Dynamic Cryptogram Formatting for Varying Account Lengths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems are not equipped to handle transaction account numbers of varying lengths while ensuring proper inclusion of cryptograms and other data in payment transactions, due to data space limitations in traditional computing systems.

Innovation Solution

A computing device is configured to generate and validate cryptograms for varying account number lengths by using specific formatting templates that accommodate different lengths of transaction account numbers and unpredictable numbers, allowing for the inclusion of additional data in a data string formatted according to these templates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional computing systems use fixed data formatting for payment transactions, then data transmission is simple and reliable, but the system cannot accommodate transaction account numbers of varying lengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of varying account number lengthsVSAvoiddata formatting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic data formatting where the system automatically adjusts the structure and length of data fields based on the actual account number length. The formatting template is no longer static but adapts dynamically to accommodate 13, 16, or 19-digit account numbers, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by making the system flexible rather than rigid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of data field lengths according to the account number length. Instead of using fixed-length fields, the patent allows data fields to expand or contract based on the actual account number length, enabling the system to handle varying account lengths without requiring completely different formatting structures for each case

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If data fields are expanded to accommodate longer account numbers, then more account types can be supported, but the cryptogram validation becomes more difficult due to data space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for more transaction account typesVSAvoidcryptogram validation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission process into distinct components: account number fields, cryptogram fields, and validation fields. Each segment is independently formatted and validated according to its specific requirements. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate longer account numbers in specific fields without compromising the integrity or validation of cryptogram fields, thereby maintaining reliability while expanding versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary formatting layer that sits between the variable-length account numbers and the fixed-structure cryptogram validation process. This intermediary layer ensures that regardless of account number length variations, the cryptogram data receives consistent formatting and validation, thus maintaining validation reliability while supporting diverse account types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If fixed formatting templates are used for data transmission, then processing is efficient and straightforward, but the system cannot handle account numbers longer than 16 digits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction processing efficiencyVSAvoidaccount number length flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal formatting template that serves multiple functions: it can handle 13-digit, 16-digit, and 19-digit account numbers within a single structure. Rather than requiring separate processing paths for different account lengths, the universal template maintains consistent processing logic while adapting to various account number lengths, thereby preserving processing efficiency while gaining flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3342096B1Method and system for enhanced validation of cryptograms in cloud-based systems
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 MASTERCARD INT INC
  • EP3342096B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3342096B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3342096B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for enhanced validation of cryptograms for varying account number lengths includes: storing one or more primary account numbers and a plurality of formatting templates, each template being associated with an account number length; receiving a selection indicating a specific primary account number; identifying a specific formatting template where the associated account number length corresponds to a length of the specific primary account number; receiving an unpredictable number from a point of sale device; generating a cryptogram based on at least the unpredictable number and one or more algorithms; generating a data string, wherein the data string includes at least the generated cryptogram, the specific primary account number, and the unpredictable number, and wherein the data string is formatted based on the identified specific formatting template; and electronically transmitting the generated data string to the point of sale device.