Mixed Mode Transaction Protocol for Secure POS Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing financial transaction technologies using portable consumer devices face limitations with magnetic, contact, and contactless methods, as they either rely on a single mode of communication, which can be insecure and inefficient, especially in scenarios lacking network coverage or requiring additional security measures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mixed mode transaction system that initiates transactions using a first communication mode, such as physical interaction-based or contactless technology, and continues with a secondary mode like Bluetooth, WiFi, or infrared, enhancing security and efficiency by utilizing multiple authentication mechanisms and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communication mode is used for financial transactions, then the transaction process is simple, but security is compromised and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication modes (magnetic stripe, contactless chip, Bluetooth, WiFi, infrared) into a single transaction system. The portable consumer device and point of sale device can simultaneously or sequentially use different communication modes to complete a transaction, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through integrated multi-mode support.
Solution Approach 2:
The transaction system is designed with universal compatibility across multiple communication modes. Both the portable consumer device and point of sale device are equipped with multiple communication interfaces that can function interchangeably or complementarily, allowing the system to adapt to different scenarios and maintain reliability regardless of which mode is available.
2Reliability
If multiple communication modes are used for transactions, then security and reliability improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and switches between communication modes based on availability, security requirements, and transaction progress. The portable consumer device and point of sale device can transition from one communication mode to another during the transaction process, optimizing reliability while managing complexity through adaptive mode selection rather than fixed multi-mode support.
3Speed
If contactless technology is used alone, then transaction speed is fast, but security is insufficient in certain scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The transaction process is segmented into different phases that can use different communication modes. For example, initial device discovery and pairing might use Bluetooth (slower but secure), while actual payment data transmission uses contactless technology (fast). This segmentation allows each phase to use the most appropriate mode for its specific requirements, maintaining both speed and security.
Data Source
AI summary
As opposed to using one type of technology from the beginning of a transaction to the end of a transaction at the point of sale, embodiments of the present invention are related to useful techniques for conducting mixed mode transactions. A mixed mode transaction combines at least two modes of communication used in transaction processing. A transaction may start by initiating the transaction using a first communication mode between a first device and a second device. The first device may be a consumer's mobile device, and the device may be a merchant access device or point of sale terminal. To continue the transaction, a second mode of communication may be initiated. The first and second communications modes may be a physical interaction-based mode, a contact or contactless chip mode, a Bluetooth mode, a WiFi mode, an infrared (IR) mode, or any other suitable communication mode.