Universal POS Integration via Intermediary Payment Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing POS integration solutions for mobile payments in retail establishments are often limited, requiring specific configurations with smartphone apps, weakly integrating with existing POS systems, and relying on strong internet connections, thus restricting user flexibility and security.

Innovation Solution

The PreGame software application allows users to install on various devices, integrating with all POS systems, enabling users to open, track, and close electronic tabs for payments, with features like automatic tab closure and QR code integration, providing a single payment point of service across retail environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing POS integration solutions are used, then payment functionality is provided, but user flexibility is restricted due to tight coupling with specific smartphone apps and POS providers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser flexibilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PreGame application is designed to be universally compatible with all POS systems in the marketplace, not tied to a specific provider. The application can be installed on various mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) and integrates with existing POS systems through standardized communication protocols, enabling any customer to use the service without requiring specific hardware or software configurations from the restaurant or bar.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The PreGame application acts as an intermediary layer between the customer's mobile device and the POS system. It provides a universal interface that communicates with different POS systems through standardized APIs, translating between various POS protocols and a common payment interface, thereby enabling flexibility without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If Square payment application is used, then credit card payments are accepted, but the solution takes the place of the retail vendor's POS system rather than integrating with it

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePOS system compatibilityVSAvoidspeed of service

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The PreGame application merges the mobile payment functionality with the existing POS system rather than replacing it. The application opens a tab that is integrated into the POS system's existing architecture, allowing payment processing to occur within the flow of normal restaurant operations. This combining approach maintains the POS system's core functions while adding mobile payment capability, thereby preserving productivity and service speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If RAIL by ViableWare is used, then table payment without wait staff intercession is enabled, but security and functionality are limited by the restaurant's wireless connection strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment convenienceVSAvoidsecurity strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The PreGame application replaces the hardware-based payment system (tablets and wireless routers provided by ViableWare) with a software-based solution that runs on customers' personal devices. Instead of relying on dedicated hardware and wireless infrastructure, the application uses standard mobile device processors, storage, and communication capabilities to secure and process payments, thereby improving reliability and security independent of the restaurant's wireless connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If mobile application is configured for specific smartphone users, then integration with existing POS software is achieved, but user flexibility is reduced as only registered users can access the application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration reliabilityVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The PreGame application enables customers to independently manage their own payment tabs without requiring registration or configuration by restaurant staff. Customers can install the application on their personal devices, create their own tabs, track their expenses, and close payments autonomously. This self-service capability improves user accessibility while maintaining reliable integration with the POS system through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9972003B2Pregame electronic commerce integrator

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 MOORING II MELVIN B

AI summary

The PreGame payment system is provided to optimize throughput capacity for retail establishment, such as restaurants, bars, grocery stores, or the like, by providing a secure and speedy method of accumulating and paying expenses on a tab maintained with the retail establishment. The PreGame system provides the everyday patron the opportunity to open, track, and close their own tabs with each retailer via their handheld or mobile device, eliminating any physical monetary exchanges or credit card exchanges between the retail staff person and the patron.