POS Transaction Processing for Automated Coupon Condition Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The burden on store clerks is increased due to the need to manually verify conditions for applying discount coupons during transactions, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A transaction processing apparatus and method that includes determining means to check if a transaction meets an amount condition and applies a coupon identified by input coupon information if the condition is satisfied, thereby automating the verification process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a store clerk manually verifies coupon conditions before scanning, then coupon application accuracy is improved, but processing time and workload increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupon application accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The POS terminal automatically performs condition verification for coupon application without requiring store clerk intervention. The system self-determines whether the transaction amount satisfies the coupon conditions and automatically applies or rejects the coupon, eliminating the need for manual verification while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical verification process performed by the store clerk is replaced with an automated computer-based verification system. The POS terminal's processing circuit automatically checks transaction amounts against coupon conditions, substituting human manual verification with electronic automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the POS terminal automatically applies coupons without condition verification, then processing speed is improved, but application accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidcoupon application accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs condition verification as a preliminary action before coupon application. The processing circuit first checks whether the transaction amount satisfies the coupon conditions, and only if the condition is satisfied does it proceed to apply the coupon. This preliminary verification ensures accuracy while maintaining automated processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If store clerks manually check coupon conditions, then condition verification completeness is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondition verification completenessVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The POS terminal performs self-service by automatically checking all coupon conditions and determining applicability without requiring store clerk involvement. The system independently verifies transaction amounts against coupon criteria and makes automated decisions, simplifying operations while ensuring complete verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250299187A1Transaction processing apparatus and transaction processing method

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a transaction processing apparatus includes a determination unit and an application unit. The determination 1 unit determines whether a transaction satisfies an amount condition based on an amount of the transaction. The application unit applies a coupon identified by input coupon information to the transaction if the transaction satisfies the amount condition.