Master Token Aggregation for Multi-Party Transactions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face inefficiencies when multiple users attempt to conduct a single transaction, particularly in scenarios where different users contribute varying amounts, leading to burdens on the restaurant and potential mistakes in bill apportioning, and require inefficient communication for reimbursement.

Innovation Solution

A system that generates a master token from a set of initial tokens, allowing the primary authorization computer to determine and assign portions of a transaction to each initial token, enabling a single transaction with a resource provider while obtaining pre-approval from secondary authorization computers associated with each initial token.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple users provide different payment devices for a multi-party transaction, then each user can contribute different amounts, but the restaurant and server bear undue burden and complexity in handling multiple separate transactions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to accommodate multiple users contributing different amountsVSAvoidComplexity of transaction processing for the restaurant and server

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate payment transactions into a single aggregated transaction. Multiple users' payment devices are merged into one unified payment instrument that represents the sum of all contributions, allowing the restaurant to process a single transaction instead of multiple separate ones, thereby reducing processing burden and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary payment instrument (the combined payment device) that mediates between multiple users and the restaurant. This intermediary aggregates the payment capabilities of multiple users into a single device that can be presented to the restaurant, simplifying the transaction process while maintaining the ability to track individual contributions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the server is responsible for multiple separate transactions for bill apportioning, then each user's contribution can be tracked, but mistakes in bill apportioning increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccuracy of bill apportioning among usersVSAvoidTime and effort required for the server to manage multiple transactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple bill apportioning operations into a single automated process. The system combines individual user contributions into one transaction and automatically apports the bill among users based on their specified amounts, eliminating manual calculation and reducing errors while saving the server time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If one user provides a single payment device to pay for the multi-party transaction, then the transaction can be completed simply, but that user must seek reimbursement from other users which involves inefficient communication

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSimplicity of completing the transactionVSAvoidTime spent on reimbursement communications between users

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to self-configure their payment contributions through the application. Each user can specify their contribution amount and payment method in advance, and the system automatically aggregates these into a single payment device. This eliminates the need for post-transaction reimbursement communications as the system handles the apportionment automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of payment contributions before the actual transaction occurs. Users set up their payment preferences and contribution amounts in advance, allowing the system to pre-aggregate the payment information into a ready-to-use payment device, eliminating the need for post-transaction reconciliation and reimbursement discussions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11783343B2Token aggregation for multi-party transactions

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 VISA INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION

AI summary

Described herein is a system for generating a master token to be associated with a set of tokens. In some embodiments, a number of tokens may be obtained by a communication device, which may be provided to a primary authorization computer. The primary authorization computer may generate a master token to be associated with each of those tokens. When the master token is used to complete a transaction, an authorization request may be received by the primary authorization computer that includes the master token. Upon receiving this, the primary authorization computer may obtain approval from a number of secondary authorization computers associated with the tokens, and may generate an authorization response based on those approvals.