SMS-Based Transaction System for Mobile Business Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Business transactions are hindered by the need for face-to-face contact and unreliable mobile Internet connections, limiting customers' ability to transact outside of Internet-accessible locations.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using SMS and email to transfer information between handheld devices and central business units, incorporating a GSM modem, thermal paper printing device, and central server to enable transaction processing without Internet connectivity, allowing for alerts, data recording, and two-way communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If face-to-face contact is used for business transactions, then transaction reliability is improved, but time consumption increases and mobility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction reliabilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical face-to-face interaction system with an SMS-based communication system. Customers send text messages from their mobile devices to the business unit, and responses are sent back via SMS, eliminating the need for physical presence while maintaining transaction reliability through structured message protocols and automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces SMS messages as an intermediary medium between customers and businesses. The SMS system acts as a mediator that carries transaction information, enables communication without direct contact, and facilitates transactions while the customer is away from the business location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mobile Internet connections are used for transactions, then mobility is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mobile Internet connection system with an SMS-based communication system. SMS messages provide a more reliable alternative to mobile Internet for transaction communication, as they do not require continuous network connectivity and can be sent and received even when Internet access is unavailable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If SMS and email are used for information transfer, then mobility and transaction flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the universal SMS messaging capability that already exists on most mobile devices. By using SMS, the system avoids adding complex communication hardware while still achieving mobile transaction capability. The GSM modem and printing device components are kept simple and integrated into existing mobile infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8781508B1System and method for transferring information between a remote computing device and a central business unit

Publication Date: 2014.07.15 MEDALLIA INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for receiving, processing and responding to text messages are described. In one embodiment a central business unit (CBU) response system may include apparatus for receiving text messages from a message sender, storing the messages in a memory, providing a user indication of receipt of the text messages, displaying and/or printing the message contents, receiving a user input in response to the user indication, and providing a confirmation message to the message sender.