POS Split Transaction Setup via QR-Linked Customer Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional point-of-sale (POS) terminals require manual offline calculation and input for split transactions, which are time-consuming and prone to errors, and do not allow customers to configure split transactions on their own devices, potentially increasing germ exposure and terminal usage time.

Innovation Solution

A system that enables customers to configure split transactions using their own devices by scanning a machine-readable code, which directs them to a remote interface server to input parameters for splitting a transaction, and the server communicates these parameters to the POS terminal for processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If customers manually calculate and input split transaction amounts at the POS terminal, then the transaction can be processed, but it increases time consumption and error probability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction amount accuracyVSAvoidtransaction processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows customers to independently configure split transaction parameters using their own devices by scanning a machine-readable code and interacting with a remote interface server. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual calculation and input at the POS terminal, thereby reducing both time consumption and errors while maintaining transaction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A remote interface server acts as an intermediary between the customer's device and the POS terminal. The server receives split transaction parameters from the customer device, processes them, and communicates with the POS terminal to execute the transaction. This intermediary system automates the split transaction process, eliminating manual intervention and reducing errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If customers use their own devices to configure split transactions remotely, then germ exposure and terminal usage time are reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegerm exposureVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote interface server serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of processing split transactions remotely. It receives parameters from customer devices, validates them, and communicates with the POS terminal system. This intermediary approach allows customers to configure transactions from a distance (reducing germ exposure) while the server manages the system complexity centrally rather than at the terminal level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical interaction at the POS terminal (physical contact, manual input) with electronic communication through machine-readable codes and networked devices. Customers use their own devices to scan codes and input parameters remotely, substituting physical terminal interaction with digital communication, thereby reducing germ exposure while managing complexity through software protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the system allows transaction splitting configuration on customer devices, then terminal usage time is reduced, but communication requirements and network dependency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal usage durationVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The remote interface server acts as a communication intermediary that manages the exchange of split transaction parameters between the customer device and the POS terminal. It ensures reliable data transmission by validating received parameters, handling errors, and coordinating with the terminal system. This intermediary approach reduces terminal usage time by pre-processing transaction details while maintaining communication reliability through centralized error handling and data validation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260080385A1Initiating split data transfers at a terminal

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 THE TORONTO DOMINION BANK

AI summary

A method may include: causing a point-of-sale terminal processing a transaction to display a machine-readable code, the machine-readable code encoding a web address; receiving a request from a device that scanned the machine-readable code, the request received at the web address; in response to receiving the request, causing the device that scanned the machine-readable code to output an interface; receiving, through the interface, an input of an indication to separate the transaction into multiple transaction parts and one or more parameters indicating how the transaction is to be separated; and sending, to the point-of-sale terminal, a message that configures the point-of-sale terminal to separate the transaction in accordance with the one or more parameters.