Unique System-Wide Identifiers for Self-Service Payment Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-service payment systems in restaurants and similar venues require human data entry for seating location, leading to errors and increased complexity due to the need for custom label printing and hardware installations, which limits scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method using unique system-wide identifiers on physical identity targets, such as QR codes or RFID tags, that can be read by customer mobile devices to facilitate ordering and payment without the need for human data entry, allowing for rapid deployment and maintenance without custom printing, and leveraging existing POS system connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If machine-readable labels with location-specific codes are placed at each customer location, then self-service payment capability is enabled, but system complexity and maintenance cost increase due to custom label printing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single standardized label design with a unique identifier field that can serve multiple venues and locations. Instead of custom labels for each location, the system uses a universal label template where only the identifier changes, eliminating the need for custom printing systems while maintaining location-specific functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter approach by moving from location-specific descriptive codes to a universal unique identifier system. The label structure remains constant, but the identifier parameter is dynamically assigned and stored in a database, allowing the system to handle any number of locations without changing the label design or printing process.
2Ease of manufacture
If human data entry of seating location is required, then system implementation is simpler, but error rate increases and customer service speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data entry with an automated optical scanning system. Customers use mobile device cameras to scan the machine-readable label, and the system automatically captures and processes the unique identifier, eliminating human transcription errors while maintaining ease of implementation through familiar smartphone technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing customers to independently scan their own location labels and initiate payment processes without staff assistance. The system automatically retrieves location information from the scanned identifier, eliminating the need for customers to manually enter seating location data and reducing reliance on employee intervention.
3Measurement precision
If custom labels are printed for each seating location, then location identification precision is improved, but installation and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a centralized database with all location identifiers and corresponding POS system mappings before deployment. This allows labels to be printed using a simple standardized template, and the system to automatically resolve location identities through database lookups, eliminating the need for time-consuming custom label production and on-site configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized database as an intermediary between the standardized labels and the POS systems. The database stores the mapping between unique identifiers on labels and specific venue locations, acting as a mediator that translates universal label codes into location-specific information, thereby eliminating the need for custom labels while maintaining precise location identification.
4Extent of automation
If multiple hardware addons are installed for self-service functionality, then payment automation is achieved, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of existing smartphone devices, which already contain cameras, processors, and communication capabilities. Instead of installing specialized hardware, the system uses these universally available components to capture label images, process identifiers, and communicate with POS systems, achieving payment automation with minimal additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by capturing an image of the machine-readable label through the smartphone camera and processing it digitally. Instead of requiring specialized optical scanners or hardware readers, the system creates a digital copy of the label information through photography and uses image recognition algorithms to extract the unique identifier, eliminating the need for dedicated scanning hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing orders and payments in a location-based food-service venue such as a restaurant, stadium or arena. Each customer location has a physical identity target attached in proximity thereto comprising a unique system-wide identifier readable by customer mobile devices. Targets might be visually readable, using QR codes or the like, or might be a short range radio beacon broadcasting the identifier (NFC, RFID etc.)—they do not contain human-readable location indication information. The identifiers associated with the targets do not contain location- or venue-specific information, and are recorded in relation to location records corresponding to individual customer locations in the venue in a order database held on a server. On reading of a target by a customer device and a related location transmission to a server, the server can associate the transmission with its related customer location in the venue-associated POS system, facilitate a selection of items for ordering regarding the location and facilitate an ordering transaction for the amount owing at the selected customer location through a transaction gateway, and provide a transaction completion indication to the POS system. The method allows for enhanced velocity in deployment and maintenance of location targets, and enables mobile device-based ordering and payment in venues previously not offering same. Systems and software are also disclosed.