Mobile Card Processing Using Multiple Wireless Devices

Abstract

A taxi fare system for a vehicle includes a meter, a wireless access point carried on the vehicle, a first mobile computing device a wireless, a second mobile computing device, a display and a credit card reader. The meter is configured to receive data from the vehicle indicating distance travelled, to measure waiting time, and to calculate an amount of a passenger fare based at least on the distance travelled and the waiting time. The first mobile computing device is positioned in a driver section of the vehicle and receives data from the meter. The second mobile computing device is positioned in a passenger section of the vehicle and receive card information from the card reader. The first and second mobile computing devices are configured to wirelessly connect to the wireless access point.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This disclosure relates to mobile card processing using multiple wireless devices, to acquisition of card information to enhance user experience, and to secure communications between devices.BACKGROUND[0002]In a conventional point-of-sale electronic credit card transaction, the transaction is authorized and captured. In the authorization stage, a physical credit card with a magnetic stripe is swiped through a merchant's magnetic card reader, e.g., as part of a point-of-sale device. A payment request is sent electronically from the magnetic card reader to a credit card processor. The credit card processor routes the payment request to a card network, e.g., Visa or Mastercard, which in turn routes the payment request to the card issuer, e.g., a bank. Assuming the card issuer approves the transaction, the approval is then routed back to the merchant. In the capture stage, the approved transaction is again routed from the merchant to the credit card processor, card ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system where different mobile devices can work together to make card transactions securely. One device can receive details of the transaction from a merchant or a meter, while the customer can approve it on another device. Both devices communicate wirelessly with each other and with a payment service system over the internet via a wireless network. This means that even if there is no access to the internet, secure communication can be maintained between the devices during the transaction. The customer can also be shown targeted advertising on one of the devices based on the information obtained from the swipe.

Problems solved by technology

Although mobile card readers are available, e.g., in taxies, such systems are often expensive, difficult to install, or do not significantly enhance the user experience.

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