Word Group Index Structure for Real-Time Payment Account Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payment network systems face challenges in accurately identifying and validating accounts due to the focus on number-based entries, which are prone to errors and security risks, and the difficulty in cross-referencing account numbers with personally identifiable information (PII) due to security and privacy concerns.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for constructing an index structure in a real-time payment network that uses a dictionary of words to assign a word group of at least three words to each user account, allowing for account identification without sharing sensitive number-based information, and enabling secure and accurate payment transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If number-based account identifiers (PANs, account numbers, sort codes) are used for account identification, then account identification can be implemented, but errors in recognition (misreading numbers, keying errors) and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of account identification from numeric (PANs, account numbers) to alphabetic (words). This parameter change fundamentally alters the error characteristics - words have spelling error detection capabilities and are less prone to misreading errors compared to numbers. The system assigns three words to each account, creating a more robust identification mechanism that reduces both keying errors and fraud risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces words as an intermediary layer between the user and the actual account number. Instead of directly using the account number for identification, the system uses words that map to the account. This intermediary approach allows the account number to remain secure while providing a more error-resistant identification method at the user interface level.
2Reliability
If PII is retained to cross-reference account numbers with individuals, then account validation can be improved, but security and privacy concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from PII data. Instead of retaining and using sensitive personal information (names, dates of birth, social security numbers) for account validation, the system uses assigned word groups that contain no PII. This extraction approach maintains validation reliability while eliminating the security and privacy risks associated with storing and processing sensitive personal data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces valuable, sensitive PII data with inexpensive, non-sensitive word groups. The words serve as disposable identifiers that can be freely shared and used for validation without compromising security. These word groups can be regenerated or changed without affecting the underlying account, providing a flexible and secure identification mechanism.
3Quantity of substance
If long number-based entries are used for account identification, then account information can be stored, but keying errors and misreading errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single long numeric account identifier into three separate word identifiers. This segmentation breaks down the complex task of entering and reading a long number into three simpler word-entry tasks. Each word is shorter and more memorable than a long account number, reducing keying errors and improving accuracy. The segmentation also allows for independent validation of each word component.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method is disclosed for constructing an index structure in a real-time payment network, the method comprising: building a dictionary comprising a plurality of words; identifying a first user account belonging to a first user, wherein first user account comprises information including an account number and an account name; creating a data record in the index structure for the first user; assigning a word group to the first user account, the word group comprising at least three words from the dictionary; and storing the assigned word group and the first user account information to the data record, wherein the assigned word group enables the first user account to be identified for receiving payment in the real-time payment network.