Mobile Payment Authentication via Intermediary Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile transactions lack secure authentication methods and do not allow for the selection of goods from automated systems like fuel pumps or vending machines, and existing systems face challenges in verifying user identity without physical payment media.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for facilitating purchases at a gas station or merchant using a mobile device, which includes receiving a mobile device identifier, selecting a transaction device, and communicating authorization requests for payment accounts, while providing authentication techniques to verify user identity and enabling remote activation of transaction devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile transactions are implemented without physical payment media, then transaction convenience is improved, but authentication security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that bridges mobile convenience and security. A server acts as a mediator between the mobile device and transaction system, verifying user identity through multiple factors (biometric data, device identifiers, location) before authorizing transactions. This intermediary layer maintains security while enabling contactless mobile payments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions before the actual transaction occurs. User identity is verified in advance through biometric scanning, device registration, and location verification. This preliminary authentication ensures security is established before the convenient mobile transaction proceeds, resolving the contradiction between speed and security.
2Productivity
If automated transaction devices are enabled, then purchase efficiency is improved, but user identity verification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical identity verification methods (physical cards, manual signatures) with electronic and biometric systems. Fingerprint scanners, facial recognition cameras, and RFID readers enable automated devices to verify user identity electronically, maintaining security while improving purchase efficiency through contactless authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, working across different automated transaction devices (fuel pumps, vending machines, point-of-sale terminals). A single mobile device with integrated biometric sensors can authenticate users at various automated stations, enabling efficient purchases while maintaining verification capability across the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of remotely activating a transaction device includes receiving, at a computing system, a mobile device identifier from a mobile application executed on a mobile device. A selection of the transaction device is received from the application. The selection includes an identifier of the transaction device. A selection of a transaction amount related to purchase of a product is received from the application. An authorization request for a payment account associated with the mobile device is communicated to an issuer of the payment account. The authorization request is for a transaction of at least the transaction amount. An authorization approval for the transaction is received from the issuer and a signal to activate the transaction device to dispense the product is sent based on the identifier. The transaction device is deactivated upon dispensing the transaction amount and a receipt of the transaction is provided to the mobile device.