NFC Checkout Terminal With Guided Self-Service Payment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing checkout devices require manual code scanning or alignment of mobile terminals, which reduces efficiency and occupies merchant time.

Innovation Solution

A checkout device with an NFC module, display screen, and scanning apparatus integrated into a housing, providing visual and light guidance for electronic payments, and a base for stable positioning and charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual code scanning or mobile terminal alignment is used for payment, then payment can be completed, but checkout efficiency is reduced and merchant time is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecheckout efficiencyVSAvoidmerchant time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The checkout device enables self-service payment by automatically displaying payment information and guiding users through the payment process without requiring merchant intervention. The display screen shows payment codes and guidance instructions, allowing customers to complete payments independently using their mobile devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (code scanning, terminal alignment) with an automated display system. The display screen electronically presents payment information and guidance, eliminating the need for physical code scanning operations and reducing the time merchants spend on manual payment processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If NFC module is integrated into the housing, then electronic payment is enabled, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronic payment capabilityVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC module is integrated into the housing structure, merging the payment functionality with the device body. This integration allows the NFC module to work seamlessly with mobile devices for contactless payments while maintaining a unified device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the NFC module for electronic payments, and displays payment information through the display screen. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances payment efficiency by allowing convenient electronic payments without merchant intervention, improving consumer experience and reducing time spent on transactions.

Implementation Method 1

an indicator light, the indicator light forms a ring, and light emitted by the indicator light surrounds the NFC module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component attract and secure each other magnetically

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4621747A1Cash registration device, cash registration assembly, and cash registration method
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 SHANGHAI ANT CHUANGJIANG INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4621747A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4621747A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4621747A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Implementations of this application provide a checkout device, a checkout assembly, and a checkout method. The checkout device includes a housing, a display screen, and an NFC module. The display screen is fastened to the housing, and is configured to display a to-be-paid amount of a product and/or payment method guidance and/or a payment result. The NFC module is located in a space enclosed by the housing, to be in close proximity to an electronic device to make an electronic payment. Compared with code scanning payment, disposition of the NFC module makes it more convenient to make a payment, and improves payment efficiency. The display screen displays the payment method guidance, to direct a consumer to quickly make an electronic payment, so as to improve payment efficiency. The display screen displays the to-be-paid amount of the product and the payment result. The consumer does not need to consult a merchant about the to-be-paid amount and whether the payment is completed. This frees the merchant, improves payment efficiency, and improves consumer experience.