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Point-of-sale system including isolation layer between client and server software |
| RE40576 |
Point-of-sale system including isolation layer between client and server software
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| Patent Drawings: | |
| Inventor: |
Goodwin, III |
| Date Issued: |
November 18, 2008 |
| Application: |
10/171,366 |
| Filed: |
June 12, 2002 |
| Inventors: |
Goodwin, III; John C. (Suwanee, GA)
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| Assignee: |
NCR Corporation (Dayton, OH) |
| Primary Examiner: |
Lim; Krisna |
| Assistant Examiner: |
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| Attorney Or Agent: |
Martin; Paul W.Priest & Goldstein, PLLC |
| U.S. Class: |
709/232; 705/16; 705/17; 705/21; 709/203 |
| Field Of Search: |
709/203; 709/232; 705/16; 705/17; 705/20; 705/21; 705/64 |
| International Class: |
G06F 15/16; G06F 15/00 |
| U.S Patent Documents: |
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| Foreign Patent Documents: |
899018; 1927819; 2125869; 3114139; 3330301; 0060701; 0124355; 0178223; 0199232; 0491348; 0767437; 0811958; 2068132; 2285687; 5314367; 9107725; 9415294 |
| Other References: |
POS System for Massmerchant Store: System 87 Plus, Victor Landa et al., pp. 319-327, Fujitsu Scientific & Technical Journal, No. 4, Winter1987. cited by other.
U-Scan Express.TM., The U-Scan Express.TM. Self-Checkout System, Spectra-Physics Scanning Systems, Inc., Feb. 1996. cited by other.
Optimal Robotics 8870 System. TM., Optimal Robotics Corporation, 1995. cited by other.
Zimmerman, Denise, "Kroger Unit to Expand Customer Self-Scanning", Supermarket News, Aug. 14, 1995, p. 15. cited by other.
Zimmerman, Denise, "Kroger Self-Scan Lane to Test Debit Credit" Supermarket News, vol. 45, No. 14, p. 13+, Apr. 3, 1995. cited by other.
Lang Jones, Jeanne, "Robots Will Do Checkout at Grocery", Houston Post, (Final, Business, p. C1, Feb. 22, 1995. cited by other.
"Burger King Tests Credit-Card Payments", The Miami Herald Knight-Rider/Tribune Business News, Jul. 9, 1993. cited by other.
Wisemberg-Brin, Dinah, Associated Press, "You-buy, you-scan bag", Dayton Daily News, Aug. 11, 1996. cited by other.
Gamburer, A.T., et al., "Analogue-code Converter Used with Strain Gauge Hopper Weighters", Instrumental and Control, Mar. 3, 1969. cited by other. |
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| Abstract: |
A system and method of transferring information between a first software application and a second software application which employ an isolation layer. The system includes a client computer system provided by a first seller of computer systems, including a client software application, and a server computer system provided by a second seller of computer systems different from the first seller of computer systems, including a server software application which provides information from the server computer system to the client computer system. The system additionally includes isolation layer software, either at the client computer system or at the server computer system, which facilitates communication between the client software application and the server software application to transfer the information. |
| Claim: |
What is claimed is:
1. A transaction system comprising: a client computer system provided by a first seller of computer systems, including a client software application; .Iadd.and .Iaddend. aserver computer system provided by a second seller of computer systems different from the first seller of computer systems, including a server software application which provides information from the server computer system to the client computer systemand isolation layer software which facilitates communication between the client software application and the server software application to transfer the information .Iadd.between the client software application and the server software application, theisolation layer providing translation for commands and data communicated between the client software application and the server software application, the isolation layer including a translation layer producing custom outputs for communicating between theclient software application and the server software application, the custom outputs being based on customized mappings and translations directed to facilitating communication between the client software application and the server softwareapplication.Iaddend..
2. A transaction system comprising: a server computer system provided by a first seller of computer systems, including a server software application; .Iadd.and .Iaddend. a client computer system provided by a second seller of computer systemsdifferent from the first seller of computer systems, including a client software application which obtains information from the server computer system and isolation layer software which facilities communication between the client software application andthe server software application to transfer the information .Iadd.between the client software application and the server software application, the isolation layer providing translation for commands and data communicated between the client softwareapplication and the server software application, the isolation layer including a translation layer producing custom outputs for communicating between the client software application and the server software application, the custom outputs being based oncustomized mappings and translations directed to facilitating communication between the client software application and the server software application.Iaddend..
