Onboard Camera Payment Capture for Cost-Effective Vehicle Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payment methods for vehicle users, such as cash, bank cards, or mobile phones, are inconvenient and costly due to the need for physical possession and additional equipment installation, and existing automatic systems are limited in functionality and applicability.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing on-board camera equipment and computer systems to automatically capture and process payment data from toll booths, gas stations, and charging stations without the need for additional devices, enabling payment through integrated systems like WeChat Pay, Alipay, or credit cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cash, bank card, or mobile phone payment methods are used, then payment functionality is provided, but convenience deteriorates due to the need to carry physical items and additional equipment installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing on-board camera to automatically capture payment data without requiring the driver to manually operate any payment device. The camera autonomously identifies payment information at toll booths, gas stations, and charging stations, and the system automatically completes the payment process, making the vehicle itself serve the payment function without external intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The invention leverages the existing on-board camera equipment, which was originally designed for other purposes (such as surveillance or assistance systems), and repurposes it for payment data capture. This allows the same hardware to serve multiple functions, eliminating the need for dedicated payment equipment and reducing overall system complexity
2Extent of automation
If ETC system with electronic on-board license plates is installed for automatic payment, then payment automation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional equipment installation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures payment data using the on-board camera and completes transactions without driver intervention. The automation is achieved by repurposing existing vehicle equipment rather than installing dedicated ETC hardware, allowing the vehicle to serve its own payment needs independently
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using specialized ETC electronic on-board license plate technology, the system creates a functional equivalent by using the existing camera to capture images of payment data (such as QR codes or barcode information at payment terminals). This optical copying approach achieves the same automation goal without requiring proprietary ETC equipment
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional payment equipment is installed in the vehicle, then payment functionality is enhanced, but cost increases due to equipment purchase and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the existing on-board camera perform payment capture functions in addition to its original purposes. By enabling one piece of equipment to serve multiple functions, the system enhances payment versatility without requiring additional hardware purchases or installation
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle uses its own existing camera system to capture payment data, eliminating the need to purchase and install separate payment equipment. The system leverages resources already present in the vehicle, making the enhancement cost-effective and easily implementable
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
Enables cost-effective and convenient vehicle payments by leveraging existing on-board equipment, eliminating the need for physical payment methods and additional installations, and providing seamless payment processing through integrated payment systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing on-board camera equipment and computer systems to automatically capture and process payment data
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for making a payment on board a vehicle, and a device intended therefor. The method comprises the following steps: if payment data is to be recorded, determining from a plurality of onboard camera equipment the onboard camera equipment which captures the payment data taking into consideration the current location of a vehicle; switching on the determined camera equipment of the vehicle; and, recording the payment data from images which have been captured by the switched-on camera equipment, in order to make the payment. The method and the device allow the vehicle user to make payments in a more cost-effective manner.