M-Commerce QR ticket payment system

Abstract

With the rapid increase of Smartphone Users across the globe, Mobile Commerce has gained increasing acceptance amongst both users and retailers. Due to the fact that Mobile Services such as Mobile Commerce are continuing to register impressive growth, we decided to introduce a new service to customers making use of car parks. This feature will allow customers to pay for such a service (parking) using their Smartphone. This thesis evaluates and implements a solution that enables a cashless mobile payment system. Our aim was to provide a most cost efficient and secure alternative to the current systems. Current car park systems provide the use of a cash based payment system and a prepaid membership system. Our solution offers a much flexible method with the possibility of increasing the market share of that car park since customers can pay with their mobile and avoid carrying cash. Apart from the latter, customers can check the parking fee from wherever they are, given they have access to the internet. Car parks by time will also reduce the 24/7 personnel as customers will be directly managing the payment and would only ask a member of the staff in case there is a mechanical fault or an issue with the payment system. Our aim is for customers to enjoy a better service and for the car park company to reduce costs. The QR code was used to determine the cost of a given parking ticket. Once the code is scanned, effective payment by means of an Online Wallet (PayPal) using a Smartphone will be proposed in this study. The system provides sufficient authentication and security. This will be implemented by making use of an Android Mobile Application, a PostgreSQL Database, a RESTful Web Service using the Jersey Libraries, the PayPal Mobile Payments Library and QR Code Scanner.