Methods and systems for transferring digital tokens to and from physical cards

Abstract

A method and system for transferring digital tokens to and from a physical payment card are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a plurality of digital tokens issued from a central bank on a processing server; and transferring the plurality of digital tokens from the processing server to the physical payment card, the physical payment card being configured for use with a point of sale (POS).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 992,842, filed March 20, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to methods and systems for transferring digital tokens to and from physical payment cards, and more particularly, to methods and systems for transferring digital tokens from a central bank to one or more insurance companies that transfer them to physical payment cards. Background Technology

[0004] Payment instruments include, for example, credit cards, virtual payment cards, and checks. A payment instrument may be encoded with a payment credential corresponding to a transaction account, including, or otherwise associated with, a payment credential corresponding to a transaction account. The payment credential may include any data that must be transmitted as part of the transaction process to fund the transaction through the relevant transaction account, such as the master account number, expiry date, and security code.

[0005] Ideally, a payment network should have a technological system that enables it to provide physical payment cards, including digital tokens, that can be used with a point of sale (POS). Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a description of systems and methods for transferring digital tokens to and from physical payment cards.

[0007] A method for transferring digital tokens to and from a physical payment card is disclosed, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of digital tokens issued from a central bank on a processing server; and transferring the plurality of digital tokens from the processing server to the physical payment card, the physical payment card being configured for use with a POS terminal.

[0008] A system for transferring digital tokens to and from a physical payment card is disclosed, the system comprising: a processing server, the processor being configured to: receive a plurality of digital tokens issued from a central bank; and transfer the plurality of digital tokens to the physical payment card, the physical payment card being configured for use with a POS terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Exemplary embodiments can be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that these are exemplary embodiments, and the claimed invention is not limited to these embodiments. The accompanying drawings include the following figures:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an advanced system architecture for transferring digital tokens to and from physical payment cards, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the process of transferring digital tokens to and from physical payment cards. Figure 1 A block diagram of the processing server.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a block diagram illustrating a computer system architecture according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Other areas of applicability of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that the detailed description of exemplary embodiments is for illustrative purposes only and therefore does not necessarily limit the scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Glossary

[0016] A blockchain is a public ledger of all transactions on a blockchain-based currency or network. One or more computing devices can constitute a blockchain network, which can be configured to process transactions and record them as blocks in the blockchain. Once a block is completed, it is added to the blockchain, thereby updating the transaction record. In many cases, a blockchain can be a ledger of transactions in chronological order, or it can be presented in any other order suitable for use by the blockchain network. In some configurations, transactions recorded in the blockchain may include a destination address and the amount of currency, such that the blockchain records how much currency is attributable to a particular address. In some cases, the transactions are financial transactions, while others are not, or may include additional or different information, such as source addresses, timestamps, etc. In some embodiments, the blockchain may also include, or alternatively include, virtually any type of data in the form of transactions to be or need to be placed in a distributed database, which maintains a constantly growing list of data records that are hardened to prevent tampering and modification (even by its operators) and can be confirmed and verified by the blockchain network through proof-of-work and / or any other suitable verification technology associated therewith. In some cases, data about a given transaction may also include additional data attached to the transaction data that is not directly part of the transaction. In some situations, including such data in the blockchain can constitute a transaction. In such cases, the blockchain may not be directly associated with a specific digital currency, virtual currency, fiat currency, or other type of currency.

[0017] A payment network is a system or network that facilitates the transfer of funds by using cash substitutes for thousands, millions, or even billions of transactions within a given period. Payment networks can use a variety of protocols and procedures to process fund transfers for various types of transactions. Transactions that can be conducted via a payment network may include the purchase of products or services, purchases on credit, debit card transactions, fund transfers, account withdrawals, etc. Payment networks can be configured to conduct transactions using cash substitutes, which may include payment cards, letters of credit, checks, transaction accounts, etc. Examples of networks or systems configured to function as payment networks include those operated by MasterCard®, VISA®, Discover®, American Express®, PayPal®, etc. The term "payment network" as used herein can refer to both the payment network as an entity and the physical payment network, such as the devices, hardware, and software that constitute the payment network.

