Peer-to-Peer Mobile Payment Network Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users may face difficulties in completing wireless transactions due to inconsistent access to cellular or wireless data services, which can vary by location and device, leading to situations where one user cannot access a payment processing network while another nearby user can.
Innovation Solution
A peer-to-peer mobile device payment network system that enables a first computing device without direct access to a payment network to communicate payment data through a peer-to-peer network to a connected device that has access, using various communication methods such as Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi, ensuring secure and reliable transaction processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct wireless connection to payment network is required, then transaction security is improved, but transaction availability deteriorates in areas without cellular coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a peer device as an intermediary to relay payment data between the first device (without network access) and the payment network. The peer device acts as a mediator that forwards transaction requests and responses, enabling the first device to complete transactions indirectly through the peer's network connection while maintaining security protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a direct one-to-one connection model to a multi-hop peer-to-peer network model. Instead of requiring direct network access from each device, the system allows transactions to route through intermediate peer devices, adding a spatial dimension to the communication path and enabling transactions in previously inaccessible locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If peer-to-peer relay is implemented, then transaction availability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes peer devices universal nodes that can both initiate transactions and relay transactions for other devices. Each peer device maintains the same payment application and network protocols, allowing any peer to function as a relay without requiring specialized infrastructure. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system architecture by using standard devices in non-standard ways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing peer devices with their own network connections and payment applications to provide the relay service. Rather than requiring dedicated relay infrastructure, the patent leverages the self-service capability of ordinary devices to forward transactions, reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for specialized relay hardware or software.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple peer devices are involved in transaction relay, then network coverage is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the payment data transmission into discrete, standardized packets that can be independently relayed through multiple peer devices. Each peer forwards the same segmented data without requiring complex processing or reassembly, minimizing overhead while enabling multi-hop transmission across extended network coverage areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of communicating payment data. The method includes receiving at a server, via a digital communication network, payment data transmitted from a first computing device that is connected to a peer-to-peer network and not in direct communication with the server. The payment data is received directly from a first peer computing device that is in communication with the peer-to-peer network and the server. The method also includes, at the server, analyzing, via one or more processors, the payment data to determine a payment response message. The method also includes transmitting from the server, via the digital communication network, the payment response message to a second peer computing device that is in communication with the server and in communication with the peer-to-peer network. The payment response message is communicated from the second peer computing device to the first computing device through the peer-to-peer network.