Mobile Payment Terminal Non-Internet Failover Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile payment systems face challenges in conducting point-of-sale transactions when an internet connection is unavailable, as they typically rely on internet communication channels, which can fail, and may not function on devices without supported applications or internet capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of non-internet communication channels such as SMS, MMS, or voice calls to facilitate transaction information transfer between a merchant device and a payment processor system, allowing for background failover and enabling transactions on unsupported devices or without internet access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile payment systems rely on internet communication channels, then transaction processing can be performed, but the system fails when internet connection is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches communication channels based on internet availability. When internet connection is unavailable, the system automatically transitions from internet-based communication to alternative channels (SMS, MMS, or voice calls), ensuring continuous transaction processing capability across different network conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters by selecting different transmission methods based on network status. It monitors internet connectivity and adjusts the communication approach by parameter selection (internet protocol vs. telephony protocols), enabling operation across varying environmental conditions
2Productivity
If mobile payment systems use internet connection for transaction transmission, then processing speed is maintained, but the system cannot operate on devices without internet capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by supporting multiple communication channels through a single unified payment platform. It can operate on smartphones with internet, devices without internet capabilities, and even basic phones by selecting appropriate communication methods (internet, SMS, MMS, or voice calls), thereby expanding device compatibility while maintaining core transaction functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary communication methods (SMS, MMS, voice calls) that can bridge the gap between devices without internet capabilities and the payment processing system. These intermediaries enable transaction information transmission through telephony networks, extending accessibility to a broader range of devices
3Reliability
If the system stores transaction information for later batch transmission, then internet connection failures are handled, but transaction processing time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by preparing transaction information for transmission in advance. When a transaction occurs, the system pre-formats and queues the transaction data, ready for immediate transmission via the best available channel, reducing delays compared to waiting for batch processing opportunities
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines transmission timing based on internet availability. Rather than rigid batch processing, it continuously monitors network conditions and transmits transaction information immediately when conditions permit, optimizing the balance between reliability and processing time based on real-time environmental factors
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile point-of-sale terminal includes a payment card reader having a card interface configured to read data from a payment card and transmit the payment card data, along with other transaction information, via a non-internet communication channel to a payment processing system to process the point-of-sale transaction. The mobile point-of-sale terminal may be configured to run a register application configured to receive transaction information, including payment card information from the payment card reader, determine whether an internet connection is available, and, if an internet connection is not available, transmit the transaction information to the payment processing system using a non-internet communication channel.