Intermediary Data Pipe for Offline Electronic Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic transaction systems fail when a device with limited network connectivity attempts to perform transactions, as both devices must be connected to a cloud-based service, leading to transaction failures due to poor cellular service or lack of internet connection.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first device detects a transaction trigger and identifies a second device within proximity with a stable connection to a transaction service, establishing a data pipe to reroute transaction data through the second device to complete the transaction, even if the first device lacks a suitable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a device performs cloud-based electronic transactions, then transaction speed and convenience are improved, but the system fails when the device lacks internet connection or has poor cellular service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second device as an intermediary that has both proximity to the first device (via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct) and a stable internet connection. This intermediary device relays transaction data between the first device and the transaction service, enabling the first device to complete transactions without requiring its own internet connection. The second device acts as a bridge that resolves the contradiction by providing connectivity access to devices that would otherwise be unable to connect.
2Reliability
If both payer and payee devices must be connected to cloud service, then transaction security is improved, but the system becomes unusable in areas with poor network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The second device serves as a secure intermediary that maintains connection to the transaction service while enabling communication with the first device. Transaction data is encrypted and transmitted through this intermediary, preserving security protocols even when the first device cannot directly connect to the cloud service. The intermediary ensures that security requirements are met while adapting to environments with poor network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transaction process into multiple stages: local data exchange between first and second devices via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct, then relay through the second device to the transaction service. This segmentation allows the secure cloud connection to be established through the second device while the first device operates in a offline-capable mode, thus maintaining both security and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer program product for facilitating an electronic transaction between a merchant device and a first device having limited network connectivity. The method includes the first device detecting a transaction trigger that indicates an electronic transaction, that is remotely processed by a transaction service is to occur. The method further includes, identifying a second device within a predetermined proximity of the first device which has a secondary connection to the transaction service that meets a connection service criteria. The method includes establishing a data pipe that directly connects the first device and the second device. In response to the data pipe being established, the first device configures the second device to reroute all transaction data received via the data pipe to the transaction service and transmits the transaction data to the second device to complete the electronic transaction between the first device and the merchant device.