Mobile POS Scanner Gun with Real-Time Inventory Sync

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current retail systems lack a mobile solution that integrates inventory management and point-of-sale (POS) capabilities, requiring customers to wait in line for checkout and limiting retailers' ability to manage inventory efficiently across locations.

Innovation Solution

A Wi-Fi and wireless cellular mobile scanner gun system that connects to a corporate ERP system for real-time inventory management and runs a POS application, allowing employees to scan barcodes, process sales, and manage inventory tasks such as cycle counting and product re-ticketing, while providing detailed product information and loyalty data to customers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a central checkout register is used for POS transactions, then sales can be processed, but customers must wait in line and checkout efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecheckout efficiencyVSAvoidcustomer wait time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized checkout function into multiple mobile POS devices that can be distributed throughout the retail store. Each mobile device operates independently as a separate checkout point, allowing multiple transactions to occur simultaneously rather than through a single centralized register.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional centralized checkout counter to a three-dimensional distributed network of mobile POS devices throughout the store space. This allows checkout functionality to be accessed from multiple locations and angles, eliminating the need for customers to queue at a single point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate devices are used for inventory management and POS transactions, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but system complexity increases and integration is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines inventory management capabilities and POS transaction processing into a single mobile device. The mobile device includes both a barcode scanner for inventory tasks and a POS interface for sales transactions, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile POS device is designed to perform multiple functions including inventory management, cycle counting, and sales transactions. The device can switch between different modes and applications to handle various retail operations, making it a universal tool for retail employees.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a mobile device is used for inventory management, then mobility is improved, but the device cannot process sales transactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemployee mobilityVSAvoidtransaction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges inventory management functions and POS transaction capabilities into the same mobile device. Employees use the same handheld device for both scanning barcodes during inventory tasks and processing sales transactions, eliminating the need to switch between different devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2943920B1Mobile bar code scanner gun system with mobile tablet device having a mobile POS
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 RETAIL TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • EP2943920B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2943920B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2943920B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile scanner gun system processes retail store purchases and/or performs daily store inventory functions. The system has a main body portion extending toward a handle portion, the main body portion having base, side, front and back walls forming an interior cavity, wherein the front wall includes an aperture with a lens. The front wall has a trigger member located near the base. A USB scanner input device is mounted above and in front of the trigger, the scanner in communication with the trigger. A USB MSR input device is integrated on the mobile tablet device and is used for processing payment card sales transactions through a secured, encrypted bank card processor. The top wall of the main body portion includes an attachment means adapted to mount and communicate with a mobile tablet device enabling real-time store level inventory management and POS capability.