Transaction Management System for PoS Wait Time Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating Point of Sale (PoS) wait times and managing PoS terminal use rely on human estimations, which are often incorrect or difficult to manage, leading to shopper dissatisfaction and inefficient resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based transaction management system that calculates an estimated transaction service time by monitoring PoS terminal activities and wirelessly communicating this information to a PoS controller, which can then inform shoppers and initiate in-store events to manage wait times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human estimations are used to determine PoS wait times, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision of wait times is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual human estimation with an automated electronic system that monitors PoS terminal activities and calculates wait times based on actual transaction data. The system uses sensors and processors to detect PoS tasks and compute accurate wait time estimates, eliminating the need for human judgment while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables PoS terminals to automatically report their own task status and transaction activities to the central controller. Each terminal self-monitors its workload and communicates this information electronically, allowing the system to calculate wait times based on actual terminal performance rather than external estimation.
2Reliability
If accurate wait time monitoring is implemented, then shopper satisfaction improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors PoS terminal activities and updates wait time estimates in real-time as transactions progress. Rather than periodic updates, the electronic monitoring operates continuously to track PoS tasks, ensuring accurate and current wait time information is always available to shoppers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where PoS terminals report their task status to the central controller, which calculates wait times and communicates them back to shoppers via displays or mobile devices. This closed-loop feedback ensures shoppers receive accurate, real-time information about their expected wait times, improving satisfaction and allowing informed decisions.
3Productivity
If PoS terminal usage is optimized based on real-time data, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The central controller serves multiple functions: it monitors PoS terminal activities, calculates wait times, communicates with shoppers, and optimizes terminal assignment. This multi-functional system consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual processes into a single electronic platform, managing complexity while achieving productivity gains.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts PoS terminal assignments and wait time calculations based on real-time transaction data and queue conditions. Rather than static scheduling, the system continuously adapts terminal utilization to current workload demands, optimizing productivity through dynamic resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method implemented by a Point of Sale (PoS) system. The method includes performing one or more PoS tasks in a retail environment. In addition, the method includes detecting that the transaction management system will be occupied with performing one or more PoS tasks for more than a threshold amount of time. The method further includes initiating an in-store event within the retail environment and generating a graphical notification interface and transmitting the graphical notification interface to at least one wireless device associated with a shopper in the retail environment. The graphical notification interface includes graphical elements depicting the in-store event.