Virtual Peripheral Data Injection for Legacy POS Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy computing systems, such as point-of-sale terminals, face challenges in adding new functionality without substantial modifications, which can introduce errors and unexpected effects, particularly in the retail sector where improved coupon management and digital coupon implementation are desired.

Innovation Solution

A data transmission method and system that constructs a communications channel between a peripheral device and a computing system, allowing signals to be injected into the channel as if they come from a virtual peripheral device, enabling the integration of new functionality without modifying the existing system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new functionality is added to legacy computing systems through substantial modification, then the system can support new processes like digital coupons, but the risk of errors and unexpected effects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiderror risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a peripheral device as an intermediary component that sits between the legacy computing system and the new functionality requirements. This peripheral device acts as a mediator that translates new process requirements into forms compatible with the legacy system, allowing new functionality to be added without directly modifying the core legacy system and thus maintaining reliability while improving adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If legacy computing systems are modified to support new functionality, then new processes can be implemented, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the system into distinct components: the legacy computing system remains unchanged, while new functionality is implemented through separate peripheral devices and communication channels. This segmentation allows new features to be added as independent modules rather than integrating them into the complex legacy system, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If substantial modification is made to deployed technology architectures, then new functionality can be added, but unexpected effects within interoperating technology may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidunexpected effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by establishing communication channels and protocols before integrating new functionality. The system pre-configures data transmission paths between peripheral devices and the legacy computing system, ensuring that new features are introduced in a controlled manner that prevents unexpected interactions and harmful effects within the interoperating technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11570265B2Data transmission method and system

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 SPARKLE CS

AI summary

The present invention relates to a data transmission method including injecting signals into a communications channel between a predefined hardware device for a computing system and an application executing on the computing system, for receipt by the application. A data transmission system is also disclosed.