Walk-Through Payment System Using Segmented User Tracking and Service Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In walk-through payment systems, especially in convenience stores, users cannot accurately track services used with cameras, leading to difficulties in charging for services like multifunction machine operations, as cameras cannot determine the type of service utilized.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that acquires user information via QR codes, detects user positions using cameras, and transmits this information to connected multifunction machines to charge users based on their service usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera-based walk-through payment system is used to track users, then user convenience is improved, but the ability to accurately identify and charge for specific services used is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments user tracking and service identification into two parts: camera-based walk-through tracking for entry/exit detection, and apparatus-based operation detection for service identification. This allows the camera to handle user convenience while the apparatus handles accurate service tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the camera system and the charging system. It receives operation information from the apparatus and user information from the camera, then integrates these to enable accurate service-based charging without requiring users to manually identify services.
2Measurement precision
If manual service identification is required for charging, then accurate service-based charging is achieved, but user convenience is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service charging by automatically detecting apparatus operations and matching them with user information. Users don't need to manually identify services; the system automatically detects what services were used and charges accordingly, achieving both accuracy and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring apparatus operations and automatically updating charging information based on detected service usage. This automatic feedback loop ensures accurate service-based charging without requiring user intervention.
3Measurement precision
If the camera tracks user position, then user movement is monitored, but the type of service used cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments detection functions between camera and apparatus: the camera detects user position and presence, while the apparatus detects service operations. This division allows each component to excel at its specific function while the integrated system recovers complete information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges camera-based user tracking with apparatus-based operation detection to create a complete charging system. By combining these two information sources, the system recovers both user position data and service type information that neither component could obtain alone.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to acquire user information that is information for identifying a user who has entered a facility, detect a position of the user in the facility, transmit the user information to an apparatus that is installed in the facility in a case in which it is detected that the user is present at a position where the apparatus is operable, receive operation information, which is information of an operation of the user, from the apparatus, and charge the user according to the operation information.