Method and Structure for Determining Transaction System Hardware and Software Configurations

The following co-pending applications are related to this application, and are hereby incorporated by reference:

This invention pertains to transaction systems, such as point of sale terminals, inventory control systems, and the like. More particularly, this invention pertains to a method and structure for determining the specific hardware and software configuration needed to meet an end users' needs and desires.

Transaction systems are well known in the prior art and consist to a large extent of sales systems such as electronic cash registers and associated peripherals. Typical prior art systems include an electronic cash register of pre-determined hardware configuration running specific application software. For example, in a supermarket an electronic cash register is utilized in conjunction with a bar code scanner, a change machine, a produce scale, and the like. The electronic cash register is typically a general purpose electronic cash register including ports for connecting the peripheral devices. The application software is stored in the electronic cash register in order to meet the needs of the particular retail or professional environment. In some environments, such as a medical office or certain billing departments, a computer system is used in lieu of an electronic cash register. However, as with prior art electronic cash register systems the computer system is configured with application software and hardware to perform the desired functions of the particular environment.

In order to configure the system and software for a particular use, prior art systems leave few choices. In many situations, the electronic cash register provided no opportunities for being tailored to the specific environment of the end-user. In those instances in which the electronic cash register could be tailored, tailoring the electronic cash register for a specific need was accomplished by a salesperson or the like who selected from the few options available based upon his experience with end user needs.

The situation with respect to application software is no better in the prior art. Although there is generally greater diversity in application software than hardware in the prior art, much of it is custom tailored by the particular end user for use in their applications. Thus, for example, a supermarket chain would often prepare, or have prepared, application software intended for their specific use. While a number of features might be common among various supermarket chains, or end users in general, it was up to the end user to determine which applications were needed for their particular purposes, and how best to implement those application softwares.

Accordingly, it is seen that in the prior art relatively few choices of hardware configuration and application software configurations are available on a standardized basis. From the relatively small selection of standardized application software, a selection is made in a non-standard manner by a sales or marketing person which hopefully best meets the end users' needs.

In accordance with the teachings of this invention, a method and structure are provided for automating the collection of information from a customer and providing a specification of a transaction system to fullfil the customer's needs and desires. In one embodiment of this invention, an ordering step is used in order to obtain information via a convenient user interface to determine the customer's intended use of the machine and the performance desired. As a result of this ordering process, the system hardware configuration is determined automatically. During the implementation process, the configuration system of this invention is used to assemble a package of software, which may include both programs and data files, to run the hardware thus configured and implement the chosen user functions.

If desired, this information is stored for later use in the event the user wishes to modify the configuration of his system, or to order additional system configurations different than that of the initial system.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a configuration system of this invention; and

FIGS. 2-5 depict various display screens utilized in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.

Table 1 lists a plurality of user functions capable of being performed by a transaction system. This configuration is determined in accordance with the teachings of this invention.

Appendix A is a software listing of C source code suitable for compilation and running on an MS DOS platform in order to serve as one embodiment of a configuration system in accordance with the teachings of this invention.

Transaction system end users (i.e. customers of transaction system vendors) understand their environments and can describe their needs in looking for solutions to their problems. Customers (and vendor marketing personnel) need help, however, in selecting the appropriate choice of hardware and software options provided by a modern transaction system.

In accordance with the teachings of this invention, a method and structure are provided for automating the collection of information from a customer and providing a specification of a transaction system that will fulfill the customer's needs. Information on a customer's system is retained for maintaining and updating the customer's system at a later date, as customer needs change.

The use of the configuration system of the present invention may be described as follows, with reference to FIG. 1 which depicts one embodiment of a configuration system constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention.

1. Ordering process: The configuration system of this invention is used to insure functional completeness of the user's system and specify the hardware configuration to implement those functions. System specification includes the user's choices for the user interface (e.g. keyboard definition) and the order and presentation of functions to be performed by the transaction system (e.g. scroll through a menu, select function by pressing a single key).

2. Implementation process: The configuration system is used to assemble a package of software (programs and data files) to run the hardware and implement the chosen user functions.

3. Maintenance: The information produced by the configuration system is available for various maintenance activities and the configuration system itself is used for updating the user's system.

