A payment service processing method, apparatus, and device

Abstract

The application discloses a payment service processing method, device and equipment, and is applied to a payment receiving device. The method comprises the following steps: performing near-distance connection with a cash register device, and establishing a cross-device link with a remote payment service system through the cash register device based on the near-distance connection; establishing a payment main link with the payment service system through a mobile communication network; when receiving a payment request initiated by a user for the payment receiving device, selecting a target link from the cross-device link and the payment main link according to the result obtained by performing network quality analysis on the cross-device link and the payment main link; and performing payment service interaction with the payment service system through the target link according to the payment request.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to the field of payment technology, and in particular to a payment business processing method, apparatus, and equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In today's rapidly developing digital age, online payment has become an important part of people's daily lives. People are increasingly relying on online payment to complete convenient and efficient transactions and settlements, which has also driven the continuous expansion and vigorous development of offline payment scenarios, and social payment methods are gradually evolving towards a cashless society.

[0003] Payment acceptance devices are a crucial foundation for offline payments, typically utilizing mobile communication networks. In practice, instability in the network connection of these devices can lead to serious problems in online payment activities. This instability can be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to: network congestion, operator network failures (referring to abnormalities in the operator's network or equipment / link failures, causing service interruptions or widespread quality degradation, usually with stronger systemic / regional characteristics), base station overload (referring to a base station / cell serving too many users or handling too much traffic at the same time, fully utilizing its available wireless resources or transmission capacity, thus leading to a decline in communication quality), and unstable service quality from the provider (usually caused by unstable connections, such as fluctuating connection status between the terminal and the network, manifested as frequent disconnections, data loss, reconnection, and large latency jitter; common causes include weak / obstructed signals, wireless interference, frequent base station handover, routing / NAT session timeouts, and equipment or base station-side abnormalities).

[0004] Especially given the characteristics of large, instantaneous pedestrian flows, obstructed coverage, complex interference, or unreliable transmission / power supply, payment acceptance equipment networks can become unstable or even unavailable, potentially leading to payment interruptions or failures. This severely impacts the user payment experience and merchant checkout efficiency. These issues directly affect the success rate of payment transactions and significantly impact the payment acceptance equipment provided by payment service providers. Moreover, this impact can be prolonged and difficult to recover from, resulting in a lasting effect on business and merchants.

[0005] Therefore, solutions are needed to ensure that payment acceptance devices operate more reliably in order to improve the user and merchant experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This specification provides one or more embodiments of a payment processing method, apparatus, or device to address the following technical problem: the need for a solution that helps ensure the more reliable operation of payment acceptance equipment, thereby improving the user and merchant experience.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one or more embodiments of this specification are implemented as follows: This specification provides one or more embodiments of a payment processing method applied to a payment acceptance device, the method comprising: Establish a proximity connection with the POS device, and based on the proximity connection, establish a cross-device link with a remote payment service system through the POS device; A main payment link is established with the payment service system via a mobile communication network; When a payment request is received from a user for the payment acceptance device, a target link is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results of the cross-device link and the main payment link. Based on the payment request, the payment service system is interacted with through the target link to conduct payment business.

[0008] This specification provides one or more embodiments of a payment processing apparatus, applied to a payment acceptance device, the apparatus comprising: A cross-device link establishment module establishes a close-range connection with the POS device and, based on this close-range connection, establishes a cross-device link with a remote payment service system through the POS device. The payment main link establishment module establishes a payment main link with the payment service system through a mobile communication network; The target link intelligent decision module, when receiving a payment request initiated by a user for the payment acceptance device, selects a target link from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results obtained from the cross-device link and the main payment link. The payment business interaction processing module interacts with the payment service system through the target link according to the payment request.

[0009] This specification provides one or more embodiments of a payment processing device, applied to a payment acceptance device, the payment processing device comprising: At least one processor; and, A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform: Establish a proximity connection with the POS device, and based on the proximity connection, establish a cross-device link with a remote payment service system through the POS device; A main payment link is established with the payment service system via a mobile communication network; When a payment request is received from a user for the payment acceptance device, a target link is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results of the cross-device link and the main payment link. Based on the payment request, the payment service system is interacted with through the target link to conduct payment business.

[0010] The above-mentioned at least one technical solution adopted in one or more embodiments of this specification can achieve the following beneficial effects: In addition to the main payment link of the payment acceptance device itself based on the mobile communication network, an additional cross-device link is created to the remote payment service system through the cash register device connected to the payment acceptance device, taking advantage of the network capability of the cash register device, thus forming a dual link to the payment service system; For payment requests initiated by users for the payment acceptance device, intelligent decisions are made dynamically based on the network quality of the cross-device link and the main payment link respectively, selecting the target link that is more suitable for the current use, and then mainly using the target link to complete the payment business interaction with the payment service system, thereby enabling more reliable response and processing of payment requests, helping to reduce the adverse effects of network instability on payment business, and thus helping to ensure that the payment acceptance device works more reliably. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or prior art of this specification, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a payment processing method provided in one or more embodiments of this specification; Figure 2 In one application scenario provided by one or more embodiments of this specification, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system structure corresponding to a specific implementation scheme of the method; Figure 3 In one application scenario provided by one or more embodiments of this specification, Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a specific implementation of the method; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a collaborative processing scheme between the cross-device link and the main payment link in a specific payment scenario provided by one or more embodiments of this specification. Figure 5A schematic diagram of the structure of a payment processing device provided for one or more embodiments of this specification; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a payment processing device provided for one or more embodiments of this specification. Detailed Implementation

[0013] This specification provides a payment processing method, apparatus, device, and storage medium through its embodiments.

