Guided POS Tracking via Computer Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in completing mobile payments due to the need for precise alignment of electronic devices with POS terminals, which can result in transaction timeouts, especially for first-time users who are unfamiliar with the process.
Innovation Solution
The integration of computer vision techniques, such as OpenCV, and a user interface to guide users in positioning their electronic devices correctly relative to POS terminals, along with the option to extend the transaction timeout period, ensures successful wireless transactions by determining the optimal or preferred position for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users are required to hold the electronic device in a certain position and orientation to maximize transaction success, then transaction reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the relative position and orientation between the electronic device and POS terminal during the transaction process, providing real-time feedback through visual guides and prompts. This feedback mechanism guides users to adjust their device positioning dynamically, ensuring optimal alignment without requiring precise manual positioning beforehand, thus maintaining high transaction success rates while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the POS terminal's location and characteristics before the actual transaction begins. By pre-analyzing the environment and determining the optimal positioning strategy in advance, the system可以减少 the adjustment time during the transaction and provide more accurate real-time guidance, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the transaction timeout period is extended to allow users to position their devices correctly, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains the transaction authorization in a suspended state continuously during the positioning phase, rather than using a discrete timeout period. The authorization remains valid as long as the device is in the proximity of the POS terminal, allowing users to take their time to position correctly without pressure from a ticking clock, thus improving ease of operation without significant time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The timeout mechanism is made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts the effective timeout period based on the detected positioning progress and transaction conditions. When the device is correctly positioned, the timeout period is effectively extended; when positioning is rapid, the timeout is shorter. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both user convenience and time efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If computer vision techniques are integrated to guide device positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary processing layer that bridges the complex computer vision algorithms and the simple user interface. The vision system captures images and extracts feature points, but the complex processing is handled by a dedicated module that translates technical data into simple visual guides and prompts for users. This intermediary approach allows the system to incorporate advanced positioning guidance without significantly increasing the perceived complexity for end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration and automatic adjustment of positioning parameters without requiring user intervention. The computer vision system automatically detects the POS terminal, calculates optimal positioning, and adjusts guidance parameters dynamically. This self-service capability reduces the operational burden on users while managing the inherent system complexity internally.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of enabling a point of sale (POS) device to perform a transaction is described. The method comprises initiating, by an electronic device, the transaction with the POS terminal; analyzing images of the POS terminal captured by a camera of the electronic device; and identifying the POS terminal based upon the images.