System for programming payments with digital currency during the identification process of goods and services

Abstract

The invention relates to methods of payment for goods and services. At the first phase of the life cycle, a unique code is generated and applied to the product or to a corresponding document for the service. Each such tracking code is linked to a unified database of goods and services containing parameter data from the initial phase. When a buyer wishes to purchase a product or pay for a service, they scan the unique code using a customer device, which automatically triggers signals to the remote server to retrieve product / service parameters. A corresponding payment signal is then sent to the seller's device, reflecting the increased monetary parameter matching the transaction. The achieved technical effect is the ability to fully control and monitor all payments, ensuring that the total volume of transactions corresponds strictly to the registered volume of goods and services.

Description

[0001] System for Programming Payments with Digital Currency During the Identification Process of Goods and Services

[0002] Field of Technology to Which the Invention Pertains

[0003] The present invention relates to methods of paying for goods and services, whereby the life cycle of goods and services is divided into stages. In the first stage of the life cycle, a unique code is generated, which is affixed to the product or labeled on the corresponding document for the service. Each such unique tracking code is entered into a unified database of all goods and services data, containing information on the parameters of the goods or services in the first stage of their life cycle. From this unified database, data is transmitted via signal from the server at each subsequent stage of the life cycle, and a new unique code is generated at each such stage.

[0004] The following terms are used in this description:

[0005] Server - An electronic device that performs service functions in response to a user request by providing access to certain resources. For the purpose of this description, a server refers to one that is permanently connected to an integrated network and is capable of receiving data from user devices. The server can process this data and transmit the result back to the user's device.

[0006] Integrated Network - Includes all connections between modules and blocks, encompassing various topologies, configurations, and structures of inter-network components. These may connect corporate, global, and local computing networks. It includes, without limitation, traditional wired, wireless, satellite, optical, and equivalent networking technologies. In most cases, the Internet is used as the main integrated network.

[0007] User's Personal Device - Any computing platform connected to the network, e.g., integrated network, capable of interacting with applications. Examples include, but are not limited to, stationary and mobile personal computers, “smart” mobile phones (smartphones), mobile computers including tablets, thin clients, workstations, and “non-smart” terminals connected to application servers. These also include their various configurations, both physical devices for communication interaction and virtual devices implemented in programmable computing systems with software interfaces for communication functions. Most commonly, this refers to smartphones (mobile phones with computing functionalities), touch-screen devices, tablet PCs, smartwatches, smart glasses, and the like — often portable, allowing users to carry them.

[0008] Lifecycle of Goods or Services - The sequence of stages in the existence of a product or service over time, from creation and processing to sale to the customer or delivery to the consumer, including transportation, storage, repair, and potential changes in ownership.

[0009] Unique Code of Goods or Services (Digital Passport) - An alphanumeric, graphic, or similar encoding (e.g., barcode, QR code) that can contain a uniquely coded message readable by electronic devices and include information such as production date, composition, manufacturer, seller, and price.

[0010] Blockchain - A chain of transaction blocks constructed according to specific rules and stored in a distributed database. Each new entry in the database includes an encrypted key that is partially contained in the previous entry.

[0011] Means of Payment - Any instrument used for payment, such as monetary accounts, virtual currencies, etc. Banking Server - A server used to store and generate monetary parameters, including cashless and digital money, and other forms of payment. Practically, this consists of a number of servers, including a primary server (e.g., of the central bank), which alone can generate monetary parameters (i.e., alter their value in the corresponding database), and multiple servers of commercial banks, which serve customers and maintain records of monetary ownership for various individuals and legal entities.

[0012] The level of technique

[0013] Currently, there is an issue with automating the accounting of monetary flows, as complete data on all payments is not available, nor there is a correspondence between the produced goods or provided services and the monetary parameters. All this results in difficulties in controlling the monetary parameter, calculating the amount of monetary parameter needed for its generation, and implementing tax oversight of financial flows.

[0014] This issue is partially addressed by introducing a unified database of goods and services and the possibility of mandatory unified labeling of goods and services at every stage of their life cycle, which links the data in the database to those goods and services. Therefore, at any time, the buyer can retrieve all the necessary data using the unique code of the product or service.

