Short Code Bill Pay System via SMS Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for paying bills are often cumbersome and slow, especially for utility bills, as they require manual login and payment processing, which can lead to late fees and missed payments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a financial service provider that allows customers to pay bills via text messaging using a short code, enabling immediate, future, or discounted payments, with reminders and automatic options, ensuring faster payment processing and reducing late fees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual login and payment processing methods are used, then payment security is maintained, but payment speed and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service bill payment through automated text message processing. Customers receive automated payment links via SMS, can make payments automatically through the link without manual login, and the system automatically processes and confirms payments. This eliminates the need for manual login and complex payment procedures while maintaining security through automated verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated payment processing system that acts as a mediator between the customer and the billing system. Instead of direct manual login and payment, the system uses automated text message links and backend processing to facilitate payment, reducing customer effort and processing time while maintaining security through the intermediary's automated verification processes.
2Productivity
If traditional bill payment methods are used, then financial information security is maintained, but customer engagement and payment speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex login and payment processing steps from the customer's task. Instead of requiring customers to navigate complex login procedures and payment interfaces, the system sends a simplified text message with an automated payment link. The complex verification and processing happen automatically in the backend, leaving the customer with a simple one-click payment action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of manual login, form filling, and navigation with an automated electronic system. Text messages and automated links substitute for manual clicking and form submission, while backend automated processing replaces manual verification steps. This substitution dramatically reduces both customer effort and processing time while maintaining security through automated systems.
3Reliability
If automated payment processing is implemented, then payment speed improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system provides self-service payment processing where the system automatically sends payment links via text message, processes payments when customers click the links, and automatically confirms payments. This automation improves reliability by ensuring payments are processed consistently without manual intervention errors, while the system complexity is managed through standardized automated workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback loops where the system sends text messages to customers, receives payment confirmations automatically, and provides payment status updates. This feedback mechanism improves reliability by ensuring customers are notified and can confirm payments, while the automated nature of the feedback reduces the need for complex manual verification systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for secure transfer of a debt payment, according to one or more embodiments, provides for: receiving a request for a billing service from a biller; providing a reference code to the biller in response to the request, in which the reference code uniquely corresponds to a bill code; receiving a reply corresponding to the bill code from a customer via a network-based device in response to the bill code being included in a bill to the customer; and transferring a payment corresponding to the reference code to the biller while keeping selected financial information of the customer secure with respect to the biller.