Blocking PIN Transaction Control at Point of Sale
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face challenges in setting and managing transaction controls for their accounts, particularly in blocking or unblocking merchants or geographic areas, as existing methods require access to computing devices and foresight, leading to difficulties in remembering to set controls prior to transactions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of specially configured personal identification numbers (PINs), including a standard PIN and a blocking PIN, allows consumers to easily block or unblock merchants or geographic areas during transactions without additional devices, by storing merchant identification numbers in a consumer's account profile and using these PINs to manage account controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If consumers use traditional methods (websites or application programs) to set transaction controls, then they can manage their accounts with detailed controls, but they require access to computing devices and must remember to set controls prior to transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables consumers to set and manage transaction controls directly at the point of sale terminal without needing external computing devices. The consumer uses the existing payment card and terminal interface to block or unblock merchants, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on smartphones or computers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows consumers to set transaction controls at the moment of transaction rather than requiring advance planning. By enabling control setting at the point of sale, the system eliminates the need to remember to set controls before visiting merchants, addressing the timing and memory issues.
2Ease of operation
If consumers need to set transaction controls at the point of sale, then they can block merchants quickly without additional devices, but they need a method to establish controls during the transaction process
Solution Approach 1:
The payment terminal is enhanced to perform both its original payment processing function and the additional function of setting transaction controls. The same terminal that processes payments also captures the consumer's intent to block merchants through alternative authentication methods, eliminating the need for separate control-setting devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism (alternative authentication methods such as biometric verification or one-time codes) that mediates between the consumer's intent to block a merchant and the system's control-setting function. This intermediary layer enables secure control setting without requiring complex additional hardware.
3Productivity
If consumers use alternative PINs to block merchants, then they can quickly set controls without devices, but they need the system to identify and store merchant identification numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback to the consumer when a blocking PIN is entered, confirming that the merchant has been successfully blocked. The terminal displays or notifies the consumer of the blocked merchant identifier, ensuring the control was properly established and providing verification of the action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual note-taking or external device storage of merchant information with automated electronic capture and storage of merchant identification numbers. The terminal automatically extracts and stores merchant data in the consumer's profile, eliminating the need for consumers to manually record merchant details.
4Reliability
If the system blocks future transactions for a merchant, then consumers gain security control, but they may need to unblock merchants later and the system must manage blocking states
Solution Approach 1:
The transaction control system is designed to be dynamic, allowing consumers to easily change their blocking decisions at any time. The system supports both blocking and unblocking operations through the same interface, enabling consumers to adapt their controls as their needs change without being locked into permanent restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the same alternative authentication mechanism for both blocking and unblocking merchants. By inverting the action (using the same method to both impose and remove controls), the system simplifies the user experience and maintains consistency in the interaction model.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for establishing account controls for a transaction account through specially configured personal identification numbers includes: storing, in an account profile, an account identifier, standard personal identification number (PIN), and blocking PIN; receiving a first authorization request for a first payment transaction including the account identifier, a merchant identifier, and the blocking PIN; inserting the merchant identifier into the account profile; receiving a second authorization request for a second payment transaction including the account identifier and the merchant identifier; and transmitting an authorization response in response to the second authorization request including a response code indicating decline of the second payment transaction.