Arrangement of an NFC module on a cash register system

Abstract

Arrangement of an NFC module (22) on a self-service terminal, characterized in that the NFC module (22) is arranged inside a display device (10) at any desired location behind its frame (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement of an NFC module on an attended or self-service checkout system, so-called SB terminals.

[0002] NFC (Near Field Communication) is a technology that enables contactless data transmission over short distances, typically a few centimeters.

[0003] Cash register systems are often equipped with NFC modules, both for cashless payment and for controlling the cash register system.

[0004] NFC modules are used in self-service terminals for operator login, and also for restarting the system after malfunctions. Customers can also be asked to enter information via NFC card, smartphone, or smartwatch for identification purposes: using a customer card or ID card. If alcohol or tobacco products are detected during a sale to minors, the operator can reactivate the system after verifying the customer's identity.

[0005] Self-checkout terminals, which integrate all necessary components, including an NFC module, into a single housing, are already available. However, a customized design of the self-checkout area, tailored to the specific needs of the store operator and the available space, is often required. This is only possible to a limited extent with an integrated self-checkout terminal.

[0006] Currently, in individually designed modular self-checkout terminals, NFC-enabled devices are housed in a separate enclosure, for example, in payment terminals for cashless payments but also for triggering special functions. This makes the self-checkout terminal cluttered and complicates user navigation.

[0007] The object of the invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0009] In the arrangement according to the invention, an NFC module is positioned at any desired location inside a self-service terminal within a display unit, behind its frame. This is possible because conventional display units do not have any components located in this area. This allows the NFC module to be positioned according to the department store operator's requirements and enables optimal ergonomic design of the space.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which the viewing device has a metal frame, the areas of the frame behind which the NFC module is to be arranged or is to be arranged are cut out, and the cutouts are covered by a plastic insert. This enables the reliable operation of the NFC module even when the frame is made of metal.

[0011] The position of the NFC module is indicated by a marker on the frame of the viewing device or on its screen. Advantageously, the position of the NFC module is indicated on the screen by a marker pointing to it and / or by a textual message.

[0012] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, explains the invention using an exemplary embodiment. It shows Fig. 1. A viewing device whose frame is partially covered with plastic inserts, in front view. Fig. 2 the viewing device Fig. 1 in a block diagram showing an electrical connection between an NFC module and the computer of a cash register system.

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 shows a viewing device 10 with a metal frame 12 in a front view. The frame 12 has cutouts that are not visible. The cutouts are closed with plastic inserts 14. The cutouts are located in the left side leg 16, in the right side leg 18 and / or in the lower leg 20 of the frame 12, but can in principle be arranged in any number and position.

[0014] In the frame 12, behind at least one plastic insert 14, there is an NFC module 22 (not shown) Fig. 2) installed such that its sensor is located close behind the plastic insert 14. The insert 14 is made of a plastic because this material can be easily penetrated by the electrical field of an NFC-enabled data carrier.

[0015] The position of at least one NFC module 22 is indicated by a marking (not shown), for example, a dot on the frame 12 of the viewing device 10 or on its screen 24. The position can also be indicated by a marking 26 pointing to it and / or by a textual indication 28 on the screen 24.

[0016] Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an electrical connection of the NFC module 22 to a computer 30 of a cash register system in a manner known per se. The display device is again designated by 10. This comprises the screen 24 and a screen controller 32, which is connected to the computer 30 by means of a first interface connection 34, preferably a USB interface.

[0017] An interface converter 36 is arranged on the screen controller 32, which converts the serial interface of the NFC module 22 into a second interface connection 38, preferably a USB interface. This also leads to the computer 30. Reference symbol list 10 viewing device 12 frames 14 plastic insert 16 right lateral thigh of 12 18 left lateral thigh of 12 20 lower thigh of 12 22 NFC modules 24-inch screen 26 Marking 28 textual note 30 computers 32-inch screen control 34 first interface 36 interface converters 38 second interface

Claims

[1] Arrangement of an NFC module (22) at a self-service terminal, characterized by , that the NFC module (22) is located inside a viewing device (10) at any point behind its frame (12). [2] Arrangement according to claim 1 with a metal frame (12) in which the areas of the frame (12) behind which the NFC module (22) is to be arranged or is arranged are cut out and the cutouts are each covered by a plastic insert (14). [3] Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the respective position of the NFC module (22) is indicated by a marking on the frame (12) of the viewing device (10) or on its screen (24). [4] Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the position on the screen (24) is indicated by a marking (26) pointing to it and / or by a textual indication (28). [5] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a serial interface of the NFC module is converted into a second interface (38), preferably a USB interface. [6] Arrangement according to claim 5, the serial interface of which on the screen electronics (32) of the display device (10) is converted into the second interface (38), preferably a USB interface, and can be connected to the computer (30) of the cash register system with a cable.

Images