Open Tab Transaction System for Flexible Payment Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional point-of-sale credit card transactions are inflexible and require multiple steps, especially when purchasing multiple items across different locations, as they typically involve separate authorization and capture stages, and do not allow for real-time modifications to transaction lists.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an open tab transaction system, where a customer device generates a list of items that can be modified in real-time, allowing additions or deletions, and processed in a single payment upon closure, utilizing geolocation and proximity notifications to update transactions across multiple merchant devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional point-of-sale credit card transactions are used, then transaction security and routing control are maintained, but transaction flexibility and ease of modification are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transaction process into distinct phases: authorization stage where card details are captured and stored, and capture stage where payments are processed. This allows the transaction to be flexible during the authorization phase (items can be added/removed) while maintaining security and routing control during the capture phase through the established authorization record.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary authorization before the final capture stage. During this preliminary authorization, the system stores card details and creates an authorization record that can be modified. This preliminary action enables flexibility in modifying transaction items while the authorization is open, but ensures security and proper routing are maintained when the capture stage is executed.
2Ease of operation
If separate authorization and capture stages are used, then transaction security and routing control are maintained, but navigation complexity and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple capture operations into a single consolidated capture stage. Instead of requiring separate authorization and capture for each item or location, the system allows multiple items across different locations to be added to an open authorization, then captures all of them in a single transaction. This reduces navigation complexity and user effort while maintaining the security benefits of the two-stage process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the authorization record open and modifiable until capture. The authorization stage continuously accepts item additions and modifications without requiring closure and reopening. This continuity allows users to freely modify their transactions across multiple locations without repeating the authorization process, reducing both navigation complexity and overall processing time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time modifications to transaction lists are allowed, then user flexibility is enhanced, but transaction reliability and processing accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic authorization record that can be modified during the authorization stage. The system dynamically updates the transaction list by adding or removing items while maintaining the authorization record in a modifiable state. This dynamic approach enhances user flexibility while ensuring reliability is maintained through proper state management that prevents modifications during the capture stage and ensures data integrity throughout the process.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, computer program products, and apparatus for open tab transactions. A customer device, e.g., a smart phone, can generate an order for purchasing one or more goods or services from a merchant. A list of the items can be stored in a data structure designated as a tab. The list is routed to a merchant device, e.g., a tablet computer. The customer device can be carried by a user to the merchant. When the user reaches the merchant, the customer device or merchant device can receive a request to add an additional item to the list. The tab remains open and modifiable until the customer device or merchant device receives an input to close it. Payment for the goods or services listed in the modified tab is processed upon closing of the tab.