POS Driver Interception for Voucher Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retailers face challenges in enhancing the functionality of point-of-sale systems without modifying existing hardware or software, particularly in supporting coupons and mobile integration, which is costly and time-consuming, and struggle with managing loyalty programs and misidentifying external vouchers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a driver software module installed between the POS terminal and peripheral devices to intercept and modify data communications, allowing for enhanced functionality without altering proprietary software or hardware, enabling features like loyalty schemes and voucher validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If POS software is redesigned to support coupons and mobile integration, then functionality is improved, but cost and development time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (virtual device driver or filter driver) that sits between the existing POS software and the peripheral devices. This driver acts as a mediator that enables coupon issuance, redemption, and mobile device integration without requiring changes to the proprietary POS software. The intermediary layer handles all new functionality while the original POS system continues to operate unchanged, thus adding adaptability without increasing development complexity or cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If POS hardware is altered to support new features, then functionality is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a virtual device driver that creates a virtual representation of peripheral devices without requiring physical hardware modifications. This intermediary software layer translates between the existing POS system and new functionalities, enabling features like mobile device communication and coupon management while maintaining the original hardware architecture. This approach adds versatility without increasing physical system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary POS software is modified to integrate with mobile channels, then adaptability is improved, but implementation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a filter driver that intercepts and modifies data communications between the POS terminal and peripheral devices. This intermediary layer enables mobile device integration by handling communication protocols and data formats without requiring changes to the proprietary POS software. The filter driver can be deployed quickly as a software module, significantly reducing implementation time compared to modifying the core POS system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If external voucher validation is added to POS system, then functionality is improved, but risk of misidentification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the filter driver intercepts voucher data, validates it against a database of authorized external vouchers, and provides confirmation or rejection feedback. This closed-loop validation process ensures that only genuine external vouchers are accepted, preventing misidentification. The system compares voucher identifiers, codes, or patterns against known valid vouchers and provides immediate feedback on validity, thereby maintaining high reliability while adding voucher processing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a point-of-sale (POS) system (1), the POS system comprising a POS terminal (3) having a software module (17, 21) thereon for enabling a retailer to process transactions within a transaction environment, and a peripheral device (5, 7) in communication with the POS terminal (3), the POS system (1) further comprising a driver software module (40) installed between the POS terminal (3) software module (17, 21) and the peripheral device (5, 7), the method comprising: receiving, at the driver software module (40), data sent between the software module (17, 21) and the peripheral device (5, 7) in communication with the POS terminal (3); communicating with a further device (44, 60, 64) in dependence on the data received at the driver software module (40); receiving modified data from the further device (44, 60, 64); and outputting the modified data.