Simulated NFC Tap-to-Pay via Signal Strength Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many mobile devices lack NFC capability, preventing them from participating in NFC tap-to-pay transactions, and users may not wish to use NFC due to various reasons such as lack of preferred payment cards or higher interest/transaction rates.
Innovation Solution
A simulated NFC experience is created by determining proximity based on wireless signal strength between a buyer device and a payment object reader, using Bluetooth communication channels to wirelessly communicate payment information, allowing for a tap-to-pay experience without requiring NFC capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFC capability is required for tap-to-pay transactions, then transaction security and reliability are improved, but device compatibility and user accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a processor and communication interface that mediates between the buyer device and payment network. This intermediary enables non-NFC devices to participate in secure tap-to-pay transactions by translating their communication protocols into NFC-compatible formats, thus maintaining transaction security while improving device compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The buyer device is designed with multi-functional communication capabilities, supporting both NFC and non-NFC communication methods. This universality allows the same device to securely transact with both NFC-enabled and non-NFC payment terminals, resolving the contradiction between maintaining security protocols and achieving broad device compatibility
2Ease of operation
If NFC hardware is integrated into mobile devices, then tap-to-pay functionality is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical NFC hardware requirement with a software-based communication intermediary. Instead of requiring complex NFC radio frequency identification hardware in every device, the system uses software protocols and communication interfaces that can run on standard mobile device hardware, thus improving ease of operation while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a functional copy of NFC communication capabilities through software emulation and protocol translation. Non-NFC devices can replicate the tap-to-pay experience by using alternative communication channels that mimic NFC's proximity-based transaction model, achieving ease of operation without adding physical NFC hardware complexity
3Ease of operation
If proximity detection based on wireless signal strength is used, then user experience and convenience are improved, but measurement precision and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously monitors communication signal strength and transaction status. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust proximity thresholds and validation criteria dynamically, improving measurement precision while maintaining user convenience by providing real-time confirmation of proper device positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile point-of-sale (POS) terminal for processing a financial transaction between a buyer and a merchant includes a first mobile computing device running a register application configured to receive payment information from the buyer for facilitating a transfer of funds from the buyer to the merchant, and a payment object reader coupled with the first mobile computing device. The payment object reader includes a wireless communication interface, a processor configured to determine the proximity of the second mobile computing device using signal strength of a signal received via the wireless communication interface. In response to the proximity of the second mobile computing device crossing a threshold, the payment object reader transmits a request to the second mobile computing device to connect with the first mobile computing device. The first mobile computing device and the second mobile computing device may then communicate payment and/or transaction information to complete a POS transaction.