[0014] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this specification, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0015] Regarding the issues mentioned in the background technology, the applicant specifically noted that existing payment acceptance devices have the following drawbacks when dealing with unstable network connections, network congestion, operator network failures, base station overload, and unstable service quality from providers: Single network path dependence: Existing payment systems typically rely on a single network (the device's mobile communication network) for data transmission. When the aforementioned network-related adverse effects occur, payment requests may fail or be delayed, severely impacting user experience; Long-unused connection resources are reclaimed: To optimize resource usage, the service system and intermediate device nodes in the network transmission link automatically reclaim long-unused connection resources, creating false connections. When users attempt to use these connections again, the network cannot actually send and receive data, leading to payment failure and a degraded experience. Therefore, in unstable network environments, the user's payment experience will be poor and may be persistently affected and difficult to recover from. Specifically, a false connection refers to a network connection that has been inactive for a long time (i.e., without data transmission). Due to prolonged inactivity, its resources may have been reclaimed or released by the system, rendering the connection effectively invalid and unusable for data transmission.

[0016] Based on this research and development background, this application proactively introduces cross-device network links and intelligent decision-making mechanisms to create a multi-device mutual protection mechanism, as well as optional more detailed proactive control mechanisms, in order to solve problems such as network connection disconnection, increased latency, unstable mobile operator networks, and connection failures in existing technologies, ensure the reliability of payment acceptance equipment, improve the overall stability of the payment system and the user and merchant experience, and improve payment availability. Payment availability can typically be defined as the ratio between the number of payment requests initiated and successfully completed and the total number of payment requests initiated.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a payment processing method provided in one or more embodiments of this specification. The method is applied to a payment acceptance device. The execution entity of the process may include the payment acceptance device hardware itself, while the software level may involve the operating system of the payment acceptance device and the business applications mounted on the payment acceptance device, such as payment applications or other types of applications provided by payment service providers, or mini-programs accessed by these applications.

[0018] Payment acceptance devices can work in conjunction with cash registers to process user payment requests; alternatively, payment acceptance devices can work independently to complete payment transactions for users.

[0019] Cash register equipment can be a common piece of infrastructure at the checkout counter, such as a POS machine. Cash register equipment is usually a comprehensive terminal device used at the store checkout counter, oriented towards settlement and store operation and management. It can complete the settlement of merchandise orders, collection of payments, reconciliation of refunds, shift handover, and can be connected to peripherals such as receipt printers, barcode scanners, or cash drawers.

[0020] POS devices are typically connected to the network via wired connections and can support one or more basic payment methods, such as bank card payments and membership card payments. However, they may not support some relatively new payment methods.

[0021] Payment acceptance devices can be made even more powerful, and can be extended to support one or more additional payment methods, such as contactless communication (e.g., near-field communication, acoustic communication, or infrared communication), facial recognition payment, or QR code payment. In this case, the payment acceptance device can be dedicated to accepting payment requests corresponding to these additional payment methods.

[0022] In one application scenario addressed in this application, the payment acceptance device can be a near-field communication payment device, used to initiate near-field communication payments, guide users to complete payments or claim coupons, etc.

[0023] Figure 1 The process includes the following steps: S102: Establish a proximity connection with the POS device and, based on the proximity connection, establish a cross-device link with the remote payment service system through the POS device.

[0024] The payment acceptance device and the POS device can both be located at the checkout counter, very close to each other, and connected via Bluetooth or USB to achieve a short-range connection. This allows the payment acceptance device to communicate with the POS device and provide payment-related support. In this application, this short-range connection is further used for: establishing an additional link between the payment acceptance device and a remote payment service system, based on the POS device's networking capabilities—a cross-device link from the payment acceptance device to the POS device, and then from the POS device to the payment service system.

[0025] S104: Establish a main payment link with the payment service system through a mobile communication network.

[0026] Payment acceptance devices also possess mobile communication capabilities, enabling them to establish a direct link with the payment service system via mobile communication networks (such as 4G or 5G networks). Since existing technologies design payment acceptance devices to interact with the payment service system through this link, and to reflect this established mindset and demonstrate that the payment acceptance device relies more directly on its own link, this link is referred to as the main payment link, which does not depend on the POS terminal. It is important to emphasize that this does not mean that this application will primarily utilize the main payment link.

[0027] Both cross-device links and the main payment link can be used for communication between payment acceptance devices and the payment service system. These links can be connected, which helps improve communication reliability. For cross-device links, protocol conversion can be used to achieve cross-device communication. However, actual network quality can be affected by various factors, and the continuous stability and reliability of the link, as well as its continuous availability, cannot be guaranteed.

[0028] S106: When a payment request initiated by a user for the payment acceptance device is received, a target link is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results obtained for the cross-device link and the main payment link.

[0029] For payment methods supported by the payment acceptance device and preferred by the user, the user can initiate a payment request by interacting with the payment acceptance device. For example, for near-field communication (NFC) payment, the user can tap their smartphone against the sensing area of ​​the payment acceptance device to initiate a payment request via NFC interaction; similarly, for facial recognition payment, the user can trigger a facial recognition interaction with the payment acceptance device to initiate a payment request.