[0015] A similar method is described in Russian Federation Patent No. 2690396, published in 2019.

[0016] This method, by its technical nature and the achieved technical result, is the closest to the proposed invention and is selected as its prototype.

[0017] The drawback of this prototype lies in the fact that the unified database of all goods and services contains information on the parameters of goods or services at all stages of the life cycle starting from the first stage. However, there is no capability to control all payments for all goods and services, nor is there a correspondence between the total volume of all possible payments and the volume of all goods and services, as well as no way to monitor such correspondence. In fact, goods and services have their respective total values, and the monetary mass exists independently — they are not interconnected in any way, and it is impossible to establish an automatic correspondence between them. At the same time, there is a need to automate the control process for all payments, to ensure the automatic collection of all transaction data in a single place, and to make it possible to link this data to a device that can issue monetary mass and automatically maintain balance between them (including based on the daily balance sheet of a legal entity as reflected in accounting software).

[0018] Disclosure of the Invention

[0019] Based on the above original observation, the main objective of this invention is to propose a method of payment for goods and services that mitigates at least one of the aforementioned shortcomings — namely, to enable the control of all payments by ensuring the consistency between the total volume of all possible payments and the total volume of all goods and services. This constitutes the persistent technical problem that the invention aims to solve.

[0020] To achieve this objective, the method additionally includes the following steps:

[0021] Indicating a parameter corresponding to the value of the good or service during each stage of the life cycle within the list of parameters; Connecting a remote server to the unified database of goods and services and to the banking server that generates data corresponding to the monetary parameter;

[0022] Moreover, the banking data generation server is configured to issue monetary parameters in an amount that precisely matches the increase in the value of the good or service at each stage of its life cycle (excluding regulated inflation);

[0023] To make a purchase or pay for a service, the buyer scans the unique code of the good or service using their personal user device;

[0024] An automatic signal is sent to the remote server to determine the parameters of the good or service via the unified database of goods and services;

[0025] An automatic signal is then sent from the remote server (connected to the unified database) to the seller's user device, corresponding to the monetary parameter increase associated with the payment for the goods or services.

[0026] Thanks to these advantageous features, it becomes possible to fully monitor all goods and services, track changes in their value, control payments, and automatically generate additional monetary parameters corresponding to the total increase in the value of goods and services.

[0027] There is also a version of the invention in which the banking data generation server is connected to distributed ledgers storing information about the monetary parameter, implemented using blockchain technology.

[0028] Thanks to these advantageous features, the immutability of the data and the reliability of data storage are guaranteed.

[0029] Another version of the invention provides that the unique code applied to the product or affixed to the document corresponding to the service is in the form of a QR code. Thanks to this advantageous feature, the unique code can be easily embedded and read via the user interface of the user’s device.

[0030] Yet another version of the invention includes a configuration where the manufacturer or seller of the product, or the service provider, automatically makes changes to the indicated parameter at each stage of the product's or service’s life cycle using a means of processing the corresponding data.

[0031] Thanks to this advantageous feature, it becomes possible to automatically calculate the value of a product or service within enterprises and automatically transmit this data to the remote server, which corresponds to the structure of production costs. Evidently, this also makes it possible to automatically calculate the necessary taxes and to carry out automatic monitoring of tax payments by tax authorities, customs services, and other supervisory bodies.

[0032] The set of technical features of the proposed invention is unknown in methods used for similar purposes, which leads to the conclusion that the invention meets the “novelty” criterion in relation to the proposed method. The non-obviousness of the solution and the global nature of the problem addressed, which until now has remained unresolved, demonstrate that the solution is not obvious to a person skilled in the relevant technological field, and therefore, the invention satisfies the “inventive step” criterion.

[0033] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] Other advantages and distinctive features of the present invention will become clearly apparent from the description provided below, which serves for explanatory purposes only and is not limiting, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates the life cycle of goods or services based on the proposed method, in accordance with the current state of technology;

[0035] Figure 2 shows the functional diagram of the payment process for goods and services according to the invention;

[0036] Figure 3 schematically depicts the stages of the payment method for goods and services in accordance with the invention.

