Specification Language Parser for POS Business Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-sale (POS) systems require recompilation and reinstallation of executable code for changes in business logic, which is cumbersome and incompatible with different hardware and programming languages, limiting flexibility and maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a specification language file to define a state machine implementation, with a parser to interpret and call business logic modules, allowing modifications without recompiling executable code, and supports modular programming for POS systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If modular programming is used to segment business logic into subfunctions, then ease of maintenance and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple modules and control logic frameworks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments business logic into discrete programming objects or modules that can be independently maintained and modified. Each module handles specific business functions, allowing maintenance personnel to update individual modules without affecting the entire system, thus improving ease of maintenance while managing complexity through organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control logic framework as an intermediary layer between the modular business logic components and the hardware/operating system. This framework manages the complexity of coupling modules together, providing a standardized interface that simplifies integration and reduces the burden on maintenance personnel to understand inter-module dependencies.
2Reliability
If programming statements are compiled and installed to control execution of program objects, then reliability of system operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because changes require recompilation and reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where business logic modules can be loaded, unloaded, and modified at runtime without requiring system recompilation. The control logic framework dynamically manages module execution based on specification language definitions, allowing the system to adapt to changing business requirements while maintaining reliable execution through controlled module instantiation and termination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of system configuration from static compiled code to dynamic parameter definitions in a specification language. Business logic is defined through parameters and rules rather than fixed executable statements, allowing flexible modification of system behavior through parameter changes rather than requiring recompilation and reinstallation.
3Reliability
If manufacturer-specific programming implementations are used, then reliability of manufacturer's system is improved, but adaptability to different hardware and programming environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control logic framework that can manage business logic modules across different hardware platforms and programming environments. The framework provides standardized interfaces and abstractions that allow the same business logic to be executed on various systems without manufacturer-specific customization, enabling multi-environment compatibility while maintaining reliable execution through consistent control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system controls operation of a business system having a processor, memory, and a hard drive. The system comprises a specification language file stored on a hard drive, the file containing specification language statements defining a state machine implementation of a business system, a parser for extracting specification language statements from the specification language file and interpreting the extracted specification language statements, a business logic application program comprised of business logic modules, the business logic modules including executable compiled program statements, and the parser calls at least one of the business logic modules to process a message extracted by the parser from the specification language file.