Checkout Medium Wireless Tag Payment Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The semi-self-service-type checkout system faces inefficiencies due to potential congestion at checkout devices and difficulties for shoppers to identify the correct checkout device for processing.

Innovation Solution

A merchandise checkout system that includes a checkout medium with a built-in wireless tag, a registration unit, a checkout unit, and a reporting unit, allowing for efficient transaction processing by storing payment information on the wireless tag and enabling settlement processing without relying on communication with the store server or registration machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple checkout devices are connected to one registration device with store staff designating the destination checkout machine, then the system can process transactions, but congestion occurs at the designated checkout device and it becomes difficult for shoppers to identify the correct checkout device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing capabilityVSAvoidcheckout device identification and accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing shoppers to autonomously select and use any available checkout device without staff intervention. The display unit automatically shows which checkout devices are available and ready for use, eliminating the need for staff to designate specific machines and allowing customers to independently navigate to the correct device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Any checkout device in the system can serve any transaction, making all checkout devices universally interchangeable. The system removes the restriction where only a specific designated checkout device can process a transaction, allowing customers to use any available device in the checkout area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If store staff designates a specific checkout machine for each transaction, then transaction data can be directed to a specific device, but congestion risk increases when customers take long time to checkout

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction data routing controlVSAvoidcheckout throughput efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically assigns checkout devices based on real-time availability rather than fixed pre-assignment. The display unit continuously updates to show which checkout devices are currently available and ready for transactions, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions such as transaction duration and device availability to optimize throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit provides real-time feedback to both staff and customers about the status of each checkout device. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor transaction progress and device availability, enabling dynamic adjustments in transaction routing to prevent congestion and optimize checkout efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces the risk of congestion at checkout devices, improves transaction efficiency, and allows for flexible use of any available checkout machine, enhancing overall operational efficiency in the checkout process.

Implementation Method 1

a checkout medium (2) with a built-in wireless tag (21)... dispenses the checkout medium (2) where payment information for settlement for the merchandise item in the one transaction that is registered is written in the wireless tag (21)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless tag data storage:

Implementation Method 2

The checkout unit (5) reads the payment information from the wireless tag (21) in the checkout medium (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless tag reading:

Data Source

PatentUS20250165948A1Merchandise checkout system, merchandise registration device, and merchandise registration method

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

A merchandise checkout system includes a checkout medium, a registration unit, a checkout unit, and a reporting unit. The checkout medium includes a built-in wireless tag. The registration unit registers a merchandise item in one transaction and dispenses the checkout medium with payment information for settlement for the registered merchandise item in the one transaction written in the wireless tag. The checkout unit reads the payment information from the wireless tag in the checkout medium, performs settlement for the registered merchandise item in the one transaction, and rewrites the payment information to represent a state where there is no unpaid amount if the settlement is complete. The reporting unit gives a report if the payment information in the wireless tag represents a state where there is an unpaid amount when the checkout medium passes therethrough.