POS Terminal Auto-Selects Card Reader for Refund Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing point-of-sale (POS) systems require salesclerks to manually determine and re-use the same credit card reading method for refund processing as used during the initial transaction, increasing workload and time required for refund processing.
Innovation Solution
A POS terminal equipped with multiple card readers for different reading methods (IC, magnetic, and near-field communication) and a processor that automatically identifies the reading method used for past transactions, allowing for efficient refund processing by selecting the appropriate reader based on stored data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual determination of reading method is used for refund processing, then the refund can be processed accurately, but the workload and time required for refund processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores the reading method information used during the initial transaction in advance. When refund processing is needed, the pre-stored reading method information is automatically retrieved and applied, eliminating the need for manual determination and reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual determination of reading method is used for refund processing, then the refund can be processed accurately, but the workload of the salesclerk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically retrieves and applies the reading method information from stored transaction data without requiring the salesclerk to manually check or determine the reading method. The system serves itself by automatically matching the stored reading method with the appropriate card reader for refund processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple card readers with different reading methods are provided, then the system can handle various credit card types, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multiple card readers with different reading methods (magnetic, IC, contactless) to handle various credit card types. Each card reader is equipped with the capability to read multiple card types, and the system automatically selects the appropriate reader based on the stored reading method information, achieving versatility while managing complexity through automated selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A point-of-sale terminal includes a plurality of card readers each configured to read information from a credit card using a different reading method, and a processor configured to, upon selection of a reading method from a plurality of reading methods, perform a credit card settlement using one of the plurality of card readers corresponding to the selected reading method. The processor is configured to: search for a past credit card settlement, acquire data of the past credit card settlement, identify one of the plurality of reading methods that has been used for the past credit card settlement based on the data, control one of the plurality of card readers corresponding to the identified reading method to read a credit card, and upon receipt of information from the credit card via said one of the plurality of card readers, perform refund processing on the past credit card settlement using the information.