Method and system for performing mobile device-to-machine payments

• US 9,547,859 B2
• Filed: 07/18/2014
• Issued: 01/17/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: PayRange, Inc.
• Original Assignee: PayRange, Inc.
• Inventors: Patel, Paresh K., Doan, Chau M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nigh, James D
• Application Number:
  US14/335,762
• Publication Number:
  US 20150227928A1
• Time in Patent Office: 914 Days
• Field of Search: 705/64, 705/71, 705/76, 705/79
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/18 involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/322 Aspects of commerce using mobile devices [M-devices]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3226 Use of secure elements separate from M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/326 Payment applications installed on the mobile devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/327 Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3278 RFID or NFC payments by means of M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/36 using electronic wallets or electronic money safes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3821 Electronic credentials
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3823 combining multiple encryption tools for a transaction
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3829 involving key management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40 Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/401 Transaction verification
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/405 Establishing or using transaction specific rules
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 2220/00 Business processing using cryptography postage metering system using cryptography G06Q2250/05
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/001 Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/002 Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/023 Arrangements for display, data presentation or advertising
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/50 using hash chains, e.g. blockchains or hash trees

Abstract

A device with one or more processors, memory, and two or more communication capabilities obtains, from a payment module, an authorization request via a first communication capability (e.g., Bluetooth). The device sends, to a server, the authorization request via a second communication capability distinct from the first communication capability (e.g., cellular or WiFi technology). In response to sending the authorization request, the device obtains, from the server, authorization information via the second communication capability. After obtaining the authorization information, the device detects a trigger condition to perform a transaction with a payment accepting unit associated with the payment module. In response to detecting the trigger condition, the device sends, to the payment module, at least a portion of the authorization information via the first communication capability.

Claims

1. A method of payment processing, the method comprising:

at a mobile device with one or more processors, memory, and a communications unit;

identifying a vending machine based at least in part on a transmission received from a payment module of the vending machine;

initiating pre-authorization for a cashless vending transaction with the vending machine by sending a first communication via the communications unit of the mobile device to the payment module;

in response to sending the first communication, obtaining, from the payment module, an authorization request via the communications unit of the mobile device;

sending, to a server, the authorization request via the communications unit of the mobile device;

in response to sending the authorization request, obtaining, from the server, authorization information via the communications unit of the mobile device, the authorization information including information identifying an authorized amount for use in conjunction with the cashless vending transaction with the vending machine, the authorization information being associated with a predetermined time period within which the authorized amount is valid for use; and

after obtaining the authorization information, detecting a trigger condition to perform the cashless vending transaction with the vending machine; and

in response to detecting the trigger condition, determining whether the authorized amount is available for use, including determining based at least in part on the predetermined time period whether the authorized amount is available for use;

in accordance with a determination that the authorized amount is available for use, sending, to the payment module, the information identifying the authorized amount to enable completion of the cashless vending transaction at the vending machine.

2. The method of claim 1,

wherein the transmission at least includes authorization zone threshold criterion;

and

after receiving the transmission, initiating a handshake process with the payment module, wherein the handshake process includes;

sending, to the payment module, device information at least including user identification information corresponding to the user of the mobile device via the first transceiver; and

receiving, from the payment module, payment module information, wherein the payment module information at least includes an identifier corresponding to the payment module.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the sending the first communication comprises:

in accordance with a determination that the authorization zone threshold criterion is satisfied, sending the first communication to the payment module via the first transceiver, wherein the first communication indicates that the authorization zone threshold criterion is satisfied; and

wherein the device obtains the authorization request in response to sending the first communication.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the payment module information further includes an indication that hands-free mode is available and payment zone threshold criterion.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the device information further includes device identification information corresponding to a model type of the mobile device;

and

wherein the payment zone threshold criterion is based at least in part on the device identification information.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein detecting the trigger condition comprises:

determining whether the payment zone threshold criterion is satisfied; and

in accordance with a determination that the payment zone threshold criterion is satisfied, detecting the trigger condition without interaction from a user of the mobile device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the trigger condition comprises:

detecting a user input from a user of the mobile device; and

in response to detecting the user input, detecting the trigger condition to perform the cashless vending transaction with the vending machine.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

in response to obtaining the authorization information, presenting a notification to a user of the mobile device that a connection has been established with the payment module.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the notification further indicates an authorized amount for the transaction.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the authorization information includes an identifier corresponding to the payment module, an identifier corresponding to the user of the mobile device, an authorized amount, an authorization grant token, and an expiration period for the authorization grant token.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the authorization request and the authorization grant token are encrypted with a unique encryption key corresponding to the payment module.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the mobile device includes a touch-sensitive display, and

detecting the trigger condition includes detecting a swipe gesture from a user at the touch-sensitive display of the mobile device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein:

the swipe gesture is performed by the user over a user interface object that is displayed on the touch-sensitive display of the mobile device, and

the user interface object is specific to the vending machine.

