Mobile POS Interface via QR Code and Wireless Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Point of Sale (POS) systems in merchant establishments, such as hotels and restaurants, are inflexible, requiring customers to physically present themselves for payment processing, which is inefficient and burdensome, leading to prolonged customer presence and increased staff time for payment handling.
Innovation Solution
An information technology system that enables customers to interface their mobile communications devices with the merchant's POS system using 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, or NFC protocols, allowing for remote payment processing through a client software application, eliminating the need for physical presence and reducing intermediary risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If customers physically present themselves at the fixed POS system for payment processing, then the merchant can securely process payments through staff mediation, but the customer experience becomes burdensome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling customers to initiate and complete payment transactions independently using their mobile devices. The system allows customers to scan QR codes, generate payment requests, and complete transactions without staff intervention, thereby improving convenience and reducing time spent at the POS counter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital intermediary layer through mobile applications and QR code technology that mediates between the customer and the POS system. This intermediary enables remote communication and transaction initiation, allowing customers to start payments from anywhere in the establishment without physically queuing at the fixed POS terminal.
2Productivity
If staff manually process payments at the fixed POS system, then transaction security can be maintained through human oversight, but staff workload increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of physical presence and manual card swiping with digital communication protocols. Mobile devices communicate with the POS system through wireless networks and standardized interfaces, eliminating the need for physical queueing and manual card handling, thereby increasing processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal payment interface that works across multiple devices and locations. The mobile application and QR code system provide a standardized method for initiating payments that can be accessed from anywhere in the establishment, reducing the need for multiple dedicated POS terminals and simplifying the overall system infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customers must locate and physically access the fixed POS system, then the merchant maintains control over the payment process, but the system becomes inflexible and burdensome for customers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to payment initiation by enabling transactions to start from any location within the establishment through mobile devices and QR codes. This transforms the traditional two-dimensional interaction at a fixed counter into a three-dimensional capability where customers can initiate payments throughout the entire service area, greatly improving flexibility and simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An information technology system taking the form of a management console, central server, point of sale system, software running on a point of sale system and software running on a customer's mobile phone. The software on the customer's mobile phone lets a customer interact with the point of sale system, allowing the customer to view a pending economic transaction, optionally add or remove items to the transaction, and pay for the transaction using payment information stored on the mobile phone.