Sales data processing apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Self-service POS terminals in retail stores require customers to perform item registration and payment processes independently, leading to increased time consumption due to customer unfamiliarity with the system, resulting in longer wait times and congestion.
Innovation Solution
A sales data processing apparatus with dual display devices facing opposite directions, a shared handy scanner, and a configurable packing table setup allows customers and store clerks to collaborate during the registration and payment processes, enabling the clerk to assist the customer effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a self-service POS terminal is installed to eliminate the need for store clerks, then labor costs are reduced, but the processing time increases due to customer unfamiliarity with the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual display device system where the first display shows customer-facing information and the second display shows clerk-facing information. This intermediary display system enables seamless collaboration between clerks and customers during the checkout process, allowing clerks to assist efficiently while maintaining the self-service framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (self-service mode and assisted service mode) based on customer needs. The dual display configuration allows the interface to adapt its functionality, showing different information and enabling different interaction patterns depending on whether a clerk is assisting or the customer is operating independently.
2Productivity
If a dual display device system is introduced to enable clerk assistance, then processing speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual display device serves multiple functions: it acts as a customer interface, a clerk interface, and a collaborative communication channel. The same hardware infrastructure supports both independent self-service operation and assisted service operation, making the system versatile without requiring entirely separate systems for different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the customer display and clerk display into an integrated system where both displays are part of the same POS terminal unit. This merging allows for coordinated information display and streamlined communication between clerk and customer, reducing the need for separate communication channels and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If multiple tables and display devices are configured for clerk assistance, then ease of operation improves, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning the third table directly below the first table. This vertical stacking arrangement allows the system to accommodate multiple functional surfaces (item placement, packing, and auxiliary functions) without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint, effectively using the third dimension to resolve space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a nested arrangement where the third table is positioned within the vertical space occupied by the first table structure. The bag hanger is attached to the second table which is lateral to the first display, creating a compact, space-efficient configuration where components are nested or closely integrated rather than spread out.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A sales data processing apparatus includes a first display device facing a first direction, a second display device facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, a first table that is disposed in front of the first display device and on which an item is placeable, a second table disposed lateral to the first display device, a bag hanger disposed on the second table and on which a bag is hangable, and a third table disposed directly below the first table.