MDB Adapter Access for Wireless Peripheral Payments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peripheral devices embedded in machines require network connectivity for cashless payments, which is not always available, limiting their accessibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A mobile-device-to-machine payment processing system that decouples peripheral devices from machine controllers, enabling wireless communication between mobile applications and peripheral devices, allowing cashless transactions without persistent network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If peripheral devices are embedded in machines with machine controllers, then device functionality is provided, but network connectivity is required for cashless payments which limits accessibility in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter module as an intermediary device that couples between the machine controller and the multi-drop bus peripheral devices. This adapter enables wireless communication pathways, allowing mobile devices to access peripheral devices without requiring persistent network connectivity at the machine location. The adapter acts as a bridge that decouples the peripheral devices from direct machine controller dependency while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the communication architecture by separating the peripheral devices from the machine controller and introducing independent communication pathways. The adapter module creates distinct communication channels that allow wireless access without relying on the machine's network infrastructure, enabling operation in remote locations without network connectivity.
2Ease of operation
If peripheral devices are decoupled from machine controllers to enable wireless access, then accessibility without network connectivity is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter module is designed to work with multiple types of peripheral devices on the multi-drop bus simultaneously. It provides universal wireless access functionality that can interface with various devices (card readers, bill acceptors, etc.) without requiring separate solutions for each device type, thereby managing complexity through a single multi-functional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter module serves as a standardized intermediary that handles the complexity of wireless communication protocols and peripheral device protocols internally. This mediates the interaction between mobile devices and peripheral devices, shielding users from complexity while enabling ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices function as masters of peripheral devices, then external access is enabled, but control over peripheral devices is reduced compared to machine controller mastery
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic master-role assignment where the machine controller and mobile devices can both function as masters of the peripheral devices depending on the operational context. The adapter module enables flexible role switching, allowing the mobile device to take control when external access is needed while the machine controller retains control during normal embedded operation. This dynamic capability enables external access without permanently sacrificing control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a slave interface configured for coupling to a machine controller of a machine via a multi-drop bus (MDB), a host interface configured for coupling to a first peripheral device of the machine, and memory storing one or more programs to be executed by the one or more processors and comprising instructions for: registering the electronic device as a slave to the machine controller, registering the first peripheral device as a slave to the electronic device, receiving from a mobile device a request to access signals generated by the first peripheral device, validating the request, and sending a reset command to the first peripheral device via the host interface, the reset command including a directive to update a signal destination address of the first peripheral device from a controller address of the machine controller to a device address of the electronic device.