. The transaction data of the previous transaction is displayed by the monitor 317 via the graphic task 1315. The pump task 1319 is requested to report if pump goes out of service.
The display is set to blinking by the blink task 1316 and the graphics task 1315.
The task 1303 then waits for an event. Either the screen 505 is touched, the prices are reset, or something happens to the pump 105.
If the screen 505 is touched it is determined whether the English or French section was chosen and the blinking is stopped. If one of the other events occurs an exception is processed.
Assuming a language has been chosen, a preset choices display is displayed in the chosen language and the touch zones are activated. FIG. 16 shows the preset choices display 1601 for the English language having preset sections 1603. The areas around each preset section 1603, when touched, will send a signal representative of the preset amount. If the screen 505 is touched outside the preset sections 1603 the display 1601 will change to a French display, not shown, as it is assumed the user does not understand the language. The preset routine would then be entered again.
When a preset zone 1603 touched the amount is displayed in a preset box 1605 and the task 1303 is informed of the choice made.
If the screen 505 is not touched within a required time, the task 1303 returns to the beginning of the transaction process. The task 1303 assumes the customer has walked away.
If the customer has made a preset choice, a payment routine is then entered and continues unless a problem occurs. The customer is asked whether he or she wishes to pay by cash or credit card. The display 1701 is shown is FIG. 17.
If paying by credit card the card touch section 1703 is touched. A card selection display 1801 is shown in FIG. 18. Several cards may be used as shown in the display 1801. An audio prompt via the DC9 task 1323 informs the customer of the cards that may be used and requests that the customer to touch the screen on the intended card.
On selection of a card, the display changes to motion video with audio from the DC9 task 1323 showing the user which way to insert the card in the card reader 605.
With the card correctly inserted and read by the card reader 605, the customer is informed by an audio and video display, as shown in FIG. 20, via the DC9 task 1323 that the card is being validated. The card is validated via the POS task 1311.
On validation, a motion video plus audio display, via the DC9 task 1323, requests the customer to remove the card from the card reader 605 and to proceed to fill the automobile with gas.
If the host computer 705 via the kiosk computer 703 and the POS task 1311 is unable to validate the card, the card is returned and the customer is re-offered the card cash display 1701.
During the filling process, the customer is entertained with motion video and audio display from the player 305 via the DC9 task 1323 in the upper portion 1401 of the screen 505. Simultaneously, the transaction data is continuously displayed in the lower portion of the screen 1403.
At the completion of the filling procedure, the pump 105 is asked whether its hook is down via the task 1303. If the hook is not down, a video and audio display is presented telling the customer to press the hook down. This ends the filling procedure.
A receipt request display is displayed asking the customer if he or she requires a receipt. If a receipt is required the display area is touched. A receipt is printed by the receipt printer 609 via the CNT task 1307.
Either after receipt is printed or a required amount of time has passed, a thank you video and audio display 1901, as shown in FIG. 19, are displayed. The current transaction data is sent to the next previous transaction data record and is posted to the cheque file. The transaction information is then sent to the kiosk computer 703 via the POS task 1311. The application task 1303 is then logged sale complete in the log file.
If the credit card used by the customer is not one which may be read by the card reader 605 the customer after selecting this type of credit card on the card selection screen of FIG. 18 is required to validate the card at the kiosk shown in Figure at the end of the fill procedure. The proceed to fill display is immediately shown with the additional words "please pay at the kiosk" and with an audio display advising the customer to pay at the kiosk when finished filling.
The transaction now becomes a kiosk pay routine. The pump 105 must be authorized by the kiosk computer 703 via the bulloch task 1325. The kiosk computer 703 then communicates with the pump 105 via the bulloch task 1325. When a hose is lifted from the pump 105 the kiosk computer 703 is notified. The kiosk computer 703 authorizes the pump 105. Again the motion video and audio displays entertain the customer during filling.
When the hook of the pump is pressed down the kiosk computer 703 is notified. The kiosk computer 703 takes the transaction data from the pump 105. The bulloch task 1325 notifies the application task 1303 that the fill procedure is completed and the sale is logged sale complete in the log file.
