Modular Transaction Terminal I/O Architecture for Fast Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retailers face challenges in configuring transaction terminals with minimized housings, as increasing size is not acceptable, and existing setups require numerous cable connections and skilled technicians for setup, prolonging the configuration process.
Innovation Solution
A modular terminal architecture with an expanded I/O board in the host device housing and miniaturized I/O boards in non-host device housings, reducing the number of cable connections to five, allowing easy configuration by non-skilled personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the housings are minimized to achieve a small terminal footprint, then the terminal size is reduced, but the complexity and labor of configuration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is divided into modular components: a host device housing and multiple non-host device housings, each with dedicated I/O control boards. This segmentation allows independent configuration of each module while maintaining a compact overall footprint, resolving the contradiction between small size and configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The host device housing with its expanded I/O control board serves multiple functions by interfacing with various non-host device housings through standardized connections. This universal interface design enables one host unit to support multiple configuration types without increasing footprint, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining compact size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cable connections are used to connect peripherals through the host device housing, then all devices can be connected, but the setup time and labor cost significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
I/O control boards are pre-installed within each housing unit during manufacturing, with connection interfaces prepared in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for technicians to install or configure I/O boards during setup, reducing setup time while maintaining full device connectivity through pre-established cable pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
Dedicated I/O control boards serve as intermediaries between the host device and non-host devices, managing all cable connections and signal routing. This intermediary layer simplifies the connection process by providing standardized interfaces, allowing rapid configuration while maintaining comprehensive device connectivity.
3Reliability
If skilled technicians are used for configuration, then proper setup can be achieved, but the expense and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular housing design with pre-installed I/O control boards and standardized connection interfaces enables retailers to perform self-service configuration without skilled technicians. The system is designed to be intuitively configurable by end-users, eliminating the need for expert intervention while ensuring reliable setup through standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration process is simplified by changing the parameters of connectability and interface standardization. By designing housings with predetermined connection points and standardized I/O interfaces, the system transforms a complex technician-dependent process into a simple plug-and-play operation that maintains reliability while reducing labor requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A first host device housing is provided with a host device and first peripherals. The host device includes a motherboard and an upper core Input/Output (I/O) control board connected to the motherboard within the host device housing. A non-host device housing includes second peripherals and a lower core I/O control board. The host device housing is removably attachable to the non-host device housing to form a modular terminal. The second peripherals are interfaced to the host device through a cable that connects the lower core I/O control board to the upper core I/O control board. Combinations of the host device housing and a selected non-host device housing form different configurations of a modular terminal. Features available to a given configuration of the modular terminal are driven by the first peripherals and the second peripherals.