Checkout Device with Inclined Display and NFC Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing checkout devices require merchants or users to manually align code scanners or mobile terminals, leading to inefficiencies in the payment process, which reduces checkout speed and merchant productivity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a checkout device with a near-field communication (NFC) module and an inclined display screen, allowing for convenient electronic payments without the need for manual alignment, and providing payment method guidance and results on the display screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If code scanning payment is used, then payment can be completed, but manual alignment is required which reduces checkout efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecheckout efficiencyVSAvoidmanual alignment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical alignment process of code scanning with a contactless NFC (Near Field Communication) system. Instead of requiring manual alignment of scanners and codes, the NFC module enables automatic communication when devices are brought into proximity, eliminating the mechanical alignment step and improving checkout efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an NFC module as an intermediary communication mechanism between the checkout device and electronic devices. This intermediary enables automatic data exchange and payment processing without requiring direct line-of-sight alignment or manual positioning, thus resolving the contradiction between payment completion and operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If merchant holds code scanner to scan payment code, then payment can be completed, but merchant time is consumed which reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemerchant productivityVSAvoidmerchant time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service payment by allowing consumers to initiate and complete payments using their own electronic devices with NFC capability. The checkout device's NFC module automatically detects and communicates with the consumer's device, eliminating the need for merchant intervention in the scanning process and reducing merchant time consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual code scanning process (requiring merchant action) with automatic NFC communication. The system automatically establishes communication channels and processes payments without merchant physical intervention, thereby reducing merchant time loss and improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If display screen shows payment information, then consumer experience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumer experienceVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the checkout device including NFC payment processing, display screen for information presentation, and speaker for audio feedback. These components work together as a unified system where the display screen provides visual confirmation of payment status, improving consumer experience without proportionally increasing complexity through integrated design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12333522B1Checkout devices

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 SHANGHAI ANT CHUANGJIANG INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

Implementations of this application provide a checkout device, including a housing, a display screen, and a near-field communication (NFC) module. The housing includes a support portion for support of the housing on a countertop. The display screen is fastened to the housing, and when the checkout device is used, the display screen faces a consumer. The NFC module is located in space enclosed by the housing, and located to permit an electronic device to make an electronic payment.