Digital Wallet Bill Splitting Using Audio-Based Participant Identification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bill splitting solutions require manual entry of participant details, leading to errors, delays, and inconsistencies in allocating expenses among group members, especially in dynamic environments where participants may join or leave at different times.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with audio input capabilities automatically identifies participants in a financial transaction by capturing audio samples and presenting a prompt for transaction amount allocation, eliminating the need for manual entry and adapting to real-time changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual entry of participant details is used, then the process requires user input, but errors, delays, and inconsistencies occur in allocating expenses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of participant identificationVSAvoidtime for bill splitting process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies participants using audio recognition and contextual data without requiring manual input. The electronic device captures audio samples, identifies voices, and determines participant identities autonomously, eliminating the need for users to manually enter participant details and thereby preventing errors and delays associated with manual entry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data entry with an automated audio recognition system. The system uses audio input devices to capture and analyze voice samples, automatically identifying participants and their identities, thus substituting the manual mechanical process with an automated technological solution that improves accuracy and speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual entry methods are used, then users can input participant information, but delays and inconsistencies occur especially in dynamic environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle dynamic participant changesVSAvoidspeed of bill splitting process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to changing participant compositions by continuously monitoring audio input and contextual signals. When participants join or leave, the system automatically detects these changes through audio recognition and updates the participant list in real-time, maintaining adaptability without requiring manual intervention and preserving processing speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses contextual signals and audio feedback to continuously update participant identification. By monitoring the audio environment and comparing it against stored voice profiles, the system receives feedback about participant presence and automatically adjusts its identification, enabling it to adapt to dynamic environments while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If automated audio recognition is used, then participant identification is automatic, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of participant identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of audio processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages existing multi-functional components already present in modern electronic devices. The audio input device serves multiple purposes including voice calls, music playback, and now participant identification. By reusing existing hardware and software infrastructure for additional functions, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses contextual signals as an intermediary to bridge audio recognition and participant identification. Rather than directly complex audio analysis, the system processes contextual data (location, time, contact information) alongside audio samples, using this intermediary layer to simplify the overall processing architecture while maintaining high automation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260050903A1Methods, Systems, and Electronic Devices for Contextually Identifying Divisions Associated with Digital Transactions

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

A method in an electronic device involves detecting a financial transaction using a digital wallet application, capturing audio input from the environment, extracting audio samples to identify participants, and presenting a financial transaction dividing prompt on the user interface. The prompt can identify participants and their respective portions of the transaction amount. The system can split the transaction amount evenly or unevenly and allows for editing of participants. The method can include ceasing audio capture and deleting audio samples after transmitting reimbursement messages. The system uses contextual signals, such as calendar events and location data, to detect probable group transactions and capture relevant audio samples for accurate participant identification.