POS Reader Controller Dynamic Protocol Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Point-of-sale (POS) terminals with dual-display, dual-reader configurations face challenges in managing power consumption and reader states efficiently, particularly with the introduction of EMV-standard 'smart chip' cards, leading to reduced battery life and increased maintenance needs, as well as confusion in workflow states for both employees and guests.

Innovation Solution

A POS terminal with a reader controller that dynamically adapts card reader protocols and power states based on workflow states, using a configuration manager to determine reader types and capabilities, and a data translation/normalization processor to format data into a common format, allowing seamless communication and power management to minimize battery drain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If contactless reading of EMV smart chip cards is provided, then payment capability is improved, but battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment capabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The card reader dynamically adjusts its operational state based on workflow context. The reader controller enables contactless reading capability only when needed (e.g., when guest payment is required) and disables it when not needed (e.g., during order entry), thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining payment capability when required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power consumption parameter of the card reader based on the workflow state. By monitoring workflow context and adjusting the reader's power state accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining payment capability and conserving battery life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If dual-display, dual-reader configuration is used, then guest self-service capability is improved, but workflow confusion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguest self-service capabilityVSAvoidworkflow clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reader controller provides feedback about the operational state of each card reader to the POS terminal and users. This feedback mechanism helps clarify which reader is active and what workflow state is current, reducing confusion while maintaining dual-reader guest self-service capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The reader controller acts as an intermediary that manages communication between the POS terminal and card readers, and between readers and users. It translates complex dual-reader operations into simplified user interactions, maintaining automation while improving operational clarity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple card reader models with different protocols are supported, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The POS terminal incorporates a universal reader controller that can interface with multiple card reader models and protocols through a common set of commands. This universal interface handles different reader types (magnetic stripe, chip, contactless) through standardized communication, maintaining protocol compatibility while reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reader controller serves as an intermediary layer that translates between the POS terminal's common command set and the specific protocols of different card reader models. This abstraction layer allows the system to support multiple reader types without increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Speed

If card reader is always powered on, then immediate payment processing is enabled, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment processing speedVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of workflow state to determine if the card reader needs to be powered on. By anticipating payment requirements based on current workflow context, the system powers on the reader only when needed, balancing immediate payment processing capability with energy conservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11748728B2Apparatus and method for dynamic adaptation of credit card reader communications protocols

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 TOAST INC

AI summary

A method for dynamic adaptation of card reader protocol includes: providing a point-of sale (POS) terminal, that accepts login credentials via a magnetic stripe card, displays menu items for selection, adds selected menu items to an order, and accepts payment for the order, where the payment may be obtained via swipe, dip, or tap; via a card reader, reading provided cards when enabled; via a reader controller, determining one or more workflow states of the POS terminal, and controlling states and modes of the card reader; determining a type and capabilities of the card reader upon power up; and receiving instructions indicating the type and the capabilities, and communicating with the card reader according to the type and the capabilities responsive to a common set of commands employed by the POS terminal, and formatting data received from the card reader into a common data format.