Payment Device Guidance System for Retail Checkout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers face difficulties in identifying and accessing available payment devices in retail stores, as they often cannot visually determine which payment methods or product registration methods are supported by the devices, leading to confusion and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that acquires customer information regarding preferred payment methods and product registration methods, and the status of payment devices, to output guidance information directing customers to available payment devices that match their needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If customers visually inspect payment devices to identify available payment methods, then they can determine device capabilities, but this process is time-consuming and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guidance system as an intermediary between customers and payment devices. This system includes display units at each payment device showing available payment methods and registration methods, and a central control unit that receives customer preferences and provides directional guidance. The intermediary translates device capabilities into customer-friendly information, eliminating the need for customers to visually inspect multiple devices and understand their capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having customers input their preferred payment method and product registration method, then providing guidance information that reflects this feedback. The guidance system continuously updates based on customer preferences and device availability, creating a closed-loop information system that reduces search time and confusion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple payment devices are provided with different capabilities, then customer payment options are increased, but customer confusion and difficulty in selection are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing customized information display at each payment device location. Each payment device has a display unit showing specifically its own available payment methods and registration methods, allowing customers to quickly identify suitable devices without examining all devices. The central control unit also provides directional guidance tailored to each customer's preferences, making the system adaptable to individual needs while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments information presentation by dividing it into device-specific displays at each payment location and centralized guidance information. This segmentation allows customers to receive targeted information about specific devices rather than being overwhelmed by information about all devices, thereby maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If customers search for available payment devices without guidance, then they can find a working device, but wait time and inefficiency are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively providing guidance information to customers before they reach payment devices. The central control unit receives customer preferences in advance, checks device availability, and provides directional guidance to the nearest suitable device. This preliminary information provision eliminates the need for customers to search and trial multiple devices, ensuring reliable access to working devices while maximizing processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a memory storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to acquire at least one of information indicating a payment method used by a customer who intends to use a payment device and information indicating a registration method of a product of the customer as customer information, acquire a status of a payment device including at least one of information indicating a payment method available in the payment device and information indicating a registration method of a product available in the payment device and an operation status of the payment device, and output guidance information indicating a payment device conforming to the customer information based on the customer information and the status.