Web Browser Camera Module for App-Free Retail Checkout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retailers lack a simplified method for customers to purchase products in-store without requiring a custom application, and there is no efficient way to link physical product barcodes to online payment processing.
Innovation Solution
An application-free web browser-based system that uses a mobile device's camera to capture product and payment information, linking in-store purchases to online shopping and payment through a retailer's ecommerce website, allowing customers to shop and pay without a dedicated app.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If application-based systems are used for in-store shopping and payment, then customers can make purchases without checking out at a cash register, but customers must download a separate retailer-specific application to their personal communication devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera module as an intermediary component that captures images of products and payment cards. This mediator enables the system to obtain necessary data without requiring a dedicated application, as the camera functionality is accessed through the web browser interface instead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional application-based mechanical system with a web browser-based system. Instead of requiring customers to install and run a native application, the system uses web technologies and browser capabilities to achieve the same shopping and payment functions, eliminating the installation step.
2Productivity
If artificial intelligence computer vision systems are deployed for checkout-free shopping, then customers can grab desired items and walk out of the store, but significant investment in hardware, sensors, and cameras is required in physical retail environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image copying through the camera module to capture visual data of products and payment cards. Instead of deploying complex AI computer vision hardware throughout the store, the system creates digital copies of the necessary information through simple camera captures, eliminating the need for expensive sensors and processing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, permanent hardware infrastructure with a lightweight, software-based solution that runs in the web browser. The camera module and image processing are temporary, on-demand resources rather than permanent installations, significantly reducing hardware investment requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computer platform for an application-free web browser-based product purchase. The method and computer platform gain access to a camera of a mobile device through a web browser to use the mobile device as an image scanner, linking physical product shopping with online payment processing.