POS Terminal Mode Switching for Customer and Loaner Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point-of-sale (POS) systems face challenges in accommodating both customer-owned and rental terminals with the same application software, as certain functions, screens, and text may be unsuitable or unnecessary for one terminal type, leading to user confusion and increased development and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A sales data processing method that enables application software to operate compatibly on both customer and loaned terminals by allowing a first mode with all functions enabled and a second mode where specific functions are disabled, using a mode switching mechanism to adapt the user interface and functionality based on terminal type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the same application software is used on both customer terminals and loaned terminals, then software development and maintenance costs are reduced, but user confusion increases due to inappropriate functions and interfaces for certain terminal types
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the application interface and enabled functions based on the terminal type (customer-owned vs. loaned). The controller detects which terminal is being used and automatically configures the UI elements, enabling appropriate functions for each terminal type while disabling others, thus maintaining a single codebase without causing user confusion
Solution Approach 2:
Different UI configurations and function sets are applied to different terminal types. Customer-owned terminals receive a different set of enabled functions and interface elements compared to loaned terminals, allowing each terminal type to have optimized, appropriate functionality while using the same base application software
2Adaptability or versatility
If the same application software is used on both customer terminals and loaned terminals, then software compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to accommodate different terminal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A single application software package is designed to function on both customer-owned terminals and loaned terminals. The software includes all possible functions but uses a controller to selectively enable or disable specific functions and UI elements based on the terminal type, achieving universality without requiring separate software versions
Solution Approach 2:
The application dynamically reconfigures itself based on the detected terminal type. The controller identifies whether the terminal is customer-owned or loaned and automatically adjusts which functions are available and how the interface is presented, managing complexity through automated adaptation rather than manual configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If all functions are enabled in the application, then functionality is maximized for customer terminals, but unnecessary functions cause confusion and increase operational complexity for loaned terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The application functions are segmented into different sets based on terminal type. Customer-owned terminals access a comprehensive set of functions, while loaned terminals access a simplified subset. The controller manages this segmentation by enabling or disabling specific functions based on the terminal identity, allowing full functionality where needed while reducing complexity where appropriate
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a terminal capable of performing a point-of-sale (POS) function, includes receiving an input of a particular operation via an input device of the terminal or a particular symbol via an imaging device of the terminal, selecting either a first mode or a second mode corresponding to the particular operation or the particular symbol, and displaying one or more screens for registering a commodity for purchase according to the selected mode. One or more functions that are usable in the first mode are disabled in the second mode.