[0030] In response to a payment request and to facilitate the payment transaction, the payment acceptance device needs to communicate with the remote payment service system immediately or at some later time to conduct payment transaction interaction. The specific content of this interaction is not the focus of this application and is not specifically limited here; for example, it might involve transmitting payment requests, transmitting payment authorization information, or identity verification, etc.

[0031] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the network quality of the cross-device link and the main payment link are dynamically monitored. A link detection mechanism is introduced to periodically or timely (e.g., during device idle periods) check whether the link status is available and whether the specific network quality (e.g., transmission rate, bandwidth, latency, or packet loss rate) meets the requirements. If a link fails, another link is used in a timely manner to more reliably ensure that there is an available and stable link.

[0032] Upon receiving a payment request from a user targeting a payment acceptance device, network quality analysis can be performed in real-time on both the cross-device link and the main payment link to select the link with the better real-time network quality as the target link. Furthermore, considering that such real-time network quality analysis would consume processing resources and potentially affect payment processing efficiency, this application considers adaptively performing near-real-time network quality analysis on both the cross-device link and the main payment link before receiving the payment request from the user targeting the payment acceptance device. For example, it can sense or predict potential upcoming interactions and perform near-real-time network quality analysis as close as possible to the likely moment of the interaction, completing the analysis slightly before the actual start of the interaction or slightly before the start of specified key actions within the interaction.

[0033] Based on this approach, specifically, the visual capabilities of the POS or payment processing device (e.g., cameras and corresponding image recognition programs) are used in advance (in this scheme, it's likely to be slightly in advance) to determine if a user is preparing to interact with the payment processing device. If so, before the actual interaction occurs, a real-time probe data transmission test is triggered on the cross-device link and the main payment link to obtain the real-time test results, which are used to determine the network quality analysis results. If the user does initiate a payment request (i.e., an interaction occurs), the network quality analysis results can be used directly. If no interaction occurs, the network quality analysis results can be used as a routine analysis result and recorded as historical data. The real-time test results can be used directly as the network quality analysis results, or the network quality analysis results can be obtained by further simple analysis (e.g., considering historical data) based on the real-time test results.

[0034] Here, "instantaneous" refers to the fact that the testing is instantaneous (the analysis can also be correspondingly instantaneous), which is considered quasi-instantaneous relative to the subsequent possible interactions. In this way, it can avoid the test analysis occupying payment business processing resources, and obtain network quality analysis results as close as possible to the interaction, which has better dynamic reference value, thus helping to select target links more accurately and reliably; moreover, it can also avoid some periodic analyses that are poorly targeted and waste resources.

[0035] Network quality analysis can be more comprehensively achieved through probe-based diagnostics. Specifically, probe data is sent and received and analyzed in a timely manner on both cross-device links and the main payment link to determine whether the corresponding links are unstable and to pinpoint specific problems, such as network instability, network congestion, operator network failures, base station overload, or unstable service quality from the service provider. In addition to analyzing link stability, important dimensions that more directly reflect network transmission quality can be given higher weight, such as Round Trip Time (RTT). Taking RTT as an example, when selecting a target link, the RTTs of the cross-device links and the main payment link can be compared (especially the more recent RTTs), and the link with the shorter RTT can be prioritized as the target link.

[0036] After selecting a target link, it does not mean that the target link must be used throughout the entire subsequent payment transaction process. The target link can be reselected according to the actual changes in network quality during the process.

[0037] S108: Based on the payment request, conduct payment business interaction with the payment service system through the target link.

[0038] Based on the processing in step S106, the target link currently has a higher probability of having better network quality. Therefore, the target link can be prioritized for responding to and processing payment requests, and for interacting with the payment service system. For example, it can be used to verify the user's identity or send payment-related information obtained from the user to the payment service system. The specific interaction process can refer to existing processes, or it can be improved and optimized according to actual needs. For example, the payment service system can be made to adaptively utilize the two existing links in reverse.

[0039] If, before determining the target link, a small portion of payment transactions have already been conducted with the payment service system via a default or random link, the remaining payment transactions can continue through the target link. Of course, this application also aims to perform network quality analysis in advance, and then determine the target link for the user's payment request in real time for the entire payment transaction interaction with the payment service system.

[0040] pass Figure 1 In addition to the main payment link inherent in the mobile communication network of the payment acceptance device itself, this method also creates an additional cross-device link to the remote payment service system through the POS device connected to the payment acceptance device, leveraging the POS device's networking capabilities. This forms a dual link to the payment service system. For payment requests initiated by users to the payment acceptance device, the system dynamically makes intelligent decisions based on the network quality of the cross-device link and the main payment link, selecting the more suitable target link for the current use. This target link is then primarily used to complete the payment business interaction with the payment service system, thereby enabling more reliable response and processing of payment requests. This helps reduce the adverse effects of network instability on payment business and ultimately helps ensure more reliable operation of the payment acceptance device.

[0041] based on Figure 1 In addition to the method described herein, this specification also provides some specific implementation schemes and extension schemes of this method, which will be further explained below.

[0042] Based on the foregoing explanation, to facilitate understanding of the application scenarios and solution principles of this application, the following is provided for this application scenario: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system architecture corresponding to a specific implementation scheme of the method is shown in [reference]. Figure 2 .