In the ordering phase, input from the user will typically be in response to questions and consist generally of yes/no choices and some numbers or ranges of numbers. This information is easily provided as it is the customer who is most familiar with his business and his specific needs.

The customer supplied information is used to specify the functions which the user has indicated his customized system needs to perform. From these functions the configuration system derives the system description.

The user functions include, for example, some or all of those given in Appendix A. The choices are presented to the user in a form most appropriate for the user which may, if desired, differ from the organization of the material in Table 1. The ordering phase of the configuration system preferably takes into account defaults (functions a user will get automatically in various circumstances, unless specifically renounced), probable contingencies ("if you have chosen A, then you might want B"), and the user viewpoint in general. If desired, the form of presentation can be made dependent on the type of business and activity which will be served by the transaction system being configured.

In one embodiment, program queries and user input of data is through a user-friendly interface of menus and windows. The interface works off of one or more templates that allow for easy alteration of the interface for different markets and to respond to feedback from sales personnel and customers in order to make the ordering process as simple and responsive as possible. This is described in greater detail later under the heading "Setting up and Modifying the Configuration System."

The configuration system performs two operations with respect to the input data: determining the completeness of the data and determining the system(s) that will meet the requirements of the data. The configuration system first decides whether the information given is complete. If not, it calls for the information needed. This functionality is closely integrated with the user interface and has a "shell" form allowing for the easy alteration of the input requirements and the decision rules.

Various reports are capable of being provided following the ordering process. For example, a hardware report comprises a hardware component list, including the required amounts of memory. If desired, this hardware report can also include product pricing based upon the hardware configuration required. If desired, one or more reports pertaining to the desired functions and the software modules required is also provided; in one embodiment pricing of the software required is also provided. If desired, the system automatically generates purchase orders, and provides shipping information as well.

One or more data files are created during the ordering process in response to the customer supplied information. Such one or more data files are then provided to the implementation process, which is now described.

Step 1: Based upon the configuration and functionality defined in the ordering process, additional information is obtained, for example in a similar manner as information is obtained during the ordering process, to obtain specific information needed to implement the desired functionality. For example, once the functionality is defined in the ordering process, this step obtains information defining the specific location of keys on a keyboard, which keys are required by the desired functionality. A user's specific data is also obtained, such as the sales tax table, price look up files, department definitions, gasoline storage pump configurations, which are needed as defined during the ordering process.

Step 2: The software component package, consisting of application programs and specific data files, is generated based upon the determined configuration. The package is presented for installation in an appropriate mode, such as via modem, diskette, JEDIA card, or as a file on the salesperson's or customer's computer, such as a personal computer. In one embodiment, an operational state table (OST) is generated in order to tie together the application software selected for this configuration and the user defined keys. For example, a master state table (MST) is used which includes a large number of possible combinations of states and key entries, from which are selected those state transitions required to form the OST for the specific configuration being developed.

If desired, the "raw" information input by the customer and/or the information generated by the configuration system is saved for future use in the event the customer determines that his needs or desires have changed. In this manner, only changes need be input to the configuration system, rather than a complete set of data, thereby making the task of modifying the configured system quite simple, fast, and inexpensive as well as less prone to error. Furthermore, this allows a customer to explore various alternative systems based upon slightly changed functionality such that, for example, new comparisons can be made.

An ASCII file is used as a template to determine the content and flow of the process by which the configuration is defined. This file is easily constructed and altered with a simple text editor. In one embodiment of this invention, a template editor is included which is invoked via the Edit selection on the main menu. If desired, separate templates are used for different types of users in order to make the configuration process as simple as possible for each user. Thus, for example, one template is used to configure supermarket transaction systems, another template is used to configure gasoline station transaction systems, etc.

1. Template Control of Input

The template lists the data required for a given running of the configuration system. It supplies a list of the data required, its type and format, and the text of the prompt to obtain the data. When the data is a selection among alternatives, the template supplies the text describing the alternatives that appear in the window. The I/O shell takes the template data and uses it to ask the right questions.

In one embodiment, there are six types of data elements ("facts").

1. Integer

2. String

3. Boolean (e.g. yes/no or true/false)

4. Attribute--e.g. select one choice from a list of choices

5. Multivariable--e.g. select a plurality of choices

6. Real

The list of required input data fulfills the function of determining if all the data has been received. In one embodiment, the list of required input data is cycled through and each question must be answered. Where appropriate, the template includes certain default input data values.

