Offline Transaction Funds Loading on Secondary Wearable Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic transaction systems using mobile devices are hindered by Internet connectivity issues and battery power limitations, preventing offline transactions when connectivity is unreliable or battery power is low.

Innovation Solution

A system and method enabling offline transactions using either a primary electronic device or a secondary electronic device, such as a wearable device, by loading funds onto the secondary device when the primary device's battery is low or when unreliable Internet connectivity is anticipated, allowing transactions to be conducted even without internet access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mobile electronic device is used to conduct electronic transactions, then transaction convenience is improved, but transaction reliability deteriorates when Internet connectivity is unreliable or battery power is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction convenienceVSAvoidtransaction reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting when a primary device's battery is low or when unreliable Internet connectivity is anticipated, then automatically loads funds onto a secondary device in advance. This ensures that the secondary device is ready for offline transactions before the primary device becomes unavailable, resolving the contradiction by maintaining transaction reliability through proactive preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary electronic device acts as an intermediary between the primary device and the transaction environment. When the primary device cannot function reliably (low battery or poor connectivity), the secondary device mediates by holding the funds and enabling transactions. This intermediary approach maintains both convenience (seamless transaction continuity) and reliability (backup capability).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If funds are loaded onto a secondary device for offline transactions, then transaction availability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction availabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary electronic device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a regular computing device and as an offline transaction device. By loading funds onto the secondary device, the system gains transaction availability without requiring a completely separate dedicated offline device. This universal approach balances versatility with acceptable complexity, as the secondary device already exists and can fulfill dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11823168B2Offline transactions using a primary electronic device or a secondary electronic device coupled thereto

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 PAYPAL INC

AI summary

An offline transaction is conducted using a primary electronic device or a secondary electronic device communicatively coupled to the primary electronic device. A geographical zone where Internet connectivity is unreliable is determined for the primary electronic device. A detection is made that the primary electronic device is about to enter the geographical zone. In response to the detecting, an amount of funds is made electronically available offline for the primary electronic device. An offline electronic transaction is conducted using the primary electronic device based on the amount of funds. The offline electronic transaction is conducted within the geographical zone.