[0018] A payment track is an infrastructure associated with a payment network that processes thousands, millions, or even billions of transactions within a given time period. It facilitates the processing of payment transactions and the communication of transaction messages and other similar data between the payment network and other entities interconnected with it. A payment track can consist of hardware used to establish the payment network and the interconnections between the payment network and other associated entities, such as financial institutions, gateway processors, etc. In some cases, the payment track may also be affected by software, such as through special programming of the communication hardware and devices that make up the payment track. For example, a payment track may include specially configured computing devices specifically configured for routing transaction messages, which may be specially formatted data messages transmitted electronically via the payment track, as described in more detail below.

[0019] Third-party providers or merchants – entities that offer products (e.g., goods and / or services) for purchase by other entities, such as consumers or other merchants. A merchant can be a consumer, retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer, or any other type of entity that is obvious to a person skilled in the art as to offer products for purchase. In some cases, a merchant may have specific knowledge of the products and / or services offered for purchase. In other cases, a merchant may not have or need any specific knowledge of the products offered. In some embodiments, the entity involved in a single transaction may be considered a merchant. In some cases, the term “merchant” as used herein may refer to the apparatus or equipment of a merchant entity.

[0020] The issuer is the entity that establishes (e.g., opens) a letter of credit or credit line for the beneficiary and pays the draft drawn by the beneficiary up to the amount specified in the letter of credit or credit line. In many cases, the issuer can be a bank or other financial institution authorized to open a credit line. In some cases, any entity that can provide a credit line to the beneficiary can be considered the issuer. The credit line opened by the issuer can be represented in the form of a payment account, which can be withdrawn by the beneficiary using a payment card. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the issuer can also provide consumers with other types of payment accounts, such as debit accounts, prepaid accounts, e-wallet accounts, savings accounts, cheque accounts, etc., and can provide consumers with physical or non-physical instruments for accessing and / or utilizing such accounts, such as debit cards, prepaid cards, ATM cards, e-wallets, checks, etc.

[0021] Acquiring institutions are entities that can process payment card transactions on behalf of merchants. Acquiring institutions can be banks or other financial institutions authorized to process payment card transactions on behalf of merchants. In many cases, acquiring institutions can open credit lines with merchants as beneficiaries. When a consumer, who may be the beneficiary of a credit line provided by the card issuer, transacts with a merchant represented by an acquiring institution using a payment card, the acquiring institution can exchange funds with the card issuer.

[0022] Central bank – Generally speaking, a financial institution granted privileged control over the creation and distribution of currency and credit, or other assets and other groups of people, of a nation or group of people. Except where the term implies a legal entity in the context of this document, it refers to the computer systems and infrastructure of a central bank.

[0023] A payment transaction is a transaction between two entities in which currency or other financial benefits are exchanged from one entity to another. A payment transaction can be a transfer of funds for the purchase of goods or services, the repayment of a debt, or any other exchange of financial benefits that are obvious to a person skilled in the art. In some cases, a payment transaction can refer to a transaction in which funds are provided through a payment card and / or payment account, such as a credit card transaction. Such payment transactions can be processed by the card issuer, payment network, and acquiring institution. The process of processing such payment transactions can include at least one of authorization, batching, clearing, settlement, and appropriation. Authorization can include a consumer providing payment details to a merchant, the merchant submitting transaction details (e.g., including payment details) to its acquiring institution, and the card issuer verifying the payment details for the consumer's payment account used to fund the transaction. Batching can refer to storing authorized transactions together with other authorized transactions in a batch for distribution to acquiring institutions. Clearing can include sending the batched transactions from the acquiring institution to the payment network for processing. Settlement can include a debit from the card issuer by the payment network for transactions involving a beneficiary of the card issuer. In some cases, the card issuer may make payments to the acquiring institution via a payment network. In other cases, the card issuer may make payments directly to the acquiring institution. Payments may include, for cleared and settled payment transactions, payments from the acquiring institution to the merchant. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the order and / or classification of the above steps are part of the payment transaction processing.

[0024] Point of Sale (POS) – A computing device or system configured to receive interactions with users (e.g., consumers, employees, etc.) to input transaction data, payment data, and / or other suitable types of data for purchasing and / or paying for goods and / or services. A POS can be a physical location visited by a consumer as part of a transaction, such as a physical device in a “brick-and-mortar” store (e.g., a cash register, self-service machine, desktop computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.), or, in an e-commerce environment, it can be virtual, such as an online retailer receiving communications from consumers via a network like the Internet. Where the POS may be virtual, a computing device operated by a user to initiate a transaction, or a computing system that receives data as a result of a transaction, may be considered a POS, if applicable.

