Data Conversion Server for POS Print Data Tagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modifying POS applications to add functionality or improve functions is difficult and often requires system downtime, and existing solutions do not fully utilize the potential of print data for secondary applications.
Innovation Solution
A data conversion system that includes a printer and a data conversion server connected through the Internet, where the printer sends print data to the server, which generates tagged data in XML format with added attribute information, enabling easy secondary use of transaction data without modifying the POS application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the POS application is modified to add functionality or improve functions, then the system capabilities are enhanced, but the system requires downtime and complex modification processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the POS application from the data processing functionality by introducing an external data conversion server. The POS terminal generates print data in standard formats, which is then processed by the separate server that converts it to structured data with tags and attributes. This segmentation allows functionality enhancement without modifying the core POS application.
Solution Approach 2:
A data conversion server acts as an intermediary between the POS terminal and secondary applications. The server receives print data from the POS terminal, converts it into structured formats with meaningful tags and attributes, and makes it available for various secondary uses. This intermediary approach enables enhanced adaptability without requiring changes to the POS system itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the POS application is modified to add functionality, then new features are implemented, but system operation must be stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The data conversion server is pre-configured with conversion rules and patterns before the POS system needs to process data. Print data flows continuously from the POS terminal to the server without interruption, and the server performs conversions in the background. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for system downtime during functionality enhancements.
Solution Approach 2:
The data conversion server serves as an intermediary that processes data without requiring the POS system to stop. The server receives print data in real-time, converts it to structured formats, and makes it available for secondary applications, all while the POS terminal continues normal operations uninterrupted.
3Adaptability or versatility
If print data is used for secondary applications, then data usability is improved, but the POS application must be modified to enable data extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The data conversion server acts as an intermediary that handles all data extraction and conversion operations. It receives standard print data from the POS terminal, applies conversion rules to extract meaningful information, and outputs structured data with tags and attributes. This approach improves data usability without adding complexity to the POS application itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The data conversion server extracts meaningful information from standard print data by applying conversion rules and patterns. It separates the data extraction functionality from the POS terminal and performs it externally, converting print data into structured formats with meaningful tags and attributes that are suitable for various secondary applications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If data conversion with tags and attributes is implemented, then data usability for secondary applications is enhanced, but additional processing infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The data conversion server provides universal data conversion capabilities that serve multiple secondary applications. By converting print data into a standardized format with meaningful tags and attributes, the server makes the data usable for various purposes including electronic receipts, sales analysis, inventory management, and marketing campaigns, all through a single infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The data conversion server serves as a universal intermediary that handles all data conversion needs. It receives print data from the POS terminal and converts it into a standardized structured format that can be used by any secondary application, eliminating the need for separate processing infrastructure for each application type.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a data conversion system that is a data conversion device system for print data and can easily produce data having a high degree of usability. A data conversion system includes a host device that transmits print data; a printer that receives and transmits the print data sent by the host device; and a server that infers attribute information of a print object contained in the print data based on the transmitted print data and a predefined rule, and generates data with an attribute having data of the inferred attribute information added to the print object.