[0037] According to Figure 1, the life cycle of goods or services (denoted by arrows and letters) is divided into phases. In the first phase of the life cycle, a unique tracking code (11) is generated and affixed to the product (1) or labeled on the corresponding document for the service.

[0038] For each such unique tracking code 11 (in the first phase), information is entered into the unified database of goods and services (2), which contains data on the parameters of the product or service at the first stage of the life cycle. This database (2) is hosted on a remote server or across multiple servers (i.e., a distributed database).

[0039] In each subsequent stage of the life cycle, a new unique tracking code (12, 13, 14) is generated and affixed to the product or labeled on the corresponding service document.

[0040] For each of these unique tracking codes 11 (starting from the first phase), corresponding information is entered into the unified database of goods and services (2), which includes data about the parameters of the product or service not only at the current stage but also from all previous stages.

[0041] Access is provided to the buyer of the product (31) (or the consumer of the service) to the unified database (2) of all goods and services. When the buyer or consumer scans a unique tracking code (11, 12, 13, ...), it is sent to the remote server(s) via their personal user device (41). The remote server then sends back a signal containing verified information to the buyer's or consumer's personal user device (41).

[0042] Such a unique tracking code used for the sale of a product or service can be utilized not only by the end buyer, but also at any stage of the product’s or service’s life cycle where payment may occur — for example, between various producers, raw material or semi-finished goods suppliers, and final product assemblers.

[0043] At the moment of payment, the buyer's user device (41) reads the unique tracking code and sends a query to the unified data repository (2). Upon receiving the relevant information, the payment may be executed using QR and NFC codes, by identifying available discount cards, credit, debit, or any other payment systems and devices that enable contactless payment. The system also takes into account any promotional offers active or announced at the moment of sale of the specific product or service. During the QR or NFC code payment process, the payer (31) approaches their device to the terminal and first scans the NFC code or QR mark, or any other available format for reading the information pertaining to the product or service being sold or its seller. If the seller has an agreement concerning a discount on the given product or service, either through a third party or directly with the buyer, such discount may be temporary (ranging from a few minutes to several years). This discount is indicated and reflected in the receipt (if the QR code is used) or displayed on the payment terminal through a designated symbol, in accordance with the NFC (automated retail discount) system. These discount mechanisms may include discount cards, credit or debit cards that provide discount eligibility in specific stores, restaurants, or similar locations, or payment services that support discount opportunities and maintain agreements with product or service suppliers. The buyer’s user device (41) compares all cards and payment systems that are associated with or attached to it and determines the optimal payment method. This is instantly proposed to the device owner (and if no alternative exists, only one option is displayed). The device owner then confirms that payment shall be made using the selected card or payment system, factoring in the applicable discount. The device is then presented for payment, either by QR code or via a specially generated or pre-existing NFC within the device. After this code is entered, the seller transmits a request to the issuer institution of the payment instrument. Upon confirmation by the buyer (using an identity verification method linked to the device), the issuer institution immediately debits the payment amount from the buyer’s account in favor of the seller.

[0044] Each time a new QR code is generated, the system automatically transmits data to the banking server (6) responsible for generating values corresponding to the issuance of the monetary parameter. This banking server issues exactly the amount of monetary value that reflects the increase in value of the product or service at a given stage in its life cycle.

[0045] In other words, when a new QR code is generated for a given product, it reflects that a specific operation has been performed on the product during a particular phase of its lifecycle, including stages such as production, transportation, storage, and others, until it reaches the final consumer. Each of these modifications contributes additional value to the product or service, and as described above, this value is automatically matched by the issuance of a new amount of digital currency, which is equivalent to the performed operation or task (including services rendered).

[0046] After the product is sold to a retail or any other final consumer, a new QR code is issued, which becomes the property of the end consumer.

