User ID Barcode for Offline Micro Payment Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for micro payment transactions are impractical due to high credit card processing costs, requiring special equipment like non-contact card readers, and are inconvenient for users as they often involve cash and limited vendor acceptance, with risks of loss and limited international use.
Innovation Solution
A method using a User ID Barcode generated from a cell phone number or credit card number, downloadable to a cell phone or printed on a credit card, allowing purchases via barcode scanners, with encryption for security and a User Vendor Management Server for transaction processing, enabling offline and online micro and non-micro payment transactions without the need for special readers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If credit card processing is used for micro payments, then transaction security is improved, but transaction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the credit card account system through a mobile device interface. Instead of using the physical credit card for micro payments, the system generates a digital representation (mobile interface with account number display) that can be used for transactions. This copying approach allows credit card functionality to be replicated in a format suitable for micro payments, reducing the need for traditional high-cost credit card processing infrastructure while maintaining security through the same account verification systems.
2Speed
If non-contact card readers are deployed for micro payments, then transaction speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device universal by combining multiple functions into a single device. The mobile phone serves as both the payment initiation device and the display medium for account information. Vendors can use existing barcode scanning capabilities or simple visual verification processes rather than requiring specialized non-contact readers. This universality approach allows the system to work with existing infrastructure while achieving fast transaction speeds through the mobile device's inherent capabilities.
3Loss of energy
If cash is used for micro payments, then transaction cost is reduced, but convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated account verification and transaction processing. The mobile device automatically displays the account number and facilitates the transaction process without requiring manual cash handling. The system automatically verifies account balances, processes approvals, and updates transaction records. This self-service automation eliminates the need for cash while maintaining low costs by using existing account infrastructure, thereby improving convenience through automated processes.
4Reliability
If cell phones with RFID chips are used for payments, then user identification reliability is improved, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the payment system into multiple components: the mobile device as the identification medium, the displayed account number as the transaction key, and the server-based verification system as the security layer. This segmentation allows the mobile device to serve as a reliable identifier without containing sensitive payment data that would be vulnerable to theft. The account number displayed on the screen acts as a separate, non-sensitive identifier that can be verified without exposing the full payment credentials, thereby reducing security risks from device loss while maintaining reliable user identification.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for conducting offline commerce transactions that use a barcode as an alternative means for personal identification. The user represented in the bar code format, User ID Barcode, is generated from a number that uniquely identifies the user. Numbers such as a cell phone number or a credit card number may be used to generate the User ID Barcode. These numbers are prefixed with a special character before they are converted to the barcode format. Prefixing a special character is necessary so that the bar code generated can be distinguished from any bar code representing products being sold. If a credit card number is used, the User ID Barcode is printed on the back of the credit card which then becomes a 2 and 1 credit card.