14. A device, comprising:

a first transceiver corresponding to a short-range communication mode, and a second transceiver, distinct from the first transceiver, corresponding to a long-range communication mode distinct from the short-range communication mode;

one or more processors; and

memory storing one or more programs to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs comprising instructions for;

identifying a vending machine based at least in part on a transmission received from a payment module of the vending machine;

initiating pre-authorization for a cashless vending transaction with the vending machine by sending a first communication via the communications unit of the mobile device to the payment module;

in response to sending the first communication, obtaining, from a payment module, an authorization request via the communications unit of the mobile device;

sending, to a server, the authorization request via the communications unit of the mobile device;

in response to sending the authorization request, obtaining, from the server, authorization information via the communications unit of the mobile device, the authorization information including information identifying an authorized amount for use in conjunction with the cashless vending transaction with the vending machine, the authorization information being associated with a predetermined time period within which the authorized amount is valid for use; and

after obtaining the authorization information, detecting a trigger condition to perform the cashless vending transaction with the vending machine; and

in response to detecting the trigger condition, determining whether the authorized amount is available for use, including determining based at least on the predetermined time period whether the authorized amount is available for use;

in accordance with a determination that the authorized amount is available for use, sending, to the payment module, the information identifying the authorized amount to enable completion of the cashless vending transaction at the vending machine.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein

the transmission at least includes authorization zone threshold criterion;

and

after receiving the transmission, initiating a handshake process with the payment module, wherein the handshake process includes;

sending, to the payment module, device information at least including user identification information corresponding to the user of the mobile device via the first transceiver; and

receiving, from the payment module, payment module information, wherein the payment module information at least includes an identifier corresponding to the payment module.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the sending the first communication comprises:

in accordance with a determination that the authorization zone threshold criterion is satisfied, sending the first communication to the payment module via the first transceiver, wherein the first communication indicates that the authorization zone threshold criterion is satisfied; and

wherein the mobile device obtains the authorization request in response to sending the first communication.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the payment module information further includes an indication that hands-free mode is available and payment zone threshold criterion.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the device information further includes device identification information corresponding to a model type of the mobile device;

and

wherein the payment zone threshold criterion is based at least in part on the device identification information.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein detecting the trigger condition comprises:

determining whether the payment zone threshold criterion is satisfied; and

in accordance with a determination that the payment zone threshold criterion is satisfied, detecting the trigger condition without user input from a user at the mobile device.

20. The device of claim 14, wherein detecting the trigger condition comprises:

detecting a user input from a user of the mobile device; and

in response to detecting the user input, detecting the trigger condition to perform the cashless vending transaction with the vending machine.

21. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions, which, when executed by a device with one or more processors and a first transceiver corresponding to a short-range communication mode, and a second transceiver, distinct from the first transceiver, corresponding to a long-range communication mode distinct from the short-range communication mode, cause the device to perform operations comprising:

identifying a vending machine based at least in part on a transmission received from a payment module of the vending machine;

initiating pre-authorization for a cashless vending transaction with the vending machine by sending a first communication via the communications unit of the mobile device to the payment module;

in response to sending the first communication, obtaining, from the payment module, an authorization request via the communications unit of the mobile device;

sending, to a server, the authorization request via the communications unit of the mobile device;

in response to sending the authorization request, obtaining, from the server, authorization information via the communications unit of the mobile device, the authorization information including information identifying an authorized amount for use in conjunction with the cashless vending transaction with the vending machine, the authorization information being associated with a predetermined time period within which the authorized amount is valid for use; and

after obtaining the authorization information, detecting a trigger condition to perform the cashless vending transaction with the vending machine; and

in response to detecting the trigger condition, determining whether the authorized amount is available for use, including determining based at least in part on the predetermined time period whether the authorized amount is available for use;

in accordance with a determination that the authorized amount is available for use, sending, to the payment module, the information identifying the authorized amount to enable completion of the cashless vending transaction at the vending machine.

22. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 21, wherein

the transmission at least includes authorization zone threshold criterion;

and

after receiving the transmission, initiating a handshake process with the payment module, wherein the handshake process includes;

sending, to the payment module, device information at least including user identification information corresponding to the user of the mobile device via the first transceiver; and

receiving, from the payment module, payment module information, wherein the payment module information at least includes an identifier corresponding to the payment module.

23. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the sending the first communication comprises:

in accordance with a determination that the authorization zone threshold criterion is satisfied, sending the first communication to the payment module via the first transceiver, wherein the first communication indicates that the authorization zone threshold criterion is satisfied; and

wherein the mobile device obtains the authorization request in response to sending the first communication.

24. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the payment module information further includes an indication that hands-free mode is available and payment zone threshold criterion.

25. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 24, wherein the device information further includes device identification information corresponding to a model type of the mobile device;

and

wherein the payment zone threshold criterion is based at least in part on the device identification information.

26. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 24, wherein detecting the trigger condition comprises:

determining whether the payment zone threshold criterion is satisfied; and

in accordance with a determination that the payment zone threshold criterion is satisfied, detecting the trigger condition without user input from a user at the mobile device.

27. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 21, wherein detecting the trigger condition comprises:

detecting a user input from a user of the mobile device; and

in response to detecting the user input, detecting the trigger condition to perform the cashless vending transaction with the vending machine.