3. A method of transferring information between a first software application and a second software application comprising the steps of: (a) providing the first software application by a first company; (b) providing the second softwareapplication by a second company different from the first company; (c) executing the first software application by a first computer; (d) executing the second software application by a second computer different from the first computer; (e) providing anisolation layer having hooks into the second software application.Iadd., the isolation layer providing translation for commands and data communicated between the first software application and the second software application, the isolation layerincluding a translation layer producing custom outputs for communicating between the first software application and the second software application, the custom outputs being based on customized mappings and translations directed to facilitatingcommunication between the first software application and the second software application.Iaddend.; (f) executing the isolation layer; and (g) establishing communication between the first software application and the second software application by theisolation layer to transfer the information.
4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein step f comprises the substep of: (f) executing the isolation layer by the first computer.
5. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein step f comprises the substep of: (f) executing the isolation layer by the second computer.
6. A method of transferring information between a client software application and a server software application comprising the steps of: (a) installing a client computer by a first company; (b) providing and installing the client softwareapplication by the first company; (c) installing a server computer by a second company different from the first company after installation of the client computer and the client software by the first company; (d) providing and installing the serversoftware application by the second company; (e) providing and installing an isolation layer having hooks into the server software application by the second company.Iadd., the isolation layer providing translation for commands and data communicatedbetween the client software application and the server software application, the isolation layer including a translation layer producing custom outputs for communicating between the client software application and the server software application, thecustom outputs being based on customized mappings and translations directed to facilitating communication between the client software application and the server software applications.Iaddend.; (f) executing the client software application by the clientcomputer; (g) executing the server software application and the isolation layer by the server computer; and (h) establishing communication between the client software application and the server software application by the isolation layer to transferthe information.
7. A method of transferring information between a client software application and a server software application comprising the steps of: (a) installing a server computer by a first company; (b) providing and installing the server softwareapplication by the first company; (c) installing a client computer by a second company different from the first company after installation of the server computer and the server software by the first company; (d) providing and installing the clientsoftware application by the second company; (e) providing and installing an isolation layer having hooks into the server software application by the second company.Iadd., the isolation layer providing translation for commands and data communicatedbetween the client software application and the server software application, the isolation layer including a translation layer producing custom outputs for communicating between the client software application and the server software application, thecustom outputs being based on customized mappings and translations directed to facilitating communication between the client software application and the server software application.Iaddend.; (f) executing the client software application and theisolation layer by the client computer; (g) executing the server software application by the server computer; and (h) establishing communication between the client software application and the server software application by the isolation layer totransfer the information.
8. A method of obtaining information for a client software application from a server software application comprising the steps of: (a) providing the client software application from a first company; (b) providing a server software applicationfor accessing the information by a second company different from the first company; (c) providing an isolation layer between the client software application and the server software application.Iadd., the isolation layer providing translation forcommands and data communicated between the client software application and the server software application, the isolation layer including a translation layer producing custom outputs for communicating between the client software application and theserver software application, the custom outputs being based on customized mappings and translations directed to facilitating communicating between the client software application and the server software application.Iaddend.; (d) sending a call for theinformation to the isolation layer by the client software application; (e) sending a request message for the information to the server software application by the isolation layer; (f) instructing control software to obtain the information by the serversoftware application; (g) sending the information to the isolation layer by the server software application; and (h) sending the information to the client software application by the isolation layer.
.Iadd.9. The transaction system of claim 1 in which the client computer system comprises a first POS client terminal communicating with the server computer system through the isolation layer software, and in which the transaction system furthercomprises a second client computer system including a second POS client terminal that communicates with the server software application on the server computer system without requiring isolation layer software as required by the first POS clientterminal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.10. The transaction system of claim 9 in which the first and second POS client terminals respectively run different POS client software applications from different developers and with different requirements for communicating with theserver computer system..Iaddend.
.Iadd.11. The transaction system of claim 1 in which the client computer system comprises a first POS client terminal communicating with the server computer system through the isolation layer software, and in which the transaction systemfurther comprises a second client computer system including a second POS client terminal communicating with the server computer system through different, custom isolation layer software..Iaddend.
