User Identifier String Generation for Mobile Payment Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in making online payments via mobile operator billing systems when using non-cellular networks, such as WiFi, as unique identifiers required for mobile network accounts are not available, hindering the billing process for content purchases.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a user identifier string based on the probability of success of entry by the user, using a message data store to select a memorable and easily enterable string, which is sent to the device, allowing users to respond via SMS, even without cellular connectivity, and linking the response to content item data for billing purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If users make payments over non-cellular networks (WiFi), then data usage costs are reduced and bandwidth is improved, but unique identifiers from SIM cards become unavailable for billing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a user identifier string as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between non-cellular network transactions and mobile billing systems. This string acts as a mediator to carry user identification information through WiFi connections, enabling billing without requiring direct SIM card communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the user identification mechanism by generating a user identifier string that replicates the function of the SIM card identifier. This copied identifier can be transmitted over WiFi networks and still serves the billing purpose, eliminating the need for the original SIM-based identification.
2Ease of operation
If a user identifier string is selected from a message data store, then the ease of entry by the user is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing multiple user identifier strings in a message data store before the transaction occurs. This allows the system to select an appropriate identifier in advance based on user characteristics, making entry easier without requiring complex real-time generation or selection logic during the transaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of identifier selection by moving from random or fixed identifiers to a dynamic selection process that considers user-specific parameters such as language, device type, and usage patterns. This parameter-based selection optimizes ease of entry while managing system complexity through targeted data storage and retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
An authentication server and a method of enabling a user of a communications capable device to make a payment via a mobile operator billing system are described. The authentication server determines a user identifier string for sending to a communications capable device according to a probability of successful entry by a user. The user identifier string is linked to the content item data and the string sent to the communications capable device. The user responds, via a mobile network, by sending a short message service (SMS) based user response. The response is compared to previously transmitted user identifier messages, and billable user identity data appended to the SMS by the mobile network can be used to associate the transaction in process with billable identity data derived from the carrier data to enable a user's mobile phone account to be billed for the purchase.