RTOS Multi-Application POS Software for Flexible App Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional POS machines are limited to single applications, cannot install new software at will, and require complex, time-consuming re-integration by manufacturers to respond to user needs, with high development costs and limited user customization.
Innovation Solution
An RTOS-based multi-application development method using a Jerryscript engine and AWTK engine, enabling compilation and packaging of applications into a system.bin file, followed by burning or uploading to a POS machine, supporting installation, uninstallation, and upgrade through an application market.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If applications are built-in by the manufacturer in conventional POS machines, then the system has stable performance and hardware compatibility, but the applications cannot be uninstalled or deleted by end users and require complex re-integration by manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: the operating system (RTOS) and applications. Applications are packaged as separate binary files that can be independently installed, uninstalled, and updated without affecting the OS or other applications. This segmentation enables end users to manage applications freely while maintaining system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RTOS is designed with universal application support capabilities, including a file system for storing multiple application binaries, an installer for managing application installation and uninstallation, and a runtime environment that can execute any compiled application. This multi-functionality allows the same OS to support diverse applications without requiring manufacturer re-integration.
2Reliability
If applications are developed in C language with direct hardware access, then the performance and hardware compatibility are good, but the code complexity increases and development becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (the RTOS runtime environment and API library) between the high-level programming language and hardware. Developers can write applications in simpler languages while the RTOS provides hardware abstraction and direct access capabilities when needed, maintaining hardware compatibility without requiring developers to write complex low-level code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of direct hardware manipulation in C language with a software-based abstraction layer. The RTOS provides standardized APIs and runtime services that simplify hardware interaction, allowing developers to achieve the same hardware compatibility with less complex code by substituting low-level mechanical operations with higher-level software mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conventional POS machine uses manufacturer-built-in applications, then the system has stable performance, but it cannot respond to user new service requirements in a timely manner
Solution Approach 1:
The RTOS includes pre-built infrastructure components such as the file system, installer, and runtime environment that are prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation enables rapid deployment of new applications without requiring time-consuming manufacturer re-integration, as the system already has the necessary mechanisms in place to install and execute new applications immediately.
4Adaptability or versatility
If end users require customized functions, then the system has high adaptability, but the functions must be developed and built in by the manufacturer which increases development cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end users to perform self-service by allowing them to install, uninstall, and manage their own applications without manufacturer intervention. Users can customize the POS machine by selecting and installing applications that meet their specific needs, eliminating the requirement for manufacturer development and building of customized functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An RTOS-based, (Real-Time Operating System-based) multi-application development method and apparatus are provided. The method comprises: compiling and packaging an AWTK, (Toolkit Any Where) engine, a Jerryscript engine, and .c files through a GNU, (Gnu's Not Unix) compiler suite to generate a system.bin file; compiling and packaging xml files, js (JavaScript) files, and image files required by multiple applications through the AWTK engine to generate a fat.img containing the multiple applications; and burning the fat.img containing the multiple applications and the system.bin file into a POS (point of sale) machine with an RTOS. The Jerryscript engine and the AWTK engine support the development of JS language, then resource data (data) are generated from all images, XML (describing image elements and coordinates), and JS files used in the development of APPS, and finally, the resource data are compiled by GCC, (GNU Compiler Collection) to generate an APP.bin, thereby achieving multi-application development.