Code Grid Transmission via SMS for Portable Device Receipts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for sending receipts for goods and services to portable communication devices via multimedia messaging service (MMS) face compatibility issues, high costs, and payload burdens, as not all devices support MMS and may render barcodes or data matrices unreadable.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for sending a code grid representing payment using Short Messaging Service (SMS), which creates a code grid that can be displayed on portable devices, utilizing a processor to generate and transmit the code grid via SMS, ensuring compatibility and reduced costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If MMS is used to send barcode or data matrix to customer's portable communication device, then the receipt can be displayed graphically, but compatibility issues arise as not all devices support MMS and may render the barcode unreadable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidbarcode readability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary encoding format (alphanumeric characters arranged in a grid pattern) that acts as a mediator between the payment information and the final barcode representation. This intermediary format is first transmitted via SMS to ensure universal compatibility, then later converted to barcode format by a scanning device, thereby resolving the conflict between device compatibility and barcode readability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the transmission and processing of receipt information into distinct stages: first transmitting essential payment data via SMS in a universally compatible alphanumeric format, then separately generating and transmitting the visual barcode representation. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently for its specific requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If MMS is used to send multimedia content, then graphical display is achieved, but high costs and payload burdens are imposed on the communication system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidcommunication system load

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable, simple alphanumeric text format for the initial transmission instead of using resource-intensive MMS multimedia content. This text-based approach is cheaper, consumes less energy, and places minimal burden on the communication system, while still conveying all necessary payment information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the MMS multimedia messaging mechanism with a simpler SMS text messaging mechanism for the initial transmission of payment information. This replacement eliminates the need for complex multimedia processing and reduces the communication system's energy consumption and payload burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8938267B2Method and apparatus for creating and sending a code grid to a portable communication device

Publication Date: 2015.01.20 MOBILL SCANDINAVIA AB

AI summary

A method and apparatus for sending a code grid representing an indication of payment for a good or service from a service provider (107), to a customer's portable communication device (101) using SMS messaging is disclosed. In response to receiving a request from a customer to purchase good or service, the code grid is created. The code grid is then sent to the customer's portable communication device in a SMS message.