Self-Contained POS Terminal Authentication and Payment Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point of sale (POS) terminals require a central accounting or processing system to facilitate transactions, limiting their ability to function independently and communicate directly with external financial systems.
Innovation Solution
A wholly-contained POS system that includes a controlled device, an authentication device, and a transaction control system, enabling self-service payment and communication with financial institutions via industry standard protocols for Electronic Funds Transfer, without the need for additional back-end systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a POS terminal is connected to a central accounting system, then transaction processing capability is improved, but system complexity and dependency on central systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the POS system into independent functional modules: authentication device, controlled device, and transaction control system. Each module operates autonomously with defined interfaces, eliminating the need for a centralized accounting system while maintaining transaction processing capability. The transaction control system acts as a local brain that coordinates authentication and controlled device operations independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The POS terminal is designed to perform authentication, authorization, and transaction control functions autonomously without requiring external central system intervention. The transaction control system self-manages the coordination between authentication results and controlled device operations, enabling the system to serve itself and reducing external dependencies.
2Speed
If direct communication with external financial systems is enabled, then transaction speed is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transaction control system serves as an intermediary layer between the authentication device, controlled device, and external financial systems. It receives authentication results, determines authorization based on predefined criteria, and only then initiates communication with external financial systems. This intermediary role filters and controls information flow, reducing security risks while maintaining fast transaction processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication and authorization checks before initiating external financial system communication. The transaction control system pre-validates user credentials and determines transaction authorization in advance, so that when external systems are contacted, only pre-validated transactions proceed, reducing security exposure while maintaining speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A point of sale document transaction system (“POSDTS”) provides a wholly contained system for authenticating users and payment methods for the authorization and charging of document output via industry standard methods of Electronic Funds Transfer. The POSDTS provides self service payment and collection at an output device without need for additional back end or server systems and integrates directly into industry standard financial interfaces. POSDTS operation can be extended to include any series of production devices that can be controlled via electronic means, network protocols, or embedded software.