Printer Payment via Device ID and NFC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in securely and conveniently paying for content from printers, especially in public settings where entering credit card information is a security risk and a hassle.

Innovation Solution

Printers use Near Field Communication (NFC) to receive device identification information from users' computing devices, such as IMEI or SIM numbers, which is then sent to a content management server to facilitate payment through associated service providers, eliminating the need for users to input payment information directly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users enter credit card information directly into the printer or print application, then payment can be processed, but security risks increase and user convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayment securityVSAvoidpayment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary payment system where device identification information (IMEI, SIM number) serves as a mediator between the user and the payment processing system. Instead of directly entering credit card information into the printer, the system uses the computing device's identification as an intermediary key to retrieve payment information from the service provider, thereby enhancing security while maintaining convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the sensitive payment information entry process from the printer and print application interface. By removing the direct input of credit card details from the user interface and replacing it with automatic device identification-based payment, the system eliminates the security vulnerability of exposing payment entry fields while preserving the payment functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the printer connects to a content management server for content delivery, then content selection and delivery is facilitated, but the complexity of the payment system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent delivery capabilityVSAvoidpayment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal payment mechanism that works across multiple contexts (different printers, content types, service providers) through a single approach: using device identification information. This multi-functional payment system integrates with the content management server infrastructure without requiring separate payment mechanisms for different scenarios, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This method provides a secure and user-friendly payment process by leveraging device identification information for payment, reducing security risks and eliminating the hassle of entering payment details, allowing for seamless content delivery, such as printing images or applications.

Implementation Method 1

The printer and computing device can be in close proximity, such that communication between the devices is via Near Held Communication (NFC)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9946502B2Using device identification information for payment via a printer
Publication Date: 2018.04.17 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • US9946502B2 patent drawing
  • US9946502B2 patent drawing
  • US9946502B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A technique performed by a printer includes receiving identification information from a computing device. The identification information may be sent to a server, such as a content management server. The identification information can be used for payment. Payment confirmation, authorization to provide content, or content itself may be received from the server.