[0025] A transaction account is a financial account that can be used to fund transactions, such as a checking account, savings account, credit account, or virtual payment account. A transaction account can be associated with a consumer, who can be any suitable type of entity associated with the payment account, including individuals, households, companies, businesses, government entities, etc. In some cases, transaction accounts can be virtual, such as those operated by PayPal®.

[0026] Payment card – A card or data associated with a transaction account that can be provided to a merchant to fund financial transactions via the associated transaction account. Payment cards can include credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, stored-value cards, prepaid cards, fleet cards, virtual payment numbers, virtual card numbers, controlled payment numbers, etc. A payment card can be a physical card that can be provided to a merchant, or it can be data representing an associated transaction account (e.g., stored in a communication device, such as a smartphone or computer). For example, in some cases, data including a payment account can be considered a payment card used to process transactions funded by an associated transaction account. In some cases, checks can be considered payment cards where applicable.

[0027] System for transferring digital tokens

[0028] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating system 100 for transferring digital tokens to and from physical payment cards.

[0029] In an embodiment, system 100 may include one or more issuers 108, which may be financial institutions, such as issuing banks, or other suitable entities configured to issue transaction accounts to users 106 for funding payment transactions using payment instruments (i.e., physical payment instruments or physical payment cards) 110. As part of the issuance of the transaction account, the issuer (or issuing institution) 108 may issue payment instruments 110 with digital tokens, such as EMV issued by a bank with a separate digital token. ® The payment instrument 110 may encode a payment credential corresponding to a transaction account, including, or otherwise associated with a payment credential corresponding to a transaction account. The payment credential may include any data that must be transmitted as part of the transaction process to fund the transaction via the relevant transaction account, such as the master account number, expiry date, and security code. According to an embodiment, each digital token may have a value associated with a microtransaction in which the value of the digital token is relatively small and less than the cost of processing the transaction.

[0030] System 100 may also include a processing server 102 associated with each of one or more card issuers 108 and / or central banks 109. Processing server 102 may be one of a plurality of nodes or processors constituting blockchain network 104. Blockchain network 104 may be associated with one or more blockchains that may be used to store data associated with card issuers 108 (e.g., banks), central banks 109, and / or third-party providers (or merchants) 112 to record transactions involving the transfer of digital tokens from central bank 109 to each of the one or more card issuers 108, and to the physical payment instrument 110 of each consumer or user 106. Processing server 102 may be configured to generate and verify new blocks added to the blockchain, wherein the verification process for a new block may involve mathematical verification of the data stored in the new block across multiple nodes constituting blockchain network 104.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the central bank 109 may issue digital currency to multiple card issuers 108, for example, in the form of digital tokens. Each of the multiple card issuers 108 may then issue a payment instrument 110 in the form of an EMV card with a separate digital token, usable with a point of sale (POS) 114 at a third-party provider (or merchant) 112. According to an embodiment, for security reasons, the digital token on the physical payment instrument 110 may include, for example, a digital signature and an encryption key (i.e., a token profile).

[0032] According to an embodiment, digital tokens issued to physical payment instrument 110 can be associated with a prepaid card in which the consumer or user 106 has previously settled with or paid for digital tokens to the issuer 108. For example, digital tokens (e.g., 1,000 digital tokens) can be loaded onto physical payment instrument 110 via ATM 116. Alternatively, digital tokens can be placed on payment instrument 110, and when a payment track is established between third-party provider 112 and issuer 108, user 106 can settle with the issuer according to the terms and conditions specified in payment instrument 110, by exchanging a set of digital tokens or a collection of digital tokens for currency (e.g., US dollars or other currency systems used in a particular country).

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, the blockchain network 104 associated with the processing server 102 may be configured to store token profiles associated with digital payment tokens issued by the central bank 109 to the card issuer 108 and / or digital payment tokens on physical payment instruments 110. Each token profile may include a digital payment token or its identification information (e.g., a digital token number), in the form of an associated payment instrument with a physical payment card having the corresponding digital payment token. In some cases, the processing server 102 may be a token distribution platform, or may be part of a computing system configured to function as a token distribution platform, and may identify token profile data as a result of functions performed therein.