[0047] If the product has a defined expiration or shelf life, and once that period lapses (if it cannot be extended in terms of storage, usability, or operational lifespan), the QR code is deactivated. The funds previously issued in connection with this product are then either written off, burned (in the case of a blockchain system), or returned to the account of the issuing institution.

[0048] As a result, a direct and traceable link is established between the production of goods and services and the issuance of digital (virtual) or crypto-assets (including those based on blockchain technology). This foundational link provides mechanisms for inflation control within the national economy, transparent customs and tax operations for agents and counterparties, and visibility and accountability for both producers and consumers. In this system, the registry operator is either the Central Bank of the country or another regulatory authority, which may delegate issuance quotas to the second tier (i.e., commercial banks). These commercial banks, in turn, may allocate quotas to the third tier entities (depending on the issuance model), acting as validators.

[0049] The Central Bank or any other competent financial authority establishes a digital currency issuance platform that is directly linked to the generation of OB codes and ensures its direct accessibility for both individuals and organizations, either via centralized servers of individual banks or through a unified interface.

[0050] The unified data repository and the associated data generation servers can be maintained either in a distributed or centralized ledger format based on blockchain technology. The hybrid model acts as a "golden mean", as it is stated that its use will allow combining "the advantages of each technology where it is most appropriate for use." Implementation of the Invention

[0051] The method of payment for goods and services operates as follows. Let us present the most comprehensive example of the invention’s implementation. It should be noted that this example does not limit the invention’s possible applications.

[0052] Stage Al:

[0053] At each stage of the production of goods or services, a unique code (a product passport) is created for the item or service. This code can be in the form of a QR code or another graphic tag (or based on a similar method capable of producing physically perceptible information readable by computer devices, such as mobile devices).

[0054] Stage A2:

[0055] Each producer of goods or services is registered on a remote server (or, as previously mentioned, on multiple servers), which contains a unified database of all goods and services. The producer is assigned a special identifier, a user identification code for goods and services. Furthermore, any such producer may also have another user identification code as a buyer of raw materials or parts for production, or as an inspector, or even a private individual (i.e., a buyer, a physical person).

[0056] Stage A3:

[0057] At each stage of a product or service’s life cycle — for example, at every link in the production chain — the employee responsible for that particular stage, who has their own user identification code, receives the product. Simultaneously, they scan the product or service's unique tracking code (passport) upon receipt, perform their assigned task, and upon completion, use a mobile device or a special terminal to create a new passport by entering the necessary parameters of the completed work and the completion date. This data is transmitted to the remote server and recorded in the unified database of all goods and services (via the organization’s accounting software or, in the case of an individual entrepreneur, as a physical person).

[0058] Stage A4:

[0059] The newly generated unique tracking code (passport) is printed and affixed using a special device — such as a printer — onto the product, related documents, or service description.

[0060] Stage A5:

[0061] The next employee in the production cycle scans the previously created unique tracking code corresponding to the “received” stage (with the date of receipt), performs their part of the work, and upon completion creates a new unique tracking code (indicating “delivered”), again specifying the necessary parameters and date. This new code is printed or affixed to the product.

[0062] Stage A6:

[0063] This process continues until the final stage of the product’s manufacturing. Every time a product is received or dispatched, the scanning process is accompanied by the transmission and reception of data with the remote server, which maintains the unified database for all goods and services.

[0064] For instance, a packaging employee scans the unique tracking code of the received product that corresponds to the “received” stage and packages it into containers. At the same time, a new unique tracking code for the product or service is created and printed or affixed onto the packaged item.

[0065] Stage A7:

[0066] After this, it becomes possible for the buyer to scan the product or service’s unique tracking code using a mobile device. In this context, this may indicate a “delivered product or service,” since every time a unique tracking code is created or scanned, the necessary parameters and date are recorded.

[0067] If the unique tracking code is scanned by the buyer (not by a partner in the production process), then after scanning the code through the invoice (which includes all necessary purchasing information, including price), the buyer may generate a new unique sales code for the product or service, linked to the corresponding bank account invoice of the buyer.