.Iadd.12. The transaction system of claim 11 in which the first and second POS client terminals respectively run different POS client software applications from different developers and with different requirements for communicating with theserver computer system..Iaddend.
.Iadd.13. The transaction system of claim 1 in which the client computer system comprises a first POS client terminal communicating with the server computer system through the isolation layer software, and in which the transaction systemfurther comprises a second client computer system including a second POS client terminal communicating with the server computer system through different, custom isolation layer software..Iaddend.
.Iadd.14. The transaction system of claim 13 in which the first and second POS client terminals respectively run different POS client software applications from different developers and with different requirements for communicating with theserver computer system..Iaddend.
.Iadd.15. A method of providing the transaction system of claim 1 in which the client software application and the server software application are POS software, and enabling client terminals with POS client application software from differentdevelopers to be connected to and communicate with the server software application on the server computer system, which comprises the following steps: providing the client computer system including a client terminal adding to an existing POS systemnetwork of which the server computer system is a part, where the existing network includes a second client computer system with a client terminal running a POS client software application not requiring the isolation layer software to communicate with theserver software application on the server computer system; and providing the isolation layer software to provide translation services for the client terminal adding to the existing POS system network, to facilitate communications with the serversoftware application on the server computer system..Iaddend.
.Iadd.16. A method of providing the transaction system of claim 1 in which the client software application and the server software application are POS software, comprising the step of providing the client computer system including a clientterminal adding to an existing POS system network in which the server computer system is included, and in which the network includes a second client computer system, including a client terminal running a POS client software application not requiring theisolation layer software to communicate with the server software application running on the server computer system..Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. A method of providing the transaction system of claim 1, in which the client software application and the server software application are POS software, and enabling client terminals with POS client application software from differentdevelopers to be connected to and communicate with the server software application on the server computer system, comprising the step of providing the client computer system including a first POS client terminal adding to an existing POS system networkof which the server computer system is a part, where the existing network includes a second client computer system with a second POS client terminal running a POS client software application requiring isolation layer software different than required bythe first client terminal to communicate with the server software application on the server computer system..Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. A method of providing the transaction system of claim 1 in which the client software application and the server software application are POS software, comprising the step of providing the server computer system as part of a hostcomputer system added to an existing POS system network in which the client computer system is included..Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. The method of claim 18 that comprises the further steps of writing the isolation layer software to provide translation services between the client software application and the server software application, and storing the isolationlayer software on the host computer system added to the existing POS system network..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The method of claim 18 in which the isolation layer software provides read and write services for the client software application..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The method of claim 18 in which the client computer system includes IPC software facilitating inter-process communications between the client software application and the isolation layer software..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The transaction system of claim 2 in which the client computer system comprises a first POS client terminal communicating with the server computer system through the isolation layer software, and in which the transaction systemfurther comprises a second client computer system including a second POS client terminal that communicates with the server software application on the server computer system without requiring isolation layer software as required by the first POS clientterminal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The transaction system of claim 22 in which the first and second POS client terminals respectively run different POS client software applications from different developers and with different requirements for communicating with theserver computer system..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. A method of providing the transaction system of claim 2 in which the client software application and the server software application are POS software, and enabling client terminals with POS client application software from differentdevelopers to be connected to and communicate with the server software application on the server computer system, which comprises the following steps: providing the client computer system including a client terminal adding to an existing POS systemnetwork of which the server computer system is a part, where the existing network includes a second client computer system with a client terminal running a POS client software application not requiring the isolation layer software to communicate with theserver software application on the server computer system; and providing the isolation layer software to provide translation services for the client terminal adding to the existing POS system network, to facilitate communications with the serversoftware application on the server computer system..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. A method of providing the transaction system of claim 2 in which the client software application and the server software application are POS software, comprising the step of providing the client computer system including a clientterminal adding to an existing POS system network in which the server computer system is included, and in which the network includes a second client computer system, including a client terminal running a POS client software application not requiring theisolation layer software to communicate with the server software application running on the server computer system..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. A method of providing the transaction system of claim 2, in which the client software application and the server software application are POS software, and enabling client terminals with POS client application software from differentdevelopers to be connected to and communicate with the server software application on the server computer system, comprising the step of providing the client computer system including a first POS client terminal adding to an existing POS system networkof which the server computer system is a part, where the existing network includes a second client computer system with a second POS client terminal running a POS client software application requiring isolation layer software different than required bythe first client terminal to communicate with the server software application on the server computer system..