GB2535970A

GB2535970A - Retail transaction system

Info

Publication number: GB2535970A
Application number: GB1419250.4A
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: 2014-10-29
Filing date: 2014-10-29
Publication date: 2016-09-07
Also published as: GB201419250D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a retail transaction system comprising: a display module 3, a bank payment reader (such as a card reader) 5, a base 4 arranged to be fixed to a payment counter, and including a customer side and a merchant side. The retail transaction system further includes at least one panel 2 for displaying information. The panels are removable and replaceable with alternative panels showing different information, such as information relating to different merchants or marketing or advertising material. The display module 3 may be a tablet computer 9 and may be rotated with respect to the base 4 between a customer viewing position and a merchant viewing position. The bank payment reader 5 is preferably removable from the base 4. The panels can be fixed to surfaces of the base 4 or the display module 3, possibly by adhesive, detents or hook-and-loop fastenings. The base 4 may be enlarged surfaces, such as elongate vertical surfaces, to which the panels can be removably affixed.

Description

Retail Transaction System Field of Invention:

This invention relates to retail transaction systems, including secured portable computation devices, such as a tablet computer, laptop or smart phone, an electronic communication means such as Wi-Fi, satellite or mobile network and a payment transaction means.

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 the selling environment With a high demand for information from the consumer it is in a merchant's best interests to display succinct and complete (r) 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 N*-* of the selling process by taking advantage of new technologies and technological

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devices like social media and customer interactive software.

C\I 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.

With monthly changes to stock and seasonal marketing campaigns, it is important for a retailer to regularly review branding and advertising themes in store. In some cases this only requires the replacement of a poster or cardboard stand but in many cases is can be far more costly. Seasonal marketing or stock changes can happen as often as once a month and it can be very costly to change the themes around a large store or chain of stores. Furthermore, retailers occasionally require an entire identity change and go through complete rebranding, replacing logos and colour schemes throughout the organisation. This can often mean replacing expensive pieces of equipment which have been embossed with old colours or markings. There is certainly a requirement in this industry for flexibility and customisation. Offers and promotions with a high renewal rate require inexpensive solutions to broadcasting their existence and availability so that changes and alterations to the current weekly discounts can be affordable.

For small independent retailers there exists a need for inexpensive ways of identifying themselves from neighbouring competitors including small stores which are part of a larger complex and want to be distinguished as their own entity. With smaller turnovers and smaller branding budgets it is important for retailers like this to have an affordable and flexible method of advertising and branding within the store. It is also vital that this method be easily maintainable and convenient to use also with a relatively low maintenance cost.

Retailers with a nomadic business model are based on low overheads and high (r) portability. These "pop-up shops-need an easily portable and relatively inexpensive solution to in shop branding, which can be changed, replaced and N's* relocated depending on the requirements of the business. There is also a

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requirement for customisable and changeable advertising which can work within a C\I small space and with minimal surfaces as these shops can sometimes exist in open spaces. This business model needs small convenient marketing methods which take advantage of small advertising spaces and utilize existing platforms and equipment surface space. This requirement is mainly driven by the restriction of portability, that there should not be further items or furniture which need to be carried around and setup. Furthermore, the advertising investment should be adaptable to seasonal changes and not need to be completely replaced.

Summary of the Invention:

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a retail transaction system comprising: a display module, a bank payment reading means, a base arranged to be fixed to a payment counter, and including a customer side and a merchant side, and at least one panel for displaying information, characterised in that the system panels are removable and replaceable with an alternative panel showing different information.

The display module may be removably affixed to the base and the panels may be removably attached to at least one surface of the display module. The base may be 5 comprised of enlarged surfaces for securing the panels. The panels may be attached to the base or display module by detents, by hook and loop fasteners or by an adhesive. The base preferably includes elongated rectangular sections which extend vertically and may attach to the display module on the merchant side and the bank payment reading means on the customer side. These elongated rectangular sections 10 may include angled parts to provide angled surfaces and each preferably forms a surface for attaching a respective panel. Preferably, at least one of the enlarged surfaces of the base is angled towards either the merchant or the customer. The (r) enlarged surface may be an inverted U shape with sides angled outwards from the top part with all three sides having a surface for receiving a panel. The rectangular Ne* 15 sections may include an angled portion.

Preferably the display module can alternate between at least two viewing positions, C\I a first position in which it can be viewed by the customer on one side of the counter, and a second position, in which it may be viewed by a merchant on the opposite side of the counter. The display module may be rotatably movable, between the first and second positions and is rotatable by preferably at least 20 degrees. The display module may be removably attachable to the base, by removable attachment means. The base may include a display module connecting means which may include a hinge which includes stops to limit the range of rotation of the display module. The bank payment reading means may also be removably fixed to the base by removable attachment means and the display module and the bank payment means may be fixable to each other.

