Intermediary Transaction Data Collection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing transaction data across multiple locations with diverse geographic and management structures is challenging, as existing methods struggle to provide an overview of data collected from various points of sale, especially in customer loyalty programs where non-members or non-identifying customers are not accounted for.
Innovation Solution
An intermediary device is installed between point of sale and purchase recording devices, acting as a pass-through to collect and transmit transaction data without obstruction, and can buffer or inject data as needed, ensuring continuous data flow even without power, and applying security algorithms to sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional banking clearing systems are used to analyze electronic purchases, then transaction data can be collected, but it becomes difficult to manage overview of transaction data from multiple locations with diverse geographic and management structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments transaction data collection by deploying independent data collection devices at each point of sale location, allowing each location to independently collect and transmit its own transaction data without requiring centralized management of the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data collection device that acts as a bridge between point of sale terminals and the central system, automatically capturing transaction data and transmitting it without requiring manual intervention or complex management structures
2Loss of information
If customer loyalty programs require personal information collection at point of sale, then customer transactions can be tracked, but transactions involving non-members or customers who decline to provide identifying information cannot be tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts transaction data directly from the point of sale terminal's data stream without requiring separate customer identification steps, separating the data collection function from customer identification requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The data collection device automatically captures transaction information from the point of sale terminal without requiring customer action or input, allowing the system to self-collect data regardless of customer participation in loyalty programs
3Loss of information
If an intermediary device is installed between point of sale and purchase recording devices, then comprehensive transaction data can be collected, but the system requires additional hardware installation and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The data collection device is designed with universal compatibility to interface with multiple types of point of sale terminals and purchase recording devices using standard communication protocols, reducing the need for custom installation at each location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective data collection devices that can be easily deployed and replaced, using affordable hardware solutions that simplify implementation without requiring expensive specialized equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are apparatus and methods for collecting and manipulating transaction data. For example, presented herein is an apparatus including: a first I/O port; a second I/O port of a same type as the first I/O port, wherein the second I/O port is connected to the first I/O port such that data passed into the first I/O port is allowed to pass through the apparatus to the second I/O port unimpeded in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to: collect information passed from a first computing device connected to the first I/O port to a second computing device connected to the second I/O port, identify, from the information, transaction data; and provide, to a third computing device, the transaction data.