NCR RSD Atlanta 7710GA2 Electronic Pricing Transmitter User Manual Glossary

NCR Corporation, RSD - Atlanta Electronic Pricing Transmitter Users Manual Glossary

Users Manual Glossary

GlossaryAAntennaA device used to transmit and receive RF communication betweena CBS and SmarTalkers. One transmit and up to four receiveantennas may be attached to each CBS. Antennnas are usuallyinstalled on the ceiling.API (Application Program Interface)A set of functions that can be used by the application software toaccess the functionality of the EPL Base Software.AttachmentsMounting devices used to attach SmarTalkers to shelf rails.Audit LogA module of the EPL Base Software that is used to record EPLTable maintenance operations.BBedcheckA background function that verifies SmarTalkers are workingproperly. If a SmarTalker does not respond to a bedcheck message,an error is recorded.BurstThe CBS communicates with SmarTalkers in bursts of information.A downlink burst to a SmarTalker contains 132 bits.
Gl-2 GlossaryCCBS (Communication Base Station)CBSs receive and transmit data and control functions between theEPL controller and the SmarTalkers. Up to 20 CBSs can be installedin a store. One CBS is defined as the primary CBS and the others assecondary CBSs. CBSs are usually installed in the ceiling.CBS Power SupplyThis external AC/DC converter supplies DC power to a maximumof five CBSs. An additional CBS Power Supply is required for eachadditional group of 5 CBSs.Coverage AreaAn area within a store where there is reliable RF communicationbetween CBSs and SmarTalkers. More than one CBS is required ina large store to attain adequate transmission reliability.DDescriptor SymbolsOne symbol on a SmarTalker LCD indicates when the SmarTalkerand CBS are out of synchronization, and another symbol indicateswhen the SmarTalker’s battery is low. The other symbols on thedisplay are available for the retailer’s use.Downlink BurstA CBS sends data to a SmarTalker in downlink bursts. A downlinkburst contains 132 bits. Examples of downlink messages areBedcheck, Price Update, Load Memory, and Change DisplayRegister.DPC (Dedicated Personal Computer)This PC, acting as the EPL controller, reads the customer’s PLU filefrom the In-Store Processor/POS system via a LAN connection andcommunicates the information to DecisioNet System.
Glossary Gl-3DSP (Digital Signal Processor)Part of the CBS control module that converts analog signalsreceived from the RF receiver to digital signals. The DSP thenprocesses this data and sends it to the microprocessor. The DSPalso receives and encodes data to be sent to a SmarTalker from themicroprocessor and transfers it to the RF transmitter.EError LogThis module of the EPL Base Software records and displayscommunication errors between the ISP or DPC and a SmarTalker.EPL (Electronic Price Label)The EPL, also referred to as a tag, is the device attached to the storeshelf that displays information for the customer. The trademarkednames for NCR’s tags are SmarTalker and SmarTalker II.EPL Base SoftwareA software application for the DecisioNet System that runs on theEPL Controller and does is not dependent on the type of POSsystem used. The EPL Base Software controls the core DecisioNetfunctionality such as initialization of a SmarTalker, display of priceon a SmarTalker, and diagnostics.This software also provides a set of standard API functions that canbe used to interface with the EPL Application Software and othersoftware controlling the POS system.EPL Batch FileA file containing a group of records used when making changes tothe EPL table. The batch file may be created at the store ordownloaded from headquarters.EPL CaseA piece of shelf rail, the same length as the SmarTalker, that can beused to secure a SmarTalker to the merchandise shelf. This railprotects the SmarTalker from accidental damage and from theft.
Gl-4 GlossaryEPL ControllerEPL controller refers to an In-Store Processor (ISP) or a DedicatedPC (DPC). It is the computer physically connected to the primaryCBS that sends price information from the PLU file to theDecisioNet System for display on SmarTalkers.EPL Removal ToolThis tool, also called an EPL puller, is used to remove SmarTalkertags from shelf rails. A different tool, also called an EPL puller, isused to remove SmarTalker II tags from shelf rails.EPL Serial NumberDuring manufacture, a distinct 8-digit (32-bit binary code) numberis assigned to each SmarTalker and stored in the SmarTalker’sRAM. The serial number and its barcode equivalent (Code 39) areprinted on the back label.EPL Standalone SystemA system that runs the EPL Software on a dedicated PC separatefrom the ISP. In this situation the DPC has a copy of the store database and communicates with the ISP to receive maintenance (priceupdate) data.EPL TableA file created during the initial DecisioNet System installation thatlinks SmarTalkers to PLU items. This file also contains other dataused to define the attributes of each SmarTalker.IInitializationThe process by which a SmarTalker is registered in the EPL database, associated with a particular product, and synchronized.ISP (In-Store Processor)The computer in the store that contains the price database used bythe POS system. The ISP integrates PLU information into theDecisioNet System.
Glossary Gl-5Item TableA table created from the POS Item file (PLU file) and used as anitem data base in the standalone DecisioNet System.LLCD (Liquid Crystal Display)The type of display in SmarTalkers and SmarTalker IIs.PPC (Personal Computer)Pre-EPL TableA data file used to is create an EPL Table.Promotion MessagePromotional message(s) such as "SAVE," "OFF," and "FOR SALE"can be displayed on the SmarTalker LCD alternately with the price.Up to 3 messages may be programmed.RRegister DataThese messages, such as stocking information and aisle number,may be used by store personnel. They can be displayed on theSmarTalker LCD by pressing a micromotion button hidden behindthe front label or by transmitting an instruction from the processor.RF (Radio Frequency)RS-232/RS-422 ConverterThis device converts an RS-232 communication line from the EPLcontroller (ISP or DPC) to an RS-422 line connected to the CBS(s).SShelf RailA device which can be attached to the existing shelf/gondola tosecure several SmarTalker tags to the shelf and protect them fromaccidental damage and from theft.
Gl-6 GlossarySmarTalkerThe trademarked name for NCR’s Version 1 Electronic Price Label(EPL). Also referred to as a tag, this device attaches to the storeshelf and displays information for the customer.SmarTalker IIThe trademarked name for NCR’s Version 2 Electronic Price Label(EPL). Also referred to as a tag, this device attaches to the storeshelf and displays information for the customer.Store IDA unique number is assigned to each store and used by theDecisioNet System to prevent unintentional transmission of signalsbetween stores.SuperframeA unit of data containing 16 frames (25,344 bits) that is sent to aSmarTalker.TTime SlotA unit of time assigned to each SmarTalker during which theSmarTalker “listens” for a transmission from a CBS. Also a unit oftime during which a CBS transmits either a downlink message to aSmarTalker, or a steady signal (hum) that is used by theSmarTalker to reflect an acknowledgment (ACK).TOD (Time Of Day)A clock used by the DecisioNet System to trigger display changes.UUplinkAn uplink is an acknowledgment message (ACK) sent from aSmarTalker to a CBS in response to a downlink burst.

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