POS Server Transaction Takeover for Terminal Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tablet POS systems do not allow seamless continuation of transactions when the initial terminal experiences a battery shortage or failure, disrupting ongoing transactions.
Innovation Solution
A point-of-sale system with a server that connects multiple terminals, enabling the transfer of transaction information from a malfunctioning terminal to another, allowing the transaction to be completed on a different terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tablet POS terminals are used for transactions, then portability and ease of operation are improved, but reliability deteriorates when battery shortage or failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between multiple POS terminals and peripheral devices. When a tablet terminal experiences battery shortage or failure, the server receives takeover requests from other terminals, manages the transfer of transaction information, and maintains connections with peripheral devices, enabling seamless transaction continuation without direct dependency between terminals
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides universal functionality by serving multiple POS terminals and managing various peripheral devices simultaneously. It handles transaction information storage, terminal authentication, device connection management, and takeover coordination, making the system adaptable to different terminal failures and enabling any terminal to take over transactions from any other terminal
2Speed
If transaction information is stored locally on each terminal, then access speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates when terminal failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Transaction information is merged into a centralized storage system on the server rather than being stored exclusively on individual terminals. Multiple terminals can simultaneously access and update transaction information through the server, ensuring data availability and consistency across the system while enabling recovery from terminal failures
Solution Approach 2:
When a terminal takes over another terminal's transaction, the server copies the relevant transaction information from the original terminal's record to enable the new terminal to continue the transaction. This copying mechanism ensures that transaction data can be transferred between terminals without loss
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple terminals share peripheral devices, then resource utilization is improved, but device connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary between terminals and peripheral devices, managing connection requests and maintaining stable device connections. When terminals are replaced or taken over, the server maintains the underlying device connections while updating terminal associations, ensuring connection stability despite terminal changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where terminals report their operational status (including abnormal states) to the server, and the server responds by coordinating takeovers or device reconnections. This feedback loop ensures that connection changes are managed systematically, maintaining stability during terminal transitions
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a point-of-sale system has a server connectable to a plurality of point-of-sale terminals. The server includes a storage unit configured to store transaction information of the plurality of point-of-sale terminals and a processor. The processor is configured to acquire, from a first terminal in the plurality of point-of-sale terminals, a designation of a second terminal in the plurality of point-of-sale terminals, and output transaction information of the second terminal from the storage unit to the first terminal to permit the first terminal to continue a transaction started by the second terminal.