Virtual Card Creation via Smartphone App and Device Identifier Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual prepaid card systems do not allow payments to be made from one virtual prepaid card to another, and they lack simplicity in use, leading to potential errors for users and increased complexity for operators.
Innovation Solution
A method for creating and using a pre-paid virtual card that utilizes a smartphone app (APP) to associate the phone number with the virtual card, allowing for easy creation, use, and money transfers between virtual prepaid cards, while reducing the need for complex authentication processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional virtual prepaid cards use a sixteen-digit PAN code and IBAN code, then the card can be used for online purchases and top-ups, but the user must manually enter codes each time and errors are prone to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically retrieves and inputs the card identifier and authentication code from the user's device, eliminating manual entry. The card system serves itself by leveraging existing device-unique identifiers (IMEI, ICCID, SIM card identifier) rather than requiring users to manually input codes, thereby reducing errors and improving ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional PAN/IBAN codes that require manual entry, the invention copies the device's unique identifier (IMEI, ICCID, or SIM card identifier) to serve as the card identifier. This copying approach eliminates manual code entry and reduces user errors while maintaining the card's functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual prepaid cards allow payments from one card to another, then the system becomes more versatile, but the complexity of the payment system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The card identifier serves multiple functions: it uniquely identifies the card, authenticates the user, and enables peer-to-peer payments. By making the identifier universal and multi-functional, the system achieves versatility in payment capabilities without adding separate complex authentication and identification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the identification, authentication, and payment routing functions into a single card identifier derived from device unique identifiers. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate PAN codes, IBAN codes, and authentication codes, thereby enabling versatile payments while reducing system complexity.
3Reliability
If complex authentication voice service is required to activate the virtual card, then security is improved, but the ease of creation and activation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs authentication by retrieving the device's unique identifier (IMEI, ICCID, or SIM card identifier) without requiring users to call authentication services or undergo complex verification processes. The device itself provides the authentication credentials, making activation simple while maintaining security through device-unique identifiers.
4Reliability
If separate software is required to create, assign and store virtual card identifiers, then the system has proper control mechanisms, but the computational requirements and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system copies existing device-unique identifiers (IMEI, ICCID, SIM card identifier) to serve as virtual card identifiers, eliminating the need for separate software to generate and manage card identifiers. This approach maintains control through leveraging existing authenticated device identifiers while significantly reducing software infrastructure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device itself provides the card identifier through its existing unique identifiers (IMEI, ICCID, SIM card identifier), eliminating the need for external software systems to create, assign, and store virtual card identifiers. The device serves itself by providing authentication credentials that are already embedded in its hardware and software architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for constituting a pre-paid virtual card, characterised by downloading from the internet onto a smartphone an application (APP) which at the moment in which it is downloaded creates a pre-paid virtual card and automatically associates with its identifier the telephone subscription number of said smartphone, then registering with an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) which is to operate said pre-paid virtual card, at least said telephone subscription number, the E-mail address of the holder of said subscription, a password for subsequent access, and a PIN security code for future payment instructions.