Self-Service Checkout Terminal Biometric Age Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-service checkout terminals face challenges in automating age verification for restricted products, as existing methods can be easily manipulated and lack legal acceptance, leading to errors and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that reads identity card information, performs facial recognition, and checks for the authenticity of the card owner using depth information and neural networks to ensure accurate age verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated age verification using algorithms is implemented, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to easy manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an identity card as an intermediary object between the customer and the verification system. The card contains machine-readable data and biometric information that serves as a trusted mediator, allowing automated verification without direct algorithmic estimation that can be manipulated. The card acts as a physical token that links the customer's identity to verifiable data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and verifies digital copies of biometric data (facial features, iris patterns) stored on the identity card. By comparing live biometric captures with stored copies on the card, the system achieves reliable automated verification. This copying approach allows multiple verifications without degrading the original biometric template, enabling high-speed automated checks while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If manual age verification by employee is performed, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables customers to perform their own age verification by presenting their identity card at the checkout terminal. The terminal automatically reads the card data and performs biometric verification without requiring employee intervention. This self-service approach maintains reliability through automated biometric checking while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating the need for staffed verification queues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual employee verification with an automated electronic system. Instead of employees visually inspecting ID cards and making judgment calls, the system uses optical sensors, barcode scanners, and biometric cameras to automatically read and verify data. This substitution eliminates human error and variability while increasing verification speed.
3Reliability
If identity card presentation is required, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The biometric data is captured and stored on the identity card in advance, during the card issuance process. This preliminary action means that during checkout, the system only needs to read and compare data rather than perform complex real-time biometric analysis from scratch. The pre-prepared digital templates on the card enable rapid verification, reducing the operational burden on customers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple verification functions into a single integrated terminal that can read machine-readable codes, capture biometric images, and perform verification algorithms simultaneously. The identity card itself combines multiple identification elements (photo, biometric data, machine-readable zone) into one object. This merging allows the customer to complete verification with a single action - presenting the card - rather than multiple separate steps.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with various embodiments, a self-service checkout terminal can comprise: a capture device having at least one sensor, wherein the capture device is configured: to capture first biometric data with reference to a person at the self-service checkout terminal; to capture second biometric data with reference to an official identity certificate if the identity certificate is presented to the capture device; to capture a product identifier of a product if the product is presented to the capture device; a control device configured for: firstly determining a sales restriction to which the product is subject, on the basis of the product identifier; comparing the first biometric data with the second biometric data; secondly determining whether the person satisfies a criterion of the sales restriction on the basis of a result of the comparing and on the basis of the second biometric data.