Multi-Device Transaction Handling via Shared Identifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transaction handling systems do not allow for the division of a transaction among multiple devices or the transition of an in-process transaction from one device to another, limiting the ability to track contributions from multiple individuals using different devices.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for handling a transaction with multiple devices, where information is stored on a transaction identifier, and devices can communicate via radio frequency or audio signals to transfer transaction data, allowing for the addition of items and user identification, enabling seamless transfer and completion of transactions across devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single device records all transaction information, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot allow multiple individuals using multiple devices to contribute to a transaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle transactions with multiple devicesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transaction handling process across multiple devices by dividing transaction information into separate components that can be stored and managed on different devices. Each device can independently record specific transaction elements, and these segmented records can be later consolidated to form a complete transaction history, enabling multiple individuals to contribute without requiring a single centralized device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a shared transaction identifier that acts as a mediator between multiple devices. This identifier serves as a common reference point that allows different devices to associate their recorded information with the same transaction, enabling coordination and information sharing without requiring direct device-to-device communication or a centralized server.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If transaction information is stored on a single device, then data integrity is maintained, but the transaction cannot be transitioned from one device to another

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to transition transaction between devicesVSAvoidtransaction information continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs copying by creating and distributing copies of the transaction identifier to multiple devices. Instead of transferring the entire transaction database, each device receives a copy of the unique identifier that links to the transaction. This allows the transaction to be accessed and updated across devices while maintaining data integrity, as all devices reference the same underlying transaction record through their copied identifiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If multiple devices can access transaction information, then collaboration is improved, but tracking contributions from multiple individuals becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollaboration easeVSAvoidtracking complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by associating specific attributes with each device's contribution to the transaction. Each device record includes device-specific information such as device identifier, timestamp, and contribution type, while maintaining reference to the shared transaction identifier. This allows the system to track individual contributions without requiring complex centralized coordination, as each device maintains its own local record of its contributions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9537939B1Methods and systems for handling a single transaction with multiple devices
Publication Date: 2017.01.03 MAST IND FAR EAST
  • US9537939B1 patent drawing
  • US9537939B1 patent drawing
  • US9537939B1 patent drawing

AI summary

In an aspect, a method for handling a transaction with multiple devices is described. The method can include storing information pertaining to a transaction on a first device and receiving on the first device an indication that the transaction will be passed to a second device. In response to receiving an indication that the transaction will be passed to the second device, information pertaining to the transaction can be transmitted to the second device.