Wireless Transaction Preprocessing System for Queue Time Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users and point-of-transaction systems experience inefficiencies and delays due to the need for manual processing of transactions while waiting in queues, leading to wasted time and increased exposure.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a wireless transaction preprocessing system that allows users to initiate and complete transactions wirelessly using a wireless transaction preprocessing user device while in a queue, utilizing short-range ad-hoc wireless networks and sensors to sense user presence and facilitate preprocessing and completion of transactions at the point-of-transaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual transaction processing is performed at the point-of-transaction, then transaction security is maintained through direct interaction, but user queue time increases and transaction throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction throughputVSAvoiduser queue time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary transaction processing actions while the user is still in the queue. The wireless transaction preprocessing user device captures transaction information, authentication data, and transaction details before the user reaches the point-of-transaction, so that when the user arrives, the transaction is already prepared and ready for completion, significantly reducing queue time and increasing throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the user and the point-of-transaction system. This intermediary enables data transmission and transaction preprocessing remotely, allowing the system to prepare transactions before the user arrives without requiring direct interaction at the transaction point, thus improving efficiency while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If users wait in queue for manual transaction processing, then transaction security is maintained through direct verification, but user exposure time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction completion efficiencyVSAvoiduser exposure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to initiate and provide transaction information through their own wireless devices while in the queue, without requiring assistance from operators or manual intervention. This self-service capability allows transaction preprocessing to occur autonomously during the waiting period, improving ease of operation and reducing overall transaction time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If traditional queue processing is used, then system complexity remains low, but transaction throughput and user satisfaction decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction throughputVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless transaction preprocessing user device serves multiple functions: it acts as a user interface for inputting transaction information, a communication device for transmitting data to the system, an authentication device for verifying user credentials, and a preprocessing device for preparing transactions before arrival. This multi-functionality enables complex transaction processing capabilities without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby improving throughput while managing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical queue-processing system (where users physically wait in line and manually interact with the transaction system) with a wireless electronic system. This substitution uses wireless communication protocols and electronic data transmission to perform transaction preprocessing remotely, eliminating the need for physical queue management and manual processing, thus increasing throughput while the added electronic infrastructure manages the complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7628325B2Systems, methods and computer program products for wirelessly preprocessing a transaction while in a queue for a point-of-transaction

Publication Date: 2009.12.08 BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION(US)

AI summary

A transaction is preprocessed wirelessly in response to a wireless transaction preprocessing user device being in a queue for a point-of-transaction. The transaction that was preprocessed is then completed in response to the wireless transaction preprocessing user device reaching the point-of-transaction. Financial transactions and/or purchase of goods and/or services may thereby be preprocessed wirelessly and then completed at a point-of-transaction. Related devices and computer program products are also disclosed.