2. Template Specification of Decision Rules

The template contains the rules relating the input elements. The template is divided into three sections. The first section is called the Facts, the second section is called the Rules, which defines the relationship(s) between the facts, and the third section is called the Reports which specifies the output data and output format.

The criteria used for the selection of a system configuration is based upon a combination of the rules and the facts specific to that user.

3. The Use of Different Templates

Different templates are appropriate for different users. Different templates can adapt the use of the configuration system of this invention to different natural languages. Different levels of generality for templates are, if desired, employed. For example, a high level of generality might cover one kind of store for different companies, a more specific level might be for different stores for the same company. If desired, templates can be configured for use for different types of end users, e.g. a given template is used which is specifically tailored for a supermarket application, another template is used which is specifically tailored for a department store situation, and another set of template is used which is specifically tailored to apply to the data gathering with respect to a professional office environment. In one embodiment, a record of a customer profile includes a record of the template with which it was collected.

In one embodiment of this invention, the configuration system includes programs written in C and compiled using a Microsoft C compiler to run on a DOS based personal computer, such as an IBM AT or equivalent. One such embodiment includes the following modules:

Modules

3.1 The I/O Interface

3.2 The Shell

3.3 File Maintenance

3.3.1 Keyboard Program

3.3.2 State Table

3.3.3 Miscellaneous Site Files

3.4 Report Generators

3.5 Communications Media

FIGS. 2 through 5 depict the user interface screen for the edit, user data, reports, and select screens, respectively, in accordance with one embodiment of this invention. In each of these screens, the user interface presents six windows as follows:

1 MENU: 1st level of user choice.

2 OPTIONS: 2nd level of user choice.

3 DIALOG: 3rd level of user choice.

4 FILES: This window indicates the current template file in use and the current active user file.

5 MESSAGE: This is a message window where the shell puts messages conforming to whatever processing is currently being carried out. Error messages also appear in this window.

6 DATE & TIME: Presents the date and time

1 MENU. The Menu window presents the four choices:

EDIT (FIG. 2) is used to edit the choices presented to the user

USERDATA (FIG. 3) used to enter user data and run DOS programs

REPORTS (FIG. 4) is used to generate reports based on the user data

SELECT (FIG. 5) can be used, if desired, to select a different template or user file. Alternatively, this selection is achieved via the Load option of the Userdata menu.

Highlighting is moved among the choices by the use of the left and right cursor arrows. The highlighted choice is activated by pressing the TAB key. When a selection is activated, the OPTIONS window presents the options appropriate to the menu selection.

The EDIT Function

This function is used to edit the choices presented to the user. The following options are available:

FILES--Used to select an existing template file.

OPEN--Provides same function as FILES.

NEW--Used to create a new template file; prompts for a file name.

SAVE--Saves the currently selected file; prompts for a filename if n file name was specified earlier.

EXIT--Saves the currently selected file and returns to Main Menu.

QUIT--Returns to the Main Menu without saving changes.

The USERDATA Function

This function is used to enter user data and run DOS programs. Four options are currently available:

LOAD--Loads a selected template file. The loading of the template file forms a base upon which questions can be asked and the required information queried and stored. The user is also prompted to select an existing user file that contains previously saved information.

RUN--Starts the User session and evaluates the Rules.

DOSPROG--Used to select and execute those DOS programs that are defined in the template file.

SAVE--Used to save new and updated information.

The REPORTS Function

This function is used to generate reports based on the user data entered. Two options are available:

BUILD--Used to build the Reports specified in the template file.

PRINT--Sends the reports built using the above option to the printer.

The SELECT Function

This function is used to select available files. The current options are:

RULEFIL--Initially LOAD prompts for a Rulefile, however, if the user wants to load a different template file after a session, this option can be used to select another file.

USERFIL--Same as RULEFIL, except for User files.

FILES Window

The FILES window displays the name of the current activated file.

DIALOG Window--The DIALOG window displays the questions/choices used to identify the system that will best satisfy the needs outlined by the user. A sample of these questions/choices is listed in Appendix B according to file type (Fact, Rule, Report).

MESSAGE Window--The MESSAGE window displays error messages or other user instructions.

