Checkout Registration Apparatus for Payment Method Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing checkout systems, selecting a payment apparatus based on the payment method is inefficient, leading to variations in processing time and effort, particularly between cash and electronic payments.

Innovation Solution

A registration apparatus that includes a storage device, input device, and controller to manage payment apparatuses, allowing it to specify a payment apparatus based on the desired payment method, generate payment information, and deliver it to the selected payment apparatus, optimizing the selection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a clerk manually selects a payment apparatus from multiple options, then the system can handle various payment methods, but the selection process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment method flexibilityVSAvoidselection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically selects and assigns payment apparatuses based on payment method without requiring manual intervention from clerks. The registration apparatus autonomously determines which payment apparatus should handle the transaction based on pre-configured rules and payment method characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Payment apparatuses are pre-categorized and configured with specific payment method capabilities before transactions occur. The system maintains advance information about which apparatuses handle cash, electronic payments, or both, enabling automatic selection without real-time manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If different payment apparatuses are used for different payment methods, then processing efficiency can be optimized, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The payment apparatuses are segmented into distinct groups based on their payment method capabilities (cash-only, electronic payment-only, or both). This segmentation allows the system to automatically route transactions to appropriate apparatuses while maintaining manageable organization through clear categorization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The registration apparatus serves as a universal interface that can handle multiple payment methods and automatically manages the selection process. It provides a unified control mechanism that simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic for payment apparatus selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cash payment is processed, then traditional payment method is supported, but processing time is longer compared to electronic payment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment method supportVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the selected payment method. When electronic payment is chosen, the system automatically selects an appropriate electronic payment apparatus and initiates the faster electronic transaction process. When cash payment is selected, it routes to the appropriate cash handling apparatus, allowing the system to optimize processing time based on the actual transaction type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12412207B2Registration apparatus and control method

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a registration apparatus includes a storage device that stores management information of a plurality of payment apparatuses. The registration apparatus selects a payment apparatus that performs payment processing for a purchased commodity from payment apparatuses corresponding to a designated payment method on the basis of the management information of the plurality of payment apparatuses, the management information being stored in the storage device.