Checkout System Single User Code Input for Consecutive Transactions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional checkout systems require repeated input of a user code for each transaction when processing consecutive transactions with service applications, making the process cumbersome for operators.

Innovation Solution

A checkout system with a merchandise registration apparatus and a payment apparatus that allows input of multiple transactions and a user code once, generating payment information for each transaction and applying the user code during payment processing without requiring additional input, utilizing a CPU-controlled process to manage the transaction and service application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional checkout systems process each transaction individually and consecutively, then each transaction can be processed separately, but the user code must be repeatedly provided for each transaction making the process troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime for repeated user code input

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple consecutive transactions into a single batch processing operation. The determination unit identifies that multiple transactions are being performed by the same customer, and the acquisition unit acquires the user code only once for all transactions. This merging eliminates the need for repeated user code input while still processing each transaction individually for payment generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary determination of whether multiple consecutive transactions are being performed by the same customer before the transactions are fully processed. By acquiring the user code in advance for all identified transactions rather than waiting for each individual transaction, the system prepares the necessary information beforehand, eliminating repeated input requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the checkout system processes multiple transactions consecutively with service application, then each transaction receives proper service processing, but the operator must repeatedly input the user code increasing operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice application accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the user code acquisition operation across multiple transactions. Instead of acquiring the user code separately for each transaction, the system performs a single acquisition operation that serves all consecutive transactions identified as belonging to the same customer. This reduces operational complexity while maintaining reliable service application through individual payment information generation for each transaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system copies the acquired user code to multiple payment information records, one for each transaction in the consecutive sequence. This allows the single user code input to be applied across multiple transactions without requiring repeated input, while still generating distinct payment information for each transaction to ensure accurate service application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If conventional systems require user code input for each transaction, then each transaction can be processed independently, but the overall processing time increases due to repeated input requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing throughputVSAvoidtime for repeated user code input

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of multiple consecutive transactions and acquires the user code in advance before processing all transactions. This preliminary action eliminates the time spent on repeated user code input during transaction processing, thereby increasing overall productivity while maintaining independent processing of each transaction's payment information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the user code acquisition step across multiple transactions into a single operation. By merging this repetitive input requirement into one acquisition event that serves all consecutive transactions, the system reduces the total time required for transaction processing and increases throughput without compromising the independent processing capability of each transaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11301829B2Checkout system and method

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

A checkout system includes at least one input apparatus and at least one controller. The input apparatus receives an input indicating that a plurality of transactions are consecutively performed by a single customer. The input apparatus receives input of merchandise information for the plurality of transactions. The input apparatus also receives an input of a user code corresponding to a service. The at least one controller generates payment information indicating a total amount to be paid for each transaction of the plurality of transactions based on the input merchandise information. The user code is applied in connection with payment processing for each of the plurality of transactions without requiring the user code to be input more than once. Payment processing is performed with respect to each of the plurality of transactions based on the corresponding payment information, in accordance with a payment operation of the single customer.