The customer is requested to pay at the kiosk by a video and audio display 1901, as shown in FIG. 19.
If the cash payment option on display 1701 was selected, the customer is shown a display on the manner in which notes may be inserted into the note reader 607. On acceptance of the first note inserted by the customer the display changes to an all cash in area 2103, and a window 2105 in which an accumulated total is displayed 2101, as shown in FIG. 21, via the graph task 1315. An audio display via the DC9 task 1323 requests the customer to touch the all cash in area when the last note has been inserted into the note reader 607. As each note is inserted the window display 2105 is updated to reflect the total number of dollars entered by the customer.
When the all cash in area 2103 is touched an audio and video display via the DC9 task 1323 requests the user to selected a hose and proceed to fill.
If the customer had preset the pump to a fixed amount at the preset choices stage, then when the cash inserted equals or exceeds the preset amount the proceed to fill display would automatically appear.
Again during the filling procedure the customer is shown a variety of video and audio displays while the transaction data is displayed on the lower portion 1403 of the screen.
When the filling procedure has been completed and the hook has been reset the receipt display is presented to the customer.
If at the completion of the transaction cash totalling an amount larger than the value of gasoline dispensed has been inserted, a receipt and refund display 2201, as shown in FIG. 22, is displayed. A window 2203 in the display 2201 shows the amount of refund due to the customer. An audio display advises the customer to obtain a receipt by touching a print receipt display area 2205 and to take the receipt to the kiosk for a refund.
The thank you display 2001 is shown after the receipt is printed or a required amount of time has passed.
The current transaction data is sent to the next previous transaction data record and is posted to the cheque file. The transaction information is then sent to the kiosk computer 703 via the POS task 1311. The application task 1303 is then logged sale complete in the log file.
COMMAND FILES
The command files which set the device terminals for communication between the hardware 101 and the software are appended to this description as schedule B. The command files determine the parameters for communication transfer and the terminal at which transfer is to occur. The command files also use the utility program Load-frame to down load the graphics specifications for the various displays to the memory of the graphics board 303.
While the present invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiment thereof it should be understood that there may be other embodiments which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. ##SPC1## ##SPC2## ##SPC3## ##SPC4## ##SPC5##
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An interactive pump system capable of interacting with and responding to responses from a user, the system comprising; a pump means; a central processing unit connected to the pump means; and a display and input means including a plurality of instruction displays, and being connected to the pump means and the central processing unit; wherein the pump means is operable to transmit transaction data, concerning fluid pumped, to the display and input means which will display the transaction data, display one instruction display, and transfer input responses from a user to the central processing unit, the central processing unit being operable to process the input responses and to control the pump means according to the responses, characterised in that the central processing unit includes pump task means, display and input task means and application task means, each task means, in operation running concurrently with the other task means, with the pump task means controlling the pump means, the display and input task means controlling the display and input means, and the application task means receiving and processing the input responses and transferring results into pump directions to the pump task means.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pump task means is arranged, in controlling the pump means, to process the pump directions and transfer pump commands to, and receive pump responses from, the pump means; the display and input task means being arranged, in controlling the display and input means, to transfer displays and input commands to, and receive display responses and input responses from, the display and input means, process the display and input responses and transfer resultant display and input requests to the application task means, and the application task means is arranged to process the display and input requests and transfer resultant pump direction to the pump task means.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the pump task means additionally is arranged to process the pump responses and transfer resultant pump requests to the application task means, the application task means additionally being arranged to process the pump requests and transfer resultant display and input directions to the display and input task means, which process the display and input directions.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the central processing unit further comprises a queue, and queue task means for controlling the queue and for transferring requests from the pump task means and display and input task means to the queue, and the next request in the queue being transferred to the application task means upon an order from the application task means.
