Central Processor Transit Card Transaction Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transit payment systems are inconvenient as they require different forms of payment for various transit types, and often involve delays in registering and receiving transit cards or transponders, making it difficult for users to seamlessly pay for multiple transit services.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for conducting stored value card transactions using a central processor that manages accounts associated with transit cards, allowing for pre-authorization and redemption requests across multiple transit types, enabling users to purchase, reload, and redeem transit cards at points of sale, with features like near-field communication and machine-readable reload cards for anonymity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different forms of payment are required for different transit types, then payment specificity is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stored value card system enables a single payment card to function across multiple transit types (subway, bus, train, road toll), eliminating the need for separate payment methods for each transit type and thereby improving user convenience while maintaining payment reliability
2Reliability
If timely registration is required for transit cards, then system control is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to purchase transit cards at points of sale before actual use, with the cards being activated and ready for immediate use. This preliminary action eliminates registration delays and improves user convenience while maintaining system control through proper activation protocols
3Adaptability or versatility
If stored value cards are used for multiple transit types, then payment versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments transit payments into different types (pre-authorization requests for access, fee redemption requests for actual usage) and manages them through a centralized processor that handles each type according to specific rules, thereby achieving versatility while controlling complexity through structured processing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to systems and methods of conducting transactions associated with a transit card. A method of conducting transactions may be conducted between a processor and a transit processor. Steps may include receiving a redemption request and determining if it is a pre-authorization request or a redemption; if the redemption request is a pre-authorization request, determining if the account is authorized for a particular transit type. If the account is authorized, communicating approval to the transit processor. If the account is not authorized communicating denial. If the redemption request is a redemption: determining if account value is sufficient to pay the redemption amount; if not, denying and if so approving the transaction and deducting the amount, and determining if the account value is below a pre-determined threshold for a particular transit types, and if so, updating the status of the account at a data store.