Dynamic NFC Transaction Functions Through Merchant-Managed Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless interface technologies, such as RFID and NFC devices, provide only static information, lacking nuanced device and function management, limiting their functionality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implement a rules-based system for near field communication that allows dynamic transaction functions by establishing communication between a transaction processing device and an NFC device, enabling the exchange of tag identifiers and rules for activating or associating new functions, and utilizing a merchant server to manage and update these functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rules-based system is implemented to enable dynamic transaction functions, then the functionality and adaptability of contactless interfaces are improved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between the transaction processing device and the NFC transmitting device. The server receives NFC information containing tag identifiers, determines applicable transaction functions based on stored rules, and communicates back to the transaction processing device. This intermediary approach allows complex rule-based functionality to be implemented without increasing the complexity of the transaction processing device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the transaction processing functionality into multiple components: the transaction processing device handles NFC communication and function execution, the server handles rule storage and determination, and the NFC transmitting device handles tag identifier transmission. This segmentation distributes complexity across multiple entities, improving overall adaptability without concentrating all complexity in one device.
2Device complexity
If static information provision is used in contactless interfaces, then the device complexity is minimized, but the functionality and user engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static information provision to dynamic function activation. Instead of providing fixed, predetermined information, the system dynamically determines which transaction function to execute based on the tag identifier and stored rules. This allows the contactless interface to adapt its functionality in real-time based on the specific NFC transmitting device encountered, significantly enhancing versatility while maintaining relative simplicity through the use of predefined rules.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated method is provided for initiating a transaction function in a transaction processing device. The method comprises establishing near field communication between the transaction processing device and an NFC transmitting device having an associated tag identifier and receiving NFC information including the tag identifier. The transaction processing device transmits the NFC information to a merchant processor and receives from the merchant processor a tag rule communication including an instruction to carry out a transaction function associated with the tag identifier or a request to associate a new transaction function with the tag identifier. Responsive to receiving an instruction to carry out a transaction function associated with the tag identifier, the transaction processing device executes the transaction function. Responsive to receiving a request to associate a new transaction function with the tag identifier, the transaction processing device transmits a request response to the merchant processor.