NCR RSD Atlanta 7710GA2 Electronic Pricing Transmitter User Manual Glossary

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

Users Manual Glossary

Glossary
AAntenna
A device used to transmit and receive RF communication between
a CBS and SmarTalkers. One transmit and up to four receive
antennas may be attached to each CBS. Antennnas are usually
installed on the ceiling.
API (Application Program Interface)
A set of functions that can be used by the application software to
access the functionality of the EPL Base Software.
Attachments
Mounting devices used to attach SmarTalkers to shelf rails.
Audit Log
A module of the EPL Base Software that is used to record EPL
Table maintenance operations.
BBedcheck
A background function that verifies SmarTalkers are working
properly. If a SmarTalker does not respond to a bedcheck message,
an error is recorded.
Burst
The CBS communicates with SmarTalkers in bursts of information.
A downlink burst to a SmarTalker contains 132 bits.
Gl-2 Glossary
CCBS (Communication Base Station)
CBSs receive and transmit data and control functions between the
EPL controller and the SmarTalkers. Up to 20 CBSs can be installed
in a store. One CBS is defined as the primary CBS and the others as
secondary CBSs. CBSs are usually installed in the ceiling.
CBS Power Supply
This external AC/DC converter supplies DC power to a maximum
of five CBSs. An additional CBS Power Supply is required for each
additional group of 5 CBSs.
Coverage Area
An area within a store where there is reliable RF communication
between CBSs and SmarTalkers. More than one CBS is required in
a large store to attain adequate transmission reliability.
DDescriptor Symbols
One symbol on a SmarTalker LCD indicates when the SmarTalker
and CBS are out of synchronization, and another symbol indicates
when the SmarTalker’s battery is low. The other symbols on the
display are available for the retailer’s use.
Downlink Burst
A CBS sends data to a SmarTalker in downlink bursts. A downlink
burst contains 132 bits. Examples of downlink messages are
Bedcheck, Price Update, Load Memory, and Change Display
Register.
DPC (Dedicated Personal Computer)
This PC, acting as the EPL controller, reads the customer’s PLU file
from the In-Store Processor/POS system via a LAN connection and
communicates the information to DecisioNet System.
Glossary Gl-3
DSP (Digital Signal Processor)
Part of the CBS control module that converts analog signals
received from the RF receiver to digital signals. The DSP then
processes this data and sends it to the microprocessor. The DSP
also receives and encodes data to be sent to a SmarTalker from the
microprocessor and transfers it to the RF transmitter.
EError Log
This module of the EPL Base Software records and displays
communication 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 store
shelf that displays information for the customer. The trademarked
names for NCR’s tags are SmarTalker and SmarTalker II.
EPL Base Software
A software application for the DecisioNet System that runs on the
EPL Controller and does is not dependent on the type of POS
system used. The EPL Base Software controls the core DecisioNet
functionality such as initialization of a SmarTalker, display of price
on a SmarTalker, and diagnostics.
This software also provides a set of standard API functions that can
be used to interface with the EPL Application Software and other
software controlling the POS system.
EPL Batch File
A file containing a group of records used when making changes to
the EPL table. The batch file may be created at the store or
downloaded from headquarters.
EPL Case
A piece of shelf rail, the same length as the SmarTalker, that can be
used to secure a SmarTalker to the merchandise shelf. This rail
protects the SmarTalker from accidental damage and from theft.
Gl-4 Glossary
EPL Controller
EPL controller refers to an In-Store Processor (ISP) or a Dedicated
PC (DPC). It is the computer physically connected to the primary
CBS that sends price information from the PLU file to the
DecisioNet System for display on SmarTalkers.
EPL Removal Tool
This tool, also called an EPL puller, is used to remove SmarTalker
tags from shelf rails. A different tool, also called an EPL puller, is
used to remove SmarTalker II tags from shelf rails.
EPL Serial Number
During manufacture, a distinct 8-digit (32-bit binary code) number
is assigned to each SmarTalker and stored in the SmarTalker’s
RAM. The serial number and its barcode equivalent (Code 39) are
printed on the back label.
EPL Standalone System
A system that runs the EPL Software on a dedicated PC separate
from the ISP. In this situation the DPC has a copy of the store data
base and communicates with the ISP to receive maintenance (price
update) data.
EPL Table
A file created during the initial DecisioNet System installation that
links SmarTalkers to PLU items. This file also contains other data
used to define the attributes of each SmarTalker.
IInitialization
The process by which a SmarTalker is registered in the EPL data
base, associated with a particular product, and synchronized.
ISP (In-Store Processor)
The computer in the store that contains the price database used by
the POS system. The ISP integrates PLU information into the
DecisioNet System.
Glossary Gl-5
Item Table
A table created from the POS Item file (PLU file) and used as an
item 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 Table
A data file used to is create an EPL Table.
Promotion Message
Promotional 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 Data
These messages, such as stocking information and aisle number,
may be used by store personnel. They can be displayed on the
SmarTalker LCD by pressing a micromotion button hidden behind
the front label or by transmitting an instruction from the processor.
RF (Radio Frequency)
RS-232/RS-422 Converter
This device converts an RS-232 communication line from the EPL
controller (ISP or DPC) to an RS-422 line connected to the CBS(s).
SShelf Rail
A device which can be attached to the existing shelf/gondola to
secure several SmarTalker tags to the shelf and protect them from
accidental damage and from theft.
Gl-6 Glossary
SmarTalker
The trademarked name for NCR’s Version 1 Electronic Price Label
(EPL). Also referred to as a tag, this device attaches to the store
shelf and displays information for the customer.
SmarTalker II
The trademarked name for NCR’s Version 2 Electronic Price Label
(EPL). Also referred to as a tag, this device attaches to the store
shelf and displays information for the customer.
Store ID
A unique number is assigned to each store and used by the
DecisioNet System to prevent unintentional transmission of signals
between stores.
Superframe
A unit of data containing 16 frames (25,344 bits) that is sent to a
SmarTalker.
TTime Slot
A unit of time assigned to each SmarTalker during which the
SmarTalker “listens” for a transmission from a CBS. Also a unit of
time during which a CBS transmits either a downlink message to a
SmarTalker, or a steady signal (hum) that is used by the
SmarTalker to reflect an acknowledgment (ACK).
TOD (Time Of Day)
A clock used by the DecisioNet System to trigger display changes.
UUplink
An uplink is an acknowledgment message (ACK) sent from a
SmarTalker to a CBS in response to a downlink burst.

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