POINT OF SALE DEVICES

Point of sale devices are disclosed. A register point-of-sale system may include: a register base; a customer screen that is removeable received by the register base; a merchant screen adjustably mounted on the register base; and a card reader integrated into the customer screen. A mobile payment terminal system may include: a mobile payment terminal comprising a wireless card reader, magnetic stripe reader, slot that receives a chip card, a screen, and an integrated receipt printer; and a dock that removably receives the mobile payment terminal. A mobile card reader system may include a cylindrical mobile card reader comprising a screen, a wireless card reader, a magnetic stripe reader, a slot that receives a chip card, and a plurality of base slots that receive a plurality of base latches; and a cylindrical base with an angled end and latches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to point of sale devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many point-of-sale devices are unable to be customizable to be used in variable locations and environments for conducting transactions. And mobile point of sale devices tend to be clumsy and easy to misplace.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Point of sale devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a register point-of-sale system may include: a register base; a customer screen that is removeable received by the register base; a merchant screen mounted on the register base; and a card reader integrated into the customer screen. The merchant screen is mounted such that it has an adjustable viewing angle.

In one embodiment, the merchant screen comprises an image capture device at a lower portion thereof, wherein the image capture device is positioned to scan an active area below the merchant screen. In one embodiment, the active area may be bounded by the register base.

In one embodiment, the card reader may include one or more of a wireless card reader, a magnetic stripe reader, and a slot that receives a chip card.

According to another embodiment, a mobile payment terminal system may include: a mobile payment terminal comprising a wireless card reader, magnetic stripe reader, slot that receives a chip card, a screen, and an integrated receipt printer; and a dock that removably receives the mobile payment terminal.

In one embodiment, the integrated receipt printer may be a thermal printer.

In one embodiment, the dock may also include a latch that locks the mobile payment terminal to the dock or allows the mobile payment terminal to be removed from the dock.

In one embodiment, the dock charges a battery in the mobile payment terminal when the mobile payment terminal is docked on the dock.

In one embodiment, the dock further also includes a slot for receiving a securing device.

In one embodiment, the mobile payment terminal system may also include a bumper that is removably received by the mobile payment terminal and protects the mobile payment terminal from damage.

According to another embodiment, a cylindrical mobile card reader system may include a cylindrical mobile card reader comprising a screen, a wireless card reader, a magnetic stripe reader, a slot that receives a chip card, and a plurality of base slots that receive a plurality of base latches; and a cylindrical base comprising a first end, a second end, and the plurality of latches on the first end, wherein the first end is angled relative to the second end.

In one embodiment, the screen may include a touch screen.

In one embodiment, the screen is customizable.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical mobile card reader is wearable with a lanyard.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical mobile card reader is removably received by the cylindrical base.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical base charges the cylindrical mobile card reader when the cylindrical mobile card reader is received by the cylindrical base.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical base further comprises a slot for receiving a securing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments are generally directed to mobile point of sale device. For instance, point of sale devices may be customizable for variations in operating conditions, connectivity, and payment methods.

FIGS.1-4depict a register point of sale system, according to aspects of the present disclosure. For instance, the register includes a base member, a merchant display screen, and a customer display screen. It should be noted that these entities are exemplary only; additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be provided as is necessary and/or desired.

In one embodiment, the merchant display screen is attached to the register at a hinge or otherwise variable position device that provides a user configurable position of the merchant display screen. In some embodiments, the customer display screen may be detachable from the register. In this configuration, the customer display screen may include a communication interface that may communicate with the register.

In embodiments, the register point of sale system may include a camera or an optical capture device that may read machine-readable codes, such as QR codes, bar codes, etc. An active area may be provided in which such codes may be read.

FIG.5depicts a mobile payment terminal, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG.6depicts a mobile payment terminal in a dock, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The cradle may include charging and/or connection points that the mobile terminal may use for communication. In other embodiments, the mobile terminal may communicate wirelessly with the mount when in a disconnected or detached mode of operation.

The dock may include a switch (not shown). Setting the dock switch to an unlocked position fully retracts a latching mechanism and enables a quick grab-to-go mobile use case while still charging the mobile payment terminal. Setting the dock switch to the locked position, however, latches the mobile payment device and prevents it from being removed for a stable stationary use case.

