Mobile Device Over-the-Air Payment Data Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Contactless payment devices, such as those embedded in mobile phones, face challenges in updating transaction data without direct communication with a point of sale terminal, leading to inaccurate account balances and authorization issues.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that uses a contactless smart chip integrated with a mobile device's wireless communication capabilities, allowing data synchronization and updates via a cellular network, even when the device is not in proximity to a near field communications reader.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If contactless payment devices use near field communications for transactions, then transaction speed and convenience are improved, but the ability to update transaction data without direct terminal communication deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction speedVSAvoiddata update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cellular network as an intermediary communication channel between the contactless payment device and the issuer. This mediator enables data updates to be transmitted via cellular networks when the device is not in proximity to a point of sale terminal, thus resolving the contradiction by providing an alternative path for data synchronization that doesn't require direct NFC contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If transaction data is stored locally in the contactless device, then transaction processing speed is improved, but data accuracy and synchronization with the Issuer deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing speedVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the contactless device periodically synchronizes its locally stored transaction data with the issuer's database through cellular network communications. This feedback loop ensures that while local storage maintains fast transaction processing, the data accuracy is continuously updated and validated against the central issuer system, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the device communicates only through near field communications, then security is improved by limiting communication channels, but reliability of data transfer deteriorates when terminals are unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the contactless payment device multi-functional by equipping it with dual communication capabilities: near field communication for secure point-of-sale transactions and cellular network communication for data synchronization and updates. This universality allows the device to adapt to different communication scenarios, maintaining reliability through NFC while gaining flexibility and backup capability through cellular networks when terminals are unavailable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures accurate and timely updates of transaction records and account balances, enabling seamless payment transactions by using the cellular network as a data transfer channel between the Issuer and the mobile device, thereby resolving issues of incorrect balances and authorization problems.

Implementation Method 1

Contactless cards or chips typically communicate with a card reader or terminal using RF (radio-frequency) technology

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear field communications: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

receiving data to update a record of the payment transaction contained in the mobile phone using a cellular phone communications network

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCellular network communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10706402B2Over the air update of payment transaction data stored in secure memory

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 VISA INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION

AI summary

A system, apparatus, and method for processing payment transactions that are conducted using a mobile device that includes a contactless element, such as an integrated circuit chip. The invention enables the updating, correction or synchronization of transaction data maintained by an Issuer with that stored on the device. This is accomplished by using a wireless (cellular) network as a data communication channel for data provided by an Issuer to the mobile device, and is particularly advantageous in circumstances in which the contactless element is not presently capable of communication with a device reader or point of sale terminal that uses a near field communications mechanism. Data transferred between the mobile device and Issuer may be encrypted and decrypted to provide additional security and protect the data from being accessed by other users or applications. If encryption keys are used for the encryption and decryption processes, they may be distributed by a key distribution server or other suitable entity to a mobile gateway which participates in the data encryption and decryption operations.