Portable POS Terminal Printer Selection via BLE Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile POS systems face challenges in efficiently detecting and utilizing the closest printer for printing operations without occupying it exclusively, especially in indoor environments, due to complex structures and limitations in Bluetooth communication methods.
Innovation Solution
A control system using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for detecting the closest printer based on radio wave intensity and Wi-Fi for instructing printing operations, allowing multiple portable terminals to detect available printers while preventing exclusive occupation, thus enabling continuous detection and use of the nearest printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Bluetooth communication is used to detect distance and transmit print data, then the system can identify the closest printer, but the printer becomes exclusively occupied and invisible to other portable terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication function into two separate segments: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is used exclusively for distance detection and printer identification, while Wi-Fi is used for print data transmission. This segmentation allows multiple portable terminals to simultaneously detect the same printer via BLE without occupying it, while print data is transmitted through Wi-Fi to the selected printer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using BLE as a detection medium that does not establish exclusive connections. Multiple terminals can receive BLE signals from the same printer simultaneously, allowing them to detect distance and identify printers without preventing other terminals from doing the same.
2Measurement precision
If GPS is used to detect distance, then the system can identify the closest printer, but the system becomes too complex for indoor use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based positioning system with a local radio wave-based distance detection system using BLE. This substitution eliminates the need for satellite signals and complex geographic coordinate calculations, making the system suitable for indoor environments where GPS signals are unavailable, while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from GPS coordinates to radio wave intensity measurement. By measuring the strength of BLE signals received from printers, the system can calculate relative distance without requiring satellite positioning infrastructure, thereby simplifying the system and enabling indoor operation.
3Productivity
If a portable terminal connects to a printer for print data transmission, then printing can be executed, but other terminals cannot detect or use the same printer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication protocol into two independent layers: BLE for detection/identification and Wi-Fi for data transmission. This allows multiple terminals to perform detection operations simultaneously without interfering with each other's ability to detect printers, while print data transmission occurs separately through Wi-Fi to the selected printer.
Solution Approach 2:
The BLE communication system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it enables distance detection, printer identification, and availability detection for multiple portable terminals at the same time. This universal detection capability ensures that printers remain detectable and selectable by multiple terminals even when one terminal is actively transmitting print data via Wi-Fi.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the system for indoor use by eliminating the need for GPS and allowing multiple terminals to detect and use printers at the shortest distance, reducing waiting times and improving service efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, by a portable terminal, an information processing apparatus at a shortest distance from the portable terminal based on an intensity of radio waves emitted from a plurality of information processing apparatuses and received by the portable terminal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention enables a processing to be executed by the closest information processing apparatuses selected by a portable terminal without exclusive use of the information processing apparatus by the portable terminal. The control system comprises a distance detecting unit which detects a printer at the shortest distance from a portable POS terminal based on the intensity of radio waves emitted from the plurality of printers and received by the portable POS terminal by using the BLE and a processing execution control unit which instructs the detected printer to execute the processing by using the wireless LAN. Even while the portable POS terminal transmits printing data to the printer by using the wireless LAN, the other portable POS terminals are allowed to use the BLE to receive the radio waves from the plurality of printers including the particular printer, thereby detecting the closest printer.