[0034] In system 100, for example, user 106 can use a payment instrument (i.e., a physical payment card) 110 to participate in financial transactions or purchase services or products from a third-party provider (or merchant) 112 or other entities. In system 100, user (or consumer) 106 presents a payment card or payment instrument 110 with multiple digital tokens (e.g., 1000 digital tokens) to a point-of-sale (POS) 114. POS 114 can be configured to verify the digital signatures of the multiple digital tokens on the payment instrument 110, for example, via a processing server 102 of the issuer 108 and a blockchain network 104.

[0035] When verifying the validity of digital tokens, POS 114 can deduct a certain number of tokens (e.g., 50 digital tokens) from multiple digital tokens (e.g., 1000 digital tokens) on physical payment instrument 110 for services or products purchased by user (or consumer) 106 from a third-party provider. The deducted tokens (e.g., 50 digital tokens) can then be stored by the third-party provider 112 until, for example, as a non-financial communication, they are redeemed individually or together with a set of digital tokens via a payment track.

[0036] Processing server

[0037] Figure 2 The illustration depicts an embodiment of the processing server 102 in system 100. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that... Figure 2 The embodiment of the processing server 102 shown in the diagram is provided merely as an example, and it is impossible to exhaust all possible configurations of the processing server 102 suitable for performing the functions discussed herein. For example, in Figure 4 The computer system 400 shown in the diagram and discussed in more detail below can be a suitable configuration for processing server 102.

[0038] Processing server 102 may include receiving device 202. Receiving device 202 may be configured to receive data over one or more networks using one or more network protocols. In some cases, receiving device 202 may be configured to receive data from card issuer 108 and third-party provider (or merchant system) 112, as well as other systems and entities, using one or more communication methods, such as radio frequency, local area network, wireless local area network, cellular communication network, Bluetooth, Internet, etc. In some embodiments, receiving device 202 may consist of multiple devices, such as different receiving devices for receiving data over different networks, such as a first receiving device for receiving data over a local area network and a second receiving device for receiving data over the Internet. Receiving device 202 may receive data signals transmitted electronically, wherein data may be superimposed or otherwise encoded on the data signal, and may be decoded, parsed, read, or otherwise obtained through the reception of the data signal by receiving device 202. In some cases, receiving device 202 may include a parsing module for parsing the received data signal to obtain the data superimposed on the data signal. For example, receiving device 202 may include a parser program configured to receive data signals and transform the received data signals into usable inputs for functions performed by processing devices, so as to implement the methods and systems described herein.

[0039] Receiving device 202 may be configured to receive data signals electronically transmitted by card issuer 108, the data signals possibly accompanied by authentication information certifying card issuer 108 (i.e., issuing institution) as the source of the data. In some cases, the authentication information may include a digital signature generated via a private key associated with card issuer 108 (or issuing institution). If applicable, receiving device 202 may also be configured to receive data signals electronically transmitted by third-party provider (or merchant system) 112.

[0040] The processing server 102 may also include a communication module 204. The communication module 204 may be configured to transfer data between modules, engines, databases, memory, and other components of the processing server 102 for performing the functions discussed herein. The communication module 204 may consist of one or more communication types and utilize various communication methods to communicate within the computing device. For example, the communication module 204 may consist of a bus, a pin connector, wires, etc. In some embodiments, the communication module 204 may also be configured to communicate between internal components of the processing server 102 and external components of the processing server 102, such as externally connected databases, display devices, output devices, etc. The processing server 102 may also include a processing device. The processing device may be configured to perform the functions of the processing server 102 discussed herein. In some embodiments, the processing device may include and / or consist of multiple engines and / or modules specifically configured to perform one or more functions of the processing device, such as a query module 214, a generation module 216, a verification module 218, etc. As used herein, the term "module" can refer to software or hardware that executes on hardware, or is otherwise configured to receive input, perform one or more processes using said input, and provide output. The inputs, outputs, and processes performed by the various modules will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure.

[0041] Processing server 102 may include memory 206. Memory 206 may be configured to store data for processing server 102 to perform the functions discussed herein, such as public and private keys, symmetric keys, etc. Memory 206 may be configured to store data using appropriate data formatting methods and patterns, and may be any suitable type of memory, such as read-only memory, random access memory, etc. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that memory 206 may include, for example, encryption keys and algorithms, communication protocols and standards, data formatting standards and protocols, program code for modules and applications of processing devices, and other data suitable for use by processing server 102 to perform the functions disclosed herein. In some embodiments, memory 206 may consist of, or may otherwise include, a relational database that utilizes a structured query language for storing, identifying, modifying, updating, accessing, etc., structured datasets stored therein.

