POS Mesh Network Failover for Event Transaction Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Point-of-sale devices in event environments face challenges with uncertain and intermittent network communications due to weather, signal interference, and hardware failures, leading to transaction failures and economic loss.
Innovation Solution
A dual networked system comprising a wireless local area network (WLAN) and a mesh network, where each point-of-sale device forms a node, allowing seamless communication through a wireless network module when the WLAN access point fails, using low-frequency, low-bandwidth connections and a polymeric shell for resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized wireless network infrastructure is used for point-of-sale devices, then network management and connectivity are simplified, but system reliability deteriorates when access points fail due to weather, signal interference, or hardware issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the centralized network into distributed mesh networks where each point-of-sale device operates as an independent node. This segmentation eliminates single point of failure and allows local devices to maintain connectivity even when central access points fail, directly resolving the reliability issue while preserving operational simplicity through automated mesh formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mesh network layer between point-of-sale devices and the central server. When the primary wireless network fails, the mesh network acts as a mediator to route transactions through alternative paths, ensuring continuous operation without requiring direct changes to the centralized management architecture.
2Reliability
If a mesh network is implemented for redundancy, then system reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple network configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The point-of-sale devices automatically discover and join the mesh network without manual configuration. Each device self-manages its connectivity by detecting available nodes and establishing connections automatically, eliminating the need for complex manual setup while maintaining the reliability benefits of the mesh architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal communication protocol that allows any point-of-sale device to function as both client and server within the mesh network. This multi-functionality simplifies device design by using standard components for all network roles, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining robust connectivity.
3Device complexity
If traditional wireless networks are used for payment processing, then infrastructure requirements are minimized, but data transmission reliability deteriorates under harsh event environment conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh network dynamically adapts its topology in real-time based on environmental conditions. When signal quality deteriorates due to weather or interference, the network automatically reconfigures routes and connections to maintain reliable data transmission, providing dynamic response to harsh event environment conditions without requiring additional infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various aspects of a dual networked point-of-sale system and methods of data exchange upon network failure. In one aspect, a point-of-sale device is provided that is in communication with a wireless access point. Wherein upon failure of the wireless access point, the point-of-sale device attempts to connect through a mesh network to an additional point-of-sale device to attempt processing a financial transaction. In some aspects, the point-of-sale device heals itself from network failure by utilizing the node to node connection of a mesh network, in other aspects, the event environment becomes a swarm network wherein a plurality of point-of-sale devices interact and communication on both a traditional WLAN and a mesh network, providing network stability and redundancy.