Handheld Transaction Device Integrating Printer and Card Swipe
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current commercial transaction systems require a retail salesperson and customer to be at a check-out counter for generating bills, printing receipts, and accepting payments, limiting flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device equipped with an optical reader, thermal printer, card swipe module, keypad, and display module, allowing for data input, processing, and output at any location, enabling generation of bills, printing receipts, and accepting payments without the need for a fixed checkout point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed checkout counter system is used, then transaction processing is standardized, but mobility and flexibility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate systems (optical reader, card swipe reader, printer, and processing unit) into a single integrated handheld device. This merging enables mobility while maintaining all necessary transaction processing functions, resolving the contradiction between mobility and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device performs multiple functions including optical scanning, card reading, data processing, and printing within a single unit. This multi-functionality allows the device to replace multiple separate systems, providing mobility without sacrificing comprehensive transaction processing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for scanning, card reading, and printing, then each device can be optimized, but the system becomes cumbersome and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical reader, card swipe reader, processor, and printer into one handheld device, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining all necessary functions. This integration directly addresses the contradiction by decreasing component count while preserving versatility.
3Ease of operation
If a handheld device integrates multiple functions, then mobility is improved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact integrated design where multiple functional components are nested within the handheld device housing. The optical reader, card swipe reader, printer, and processing unit are arranged in a space-efficient manner, allowing the device to remain portable while incorporating multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a handheld device for performing a transaction. The device includes a first receiving means for receiving first information via a first input device, the input device being one of an optical reader module, a card swipe module, a touch-sensitive screen, and a key pad. The device further includes a first processing means for processing the first information with a processor and a first generating means for generating a first output via a printer. The device also includes a second receiving means for receiving second information via a second input device, the second input device being one of the optical reader module, the touch-sensitive screen, the card swipe module, and the key pad, a second processing means for processing the second information with the processor and a second generating means for generating a second output via one of the printer and a display module.