[0042] The memory 206 can be configured to store the blockchain. As described above, the blockchain can consist of multiple blocks, each of which can consist of at least a block header and one or more data values. Each block header may include a timestamp, a block reference value referencing a previous block in the blockchain, and a data reference value referencing one or more data values ​​contained in the corresponding block. The memory can also be configured to store any other data that the processing server 102 can use for the functions discussed herein, such as hash algorithms for generating reference values ​​for the blockchain, communication data for communicating with other blockchain nodes and other computing devices, access data for providing access to blockchain data to a third-party provider (or merchant system) 112, and public keys corresponding to the private keys provided to the issuer 108 for verifying digital signatures, etc.

[0043] Processing server 102 may include query module 214. Query module 214 may be configured to perform queries against a database to identify information. Query module 214 may receive one or more data values ​​or query strings, and may execute such query strings against an indicated database, such as memory 206, to identify information stored in said database. Query module 214 may then output the identified information to an appropriate engine or module of processing server 102 as needed. For example, query module 214 may perform a query against memory 206 to identify the latest block added to the blockchain (e.g., based on a timestamp) as part of the process of generating a new block, or it may perform a query against memory 206 to identify the public key corresponding to issuer 108, used to verify digital signatures provided along with data associated with the type of service or functionality provided by issuer 108, central bank 109, and / or third-party provider 112, for authentication.

[0044] Processing server 102 may also include a generation module 216. Generation module 216 may be configured to generate data for processing server 102 to perform the functions discussed herein. Generation module 216 may receive instructions as input, generate data based on those instructions, and output the generated data to one or more modules or engines of processing server 102. For example, generation module 216 may be configured to generate new blocks and new block headers for confirmation and addition to the blockchain. Generation module 216 may also be configured to generate hash values ​​by applying a hash algorithm to the data, such as a reference value to be included in the block header of a newly generated block. In some cases, hash value generation may be performed by a separate hash module included in processing server 102.

[0045] The processing server 102 may also include a verification module 218. The verification module 218 can be configured to verify data between the processing server 102 and the card issuer 108 for the functions discussed herein. The verification module 218 can receive instructions as input, verify data according to the instructions, and output the verification results to other modules or engines of the processing server 102.

[0046] The processing server 102 may also include a transmission device 220. The transmission device 220 may be configured to transmit data over one or more networks using one or more network protocols. In some cases, the transmission device 220 may be configured to transmit data from the blockchain network 104 to the card issuer 108 and other entities via one or more communication methods, such as a local area network (LAN), wireless LAN, cellular communication, Bluetooth, radio frequency (RF), or the Internet. In some embodiments, the transmission device 220 may consist of multiple devices, such as different transmission devices for transmitting data over different networks, for example, a first transmission device for transmitting data over a LAN and a second transmission device for transmitting data over the Internet. The transmission device 220 may transmit data signals electronically, the data signals being superimposed with data that can be parsed by a receiving computing device. In some cases, the transmission device 220 may include one or more modules for superimposing, encoding, or otherwise formatting data into data signals suitable for transmission.

[0047] Processing flow

[0048] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for transferring digital tokens to and from a physical payment card, according to an exemplary embodiment. Method 300 includes receiving 310 multiple digital tokens issued from a central bank on a processing server, and transferring 320 of the multiple digital tokens from the processing server to a physical payment card configured for use with a POS terminal. The method may further include including digital signatures and encryption keys of the multiple digital tokens on the physical payment card, and may also include verifying the digital signatures and encryption keys when the physical payment card is presented at a POS terminal. Furthermore, the method may include deducting digital tokens from the multiple digital tokens when the physical payment card is presented to a POS terminal. Additionally, the method may include uploading the multiple digital tokens to the physical payment card via an ATM. Additionally, the method may also include recording each transfer of digital tokens to and from the processing server in a blockchain network 104. Here, the processing server 102 may be associated with a card issuer 108. Furthermore, the physical payment instrument 110 may be an EMV card with a separate digital token.

