Dynamic QR Code Linking for Digital Account Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile applications for online transaction processors require multiple inputs and data processing steps to navigate and locate digital accounts, leading to time-consuming processes and potential mistakes due to similar usernames and identifiers.

Innovation Solution

A payment card with a machine-readable code, such as a QR code, is dynamically linked to a digital account, allowing users to automatically load account data onto other devices by scanning the code, reducing the need for manual input and enhancing navigation within the application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple inputs are required to navigate and locate digital accounts in mobile applications, then the application can provide comprehensive search functionality, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of locating digital accountsVSAvoidTime required for navigation and location
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating and storing machine-readable codes (such as QR codes) that encode account identifiers or location data before the user needs to access the account. When a user scans the code, the encoded information is immediately available for direct navigation to the correct digital account, eliminating the need for manual searching through lists of accounts. This pre-prepared coded information enables instant access without requiring users to navigate through multiple interface levels or perform multiple input actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual input is used to locate digital accounts, then the system can verify user intent, but the process requires multiple data processing steps and increases error risk

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccuracy of account locationVSAvoidNumber of data processing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential identification information (account identifier or location data) from the complex digital account system and encodes it into a simplified machine-readable code format. This extracted information can be directly scanned and processed without requiring the user to navigate through complex interface hierarchies or provide multiple inputs. The code contains only the necessary identification data, which when scanned, immediately provides the target account information, reducing both the complexity of data processing steps and the potential for user error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If similar usernames and identifiers are used in the system, then the application remains user-friendly, but mistakes in locating proper users increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUser-friendliness of interfaceVSAvoidPrecision of user location
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces machine-readable codes as an intermediary between the user and the digital account identification system. Instead of relying on similar-looking usernames or identifiers that can be easily confused, the code serves as a distinct, unambiguous mediator that directly encodes the correct account information. When a user scans the code, the intermediary code translates into the precise account identifier, eliminating ambiguity and preventing mistakes that would occur when manually selecting from similar-looking usernames or identifiers in a list.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240029050A1Dynamically linking machine-readable codes to digital accounts for loading of application data
Publication Date: 2024.01.25 PAYPAL INC
  • US20240029050A1 patent drawing
  • US20240029050A1 patent drawing
  • US20240029050A1 patent drawing

AI summary

There are provided systems and methods for dynamically linking machine-readable codes to digital accounts for loading of application data. A user may engage in a transaction with another user, such as a purchase of goods, services, or other items a merchant using a physical payment card. A machine-readable code may be provided on the payment card, where the machine-readable code may be dynamically linked to underlying data with an online transaction processor. The user may provide the payment card to another user that may capture the machine-readable code on the payment card. The other user's device may then utilize the machine-readable code with the online transaction processor to perform an account lookup using database information dynamically linked to the machine-readable code. Thereafter, the other user's device may automatically load account data for the account without having the user enter the account's identifier.