OPTIONS Window--The OPTIONS window lists the options available for each MENU function (refer to FIGS. 2 through 5). To select an option, use the up/down cursor arrows. When the desired option is highlighted, activate it using the ENTER key.

1. Sales Sessions

1.1 The Sales Application

1.1.1 Entering sales manually, with designation of department, e.g. taxable, nontaxable, deli, bakery

1.1.2 Entering sales automatically using all relevant information from the item file (item file: the information on an item recorded within the system)

1.1.2.1 Scanning the UPC or EAN of an item

1.1.2.2 Recording sales of fast moving, promotional, or non-coded products by use of predefined buttons (item definition keys, IDKs) on the keyboard

1.1.2.3 Identifying products by a numeric entry, other than the above

1.1.3 Modifying the effects of other entries by special keys

1.1.3.1 Modifying the effect of UPC, EAN, IDK and numeric entry keys by a series of keys to take account of sizes or quantities: small, medium, large, single, 6-pack, case, etc.

1.1.3.2 Using a multiplier key for the sale of more than one of an item

1.1.3.3 Calculating the split price on multiple unit priced items, mix and match or specially priced combinations: 3 for $1, coffee & danish

1.1.3.4 Overriding the price of an item at the time of sale

1.1.4 Calculating taxes automatically to the extent possible

1.1.4.1 Calculating the sales tax in accordance with the various state and local requirements, using multiple tables as necessary

1.1.4.2 Adding in any appropriate excise taxes or value added tax as required by law

1.1.4.3 Overriding the tax or the tax amount for tax exempt organizations

1.1.5 Modifying transactions

1.1.5.1 Incorporating a discount into the sales transaction for a single sales item or for an entire receipt

1.1.5.2 Voiding for a single sales item or for an entire receipt

1.1.5.3 Including a high amount lockout (HALO) and a low amount lockout (LALO), with the facility for override

1.1.6 Handling various tender media: cash, checks, charge, debit, credit, manufacturers coupons, store coupons, food stamps, cash card, etc.

1.1.6.1 Separate accounting for different media

1.1.6.2 Automatic handling of special rules for different media such as laws governing the use of food stamps

1.1.7 Printing sales receipts with options for modes: full receipt, abbreviated receipt and no receipt

1.1.8 Opening the cash drawer by use of a NOSALE key

1.1.9 Interfacing with various models of [Bscales and proper handling of tare (the weight added by packaging)

1.1.10 Accounting for returned merchandise and refunds

1.1.11 Handling different or special forms of sales (Session Subtypes)

1.1.11.1 Lottery Sessions: Handling the selling of lottery tickets and the redemption of lottery winners, as defined by the state commission

1.1.11.2 Gasoline sessions: see item 2 below

1.1.11.3 Customer Sessions: to be dealt with in later phases of Gemstone

1.2 The Time Clock Application

1.2.1 Recording employee clock in/out data

1.2.2 Presenting clock information to store management for verification and approval prior to payroll processing Note: this is an example of a functionality that reside in different sessions (clerk or administrative) for different users

1.3 The Inventory Application

1.3.1 Handling deliveries of merchandise by vendors, to include the cost of goods received and the increased retail accountability

1.3.2 Recording and accounting for merchandise that is:

1.3.2.1 Not appropriate for sale or use in the store or facility (bad merchandise: damaged, spoiled or any other condition which might prohibit if from being sold)

1.3.2.2 Used in upkeep of store/facility and thereby removed from the retail stock

1.3.2.3 Transferred out of the facility to an affiliated facility

1.3.2.4 Transferred in from an affiliated facility

1.3.2.5 Returned to vendor

1.3.2.6 Used as ingredients for retail items

1.4 The Accounting Application

1.4.1 Accounting for various tender media and coupons

1.4.2 Accounting for loans from safes or cash controllers

1.4.3 Accounting for tender transfers:

1.4.3.1 Removed from the cash drawer and secured in a safe or cash controller (drops)

1.4.3.2 Removed from the cash drawer or facility to be deposited in the bank

1.4.3.3 Brought into the facility from the bank

1.4.4 Accounting for the payment of vendor invoices from the financial resources in the facility (paid outs)

1.4.5 Accounting for miscellaneous income

1.4.5.1 U.S. Postage Stamps, game machines, etc.

1.4.5.2 Deposits and deposit returns for soft drink bottles and other containers

1.4.5.3 Rentals such as video tapes and electronic equipment

1.5 Closing Applications

1.5.1 Terminal Close

1.5.2 Shift Close

1.5.3 Day Close

2. Gasoline Session (a subtype of the Clerk Session)

2.1 Controlling the gasoline dispensers from the terminal

2.1.1 Controlling the pumps either via the PAM (pump access module) provided by the manufacturer or directly via the current loop.

