POS System Marketing Logic Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing POS systems require a second network segment and additional hardware for marketing functions, which increases complexity and costs, whereas the proposed solution integrates these functions within a single network segment using an additional logical unit in the store controller or printers, eliminating the need for the second network segment.
Innovation Solution
The POS system incorporates an additional logical unit, such as a PC board on the store controller or within printers, equipped with a processor, memory, and code to read, store, and perform marketing functions, enabling communication with the store controller and central computer, thereby eliminating the need for the second network segment and associated hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a second network segment and additional hardware are used for marketing functions, then marketing capabilities are enabled, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines marketing functions with the existing first network segment by adding a logical unit to either the store controller or printers. This merging eliminates the need for a separate second network segment, thereby enabling marketing capabilities while avoiding increased system complexity. The logical unit integrates marketing data processing, customer identification, and targeted communication functions directly into the existing POS infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The logical unit added to the store controller or printers serves multiple functions: it processes transaction data, manages customer identification, retrieves marketing information, and controls printer operations for targeted communications. This multi-functional approach enables marketing capabilities without requiring dedicated hardware, thus avoiding increased system complexity while achieving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second network segment and additional hardware are used for marketing functions, then marketing capabilities are enabled, but hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges marketing functionality into existing hardware components (store controller or printers) by adding a logical unit. This approach eliminates the need to purchase and install separate hardware for the second network segment, thereby enabling marketing capabilities while avoiding additional hardware costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The logical unit transforms existing hardware into multi-functional devices that handle both traditional POS operations and marketing functions. This universality allows the system to perform marketing tasks using existing hardware infrastructure, avoiding the need for additional hardware investments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network communication is centralized through a second computer, then marketing data processing is enabled, but network traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local processing of marketing data by placing the logical unit at the store controller or printer level. This allows marketing data processing to occur locally rather than requiring all transaction data to be transmitted to a centralized second computer. Consequently, marketing capabilities are enabled while network traffic is reduced, as only necessary data is communicated over the network.
Data Source
AI summary
A POS CS includes an additional logical control logging of transaction data, transmission of the transaction data to a central CS, identification of CIDs in transactions qualifying for marketing information, and instruction of printers for printing the marketing information for a CID during a transaction involving the CID at a terminal in the POS CS.