Authors:
Jessica Snead, Suzanne Griep, Sean Hebert, Gerald Hintermeister, Natalia Kechedzhieva, Linda Newton, Donna Roberts, Matthew Slessman
Abstract:
This disclosure proposes a keyboard with illuminated guidance that helps managers and cashiers know how to input certain key sequences. Using existing tech for customizable, dynamic keyboards, the applied POS keyboard can illuminate the expected keys with colors, sequence flow, and highlights, based on known POS logic and error analysis of the transaction state and recent activity.
Background:
Retailers that use POS keyboards for cashier input often require complicated key sequences to input actions (such as non-sales actions, various overrides). For procedural assistance, users must refer to a user guide, ask a peer or manager for help, or fumble through via trial and error. While frustrating, this can also lead to transaction delays and reduce customer satisfaction.
Description:
A keyboard with illuminated guidance that could help managers and cashiers know how to input POS key sequences. Using existing tech for customizable, dynamic keyboards, the applied POS keyboard can illuminate the expected keys with colors, sequence flow, and highlights, based on known POS logic and error analysis of the transaction state and recent activity.
For example:
Illuminated guidance for a mandatory next action:
1.) Cashier is scanning items on a POS system that has a POS Keyboard.
2.) The transaction reaches a point where the cashier needs to enter a key sequence that is a mandatory state-based action (such as a store pickup), but they cannot remember the key sequence).
3.) Instead of the cashier having to remember the key sequence or ask for help, the keyboard keys light up and direct them through the key sequence. The illumination could occur a single key at a time for the next immediate click or could be numbered for the full sequence.
Illuminated guidance to help with mistakes:
1.) Store manager is scanning items on a POS system that has a POS Keyboard.
2.) The manager is at a point where they are trying to do a weighted-item tare override and continue with wrong input for the needed key sequence.
3.) As the manager attempts error key sequences, the POS system "learns" the mistakes by keeping track of the error displayed, the POS state, and the attempted key sequences.
4.) Based on the error, POS state, and keys attempted, the POS system determines the most-likely attempted action, then suggests the correct key sequence by illuminating the keys. The illumination could occur a single key at a time for the next immediate click or could be numbered for the full sequence.
Enabling Technology:
Customizable, Dynamic keyboards (such as https://www.nemeio.com)
TGCS Reference 2382
