POS Interface Device Bridging Serial and USB Cash Drawers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing point-of-sale (POS) systems are inefficient and costly due to their requirement for cash drawers with serial ports, which are expensive and limit compatibility with newer, less expensive CDKO-style cash drawers lacking serial ports, and cannot control multiple cash drawers effectively.

Innovation Solution

A device that interfaces between a POS system with a serial connection requirement and a cash drawer with a different connection requirement, such as a USB connection, using a circuit to receive signals and open the cash drawer with a single character, allowing multiple cash drawers to be controlled uniquely and operating across various baud rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cash drawer with a serial port is used, then compatibility with older POS software is maintained, but the hardware cost increases and multiple cash drawers cannot be controlled effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with POS softwareVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary interface device that bridges the gap between the POS system and the cash drawer. This device converts serial port signals from the POS system into USB signals that the CDKO cash drawer can understand, eliminating the need for expensive serial port cash drawers while maintaining compatibility with older POS software.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical serial port connection with a USB connection interface. By substituting the serial port hardware with a USB interface that can interpret serial commands, the system achieves compatibility with modern, less expensive cash drawers while maintaining interoperability with legacy POS software.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple characters are sent to the cash drawer to open it, then the cash drawer can be opened reliably, but the system efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecash drawer opening reliabilityVSAvoidsystem efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device automatically detects the correct command sequence and handles the cash drawer opening operation autonomously. It receives a single character from the POS system, processes the appropriate response based on the cash drawer type, and sends the correct number of characters without requiring the POS system to send multiple characters manually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If any character is sent to open the cash drawer, then the cash drawer responds reliably, but the ability to control multiple cash drawers is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecash drawer response reliabilityVSAvoidmulti-cash drawer control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns unique characteristics to different cash drawer control modes. Each cash drawer is configured with a specific identifier or mode that allows the interface device to distinguish between multiple drawers. When a character is received, the device determines which cash drawer should respond based on this local quality, enabling selective control of multiple cash drawers while maintaining reliable response from the correct drawer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8740057B2Device for interfacing a point-of-sale system and a cash drawer

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 KRS CORPORATION LLC

AI summary

Provided is a device for interfacing between a POS system having a first connection requirement, such as a serial connection requirement, and a cash drawer having a second connection requirement different from the first connection requirement. The device includes a circuit adapted to receive a signal from the POS system and open the cash drawer, or else generate a signal to the cash drawer that is recognized by the cash drawer as the signal to open.