Mobile Device POS Emulation for Real-Time Transaction Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional point of sale (POS) systems lack the ability to emulate their functionality on mobile devices, limiting consumers' ability to verify transactions and make payments in real-time, especially in scenarios where POS displays are not visible or accessible.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables a mobile device to emulate a POS by receiving and processing emulation data from a POS system, allowing the mobile device to mirror the POS's display and process payments, using a connection established through identification of the POS and transmission of emulation data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional POS system is used, then transaction processing can be performed, but the display is not visible or accessible to consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the POS transaction display on the consumer's mobile device screen. The mobile device receives transaction data from the POS system and renders it as a replicated display that the consumer can view, effectively copying the information presentation to a device the consumer controls and can see.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the POS system and the consumer. It receives transaction information from the POS system via wireless communication and presents it to the consumer, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between the POS display (which the consumer cannot see) and the consumer's need for visible transaction information.
2Loss of information
If POS display is used, then transaction information can be presented, but it is not visible to consumers standing behind the counter
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device creates a portable copy of the POS transaction display that can be viewed by the consumer at their location behind the counter. The transaction information is replicated on the mobile device screen, allowing the consumer to see what is being charged without needing to view the main POS display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the transaction display from a single fixed location (the POS counter display) to a mobile dimension that can be positioned anywhere the consumer can see it. By using the mobile device's screen, the information presentation moves from a stationary two-dimensional display to a portable display that can be angled and positioned for optimal consumer viewing.
3Reliability
If conventional POS systems are used, then payments can be processed, but real-time verification by consumers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device provides a real-time copy of the transaction data that updates as items are scanned and charges are applied. This allows the consumer to continuously verify the accuracy of charges during the transaction process rather than waiting until the end, improving verification reliability without significant time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for emulating a point of sale (POS) at a mobile device includes identifying a POS based on information associated with the POS received from a mobile device. The method includes generating emulation data descriptive of information captured at the POS, and initiating transmission of the emulation data to the mobile device. The emulation data causes the mobile device to emulate the POS at a display device of the mobile device. The information captured at the POS is associated with a consumer transaction. The method includes dynamically generating updated emulation data as the information captured at the POS changes during the consumer transaction, and initiating transmission of the updated emulation data to the mobile device. The updated emulation data causes the emulation of the POS at the display device of the mobile device to be dynamically updated during the consumer transaction.