GPS-Based Mobile Payment Automation for Activity Billing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current payment systems for activities, such as golf, often require advance payment, leading to overcharging for partial participation and inefficiencies in time-based charging, resulting in disputes between providers and participants.

Innovation Solution

A mobile communication device with location-determining capabilities, such as GPS, facilitates automated initial and final payments based on activity location, allowing participants to pay only for the duration or extent of their participation, eliminating the need for advance payment and ensuring accurate billing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If payment is made in advance at the clubhouse, then the golfer can start playing immediately, but the golfer may be overcharged if they play less than a full round or waste time in line

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment processing efficiencyVSAvoidtime spent in line at clubhouse

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service payment by automatically detecting when a golfer has completed their round through GPS location tracking and mobile device identification, eliminating the need to physically visit the clubhouse counter for payment processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical payment system (physical presence at clubhouse counter, cash or card transactions) with an automated electronic system using GPS location data, mobile device identification, and automatic payment processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If payment is made in advance for a full round, then the golfer ensures coverage for the activity, but they are overcharged if they play fewer holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment coverage for activityVSAvoidexcessive payment for unused activity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the golfer's location and progress through the golf course using GPS tracking, providing real-time feedback on how many holes have been completed, and automatically calculates the appropriate payment amount based on actual participation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The payment amount becomes dynamic rather than fixed, automatically adjusting based on the golfer's actual performance and time spent on the course, allowing for partial round payment if the golfer completes fewer than 18 holes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If time-rate charging is implemented, then the activity provider can charge for actual usage time, but accurately tracking participation time becomes difficult during high activity periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexible time-based pricingVSAvoidaccuracy of participation time tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile device with GPS capabilities as an intermediary tool that automatically tracks and reports the golfer's location and time data, eliminating the need for manual tracking by staff during high activity periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution streamlines the payment process, reducing wait times and ensuring participants are charged accurately for the actual time or activity completed, enhancing user experience and reducing disputes.

Implementation Method 1

determining, by a mobile communication device, a present location as an activity site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGPS satellite signal reception:

Data Source

PatentUS8744968B1Providing automated initial and final payment for an activity based on determining the location of an activity participant's mobile communication device

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

Systems, methods and computer programs provide for automated initial and final payment for an activity based on determining the location of an activity participant's mobile communication device. The described embodiments provide for the activity participant to automatically pay for the activity based on their presence at the activity location and agreement to participate. As such, the need to check-in and/or pay for the activity at a conventional payment counter is eliminated. Further, the invention provides for an automatic final payment to be made at the conclusion of the activity as opposed to having to pre-pay for the activity prior to conducting the activity. By remitting final payment at the completion of the activity, activity pricing can be accurately determined based on the amount and/or time of the activity in which the activity participant participated.