Merchant Identifier PWAs for Low-Friction In-Store Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Brick-and-mortar transactions are inefficient due to the need for physical interaction with multiple devices, and existing solutions are not user-friendly, complex, and costly, and are slow due to network connectivity limitations.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing progressive web applications (PWAs) accessed via merchant-managed identifiers, such as QR codes, to enable transactions directly on customer devices, reducing the need for physical interaction and minimizing bandwidth and storage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing techniques are used for brick-and-mortar transactions, then transactions can be effectuated, but the process is high-friction requiring interaction with multiple physical items and devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transaction interface from physical devices and locations it onto the customer's personal mobile device. By using a QR code displayed on the customer's device and a mobile computing device for processing, the system removes the need for physical menus, writing utensils, and traditional payment terminals, significantly reducing transaction friction while maintaining security and functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile computing device as an intermediary between the customer and the establishment's systems. This mobile device acts as a mediator that can read QR codes, process transactions, and communicate with the establishment's server, thereby reducing direct physical interaction with multiple devices at the establishment while maintaining secure transaction processing
2Ease of operation
If existing techniques are used, then transactions can be processed, but the solutions are not user-friendly and are complex and costly to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal QR code system that can be implemented by any establishment regardless of size or technical resources. The same basic infrastructure (QR code generation, mobile device reading capability) serves both small establishments and large chains, eliminating the need for complex custom development while providing a user-friendly interface. The system works across different platforms and devices, reducing developmental complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service functionality where customers can initiate and complete transactions using their own mobile devices without requiring complex establishment-side infrastructure. The establishment simply needs to display QR codes, while the customer's device handles the complex interactions, payment processing, and communication with servers, making the solution accessible to small establishments with limited technical resources
3Productivity
If existing techniques are used, then transactions can be completed, but the process is slow due to time required for downloading and registration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having the QR code ready for immediate scanning and the mobile computing device ready for immediate transaction processing. The customer's mobile device already has the necessary applications and capabilities installed, eliminating the need for downloading or registration at the point of transaction. The establishment's QR codes are pre-generated and can be immediately scanned, enabling instant transaction initiation and completion
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing techniques are used, then transactions can be processed, but there are limitations on use due to network connectivity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system that adapts to network conditions. The mobile computing device can operate in different modes depending on connectivity: when connected, it processes transactions in real-time; when disconnected, it can still read QR codes and store transaction information locally, then synchronize when connectivity is restored. This dynamic adaptability ensures transaction availability regardless of network conditions while maintaining data integrity
Data Source
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Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
Customer-device application sites (e.g., content presented via a progressive web applications) that are accessible via merchant-managed identifiers (e.g., identification codes) are described. An identification of a physical location associated with a merchant can be associated with an identification code. The identification code can be received from a computing device of a customer and, based at least in part on receiving the identification code, merchant data associated with the merchant can be caused to be presented via a web browser of the computing device of the customer. In an example, the merchant data can be presented via the web browser by a progressive web application downloaded onto the computing device of the customer via the web browser. An indication of an input received via the progressive web application can be received by the computing device of the customer and an operation based at least in part on the input can be performed.