Simulated Magnetic Stripe Token Generation for Legacy System Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy systems that process transactions using magnetic stripe inputs are not compatible with newer technologies like chip cards and near-field communication, limiting interoperability and accessibility for computing devices.
Innovation Solution
A computing device generates a second token in the format of a magnetic stripe card, including an identifier for a backend processing system, and simulates the input of this token into a magnetic stripe reader or software, allowing it to process transactions as if a magnetic stripe card were used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy systems use magnetic stripe inputs for transaction processing, then compatibility with older devices is maintained, but interoperability with newer technologies (chip cards, NFC, mobile phones) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simulated magnetic stripe input that copies the format and appearance of traditional magnetic stripe data. The system generates synthetic magnetic stripe tokens that mimic the structure and encoding of actual magnetic stripe card data, allowing legacy systems to process transactions from modern devices as if they were reading from a magnetic stripe card.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary simulation layer between modern I/O devices and legacy magnetic stripe systems. This simulation component acts as a mediator that translates inputs from chip cards, NFC devices, and mobile phones into a format that legacy magnetic stripe readers can process, without requiring changes to the legacy systems themselves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If computing devices support only magnetic stripe inputs, then processing simplicity is maintained, but functionality with modern devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates simulated magnetic stripe inputs that replicate the exact format and structure of traditional magnetic stripe data. This copying approach allows modern devices to communicate with legacy systems without requiring the legacy systems to understand or support multiple new protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the output parameters of modern I/O devices to match the expected input parameters of legacy magnetic stripe systems. By changing the data format, encoding structure, and token representation to match magnetic stripe specifications, the system enables compatibility while maintaining support for modern devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system generates and simulates magnetic stripe tokens from modern device inputs, then interoperability is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary generation of simulated magnetic stripe tokens during the input processing stage. By creating the simulated tokens as part of the initial data transformation process rather than as a separate subsequent step, the system minimizes additional processing time while ensuring compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the token generation and simulation processes into a single integrated operation. Rather than separately converting modern device inputs and then simulating magnetic stripe format, the system combines these functions into one unified process that efficiently produces the required simulated input.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products are included for simulating I/O. An exemplary method includes simulating I/O from a card that includes a magnetic stripe. The method includes receiving, at a first controller, a first token from a first terminal. The first token is communicated from the first controller to at least one backend computing device. The first controller receives, from the at least one backend computing device, a second token generated at the at least one backend computing device. The first controller injects the second token into a second controller. The second controller communicates the second token to the at least one backend system.