Mobile Checkout System Using Blockchain for Secure NFC Tag Deactivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional checkout systems in merchant stores are inefficient and insecure, requiring manual interaction with merchants or self-checkout systems, leading to wasted time for customers and high costs for merchants, while also being vulnerable to data interception.

Innovation Solution

A secure mobile checkout system using a mobile device with a scanning application that retrieves product data, transmits transaction packets to a payment network, and deactivates security tags using NFC, RFID, or Bluetooth, leveraging blockchain technology for secure data storage and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual checkout processes are used, then transaction security can be maintained, but checkout time and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction securityVSAvoidcheckout time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service checkout by allowing customers to scan products with their mobile devices, retrieve product data automatically, and complete transactions independently without requiring merchant tellers or manual intervention, thus reducing checkout time while maintaining security through automated verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning processes with automated optical scanning via mobile device cameras, electronic data retrieval from databases, and digital transaction processing, eliminating the need for physical product scanning and manual data entry while maintaining transaction security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If traditional checkout infrastructure is used, then transaction processing can be handled, but system complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction processing capabilityVSAvoidcheckout infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts essential checkout functions from complex traditional infrastructure and implements them through a simplified mobile device-based approach, removing unnecessary components like manual scanning systems, POS terminals, and teller stations while retaining core transaction processing capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves multiple functions including product scanning, data retrieval, transaction initiation, and communication with payment networks, replacing the need for dedicated checkout equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full transaction processing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual scanning and processing is used, then data security can be maintained, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual data scanning and processing with automated optical recognition, electronic data retrieval, and digital transaction processing, improving operational efficiency while maintaining data security through automated verification and encrypted digital communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary digital communication layer between the mobile device and payment networks, using secure data transmission protocols to maintain data security while enabling efficient automated transaction processing without manual intervention

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

The system enables faster, more secure, and cost-effective checkouts by allowing mobile device scanning and blockchain-based transaction processing, reducing the risk of data compromise and eliminating the need for traditional checkout infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

The secure checkout device may be configured to transmit the deactivation signal using at least one of near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), or Bluetooth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear field communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The secure checkout device may be configured to transmit the deactivation signal using at least one of near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), or Bluetooth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification (RFID): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240330893A1Secure mobile checkout system
Publication Date: 2024.10.03 AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES CO INC
  • US20240330893A1 patent drawing
  • US20240330893A1 patent drawing
  • US20240330893A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for secure mobile checkouts are disclosed. The system may include a secure mobile checkout device configured to scan products available in a merchant store. The device may scan the product to determine a product identifier. The device may transmit the scanned product data to a checkout application to retrieve product data corresponding to the product identifier. In device may initiate a transaction with a payment network to purchase the product, based on the product data provided by the checkout application. The payment network may process the transaction, and may authorize the purchase with the merchant.