Location-Based Terminal Mapping for Faster Secure Checkout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated checkout systems face challenges such as barcode scanning errors, payment processing issues, software failures, vulnerability to theft and fraud, and customer confusion, leading to delays and dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a location-based mapping system that identifies nearby interaction terminals associated with interacting entities, enabling automated information transfer by determining user location, identifying relevant entities, and authorizing transactions through interaction terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated information transfer systems use traditional barcode scanning and manual processes, then they can handle basic transactions, but they experience scanning errors, processing delays, and customer dissatisfaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing speedVSAvoidscanning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical barcode scanning systems with a location-based automated information transfer system using mobile devices and GPS technology. The system automatically identifies interaction terminals based on geographic location coordinates, eliminating the need for manual barcode scanning and reducing both processing time and errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service automated transactions where users simply need to be physically present at the interaction terminal. The automated information transfer system independently handles terminal identification, information retrieval, and transaction processing based on location data, reducing customer effort and improving service speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the system implements comprehensive manual verification processes, then security against theft and fraud improves, but processing time increases and customer satisfaction decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against theft and fraudVSAvoidtransaction completion time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual verification processes with automated location-based verification. The system uses GPS coordinates and geographic围栏 (geofencing) technology to automatically verify user presence at the interaction terminal, providing secure authentication without requiring manual checks, thus maintaining security while reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary location verification and authentication checks automatically before the transaction occurs. By pre-establishing geographic boundaries and automatically verifying user presence within these boundaries, the system ensures security measures are completed in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual verification during the transaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the system uses detailed manual information transfer processes, then accuracy of information transfer improves, but the number of steps increases and system complexity grows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation transfer accuracyVSAvoidnumber of interaction steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual information transfer processes with automated electronic data exchange between the mobile device and interaction terminal. Location-based identification automatically retrieves and transfers information electronically, ensuring accuracy while eliminating multiple manual steps and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple separate processes (location identification, terminal selection, information retrieval, and data transfer) into a single automated workflow. By combining these functions into one integrated location-based system, the patent reduces the number of user steps required while maintaining information transfer accuracy through automated electronic processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12518282B2Using location-based mapping to enable automated information transfer at a user location

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 CAPITAL ONE SERVICES LLC

AI summary

In some implementations, an automated information transfer system may receive an indication of a location of the user device. The automated information transfer system may identify an interacting entity associated with the automated information transfer that is associated with a physical location that is within a threshold proximity of the location of the user device. The automated information transfer system may receive item-specific data associated with the automated information transfer. The automated information transfer system may identify one or more interaction terminals at the physical location associated with the interacting entity. The automated information transfer system may receive authorization information associated with the automated information transfer. The automated information transfer system may perform an action based on whether the authorization information indicates that the automated information transfer is at least one of authorized, conditionally authorized, not authorized, or conditionally not authorized.