Wireless Payment Authorization Using Beacon Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retail transaction systems require specialized hardware at both mobile devices and point of sale terminals, such as fingerprint readers and NFC transmitters, which can be cumbersome and raise security concerns, and do not efficiently allow for secure and automatic payment authorization.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a mobile device with a wireless communication unit that transmits a beacon signal, allowing customers to authorize payment through a database-associated method of payment by matching an entered authorization code with a stored code, eliminating the need for specialized hardware at the point of sale and enabling secure, automatic transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized hardware (fingerprint reader, NFC transmitter) is installed in mobile devices and POS terminals, then payment security and automatic authorization are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the specialized hardware requirements from the mobile device and POS terminal by using a wireless communication-based system. Instead of requiring fingerprint readers and NFC transmitters to be built into devices, the system uses wireless signals to transmit authorization codes, thereby eliminating the need for complex specialized hardware while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic specialized hardware system (fingerprint sensors, NFC transmitters) with a wireless communication system that uses radio frequency signals. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact and specialized components, reducing device complexity while maintaining authorization security.
2Extent of automation
If specialized hardware (NFC transmitter, fingerprint sensor) is required for payment, then automatic payment authorization is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple steps and hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device universally compatible with existing wireless communication standards (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) rather than requiring specialized NFC hardware. This universal approach allows automatic payment authorization using standard wireless protocols already present in most mobile devices, improving ease of operation while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic payment authorization where the mobile device automatically transmits its identification code and the system automatically verifies authorization without requiring manual intervention. The customer simply needs to have their mobile device near the POS terminal, and the system handles the authentication process automatically, improving both automation and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If NFC transmitter and reader are installed in POS terminal, then wireless payment communication is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables POS terminals to communicate with mobile devices using universal wireless protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) that are already standard in the industry. This eliminates the need for POS terminals to install specialized NFC transmitters, reducing hardware complexity and cost while maintaining wireless payment capability through existing communication standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive wireless communication modules that can be easily implemented in POS terminals compared to specialized NFC hardware. The system leverages standard wireless protocols that require minimal additional hardware, reducing the cost and complexity of upgrading POS terminals while enabling wireless payment functionality.
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
Enables secure and efficient payment authorization without the need for specialized hardware at the point of sale, improving the user experience and reducing security risks by leveraging existing mobile device capabilities and wireless communication protocols.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless communication unit is configured to transmit a beacon signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computing instructions that, when executed on the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform: wirelessly transmitting a signal to a user device; storing, in a database, a user account associated with a user, the user account comprising a method of payment and a first authorization code; receiving a user device identification code from the user device in response to the user device receiving the signal; transmitting the user device identification code and the retail environment code to process sales; associating the user device with the retail environment in response to receiving the user device identification code and the retail environment code; receiving an order from the user device; and authorizing payment for the order utilizing a method of payment stored in the user account. Other embodiments are disclosed.