Browser Plugin Intercepts Payment Data for Alternative Options
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers using commercial websites for purchases are limited to payment options offered by the merchant, lacking flexibility and alternative payment options, especially when dealing with non-integrated merchants.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that intercepts retailer data from third-party websites, analyzes it in relation to customer data, and presents alternative payment options on a user interface, such as credit line offers or redemption of points, using a browser plugin or mobile app, allowing real-time account information and payment option presentation during checkout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If merchants integrate with financial institution systems to provide payment options, then payment flexibility is improved, but device complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a browser plugin as an intermediary layer between the consumer's browser and the merchant's website. This plugin intercepts payment data, communicates with the financial institution, and presents alternative payment options without requiring the merchant to integrate with the financial institution's systems. The intermediary handles the complexity of integration while maintaining simplicity at the merchant end.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables consumers to access and manage their own payment options and account information through the browser plugin. Consumers can view their credit lines, rewards points, and payment history without requiring merchant involvement or complex integration. The system serves itself by automatically intercepting payment data and presenting relevant options based on the consumer's account status.
2Ease of operation
If merchants present only their own payment options, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability and consumer choice are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple payment options (traditional card payments and alternative options like credit lines and rewards points) into a single unified presentation interface. The browser plugin combines the merchant's existing payment options with additional financial institution options, allowing consumers to see and select from all available payment methods in one place without complicating the checkout process.
Solution Approach 2:
The browser plugin serves multiple functions: it intercepts payment data, analyzes consumer account information, determines eligible payment options, and presents them to the consumer. This multi-functional approach allows a single system component to provide diverse payment options while maintaining ease of operation through a unified interface.
3Ease of operation
If consumers use only available payment options at the moment of transaction, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information about alternative options increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by intercepting payment data before the consumer completes the transaction and analyzing their account information in advance. The browser plugin proactively determines which alternative payment options are available based on the consumer's credit line, rewards points, and account status before the consumer needs to make a decision. This preliminary analysis ensures that all relevant information is ready when the consumer views payment options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to consumers about their available payment options by analyzing their account information and presenting it alongside the transaction details. The browser plugin gives consumers real-time feedback about their credit line availability, rewards points balance, and eligible payment methods, enabling informed decisions without slowing down the transaction process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method in accordance with example embodiments may include third party payments with non-integrated merchants. A system and method in accordance with example embodiments may utilize a plug in or application to intercept retailer data from a third party, analyze data, and present information to a customer based on the intercepted data and the analysis.