Virtual Shopping Cart for Wireless POS Payment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for wireless transactions at point-of-sale (POS) terminals are limited by the requirement for credit card registration and lack flexibility in payment methods, leading to inefficiencies and reduced user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables users to interact electronically with POS terminals using a virtual shopping cart controlled by the user, allowing payment through various means and integrating with existing POS infrastructure without substantial changes, utilizing a consumer device to scan check-in and check-out codes for seamless transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If credit card registration is required for wireless transactions at POS terminals, then payment security is improved, but user flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the transaction process into distinct phases: a setup phase where payment methods are configured once, and a transaction phase where pre-configured methods are used without re-registration. This allows security to be established upfront while enabling flexible, rapid transactions afterward without requiring repeated credit card registration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple payment methods (including cash, card, mobile payment) during an initial setup phase. This preliminary configuration enables subsequent transactions to proceed without requiring repeated registration, thus maintaining security while improving user flexibility and ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If existing POS terminal infrastructure is used without substantial changes, then device complexity and implementation cost are reduced, but functionality and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal payment interface that works across multiple payment methods (cash, card, mobile payment) and can be integrated with existing diverse POS terminal infrastructures. This universal layer enables enhanced functionality and adaptability without requiring substantial changes to underlying hardware systems, as the same interface adapts to different existing POS configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary software layer between the user's mobile device and the existing POS terminal infrastructure. This intermediary handles the complexity of multiple payment methods and communicates with the existing POS system through standard interfaces, thereby enabling enhanced functionality without modifying the underlying hardware infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If a virtual shopping cart controlled by the user is implemented, then ease of operation and user interaction are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual shopping cart operates on a self-service principle where the user's mobile device automatically tracks selected items, calculates totals, and manages the shopping list without requiring constant POS terminal intervention. This self-service approach simplifies user interaction while the system architecture manages complexity through automated synchronization and conflict resolution protocols.
4Productivity
If self-service checkout options are enabled, then productivity and staff availability are improved, but ease of operation may deteriorate due to system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The self-service checkout system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the user's mobile device communicates with the POS terminal to confirm selections, validate payment methods, and provide real-time status updates. This feedback loop ensures that despite the automated process, users receive confirmation and guidance, maintaining ease of operation while enabling staff to focus on other tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system comprising: a server (1) in communication with a plurality of point-of-sale (POS) terminals (2), point-of-sale (POS) terminals (2) arranged to communicate wireless with a consumer device (3); and a logic (4) stored on the costumer device (3) arranged to; identify a point-of-sale (POS), enable check in of a virtual shopping cart (5) enabling shopping at said point-of-sale (POS) and enable check-out for payment at said point-of-sale (POS), logic (6) stored on the POS terminal (2) arranged enable communication with said costumer device (3), wherein said logics (4, 6) are arranged to enable said POS terminal (2) to complete the sale of merchandise (7) contained in said virtual shopping cart (5), and to produce a physical receipt and/or an electronic receipt (8), wherein said server (1) is also in communication with a plurality of point-of-sale (POS) terminals (2) and said virtual shopping cart (5) is handled by said server (1).