Contactless Payment Device Value Loading via Single Interface Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contactless payment systems require dual-interface payment devices and terminals for loading or reloading value, which is inconvenient and increases deployment costs, as they need to support both contact and contactless technologies for authentication processes.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows secure loading and reloading of contactless payment devices using only a contactless terminal interface, eliminating the need for dual-interface devices and terminals, and enabling authentication through a contactless chip in devices like mobile phones or other non-traditional form factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual-interface payment devices and terminals are used for loading value, then secure authentication can be achieved, but device complexity and deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact interface with a contactless electromagnetic field-based communication system. The terminal uses electromagnetic induction to power the contactless card and establish secure communication channels, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining authentication security through cryptographic protocols executed over the contactless interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The contactless terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both authenticate the payment device and load value onto it using solely the contactless interface. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate contact and contactless systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining security and enabling value loading operations.
2Reliability
If contact technology is required for loading value, then secure authentication can be performed, but ease of operation deteriorates as users must use different interfaces for loading and spending
Solution Approach 1:
The contactless interface is designed to handle both authentication and value loading operations universally. Users interact with the same contactless interface for both loading value onto the card and making payments, eliminating the confusion of using different interfaces for different operations while maintaining security through cryptographic authentication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the authentication function and value loading function into a single contactless transaction flow. The terminal performs authentication, authorizes the load transaction, and transfers value all through the contactless interface without requiring a separate contact interaction, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving security.
3Reliability
If dual-interface terminals are deployed for value loading, then authentication security is maintained, but manufacturing and deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for contact interfaces in terminals by replacing them with contactless electromagnetic communication capabilities. This substitution allows manufacturers to produce simpler, single-interface terminals that maintain full authentication and value loading functionality, significantly reducing manufacturing and deployment costs while preserving security through contactless cryptographic protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The contactless terminal is designed to perform both authentication and value loading operations through a single interface, eliminating the need for expensive dual-interface hardware. This universal capability allows merchants to deploy simpler, more cost-effective terminals that maintain full functionality for both card authentication and value loading operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments allow loading and reloading contactless payment devices using only a contactless terminal interface, while providing user authentication. The contactless terminal interface could be at a merchant POS location, kiosk, or embedded or attached to a personal computing device with contactless read/write capability such as a personal computer or mobile phone or Internet device.