Browser-Based Payment API for In-Store Purchases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-store purchasing solutions, such as Amazon's Go Store, require expensive infrastructure for monitoring and identifying products, and users must download apps, which can clutter devices and complicate the shopping experience.
Innovation Solution
A browser-based payment API system that allows users to identify products using their mobile devices, eliminating the need for cameras and near-field communication infrastructure, enabling seamless in-store purchases by scanning codes or using NFC signals, and allowing payments through online services like Apple Pay or PayPal without the need for a point-of-sale system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras and near-field communication infrastructure are deployed for product identification, then product identification accuracy is improved, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual codes (QR codes, barcodes) as simplified copies of product identification data instead of requiring complex camera-based image recognition systems. The code contains all necessary product information in a machine-readable format that can be scanned with simple cameras already present in mobile devices, eliminating the need for expensive specialized infrastructure while maintaining accurate product identification.
2Ease of operation
If apps are required for in-store purchases, then purchasing functionality is improved, but device clutter and user complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device browser universal by enabling it to function as both a product scanning tool and a payment processing interface. The browser can display visual codes, scan them using the device camera, present product information, and complete purchases through integrated payment APIs, eliminating the need for separate dedicated shopping apps while maintaining full purchasing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service purchasing where the browser automatically detects when a visual code is scanned, retrieves product information, presents purchase options, and processes payment without requiring users to navigate through app menus or manually initiate each step. The browser serves itself by integrating all purchasing functions directly into the web page experience.
3Ease of operation
If point-of-sale systems are deployed, then payment processing capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical point-of-sale hardware systems with software-based payment processing embedded in the mobile device browser. Instead of requiring physical card readers, cash registers, and POS terminals, the system uses the device's existing camera, browser, and integrated payment APIs (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal) to complete transactions, dramatically reducing hardware complexity while maintaining payment capability.
4Measurement precision
If expensive monitoring infrastructure is installed, then product tracking accuracy is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive, disposable visual codes printed on product packaging instead of expensive electronic tags or RFID components. These codes can be mass-produced at minimal cost and contain all necessary tracking and identification information, providing accurate product tracking without requiring expensive infrastructure installation or maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method including receiving at a user device a scan of a code, initiating on the device, based on the code, a communication with a server, receiving, based on the communication and from the server, a download of a user interface, the download being independent of a full application stored on the user device, transmitting, via the software module, an identification, received from the user, of a function to perform in connection with the code, transmitting location data associated with the user device to the server and transmitting authorized data to the server based on data retrieved from either the user device or a network entity. The user can scan product codes or rental codes in the store or on a device like a scooter and receive the interactive interface for performing a function. The process eliminates the need for point of sale equipment and eliminates checkout lines.