POS Device Abstraction Layer Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point of sale (POS) systems require modifications to software applications to communicate with peripheral devices using different protocols, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A device abstraction layer that provides a unified interface between software applications and POS hardware devices, allowing communication regardless of the protocol used by the devices, through a framework that includes an application program, a POS hardware device, and the abstraction layer capable of communicating using different protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software applications are modified to communicate with POS devices using different protocols, then compatibility with various devices is improved, but implementation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an abstraction layer as an intermediary component between the software application and POS hardware devices. This abstraction layer handles protocol translation and device-specific communication details, allowing the application to interact with devices through a unified interface without requiring modifications to the application code itself, thus resolving the contradiction between compatibility and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal abstraction layer that can interface with multiple types of POS devices using different protocols (such as OPOS and other proprietary protocols). This single universal interface serves multiple functions by adapting to various device protocols internally while presenting a consistent interface to the application, thereby improving versatility without increasing software complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If software applications are modified to support multiple POS device protocols, then device compatibility is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The abstraction layer acts as a cost-effective intermediary that centralizes protocol handling logic. Instead of modifying the application for each device type, the abstraction layer is developed once to handle multiple protocols, significantly reducing implementation costs while maintaining broad device compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication functionality into separate modules within the abstraction layer, with each module handling specific device protocols. This modular segmentation allows for easier maintenance and reduces development costs by enabling independent implementation and testing of different protocol handlers without affecting the core application
Data Source
AI summary
A framework for point of sale system is discussed. The framework includes an application program stored on a tangible computer medium. When executed by a computing device, the application is capable of communicating using a first protocol. The framework further includes a first point of sale hardware device externally located from the computing device and configured to communicate with the computing device using a second protocol and a device abstraction layer capable of communicating with the application program using the first protocol and the first point of sale hardware device using the second protocol to pass information between the application program and the first point of sale hardware device.