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. A method of providing the transaction system of claim 2 in which the client software application and the server software application are POS software, comprising the step of providing the client computer system including a clientterminal added to an existing POS system network in which the server computer system is included..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The method of claim 27 in which the isolation layer software provides read and write services for the client software application..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The method of claim 27 in which the client computer system includes IPC software facilitating inter-process communications between the client software application and the isolation layer software..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The method of claim 27 that comprises the further steps of writing the isolation layer software to provide translation services between the client software application and the server software application, and storing the isolationlayer software on the client terminals added to the existing POS system network..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The method of claim 30 in which the isolation layer software is written by compiling sample target routines that have been edited and customized to meet the needs of a target transaction establishment..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The method of claim 30 in which the client computer system includes a plurality of different independent software applications running on a plurality of different client terminals from different developers..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The method of claim 32 in which the client computer system includes client terminals running independent software applications developed by the same developer as the server software application and not requiring isolation layersoftware to communicate with the server software application, and client terminals running independent software applications developed by a developer different from the server software application and using isolation layer software to communicate withthe server software application..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The method of claim 29 for which communications between the server computer system and the added client POS computer terminal occurs between interprocess communications software and the isolation layer software..Iaddend. |
| Description: |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to point-of-sale (POS) systems, and more specifically to a POS system including an isolation layer between POS server software and a client POS application program.
POS systems typically include a central server and a plurality of checkout terminals connected through a client-server network.
The checkout terminals include bar code readers and keyboards for entry of the item numbers during a transaction.
The central server stores a price look-up (PLU) file which associates item numbers with item prices. The central server processes requests from the checkout terminals for price information for the items. The central server may performadditional tasks, such as storing transaction history (audit log and transaction totals history), storing accountability totals, storing cashier and terminal accountability totals, holding future price change information (batches), performing creditauthorization, performing check validation, and performing frequent shopper validation and specials.
POS checkout software has traditionally included client and server software that have been developed together and sold as a single proprietary product. However, this solution may not be an optimal one for a retailer. Retailers may find thatcombining server software from one developer with client software from another developer gives their POS systems the features that they want. This may be especially true for retailers that want the best solutions for both the server and client softwarein a market where no one developer of proprietary POS software exceeds at both.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a POS system including an isolation layer between the POS server software and the POS client application software to enable server and client software from different developers to be combined.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a POS system including an isolation layer between POS server software and a client POS application program is provided.
A system and method of transferring information between a first software application and a second software application which employ an isolation layer. The system includes a client computer system provided by a first seller of computer systems,including a client software application, and a server computer system provided by a second seller of computer systems different from the first seller of computer systems, including a server software application which provides information from the servercomputer system to the client computer system. The system additionally includes isolation layer software, either at the client computer system or at the server computer system, which facilitates communication between the client software application andthe server software application to transfer the information.
The method includes the steps of providing the first software application by a first computer, providing the second software application by a second company different from the first company, executing the first software application by a firstcomputer, executing the second software application by a second computer different from the first computer, providing an isolation layer having hooks into the second software application, executing the isolation layer, and establishing communicationbetween the first software application and the second software application by the isolation layer to transfer the information.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a POS system including as isolation layer between POS server software and a client POS application program.
It is another object of the present invention to allow server and client software from different developers to be combined using an isolation layer.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an isolation layer for server software that provides read and write services for client POS software in a computer network that includes client computers running different client POSsoftware.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiments and the appended claims, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a transaction management system;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the client POS software, server POS software, and the isolation layer between them;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system for producing the isolation layer;
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating how the isolation layer is created; and
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of a system specific application and, in particular, a method of transferring information from the system specific application to the client POS software through the isolation layer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to FIG. 1, transaction system 10 preferably includes host computer system 12 and point-of-service (POS) terminal 22A and 22B. Host computer system 12 and point-of-service (POS) terminals 22A and 22B are coupled together to form anetwork.
POS terminals 22A and 22B execute independent applications 23A and 23B, including client POS software 24A and 24B for completing transactions. POS software 24A and 24B may be identical (e.g. the same application from the same developer) or maybe different transaction processing applications.
