Mobile Wallet Active Passive Payment Module Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices with contactless payment capabilities are unable to function when the primary power source is not present or active, leading to inconvenience for users and hindering the widespread adoption of mobile wallets.
Innovation Solution
The integration of both active and passive modules within a mobile device, where the active module enables contactless payments with a present and active power source, and the passive module allows payments when the power source is absent or inactive, using an external electromagnetic field for transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only active module is used for contactless payments, then payment functionality is simpler and more reliable when powered, but payment cannot be made when power source is absent or inactive
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is segmented into two distinct payment modules: an active module that requires power source and provides full payment functionality, and a passive module that operates without power source for backup payments. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability when powered and adaptability when unpowered.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the payment module based on power source status. When power is available, the active module operates with full functionality. When power is absent or inactive, the system switches to the passive module which operates with different parameters (no power consumption). This parameter change enables the system to maintain payment capability across varying power conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If passive module is added for payments without power source, then payment adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active and passive payment modules are merged into a single mobile device, with the passive module integrated alongside the active module. Both modules share common components such as the antenna system and payment protocol processing, reducing the overall complexity increase. The merging allows the device to maintain payment functionality across power conditions without requiring completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both active and passive payment capabilities in a single device. The device can universally handle payment scenarios whether power is available or not, eliminating the need for separate backup payment devices. This universality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive payment coverage.
3Reliability
If user carries backup payment devices for power failure situations, then payment reliability is maintained, but ease of operation and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The backup payment capability is merged into the primary mobile device through the passive module. Instead of requiring users to carry separate backup payment devices, the backup functionality is integrated into the same device used for active payments. This merging maintains payment reliability while significantly improving ease of operation, as users only need to carry one device.
4Use of energy by moving object
If active module is used for contactless payments, then energy consumption is efficient when powered, but payment functionality is lost when power source is not present or active
Solution Approach 1:
The payment system is segmented into an active module that consumes power for full functionality and a passive module that operates without power consumption. This segmentation allows the system to maintain payment availability across power conditions while preserving energy efficiency when powered, as the active module operates efficiently when power is available and the passive module takes over when power is not available.
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
Enables users to make contactless payments regardless of the power source status, enhancing convenience and reliability, thus promoting the use of mobile wallets.
Implementation Method 1
the passive module allows payments when the power source is absent or inactive, using an external electromagnetic field for transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus, methods, and computer program products for allowing a user to make a payment at a payment terminal via a mobile device regardless of whether a power source in a mobile device is present or active. An active module of a mobile device enables a user to make a contactless payment via a mobile device when a power source in a mobile device is present and active. A passive module of a mobile device enables a user to make a contactless payment via a mobile device when a power source in a mobile device is either not present or not active. The passive module is configured to receive power from an electromagnetic field generated by a payment terminal. The mobile device is configured to manage the active and passive payment technologies by automatically activating the passive payment technology when a power source in the mobile device is not present or active.