Dual Device POS System Using Short-Range Wireless Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing point of sale (POS) systems require wired connections between merchant and customer devices, limiting flexibility and security, especially in environments without stable WiFi connections or where complex wireless setups are needed.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a secure short-range wireless connection, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), between POS devices to facilitate payment flows without the need for wired tethers, using protocols like Authenticated and Confidential Channel Establishment (ACCE) and out-of-band key delivery to ensure secure data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connections are used between merchant and customer devices, then security and reliability are improved, but flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system (Bluetooth Low Energy). This substitution eliminates the physical cable constraint while maintaining secure data transmission through cryptographic protocols, thereby improving device placement flexibility without sacrificing connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex wireless connections (WiFi) are used, then flexibility is improved, but device complexity and security vulnerabilities increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless connectivity flexibilityVSAvoidconnection setup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential communication function from complex WiFi infrastructure and implements a simplified peer-to-peer Bluetooth Low Energy connection between devices. This extraction eliminates dependency on external network infrastructure and reduces connection setup complexity while maintaining wireless flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If wired connections are used, then security is improved, but loss of time in connection establishment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission securityVSAvoidconnection establishment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary security measures by pre-pairing devices and establishing trust relationships before transactions occur. The Bluetooth Low Energy connection uses pre-configured security protocols and cryptographic keys, allowing secure connections to be established instantly without time-consuming authentication procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11687925B2Dual device point of sale system using short-range wireless connection

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 CLOVER NETWORK INC

AI summary

Methods and systems are disclosed that provide enhanced flexibility to merchants in the configuration of POS systems. One disclosed system includes a payment interface device having a first display, a means for receiving payment information, and a first payment flow display service (PFDS). The system also includes a display device having a second display and a second PFDS. The system also includes a secure wireless connection formed by a first short-range wireless protocol (SRWP) module on the payment interface device and a second SRWP module on the display device. The first and second PFDSs conduct an exchange of messages over the secure wireless connection to execute a payment flow.