EIR Terminal Routing Messages to Reduce Checkout Costs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retail checkout systems are costly to maintain due to the need for personal computers and multiple peripheral devices, which can be reduced by integrating an encoded information reading (EIR) terminal to route messages between a server and peripheral devices, eliminating the need for a PC at the checkout station.

Innovation Solution

An EIR terminal equipped with a processor, memory, and various EIR devices such as bar code, RFID, or NFC readers, capable of communicating with peripheral devices and an external computer, routing messages, and controlling these devices, while supporting communication protocols like TCP/IP and wireless standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a personal computer and multiple peripheral devices are used at the checkout station, then the system can perform all necessary checkout functions, but the maintenance and acquisition costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecheckout system functionalityVSAvoidnumber of peripheral devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple peripheral devices (barcode reader, RFID reader, NFC reader, magnetic card reader, printer, scale, check reader) into a single integrated EIR terminal that communicates with the checkout system via network protocols. This consolidation maintains all necessary checkout functions while significantly reducing the number of separate hardware components and associated maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The EIR terminal is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: reading various types of encoded information (barcodes, RFID, NFC, magnetic cards), communicating with peripheral devices, processing transactions, and interfacing with the checkout application. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a personal computer is used to run the checkout application, then the system can process transactions and communicate with the server, but the acquisition and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecheckout transaction processingVSAvoidcheckout station hardware

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the checkout application software from the local personal computer and moves it to a remote server. The EIR terminal acts as a thin client that communicates with the server via network protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, SOAP, REST). This extraction eliminates the need for a powerful local PC while maintaining full transaction processing capability through cloud-based processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The EIR terminal serves as an intermediary device between the checkout system and the server. It handles local communication with peripheral devices, processes encoded information, and facilitates network communication with the remote server. This intermediary role allows the system to function without requiring a local PC, as the terminal bridges the gap between local hardware and remote processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate devices are used for encoding information reading, then various types of encoded information can be read, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoded information reading capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance of multiple devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple EIR devices (barcode reader, RFID reader, NFC reader, magnetic card reader) into a single integrated terminal. This consolidation maintains the ability to read various types of encoded information while simplifying maintenance, as there is now only one device to service instead of multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated EIR terminal is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of encoded information through different reading technologies. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized readers, thereby reducing maintenance requirements while preserving comprehensive encoding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8550335B2Encoded information reading terminal in communication with peripheral point-of-sale devices

Publication Date: 2013.10.08 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a processor, a memory, and at least one EIR device provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, an NFC reading device, or a magnetic card reading device. The EIR device can be configured to output raw message data containing an encoded message and/or output decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The EIR terminal can further comprise at least one communication interface, a display provided by a built-in display and/or an external display, and a user input device provided by a built-in keyboard and/or an external keyboard. The EIR terminal can be configured to transmit the raw message data and/or the decoded message data to an external computer.