Dynamic Currency Conversion Host System Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transaction terminal systems lack the capability to automatically determine and support dynamic currency conversion for transactions in alternative currencies, leading to limitations in currency options available to users, especially in locations with specific technical and legislative requirements.
Innovation Solution
A transaction terminal system and a dynamic currency conversion host system are integrated, allowing for the transmission of rate request messages to determine dynamic currency conversion rates, with the host system processing these requests to provide conversion rates and currencies, enabling users to select and conduct transactions in non-local currencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transaction terminal system uses traditional currency determination methods (identifying issuer codes from payment card numbers), then the system can determine operating currency for card transactions, but the system cannot automatically identify payments for which users may wish to make payments in currencies other than the local currency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a host system as an intermediary between the transaction terminal and the currency conversion process. The terminal sends rate request messages to the host system, which then provides conversion rates and currency information. This mediator approach allows the terminal to offer dynamic currency conversion without implementing complex currency determination logic locally, resolving the contradiction between enhanced adaptability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the currency conversion functionality into separate components: the transaction terminal handles transaction processing and sends rate requests, while the host system handles currency determination, rate calculation, and conversion logic. This segmentation allows each component to focus on specific tasks, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatile currency conversion capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple card transaction terminals are deployed to address different technical and legislative requirements, then various currency conversion needs can be met, but the device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The host system is designed to handle multiple currency conversion scenarios and legislative requirements through a single unified platform. It can process rate requests from various terminal types, support multiple currency pairs, and adapt to different technical requirements without requiring separate specialized terminals for each scenario. This universal approach reduces infrastructure complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the transaction terminal system automatically determines conversion currency and rate, then user convenience is improved, but the terminal requires complex processing logic and local currency databases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex currency determination and rate calculation logic from the transaction terminal and relocates it to the host system. The terminal's role is simplified to sending rate request messages and displaying conversion options to users, while the host system performs the complex processing of determining conversion currency, calculating rates, and managing currency databases. This extraction maintains ease of operation while reducing terminal complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A transaction terminal system for a card-based purchase communicates with a host system to provide dynamic currency conversion. The transaction terminal system can select one of a number of different rate request messages according to various local factors in order to obtain a currency conversion rate for dynamic currency conversion.