Mobile Payment via Product Code Image Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods of purchasing and paying for products require consumers to be physically present at a point of sale or in front of a computing device, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that captures an image of a product code, such as a QR code, using a mobile device, processes the image to obtain product information, and allows users to select and pay for the product using a simple payment button, with the payment information being transmitted to a payment provider for processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If consumers use conventional payment methods (physical POS or online computing devices), then payment can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and requires physical presence or being in front of a computing device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of paymentVSAvoidtime required for payment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of physically presenting payment cards or manually entering information at a POS terminal with an optical system. Consumers simply capture an image of a product code using their mobile device camera, and the system automatically processes payment through image recognition and data extraction, eliminating the need for physical presence at a POS or manual data entry on a computing device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables consumers to independently complete the entire payment process using their mobile device. The consumer captures the product code image, the system automatically extracts product information, retrieves payment details, and processes the transaction without requiring assistance from cashiers or manual interaction with POS terminals, thus saving time and improving convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If consumers enter payment information manually on online shopping platforms, then payment can be processed, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment processing speedVSAvoidsimplicity of payment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-stores payment information and product details in databases. When a consumer captures a product code image, the system automatically retrieves the relevant payment information and product data from the database, eliminating the need for consumers to manually enter information during the purchase process. This preliminary preparation of data accelerates payment processing and simplifies the user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of typing payment information into online forms with an automated optical recognition system. The mobile device camera captures the product code, and image processing technology automatically extracts and processes the payment information, dramatically reducing the time and effort required compared to manual data entry on computing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If consumers shop online from home, then physical travel is eliminated, but the consumer must be in front of a PC or computing device which confines the shopping experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of shopping locationVSAvoidrequirement for computing device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the mobile device serve multiple functions: it acts as both the product code scanner and the payment processing terminal. By integrating the camera, image processing capabilities, and payment communication functions into a single mobile device, the system eliminates the need for separate PC-based shopping platforms, allowing consumers to shop from any location without being confined to a desktop or laptop computer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the PC-based online shopping interface with a mobile device-based system using optical image capture. Instead of requiring consumers to access e-commerce websites on PCs and manually search for products, the mobile device camera captures product code images directly, and the system processes the transaction, enabling shopping from any location with mobile device coverage and eliminating the need for PC hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250078143A1Payment using unique product identifier codes

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 PAYPAL INC

AI summary

Various methods and systems are provided to capture a unique product code, such as QR code, on a mobile device, process the information contained in the code, provide the user with options of making a purchase, including purchasing a plurality of selected products from different captured codes, and processing the payment via the user's mobile device.