GB2532706A

GB2532706A - Retail transaction system

Info

Publication number: GB2532706A
Application number: GB1415100.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rimer David
Original assignee: NUMBER 8 TECHNOLOGY Ltd; Number 8 Tech Ltd
Current assignee: NUMBER 8 TECHNOLOGY Ltd; Number 8 Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-26
Filing date: 2014-08-26
Publication date: 2016-06-01
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-26
Also published as: GB201415100D0; GB2532706B

Abstract

A retail transaction system comprising a display module comprises a case 2 which encloses a tablet computer 9 including a display for displaying product or service information, and a bank card reader 7 connected to the case, characterised in that the bank card reader is in data communication with the tablet computer such that items selected from the display can be paid for by a customer using the bank card reader. The case is arranged around the outer edge of the tablet computer to enable the display side of the tablet computer to be clear of any obstruction. The reader is attached to the case on the opposite side to the tablet computer display. The case has a strap 8 attached to it to enable the retailer to support the case and to allow customers to observe the display. The tablet computer is in wireless communication with a computer network which transfers the transaction details and also serves to update the product information. The card reader may be removable from the case. The display module may be stored in a storage pod 4 or dock which provides data and power connections to the tablet computer and power to the card reader.

Description

Retail Transaction System Field of Invention:

This invention relates to a system for carrying out retail transactions, encompassing a secured portable computation device, such as a tablet computer, laptop, smart s phone, satellite navigation system etc. with a sufficiently large display to be useful in a retail environment.

Background of Invention:

With increased competition from the online market place, it is becoming highly advantageous if not necessary for high street outlets to improve flexibility and interactivity of sale. With a high demand for information from the consumer it is in a merchant's best interests to display succinct and complete information about products in an easy and interactively accessible format. It is also increasingly in the interests of the merchant to improve marketing and the novelty of sales by taking advantage of new technologies and technological devices like social media and customer interactive software.

Furthermore, the demand for flexible retailing is increasing, merchants need to be able to take the point of sale to the customer, and provide supplementary marketing information. There is also a requirement for flexibility to help reduce queue build up during busy retailing hours.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a retail transaction system including a displaying module which comprises: a casing which encloses a tablet computer including, a rear side, and a display side for displaying product or service information, and a bank payment reading means connected to the casing, characterised in that the hank payment reading means is in data communication with the tablet computer such that items selected from the display can be paid for by a customer by use of the bank payment reading means.

The casing is arranged into mutually connecting pans covering the outer edge and rear side of the tablet computer to enable the display side of the tablet computer to he clear of any obstruction. The reading means is attached to the casing on the opposite side to the display side of the tablet computer, Preferably, the tablet computer is in wireless communication with a computer network, which transfers the transaction details and also serves to update product information.

The system would preferably include a docking station for stowing the display module. The docking station provides a connection to a power supply to replenish the tablet computer battery and data communication means for updating and hack-up when the wireless communication is not available. The docking station also provides a power supply to replenish a payment reader battery. The display casing is preferably lockable in the docking station for security to prevent unauthorised removal and the card reader is removably attached to the casing. Preferably, the removable attachment means are provided in the form of corresponding sliding surfaces on the casing and on a housing of the card reader.

The casing includes automatic data connection means to enable data communication between the card reader and the table computer when the card reader is in the fitted position on the casing.

The mutually connecting parts include first and second side parts and a rear part and the card reader is removably attached to the rear part. The card reader includes an attaching means to attach the card reader to the casing. The first and second side parts comprise a U-shaped slot corresponding to the thickness of the tablet computer; this allows the first and second side parts abut along the length of the rear side of the display module. The first and second side parts comprise corresponding tong and grooves; the second side part is wider than the first side part.

The first and second side parts are fixed together by means of the rear part, with he first and second side parts being connected to the rear part by corresponding interlocking slots 12 and a retaining screw. The casing is removable to enable the tablet computer to be replaced, however whilst the displaying module is in the dock the retaining screw is covered by the clock and secured to the dock by a locking mechanism. Consequently, the tablet casing cannot be removed while the display module is stowed in the dock.

Furthermore, the bank payment reading means is engaged on the display module such that it must slide downwards relative to the casing in order to be removed. Whilst engaged in the dock it is not possible to slide the card reader down and off the display module because the display module is placed in the dock face up.

Brief Description of Drawings:

Figure 1: Shows the rear view of the retail transaction system assembly.

Figure 2: Shows the rear view of the casing with attached bank payment reading means.

Figure 3: Shows the exploded rear view of the casing and bank payment reading means.

Figure 4: Shows the top view of the docking station.

Figure 5: Shows the bottom view with internal detail shown by broken lines of the docking station.

Figure 6: Shows the bottom view of the docking station with protruding connecting cable.

Figure 7: Shows the bank payment reading means.

