Product category: Networking Hardware
News Release from: Lava Computer | Subject: DataTap-IP
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 10 October 2005
Ethernet link unites cameras with POS
systems
Serving as an Ethernet link between a POS station and a printer, the Lava DataTap-IP taps into a serial printer's data stream and performs data-splitting and routing functions.
Many merchants have long wanted the ability to merge their output from in-store video surveillance cameras with their database of POS (point of sale) transactions to determine whether employees are voiding receipts, pocketing money from the till, or giving customers "sweetheart deals" However, they were either put-off by the high cost of sophisticated surveillance systems, or limited by RS232 serial cabling (to connect the POS terminal to the IP camera)
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 14 Mar 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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In response, Lava developed the DataTap-IP as an alternative that is simple to connect, costs a fraction of the price of all-inclusive surveillance systems, and gives merchants a clear view from their till.
Serving as an Ethernet link between a POS station and a printer, the Lava DataTap-IP taps into a serial printer's data stream and performs data-splitting and routing functions.
This permits transaction data to be ported to and printed out onto a serial printer, while simultaneously sending text for overlay onto images captured by any DVR.
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Transaction images can be viewed on end-user networks or the Internet - at any time.
"Marrying POS data with digital video surveillance opens a whole new level of service and opportunities for resellers", asserts John Pretto, Chief Technology Officer of SmartConnect, a Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)-based provider of video-centric business intelligence.
"Retailers, as well as hospitality players, are eager to capitalise on using transaction data as a security tool".
SmartConnect recently concluded a successful test of its Digital Vision system, a solution built around the Lava DataTap-IP and deployed at multiple locations of a popular sandwich franchise.
Digital Vision is currently being implemented at several casinos where it will be used to monitor cash-counting functions at chip sale kiosks.
Applications for Ethernet-enabled surveillance technology extend beyond the retail and hospitality sphere, however.
On the telecommunications front, a basic Lava DataTap-IP has a direct application for enabling PBXes with IP.
A typical PBX has just one serial port, however, in an office or similar environment, the serial port may be engaged in other tasks.
With a Lava DataTap-IP, end-users can tap into, monitor, and collect call information from that unit and additionally port the data to a printer or call management application.
For example, a hotel chain could bill guests for individual telephone usage while taking advantage of the device's serial port to collect chain-wide call information and aggregate the data for printing and porting to a call management system.
For example, an attorney wanted to bill his clients by the hour and obtain Station Message Detail Record (SMDR) information.
He needed to determine what calls were made, from which extension, the duration of the call, and billing code assigned to each.
He then wanted to be able to have a printout of the records while populating a call management system with the data.
With the Lava DataTap-IP he was able to have more accurate and efficient client invoicing.
The DataTap-IP, however, can do more than grab text.
The device in "sniffer mode" can filter select data the instant it is received or sent.
In this mode, it can bypass or selectively grab specific data being tracked.
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