Self-Service Payment Device with Shielded RFID Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-service payment systems, such as vending machines, are limited in their ability to handle various payment methods and selections, leading to inefficiencies and long wait times for customers, especially in busy retail environments where cashiers are burdened with tedious tasks and high labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-service payment device with a payment box that forms an electromagnetic shielding space using a removable metal cover, equipped with an RFID reading unit and controller, allowing for quick and accurate reading of RFID tags on merchandise, and optionally featuring a lift table and user input mechanisms for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a removable metal cover is used to form electromagnetic shielding space, then RFID reading accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The payment box is divided into separable components including a removable cover, payment platform, and RFID reading unit. This segmentation allows the electromagnetic shielding space to be formed only when needed (when cover is closed), reducing complexity during operation while maintaining reading accuracy when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions between open and closed states dynamically. When closed, it forms electromagnetic shielding space for accurate RFID reading. When open, the shielding is removed, allowing customer access. This dynamic state change enables the system to maintain high measurement precision only when necessary, reducing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If RFID reading unit is integrated into the payment box, then payment processing speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID reading unit is integrated with the payment platform and cover structure, merging multiple functions into a unified system. The cover itself becomes part of the electromagnetic shielding structure, and the RFID antenna is embedded in the payment box, creating a compact integrated unit that speeds up payment processing while managing complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service payment by automatically detecting RFID tags when the cover is closed, eliminating the need for manual cashier intervention. The RFID reading unit autonomously identifies merchandise and triggers payment processing, significantly improving productivity while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
3Reliability
If the payment box is closed to form electromagnetic shielding space, then RFID signal interference is reduced, but user accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover alternates between open and closed states in periodic cycles. During closed state, electromagnetic shielding ensures reliable RFID reading. During open state, users can access and place items on the payment platform. This periodic action between shielding and accessibility resolves the contradiction by providing both functions at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to be dynamically movable between open and closed positions, allowing users to easily access the payment box while maintaining electromagnetic shielding when closed. The lightweight removable cover design ensures that closing the box for reliable RFID reading does not significantly impede user accessibility.
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
Enables fast, accurate, and user-friendly payment processing by isolating RFID signals within the payment box, reducing wait times and labor costs, while allowing for multiple payment methods and improved user experience through efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
because the removable cover plate and the payment box are made of metal, the closed space forms electromagnetic shielding space
Implementation Method 2
the RFID reader reads an RFID tag of the merchandise to be paid by using the RFID antenna
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification describes to a self-service payment device and a control method thereof. One example method includes determining that a removable cover plate is in a first state, wherein the removable cover plate and a payment box form an enclosed space when the removable cover plate is in the first state, and the top of the payment box is open when the removable cover plate is in a second state; reading, using at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna fastened to at least one inner wall of the payment box, at least one RFID tag, wherein each RFID tag is associated with a merchandise to be paid inside the payment box; and providing payment information based on the at least one RFID tag.