NFC Terminal Self-Service Money Loading via Server Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of prepaid transportation cards face inconvenience in loading money, as they need to visit physical machines or use online readers, especially when far from these locations, and existing methods lack convenience and security.
Innovation Solution
An NFC terminal with an NFC unit for communicating with an external payment processing server and a payment unit for managing loaded money data, allowing users to load funds onto a non-contact prepaid card via a control unit and storage, eliminating the need for physical readers and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users load money using offline loading machines at bus stops or subway stations, then the card can be loaded with money, but users face inconvenience when they are far away from these locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to load money onto their cards autonomously using their own mobile terminals with NFC functionality. The terminal communicates with payment processing servers to complete the loading process without requiring visits to physical loading machines, thus allowing users to service themselves from any location with network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
A payment processing server acts as an intermediary between the user's mobile terminal and the prepaid card system. The server receives payment information from the terminal, processes the transaction, and loads the corresponding amount onto the user's card, enabling remote money loading without direct physical interaction with loading machines.
2Ease of operation
If users use online loading with readers, then money can be loaded onto the card, but users require a reader which adds complexity to the loading process
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal is designed to perform multiple functions including communication, payment processing, and card loading through its NFC unit. This eliminates the need for dedicated reader devices, as the terminal itself serves as both the payment interface and the loading mechanism, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the mobile terminal (communication, payment, and card interaction) are merged into a single device with NFC capability. This integration eliminates the need for separate reader devices and simplifies the money loading process to a single unified operation performed by the terminal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical loading machines are distributed by transportation card service providers, then cards can be loaded, but users must visit specific locations which limits accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a location-based loading model (physical machines at specific transport locations) to a network-based model accessible from any location with internet connectivity. This dimensional shift from spatial to network accessibility allows users to load money from anywhere, not just at transportation card service locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Users independently initiate and complete the money loading process through their own mobile terminals without requiring physical presence at service provider locations. The terminal autonomously communicates with payment servers to complete transactions, enabling self-service from any location.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are an NFC terminal and a method of operating an NFC terminal. The NFC terminal includes an NFC unit and a payment unit. The NFC unit communicates with an external payment processing server. The payment unit pays for loaded money data while communicating with the payment processing server.