Furthermore, the tablet computer is preferable in wireless conuntmication with a computer network, which transfers the transaction details and also serves to update product information.

Brief Description of Drawings.

Figure 1: shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the retail transaction system assembly of the invention, Figure 2: shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the retail 5 transaction system assembly of the invention, Figure 3: shows a perspective view of the display module of the retail transaction system of Figure 1, Figure 4: shows a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the retail transaction system assembly, Figure 5: shows a perspective view of the retail transaction system assembly of Figure 4 in a customer facing configuration, and Figure 6: shows a side view of the retail transaction system assembly of Figure 4 in Ns. the customer facing configuration.

Detailed Description: C\I

In this description the reference numbers for common parts remain the same throughout the various embodiments.

In one embodiment of the invention, shown in Fig 1, there is provided a retail transaction system I comprising a display module 3; a bank payment reading means 5, and base 4. The base 4 includes several infonnation panels 2 which are attached to it. The display module 3 includes a tablet computer 9 and a display side 24 for displaying product or service information and is attached to a first base connecting means 10, of a base 4. Directly-opposite the display module 3 is a bank card reading means 5 connected to a second base connecting means I I. 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 bank account. 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 base 4 is fixedly secured to the counter such that the retail transaction system I can be used in a retail environment with a customer on one side of the counter (not shown) facing the bank card reader means 5 and the merchant on the other side of the counter (not shown) facing the display module 3.

in the embodiment shown in Fig 1 the base has an inverted U shape, with angled sides 6 and 7 which angle outwardly from a top surface 16 to provide a stable support and an enlarged surface to affix an infomtafion panel 2. The customer facing side 6 and the merchant facing side 7 face opposite directions and are angled upwards towards the line of sight of either the customer or merchant. Information on the panels 2 could, for example, identify an independent merchant within a larger store or be easily replaced in the case where die in-store merchant changes.

(r) The information panels 2 cover the top side of the base 4, the back side of the display module 3 and both the customer facing side and the merchant facing side of N's* 15 the retail transaction system 1; allowing the marketing or advertising material to be CD viewable from all angles during normal use. The back of the display module 3 C\I attaches to the base 4 by a first base connecting means 10, which is attached to the base 4 by hinge 13. The hinge 13 allows the display module 3 to alternate between a customer facing configuration (figure 5) and a merchant facing configuration (figure 1), by rotating around the hinge 13 relative to the base 4. This allows the merchant to easily display merchandise on the display unit to the customer in the customer facing configuration and also carry out a purchase or other transaction in the merchant facing configuration.

The display module 3 includes a display module connecting means 8 which allows the display module 3 to be removably attached to the base 4 and the bank payment reading means 5. The bank payment reading means 5 is attachable to the display module 3 on the rear side of the display module 3 and to the base 4 by the second base connecting means 11. The bank payment reading means 5 and the display module 3 are able to disengage the base 4 and be used wirelessly; the bank payment reading means 5 and the display can be used simultaneously. The display module 3 and the bank payment reading means 5 can receive power and be recharged and also remain secure and protected from theft while attached to the base 4. There is also preferably at least one USB ports (not shown) provided on the base 4 to provide power and connectivity to optional peripheral devices such as printers 19 or scanners (not shown). 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 Ne* 15 network to transfer and approve transaction details and update product information.

To attach the information panels 2 the merchant locates the interlocking tongue 14 C\I in the interlocking slot 12 and presses the information panel 2 so that the interlocking tongue 14 clips into the interlocking slot 12 and engages the recess 15 which hold the interlocking tongues 14 in place.

Fig 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention which uses an adhesive to affix the information panels 2 to the base 4 and display module 3 instead of the interlocking tongue and slot mechanism as referred to above.

The information panels 2 correspond to the shape of their respective location on the retail transaction system 1 so as to cover the surface edge to edge. The information panels 2 affix using a standard fitting so that alternative information panels 2 can be removed and replaced. The information panel 2 which affixes to the back of the display module will be dedicated to the model of the tablet computer 9, but it is possible for the base 4 to accommodate alternative models through the use of display module connecting means 8. Preferably the base station 4 provides a power connection for replenishing the battery of the display module 3 and data communication means for backup and update when wireless communication is not possible and when the display module 3 and bank payment reader means 5 are connected to the base 4. The tablet computer 9 connects to the bank payment reader means wirelessly. The base 4 then connects to a separate computer network (not shown) via an external USB connection means (not shown). The base 4 may be securely fastened to a fixed surface via retaining screws through dock-to-surface retaining screw holes (not shown); these are inaccessible whilst the base is engaged with the counter (not shown). Whilst the display module 3 is engaged with the base 4 it can still be used as a traditional fixed till and is preferably lockable and cannot be removed without merchant approval, using a key inserted into a key hole (not shown), for security purposes. (r)

Referring in particular to Fig. 3 the information panel 2 is shown removed from the Ne* 15 display module 3. The display module 3 is removably attachable to the bank payment reading means and the first base connecting means 10 by means of display module connecting means 8 on the back of the display module 3. Both the bank C\I card reading means 5 and the display module 3 can be used whether or not they are attached to each other or the base 4.

