Contactless Payment Reader Synchronization Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payment systems, particularly those using contactless payment devices, face issues with failed transactions due to hasty device removal and lack of synchronization between readers and terminals, leading to inefficiencies and errors, especially in environments with short transaction times.
Innovation Solution
A synchronized reader and terminal architecture that allows for piecemeal or stepped data reading, enabling the terminal to control the reading process, recover from torn transactions, and communicate effectively with various payment device configurations, including mobile phones and contactless payment cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If contactless payment device is removed quickly from communication with reader, then transaction speed is improved, but transaction reliability deteriorates due to failed transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by implementing a synchronized reading process where the terminal controls the reading phases before the device is removed. The terminal requests and receives data in controlled steps, ensuring critical transaction data is captured before the payment device is removed from the reader, thus preventing failed transactions while maintaining speed.
2Device complexity
If reader and terminal operate independently, then device complexity is reduced, but transaction reliability deteriorates due to lack of synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal controls the reading process based on received data. The terminal requests specific data elements from the reader, receives responses, and determines whether to continue or terminate the transaction. This feedback loop ensures synchronization between reader and terminal operations, improving reliability without requiring complex centralized control.
3Loss of time
If all data is read in one phase, then transaction time is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to verify data completeness
Solution Approach 1:
The reading process is segmented into multiple controlled phases: initial data request, data reception and verification, and conditional continuation. The terminal divides the data reading into discrete elements that can be individually requested and verified. This segmentation allows the system to ensure data completeness and accuracy while maintaining efficient transaction timing through structured multi-phase reading.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures reliable and efficient transaction processing, reduces errors, and allows for recovery from incomplete transactions, improving usability in environments like transit systems by maintaining transaction integrity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Some of these payment devices are 'contactless' payment devices which communicate with a card reader via wireless radio frequency ('RF') communication
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatus are provided including a proximity payment device reader which includes a reader control program. A first process is executed upon receipt of an activation signal indicating the initiation of a transaction involving a proximity payment device with the reader, the first process causing at least a first signal to be transmitted to a second process, the second process causing the transmission of at least a second signal to the proximity payment device through a transceiver. In some embodiments, the processes may be executed to compare application data received from the payment device to data stored in a transaction log to determine if the proximity payment device was involved in an interrupted transaction. If the proximity payment device was involved in an interrupted transaction a signal is transmitted to the proximity payment device to attempt to retry the interrupted transaction.