POS Terminal Script Execution for Runtime Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customizing point-of-sale (POS) terminal functionality is inefficient and laborious, requiring software updates across all terminals in a region for language support, rewards programs, and other features, leading to technical obstacles and inconsistencies in user experience due to varying terminal suppliers.
Innovation Solution
A system where scripts stored on a user's payment device can customize POS terminal functions at runtime, eliminating the need for pre-programmed updates, using digital signatures for authentication and execution, allowing for real-time customization of display, audio, and procedural elements during transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If POS terminals are pre-programmed with customized functionality for all users in a region, then user experience consistency is improved, but device complexity and maintenance burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments POS terminal functionality into two parts: core terminal operations and user-specific customization scripts. The customization scripts are stored separately on user devices and transmitted only when needed, rather than embedding all possible customizations in the terminal software. This allows consistent user experience through personalized scripts without requiring complex terminal software updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts customization functionality from the POS terminal software and relocates it to user devices. The terminal maintains only the capability to execute scripts, while the actual customization logic resides externally on user devices. This extraction eliminates the need for terminal software updates to support new customizations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all POS terminals in a region are updated to support new languages or features, then functionality completeness is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease due to massive update requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by storing customization scripts on user devices in advance. When a user interacts with a POS terminal, the relevant script is already available on the user's device and can be transmitted and executed immediately, eliminating the need for real-time software updates or downloads during the transaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by transmitting script files from user devices to the POS terminal. Instead of updating the terminal software itself, the system copies the necessary customization logic in the form of executable scripts, which are lightweight and can be transferred rapidly during the initial data exchange phase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple POS terminal suppliers each control their own interfaces and processes, then device variety and user choice are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconsistent user experiences across terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a universal script execution capability across all POS terminal suppliers. Each terminal is designed to accept and execute standardized customization scripts regardless of the terminal's original supplier or base functionality. This universal interface allows diverse terminals to provide consistent, personalized user experiences through the same script execution mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If POS terminal functionality is customized for each user, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to authentication and execution validation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces digital signatures as an intermediary mechanism for authentication. Instead of implementing complex authentication logic within the POS terminal, the system uses cryptographic digital signatures to verify script authenticity. The terminal only needs to validate the signature, a simplified process that maintains security while reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described are systems, methods, and computer program products for customizing functions of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal. A method includes receiving payment device data from an electronic payment device of a user during a payment transaction between the user and a merchant. The method also includes receiving at least one script for execution on the POS terminal from the electronic payment device. The at least one script is associated with a digital signature. The method further includes verifying the at least one script based on the digital signature of the at least one script and executing the at least one script on the POS terminal to cause an action associated with a user interaction with the POS terminal to be performed.