Multi-Surface Input Output Unit for Dual-User POS Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product information processing apparatuses, such as POS terminals, do not facilitate easy handling for both salespersons and customers without altering their orientation.
Innovation Solution
A product information processing apparatus is designed with an input/output unit oriented differently for salespersons and customers, featuring multiple input/output areas and a transmission area, allowing for efficient information input and output, and is positioned between the two parties during a purchase transaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input/output unit is oriented toward the salesperson or customer, then one party can easily operate the apparatus, but the other party cannot easily access or operate the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a single-plane orientation to a multi-dimensional arrangement. The input/output unit is positioned on a side surface of the housing rather than facing the salesperson or customer directly, allowing both parties to access the apparatus from different spatial dimensions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the input/output functionality by providing separate input/output areas on different surfaces of the housing. This allows the salesperson to access certain areas while the customer accesses other areas, with the input/output unit serving both parties through its strategic positioning on the side surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus orientation is changed to accommodate both salesperson and customer, then both can operate it, but the structural configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by positioning the input/output unit on the side surface of the housing, which serves as a multi-functional location. This single positioning enables both the salesperson and customer to access and operate the apparatus without requiring multiple separate units or complex reconfigurable structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the orientation of the input/output unit in the traditional sense, the patent uses spatial dimensionality by placing the unit on the side surface. This approach achieves adaptability for both users while maintaining a simple, fixed structural configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input/output areas are provided on different surfaces, then both salesperson and customer can access the apparatus, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the housing into different functional surfaces (front surface for salesperson, side surface for customer, rear surface for internal components). By strategically positioning the input/output unit on the side surface, it serves both users without requiring separate units, thus segmenting access rights while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The side surface positioning of the input/output unit creates a universal access point that serves both the salesperson and customer. This multi-functional positioning achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity, as it utilizes existing housing surfaces rather than adding separate access mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A product information processing apparatus (10) is used in a state of being arranged between a salesperson who performs purchase processing of a product and a customer who purchases the product. In an example illustrated in the present figure, the product information processing apparatus (10) is placed on a support member (20) for purchasing a product. The support member (20) is, for example, a counter. The salesperson and the customer are opposed to each other with the support member (20) interposed therebetween. The product information processing apparatus (10) includes an input/output unit (140). The input/output unit (140) performs at least one of input and output of information relating to a product. In addition, the input/output unit (140) is oriented in a direction different from the salesperson and the customer in planar view.