Dual-Function Payment Module Alternating BLE and iBeacon Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unattended machines, such as vending machines, often require a persistent network connection to facilitate cashless payments, which is not available in all locations, limiting their ability to accept mobile payments without internet access.
Innovation Solution
A mobile-device-to-machine payment processing system that uses a payment module with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and iBeacon signals to enable offline mobile payments by acting as a hub, allowing a mobile device to negotiate with a remote payment server even without a network connection, and alternating between different communication modes to maintain security and utility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a persistent network connection is required for cashless payments, then payment reliability is improved, but device adaptability deteriorates because machines cannot operate in locations without network access
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves as an intermediary between the payment module and the payment server. It establishes a Bluetooth connection with the payment module (which has no network connection) and communicates with the payment server through its own network connection, enabling offline payment processing at the machine location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the payment processing function into two parts: the payment module at the machine (handling local communication and authentication) and the payment server (handling transaction processing). This allows the machine-side component to operate without network connection while maintaining payment reliability through the mobile device intermediary.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth Low Energy and iBeacon signals are used for offline communication, then location adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple communication modes
Solution Approach 1:
The payment module integrates multiple communication capabilities (Bluetooth Low Energy and iBeacon signals) into a single device, allowing it to function both as a local payment terminal and as a beacon for mobile device discovery. This multi-functionality enables offline payments without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines Bluetooth Low Energy communication (for direct payment data exchange) and iBeacon signaling (for device discovery and initiation) into a unified payment module. This merging allows the system to handle both device discovery and payment processing through a single integrated component.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic communication module broadcasts a first stream of alternating packets by alternating between a plurality of first packets and a plurality of second packets from a transceiver. Each of the first and second packets is associated with a first and second service, respectively, and includes a header with information identifying a first and second device, respectively as its source of transmission. The electronic communication module receives from a first mobile device a request for the first device to perform an operation associated with the first service, and concurrently establishing a connection with the first mobile device and transmitting first packets associated with a response to the first request, while continuing to broadcast second packets indicating presence of the second device, where the first and second packets are transmitted in an alternating pattern.