Li-Fi Payment Network with Directional Secure Multi-Customer Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current POS systems lack the ability to securely process payments for multiple customers simultaneously and often require physical contact or wireless networks that may not be secure or have limited range, and they struggle to transmit bills to specific customers within a group without secure communication channels.
Innovation Solution
A Li-Fi payment network system using light pulses to transmit data, which includes a Li-Fi equipped POS terminal and customer devices, central hubs, and AI/ML algorithms to determine optimal routes for secure, simultaneous payment processing across multiple customers, even when traditional networks are unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional POS systems use wireless networks (bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi) for payment processing, then payment transmission can be performed without physical contact, but security is compromised or range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional wireless radio frequency networks (bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi) with a light-based communication system. Li-Fi technology uses visible light and infrared light to transmit data, substituting the electromagnetic radio wave mechanism with optical communication. This provides contactless payment capability while enhancing security through line-of-sight requirements and directional transmission, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.
2Productivity
If conventional POS systems serve multiple customers simultaneously, then service efficiency is improved, but the ability to transmit bills to specific customers within a group becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements directional light transmission where each POS terminal or server can beam light signals to specific customer devices in particular directions. The system can independently address multiple customers simultaneously by directing encrypted light-based data streams to specific devices based on their spatial position and device identifiers. This maintains service efficiency for multiple customers while ensuring accurate bill delivery to the intended recipient through localized, targeted transmission.
3Reliability
If Li-Fi networks use line-of-sight transmission for security, then unauthorized access is prevented, but network coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the service area into multiple zones, each with its own Li-Fi access point or server. Each access point provides focused, secure line-of-sight coverage to specific areas, and the system coordinates between multiple segmented zones to provide comprehensive coverage. This segmentation approach maintains the security benefits of line-of-sight transmission in each zone while collectively covering a larger overall area through coordinated multi-zone operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure, simultaneous payment processing for multiple customers with enhanced security and range, utilizing Li-Fi's line-of-sight requirements to prevent unauthorized access and leveraging AI/ML for efficient route determination.
Implementation Method 1
Li-fi networks use light pulses, visible or non-visible, to send digital data wirelessly
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for a li-fi payment network are provided. A customer's device may communicate, directly or through intermediate devices and computer systems, over a li-fi network with a point-of-sale terminal. A bill may be transmitted to the customer's device over the li-fi network. The customer may select an option to pay the bill. The selection, along with information to authorize and process the payment, may be transmitted over the li-fi network to the POS terminal. The POS terminal may process the payment and generate a receipt. The receipt may be transmitted to the customer's device over the li-fi network.