[0043] exist Figure 2 The diagram is divided into three parts from top to bottom by a dashed horizontal line. The top part mainly corresponds to the payment acceptance device, showing the key functional module of intelligent decision-making. Dashed boxes on either side of the intelligent decision-making module indicate its implementation of the two key functions: link management and link selection. The middle part mainly corresponds to the main payment link and cross-device links, as well as the link backup function implemented by the payment acceptance device. The bottom part mainly corresponds to the remote network, including the network access system and the payment service system.

[0044] for Figure 2 The upper part of the module is the intelligent decision-making module. In response to network tasks that require network communication, such as a user's payment request, it makes a connection path decision: whether to choose a network link based on the payment acceptance device itself (the main payment link) or a link based on other devices (the POS device) (the cross-device link).

[0045] Intelligent decision-making includes two key functions: The first item, link management, specifically refers to the link management functions for itself and across devices.

[0046] Assuming the main payment link of the payment acceptance device is based on a TCP connection (implemented through the local network socket in the diagram and the payment device network), the cross-device link is based on a more specialized cross-device connection. This cross-device connection is based on the Bluetooth / USB protocol, connecting the payment acceptance device to the cashier device. Furthermore, based on protocol conversion capabilities, the cashier device connects to the remote network through its wired network (POS device network).

[0047] Link management functions mainly include TCP connection management for the payment acceptance device itself and management of cross-device connections (Bluetooth / USB channel networks), such as connection establishment, connection keep-alive, and connection termination. During this process, for established connections, the connection status is checked periodically. If a connection is found to be invalid, it is immediately re-established to ensure connection availability and stability. Furthermore, heartbeats can be sent periodically to keep connections active and promptly detect invalid connections, thus proactively improving link reliability.

[0048] The second item, link selection, specifically refers to the additional multi-link selection capability involving cross-device connections: When a payment request is triggered, a better device network connection is considered to ensure that the payment request can still proceed normally even with poor network conditions. This helps to ensure the sustainability and reliability of the payment request. Connection selection is mainly achieved through the following key technical means: First, diagnostic methods. During idle periods and before payment requests arrive, the payment processing equipment sends and receives probe data on the connections provided by two separate links. This technique is used to determine if there are network connection instabilities or other faults, thus assisting in connection selection.

[0049] Secondly, there's the RTT (Rate Time) competition strategy. When selecting a connection, compare the RTT of the payment processing device's network with the POS device's network, and prioritize the connection with the shorter RTT.

[0050] Furthermore, historical data learning methods are employed. The connection establishment status, data transmission and reception status, and success and failure status of the links provided by the payment acceptance device and the cashier device are recorded and persistently stored to enable more accurate and intelligent matching.

[0051] Historical data can be comprehensively used for intelligent decision-making, or it can serve as supplementary information when decisions are difficult to make. The latter helps improve sensitivity to the randomness of network quality changes and avoids excessive influence from historical biases. For example, when selecting a target link, real-time network quality analysis can be performed on the cross-device link and the main payment link. Based on the results of the real-time network quality analysis, it can be determined whether the real-time network quality difference between the cross-device link and the main payment link is less than a set threshold. If so, historical data is retrieved from a specified database, and the target link is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the historical data. The historical data reflects the historical link establishment, data transmission and reception, and corresponding success and failure of the cashier device and the payment acceptance device. If not, the real-time or near-real-time network quality can be mainly considered, without considering historical data or considering historical data less.

[0052] for Figure 2 The middle part of the document. In addition to supporting link selection, it also implements multi-link backup functionality.

[0053] After the intelligent decision-making module selects a connection, the payment request is sent through that connection. However, because the physical network environment can change rapidly, even the connection selected by intelligent decision-making may encounter availability issues later on. For example, sudden network jitter can lead to degraded network quality and increased RTT.

[0054] Based on this, a multi-link backup function is considered, which may include, for example, initiating payment business interaction with the payment service system through the target link according to the payment request, and activating a quick auxiliary timer for the interaction; determining, based on the quick auxiliary timer, whether an expected response related to the payment request is received from the payment service system within a set time threshold; if yes, continuing the interaction through the current target link; if no, resuming or continuing the payment business interaction with the payment service system through another link other than the target link in the cross-device link and the main payment link, according to the payment request. Here, "quick" refers to the automatic and rapid intervention of the auxiliary timer, and a relatively shorter time threshold can be set to assist in the rapid response decision of the backup action. This helps improve the success rate and availability of payment requests.

[0055] Based on this idea, and more intuitively, one or more embodiments of this specification provide an application scenario in which... Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a specific implementation of the method is shown below. Figure 3 .

[0056] exist Figure 3The document highlights the specific implementation of the link backup function, which helps ensure the stability and consistency of payment services. Figure 3 The process in the example includes the following steps: In response to a payment request, after the intelligent decision-making module selects a connection (assuming it selects the connection provided by the payment main link that is considered relatively better through analysis), the payment application on the payment acceptance device can send the relevant payment-related data through the selected connection via the corresponding network SDK. After the current network connection is established, a timer is set, for example, for 4 seconds. If no data is received from the current network connection after 4 seconds, the payment request data will be copied and resent to the network of the POS device via Bluetooth / USB. Data was successfully returned from the Bluetooth / USB connection, and the user's payment was successful.

[0057] for Figure 2 The lower part of the document describes how payment acceptance devices, via intelligent decision-making, connect to the network access system and ultimately communicate with the payment service system to process payment transactions.

[0058] Through the specific implementation schemes listed above, the payment acceptance device (and the payment application mounted on it) can intelligently select a relatively better available network based on detection and diagnostic results, RTT speed-up, and historical learning. At the same time, through a multi-network link mutual backup mechanism, it can cope with problems such as network congestion, operator network failures, base station overload, and unstable service quality of providers, so as to ensure that a high payment success rate and response speed can be maintained in different network environments. This improves the stability, reliability, and user experience of the payment system, and provides users with more efficient, secure, and convenient payment services.

[0059] In one or more embodiments of this specification, a more refined coordination scheme between cross-device links and the main payment link is also provided based on specific payment scenarios, which can be used for... Figure 1 For the specific steps of selecting the target link, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the coordinated processing solution.

[0060] In this specific payment scenario, users interact with the payment processing device, log in as members, and provide their payment authorization information in advance. Then, product information is entered for the goods to be settled, generating settlement information. Finally, the payment authorization information is used to deduct funds from the merchant's account. Payment authorization information commonly takes the form of a payment code, such as a string or image, and is used to deduct funds from the user's account. Specifically, payment authorization information can authorize the merchant's POS device to trigger deductions against the corresponding payment account based on specified conditions (such as specified time frame, specified amount, specified merchant information, or specified number of times).

[0061] Figure 4 The process includes the following steps: S402: Based on the network quality analysis results obtained for the cross-device link and the main payment link, select the link with higher network quality reflected by the results from the cross-device link and the main payment link as the target link.

[0062] In one or more embodiments of this specification, for links with higher network quality selected based on the results of network quality analysis performed in advance or almost immediately, a reservation can be maintained. Instead of directly designating them as target links, they can be temporarily designated as quasi-target links and enter the actual business interaction process under such conditions.

[0063] S404: Based on the payment request, a first pre-interaction is performed through the quasi-target link, and a second pre-interaction is performed through the cross-device link with another link in the main payment link, wherein the first pre-interaction involves at least some payment-related information that is immediately used, and the second pre-interaction involves at least some payment-related information that is not immediately used.

[0064] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the first pre-interaction and the second pre-interaction are both part of the actual business interaction process, but they do not belong to the actual settlement and deduction stage. They are just preparations for settlement and deduction. Therefore, they are referred to as pre-interactions.

[0065] If the first and second pre-interactions proceed smoothly, the following steps can be performed. If the first pre-interaction fails, the other link can be designated as the target link, and the interaction can be completed using that link. If the second pre-interaction fails, the quasi-target link can be further designated as the target link, and the interaction can be completed. Pre-interactions that fail to complete can also be continued or re-completed by the target link.

[0066] In the specific payment scenarios mentioned above, at least some payment-related information that is not used immediately can be, for example, partial payment authorization information provided by the user before entering the information of the goods to be settled, for deferred deduction. Following the same logic, it could also include recommended products or promotional information. In this way, even if a problem occurs in this other link, it can still be remedied by the quasi-target link without affecting the efficiency of real-time business processing. This requires less effort from the other link, has better fault tolerance, and can also utilize its capabilities, reducing the workload of the quasi-target link during the pre-interaction phase.

[0067] At least some payment-related information that is used immediately, such as membership information used to log in as a member.

[0068] It should be noted that the first and second pre-interactions are not limited to whether the payment-related information they involve is used immediately. They are just part of the initial work in the entire payment business interaction. The first pre-interaction can be a relatively earlier part of the work.

[0069] S406: Perform actual transmission analysis through the first pre-interaction and the second pre-interaction.

[0070] In addition to sharing the workload of service processing, the first and second pre-interactions are also used to verify the network quality under real-time service conditions, which is achieved through actual transmission analysis in this step.

[0071] S408: Based on the results of the actual transmission analysis, determine the target link among the quasi-target link and the other link, for subsequent interaction with the payment service system for payment business.

[0072] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the actual transmission analysis can preferably be implemented in a simple and efficient manner. For example, based on the RTT corresponding to the quasi-target link and another link, which are collected in real time during the actual transmission analysis, the target link is determined between the quasi-target link and the other link. If the RTT of the other link is sufficiently low compared to the quasi-target link (by direct comparison or by setting a corresponding threshold for difference comparison), then the other link can be determined as the target link; otherwise, the quasi-target link can be determined as the target link.

[0073] pass Figure 4 The proposed solution not only makes better use of the two links but also more reliably ensures the actual network quality of the final target link.

[0074] In one or more embodiments of this specification, even without using a cross-device link, the payment acceptance device and the cashier device still need to communicate (referred to as basic communication, to distinguish it from the cross-device remote communication of this application) when working together. Therefore, it is also possible to consider using the same cross-device link to incidentally realize basic communication between the payment acceptance device and the cashier device. Based on this, the availability of the cross-device link can be guaranteed more proactively, and resources can be allocated accordingly. At the same time, the main payment link should be used in a timely manner to balance reliability, balance, and resource saving. For example, if the cross-device link includes a first connection based on protocol conversion, and the main payment link includes a second connection, then the first connection can be actively kept alive, while the second connection may not necessarily need to be actively kept alive. However, if the second connection is also actively kept alive, then the first connection can be actively kept alive at a relatively higher frequency.

[0075] Furthermore, based on the previous idea, a proactive control scheme for the second connection is provided to more effectively coordinate with the first connection. Specifically, based on the network quality analysis results of the cross-device link and the main payment link, a target link is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link. This can include: if the second connection has become a false connection, the cross-device link can be directly selected as the target link; otherwise, network quality analysis can be performed normally. In addition, after the payment service system interacts with the payment service system through the target link according to the payment request, if the target link in this case is the main payment link, the second connection is proactively converted (not passively waited for) into a false connection or a weakened abnormal connection, and resources are reclaimed so that the cross-device link is preferred for the next time. If the target link in this case is a cross-device link and the second connection is currently an abnormal connection, the second connection can be proactively converted into a normal connection so that the main payment link has the opportunity to take over the business.

[0076] Based on the same idea, one or more embodiments of this specification also provide apparatus and devices corresponding to the above methods, such as... Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown. The apparatus and equipment are capable of performing the above methods and related alternatives accordingly.

[0077] Figure 5 This specification provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a payment processing device according to one or more embodiments. The device is applied to a payment acceptance device and includes: The cross-device link establishment module 502 establishes a close-range connection with the POS device and, based on the close-range connection, establishes a cross-device link with the remote payment service system through the POS device. The payment main link establishment module 504 establishes a payment main link with the payment service system through a mobile communication network; The target link intelligent decision module 506, when receiving a payment request initiated by a user for the payment acceptance device, selects a target link from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results obtained from the cross-device link and the main payment link. The payment business interaction processing module 508 interacts with the payment service system through the target link according to the payment request.

[0078] Optionally, the target link intelligent decision module 506 determines in advance whether a user is prepared to interact with the payment acceptance device by using the visual capabilities of the cashier device or the payment acceptance device; If so, before the actual interaction occurs, an instantaneous probe data transmission test is triggered on the cross-device link and the main payment link to obtain the instantaneous test results, which are used to determine the network quality analysis results.

[0079] Optionally, the target link intelligent decision module 506 selects the link with higher network quality reflected by the network quality analysis of the cross-device link and the main payment link as the quasi-target link based on the results of the network quality analysis of the cross-device link and the main payment link. Based on the payment request, a first pre-interaction is performed through the quasi-target link, and a second pre-interaction is performed through the cross-device link with another link in the main payment link. The first pre-interaction involves at least some payment-related information that is used immediately, and the second pre-interaction involves at least some payment-related information that is not used immediately. Through the pre-interaction, at least some payment-related information that is not used immediately is obtained and its actual transmission is analyzed. Based on the results of the actual transmission analysis, a target link is determined between the quasi-target link and the other link for subsequent interaction with the payment service system.

[0080] Optionally, the at least part of the payment-related information that is not used immediately includes at least part of the payment authorization information provided by the user in advance before entering the information of the goods to be settled, for deducting payment later.

[0081] Optionally, the target link intelligent decision module 506 determines the target link from the quasi-target link and the other link based on the round-trip time (RTT) corresponding to the quasi-target link and the other link, which are collected in real time during the actual transmission analysis.

[0082] Optionally, the payment business interaction processing module 508, based on the payment request, initiates payment business interaction with the payment service system through the target link, and activates a quick auxiliary timer for the interaction; Based on the quick auxiliary timer, determine whether an expected response related to the payment request has been received from the payment service system within a set time threshold. If not, then based on the payment request, the payment service system will be re-engaged or continue to interact with the payment service system through another link, which is separate from the target link in the cross-device link and the main payment link.

[0083] Optionally, the cross-device link includes a first connection with active keep-alive based on protocol conversion, and the main payment link includes a second connection; The target link intelligent decision module 506 selects the cross-device link as the target link when the second connection has become a false connection. After the target link intelligent decision-making module 506 interacts with the payment service system through the target link according to the payment request, if the target link is the main payment link, it will actively convert the second connection into a fake connection or an abnormal connection with weakened capabilities. If the target link is the cross-device link, then the second connection will be actively converted into a normal connection.

[0084] Optionally, the target link intelligent decision module 506 performs real-time network quality analysis on the cross-device link and the payment main link, and determines whether the real-time network quality difference between the cross-device link and the payment main link is less than a set threshold based on the results of the real-time network quality analysis. If so, historical data is retrieved from the specified database, and a target link is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the historical data. The historical data reflects the historical link establishment, data transmission and reception, and corresponding success and failure status between the cashier device and the payment acceptance device.

[0085] Optionally, the proximity connection can be a Bluetooth connection or a USB connection.

[0086] Optionally, the payment acceptance device provides near-field payment capability to the cashier device; the payment request is initiated by the user through near-field communication interaction between their mobile terminal and the payment acceptance device.

[0087] Figure 6This specification provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a payment processing device according to one or more embodiments. The device is applied to a payment acceptance device and includes: At least one processor; and, A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform: Establish a proximity connection with the POS device, and based on the proximity connection, establish a cross-device link with a remote payment service system through the POS device; A main payment link is established with the payment service system via a mobile communication network; When a payment request is received from a user for the payment acceptance device, a target link is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results of the cross-device link and the main payment link. Based on the payment request, the payment service system is interacted with through the target link to conduct payment business.

[0088] Based on the same idea, one or more embodiments of this specification also provide a non-volatile computer storage medium for use in a payment acceptance device, wherein the medium stores computer-executable instructions configured as follows: Establish a proximity connection with the POS device, and based on the proximity connection, establish a cross-device link with a remote payment service system through the POS device; A main payment link is established with the payment service system via a mobile communication network; When a payment request is received from a user for the payment acceptance device, a target link is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results of the cross-device link and the main payment link. Based on the payment request, the payment service system is interacted with through the target link to conduct payment business.

[0089] In the 1990s, improvements to a technology could be clearly distinguished as either hardware improvements (e.g., improvements to the circuit structure of diodes, transistors, switches, etc.) or software improvements (improvements to the methodology). However, with technological advancements, many methodological improvements today can be considered direct improvements to the hardware circuit structure. Designers almost always obtain the corresponding hardware circuit structure by programming the improved methodology into the hardware circuit. Therefore, it cannot be said that a methodological improvement cannot be implemented using hardware physical modules. For example, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) (such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)) is such an integrated circuit whose logic function is determined by the user programming the device. Designers can program and "integrate" a digital system onto a PLD themselves, without needing chip manufacturers to design and manufacture dedicated integrated circuit chips. Furthermore, nowadays, instead of manually manufacturing integrated circuit chips, this programming is mostly implemented using "logic compiler" software. Similar to the software compiler used in program development, the original code before compilation must also be written in a specific programming language, called a Hardware Description Language (HDL). There are many HDLs, such as ABEL (Advanced Boolean Expression Language), AHDL (Altera Hardware Description Language), Confluence, CUPL (Cornell University Programming Language), HDCal, JHDL (Java Hardware Description Language), Lava, Lola, MyHDL, PALASM, and RHDL (Ruby Hardware Description Language). Currently, the most commonly used are VHDL (Very-High-Speed ​​Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language) and Verilog. Those skilled in the art should also understand that by simply performing some logic programming on the method flow using one of these hardware description languages ​​and programming it into an integrated circuit, the hardware circuit implementing the logical method flow can be easily obtained.

[0090] The systems, devices, modules, or units described in the above embodiments can be implemented by computer chips or entities, or by products with certain functions. A typical implementation device is a computer. Specifically, a computer can be, for example, a personal computer, laptop computer, cellular phone, camera phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant, media player, navigation device, email device, game console, tablet computer, wearable device, or any combination of these devices.

[0091] For ease of description, the above devices are described in terms of function, divided into various units. Of course, in implementing this specification, the functions of each unit can be implemented in one or more software and / or hardware components.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of this specification can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the embodiments of this specification can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the embodiments of this specification can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0093] This specification is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this specification. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0094] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0095] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0096] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0097] This specification can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions that are executed by a computer, such as program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. This specification can also be practiced in distributed computing environments, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected via a communication network. In distributed computing environments, program modules can reside in local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0098] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the embodiments of apparatus, devices, and non-volatile computer storage media are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the descriptions are relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0099] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are possible or may be advantageous.

[0100] The above description is merely one or more embodiments of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Various modifications and variations can be made to the one or more embodiments of this specification by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of one or more embodiments of this specification should be included within the scope of the claims of this specification.

Claims

1. A payment processing method, applied to a payment acceptance device, the method comprising: Establish a proximity connection with the POS device, and based on the proximity connection, establish a cross-device link with a remote payment service system through the POS device; A main payment link is established with the payment service system via a mobile communication network; When a payment request is received from a user for the payment acceptance device, a target link is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results of the cross-device link and the main payment link. Based on the payment request, the payment service system is interacted with through the target link to conduct payment business.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein the network quality analysis of the cross-device link and the main payment link specifically includes: The visual capabilities of the POS device or payment acceptance device can be used in advance to determine whether a user is prepared to interact with the payment acceptance device. If so, before the actual interaction occurs, an instantaneous probe data transmission test is triggered on the cross-device link and the main payment link to obtain the instantaneous test results, which are used to determine the network quality analysis results.

3. The method as described in claim 1, wherein selecting a target link from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results obtained from the cross-device link and the main payment link specifically includes: Based on the network quality analysis results of the cross-device link and the main payment link, the link with higher network quality reflected by the results is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link as the target link; Based on the payment request, a first pre-interaction is performed through the quasi-target link, and a second pre-interaction is performed through the cross-device link with another link in the main payment link. The first pre-interaction involves at least some payment-related information that is used immediately, and the second pre-interaction involves at least some payment-related information that is not used immediately. Actual transmission analysis is performed based on the first pre-interaction and the second pre-interaction. Based on the results of the actual transmission analysis, a target link is determined between the quasi-target link and the other link, for subsequent interaction with the payment service system for payment transactions.

4. The method as described in claim 3, wherein the at least part of the non-immediate payment-related information includes at least part of the payment authorization information provided by the user in advance before entering the information of the goods to be settled, for deducting payment in a delayed manner.

5. The method as described in claim 3, wherein determining the target link among the quasi-target link and the other link based on the results of the actual transmission analysis specifically includes: Based on the round-trip time (RTT) of the quasi-target link and the other link, which are collected in real time during the actual transmission analysis, the target link is determined from the quasi-target link and the other link.