[0068] The buyer scans the unique sales code of the product or service, which is sent to the bank to request the deduction of the required amount. The bank may notify the buyer to confirm the transaction (confirmed via crypto encryption, signature, fingerprint scan, or by entering a special code), after which the amount is transferred to the seller’s account. This operation can be repeated multiple times, and each buyer may later become a seller.

[0069] Stage A8:

[0070] At each instance of generating monetary parameters, the banking server receives data regarding changes in the life cycle of each product and each service. These data include the parameter of the corresponding value, in particular the increase of that value. The banking server that generates these data issues a monetary parameter each time, in exactly the quantity that corresponds to the parameter change associated with the increase in value of the product or service at each stage of its life cycle.

[0071] Stage A9:

[0072] At any stage of the product or service life cycle, within any link of the production or service chain, they can be monitored by any authorized user. This includes, for example, export inspectors, border guards, customs officers, internal affairs officers, or representatives of other security and special agencies or government bodies authorized to carry out inspections. To read the unique tracking codes, for example, in the form of QR codes, special devices can be used to read product or service information without contact. This is convenient for the buyer of goods or services and for any subsequent payment processes.

[0073] It is not possible to cancel previously entered information. Only information that was entered after scanning but before being registered in the unified database of all goods and services can be annulled, i.e., before the graphic tag is printed. Changing the data before full registration in the unified database may be possible by agreement on the modification window, but any changes would appear only as supplementary information to already existing data. If the goods or services have already been received by a new buyer, user, carrier, or custodian, modifications are not possible.

[0074] When goods are returned, a new unique tracking code is generated at each stage by the recipient of the returned item. This code must indicate that the item was returned, along with the date of return and the reasons. Subsequently, a new unique tracking code is created for the returned product, which must reference the prior unique tracking code and the return date, as well as the reason for return. Alternatively, a unique code for defective goods can be generated.

[0075] Stage A10:

[0076] To make a purchase of a product or to pay for a service, the buyer scans the unique code of the product or service using their user device. Then, a signal is automatically transmitted from the unified database of all goods and services to the remote server to define the parameters of the product or service. In turn, the remote server automatically sends a signal back from the unified database to the seller’s user device, registering the corresponding increase in the monetary parameter in accordance with the product or service payment.

[0077] The sequence of steps described is approximate and may be reordered, omitted, expanded, or some actions may be performed simultaneously, without compromising the ability to verify the authenticity of the goods or services. That is, any selection of these individual verification steps can be carried out — meaning the steps may be used simultaneously, separately, or in any combination.

[0078] Example 1

[0079] In order to produce goods, raw materials are constantly purchased, and the production process itself takes place. In this case, data is automatically transferred from the producer’s server to a remote server that hosts a unified database of all goods and services, where it is stored. Through this database, a unique code is constantly generated that corresponds to the various life cycles of the product, processing, storage, transportation, etc., at different stages. At the same time, the banking server generates the relevant data for the issuance of a monetary parameter, which is then placed in a centralized or decentralized banking environment and forms a money supply corresponding to the increase in the product's value: that is, the added value of the product. The money does not appear from nowhere, and its creation does not cause inflation.

[0080] Example 2

[0081] In the initial stage, digital money (in the form of additional issuance) is generated by the banking server as a special digital parameter, which is entered into the special data database of the respective banking server. This parameter can then be transferred to other devices in the form of tokens, which corresponds to the fact that the bank exchanges them for another fiat or cryptocurrency that the buyer possesses. In the future (with the large-scale implementation of this technology), the exchange rate may be free-floating, or it may be presented to the buyer as credit, or it may utilize the digital funds already in the buyer’s account.

