Over-the-air Virtual Card Transfer Between NFC Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods do not enable virtual card transfer between NFC-enabled mobile devices that includes both monetary and non-monetary values such as debit, credit, rewards, or loyalty points, coupons, business, or personal information, limiting the functionality of payment and non-payment transactions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for over-the-air (OTA) virtual card transfer between NFC-enabled mobile devices, where a virtual card is received and provisioned on a receiving mobile device, allowing immediate use at a point of sale terminal, utilizing an OTA provisioning server, acceptance and issuance server, and wallet application for secure data management and transaction authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bank account transfer methods are used, then monetary transfers between individuals can be accomplished, but the system cannot handle non-monetary values such as rewards points, coupons, or loyalty information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual card system that can handle multiple types of values (monetary, rewards points, coupons, loyalty information) through a single standardized interface. The virtual card data structure is designed to accommodate various value types, and the NFC communication protocol remains consistent regardless of the specific value being transferred, allowing one system to serve multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary server that facilitates the transfer of virtual card information between mobile devices. This server acts as a mediator that receives the virtual card data from the sender's device, processes it, and delivers it to the receiver's device, simplifying the direct device-to-device communication complexity while enabling versatile value transfer.
2Speed
If virtual card information is transferred over-the-air between mobile devices, then immediate usability at point of sale terminals is achieved, but secure data protection during transmission becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security measures by establishing encrypted communication channels before the actual virtual card data transmission occurs. The mobile devices and server perform authentication and key exchange procedures in advance, ensuring that when the virtual card information is transmitted over-the-air, the security framework is already in place, enabling both rapid provisioning and secure protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional physical card issuance mechanisms with electronic over-the-air provisioning. Instead of physically distributing cards through mail or in-person delivery, the system uses wireless NFC communication and encrypted data transmission, substituting mechanical/physical processes with electronic ones that are both faster and inherently more secure when proper encryption is applied.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive virtual card information including monetary and non-monetary values is transferred, then transaction functionality is enhanced, but the amount of data to be securely transmitted increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential virtual card information needed for transaction functionality and transfers it over-the-air. Rather than transmitting entire account databases or comprehensive user profiles, the system identifies and transfers specifically the card number, expiration date, security code, and relevant value identifiers needed for point-of-sale transactions, reducing data transmission volume while maintaining full transaction capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless transfer and use of virtual cards with monetary and non-monetary values between NFC-enabled mobile devices, enhancing payment and non-payment transactions by providing immediate usability at point of sale terminals and ensuring end-to-end protection of virtual card data.
Implementation Method 1
NFC enabled mobile device, which enables a user to wirelessly communicate with a contactless and/or wireless device reader
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for virtual card transfer between near field communications (NFC)-enabled mobile devices. According to one aspect, a method for over-the-air (OTA) virtual card transfer between NFC-enabled mobile devices is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at an OTA provisioning server, a virtual card, from a sending mobile device, that is intended for a receiving mobile device. The virtual card is provisioned, over the air, to the receiving mobile device, where the virtual card is immediately presentable by the receiving mobile device at a point of sale terminal.