2.1.2 Determining problems at terminal or in-store computer that are currently handled in the console incorporated in the system

2.1.3 Shutting down dispensers in emergency situations at the terminal

2.2 Providing direct cash accounting control over gasoline sales and dispensing, at the terminal upon which the sale was initiated

2.3 Providing for payment:

2.3.1 Made by prepayment or postpayment with same information available on both for customer receipt

2.3.2 Made by specific dollar amount or for unlimited dispensing.

2.4 Providing for multiple delayed sales (gas queuing)

2.5 Providing for sales initiated on one console and concluded on another

2.6 Recording on the customer receipt, the pertinent data involving the sale of gasoline, including:

2.6.1 dollar amount of the sale,

2.6.2 the gallons sold,

2.6.3 the grade of gasoline

2.7 Provide for deliveries and other inventory adjustments of the gasoline inventory

2.8 Allowing attachment of any pump to any gasoline storage tank and, hence, to any grade of gasoline for:

2.8.1 up to eight grades of gasoline

2.8.2 up to eight gasoline storage tank

2.8.3 up to 32 pumps as a normal configuration in a gasoline retail store

2.9 Interfacing with any of the various gasoline tank monitors and making that information available for reporting

2.10 Requiring minimal hardware modification to interface with pumps of various manufacturers such as user replacement of a single component. Suggested manufacturers of dispensers include: Gilbarco, Tolkeim, Dresser-Wayne, Bennett and Southwest Pump

3. Administration Sessions

3.1 Reporting and Displaying Application

3.1.1 Accounting totals for the current period (since the last time the totals were cleared)

3.1.1.1 Providing the option to clear after printing

3.1.1.2 Providing the capability to adjust the period accounting summaries for "over-rings" and errors by a "Post Void" function

3.1.2 Displaying various types of system data

Note: the display functionality is one that may be divided up in different ways and appear in different session types according to what is to be displayed and the customer's preferences.

3.2 Site

3.2.1 Modifying the store and terminal numbers

3.2.2 Modifying the date and the time maintained by the system

3.2.3 Modifying the tax computation tables used for the calculation of the sales tax

3.2.4 Modifying the information about a product, such as UPC, source, description, price, food stamp eligibility and tax indicator

3.3 Maintaining and enhancing applications

3.3.1 The accounting summaries is maintained by operator, by terminal, or by system.

3.3.2 The means of recording sales, deliveries, bad merchandise, refunds, in-store use, transfers in and out, returns to vendors, and any other means of inventory adjustment.

4. Internal Services

4.1 Database services

4.1.1 Maintaining an accounting of all activities for reporting through the administrative sessions

4.1.2 Handling the on-line updates of all accumulator files for accounting purposes

4.1.3 Providing data for reporting and for upload tasks

4.1.4 Providing integrity of updates at the field level

4.2 Communication services. Communication services are integral to automation efforts and are available at various levels, from the terminals to in-store personal computers to the host mainframes.

4.1.1 Causing minimal interference with normal activities

4.1.2 Establishing connection with PNC330 for remote communication to financial services via telephone line

4.1.3 Passing information to a higher level utilizing a "state of the art" communications discipline

4.1.4 Interrogate internal LAN/files to determine availability of additional functionality for purpose of migrating to full system capability

4.1.5 The operational mode of the system, terminals and the in-store computer (including the sequence of entry and/or the information captured at the store) are modifiable from the host computer

4.3 Diagnostic services

4.3.1 Analyzing and reporting problems relating to system components (self-diagnosis)

5. Security Services

5.1 Local Application Security

5.1.1 Authorizing by password, the applications authorized by a given password are set in an administrative session

5.1.2 Cash drawer accountability

5.2 Remote Access Security

The invention now being fully described, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. ##SPC1##