Mobile Device POS Interface for Accessible Transaction Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers, especially those with visual impairments or distractions, face difficulties in accessing and understanding transaction information at point-of-sale (POS) terminals, leading to slowed checkout processes due to varying terminal configurations and lack of accessible communication methods.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that connects a mobile device to a POS terminal, transmitting transaction information in consumer-readable formats such as audio or tactile signals, allowing consumers to input responses through familiar devices, thereby facilitating easier transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional payment terminal with visual display is used, then transaction information can be communicated to consumers, but visually impaired consumers cannot access the information and checkout is slowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the payment terminal and the consumer. The mobile device receives transaction information from the terminal and presents it through accessible formats (audio, tactile feedback) that visually impaired consumers can understand, eliminating the need for them to struggle with traditional visual displays and thereby reducing checkout time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the visual display mechanism with alternative communication methods including audio output and tactile feedback mechanisms. This substitution allows visually impaired consumers to access transaction information through non-visual senses, improving accessibility without slowing down the checkout process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a shared video display is used for both cashier and consumer, then both can view transaction information, but the line of sight becomes obstructed and viewing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the consumer display function from the shared terminal display and moves it to the consumer's mobile device. This allows the terminal display to remain dedicated to the cashier while the consumer receives information on their own device, eliminating viewing obstructions and improving accessibility for all consumers regardless of their ability to view the terminal screen.
3Adaptability or versatility
If payment terminals have different configurations, then each terminal can be optimized for its specific use, but consumers must adapt to varying layouts and input methods slowing checkout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device the universal interface for all consumers regardless of which payment terminal they use. Since mobile devices have consistent interfaces and are familiar to consumers, this eliminates the need to adapt to different terminal configurations, allowing consumers to quickly and consistently interact with any terminal without slowing down checkout.
4Measurement precision
If a separate video display is provided for consumer, then transaction information can be viewed clearly, but consumers with visual impairment or distractions still cannot easily access the information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of information presentation by offering multiple formats (audio, tactile, visual) through the mobile device. This allows the same transaction information to be accessible to consumers with different needs - visually impaired consumers can use audio or tactile feedback while others can use visual display, maintaining clarity while improving universal accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for assisting a consumer during a transaction with a vendor at a point of sale by providing transaction information to the consumer via consumer-readable communications. In one embodiment, a payment terminal proximate the point of sale communicates a transaction information signal to the mobile device. The mobile device communicates the transaction information to the consumer in a consumer-readable format such as audible sound waves. In some embodiments, the consumer-readable communications include requests for consumer input. The consumer input is received by an input device proximate the mobile device and communicated to the payment terminal. In some embodiments consumer input is received by the payment terminal as well as the mobile device, and in some embodiments, the consumer chooses whether to use the mobile device as an interface or only to use the payment terminal.