Pseudo-Identifier Payment Routing for Real-Time Account Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing payment systems face inefficiencies when processing transactions without a card or account number, particularly with ACH, which are slow and costly, and lack real-time processing capabilities for non-card transactions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that processes transactions using a constructed value or pseudo-identifier, such as a unique deposit account number, to facilitate real-time or near real-time transactions through existing network infrastructure, utilizing ISO 8583 message standards and data stores to determine the appropriate account for processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If ACH system is used to process transactions without card numbers, then transactions can be processed, but processing time is long and speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing speedVSAvoidtransaction processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network processing infrastructure that acts as an intermediary between merchants and accounting processors. This intermediary system translates non-card transaction data into formats compatible with existing real-time card processing networks, enabling faster transaction processing without requiring changes to the underlying ACH system. The network processor converts transaction data into ISO 8583 message formats that can be routed through existing card networks for real-time authorization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the format and parameters of transaction data by converting non-card account information into constructed values or pseudo-identifiers that mimic card account numbers. This parameter transformation allows the transaction to be processed through existing card network infrastructure that expects standard card number formats, thereby achieving real-time processing speeds while maintaining compatibility with traditional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If ACH system is used for commercial accounts without card numbers, then transactions can be processed, but cost increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing efficiencyVSAvoidtransaction processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal processing system that can handle multiple types of transactions through a single infrastructure. The network processor is designed to accommodate both traditional card-based transactions and non-card transactions (such as commercial accounts and check payments) using the same real-time processing pathway. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ACH batch processing for commercial accounts, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If card number is required for real-time processing, then transaction speed is fast, but privacy concerns arise and account details must be disclosed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing speedVSAvoidaccount information privacy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a copy or representation of the account identifier that serves the same functional purpose as a card number but does not reveal the actual account details. The constructed value or pseudo-identifier acts as a proxy that can be processed through real-time card networks while the original sensitive account information remains protected and undisclosed to the processing network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If ACH system is used for transactions without card numbers, then transactions can be processed, but reliability decreases due to bounced checks and uncollectable accounts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction completion reliabilityVSAvoidtransaction processing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms through the network processing infrastructure. By routing transactions through existing card network authorization systems, the system receives immediate feedback on account validity, sufficient funds, and transaction approval status. This real-time feedback eliminates the delayed discovery of bounced checks and uncollectable accounts that characterizes batch ACH processing, thereby improving reliability while maintaining fast processing speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12586048B2Systems and methods for real-time account access

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 FIDELITY INFORMATION SERVICES LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for real-time account access, allowing access to accounts (such as deposit, credit, or debit accounts) through network processing infrastructures such as Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). In some embodiments, consumers and/or merchants are able to effect transaction requests against accounts, using a pseudo-Identifier or other identifier, and without the need to provide an account number or card number. In other embodiments, payment networks are able to route and process transaction requests against accounts, without having a card number or account number. In other embodiments, account processing systems are able to determine an appropriate account based on transaction requests that do not contain card numbers or account numbers.