Smart Harbor Device for Transaction Terminal Maintenance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile payment terminal devices require frequent maintenance and connection assistance, which can disrupt usage and is complicated by the variability in mobile communication devices and operating systems, making it difficult for merchants to determine the best-suited devices for their needs.

Innovation Solution

A smart harbor device that provides maintenance, charging, and connection services for transaction processing terminal devices, including diagnostic tools, software updates, and intelligent selection based on device health, compatibility, and usage patterns, to ensure seamless operation and availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mobile payment terminal devices are used with variability in types of mobile communication devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different mobile communication devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of selection and configuration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic compatibility assessment and device pairing without requiring manual configuration by the merchant. The payment terminal device and mobile communication device automatically exchange capability information and establish optimal connections, eliminating the need for merchants to understand technical compatibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A compatibility assessment module acts as an intermediary between the payment terminal device and mobile communication device. This module evaluates the capabilities of both devices, determines compatibility, and facilitates the pairing process, simplifying the interaction for the end user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If maintenance services are provided for transaction processing terminal devices, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability of payment terminal devicesVSAvoiddowntime during maintenance and updates
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs software updates, security patches, and maintenance tasks proactively before issues arise. The compatibility assessment module identifies devices that need maintenance and schedules updates during low-traffic periods, ensuring devices are serviced before they fail rather than waiting for problems to occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic health checks and automated maintenance cycles for payment terminal devices. The compatibility assessment module continuously monitors device status and performs routine updates at scheduled intervals, maintaining reliability without requiring extended downtime during critical periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Manufacturing precision

If diagnostic tools and software updates are implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality and functionality of payment terminal devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of maintenance system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The payment terminal device autonomously performs self-diagnostics and automatically receives and installs software updates without requiring manual intervention. The compatibility assessment module manages the entire process, including downloading updates, verifying compatibility, and installing patches, thereby improving device quality while keeping the user experience simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where diagnostic tools monitor device health, performance, and compatibility status. This feedback information is used by the compatibility assessment module to automatically adjust maintenance schedules, push relevant updates, and optimize device functionality, improving quality through data-driven decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10853597B2Smart harbor device for intelligent updating and selection for use of transaction processing terminal devices
Publication Date: 2020.12.01 PAYPAL INC
  • US10853597B2 patent drawing
  • US10853597B2 patent drawing
  • US10853597B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There are provided systems and methods for a smart harbor device for intelligent updating and selection for use of transaction processing terminal devices. A smart harbor device may be used to provide updating, servicing, and other maintenance of transaction processing terminal devices, such as EMV terminals used in retail transaction processing. The smart harbor device may include a port where the transaction processing terminal devices may be places, and the smart harbor device may connect to each of the transaction processing terminal devices. Once connected, the smart harbor device may run diagnostics to determine the statuses and conditions for each of the transaction processing terminal devices and maintenance the transaction processing terminal devices. The maintenance may be performed at times where the transaction processing terminal devices are not required for use. Additionally, the smart harbor device may intelligently select one based on statuses and device capabilities.