Automated POS Testing Circuit Board Emulating Keystrokes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automating the testing of point-of-sale (POS) systems is challenging due to custom firmware and connectors, as well as variations in operating systems across retailers, making it difficult to emulate keystrokes in automated testing software.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a testing circuit board with an array of electrical switches, a first control circuit to control the switches, and a second control circuit to execute a testing program, which simulates keystrokes by sending signals to the POS terminal, allowing for automated testing of POS systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated testing software is used to simulate keystrokes, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens due to custom firmware and connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting throughputVSAvoidcustom firmware and connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a testing circuit board as an intermediary device that physically interfaces with the POS device's keyboard connector. This mediator translates automated test signals into actual keyboard inputs that the custom firmware can process, bridging the gap between standardized automated testing tools and proprietary POS systems without requiring modification of the POS device itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing circuit board creates a physical copy or replica of the keyboard interface, with test switches that mirror the actual keyboard layout. This allows automated testing to proceed by activating corresponding switches on the testing circuit board, which then generates identical electrical signals to pressing the actual keyboard keys, effectively copying the user input behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual testing is performed by workers, then adaptability to custom configurations is improved, but productivity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of custom configurationsVSAvoidtesting throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing circuit board is designed with universal compatibility features that allow it to work with multiple different POS device models and configurations. By providing a standardized interface that can accommodate various custom keyboard layouts and connectors through configurable switch arrangements, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring custom testing equipment for each POS variant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing circuit board is pre-configured with test switches corresponding to the expected keyboard layout before actual testing begins. This preliminary setup allows the automated testing system to immediately begin executing test sequences without requiring manual configuration during the testing process, thereby maintaining both adaptability to custom configurations and high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250104037A1Point-of-sale system automated testing

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to test the operation of a point-of-sale (POS) system by executing a testing routine to send signals associated with keystrokes from a POS keyboard to a POS terminal for processing in the POS system. The simulated keystroke signals have expected corresponding operations in the POS system.