[0049] Computer System Architecture

[0050] Figure 4 The illustration shows a computer system 400 in which embodiments of the present disclosure, or various parts thereof, can be implemented as computer-readable code. For example, Figure 1 The processing server 102 may be implemented in computer system 400 using hardware, software executing on the hardware, firmware, a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which instructions are stored, or a combination thereof, and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. The hardware, the software executing on the hardware, or any combination thereof may embody modules and components used to implement the processing disclosed herein.

[0051] If programmable logic is used, such logic can be executed on a commercially available processing platform specifically configured as a dedicated computer or device (e.g., a programmable logic array, application-specific integrated circuit, etc.) by executable software code. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be practiced using a wide range of computer system configurations, including multi-core multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, functionally distributed linked or clustered computers, and ubiquitous or microcomputers that can be embedded in virtually any device. For example, the embodiments described above can be implemented using at least one processor device and memory.

[0052] The processor unit or device described herein may be a single processor, multiple processors, or a combination thereof. A processor device may have one or more processor "cores". The terms "computer program medium," "non-transitory computer-readable medium," and "computer-usable medium" as used herein are generally used to refer to tangible media such as removable storage unit 418, removable storage unit 422, and hard disks installed in hard disk drive 412.

[0053] Various embodiments of this disclosure have been illustrated using the example computer system 400. After reading this description, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art how to implement this disclosure using other computer systems and / or computer architectures. Although operations may be described as sequential processing, some operations may in fact be performed in parallel, simultaneously, and / or in a distributed environment, while the program code is stored locally or remotely for access by a single-processor or multi-processor machine. Additionally, in some embodiments, the order of the various operations may be rearranged without departing from the spirit of the disclosed subject matter.

[0054] Processor device 404 may be a dedicated or general-purpose processor device specifically configured to perform the functions discussed herein. Processor device 404 may be connected to communication infrastructure 406, such as a bus, message queue, network, multi-core messaging scheme, etc. The network may be any network suitable for performing the functions disclosed herein, and may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network (e.g., WiFi), a mobile communication network, a satellite network, the Internet, fiber optic, coaxial cable, infrared, radio frequency (RF), or any combination thereof. Other suitable network types and configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Computer system 400 may also include main memory 408 (e.g., random access memory, read-only memory, etc.) and may also include secondary memory 410. Secondary memory 410 may include hard disk drive 412 and removable storage drive 414, such as a floppy disk drive, tape drive, optical disk drive, flash memory, etc.

[0055] The removable storage drive 414 can read from and / or write to the removable storage unit 418 in a known manner. The removable storage unit 418 may include a removable storage medium that can be read from and written to by the removable storage drive 414. For example, if the removable storage drive 414 is a floppy disk drive or a Universal Serial Bus port, then the removable storage unit 418 may be a floppy disk or a portable flash drive, respectively. In one embodiment, the removable storage unit 418 may be a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0056] In some embodiments, auxiliary memory 410 may include alternative means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system 400, such as removable storage unit 422 and interface 420. Examples of such means may include program cartridges and cartridge interfaces (e.g., as seen in video game systems), removable storage chips (e.g., EEPROM, PROM, etc.) and associated sockets, as well as other removable storage units 422 and interfaces 420 that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0057] Data stored in computer system 400 (e.g., in main memory 408 and / or auxiliary memory 410) can be stored on any suitable type of computer-readable medium, such as optical storage devices (e.g., optical discs, digital versatile optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.) or magnetic tape storage devices (e.g., hard disk drives). Data can be configured in any suitable type of database structure, such as relational databases, structured query language (SQL) databases, distributed databases, object databases, etc. Suitable configurations and storage device types will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0058] Computer system 400 may also include a communication interface 424. Communication interface 424 may be configured to allow the transfer of software and data between computer system 400 and external devices. Exemplary communication interface 424 may include a modem, network interface (e.g., an Ethernet card), communication port, PCMCIA slot, and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communication interface 424 may be in the form of signals, which may be electrical signals, electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or other signals readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Signals may be propagated via communication path 426, which may be configured to carry signals and may be implemented using wires, cables, optical fibers, telephone lines, cellular telephone links, radio frequency links, etc.

