Portable POS Terminal with Docking Station Data Takeover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional POS terminals are stationary and inflexible, limiting their functionality and convenience in retail environments, while portable information terminals lack seamless integration with existing POS systems for continuous data processing.

Innovation Solution

A commodity sales data processing apparatus comprising a portable tablet terminal that can be freely attached to and detached from a docking station, enabling bidirectional communication and data transfer, allowing the terminal to function as a POS terminal both attached and detached, with a storage module for data takeover and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a stationary POS terminal is used, then data processing continuity is maintained, but flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidcustomer waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic switching between stationary and portable terminal modes. The portable terminal can be freely attached to or detached from the docking station, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs while maintaining continuous data processing capability through the docking station's storage module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The portable terminal serves multiple functions: it can operate independently as a portable device, attach to the docking station for extended functionality, and take over processing tasks from other terminals. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing both flexibility (portable operation) and continuity (docking station integration).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a portable terminal is used, then flexibility and ease of operation improve, but seamless integration with existing POS systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station serves as an intermediary between the portable terminal and the POS system. It provides the necessary interface and communication bridge, allowing the portable terminal to integrate seamlessly with the existing POS infrastructure while maintaining its portability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into independent components: the portable terminal, the docking station, and the POS system. This segmentation allows each component to function independently while maintaining reliable integration through standardized interfaces at the docking station, which handles data transfer and protocol conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a stationary POS terminal is used, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to different work systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesales form diversityVSAvoidterminal substitution complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses data copying and takeover mechanisms where one terminal can copy processing state from another. When terminals are substituted, the new terminal copies the necessary processing data from the docking station's storage module, enabling seamless transition without complex reconfiguration while maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If terminal substitution is needed, then faulty terminals can be replaced, but processing continuity and customer service quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal substitution capabilityVSAvoidprocessing interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station pre-stores processing data in its storage module before terminal substitution occurs. When a terminal needs to be replaced, the new terminal can immediately access the pre-stored data, eliminating processing interruption time and maintaining continuity without requiring complex real-time data transfer during substitution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11250401B2Commodity sales data processing apparatus and method for taking over processing by the same

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

In accordance with one embodiment, a commodity sales data processing apparatus comprises a stationary type docking station with a storage module, and a portable information terminal which is attached to and detached from the docking station freely. The information terminal receives an input of data relating to the sales of a commodity to process the received data, and stores the data required to take over the processing in the storage module of the docking station Then the information terminal successively executes, if the information terminal is attached to the docking station, the processing by referring to the data stored in the storage module of the docking station.