Figure 8: Shows the perspective view of the retail transaction system assembly.

Detailed Description:

In a first embodiment of the invention, shown in Fig 1 to Fig 7, there is provided a retail transaction system 1 comprising a display module 3 comprising a casing 2 which encloses a tablet computer 9 including a display for displaying product or service information, and includes a bank card reading means 5 connected to the casing 2. The bank card reading means 5 is in data communication with the tablet computer 9 such that items selected from the display can be paid for by a customer by use of the bank payment reading means 5 debiting the customers hank. The card can be either a debit card, a credit card, or a cash card, or alternatively or additionally a chip and pin reader.

The casing 2 covers the back and around the edge of the tablet computer 9, leaving the front of the display module 3 exposed to allow the display side 24 of the tablet computer 9 to he viewed. The hank payment reading means 5 is attached to the casing 2 on the rear side of the display module 3. The bank payment reading means 5 is able to disengage the casing 2 of the tablet computer 9 and be used wirelessly once the display module 3 is removed from the docking station 4, thus the hank payment reading means 5 and the display can be used simultaneously. The display module 3 can be stowed in a docking station 4, also known as a dock, where the tablet computer 9 and the hank payment reading means 5 can receive power and be recharged and also remain secure and protected from theft. The only method for removal of the display module 3 is via a latch for the locking mechanism 17, accessed by the retail merchant. The merchant can use the display module 3 to display a variety of product information and marketing material using suitable known software and in this way provide the customer with a more satisfying and informed retailing experience. Through the use of price or product comparison with other competitors the merchant can also provide the customer with the best opportunity and a positive retail experience. The display is ideally a touch screen display with a digitising layer to permit easier interaction between the merchant or customer and the tablet computer 9.

Preferably the tablet computer 9 is also in wireless communication with a computer network to transfer and approve transaction details and update product information.

The docking station 4 comprises a recess 25 which corresponds to the shape of the tablet computer 9 so that when the tablet computer 9 is inserted into the dock 4 they achieve an intimate fit. Preferably the docking station 4 shape will be dedicated to the model of the tablet computer 9, but it is also possible for the dock 4 to accommodate alternative models through the use of adaptive insertions, with the recess 25 being large and generic to accommodate all models and insertions. The docking station 4 provides a power connection for replenishing the battery of the display module 3 and data communication means 13 for backup and update when wireless communication is not possible. The tablet computer 9 connects to the dock 4 via the internal tablet connection means 11 and the bank payment reader means connects to the dock 4 via the internal bank payment reader connection means 15. The dock 4 then connects to a separate computer network (not shown) via the external USB connection means 10. The dock 4 may be securely fastened to a fixed surface via retaining screws through the dock-to-surface retaining screw holes 20; these are inaccessible whilst the display module 3 is engaged with the dock 4. Whilst the display unit is engaged with the dock 4 it can still be used as a fixed till and is preferably lockable and cannot be removed without merchant approval, using a key inserted into the key hole 22, for security purposes.

Referring in particular to Fig. 3 the bank payment reader 5 shown removed from the casing 2 and the casing 2 is shown taken apart. The reader is removably attached to the casing 2 by means of corresponding sliding surfaces 26 on the casing 2 and on the bank payment reader 5. The bank payment reader 5 can be used whether attached or detached from the casing 2. The parts of the casing 2 including the rear part of the casing 6, once connected, are secured with a single retaining screw 16 which is inaccessible whilst the display module 3 is engaged with the dock 4. All retaining screws are covered and inaccessible once the display module 3 is engaged into the docking station 4.

Referring still to Fig. 3, the casing 2 is made up of three parts, the first side part 7, the second side part 8 and the rear part 6. The first and second side parts 7, 8 slide on to the tablet computer 9 and abut together to encase the tablet computer 9. The first and second side parts 7, 8 have corresponding interconnecting tongs and grooves 14 located on the rear on the display module 3, which interconnect as the two parts come into contact. The mating of the tong and grooves provide added flexural rigidity. The rear part 6 then slides over corresponding sliding surfaces 26 on the two side parts to secure all three pieces together. All three pieces are then held in place with a single retaining screw 16. The process is reversed in order to remove the tablet for repair, replacement or upgrade.

The retaining screw 16 head is provided on the rear side of the casing 2 on the rear part 6 and when fastened is countersunk into all three casing parts 6, 7, 8. Once the display module 3 is in the dock 4 the retaining screw 16 head is covered. Consequently the casing 2 may not be removed without first removing the display module 3 from the docking station 4. The casing parts 6, 7, 8 are all made from a sufficiently robust material.

Referring now to figure 4, the locking means 18 is to lock the display module 3 into the docking station 4 to prevent against theft of the display module 3. The locking means 18 is controlled by a locking latch 17 which, in locked position, retains against the locking recess 19 on the casing 2 of the display module 3. This prevents unauthorised removal of the display module 3.

