Multi-function Printer Mobile Payment via Proximity Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile payment systems for vending devices, such as multi-function printers, are inflexible and require additional hardware and fees, limiting their profitability and user convenience, as they often rely on specific financial institutions and require users to maintain accounts with vending device service providers.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables mobile devices to connect with multi-function printers via proximity networks, allowing users to perform workflows and payments using various payment options without needing to store or request actual payment information, using ephemeral tokens and cryptographic digests to verify payments through a payment server, eliminating the need for NFC modules and cloud-based transaction servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing mobile payment systems are used for vending devices, then payments can be processed, but additional hardware and fees are required, reducing profitability and user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables multi-function printers to accept various payment methods (credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, digital wallets) through a unified payment gateway interface, eliminating the need for separate payment terminals or specialized hardware for each payment type. The printer's existing network interface and processor are leveraged to handle diverse payment protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
A payment gateway server acts as an intermediary between the multi-function printer and payment processing networks. The gateway receives payment requests from the printer, routes them to appropriate payment processors, and returns authorization results. This eliminates the need for the printer to directly integrate with multiple payment networks or maintain complex financial institution connections.
2Productivity
If existing mobile payment systems are used for vending devices, then payments can be processed, but fees are increased, limiting profitability
Solution Approach 1:
The payment gateway server serves as a cost-effective intermediary that consolidates payment processing for multiple printers. By batching transactions and negotiating bulk rates with payment networks, the gateway reduces per-transaction fees compared to individual printers paying standard rates. The gateway also eliminates the need for expensive proprietary payment terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the multi-function printer to use its existing network infrastructure and processing capabilities for payment handling, rather than requiring dedicated payment hardware. This leverages already-paid-for resources (network connection, processor, memory) to generate additional revenue streams without incremental hardware costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users must maintain accounts with vending device service providers, then payments can be processed, but flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The payment gateway server mediates between the printer and multiple payment networks, enabling users to select from various payment methods (credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, digital wallets) without needing to create accounts with the printer service provider. The gateway handles authentication and account management with the payment networks, not the end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The account management functionality is extracted from the vending device service provider and relocated to the payment gateway and payment networks. Users interact with their existing payment provider accounts rather than creating new accounts with the printer service, separating the payment management function from the printing service management.
4Ease of operation
If NFC modules and cloud-based transaction servers are used, then mobile payments can be processed, but hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-function printer leverages its existing network interface (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and processing capabilities to handle mobile payments, rather than requiring dedicated NFC hardware. The printer's existing components are made multi-functional by implementing payment processing software that communicates over standard network protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical NFC communication hardware with network-based communication (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). Payment data is transmitted through the printer's existing network interface rather than requiring close-proximity electromagnetic coupling through NFC antennas, eliminating the need for specialized payment hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function printer is coupled to a mobile device via a proximity network interface. The multi-function printer determines a workflow specified by a user of the mobile device. An ephemeral token associated with the workflow is sent to the mobile user device. The mobile device uses the ephemeral token to create a payment packet that is sent to a payment server which sends a receipt in response thereto. The multi-function printer receives the receipt from the mobile device and in response to receiving the receipt, obtains a list of payments from the payment server. The multi-function printer performs the workflow based on validating the receipt against the list of payments.