Dynamic Mobile POS Screen Adaptation via Store ID Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smartphone POS systems lack the ability to customize administration screens for different stores, leading to a uniform user interface that may not meet the specific needs of various retail establishments.

Innovation Solution

A transaction processing system and method that allows a single mobile POS application to function across multiple stores, enabling customizable screens for each store by using a screen ID associated with a store ID, allowing for dynamic display of administration screens based on store preferences through a handheld wireless terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single application program is used for transaction processing at multiple stores, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different store needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The administration screen is made dynamic by allowing it to change based on the store identifier. The system determines which store the portable terminal is at and automatically displays the corresponding customized administration screen, enabling the interface to adapt its appearance and functionality according to the specific store requirements while remaining part of the same application program.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the administration screen are customized for different stores. Each store can have its own specific display elements, layout, and functionality tailored to its unique needs, while the overall application structure remains unified. This allows local customization without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If administration screens are customized for each store, then adaptability to store needs is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single application program serves multiple stores by incorporating the ability to display different administration screens based on store identifier. This universal design allows one application to handle multiple stores with different requirements, eliminating the need for separate applications for each store while maintaining customized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (store identifier and screen determination logic) that mediates between the unified application program and the customized store requirements. This intermediary layer enables customization without requiring changes to the core application structure, thus managing complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate application programs are used for different stores, then adaptability to store needs is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple store-specific applications into a single unified application program. By combining the common functionality and adding the ability to switch between different administration screens based on store identifier, the system eliminates the need for users to manage multiple separate applications while maintaining store-specific customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3866091B1Transaction processing system and information processing method
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP3866091B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3866091B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3866091B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A transaction processing system includes a plurality of store systems, a transaction processing server, and a handheld wireless terminal. Each of the store systems includes an wireless access point that is provided at a store identified by a store ID and configured to generate a beacon signal indicating an ID corresponding to the store ID. The handheld wireless terminal includes a first wireless communication interface configured to receive the beacon signal when in a communication range of the wireless access point at a visited store, a second wireless communication interface, a display, a screen file depository, and a processor configured to perform a mobile point-of-sales (POS) operation.