Smart Billfold Device for Splitting Restaurant Payments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of dividing and paying a restaurant bill among a group of patrons is cumbersome and inefficient, often leading to socially awkward situations and increased workload for waitstaff, as different payment methods such as cash and credit/debit cards need to be processed separately.
Innovation Solution
A device resembling a traditional billfold equipped with a computing system, including a processing unit, memory, display, and magnetic strip reader, allows patrons to input and process payments, including splitting bills and handling various payment methods within the device, while maintaining a familiar appearance for both patrons and waitstaff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional billfold is used to present the bill, then patrons and waitstaff are familiar with the device, but the payment processing becomes cumbersome and time-consuming when multiple payment methods are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple payment processing functions (credit card reader, cash handling, bill division calculations) into a single integrated device that resembles a traditional billfold. This merging eliminates the need for waitstaff to separately handle multiple payment methods and return to the central location, thereby reducing payment processing time while maintaining the familiar billfold appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can process credit/debit cards via magnetic strip reader, handle cash payments, divide bills among multiple patrons, and calculate gratuities. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate tools and procedures, significantly streamlining the payment process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If waitstaff manually process multiple payment methods separately, then each payment type can be handled according to its requirements, but the complexity of the payment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges credit card processing, cash handling, bill division, and gratuity calculation into a single integrated system. This consolidation maintains the ability to handle various payment methods while reducing procedural complexity by providing a unified interface and automated calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service payment processing at the table, allowing patrons to input their own payment information and select their preferred payment method. This automation reduces the complexity of manual processing for waitstaff while maintaining versatility in handling different payment types.
3Reliability
If waitstaff must return to central location for each payment method, then proper payment processing can be ensured, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The payment processing function is segmented and distributed to individual devices at each table, rather than requiring all payments to be processed at a central location. This segmentation maintains payment accuracy through standardized processing while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating repeated trips to the central register.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs payment processing preliminary at the table before the patron leaves, rather than requiring subsequent trips to the central location. This preliminary action ensures payment accuracy is maintained while significantly improving waitstaff efficiency by completing the transaction on-site.
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
Facilitates efficient and streamlined payment processing, reducing the time and effort required for waitstaff to manage multiple payment methods and allows patrons to easily divide bills and process gratuities, enhancing the dining experience by minimizing awkward situations and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic strip reader to allow input of credit/debit card information by patrons
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system and method are disclosed for presenting a bill to restaurant patrons, and facilitating the payment of the bill by the patrons. A basic embodiment of the device includes a computing system and a billfold for housing at least a portion of the computing system. The computing system includes at least a pressure sensitive display, a magnetic strip reader for inputting payment information, a memory for storing computer executable instructions and a processing unit for executing computer executable instructions.