Unmanned Checkout Device Biometric Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional unmanned store systems face limitations in operating efficiently in environments where multiple product purchases are common, requiring significant employee intervention and lacking seamless authentication and payment processes.

Innovation Solution

An unmanned store system incorporating authentication devices for user biometric data, gate control apparatus for access management, and unmanned checkout devices that authenticate and pay for products, with specific categories requiring manager intervention through a manager terminal, utilizing scanners for product identification and authentication codes to manage payable states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an unmanned store system is implemented, then employee intervention is reduced and operational efficiency is improved, but the system becomes complex and requires multiple authentication devices and servers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides functionality into separate modules: authentication device for biometric verification, gate control apparatus for access management, and unmanned checkout device for payment processing. Each component handles a specific task, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Servers act as intermediaries between authentication devices, gate control apparatus, and checkout devices. The first server handles authentication data while the second server manages payment information, mediating communications and reducing direct system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If biometric authentication is used for entry and payment, then user convenience is improved and personnel costs are reduced, but security requirements increase and system reliability must be higher

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Users perform authentication and payment themselves using biometric data from their body parts (fingerprint, iris, face). The system automatically verifies identity and processes payment without employee intervention, enhancing convenience while maintaining security through reliable biometric verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

User biometric data is collected and stored in advance in the system database. When users enter or make purchases, the system quickly compares current biometric data against stored data, enabling fast authentication while ensuring high reliability through pre-verified identity information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple product categories are managed with different payment states, then product control flexibility is improved, but the checkout process becomes more complex and requires manager intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct control flexibilityVSAvoidcheckout process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different product categories are assigned different payment states (payable or unpayable) based on local requirements. The system applies specific rules to specific product types, allowing flexible control of certain items while maintaining simple automatic checkout for standard items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The payment state of product categories can be dynamically changed from unpayable to payable when authentication codes are obtained. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing control requirements without redesigning the entire checkout process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If authentication codes are reissued periodically, then security is improved and unauthorized access is prevented, but system operations become more complex and require periodic updates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Authentication codes are reissued at predetermined intervals to maintain security. This periodic renewal prevents unauthorized access while the automated system management minimizes operational complexity in handling code updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages authentication code lifecycle including issuance, validation, and periodic reissuance. Management servers monitor and coordinate code updates, providing feedback mechanisms that maintain security without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10937028B2Store system, method of controlling the store system, computer program for executing the method, and checkout device

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 KOREA SEVEN CO LTD

AI summary

A store system includes an authentication device configured to obtain personal information from a part of a body of a user, transmit the personal information to a first server, and receive authentication of the personal information from the first server; a gate control apparatus configured to open a gate so that the user may enter or exit a store, when the authentication device receives the authentication; and a checkout device configured to obtain personal information from a part of a body of the user, transmit the personal information to a second server, and pay a product price when receiving authentication of the personal information from the second server.