Roaming Point-of-Sale System Using Pairing Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional point-of-sale systems are fixed and require customers to locate a stationary payment terminal for transactions, leading to lost sales due to changed purchasing decisions and long lines, and are often incompatible with non-certified devices due to strict security protocols.
Innovation Solution
A roaming point-of-sale system that can be paired with any certified payment terminal, allowing sales associates to initiate transactions at any location and complete payments using a unique pairing code facilitated by an in-store server, enabling communication between the roaming point-of-sale system and payment terminal for product and transaction information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed point-of-sale system is used, then security protocols are maintained, but customer convenience and sales efficiency deteriorate due to long lines and inability to complete transactions at any location
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the point-of-sale functionality into two separate components: a portable customer-facing interface (smartphone or tablet application) and a stationary payment terminal. This segmentation allows the customer interface to be mobile and convenient while the payment terminal maintains security protocols, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pairing code as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the portable device and the payment terminal. The pairing code temporarily links the two devices, enabling secure communication without requiring direct integration between the portable device and the terminal's security systems. This intermediary approach maintains security while enabling mobile transactions.
2Productivity
If a stationary payment terminal is required for all transactions, then security is maintained, but productivity decreases due to customers needing to locate and wait at fixed points
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring customers to go to the payment terminal, the system inverts the approach by bringing the customer interface to them. The portable device allows customers to initiate transactions at any location in the store, eliminating the need to locate and wait at fixed payment terminals, thus improving productivity and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by allowing customers to select items and initiate payment processes on their portable devices before reaching a payment terminal. The pairing code is generated in advance, and transaction details are prepared on the mobile device, so that when the customer approaches a terminal, the transaction can be completed quickly without delays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If portable devices are integrated with payment terminals, then transaction flexibility improves, but security compliance becomes difficult due to lack of certification for portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The pairing code serves as a certified intermediary that bridges the uncertified portable device and the certified payment terminal. The pairing code is generated and verified through a controlled process that ensures security compliance, while allowing the portable device to function as a legitimate payment interface. This maintains reliability while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a temporary copy of the payment terminal's authentication interface on the portable device through the pairing code. The portable device displays and processes payment information in a manner that mirrors the certified terminal's security requirements, allowing transactions to proceed with the same level of security compliance as the original terminal without requiring the portable device itself to be certified.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer implemented systems and methods for conducting transactions are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes receiving transaction information corresponding to a transaction initiated with one of a plurality of handheld computing devices. The handheld computing device is associated with one of a plurality of payment terminals. The transaction is completed and the association between the handheld computing device and the payment terminal is terminated.