Point of sale system

Abstract

A point of sale system is provided. A point-of-sale system includes a portable electronic device and a first shroud configured to be coupled to the portable electronic device. The system also includes a point-of-sale device configured to communicate with the portable electronic device, and a second shield configured to be coupled to the point-of-sale device. The system also includes an accessory device configured to communicate with the portable electronic device and a third shroud configured to be coupled to the accessory device. The first shield is configured to be removably attached to the first shield to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the point-of-sale device, and the third shield is configured to be removably attached to the first shield to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the accessory device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 353,113, filed on June 17, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 441,492, filed on January 27, 2023, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] A recent trend in work and retail store environments is to use smart devices, sometimes mobile phones, but more often tablets, as customer service devices. This usage comes in two forms. One form is to use a tablet as a self-service terminal where customers can interact with the device. This can be used to deliver information about a business or its products to consumers, or to replace a plastic card as an interface for a customer loyalty program. The second use is for retail store employees to carry this device around the store to help customers. Employees can use the device to display the layout of the store to show customers where items are, check the prices of items, or access information about products that customers are buying. In some stores, phones or tablets are being used to check out for customers. Restaurants can use smart devices to order food or play games at the table. Hospitals may allow doctors and nurses to carry smart devices to access patient health charts on the go. Summary of the invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to point of sale systems, docking stations, and methods. In one embodiment, a point of sale system includes a portable electronic device and a first shield configured to couple to the portable electronic device. The point of sale system also includes a point of sale device, which is configured to communicate with the portable electronic device. The point of sale system also includes a second shield configured to couple to the point of sale device, and the point of sale system additionally includes an accessory device configured to communicate with the portable electronic device and a third shield configured to couple to the accessory device. The first shield is configured to couple (e.g., removably attach) to the second shield to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the point of sale device, and the third shield is configured to couple (e.g., removably attach) to the first shield to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the accessory device.

[0004] In another embodiment, a point of sale system includes a portable electronic device and a first shield configured to be coupled to the portable electronic device. The point of sale system also includes an accessory device configured to communicate with the portable electronic device and a second shield configured to be coupled to the accessory device. The second shield is configured to move relative to the first shield between a use position and a non-use position, wherein the use position, the accessory device is configured to operate with the portable electronic device, and the non-use position, the accessory device cannot operate with the portable electronic device. In addition, the second shield is configured to couple to the first shield to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the accessory device. In some cases, the point of sale system may include a point of sale device configured to communicate with the portable electronic device and a third shield configured to be coupled to the point of sale device.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method includes coupling a first shield to a portable electronic device, coupling a second shield to a point of sale device, and coupling a third shield to an accessory device. The method also includes coupling the first shield to the second shield to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the point of sale device, and coupling the third shield to the first shield to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the accessory device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 Various views of a point of sale system are shown according to one embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Additional views of Point of Sale systems.

[0008] Figure 3 Various views of a third shield for an accessory device and the third shield in a non-use position are shown according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A point of sale system of FIG. 1 with the third shield in a use position and an enlarged view of a point of sale device according to one embodiment showing a card slot.

[0010] Figure 5 Various views of a first shield, a second shield, and a third shield disengaged from one another are shown according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 A shroud assembly for a point of sale device is shown according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7A front view of a third shield is shown with the accessory device in different positions relative to the third shield according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 An exploded view of a third shield is shown according to one embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 9 Various perspective views of a third shield are shown according to one embodiment.

[0015] Fig.10 A docking station for charging a point of sale system is shown according to one embodiment.

[0016] Fig.11 shows the various components of the receiving point of sale system Fig.10 docking station.

[0017] Fig.12 Various views of docking stations and other devices for facilitating charging of point of sale systems are shown according to other embodiments.

[0018] Fig.13 Various views of a point of sale system are shown according to another embodiment.

[0019] Fig.14 Shows Fig.13 Another view of the point of sale system of FIG. 1 with the third shield in a non-use position.

[0020] Fig.15 is another view of a point of sale system in a disassembled state according to one embodiment.

[0021] Fig.16 Removed from the first shield Fig.13 An enlarged view of the third shield of the point of sale system.

[0022] Fig.17 An exploded view of a third shield is shown according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig.18 A docking station for charging a point of sale system according to another embodiment is presented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals represent the same or similar parts, elements, components, assemblies, subassemblies, etc. in the various views. The accompanying drawings show exemplary embodiments of a point of sale or "POS" system 10 for a portable electronic device 15 (e.g., a phone, a tablet computer, and / or a point of sale device). As used herein, the term "portable electronic device" is intended to include, but is not limited to, all types of portable personal computers, such as smart phones, tablet computers, laptops, notebook computers, mini-notebook computers, sub-notebook computers, and netbook computers, as well as personal data assistants (PDAs) and personal mobile communications (e.g., cellular phones) type devices. As used herein, the term "point of sale" or "POS" device is intended to include, but is not limited to, various forms of devices for completing transactions, such as card readers, chip card readers, magnetic stripe readers, EMV readers, etc. The POS system 10 can be suitable for use by customers or employees in various locations and environments, such as retail store assistants, teachers, nurses, doctors, maintenance workers, or airline pilots / attendants.