The information panels are all made from a sufficiently robust material, preferably a polycarbonate to protect from accidental damage or tampering.

The bank payment reading means 5 is removably attached to the base 4 or, alternatively the display module 3. The display module 3 and the bank payment reading means 5 attach to the base 4 and together by means of a mutual sliding tongue and slot mechanism. The tongue (not shown), being a constituent of the first base connecting means 10 and the card reader connecting means (not shown) which is in turn a constituent of the bank card reading means 5 not only allows for easy removal but also permits flexibility in the type and size of the attached bank payment reading means 5. The bank card reading means 5 or the base 4 and the display module 3 attach together by means of the same mutual sliding tongue and slot mechanism. The slot, being a constituent of the display module connecting means and the second base connecting means, not only allows for easy removal but also permits flexibility in the type and size of the attached display module 3. The display module 3 and the bank card reading means 5 are locked in place by the locking means 18, a constituent of the display module connecting means and the second base connecting means.

It will be appreciated that the terin tablet computer 9 can include any computing device which includes a display that is large enough to effectively display products 10 or services in a retail environment and includes suitably adapted notebooks or laptops and the like.

Component List: 1 -Retail Transaction System 2 -Information Panels 3 -Display Module 5 4 -Base -Bank Payment Reading means 6 -Customer facing side 7 -Merchant facing side 8 -Display module Connecting means (r) io 9 -Tablet computer -First base connecting means 11 -Second base connecting means C\I 12 -Interlocking Slot 13 -Hinge 14 -Interlocking Tongue -Recess 16 -Top surface 17 -Not used 18 -Not used 19 -Printer -Not used 21 -Not used 22 -Not used 23 -Not used 24 -Display side of tablet computer

Claims

Claims* 1. A retail transaction system comprising: a display module, a bank payment reading means, a base arranged to be fixed to a payment counter, and including a customer side and a merchant side, and at least one panel for displaying information, characterised in that the panels are removable and replaceable with an alternative panel showing different information.
2.
3.
4.N's* 15
5. C\I
6.
7.
8.

A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one panel is removably affixed to the base.

A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the panels are removably attached to at least one surface of the display module.

A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the base is comprised of enlarged surfaces for attaching the panels.

A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the panels are attachable by detents.

A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the panels are attachable by hook and loop fastener.

A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the panels are attachable by adhesive.

A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the base includes elongated rectangular sections which extend vertically and attach to the display module on the merchant side and the bank payment reading means on the customer side.
9. A retail transaction system according to claim 8, wherein the elongated rectangular sections include angled parts to provide angled surfaces facing the customer or merchant respectively.
10. A retail transaction system according to claim 8, wherein the elongated rectangular sections each form a surface for attaching a respective panel.
11.A retail transaction system according to claim 1 and 4, wherein at least one enlarged surface of the base is angled towards either the merchant or the customer.
12.A retail transaction system according to claim 11, wherein the base is an inverted U shape with sides angled outwards from a top part with the two (r) sides and the top part each having a surface for receiving a panel. Ns.o
13. A retail transaction system according to claim 12, wherein the panel is an inverted U shape with three surfaces con-esponding to the surfaces of the C\I base.
14.A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the display module can alternate between at least two viewing positions, a first position in which it can be viewed by the customer on one side of the counter, and a second position, in which it can be viewed by a merchant on the opposite side of the counter.
15.A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the display module is rotatably movable, between the first and second positions.
16.A retail transaction system according to claim 12, wherein the display module is rotatable by at least 20 degrees.
17. A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the display module is removably attachable to the base, by removable attachment means.
18.A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a display module connecting means which includes a hinge.
19. A retail transaction system according to claim 12 and 15, wherein the hinge includes stops to limit the range of rotation of the display module.
20.A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the bank payment reading means is removably fixed to the base by removable attachment means.(r)
21. A retail transaction system according to claim 1, wherein the display module and the bank payment means are fixable to each other.
22.A retail transaction system according to claim 1, characterised in that the C\I tablet computer is in wireless communication with computer network, which transfers the transaction details and also serves to update product information.