Authors:
Jordan Case, Abby Beizer, Gary Harper, Ramon Reveron
Abstract:
This disclosure proposes a method to calculate the proximity and more importantly the relative direction between the mobile device and the payment terminal to improve and speed up the process of using a mobile wallet.
Background:
In the last decade mobile wallets have become the preferred mechanism to manage payment methods and digital passes for many users. The integration into smartphones makes them convenient, fast and in many cases more secure than the physical payment method they replaced like a credit card or even cash.
As the payment process normally requires tapping the mobile device with the payment terminal, this introduces a challenge as the location of the payment terminal varies depending on the retailer or even between types of checkout lanes. This is more important in self checkout lanes as the payment terminal can be anywhere around the customer screen depending the form factor.
Description:
The proposed solution uses a combination of Bluetooth and ultra-wideband technologies to calculate the proximity and more importantly the relative direction between the mobile device and the payment terminal. This information is provided to the user in real-time to help them complete the transaction.
The solution will work like this:
1) Customer scan items
2) Customer selects total
3) Customer opens mobile wallet and authenticates
4) The mobile wallet calculates the distance and location of the payment terminal
5) Mobile wallet displays a message including and arrow and distance to the payment terminal (Hold Near Reader 20 inches -->)
6) The message is updated in real-time as the customer moves the mobile phone around until the payment is completed (See attached image).
For this to work the payment terminal needs to be equipped with the required hardware used to generate the detectable signal. This is similar to the technology used in other location tags.
Note that this integration can also be used with digital passes "tickets" to assist the user during check in.
Enabling Technology:
1) Complete store camera system
2) Database of customer allergens
3) A mapping of the store
TGCS Reference 2692