[0059] Computer system 400 may also include a display interface 402. Display interface 402 may be configured to allow data transfer between computer system 400 and external display 430. Exemplary display interface 402 may include High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Video Interface (DVI), Video Graphics Array (VGA), etc. Display 430 may be any suitable type of display for displaying data transferred via display interface 402 of computer system 400, including cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diode (LED) displays, capacitive touch displays, thin-film transistor (TFT) displays, etc.

[0060] Computer program media and computer-usable media can refer to memory, such as main memory 408 and auxiliary memory 410, which can be semiconductor memory (e.g., DRAM, etc.). These computer program products can be tools used to provide software to computer system 400. Computer programs (e.g., computer control logic) can be stored in main memory 408 and / or auxiliary memory 410. Computer programs can also be received via communication interface 424. When executed, such computer programs enable computer system 400 to perform the methods described herein. Specifically, when executed, computer programs enable processor device 404 to perform the methods described herein. Figure 1 The system is illustrated in the diagram. Therefore, such a computer program can represent the controller of computer system 400. When implementing this disclosure using software, the software can be stored in the computer program product and loaded into computer system 400 using removable storage drive 414, interface 420, and hard disk drive 412, or communication interface 424.

[0061] Processor device 404 may include one or more modules or engines configured to perform the functions of computer system 400. Each module or engine may be implemented using hardware, and in some cases, software, such as software corresponding to program code and / or programs stored in main memory 408 or secondary memory 410. In such cases, the program code may be compiled by processor device 404 (e.g., by a compilation module or engine) before being executed by the hardware of computer system 400. For example, the program code may be source code written in a programming language, which is translated into a low-level language, such as assembly language or machine code, for execution by processor device 404 and / or any other hardware component of computer system 400. Compilation processing may include lexical analysis, preprocessing, syntactic analysis, semantic analysis, syntax-directed translation, code generation, code optimization, and the use of any other techniques suitable for translating program code into a low-level language suitable for controlling computer system 400 to perform the functions disclosed herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such processing results in computer system 400 being a computer system 400 specifically configured to perform the functions discussed above.

[0062] Among other features, the technology consistent with this disclosure provides systems and methods for providing service nodes within a blockchain network. While various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods have been described above, it should be understood that they are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. The foregoing description is not exhaustive and does not limit this disclosure to its specific form. In view of the foregoing teachings, various modifications and variations are possible, or can be derived from the practice of this disclosure, without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. A method for transferring digital tokens to and from a physical payment card, the method comprising: The server receives multiple digital tokens issued by the central bank. The processing server transfers the plurality of digital tokens to the physical payment card, which is configured for use with the point of sale; The token profiles associated with multiple digital tokens issued from the central bank to card issuers and / or physical payment cards are stored in a blockchain network associated with the processing server. as well as The processing server records each transfer of digital tokens from the plurality of digital tokens to and from the processing server in the blockchain network.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising: The digital signatures and encryption keys of the multiple digital tokens are included on the physical payment card.

3. The method according to claim 2, comprising: When the physical payment card is presented at the point of sale, the digital signature and encryption key are verified.

4. The method according to claim 1, comprising: When the physical payment card is presented to the point of sale, digital tokens are deducted from the plurality of digital tokens.

5. The method according to claim 1, comprising: The multiple digital tokens are uploaded to the physical payment card via an ATM.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the processing server is associated with the card issuer.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the physical payment card is an EMV card with a separate digital token.

8. A system for transferring digital tokens to and from physical payment cards, the system comprising: Processing server, the processing server being configured as follows: Receive multiple digital tokens issued by the central bank; The plurality of digital tokens are transferred to the physical payment card, which is configured for use with the point of sale; The token profiles associated with multiple digital tokens issued from the central bank to card issuers and / or physical payment cards are stored in a blockchain network associated with the processing server. as well as The processing server records each transfer of digital tokens from the plurality of digital tokens to and from the processing server in the blockchain network.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the processing server is further configured to: The digital signatures and encryption keys of the multiple digital tokens are included on the physical payment card.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the digital signature and encryption key are verified when the physical payment card is presented at the point of sale.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein when the physical payment card is presented to the point of sale, digital tokens are deducted from the plurality of digital tokens.

12. The system according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of digital tokens are uploaded to the physical payment card via an ATM.

13. The system according to claim 8, wherein the processing server is associated with the card issuer.

14. The system according to claim 8, wherein the physical payment card is an EMV card with a separate digital token.

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