Referring to figure 7, the hank payment reading means 5 is removably attached to the rear part of the casing 6. The rear part of the casing 6 and the bank payment reading means 5 attach together by means of a mutual sliding rail mechanism. The rail, being a constituent of the rear part of the casing 6, not only allows for easy removal but also permits flexibility in the type and size of the attached bank payment reading means 5. In an alternative embodiment the bank payment reading means 5 is fixed to the rear part of the casing 6 by and screw (not shown).

It will he appreciated that the term tablet computer 9 can include any computing device which includes a display that is large enough to effectively display products or services in a retail environment and includes suitably adapted notebooks or laptops and the like.

Component List: 1 -Retail Transaction System 2 -Casing 3 -Display Module s 4 -Docking Station -Bank Payment Reading means 6 -Rear part of casing 7 -First side part of casing 8 -Second side part of casing 10 9 -Tablet computer -External USB connection means 11 -Internal tablet connection means 12 -Interlocking Slots 13 -Data connection means 14 -Interconnecting tong and grooves -Internal bank payment reader connection means 16 -Retaining Screw 17 -Locking latch 18 -Locking means 19 -Locking recess -Dock-to-surface retaining screw holes 21 -Not used 22 -Key Hole 23 -Not used 24 -Display side of tablet computer 5 25 -Recess 26 -Sliding Surfaces

Claims

Claims Retail Transaction System: 1. A retail transaction system including a displaying module which comprises: a casing which encloses a tablet computer including, a rear side, and a display side for displaying product or service information, and a bank payment reading means connected to the casing, characterised in that the hank payment reading means is in data communication with the tablet computer such that items selected from the display can he paid for by a customer by use of the bank payment reading means.
2. A retail transaction system according to claim 1, characterised in that the casing is arranged into mutually connecting parts covering the outer edge and rear side of the tablet computer to enable the display side of the tablet computer to he clear of any obstruction.

0
3. A retail transaction system according to claim 1, characterised in that the reading means is attached to the casing on the opposite side to the display C\I side of the tablet computer.
4. A retail transaction system according to claim 1, characterised in that the tablet computer is in wireless communication with a computer network, which transfers the transaction details and also serves to update product information.retail transaction system according to claim 1, characterised in that the system includes a docking station for stowing the display module.6. A retail transaction system according to claim 5, characterised in that the docking station provides a connection to a power supply to replenish the tablet computer battery and data communication means for updating and hack-up when the wireless communication is not available.7. A retail transaction system according to claim 5, characterised in that the docking station provides a power supply to replenish a payment reader battery.8. A retail transaction system according to claim 5, characterised in that the display casing is lockable via a latching means in the docking station for security to prevent unauthorised removal.9. A retail transaction system according to claim 1, characterised in that the bank payment reading means is removably attached to the casing.10. A retail transaction system according to claim 9, characterised in that removeable attachment means are provided in the form of corresponding (r) 15 sliding surfaces on the casing and on a housing of the bank payment reading means.0 11. A retail transaction system according to claim 1, characterised in that the casing includes automatic data connection means to enable data C\I 20 communication between the bank payment. reading means and the tablet computer when the bank payment reading means is in the fitted position on the casing.12. A retail transaction system according to claim 2, characterised in that the mutually connecting parts include first and second side parts and a rear part.13. A retail transaction system according to claim 10, characterised in that the bank payment reading means is removably attached to the rear part.14. A retail transaction system according to claim I, characterised in that the bank payment reading means includes an attaching means to attach the bank payment reading means to the casing.15. A retail transaction system according to claim 13 and 14, characterised in that the attaching means of the bank payment reading means to the rear part of the casing consists a sliding rail mechanism.16. A retail transaction system according. to claim 12, characterised in that the first and second side part comprise a U-shaped slot corresponding to the thickness of the tablet computer.17. A retail transaction system according to claim 16, characterised in that the first and second side parts comprise corresponding tong and grooves.18. A retail transaction system according to claim 1, characterised in that the first and second side parts are fixed together by means of the rear part. 15 19. A retail transaction system according to claim 12, characterised in that the first and second side parts are connected to the rear part by corresponding 0 interlocking slots and a retaining screw.TC 20 20. A retail transaction ystem according to claim 1.2, characterised in that the casing is removable to enahle the tablet. computer to he updated or replaced.21.A retail transaction system according to claim 8, characterised in that the docking station is securable to a surface via retaining screw holes.22. A retail transaction system according to claims 8 and 20, characterised in that during stowing in docking station all retaining means, including the retaining screw and the retaining screw holes, are physically inaccessible without first releasing display module via the latching means.23. A retail transaction system according to claims 8 and 9, characterised in that during stowing in the docking station the hank payment reading means is not removable without first removing the display module via the latching means.