Augmented Reality Point-of-Sale System for Mobile Transaction Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional point-of-sale (POS) devices in merchant locations are expensive, require frequent updates, and limit checkout capacity, leading to congestion and inconvenience for customers due to their limited number and fixed locations.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality point-of-sale system that allows customers to complete transactions using a customer device with a camera and display, superimposing a computer-generated POS image on their view, enabling item scanning and payment processing anywhere within a merchant location without physical POS devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional physical POS devices are deployed throughout the merchant location, then customers can complete transactions at fixed locations, but this leads to congestion near checkout aisles and long lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of POS functionality through augmented reality overlay on mobile devices. Instead of relying on physical POS devices, the system projects a virtual POS interface that replicates scanning, payment processing, and receipt generation capabilities on the customer's existing mobile device, thereby eliminating congestion while maintaining transaction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional physical POS devices fixed at checkout counters to a three-dimensional spatially-distributed AR interface that can be accessed anywhere within the merchant location. This dimensional shift allows customers to initiate transactions at any point in the store space, not just at designated checkout areas, thereby distributing customer flow and reducing congestion.
2Quantity of substance
If a limited number of physical POS devices are used, then hardware costs are controlled, but this results in congestion and long lines at checkout areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the customer's mobile device universal by enabling it to perform multiple POS functions (scanning, payment processing, receipt generation) through the AR overlay. This multi-functionality allows a single mobile device to replace multiple physical POS devices, effectively increasing the number of available transaction points without acquiring additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customers to independently complete transactions using their own mobile devices without requiring staff operation or supervision of physical POS devices. The AR interface guides customers through scanning items, initiating payments, and receiving digital receipts autonomously, thereby eliminating waiting lines while maintaining controlled hardware usage.
3Productivity
If physical POS devices are deployed at fixed locations, then transactions can be processed, but customers must carry items from remote areas to checkout, causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-location POS system into a dynamic, mobile AR interface that moves with the customer throughout the store. The virtual POS can be activated at any location within the merchant premises, allowing customers to complete transactions immediately after shopping without returning to fixed checkout areas, thereby eliminating the inconvenience of carrying items across the store.
4Reliability
If conventional POS devices are used, then transactions can be completed, but the devices are expensive to purchase and maintain and require frequent updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive physical POS hardware with a virtual copy rendered through augmented reality on the customer's existing mobile device. This virtual POS overlay replicates all necessary transaction processing functions without requiring dedicated hardware, thereby eliminating purchase and maintenance costs while preserving transaction reliability through the merchant system's backend processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for an augmented reality point-of-sale. A first location for rendering an augmented reality point-of-sale may be detected. A computer-generated image of the augmented reality point-of-sale may be superimposed on a view of the customer at the first location, which may be at least partially within the view of the customer. In response to an item being placed within the view of the customer, item data associated with the item may be detected. The item data may be transmitted to a merchant system. Price data associated with a price of the item may be received. A payment transaction may be initiated based on the price data. A system and a computer program product are also provided.