Fare Payment Terminal Network with Distributed Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in processing multiple card transactions simultaneously and handling communication failures between card terminals and servers, leading to high processing loads and delayed approval of transportation fares, especially when network connections are unstable.
Innovation Solution
A central server compares authorization results for fare payments upon boarding and leaving, and updates information stored in terminals, allowing for independent authorization processes when the network is unstable, ensuring prompt and accurate approval even in unstable conditions by transmitting update information once the connection stabilizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the server processes payment data from multiple card terminals simultaneously, then the payment approval can be centralized, but the processing load on the server increases and processing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized server processing into distributed terminal-based processing. Each card terminal independently stores card information and performs local payment processing, dividing the monolithic server task into multiple autonomous terminal units that operate in parallel, thereby reducing server load and processing time while maintaining approval accuracy through subsequent server comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having card terminals pre-store card information and perform authorization processing before server verification. The terminals independently complete the payment approval process using stored data, and only afterward does the server compare results to ensure accuracy, thus accelerating processing without sacrificing reliability.
2Reliability
If the server processes payment data simultaneously from multiple terminals, then centralized control is maintained, but the processing load and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the centralized approval process into distributed terminal operations. Multiple card terminals independently perform authorization using pre-stored card data, eliminating the sequential processing bottleneck at the server and reducing overall processing time while maintaining accuracy through post-processing comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
Card terminals perform self-service authorization processing using locally stored card information, eliminating the need for real-time server processing for each transaction. The terminals independently complete approvals and only subsequently communicate results to the server for verification, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If communication fails between card terminal and server, then system robustness is tested, but prompt reception of payment data or approval becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing card information in terminal devices before communication failure occurs. When communication fails, terminals can still process payments using this pre-stored data, ensuring transaction continuity and maintaining efficiency despite network issues, while server comparison afterward ensures accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by storing backup card information locally in terminal devices. This creates a buffer that allows the system to continue operating during communication failures, cushioning against the impact of network instability on transaction efficiency while maintaining system robustness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a server, and a system includes a central server configured to compare an authorization result of a fare payment means upon boarding a transportation means with an authorization result of the fare payment means upon leaving the transportation means, determine whether to update at least one of a boarding terminal and a departure terminal based on the comparison result, and transmit update information to at least one of the boarding terminal and the departure terminal based on the determination result. The boarding terminal performs an authorization process of the fare payment means upon boarding if a network connection between the central server and the boarding terminal is unstable, and the departure terminal performs an authorization process of the fare payment means upon leaving if a network connection between the central server and the departure terminal is unstable.