Edge Computing Device for Offline Credit Card Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional credit card transactions are disrupted when external communication networks are down, and there is a lack of enhanced security measures to prevent unauthorized use.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows credit card transactions to be approved at a Point of Sale (POS) device without sending data over an external network, using an edge computing device for authorization, and requiring pairing with the card owner's electronic devices for security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If credit card transactions are processed using external communication networks (internet or telephone), then transaction authorization can be obtained from banks, but the POS cannot process transactions when the external network is down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing reliabilityVSAvoiddependency on external networks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an edge computing device as an intermediary between the POS and the banks. This edge device stores credit card information and can authorize transactions locally when external networks are unavailable, acting as a mediator that enables offline processing while maintaining the ability to communicate with banks when online

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing credit card information and authorization capabilities in the edge computing device before network disconnection occurs. This allows the POS to process transactions offline without needing real-time network connectivity to banks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If credit cards are made easy to use with simple signature capture, then customer convenience is improved, but unauthorized users can easily complete purchases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction simplicityVSAvoidunauthorized use risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds another dimension to authentication by requiring proximity-based verification through electronic devices (smartphones, smartwatches) in addition to the physical credit card. This spatial dimension ensures that even if someone has the card, they cannot authorize transactions without the paired electronic device nearby

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The edge computing device acts as an intermediary authentication layer that verifies both the credit card information and the proximity of authorized electronic devices before allowing transaction authorization, adding security without significantly complicating the user experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11544718B2Trusted pair authentication with edge-computing devices

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

Apparatus and methods are provided for executing a rules-based authentication of an electronic transaction. The method may include receiving first and second payment authorization parameters and second payment authorization parameters. The method may also include receiving from a Point of Sale device a request for payment information and a purchase amount. The method may also include, determining if first or second parameters are satisfied. The first parameters may include a first time range, a pairing of the electronic device to a first apparatus, a first geolocation of the electronic device, and a first maximum transaction value. The second parameters may include a second time range, a pairing of the electronic device to a second apparatus, a second geolocation of the electronic device, and a second maximum transaction value, wherein the second time range does not include the first time range.