POS Peripheral Device Server Dynamic Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current POS systems lack flexibility and efficiency in managing and sharing peripheral devices across multiple POS terminals, particularly in mobile and virtual environments, leading to limitations in usability and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A device server-based system that centrally manages and controls peripheral devices, allowing them to be shared between POS terminals and mobile devices through standardized interfaces and adapters, ensuring secure and efficient access and configuration, including features like automatic transaction handling and plug-in business logic for unified implementation across platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peripheral devices are exclusively assigned to a single POS terminal, then device security and accessibility are improved, but system flexibility and device sharing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic device assignment where peripheral devices can be exclusively assigned to one POS terminal during active transactions, but can be reassigned to other terminals when transactions are complete. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the system to adapt between exclusive access modes and shared access modes based on transaction state, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments device access into distinct time periods based on transaction boundaries. During an active transaction, device access is segmented and restricted to the current POS terminal. After transaction completion, the device becomes available for reassignment. This temporal segmentation allows the system to maintain security during critical operations while enabling flexibility during idle periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If peripheral devices are shared between multiple POS terminals, then system flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but access control complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service access control where the POS terminal automatically manages device assignment and release without manual intervention. When a transaction starts, the system automatically assigns available peripherals to the current terminal. When transactions complete, devices are automatically released for reallocation. This automation reduces operational complexity while enabling flexible device sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors transaction status and device availability. The access control mechanism receives feedback about current transaction states and automatically adjusts device assignment accordingly. This feedback loop simplifies access control by using real-time system state information to make automatic assignment decisions, reducing the need for complex manual management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If POS systems use standardized interfaces for peripheral connectivity, then system scalability and integration are improved, but customization capability for specific peripheral requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface framework that allows different types of peripheral devices to be accessed through standardized communication protocols. The system can connect to various peripheral types (printers, scanners, payment terminals) using a common interface layer, enabling scalability and multi-functionality while maintaining the ability to customize peripheral-specific behaviors through software configuration rather than hardware customization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a POS-System, which uses multiple peripheral devices to complete a transaction, and uses a device server to which all peripheral devices are registered and logically connectable a POS-System, includes the steps of:before starting a transaction on the POS-System, requesting the peripheral devices from the device server to dedicate the devices to the POS-System;once the request is granted, starting the transaction and informing the device server about the start of the transaction for blocking access to the peripheral devices for another POS-System; andwhen a request for a peripheral device from another POS-System is received from the devices server, checking if a transaction is pending for the peripheral device from the POS system and if the transaction is pending the request is automatically declined and if no transaction is pending the device is reassigned to the other POS-System.