Batch-Processing Transactions via Event-Triggered Tab Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional point-of-sale (POS) devices require merchants to close customer tabs individually, leading to time-consuming processes that can result in delayed or lost funds, especially when a large group of customers leaves at the same time, causing inefficiencies and financial inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing batch-processing techniques that allow merchants to close and process all open tabs simultaneously in response to predefined events, such as a specific time of day or the conclusion of an event, using a system that identifies payment instruments and associates them with customer tabs, thereby streamlining financial transactions and reducing resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual tab closing is used, then each transaction can be processed separately, but the process becomes time-consuming and leads to delayed or lost funds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual tab closing operations into a single batch processing operation. When a triggering event occurs (such as a customer leaving or a time-based condition), the system automatically groups multiple open tabs and processes them together in one transaction, eliminating the need for separate closing operations for each tab and significantly reducing the time required while ensuring funds are secured.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring tab status and pre-grouping tabs that are ready for closure. Before the actual closing occurs, the system identifies which tabs can be batched together based on various criteria (customer presence, time conditions, etc.), preparing the batch in advance so that when the triggering event occurs, the processing can happen immediately without delay.
2Productivity
If batch-processing is implemented, then processing speed increases and funds are secured timely, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The batch processing system operates autonomously without requiring manual merchant intervention. The system automatically monitors tab status, identifies when tabs are ready for batch closing, groups them appropriately, and executes the batch processing when triggering conditions are met. This self-service capability increases processing speed while managing system complexity by automating what would otherwise require complex manual coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor tab status, customer presence, and processing outcomes. This feedback allows the system to dynamically adjust batch composition, determine optimal timing for batch processing, and learn from previous processing results to improve future batch operations, thereby increasing productivity while keeping system complexity manageable through adaptive control.
3Ease of operation
If automatic batch-processing is used, then merchant interactions are minimized, but adaptability to different scenarios decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The batch processing system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It can adapt its behavior based on different triggering conditions, such as customer presence detection, time-based events, or merchant-configured parameters. The system dynamically determines which tabs to include in batches, when to process them, and how to handle different scenarios, providing ease of operation through automation while maintaining versatility through configurable response to various conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Batch-processing of open tabs associated with one or more customers of a merchant is described. User data associated with a user may be identified. Based on the user data, a determination may be made that batch-processing of transactions of the user has been authorized. A tab data structure specific to the user and a merchant may be generated. The tab data structure may store transaction data associated with transaction of the user. Occurrence of an event may be detected, and in response, at least a portion of the transactions stored in the tab data structure may be settled via a batch process. A payment instrument may be authorized for the portion of the transaction.