Dual-Purpose RJ12 Interface Stand for POS Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stands for touchscreen devices at point of sale (POS) environments often require multiple interfaces, which increases cost and size, and fail to efficiently support both legacy and modern interfaces with a compact design.
Innovation Solution
A stand with a dual-purpose RJ12 interface that can be configured for either cash drawer or RS232 mode, using a USB microcontroller and hinge structure to conceal and route cables, allowing the main display device to tilt and face customers, while supporting popular and legacy interfaces like USB, RS232, and RJ45.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are used to support both legacy and modern devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-purpose RJ12 interface that can operate in two distinct modes: cash drawer mode for legacy POS systems and RS232 mode for modern serial communication devices. This single interface replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate interfaces, enabling the stand to support both legacy and modern devices without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The stand incorporates a movable hinge structure that allows the display device to be rotated between a first position for cash drawer communication and a second position for RS232 communication. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same physical stand to adapt its functionality based on the communication mode required, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are used to support both legacy and modern devices, then adaptability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a single dual-purpose RJ12 interface that can function in both cash drawer mode and RS232 mode, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate interfaces. This reduces component count, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers overall cost while maintaining support for both legacy and modern devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple interfaces into a single RJ12 interface by implementing mode switching capability. This consolidation reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, directly reducing manufacturing cost while achieving the same adaptability
3Ease of operation
If the main display device is flipped to face customers, then ease of operation is improved, but cable routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure enables the main display device to be dynamically rotated between a first position (facing the operator for cash drawer communication) and a second position (facing customers for customer-facing display). This dynamic positioning allows the same physical structure to serve different operational requirements without requiring separate cable routing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure utilizes rotational movement in a third dimension to allow the display device to pivot between facing the operator and facing customers. This dimensional approach to positioning allows cable routing in a fixed plane while achieving multi-directional display orientation, simplifying cable management
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include a stand that includes a communication interface, a universal serial bus (USB) microcontroller, and one dual purpose RJ12 interface configured to switch between a cash drawer mode and an RS232 mode. The stand can be configured to be coupled to a main display device. The main display device (e.g., an application running on the main display device) can enable selection of the cash drawer mode for communications via the dual purpose RJ12 interface, and receive an input signal after the selection. The main display device can enable selection of the RS232 mode for communications via the dual purpose RJ12 interface based on the input signal and transmit an indication to the stand, where the dual purpose RJ12 interface is configured to operate in the RS232 mode. The stand can include a hinge structure that enables the main display device to be flipped to face an opposite direction.