Offline Payment Transaction Buffering With Risk-Based Forwarding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile card readers require an Internet connection for transaction processing, which can be unavailable in certain areas, limiting the ability of merchants to conduct electronic payments.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device is configured to store transactions without an Internet connection and process them when connectivity is restored, using a risk heuristic model to manage transaction storage based on factors like transaction value and number of stored transactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mobile card readers require an Internet connection for transaction processing, then transaction processing reliability is improved, but device adaptability to areas without Internet connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to areas without Internet connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device stores transaction data locally in advance when connectivity is unavailable, preparing the data for later processing. The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing transaction information in the device's memory before the Internet connection becomes available, allowing transactions to be processed subsequently without requiring real-time connectivity during the initial transaction capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the mobile device's local storage as a buffer between the transaction capture point and the payment processing point. When Internet connectivity is unavailable, the local storage acts as an intermediary that holds transaction data temporarily, enabling the system to operate in disconnected areas while maintaining the ability to process transactions when connectivity is restored.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile device stores transactions without Internet connection, then device adaptability to areas without Internet connection is improved, but transaction processing reliability may deteriorate due to potential storage limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to areas without Internet connectionVSAvoidtransaction processing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the status of stored transactions and the availability of Internet connectivity. When connectivity is restored, the system sends feedback signals to process stored transactions, and the payment processing system provides feedback on transaction status. This feedback loop ensures that stored transactions are processed reliably and that any issues are identified and resolved promptly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device performs self-service by automatically detecting when Internet connectivity becomes available and initiating the process of forwarding stored transactions to the payment processing system without requiring manual intervention. The device monitors its own connectivity status and autonomously triggers the appropriate processing actions, reducing the need for user involvement while maintaining processing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the mobile device uses a risk heuristic model to manage transaction storage, then transaction processing reliability is improved through risk management, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting storage and processing parameters based on risk assessments. The risk heuristic model evaluates various parameters such as transaction amount, merchant location, customer history, and connection status to determine the appropriate handling of each transaction. By changing parameters like storage priority, processing timing, and verification requirements based on risk levels, the system manages reliability without requiring overly complex manual control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12488330B2Transaction processing by multiple devices

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 BLOCK INC

AI summary

In an example, a method can include receiving, at a merchant-facing portion of a payment system, data from a customer-facing portion of the payment system indicating a payment transaction between a merchant and a customer, wherein there is a physical connection between the portions; determining that the payment system is unable to access a remote payment service system via an external network; determining that the payment transaction is not preapproved for payment by the remote payment service system; storing the payment transaction on the merchant-facing portion even though the payment transaction is not preapproved; determining that the payment system is able to access the remote payment service system via the external network; and transmitting transaction information including the stored payment transaction to the remote payment service system, via the external network, for processing the stored payment transaction.