5. The system of claim 3 or 4, wherein the display and input means comprises display means and input means, the input means being connected to the central processing unit, the display means being connected to the pump means and the central processing unit, the display means being arranged to display the instruction displays and the input means transferring the input responses to the central processing unit, and wherein the display and input task means further comprises display task means and input task means, the display task means being arranged to control the display means by transferring display commands to, and receiving the display responses from, the display means, the input task means being arranged to control the input means by transferring input commands to, and receiving input responses from, the input means, the pump, display and input task means processing the pump, display and input responses and transferring pump, display and input requests to the application task means, the application task means processing display, input and pump requests and transferring resultant pump display, input and pump directions to the display input and pump task means.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the display and input means comprises a graphics generator, a video mixing means connected to the graphics generator and to the pump means, and a monitor connected to the video mixing means, wherein the graphics generator is connected to the central processing unit and is arranged to generate a graphic display signal representing a graphic instruction display, the pump means is arranged to generate a transaction data signal representing the transaction data to be displayed, the video mixing means is arranged to mix the graphic instruction display signal and the transaction data signal and transfer the mixed signal to the monitor to form at least part of an instruction display.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the display and input means further comprises a sync generator, connected to the pump means and the graphics generator, for synchronizing the transaction data signal and the graphic instruction display signal.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the display and input means further comprises a motion instruction display signal source, a signal combining means connected to the signal mixing means and the monitor, and a switch means connected to the central processing unit, with the sync generator being additionally connected to the motion instruction display signal source, the signal combining means and the switch means, the sync generator being arranged to synchronize the signals from the graphic generator, the pump means, and the motion instruction display source, the combining means selecting and combining from the signals from the signal mixing means and the motion instruction display signal source according to a signal sent from the central processing unit via the switch means and the sync generator to generate a combined instruction display signal, and transferring the combined instruction display signal to the monitor to form at least part of an instruction display, and wherein the central processing unit further comprises a graphics task means, a motion display task means, and a switch task means, which task means are arranged respectively to control the graphics generator, the motion instruction display signal source and the switch means by transferring respective commands to, and receiving respective responses from, the graphics generator, the motion instruction display signal source, and the switch means, the graphics task means and the motion display task means forming the display task means, and the display commands and responses being provided by the graphics and the motion display commands and responses, with the graphics, motion display and switch task means processing their respective responses and transferring respective resultant requests to the application task means, and the application task means additionally being arranged to process those requests and transfer respective directions to each of the task means.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the display and input means further comprises an audio signal source, and wherein the central processing unit further comprises an audio task means for controlling the audio signal source by transferring audio commands to, and receiving audio responses from, the audio signal source, the audio task means processing the audio responses and transferring resultant audio requests to the application task means, the application task means additionally being arranged to process those requests and transfer respective directions to each of the task means.
10. The system of claim 9, further comprising payment means connected to the central processing unit, for accepting payment and transferring payment data to the central processing unit, and wherein the central processing unit further comprises payment task means for controlling the payment means by transferring payment commands to, and receiving payment responses from, the payment means, processing the payment responses and transferring resultant payment requests to the application task, the application task additionally being arranged to process the payment requests and transfer respective resultant directions to each of the task means.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the payment means further comprises a card reader and a cash reader, each reader being connected to the central processing unit, accepting the payment and transferring the payment data to the central processing unit.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the payment means further comprises a card and note controlling means for controlling the card reader and the cash reader and connected between the central processing unit and the card and cash readers.
13. The system of claim 10 and comprising kiosk computing means, connected to the central processing unit, for accepting point of sale data including the transaction data from the pump means and for controlling the pump means via the central processing unit, and wherein the central processing unit further comprises point of sale data task means and kiosk computer task means, the point of sale task means being arranged to communicate the point of sale data to the kiosk computer and the kiosk computer task means allowing the kiosk computing means to control the pump means by transferring respective commands to, and receiving respective responses from, the kiosk computing means, the point of sale data and kiosk computer task means processing their respective responses and transferring respective resultant requests to the application task means, and with the application task means additionally being arranged to process those requests and transfer respective directions to each of the task means.
14. The system of claim 13 and comprising external source means connected to and communicating with the central processing unit for diagnosing respective task means problems.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the external source means comprises a modem connected to the central processing unit.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the display and input means comprises a touch sensitive screen and associated electronics, the screen being positioned over a monitor of the display and input means and being arranged to accept input responses from a user.