Importance

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Abstract

A distributed computer network is disclosed for use with a general purpose computer having a communications port and capable of running applications software for controlling the network. The distributed computer network includes a master controller having first and second communications ports, the first communications port of the master controller for operatively communicating with a general purpose computer. The distributed network further includes one or more input/output controllers, each having a first communications port for operatively communicating with the master controller and a second communications port for serially communicating with one or more peripheral devices. The peripheral devices are connected together in a serial daisy chain configuration. The master controller communicates with the input/output controllers via a multidrop RS-485 network bus. The master controller also communicates with the general purpose computer via a RS-232 serial bus, so that the master controller performs protocol management functions including conversion between RS-232 and RS-485 protocol, error correction and detection, bus arbitration and data buffering. In one embodiment, the present invention is configured as a Kitchen System. In the Kitchen System embodiment, one or more input/output controllers include an indicating device, such as a buzzer, or a visual or tactile indicating device. The I/O controller also includes a display, such as a video monitor. The I/O controller's input/output peripheral device is preferably a bump bar.

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First Claim