POS Controller Mediator Architecture for Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point-of-sale (POS) systems lack an efficient method for device control and communication between terminals and controllers, leading to complexities in managing devices like barcode scanners, printers, and cash drawers, especially in environments requiring seamless transaction processing.
Innovation Solution
A control system architecture that enables a terminal to request device control through a controller, which instantiates control objects and interface objects to facilitate communication and control of connected devices via a WebSocket standard, allowing bidirectional data exchange and device management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a terminal directly controls devices in a POS system, then device control simplicity is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to communication interruptions and lack of centralized management
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intermediary between the terminal and connected devices. The terminal sends device control requests to the controller, which then manages and executes the control commands. This mediator architecture maintains communication reliability by centralizing device management while preserving ease of operation through simplified terminal interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are connected to a terminal, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements universal device management capabilities that work across multiple device types (barcode scanners, printers, cash drawers). By providing a standardized control interface and centralized management architecture, the system achieves multi-functionality without increasing terminal-side complexity, as the controller handles device-specific protocols and management.
3Speed
If device control is established at the terminal, then response speed is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to temporary communication interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes device control through the controller in advance, creating a stable control pathway. When communication interruptions occur, the controller maintains the control state and can resume operations without requiring terminal-side re-establishment. This preliminary control setup through the controller ensures both response speed and connection stability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a control method of a control system including a terminal configured to execute an application, a device configured to send or receive data, and a controller connected to the device, a request for a device control is transmitted from the application to the controller. At the controller, the device control by the controller is established after the controller receives the request. At the terminal, the device control by the application through the controller is established after establishing the device control by the controller.