Payment Terminal Messaging via Host Computer System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication mechanisms for retail locations lack the convenience and capability to provide detailed financial information updates to business owners or managers, especially when they are away from the location.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables human-readable information to be received from a payment terminal and forwarded to external destinations via a host computer system using various communication channels, such as SMS, email, or web pages, allowing for real-time updates and transaction data retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing communication mechanisms are used for retail locations, then basic communication capability is provided, but convenience and capability to provide detailed financial information updates are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The payment terminal is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it processes payments and simultaneously acts as a messaging device capable of sending and receiving text messages. This multi-functionality allows the terminal to provide detailed financial information updates while maintaining ease of operation through a unified interface that business owners are already familiar with.
Solution Approach 2:
A host computer system acts as an intermediary between the payment terminal and external communication networks. The host computer receives messages from the terminal, processes the information, and forwards it through appropriate communication channels (SMS, email, etc.), thereby enabling detailed financial information transmission while simplifying the operation at the terminal level.
2Loss of time
If frequent updates about financial performance are provided, then information timeliness is improved, but communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The messaging functionality is merged with the existing payment terminal infrastructure and host computer system. Rather than implementing a separate communication system, the patent combines message sending/receiving capabilities with the financial transaction processing system, allowing frequent updates without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The payment terminal automatically generates and sends financial information updates without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors transactions and autonomously communicates financial performance data to business owners, reducing the operational burden while maintaining high update frequency and timeliness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication channels are supported for message forwarding, then adaptability to different destinations is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The host computer system is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication channels (SMS, email, and other text-based messaging systems). This universal capability allows the system to adapt to different external destinations and communication preferences without requiring separate specialized systems for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters such as message format, protocol, and transmission method based on the destination type. By changing these parameters rather than implementing fundamentally different communication paths for each channel, the system achieves high adaptability while controlling complexity through parameter-based configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A payment terminal and a host computer system are configured to provide human-readable messaging capability with a person at an external location outside of a financial infrastructure. A payment terminal at a point of sale may be used to cause human-readable message content to be forwarded to the person by the host computer system, either automatically or at the instigation of an operator of the payment terminal. Message content from the person may be delivered to the payment terminal for display to the operator. The person at the external location may be able to retrieve information stored in the payment terminal via standard communication channels. The system also provides a mechanism for exchanging messages between payment terminals.