Prepaid Payment Device Combining Ticket and Transaction Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional paper tickets for events are separate from payment methods, leading to inconvenience, fraud risks, and limited value as souvenirs, as they are easily damaged and require carrying multiple items for admission and transactions.

Innovation Solution

A prepaid payment device that combines admission to a future performance event with a stored monetary value, allowing it to function as both a ticket and a payment method, issued through a kiosk that integrates with a payment processing network, enabling single-item carry and potential collectibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional paper tickets are used for event admission, then the ticket can be easily printed and distributed, but the ticket is easily damaged, lost, or stolen and requires separate payment methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveticket printing and distributionVSAvoidticket security and durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the event ticket and payment card into a single integrated prepaid payment device. The ticket information (event details, admission authorization) and payment functionality (stored value, transaction capability) are merged into one card, eliminating the need to carry separate items and reducing the risk of loss or theft of multiple items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The prepaid payment device serves multiple functions: it acts as an admission ticket for the event, a payment method for purchasing food and merchandise at the venue, and a potential collectible item with limited edition artwork. This multi-functionality replaces the traditional separate ticket and payment card system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate payment methods (cash, credit cards, debit cards) are used for transactions at the event, then various payment options are available, but the consumer must carry multiple items that can be stolen or lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment optionsVSAvoidnumber of items to carry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple payment capabilities into a single prepaid payment device. The card contains stored value and can be used for transactions at the event, replacing the need to carry cash, credit cards, and debit cards separately. The ticket information and payment functionality are combined in one item.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The prepaid payment device provides universal functionality for both admission control and monetary transactions. It can be used to gain entry to the event and subsequently purchased food, memorabilia, or other items, eliminating the need to switch between different payment methods or carry multiple items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If traditional paper tickets are used, then the ticket can be printed with event information, but the ticket has limited value as a long term souvenir due to damage and blemishes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveticket information storageVSAvoidsouvenir longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The prepaid payment device uses a composite structure combining traditional card materials with printed artwork elements. The card substrate provides durability and protection, while the integrated artwork (especially limited edition pieces) enhances collectibility. This composite approach creates a souvenir that is both durable and potentially appreciating in value.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If a prepaid payment device combines ticket and payment functions, then single-item carry is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of carrying single itemVSAvoidintegration of ticket and payment systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ticket system and payment system into a single integrated device. The card contains both admission authorization information and payment account capabilities, allowing users to carry one item instead of multiple separate items. This integration simplifies the user experience despite the increased technical complexity behind the scenes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8132719B2Prepaid payment device admission ticketing

Publication Date: 2012.03.13 VISA USA INC

AI summary

A prepaid payment device is used to by a consumer as a ticket to a future performance event as well as to conduct a transaction with a merchant. The consumer operates a user interface of a kiosk to select admission to the future performance event and a monetary amount to be added thereto. Payment is submitted to the kiosk for both the admission price and the monetary amount. The prepaid payment device is associated with an account that is credited with the payment. Stored on the prepaid payment device is information which includes the associated account and authorization for admission to the selected future performance event. The payment credited to the account can be for both the transaction with the merchant offering admission to the future performance event and also for an additional transaction with another merchant who may be at the venue of the future performance event.