Payment Terminal Switching Between Touch Input and NFC Reading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-contact card readers for security systems suffer from reduced reading accuracy and input operation detection accuracy when reading non-contact IC cards and other types of cards.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a first reader for non-contact communication, a second reader for contact communication, and a touch panel for input detection, controlled by a CPU to manage the ON/OFF states based on card position detection, preventing interference and maintaining accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the non-contact reader and touch panel operate simultaneously, then the device can handle multiple input methods, but reading accuracy of non-contact IC cards and input detection accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-input capabilityVSAvoidreading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches the operational state of the non-contact reader and touch panel based on detected card types. When a contact card is detected, the non-contact reader is deactivated; when a non-contact card is detected, the touch panel is deactivated. This dynamic configuration maintains high accuracy for the active input method while preserving multi-input versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device periodically detects the presence and type of cards in the reading area, and accordingly periodically switches the operational state of the non-contact reader and touch panel. This periodic monitoring and switching ensures that the system adapts to changing input conditions while maintaining optimal accuracy for the current active input method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the non-contact reader operates during contact card reading, then non-contact card reading function is maintained, but electrical detection accuracy of input operations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-reading functionVSAvoidinput detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically deactivates the non-contact reader when a contact card is detected in the reading area, eliminating electromagnetic interference with the touch panel. This dynamic switching ensures that input detection accuracy is maintained while preserving the dual-reading capability through selective activation based on detected card types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the touch panel operates during non-contact card reading, then electrical input detection is available, but non-contact card reading accuracy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-input availabilityVSAvoidnon-contact reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically deactivates the touch panel when a non-contact card is detected in the reading area, preventing electrical interference from affecting non-contact card reading accuracy. This dynamic configuration maintains high reading accuracy while preserving multi-input availability through selective activation based on detected card types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Prevents deterioration in reading accuracy and input detection accuracy by managing device states to avoid interference, ensuring precise data retrieval from both non-contact IC cards and other card types.

Implementation Method 1

a first reader (14) having a first reading function that electrically reads first information stored in a non-contact IC card (C3) in a non-contact manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second reader (16, 17) having a second reading function that electrically or magnetically reads second information stored in a contact IC card (C2) or a magnetic card (C1) in contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

a touch panel (12) having an input detection function that electrically detects contact or proximity of a finger or the like as an input operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12632682B2Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A payment terminal is provided, which is a composite terminal capable of selecting a plurality of payment methods. The payment terminal includes a touch panel that electrically detects a contact or a proximity of an object as an input detection function, and an antenna for non-contact communication with a communication medium storing information for non-contact payment. The antenna is arranged around the touch panel, and outputs radio waves for the non-contact communication by receiving a power supply. When the non-contact payment is selected, the payment terminal turns ON the power supply to the antenna and turns OFF the input detection function of the touch panel. When the non-contact payment is completed, the payment terminal turns OFF the power supply to the antenna and turns ON the input detection function of the touch panel.