POS Terminal Communication Path Switching for Continuous Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data processing systems fail to continue processing when communication between a terminal device and a server is interrupted, complicating system configuration with redundant communication lines requiring monitoring devices.

Innovation Solution

The system enables the terminal device to switch to a process communication path when the terminal communication path is not satisfactory, allowing uninterrupted processing and data synchronization with the server when communication conditions are met.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If redundant communication lines with monitoring devices are used to handle communication problems, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device autonomously monitors its own communication status and performs self-switching between communication paths without requiring external monitoring devices. The server also autonomously detects communication failures and switches to backup paths, eliminating the need for separate monitoring equipment while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring function and communication function are merged into the same terminal device and server. Instead of having separate monitoring devices, the system combines data processing and communication status monitoring in integrated units, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining redundancy capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If the terminal device switches communication paths dynamically, then uninterrupted processing is achieved, but communication management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuninterrupted processingVSAvoidcommunication management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Backup communication paths are pre-configured and ready before failures occur. The terminal device and server have predetermined switching routes established in advance, allowing immediate switching without complex real-time decision-making, thus maintaining productivity while simplifying management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where communication status is continuously monitored and triggers automated switching actions. When communication quality degrades below thresholds, the system automatically switches paths and notifies users, reducing the need for complex manual communication management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3190516B1Data processing system, data processing method, and terminal device

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SEIKO EPSON CORP

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AI summary

A system in which a terminal device communicates with a server and processes data enables the terminal device to continue processing data even when a communication fault occurs. A data processing system includes a server that stores a POS application; a processing device that stores a POS application; and a tablet that connects to the server and executes the POS application through a web browser when a terminal communication path satisfies a terminal communication condition, and when a terminal communication path does not satisfy the terminal communication condition, connects to the processing device through a process communication path based on information indicated by the POS application.