As illustrated, independent applications 23A were developed by a different developer than the developer of server POS software 16. Thus, independent applications 23A require isolation layer 14 to communication with POS server software 16. Independent applications 23B were developed by the same developer as the developer of POS server software 16. Thus, independent applications 23B do not require isolation layer 14 to communication with server POS software 16. Advantageously, the presentinvention is capable of connecting a plurality of independent applications 23A running on a plurality of different client terminals from different developers to server POS software 16.
Client POS software 24A and 24B display transaction information on displays 27A, 27B. Client POS software 24A and 24B receive article identification information from bar code readers 26A, 26B and keyboards 28A, 28B. Client POS software 24A and24B send the article identification information to host computer system 12. Host computer system 12 reads price look-up (PLU) file 20 to obtain price information and sends the price information to POS terminals 26A and 26B.
Other examples of independent applications 17 include price checking software for consumer price checking computers, weighing software for electronic scales, price checking software and item description label printing software for hand-heldterminals, and EPL auditing software.
Host computer system 12 executes POS server software 16 and isolation layer 14. POS server software 16 processes requests from independent applications 23A and 23B. POS server software 16 includes system specific applications 17, such as pricelook-up (PLU) file software 40, transaction totals software 42, cashier authentication software 44, and credit checking software 46. These are but examples of system specific software in use today. The present invention anticipates other types ofsystem specific software 17 as well.
Isolation layer 14 provides translation services between independent applications 23A and server POS software 16. Thus, isolation layer 14 allows client POS software 24A from one developer to function with system specific applications 17 from adifferent developer.
Isolation layer 14 may reside in host computer system 12 or client terminal 22A. Typically, a provider of client terminals 22A also provides independent applications 23A, and a provider of host computer system 12 also provides server POSsoftware 16.
If the provider of client terminals 22A is adding client terminals 22A to an existing network including a server from a different provider, the provider of client terminals 22A may wish to write and store isolation layer 14 in client terminals22A.
On the other hand, if a provider of servers and server POS software 16 is adding host computer system 12 to an existing network including client terminals 22A from a different provider, the provider of servers may wish to write and storeisolation layer 14 in host computer system 12.
Isolation layer 14 preferably includes one library file for all system specific applications 17 or individual library files for system specific applications 17. Use of multiple libraries adds network design flexibility but penalizes operation byloading each library into memory, even if only part of isolation layer 14 is used. Isolation layer 14 may take other forms including a single application, a single driver, or multiple drivers that perform read operations into server POS software 16 inorder to obtain and map information to be used by client POS software 24A. Theses drivers also perform writes into server POS software 16 may information created by client POS software 24A.
Storage medium 18 stores PLU file 20 and other information files and is preferably a fixed disk drive.
Turning now to FIG. 2, the software architecture within system 10 is described in more detail. Discussion references client POS software 24A, but other independent applications 23A operate in a similar fashion.
Client POS software 24A includes POS checkout application software 30 and interprocess communications (IPC) software 32. POS checkout software 30 records items by scanning them, prints them on a receipt, and adds their prices to produce a totaltransaction amount. POS checkout software 30 also performs specific transaction-related functions, such as processing food stamps and other forms of payment under government entitlement programs, calculating service charges, performing price changefunctions, performing out of transaction functions (loans, pickups), etc. An example of POS checkout software 30 is the UNITY.RTM. checkout application developed and sod by the Assignee of the present invention.
IPC software 32 is software that is added to POS checkout software 30 to facilitate interprocess communications (IPC) between POS checkout software 30 and isolation layer 14. IPC software 32 will vary with operating system, from threads, queues,named pipes, shared files, sockets, etc.
Isolation layer 14 includes read/write engine and translation layer 34 and read/write layer 36. Read/write engine and translation layer 34 translates one request into one or more read/write requests as needed for host computer system 12 based onstandard server inputs and custom outputs. Read/write layer 36 performs the actual reads and writes to host computer system 12 based on the requests issued in read/write engine and translation layer 34.
An example of read/write layer 36 is the UNITY.RTM. file service layer.
Server POS software 16 may include both the UNITY.RTM. file service layer and the UNIX.RTM. file system.
In a traditional POS system, client POS software communicates directly with POS server software through a communication methodology, such as named pipes. Under Applicant's invention, client POS software 24A is modified to include IPC software32, and an isolation layer 14 is added. Communication between client POS software 24A and POS server software 16 occurs between IPC software and isolation layer 14.