[0082] The seller has goods Y with a value of X (reflected by a QR code. A wholesaler purchases the product (for example, via a smart contract) for the amount of Y. In turn, the wholesaler enters into a smart contract with a transportation company for the delivery of the goods for the amount Z. Upon conclusion of the smart contract, a QR code for the contract is generated, and accordingly (a signal is sent from this distributed ledger to the bank's distributed ledger), an account is generated for the transportation company, and the amount Z is credited to it. The wholesaler either has the total amount Y + Z = N available for these smart contracts or receives a loan from the bank. When the goods are delivered to the wholesaler's warehouse, a representative of the transportation company presents either separate QR codes for the goods and for the transportation (service), or (more importantly and practically) a unified QR code for both the goods and transportation. After the acceptance procedure based on quantity and quality, this code is scanned using the wholesaler’s personal device and converted into a new QR code, through which the wholesaler becomes the owner of the goods. Immediately, a signal is transmitted from the product register to the banking register (if these are different registers; and if there is a single register, then it contains different levels; and different registers may be connected to each other and to the registers of other services through bridges and gateways), which performs a deposit of the amount Y for the producer and Z for the transportation company, while the total amount is debited from the wholesaler.

[0083] Industrial Applicability

[0084] The proposed method of making payments for goods and services can be implemented by a specialist in practice and, when applied, ensures the achievement of the stated objective. This allows us to conclude that it meets the criterion of “industrial applicability” as defined by law.

[0085] Through this invention, we have achieved the intended goal, namely the ability to control all payments by ensuring the alignment between the volume of all possible transfers and the volume of all goods and services.

[0086] The additional beneficial technical outcome of the proposed invention lies in the fact that:

[0087] This method allows for the monitoring and control of the production process of goods and services at every stage of their lifecycle, from the very beginning of their production to the point of sale. Additionally, if the product has no expiration date, it allows for the identification of the owner of the goods, as well as the documentation of completed changes such as maintenance or repairs;

[0088] This method makes it possible to monitor the movement of all financial instruments, which is important for enabling economic governance within a given area, including control over inflation, since for every increase in value, the corresponding monetary parameter is automatically generated;

[0089] It enables government supervisory bodies to have more accurate information about all taxes and duties, such as customs duties, and whether these payments have indeed been made;

[0090] This method allows for the prevention of unregistered payments in the register of goods and services, thereby combating corruption, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and betting.

Claims

Definition of the ClaimA method of identifying goods and services for a programmable digital currency payment system1. Wherein the method of payment for goods or services involves dividing the product or service life cycle into phases, and in the first phase of the life cycle, a unique code is generated, which is applied to the product or indicated on the corresponding document for the service.This code is generated by the device of the manufacturer or seller of the product, or by the service provider, by transmitting signals to a remote server connected to a unified database of all goods and services. Each such unique tracking code, upon transmission of signals to the remote server with the unified database of all goods and services, corresponds to an entry in the unified database, which initially contains information on the parameters of the product or service. In each subsequent phase of the life cycle, a new unique code is formed, which is applied to the product or noted on the corresponding document for the service. Each such new unique code, generated based on information from a specific period recorded in accounting software or in a specialized application used by physical or legal entities, corresponds to the data in the unified database of goods and services. This database contains information about the parameters of the product or service in each and all previous phases of the life cycle. The consumer’s device (i.e., the producer of the goods or the service consumer) is provided with access to the unified database of goods and services. By recognizing the unique code, it is possible to identify a parameter that corresponds to the value of the product or service at each phase of the life cycle.The remote server connected to the unified database of goods and services is linked to the banking server to generate the corresponding monetary parameter (digital currency), where the bank’s data generation server is configured to issue the exact amount of the monetary parameter matching the parameter change, which reflects the increase in value of the product or service at each phase of the life cycle (via an accounting program). When making a purchase or payment for a service, the consumer recognizes the unique code of the product or service using their device, automatically triggering a signal to the remote server connected to the unified database of all goods and services to determine the parameters of the product or service, and another signal is automatically transmitted back from the remote server to the seller’s device.This corresponds to the issuance of the monetary parameter increase necessary to fulfill the payment for the goods or services.

2. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the bank data generation server is connected to distributed ledgers for storing information about the monetary parameter, which is based on the application of Blockchain technology.

3. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the unique code applied to the product or indicated on the corresponding document for the service is in the form of a QR code or another identification mark.

4. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the product manufacturer, seller, or service provider automatically makes updates to the indicated parameter at each phase of the product or service life cycle, including data about the product or service processing, through accounting software, with such updates being directly reflected in the tax authority's system.

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