POS Terminal Code Scan Transaction Offload
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current point of sale (POS) terminal systems for digital transactions are inefficient, requiring sequential handling of orders, leading to increased wait times, reduced throughput, and strain on resources due to the need for customers to queue and complete transactions at a single device, which negatively impacts customer satisfaction and vendor productivity.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that enables the transfer of digital order data from a POS terminal to a personal mobile computing device, allowing customers to review, approve, and complete transactions independently, thereby freeing up POS terminals for new orders and improving resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If customers complete transactions sequentially at a single POS terminal, then transaction accuracy and control are maintained, but customer wait times increase and order throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transaction process into two independent segments: order placement at the POS terminal and transaction completion on the customer's mobile device. This segmentation allows multiple orders to be placed simultaneously at the terminal while customers independently complete transactions on their own devices, eliminating the sequential bottleneck and enabling parallel processing of multiple transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The customer's mobile device serves as an intermediary between the POS terminal and the payment processing system. The terminal transfers order data to the mobile device, which then handles the transaction completion independently. This intermediary approach frees the POS terminal from waiting for transaction completion, allowing it to immediately process the next order while the customer finishes their payment on their own device.
2Productivity
If customers use specialized payment methods such as loyalty or rewards cards, then customer loyalty programs are supported, but transaction completion time increases and throughput rates decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by transferring the complete order data and payment interface to the customer's mobile device before the actual payment is processed. This allows the customer to review their order, select their preferred payment method (including loyalty or rewards cards), and complete the transaction in advance, without blocking the POS terminal. The preliminary transfer of data enables parallel processing and eliminates the time penalty associated with specialized payment methods.
3Ease of operation
If multiple customers queue at limited POS devices, then centralized transaction control is maintained, but customer satisfaction decreases and potential sales are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling customers to complete their own transactions independently on their mobile devices. After the order is placed at the terminal, the customer receives order data on their device and autonomously reviews, approves, and completes the payment without requiring attendant assistance or waiting for the POS terminal to become available. This self-service approach dramatically improves customer satisfaction and eliminates queues, while the underlying system maintains centralized control through automatic data transfer and verification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for generating visually perceivable data representing a digital order of goods or services is provided. In an embodiment, visually perceivable data is generated and displayed at first device representing a digital order which is the subject of a transaction. In an embodiment, a second device receives digital data comprising a digital image and determines the digital image matches the visually perceivable data. In an embodiment, the second device receives data representing the digital order in response to determining the digital image matches the visually perceivable data. In an embodiment, the second device completes a digital transaction after receiving the digital order.