[0025] Figure 1-4 A portable electronic device 15, particularly a cellular phone, and a point of sale device 16 for a POS system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention are shown. In one embodiment, the POS system 10 includes a shield 20, a frame, a sleeve, a housing, etc., which is configured to be attached to the corresponding portable electronic device 15 and / or the point of sale device 16. The shield 20 is configured to be coupled to the portable electronic device 15 or the point of sale device 16, and in some cases, at least partially receive and surround the portable electronic device or the point of sale device. For example, the shield 20 can be configured to surround the outer edge of the point of sale device 15 or the POS device, and in some cases also cover the rear surface of the portable electronic device or the POS device. In some cases, the shield 20 can be a rigid or semi-rigid plastic. Therefore, either or both of the portable electronic device 15 and the point of sale device 16 can include the shield 20. In the illustrated embodiment, both the portable electronic device 15 and the POS device 16 include corresponding shields 20. In one example, the shield 20 of the POS device 16 can include a card slot 17, which is configured to align with a card slot provided on the POS device (e.g., for sliding or inserting a credit card) (see, e.g. Figure 4 ).

[0026] In some embodiments, the shield 20 can be configured to be removably attached to each other. In some cases, the rear surface of each of the shields 20 is configured to be attached to each other so that each of the portable electronic device 15 and the POS device 16 is available when attached to each other. For example, the shield 20 may include one or more engagement members 22, which are configured to align and engage with each other. In some cases, the shield 20 may be configured to slide or snap between an engagement position and a disengagement position. In some cases, the shield 20 may also or alternatively include one or more magnets and / or magnetically attractive materials to facilitate alignment and engagement with each other, including at a predetermined position. As shown in the illustrated example, the shield 20 may be configured to be attached to each other so that the portable electronic device 15 and the POS device 16 face opposite directions from each other. In some advantageous embodiments, different shields 20 are configured to be exchanged with each other, such as different sizes, configurations, and / or models for portable electronic devices 15 and / or POS devices 16. For example, the portable electronic device 15 and the associated shield 20 may be configured to be attached to and operate with multiple different types of POS devices 16 and associated shields. Similarly, POS device 16 and associated housing 20 may be configured to attach to and operate with a plurality of different types of portable electronic devices 15 and associated housings.

[0027] The figures also show that the system 10 may include an auxiliary device 30 (see, for example, Figure 8 ). The accessory device 30 can be configured to be removably attached to any of the shields 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory device 30 is removably attached to the shield 20 of the portable electronic device 15. In one example, the accessory device 30 is The device is configured to attach to a portable electronic device and perform various skin analyses on a person, as described in U.S. Publication No. 2019 / 0125249, entitled “Systems and Method for Skin Analysis Using Electronic Devices,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The accessory device 30 can utilize one or more cameras of the portable electronic device 15 to capture images, videos, etc. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the shield 20 of the POS device 16 from the shield 20 of the portable electronic device 15 in order to properly operate the accessory device 30.

[0028] The accessory device 30 may also include a shield 32 configured to at least partially surround the accessory device (see, e.g., Figure 8 ). Figure 8The shield 32 is shown to include multiple components, including a back plate 24, one or more spacers 26, and a front plate 28, which can be engaged or attached in any desired manner (e.g., a snap fit). The back plate 24 may include a power connector 29 configured to engage a power port of the accessory device 30 and alignment features for aligning the accessory device. The spacers 26 can be used to ensure that the accessory device 30 is properly aligned relative to the camera of the portable electronic device 15 based on the location of the particular camera. For example, Figure 7 It is shown that the accessory device 30 can be positioned in different positions relative to the shield 32, which can depend on the position of the camera of the portable electronic device 15. The front panel 28 can define an opening that allows the accessory device 30 to have an unobstructed field of view. In addition, in some cases, the shield 32 can have an L-shaped portion that is configured to conform to two surfaces (e.g., the top surface and the back surface) of the shield 20 of the portable electronic device 15.

