POS Card Rejection Handling via Mobile Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point of sale systems face inconvenience and potential embarrassment when account-linked cards are rejected due to reasons like expiration or insufficient funds, as users must remove the card and insert another, exposing multiple account information to potential theft if multiple accounts are stored on a single card.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows a mobile device to provide a second account number for transaction processing without removing the rejected card from the point of sale device, using a point of sale device with a card reader, communications interface, and processor to transmit the rejected account number and receive a second account number from the mobile device for authorization, enabling secure transaction continuation without storing multiple account numbers on the card.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple account numbers are stored on a single card to enable quick switching, then transaction continuity is improved, but security is worsened due to heightened risk of exposing multiple accounts to thieves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the account information storage by separating the primary account number (stored on the card) from secondary account numbers (stored in the mobile device). This segmentation allows quick switching between accounts while minimizing security risk, as the card itself only contains one account number that would be less valuable to thieves.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the card and the point of sale system. When the primary account is rejected, the mobile device mediates by providing alternative account numbers without requiring the user to physically swap cards, thus maintaining transaction continuity while keeping the card's security profile simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user removes the rejected card and inserts another card to continue the transaction, then a different account can be used, but time is lost and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having the mobile device ready with multiple account numbers before the transaction failure occurs. When the card is rejected, the mobile device can immediately provide an alternative account number without requiring the user to physically remove and reinsert cards, thus saving time and maintaining a smooth transaction flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of physically removing and reinserting cards with an electronic/digital process where the mobile device transmits alternative account numbers through wireless communication. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming physical card handling while maintaining the ability to switch accounts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the user removes the rejected card and inserts another card, then transaction continuation is possible, but device complexity increases due to card removal and reinsertion steps
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device provides self-service functionality by automatically managing the account switching process. When the card is rejected, the system prompts the user to use their mobile device, which then handles the transmission of alternative account numbers without requiring the user to understand complex procedures or manually intervene in the card reader system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as a card reader extension, a secure storage for multiple account numbers, and a communication interface with the point of sale system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices or manual card handling into a single universal tool.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for transaction processing control are presented. Transaction processing control may be obtained through interaction of a POS device, an account card, and a mobile device. Transaction processing control may be provided in the context of providing account information, including handling requests to select and provide a second account number via a mobile device in communication with a rejected card such that the rejected card need not be removed from the point of sale device and a second card need not be submitted to the point of sale device.