Turning now to FIG. 3, the components that are used to construct isolation layer 14 include templates 60, object code 62, example mappings and translations 64, target routines 66, and make files 68 for each of system-specific applications 17. Templates 60 are a super set of example mappings and translations 64 and target routines 66. Isolation layer 14 includes templates 60 for each of system specific application 17. Example mappings and translations 64 and target routines 66 are edited andcustomized by developers to produce customized mappings and translations 65 and customized target routines 67 (customized templates 61). Customized mappings and translations 65 and customized target routines 67 along with object code 62 are fed intomake files 68 in order to produce executable code for isolation layer 14.
Object code 62 consists of libraries 41 for each of system specific applications 17. As mentioned above, isolation layer 14 may include one library for establishing communication for all system specific applications 17 or a plurality of separatelibraries.
Example mappings and translations 64 provide non-displayable information (in code and/or in documentation) and may be edited to customize isolation layer 14.
Target routines 66 are system specific application routines that may be edited and customized to suit the needs of the target transaction establishment.
Make files 68 are files that pass source code (templates 60) through compiler 72 and then pass object code 62 through linker 74 to produce the target executable.
Turning now to FIG. 4, the method of creating isolation layer 14 begins with START 80.
In step 82, independent applications 23A are isolated from system specific applications 17 through a non-displayable mapping determination and translation process. Example mappings and translations 64 result.
In step 84, a template 60 for one of system specific applications 17 is provided. Template 60 is packaged in an installable format that can then be distributed and installed on the target system.
In step 86, customized mappings and translations 65 and customized target routines 67 are determined.
In steps 88-92, customized template 61 is produced by changing template 60 to reflect customized mappings and translations 65.
In step 88, functions to be implemented are edited. For example, for PLU file reader software 40, the "read first", "read next", and "read specific" sections are edited. The "read first" section is a routine that must be completed/customized toread the first PLU in PLU file 20. The "read next" section is a routine that must be completed/customized to read the next PLU in PLU file 20 sequentially. The "read specific" section is a routine that must be completed/customized to read a specificPLU file record.
In step 90, customized mapping and translations 65 and customized target routines 67 derived from step 86 are applied to template 60.
In step 92, operation returns to step 84 if library functionality for an additional specific application 17 must be added. Otherwise, operation continues to step 94.
In step 94, a new executable (isolation layer 14) is complied and linked from object code 62 and templates 61 for each of system specific applications 17 using make files 68, compiler 72, and linker 74.
In step 96, the method ends.
Referring now to FIG. 5, operation of a system specific application 17 is illustrated in detail, beginning with START 100. In particular, operation illustrates a method of transferring information between a terminal 22A and host computer system12 through isolation layer 14.
In step 102, a system specific application 17 starts up and configures itself.
In step 104, system specific application 17 waits for an interprocess communications message from isolation layer 14. Interprocess communication services (e.g., "queues" for UNIX, threads or pipes for OS/2) are provided by the operating systemexecuted by host computer system 12.
Isolation layer 14 calls on the operating system to send a request from client POS software 24A to system specific application 17. Client POS software 24A issues a call to isolation layer 14, instructing isolation layer 14 to perform a routineprovided by isolation layer 14 and related to the purpose of system specific application 17.
For example, when system specific application 17 is PLU file reader software 40, the routine would be a "read direct" routine within isolation layer 14. Isolation layer 14 calls on the operating system to send the interprocess communicationsmessage to system specific application 17.
If such a message is received, system specific application 17 determines whether the interprocess communications message contains an "exit" command in step 105. If it does, system specific application 17 terminates in step 116.
If the interprocess communications message does not contain an "exit" command, system specific application 17 obtains the information from its source in step 106. For example, if system specific application 17 is PLU file reader software 40,system specific application 17 uses operating system 52 to obtain the information from PLU file 20.
In step 114, system specific application 17 calls on the operating system to return the information via interprocess communications to the client POS software 24A via isolation layer 14. System specific application 17 returns to a waiting statein step 104.
After system specific application 17 sends the information to isolation layer 14, isolation layer 14 passes the information to client POS software 24A. Client POS software application 24A can then display the information, compare theinformation, or otherwise examine the information in accordance with the functions of client POS software 24A.
Although the present invention has been described with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications of the present invention can be effected within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
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