A Method for Creating a Unique Serial Number for a Multi-Device Solution such as a TGCS MxP Self-Checkout

Authors: 
Akshay Kumar Pandit, Manda Miller, Kristen Chung, Ashley Wehr, Albert Bennah

Abstract:
This disclosure proposes a method of creating a unique Serial Number for the many devices that make up a Self Checkout system. This SN could be used to store the warranties and service agreements for the individual components for the completed Self Checkout System.  

Background:
The current process involves manual entry of serial numbers into a spreadsheet at the Tri-Center.
There is a need to ensure accurate warranty data, physical printing, and resource management for large-scale projects.
The process is time-consuming, manual, and not stored in memory.

Description:
A self-checkout solution such as the MxP self-checkout is composed of multiple devices that work together to create a seamless customer experience.  The seamless experience and final self-checkout solution is made up of many devices, that may be TGCS products, third party, or store provided devices.  Each of these devices may have different warranties, be different ages, or require different remote monitoring activities.  Many times each device arrives and is assembled into the final solution on-site.  Meaning where each individual device goes and what store it will ultimately be placed in is uncertain.  This poses problems with ensuring the warranty and proper tracking.   To ensure proper tracking and warranty management, this disclosure provides a method for generating a unique serial number for the completed self-checkout solution at the first boot in the store, whereby this unique serial number encompasses information on the individual devices within the solution. This serial number is then relayed back to PAS, or an equivalent remote monitoring service, and updated in a database.

Currently, individual device serial numbers are stored in a spreadsheet, but there is no information about the final solution and the specific devices used.

Implementation of the creation of a unique system SN:

1.  Identification and Serial Number Generation
   • Each device needs a unique identification and serial number.
   • During the first boot in the store, the system autodetects connected devices. (Auto Detect feature in UPOS Driver and in future TCx Product)
   • A logic is run to identify the serial numbers of all peripherals, and drivers are loaded; Once the devices are loaded, individual device serial numbers are collected to generate a unique serial number for the unit, this could be done on device or on a central enterprise location.
   • A tiny little ESL-like screen is updated with the serial number applied of the unit, based on the HW Components replaced or attached.
   • PAS updates the serial number in the system, activating the warranty.
2. Current Process and Challenges
   • The current process involves manual entry of serial numbers into a spreadsheet.
   • There is a need to ensure accurate warranty data, physical printing, and resource management for large-scale projects.
   • The process is time-consuming, manual, and not stored in memory.
3. Differentiation and Memory Management
   • A method to differentiate customer-furnished equipment from company-provided devices is required.
   • The system should save information about the version, model number, and connected devices to avoid manual identification by the sales team.
4. Software Entitlement Use Case
   • The system should allow users to view all purchased entitlements and switch between modes (e.g., production mode and retail mode).
   • Generate a license file, and PAS sends it back to the system

TGCS Reference 00667