While the latches are locked, a Kensington lock or similar may be hooked onto the dock for enhanced security.

The mobile payment device may include a printer that may print receipts. Any suitable printers may be included, including thermal printers.

FIG.7depicts a bumper for a mobile payment terminal, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The mobile payment terminal may be inserted into the bumper. The bumper may protect the mobile payment terminal from damage, scratches, etc.

FIG.8depicts the mobile payment terminal inserted into the bumper.

FIG.9depicts a depicts a perspective of a tablet stand, according to aspects of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the tablet stand may have a base member and includes flat panel to which a tablet or similar device may be attached and retained. The tablet stand further provides a user configurable position of the tablet stand. The tablet stand may be authenticated for a specific tablet or may permission a set of tablets as desired. The articulation of the tablet on the tablet stand is depicted inFIGS.10and11.

FIG.12depicts a mobile card reader according to embodiments. The mobile card reader may have a cylindrical shape, and may have connectors, a wireless card reader, and one or more card slots. The mobile card reader may be a stand-alone device, or it may function as a card reader for a point of sale terminal. The wireless card reader may interface with a wireless-enabled transaction card (e.g., credit, debit, stored value, etc.) or mobile electronic device (e.g., smartphone, smart watch, payment token, etc.) using, for example, NFC, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or any other suitable protocol.

The card slot may receive a transaction card (not shown) and may read a magnetic stripe on the transaction card or may interface with an EMV-enabled chip on the transaction card.

FIG.13depicts a block diagram of the mobile card reader ofFIG.12, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The mobile card reader may include one or more computer processors, which may be a general-purpose computer processor or a specialized computer processor. It may further include a magnetic stripe or EMV chip reader, wireless networking, a power source, a memory, and a display.

The wireless networking may provide WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, etc. connection to another device, such as a point-of-sale terminal, a host, etc.

The power source may include any suitable power source, including rechargeable batteries. In one embodiment, a charging interface (not shown) may facilitate wired charging, wireless charging, etc.

The memory may be a secure memory that may store, for example, payment application, keys, etc.

The display may be any suitable display, including LCD displays.

FIG.14depicts another perspective view of the mobile card reader, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS.15and16depict views of the mobile card reader and a mounting block, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG.17depicts different methods for transferring card data to a card reader, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG.18depicts a mobile card reader with a lanyard, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG.19depicts a break-away view of a mobile card reader and a mounting block, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Although several embodiments have been disclosed, it should be recognized that these embodiments are not exclusive to each other, and features from one embodiment may be used with others.

Hereinafter, general aspects of implementation of the systems and methods of embodiments will be described.

In one embodiment, the processing machine may be a cloud-based processing machine, a physical processing machine, or combinations thereof.

As noted above, the processing machine used to implement embodiments may be a general-purpose computer. However, the processing machine described above may also utilize any of a wide variety of other technologies including a special purpose computer, a computer system including, for example, a microcomputer, mini-computer or mainframe, a programmed microprocessor, a micro-controller, a peripheral integrated circuit element, a CSIC (Customer Specific Integrated Circuit) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other integrated circuit, a logic circuit, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic device such as a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), PLA (Programmable Logic Array), or PAL (Programmable Array Logic), or any other device or arrangement of devices that is capable of implementing the steps of the processes disclosed herein.

The processing machine used to implement embodiments may utilize a suitable operating system.

To explain further, processing, as described above, is performed by various components and various memories. However, it is appreciated that the processing performed by two distinct components as described above, in accordance with a further embodiment, may be performed by a single component. Further, the processing performed by one distinct component as described above may be performed by two distinct components.

In a similar manner, the memory storage performed by two distinct memory portions as described above, in accordance with a further embodiment, may be performed by a single memory portion. Further, the memory storage performed by one distinct memory portion as described above may be performed by two memory portions.

Any suitable programming language may be used in accordance with the various embodiments. Also, the instructions and/or data used in the practice of embodiments may utilize any compression or encryption technique or algorithm, as may be desired. An encryption module might be used to encrypt data. Further, files or other data may be decrypted using a suitable decryption module, for example.

It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that embodiments are susceptible to broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope.