ATM Edge Device Proxy for Offline Transaction Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

ATMs often experience sporadic loss of network connection with central servers, preventing them from processing transactions and updating account data in real-time.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that enables ATMs to store account data locally and process transactions offline, using edge devices like smartphones or smart cards to transmit data to central servers when a network connection is re-established.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the ATM maintains direct communication with the central server, then transaction processing can be performed in real-time, but the system becomes vulnerable to network connection losses that prevent transaction completion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing reliabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces edge devices as intermediary components between the ATM and central server. These edge devices receive transaction data from the ATM via short-range wireless communication and forward it to the central server when network connection is available, enabling the ATM to operate independently of direct network connectivity while maintaining transaction reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ATM stores account data locally in a data repository, then the ATM can process transactions offline, but the device complexity and data security requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoffline transaction capabilityVSAvoidlocal data storage and processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transaction processing system into three independent components: the ATM for local transaction execution and data storage, edge devices for data transmission, and the central server for account management. This segmentation allows the ATM to store account data locally and process transactions offline without requiring the entire system to be complex, as each component has a specific function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the ATM uses short-range wireless communication with edge devices, then an alternative data routing pathway is created, but the transmission range and connectivity options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The edge devices act as mobile intermediaries that bridge the ATM and central server. The ATM uses short-range wireless communication to transmit transaction data to nearby edge devices, which then use their own network connectivity to forward data to the central server. This intermediary approach enables reliable data transmission without requiring the ATM to have direct long-range network access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12299655B2ATM leveraging edge devices for alternative data routing

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

A method enabling processing electronic transactions received at the ATM when network connection with the central server is disrupted. The method may enable processing each electronic transaction received using an alternative data routing pathway. The alternative data routing pathway may leverage one or more edge devices within close proximity to the ATM to serve as a proxy for transmitting data to the central server. The one or more edge devices may be enabled to carry electronic transaction data from electronic transactions processed locally at the ATM to a location where a network connection between the one or more edge devices and the central server may be established. When in a location including network connection, the one or more edge devices may transmit the electronic transaction data to the central server.