POS Terminal Network System Local Data Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network systems for POS terminals struggle to maintain process continuity when they cannot communicate with the server, leading to potential discrepancies in transaction data and processes across multiple control devices.
Innovation Solution
A network system configuration where control devices can execute processes using locally stored data synchronized with server data, and update each other through a local area network when communication with the server is lost, ensuring consistent transaction processes and data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control devices communicate with the server through a global network to execute processes using server-side data, then data consistency and process reliability are improved, but the system cannot continue executing processes when communication with the server is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control devices periodically synchronize data from the server and store it locally in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when communication with the server is lost, the control devices can continue executing processes using the locally stored data, thereby maintaining process continuity without real-time server communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a local area network as an intermediary communication channel between control devices. When the global network connection to the server is lost, control devices can still communicate with each other through the local area network to share and update data, enabling continued operation without direct server communication.
2Reliability
If control devices use locally stored data when unable to communicate with the server, then process continuity is maintained, but data discrepancies may occur between different control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where control devices monitor their own data updates and automatically notify other control devices in the local area network when data changes occur. This feedback ensures that all control devices synchronize their local data, maintaining data consistency across the network even when operating independently from the server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the centralized server-mediated data synchronization mechanism with a decentralized peer-to-peer notification system among control devices. When one control device updates its local data, it directly notifies other control devices, which then update their own data accordingly, eliminating the need for server intervention while maintaining data consistency.
3Measurement precision
If control devices synchronize data with the server, then data accuracy is improved, but the system requires continuous server communication which may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The control devices perform preliminary data synchronization with the server at predetermined intervals or when connectivity is available, storing accurate data locally. This allows the system to maintain data accuracy based on server data while reducing dependency on continuous communication, as the locally stored accurate data can be used during periods when server communication is unavailable.
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a server and a control device that connects to the server through a global network and executes processes referenced to data stored on the server can handle events in which the control device and server cannot communicate with each other. When a control device-side product master database stored by a POS terminal is updated while the POS terminal is unable to communicate with the control server, the POS terminal communicates with another POS terminal through the local area network LN and causes that other POS terminal to update its locally stored control device-side product master database.