[0029] In addition, the front panel 28 can also be configured to allow the shield 32 to be hinged or otherwise pivoted relative to the portable electronic device 15 between a use position and a non-use position. In the use position, the shield 32 is coupled to the shield 20 in a manner that allows the accessory device 30 to operate the portable electronic device 15 or otherwise interface with the portable electronic device 15 (e.g., via a camera). In some cases, the hinge can be similar to a "living hinge", but other types of hinges can be used. Thus, the hinge may, in some cases, include flexible material and / or include one or more weak areas to allow hinged. The shield 32 can be configured to hinge to a hinged non-use position to allow access to the card slot 17 of the POS device 17 (see, e.g., Figure 3-4 ). In some embodiments, shield 32 may also or alternatively include one or more magnets and / or magnetically attractive materials to facilitate alignment and engagement with portable electronic device 15, such as for retaining shield 32 in a hinged position. In one embodiment, shield 32 is attached to portable electronic device 15 solely by one or more magnets and / or magnetically attractive materials.

[0030] In some embodiments, portable electronic device 15, point of sale device 16, and / or accessory device 30 are configured to be charged, such as via docking station 50 or cable 52 connected to a power source (see, e.g., Figure 10-12 ). The docking station 50 includes one or more docking station interfaces 56 configured to receive any of the POS system 10, the portable electronic device 15 and associated shield 20, the POS device 16 and associated shield 20, and / or the accessory device 30 and associated shield 32. In some cases, Fig.11 A series of accessory devices 30 and associated shields 32 are shown that may be configured to engage the interface to facilitate charging.

[0031] In one embodiment, the shield 20 of the portable electronic device 15, the shield 20 of the POS device 16, and the shield 32 of the accessory device include one or more electrical contacts 34 for receiving electrical signals via the docking station interface 56 or the cable 52. It should be understood that the contacts 34 can be configured to transmit power, data, and / or other signals to or from the portable electronic device 15, the POS device 16, and / or the accessory device 30. The inner surface of the shield 20 of the portable electronic device 15 and / or the point of sale device 16 may include a suitable connector 38 (see, for example, the shield of the portable electronic device). Figure 6 ), which is configured to electrically connect the electrical contacts 34 to the portable electronic device, POS device, and / or accessory device 30 (e.g., to facilitate power transfer). In addition, Figure 6 It is shown that each shield 20 can form an assembly having one or more components, such as an inner shield having a connector 38 and an outer shield. In some cases, the portable electronic device 15 and the associated shield 20 can be used as a "host" device and configured to charge the portable electronic device and POS device 16 and / or accessory device 30 via contacts 34 when the portable electronic device is receiving power and the POS device and / or accessory device 30 is attached thereto. In other cases, the portable electronic device 15, POS device 16, and accessory device 30 can be configured to charge independently of each other, which can allow a person to judge the full charge of each device.

[0032] also, Figure 5 It is shown that in some cases, the shield 20 of the portable electronic device 15 can include one or more electrical contacts 40, and the shield of the POS device 16 can include one or more corresponding electrical contacts. Fig.15 , wherein each shield 20' includes a plurality of electrical contacts 40. Thus, when the shields 20 are engaged with each other, the contacts 40 are configured to mate with each other and electrically connect to each other to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the POS device. In the illustrated example, the contacts 40 of the portable electronic device 15 are spring pin contacts. Similarly, the contacts 34 of the shield 32 can be configured to mate with corresponding electrical contacts 42 of the shield 20 of the portable electronic device 15 (see, e.g. Figure 3 ). Thus, when the shield 32 is engaged with the shield 20 of the portable electronic device 15 (non-hinged position), the contacts 34, 42 can be configured to mate and establish an electrical connection.

[0033] Therefore, in some embodiments, the contacts 34, 40, 42 are configured to maintain electrical connection with each other when the shields 20, 32 are coupled to each other, thereby ensuring the electrical connection between the portable electronic device, the POS device and / or the accessory device 32. In this way, the portable electronic device 15, the POS device 16 and / or the accessory device 32 are configured to maintain communication with each other. In this way, the transaction can be completed without losing the connection between the portable electronic device and the POS device. In some cases, the contacts 34, 40, 42 provide an electrical connection of USB or similar hardware between the portable electronic device, the POS device and / or the accessory device 32, for example via power, data and ground conductors. In addition, in some cases, redundant contacts 34, 40, 42 can be provided, which can help maintain a high-speed electrical connection between the portable electronic device, the POS device and / or the accessory device 32 via the shields 20, 32. In some embodiments, redundant contacts 34, 40, 42 (e.g., ground contacts) may also be provided and used as switches to prevent the delivery of live voltage when the POS device 16 and associated shield 20 (or the accessory device 30 and associated shield 32) are not attached to the portable electronic device 15 and associated shield.

[0034] Figure 13-16 Another embodiment of a POS system 10' is shown. The POS system 10' is similar to that described above, however, in one example, the configuration of the shields 20', 32' is different. In particular, the shield 20' and the shield 32' for the portable electronic device 15 may include one or more electrical contacts 34', 42', and the electrical contacts 34', 42' are configured to be electrically connected to each other, at least for the reasons already discussed. In this embodiment, the shield 32' can be configured to pivot or articulate about the electrical contacts 34', 42' when engaged with each other. Therefore, the contacts 34', 42' can be configured to facilitate attachment of the shield 20' to the shield 32' and the electrical connection therebetween. The shield 32' can be configured to pivot relative to the shield 20' along an axis defined by the electrical contacts 34', 42'.

[0035] It should also be noted that the shield 20' can define a recess that is configured to receive a portion of the shield 32' to facilitate engagement therebetween. If the shield 32' is removed, the plug 44 can be configured to be inserted into the recess and engage the shield 20' (see, e.g., Fig.16 ). Fig.17An embodiment of a shield 32' assembly is shown in which a back plate 24' and a front plate 28' are configured to be attached to each other and to accommodate an accessory device 30. The back plate 24' and the front plate 28' can be configured to be attached using various means, such as adhesives and / or fasteners. The third component 26' is configured to be disposed between the back plate 24' and the front plate 28' and can include one or more conductors 34' and a connector 29' configured to connect to the accessory device 30.

[0036] also, Fig.18 Another embodiment of a docking station 50' is shown. The docking station 50' is similar to the docking station 50 described above in that the docking station is configured to charge at least the portable electronic device 15, the point of sale device 16, and the accessory device 30. In some embodiments, the docking station 50' and / or the shield 20', 32' may include one or more indicators 54 configured to provide an indication of whether the shield is properly docked and in a charging mode. In some cases, if the shield 20' does not engage with each other when placed in the docking station 50', the docking station 50' will not charge the point of sale device 16. In other words, in some embodiments, if the point of sale device 16 is placed alone in the docking station 50', the point of sale device 16 will not charge.

[0037] One or more embodiments of POS systems, devices, and methods have been described above. Those skilled in the art will appreciate and realize that many changes and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all such changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A point of sale system comprising: Portable electronic devices; a first shield configured to be coupled to the portable electronic device; a point of sale device configured to communicate with the portable electronic device; a second shield configured to couple to the point of sale device; an accessory device configured to communicate with the portable electronic device; and a third shield configured to be coupled to the accessory device, wherein the first shield is configured to couple to the second shield to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the point of sale device, and The third shield is configured to be coupled to the first shield to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the accessory device.

2. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The first shield, the second shield, and / or the third shield include one or more magnets for removably attaching to each other.

3. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The point of sale device and / or the accessory device are configured to communicate data signals with the portable electronic device.

4. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The first shield is configured to be electrically connected to the second shield and / or the third shield when coupled to the second shield and / or the third shield.

5. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The first shield is configured to at least partially surround the portable electronic device.

6. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The second shield is configured to at least partially surround the point of sale device.

7. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The third shield is configured to at least partially surround the accessory equipment.

8. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The first shield, the second shield and / or the third shield include one or more engagement members for coupling to each other.

9. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The portable electronic device is configured to communicate a power signal with the point of sale device when the first shield is coupled to the second shield.

10. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The portable electronic device is configured to communicate a power signal with the accessory device when the first shield is coupled to the third shield.

11. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The accessory device is configured to utilize a camera of the portable electronic device when the third shield is coupled to the first shield.

12. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The third shield includes a hinge configured to facilitate movement of the third shield relative to the first shield between a use position and a non-use position.

13. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The third shield is pivotally attached to the first shield.

14. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: Each of the first shield and the second shield includes one or more electrical contacts configured to be electrically connected to each other.

15. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: Each of the first shield and the third shield includes one or more electrical contacts configured to be electrically connected to each other.

16. The point of sale system of claim 14, wherein: The third shield is configured to move around the one or more electrical contacts relative to the first shield between a use position and a non-use position.

17. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The third shield is configured to pivot relative to the first shield between a use position and a non-use position.

18. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The first shield is configured to be removably attached to the second shield.

19. The point of sale system of claim 1, wherein: The first shield is configured to be removably attached to the third shield.

20. The point of sale system of claim 1, further comprising any combination of the features of any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. A point of sale system comprising: Portable electronic devices; a first shield configured to be coupled to the portable electronic device; an accessory device configured to communicate with the portable electronic device; and a second shield configured to be coupled to the accessory device, wherein the second shield is configured to move relative to the first shield between a use position and a non-use position, wherein the accessory device is configured to operate with the portable electronic device and the non-use position wherein the accessory device is inoperable with the portable electronic device, and The second shield is configured to be coupled to the first shield to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the accessory device.

22. The point of sale system of claim 19, further comprising any combination of the features of any one of claims 1 to 18.

23. A method comprising: coupling the first shield to the portable electronic device; coupling a second shield to a point of sale device; coupling the third shield to the accessory equipment; coupling the first shield to the second shield to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the point of sale device; and The third shield is coupled to the first shield to facilitate communication between the portable electronic device and the accessory device.

24. An apparatus, system and / or method comprising any combination of the features disclosed herein.

Images