6. The method as described in claim 1, wherein the step of interacting with the payment service system through the target link according to the payment request specifically includes: Based on the payment request, an interaction with the payment service system is initiated through the target link to conduct payment business, and a quick auxiliary timer is activated for the interaction; Based on the quick auxiliary timer, determine whether an expected response related to the payment request has been received from the payment service system within a set time threshold. If not, then based on the payment request, the payment service system will be re-engaged or continue to interact with the payment service system through another link, which is separate from the target link in the cross-device link and the main payment link.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the cross-device link includes a first connection with active keep-alive based on protocol conversion, and the main payment link includes a second connection; The step of selecting a target link from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results obtained from the cross-device link and the main payment link specifically includes: If the second connection has become a false connection, the cross-device link is selected as the target link; After interacting with the payment service system via the target link according to the payment request, the method further includes: If the target link is the main payment link, then the second connection will be actively converted into a fake connection or an abnormal connection with weakened capabilities. If the target link is the cross-device link, then the second connection will be actively converted into a normal connection.

8. The method as described in claim 1, wherein selecting a target link from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results obtained from the cross-device link and the main payment link specifically includes: Real-time network quality analysis is performed on the cross-device link and the main payment link. Based on the results of the real-time network quality analysis, it is determined whether the real-time network quality difference between the cross-device link and the main payment link is less than a set threshold. If so, historical data is retrieved from the specified database, and a target link is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the historical data. The historical data reflects the historical link establishment, data transmission and reception, and corresponding success and failure status between the cashier device and the payment acceptance device.

9. The method as described in claim 1, wherein the near-field connection is a Bluetooth connection or a USB connection.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the payment acceptance device provides near-field payment capability to the cash register device; the payment request is initiated by the user through near-field communication interaction between their mobile terminal and the payment acceptance device.

11. A payment processing apparatus, applied to a payment acceptance device, the apparatus comprising: A cross-device link establishment module establishes a close-range connection with the POS device and, based on this close-range connection, establishes a cross-device link with a remote payment service system through the POS device. The payment main link establishment module establishes a payment main link with the payment service system through a mobile communication network; The target link intelligent decision module, when receiving a payment request initiated by a user for the payment acceptance device, selects a target link from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results obtained from the cross-device link and the main payment link. The payment business interaction processing module interacts with the payment service system through the target link according to the payment request.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the target link intelligent decision module determines in advance whether a user is prepared to interact with the payment acceptance device by using the visual capabilities of the cashier device or the payment acceptance device; If so, before the actual interaction occurs, an instantaneous probe data transmission test is triggered on the cross-device link and the main payment link to obtain the instantaneous test results, which are used to determine the network quality analysis results.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the target link intelligent decision module, based on the results of network quality analysis of the cross-device link and the payment main link, selects the link with higher network quality reflected by the results from the cross-device link and the payment main link as the quasi-target link; Based on the payment request, a first pre-interaction is performed through the quasi-target link, and a second pre-interaction is performed through the cross-device link with another link in the main payment link. The first pre-interaction involves at least some payment-related information that is used immediately, and the second pre-interaction involves at least some payment-related information that is not used immediately. Through the pre-interaction, at least some payment-related information that is not used immediately is obtained and its actual transmission is analyzed. Based on the results of the actual transmission analysis, a target link is determined between the quasi-target link and the other link for subsequent interaction with the payment service system.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least part of the non-immediate payment-related information includes at least part of the payment authorization information provided by the user in advance before entering the information of the goods to be settled, for deducting payment in a delayed manner.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the target link intelligent decision module determines the target link from the quasi-target link and the other link based on the round-trip time (RTT) corresponding to the quasi-target link and the other link, which are collected in real time during the actual transmission analysis.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the payment business interaction processing module, according to the payment request, initiates payment business interaction with the payment service system through the target link, and activates a quick auxiliary timer for the interaction; Based on the quick auxiliary timer, determine whether an expected response related to the payment request has been received from the payment service system within a set time threshold. If not, then based on the payment request, the payment service system will be re-engaged or continue to interact with the payment service system through another link, which is separate from the target link in the cross-device link and the main payment link.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cross-device link includes a first connection with active keep-alive based on protocol conversion, and the main payment link includes a second connection; The target link intelligent decision module selects the cross-device link as the target link when the second connection has become a false connection. After the target link intelligent decision-making module interacts with the payment service system through the target link according to the payment request, if the target link is the main payment link, it will actively convert the second connection into a fake connection or an abnormal connection with weakened capabilities. If the target link is the cross-device link, then the second connection will be actively converted into a normal connection.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the target link intelligent decision module performs real-time network quality analysis on the cross-device link and the payment main link, and determines, based on the result of the real-time network quality analysis, whether the real-time network quality difference between the cross-device link and the payment main link is less than a set threshold; If so, historical data is retrieved from the specified database, and based on the historical data, a target link is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link, wherein... The historical data reflects the historical link establishment, data transmission and reception, and corresponding success and failure status between the POS device and the payment acceptance device.

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the proximity connection is a Bluetooth connection or a USB connection.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the payment acceptance device provides near-field payment capability to the cash register device; the payment request is initiated by the user through near-field communication interaction between their mobile terminal and the payment acceptance device.

21. A payment processing device, applied to a payment acceptance device, the payment processing device comprising: At least one processor; as well as, A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform: Establish a proximity connection with the POS device, and based on the proximity connection, establish a cross-device link with a remote payment service system through the POS device; A main payment link is established with the payment service system via a mobile communication network; When a payment request is received from a user for the payment acceptance device, a target link is selected from the cross-device link and the main payment link based on the network quality analysis results of the cross-device link and the main payment link. Based on the payment request, the payment service system is interacted with through the target link to conduct payment business.

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