INTRODUCTION
1. INTRODUCTION
The Video Serial Interface (VSI-Pro) allows characters to be inserted into any video source via an RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485 link. This allows cash registers, computers, scales, pole displays, printers or any RS-232 / RS-485
/RS-422 communicating device to display alpha-numerics in the video picture of any CCTV system. Simple front panel push-buttons allow the user to simply program all functions and features of the VSI-Pro. This includes charac- ters position, gray scale and a wide variety text processing function including exceptions and alarming features.
Whether used with a cash register providing real time data on an RS-232 port or tapping off a serial printer or pole display, the VSI-Pro is a valuable tool in loss prevention. When used in conjunction with AVE’s extensive line of adapters this device can connect to any POS (Point of Sale) / ECR (Electronic Cash Register) or periphal on the market today. Now available the TCPIP232 Adapter for interfacing to Ethernet LAN networks to capture common printer data or monitor any single register transactions.
The VSI-Pro can be used to trigger switchers, time lapse VCRs, DVRs, remote transmission devices or other alarming devices via the 2 hardwired open collector alarm outputs.
The VSI-Pro also has an additional RS-232 output that can send the formated ASCII text to a DVR that can store the data as an electronic file in addition to inserted in the actual video image.
The Exception Processor of the VSI-Pro provides the intelligence to bring questionable or exceptional trans- actions to view for the user. This allows the user to quickly and easily review employee transactions to identify fraud and theft transactions at the cash register. When used with a compatible DVR, the VSI-Pro will command the DVR to automatically search to the transaction in question for instant review of the recorded video.
With the new “Scroll Matching” feature, users can easily set and erase scrolling advertising messages from the customer display but always record the valid transactions.
The AVE line of VSI-Pro is fully networkable with our “Networker”, “Vnetworker”, “Hydra” and “Regcom” line of products. These device connect to the VSI-Pro or ECR Interfaces or Adapters directly and communicate back via an RS-485 network to the central location. The Hydra is used to convert this RS-485 network to be compatible with many models of DVRs while the other devices connect at the cash register end. PC Windows-based software can also be used as the controller of this network and store transaction files for up to 64 cash registers for remote viewing or downloading to produce reports for management.
The VSI-Pro is fully remotely downloadable, uploadable or programmable by our PC VSI Programmable software. This utilizes a direct connection via RS-232 from a laptop to the VSI-Pro. Complete VSI-Pro settings can be saved on the laptop and uploaded to the VSI-Pro at will. This is mainly used for dealer maintanence or for single station user programming. The Vnetworker allows the ability to remotely program up to 16 VSI-Pros with our VNetworker PC based Software which allows all the features of the Networker plus remote programming and setup.
Firmware is also downloadable in the field with our Firmware Utility so new updates and features can be easily passed to customers without changing EPROMs or opening the unit.
VSI / VSI+ / VSI-Pro Backward Compatibility
Since 1990 various versions of the VSI have been on the market solving cash register retail problems. Several special version are available to interface to other RS-232 devices like scales, coin counters, PLCC, gam- bling machines and ATMs along with countless other generic RS-232 devices. The first VSI, Version 9 had no exception processing until the release of Version 10. However these versions had the ability to output the data so are compatible with the Regcom line of networking adapters. As features increased we moved to the VSI+ Version 11, which had the first powerful set of exception processing and printing functions. This version also had hardware handshaking capability which allows it to be fully operational with the Networker and Regcom line. The introduction of the VSI-Pro Version 12 added on-screen selection of various model registers for ease of installation and sup- ported many characters sizes for multiple units to display data on one camera view. This version also supports the Networker and Regcom products. The current VSI-Pro Version 13.XX has improved features and additional regis- ters and the Version 13.00 supports North America cash registers and Version 13.24 supports UK and European models. All Version 13.XX VSI-Pro support the Networker and Regcom products. All Version 13.XX can be upgraded to the latest Release 12. This latest software adds PC Programming capability, Firmware update externally and Vnetworker support along with Networker and Regcom compatibility.
Contact the AVE factory for additional details on upgrading and networking with any DVR or learn about the ad- vanced features when integrated with the AVE line of text insertion and search DVRs locally or remotely.
VSI-Pro VIDEO SERIAL INTERFACE
